Your Outdoor Space

School is out, sun is out – it is summer time and the cooler is stocked and the grill is always hot. Is your outdoor living space ready to entertain?

Photo Credit: HGTV

 

Whether you have a deck or a patio, or just a fabulous green backyard space, there are a ton of ways to decorate and accessorize. Here are a couple ideas to get you started:

Grab an outdoor rug and think outside of big-box retailers. Outdoor rugs add color and can completely define or refine the space. While big shops like Target and Lowes are convenient and their inside displays are stunning – check out Overstock.com or Wayfair.com for deals. These online retailers have much larger, one-of-a-kind inventories and often offer free shipping.

Patio sets with enormous umbrellas are always popular, but if you’ll use your outdoor space more for conversation, you may consider furniture that will make the space more like a living room. Check garage sales and consignment shops for comfortable chairs and large tables that sit low to the ground.

A common problem with outdoor spaces is lighting. You’d like to be able to enjoy your space once the sun goes down, but not at the expense of being able to see your guests. Instead of floodlights, which are effective but not decorative, try up-lighting trees and shrubs. As another more romantic option, use outdoor lights to light up a pergola.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Pinterest board dedicated to outdoor spaces.

Quick Mortgage Tips

Getting a mortgage used to be a much simpler task, but now the lender must do more due diligence before approving a borrower than in the past. It’s not impossible to be approved, but there are certain things mortgage shoppers can do to expedite the process.

First and foremost, it’s important to get a copy of your credit report. Fully digest its contents and flag any discrepancies. If you’re positive you paid off that debt or late charge, dispute negative marks as soon as possible. Generally speaking, it is always a good idea to pay off debts and loans prior to applying for a mortgage, but if you just can’t swing it, keeping your debt to credit ratio under 20% will go a long way.

When filling out your mortgage application, it’s important to be as transparent as possible about all assets, debts, and incomes. Chances are, the truth will be revealed in some fashion, so it is better to be upfront from the get-go and reduce delays in the process.

Once you’ve figured out your debt-to-income ratio and are comfortable with a monthly commitment, do your best to come up with the largest down payment possible. Not only will lenders look favorably on this, but you’ll be doing yourself a favor in the long run by lowering your monthly financial commitment.

Still have questions about applying for a mortgage for your Faber Home? Our sales associates will help you get on the right track and connect you with lenders and credit counselors. Give us a call today!

Wasting Water

We use water to brush our teeth, wash our dishes, clean clothes, and so much more. Especially during warmer months when we run sprinklers and bring our muddy dogs inside for a bath, keeping water consumption under control can be a challenge. Did you know the average family member uses 100 gallons of water daily? Ouch. Try some of these tips to limit unnecessary water waste.

Watering your lawn. Probably one of the largest water waste perpetrators, watering your lawn can account for hundreds of gallons of water each hour the sprinklers are running. Try watering your lawn before the sun rises and after the sun sets. This way, you’ll saturate your lawn quicker and reduce evaporation.

Hand washing dishes. This one is simple – don’t let the water run. Filling your sink once, scrub all your dishes, then rinse everything together. If you have a dishwasher, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re saving water. Be sure to only run the wash when you have a full load.

Showering. Who doesn’t love a long, hot shower after a tough work week? Keep in mind, you’ll use up about 3-4 gallons of water per minute you spend in the shower. If you average a 15-minute shower, it’s possible you’ve consumed about 45 gallons of water. Cut your shower in half to reduce waste.

Brushing your teeth. Like hand-washing dishes, you’d be surprised how much water gets wasted when you leave the faucet running while brushing your teeth. One tooth washing session with constant water consumption can run upwards of 5 gallons. Think about how much water you’ll save if you use the faucet to dampen your brush once and rinse at the end.

Washing your car(s). Using a hose to wash your car, the average person uses around 100 gallons of water. Instead of tackling this task in your driveway, head to a car wash which uses half the amount of water.

Keeping Deer Away

If you live anywhere near wooded areas, chances are you’ve seen deer out and about – no matter the season. They’re an annoyance in the winter when they run across the road in front of your car, and they’re a menace in the spring and summer when you’re trying to landscape your property. Before you invest hours of effort into your outdoor abode, there are a few precautions you can take to keep Bambi and his friends away.

Did you know deer can’t stand the smell of humans? We’re not sure why, but we do know that if you sprinkle bits of your hair around your favorite plants, it will help to deter the deer. So the next time you get a trim, bring a bag with you. Deer are also not fans of the taste (or smell) of soap, so take a grater out to your plants and bring a couple bars of Dove out with you.

Deer love hosta, rhododendron, tulips, and roses. They’re beautiful and among the top plants for many homeowners, but unfortunately, deer will be drawn to them like flies to a bright light. Stick to plants with a fuzzy or coarse texture like Butterfly Weed, Bee Balm, or Salvia.

If you must have some of those plants that deer love, you can also try spraying them with hot pepper spray and installing motion sensor lights near where they grow. Both of these remedies are useful in deterring nuisance deer. Sparky can help, too. Allowing your dog to mark his territory (preferably around the perimeter of your property) every few days will help keep the deer away.

If you’ve tried all of these tactics, it might be time for a fence. Deer can clear a 6-foot fence and then feel trapped in your yard (likely causing even more damage). If you can, select an 8-foot fence just to be safe. Be sure to stake the fence into the ground every couple feet, as deer are able to dig if they really want what you have on the other side.

Do you have any other deer-deterring tips to share? We’d love to hear them!

Plants to Stay Away From

It’s almost that time of year for gardeners! If you’re new to horticulture, we thought we’d share this list of plants you should stay away from if children or pets frequent your yard.

Rhododendron. Yes, the beautiful purple/pink flowering plant also known as both West Virginia and Washington’s state flower. Swallowing any part of this plant will cause you to drool, cause your eyes to water, and if that doesn’t get you feeling yucky enough, you’ll soon start to vomit. Stay away from this plant if you can.

Hydrangea. Similar to the rhododendron in its use, when swallowed, hydrangea’s poison will cause shortness of breath, fainting, and a rapid pulse. Along with a drop in blood pressure, the plant can cause convulsions and in some cases, death. 

 Lily-of-the-Valley. This plant will make you sick and will even cause you to hallucinate with just one small bite. It has also been tied to cardiovascular issues that have, in some cases, lead to coma and death.

Foxglove. Often used to deter deer (because of its foul taste and adverse affects on the digestive system), the plant, obviously, will not sit will with your (or your pet’s) digestive system. If ingested in large amounts, the plant will lower your heart rate and/or cause an irregular rhythm. Sound fun? We didn’t think so.

Oleander. This pretty white flower has a beautiful scent, but is also extremely deadly, especially to infants and small children. One leaf contains enough toxins to be lethal, as the poison first affects the digestive system, then moves along to the central nervous system. Definitely stay away from this plant.

Mistletoe. While this plant is more common during the holidays, it’s still important to note that all parts of mistletoe are toxic. Not very romantic, indeed. Ingesting mistletoe will cause gastroenteritis and in some cases, cardiovascular collapse. The berries are particularly toxic to pets, so be mindful of fallen berries. 

Water Hemlock. Common all across Northern America in the wild, water hemlock’s poison is so deadly it can be fatal within the first 15 minutes of ingestion.

If you have questions about any flowers or shrubs you’d like to plant around your home, run a quick online search to make sure what you’re planting is safe. The helpful folks in any superstore garden section are also great resources.

Cost Efficient Landscaping

Landscaping is a daunting task. You know you want flowers, perhaps some shrubs, and maybe even a spot for a garden. But how expensive is it to get the job done? Obviously, it depends on the project, but there are steps you can take to minimize your trips to the store, and maximize your budget.

First, it’s important to start with a plan. Sketch out your landscape design on engineering paper and know exactly what you need and where you’re going to put each item. 

 Once you’ve figured out your ideal design, go and talk to an expert. A landscape architect will run between $50 and $100 per hour, but it may be worth the investment if you’re inexperienced. If this isn’t your first landscaping job, the experts at your local big box home project store can help you price everything out and make recommendations based on your home. It’s also helpful to bring the site plan for your home so you can put everything into perspective.

When you’re set to start making final purchases, do a little research. Sometimes big box stores won’t carry the items you’re looking for, or if they’re not “in season” you may be paying too much. Items such as lumber for decks is often cheaper during winter months, so be patient if you can afford to be.

Shopping online is also another option for saving money.  Shopping is a little more convenient online, and a bit less stressful when you’re able to search for the exact items you need. Just be mindful of shipping costs and weigh those costs against making the trek to a wholesaler or store for the same item.

Dividing up your projects will also allow you the time you need to do the proper research and plan out your investments. This will also allow you to make adjustments to your plans if you need to, before you go out and buy supplies.

As a last bit of advice, be sure to thoroughly check the quality of all products you receive and don’t be afraid to ask about money-back guarantees. Happy landscaping!

Tips for a Green Lawn

Our lawns are more than just decorative pieces to our home. They play host to yard games, picnics, parties, and barbecues for much of the year. The trouble is: how can you grow a lush, green lawn efficiently. 

  

A good first step is to assess the pH level of your land’s soil and know the quantity and availability of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This will help you pick the right seed blend and understand what types of treatment your lawn will need to grow to its fullest potential.

Fertilizer can be a tough decision, and there is no cookie-cutter approach to treating your soil and seeds. It’s best to choose a slow-release, organic fertilizer. Be prepared to mow frequently in the weeks following, as the fertilizer really helps to boost growth.

Mowing. Believe it or not, having a functional mower with sharp blades can make a huge difference in your lawn’s growth. It’s a good idea to, during spring and early summer, to sharpen mower blades after each 8-12 hour use-cycle. Dull blades tend to tear off grass as opposed to cutting the blades clean.

One major inhibitor to grass growth is crabgrass. It’s that nasty weed that grows up and out, and never seems to cease growing, no matter how many you try to yank from your yard. Crabgrass begins to germinate around April when temperatures hover around 55-60 degrees. By applying a herbicide specifically designed for crabgrass during this time, you can help you lawn avoid looking like a jungle.

After spring rains when the soil is moist, it’s a good idea to head out and pluck weeds. When weeds (especially those that carry seeds) are wet, there is less of a chance for pollen to spread—and they’re much easier to grab during this time, too. When it isn’t raining, be sure to water your entire lawn twice daily. The best times to water the lawn are in the early morning before the sun rises, and at dusk.

As a last tip to help get your lawn up to par: let it grow. Especially for those homeowners with brand new lawns, it’s best to let grass grow to about three inches and maintain that height for a couple years. Keeping blades at this length will help shade un-sprouted seeds and reduce levels of evaporation.