Keep or Toss: Back Porch Edition

For a new edition of our Facebook favorite “Keep or Toss” series, let’s take a look at this back porch photo, courtesy of HGTV. What to keep? What to take away? Here we go!

Keep:

• Colorful throw pillows. Though there’s a lot going on in this beautiful outdoor space, we’d suggest keeping these fun pops of color. The geometric designs are very on-trend, and they liven up the space nicely.
• Outdoor rug. This neutral rug (similar one here) does the work of dividing up the living spaces perfectly. It clearly differentiates lounge from dining areas but still keeps the porch united and open. No dividers needed!
• White dining table. White was made for summer and outdoor areas like this one! Its size and placement fits well in front of the French doors, and its color even picks up on the window trim, pulling it all together.

Toss:

• Some of the topiaries. Green elements are great indoors and outdoors, but they should be balanced with the amount of space. Here, we’d dial back the amount of the topiaries to declutter – and look for more simple plants to even it out.
• Blue medallions next to the window. Hanging items on outdoor walls can work well (see: the mirror on this porch!). These medallions don’t seem to be needed here – and they get blocked by other items too.
• One of the coffee tables. We’d pick one of the two low tables in the lounge area – both the gold pedestal and the unique table don’t seem to be needed here. When in doubt, simplify!

What would you keep? What would you toss? 

Keep or Toss: Outdoor Spaces Edition

In this installment of our “Keep or Toss” series, we’re re-doing this spacious backyard garden and sitting area. What would you keep? And toss? We’re also sharing three quick tips for maintaining your garden once you have it looking just right!

 Keep:

• Orange Outdoor Furniture: The splash of color provided by this bright seated area really pops against the green surrounding shrubbery. The fire pit is an added bonus – and will make the area a great family focal point on cool summer nights.
• Stone Pathway: We would keep the cobblestone pathway leading up to the stairs. The stones make the backyard oasis an easily accessible area at any time of day or night. We might consider installingpath lights along the edges of the walkway, however, to make a clear distinction of where it ends and the yard begins.

Toss:

• Iron Loveseat: The loveseat pictured looks weathered and out of place. Toss the old one and replace it with a modern stone bench or a couple colorful Adirondack chairs, or scrap the seat all together and install a cool outdoor lantern to highlight and frame the koi pond instead.
• Overgrown Shrubbery: Anyone walking out to this backyard scene would be overwhelmed with all the green! Toss some of the overgrown, unmanageable shrubbery in the garden and replace it with easily maintained, brightly colored flowers.

And here are some easy tips to maintain you’re newly renovated outdoor space:

1. Install a rain gauge. This will help you keep track of how much water your plants are getting, letting you know when you need to break out the hose and give mother nature a hand!
2. Feed the soil. Healthy soil yields healthy plants, which last longer and grow taller. You can purchase soil feed at your local home improvement store, or go organic and start your own compost pile at home!
3. Keep it clean. Get rid of dead or dying plants to protect the healthy ones. Sometimes, you’ll only need to remove a couple leaves, other times the whole plant. Either way one plant is a small price to pay for a luscious backyard garden.

Spring Clean Your First-Time Homebuyer Checklist

First-time homebuyers are making a comeback, but the process can often be overwhelming. Spring clean your homebuyer checklist and ease your mind with these reminders from ERA Real Estate:

• Evaluate your finances – Take all current and potential expenses and income into consideration before taking the leap. Not confident with facts and figures? Meet with a financial advisor! The small investment now will pay dividends in the long run.
• Prep your paperwork – Getting everything in order before you head to the bank for a mortgage will make the process a smoother one. Take a look at current interest rates so you’re well-informed, and gather your pay stubs, automobile and school loans, credit card records, statements from brokerages, banks and retirement accounts and income tax returns. Your ERA agent can assist with exactly what you’ll need to have on-hand.
• Shop around – Keep tabs on open houses scheduled in your desired neighborhoods, and take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting! Your REALTOR is a wealth of knowledge and wants nothing more than to share it with you, so keep communication open and honest throughout the shopping process.
• Enjoy the process – Yes, buying your first home can bring out lots of emotions, but it’s also one of the most exciting times of your life! Enjoy the experience. Working with an agent you trust and relate to will make a world of a difference.