Selling a Home • August 18, 2023

Unlocking Success: Expert Home Selling Tips to Maximize Your Sale

by Sean Harris

Selling your home is a significant step that requires careful planning and strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or it’s your first time on the market, these expert home-selling tips will help you navigate the process with confidence and achieve the best possible outcome.

Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Invest in exterior maintenance, landscaping, and a fresh coat of paint to create an inviting curb appeal that entices potential buyers.

Declutter and Depersonalize: Create a neutral and welcoming environment by decluttering your space and removing personal items. This helps buyers envision themselves living in the home.

Repair and Refresh: Address any minor repairs, from leaky faucets to cracked tiles. Consider minor updates like repainting walls in neutral tones to give your home a refreshed look.

Stage with Purpose: Professional staging can make your home look its best. Highlight its potential by arranging furniture to emphasize space and functionality.

Quality Photography: Invest in high-quality photography to showcase your home online. Clear, well-lit images can attract more interest from potential buyers.

Price It Right: Work with a real estate agent to determine the optimal listing price. Overpricing can deter buyers while pricing it competitively can generate more interest.

Market Strategically: Craft a compelling listing description and take advantage of online platforms, social media, and open houses to maximize exposure.

Flexible Showings: Make your home accessible for showings at different times to accommodate potential buyers’ schedules.

Respond Promptly: Be responsive to inquiries from potential buyers and schedule viewings promptly. Quick communication shows your commitment and professionalism.

Negotiate Wisely: Navigate negotiations with a clear understanding of your priorities. Trust your real estate agent to guide you through offers and counteroffers.

Legal and Disclosures: Ensure you provide all necessary disclosures required by law. Honesty and transparency build trust with buyers.

Pre-Inspection Benefits: Consider getting a pre-inspection. Addressing any issues beforehand can lead to smoother negotiations and a faster sale.

Flexibility on Closing Date: Be open to accommodating the buyer’s preferred closing date, if possible. Flexibility can make your offer more appealing.

Utilize Professional Help: Partner with a seasoned real estate agent who understands the market and can provide valuable insights throughout the process.

Embrace Patience: The selling process can take time. Stay patient, and trust that the right buyer will come along.

In Conclusion, Selling a home involves careful planning, attention to detail, and a touch of strategy. By following these expert tips, you can position your property for success in the market, attract qualified buyers, and achieve a smooth and satisfying sale. Remember, preparation and collaboration with professionals can make all the difference in your home-selling journey. 🏠🔑🌟

Thinking of listing? We’ll guide you through every step: Contact me

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Buying a Home • Home Decor • Selling a Home • August 17, 2023

Beyond the Basics: Elevating Home Comfort – The Significance of Bathrooms for Home Buyers

by Sean Harris

As home buyers embark on the journey of finding their dream property, there’s one often underestimated space that holds immense importance – the bathroom. Far more than just a functional necessity, the bathroom plays a pivotal role in enhancing comfort and daily routines. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why bathrooms matter so much to home buyers and why they warrant thoughtful consideration during the home search.

1. Personal Oasis: The bathroom is a retreat where one can unwind and recharge. Buyers seek a bathroom that offers tranquility and relaxation, turning the space into a personal oasis for self-care.

2. Daily Rituals: From morning routines to winding down at night, bathrooms are integral to our daily rituals. A well-designed bathroom can streamline routines and provide a serene environment to start and end the day.

3. Functional Design: Buyers look for bathrooms that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Efficient layouts, ample storage, and high-quality fixtures contribute to a positive experience.

4. First Impressions: Much like the kitchen, bathrooms often leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. A clean, updated bathroom can make a significant impact during home tours and create a positive initial reaction.

5. Guest Comfort: The guest bathroom isn’t just for guests; it’s a reflection of hospitality. Buyers recognize the importance of having a welcoming and well-equipped space for visitors.

6. Resale Value: Bathrooms contribute to a home’s overall value. Upgraded bathrooms with modern features and stylish finishes can attract buyers and increase resale potential.

7. Wellness Focus: Buyers are increasingly valuing wellness-inspired features in bathrooms, such as soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and smart technology that enhances relaxation and comfort.

8. Personal Space: Bathrooms provide a private sanctuary within the home. Buyers seek bathrooms that offer a sense of personal space, tailored to their needs and preferences.

9. Modern Amenities: Innovations in bathroom technology, such as smart mirrors, heated floors, and touchless fixtures, offer convenience and modernity that buyers appreciate.

10. Emotional Connection: Buyers envision themselves in a home’s bathroom, picturing moments of relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. A thoughtfully designed bathroom resonates emotionally with buyers.

11. Sustainability and Efficiency: Energy-efficient fixtures and water-saving technologies are attractive to environmentally-conscious buyers, contributing to reduced utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.

12. Personalization Potential: Bathrooms offer opportunities for personalization through décor, color schemes, and design elements that align with the buyer’s style.

In conclusion, the bathroom transcends its utilitarian purpose and emerges as a space of comfort, well-being, and daily rejuvenation. For home buyers, investing in a home with well-designed bathrooms is investing in their overall quality of life. As you embark on your home-buying journey, remember that the bathroom is more than a room – it’s an essential sanctuary that enriches the experience of home. 🚿🛁🏡

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Buying a Home • Home Decor • Selling a Home • August 17, 2023

Beyond Meals: The Heart of Home – Why the Kitchen Matters for Home Buyers

by Sean Harris

When it comes to purchasing a new home, there’s one room that holds a special place in the hearts of many buyers – the kitchen. More than just a place to cook meals, the kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, and for good reason. In this blog post, we’ll explore why the kitchen matters so much to home buyers and why it’s often a top consideration during the house-hunting process.

1. The Gathering Hub: From family breakfasts to late-night chats with friends, the kitchen is where people naturally gather. It’s a space that fosters connections and conversations, making it an essential part of daily life.

2. Lifestyle and Entertainment: Modern kitchens have evolved into versatile spaces that cater to various lifestyles. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a busy professional, or someone who loves hosting gatherings, the kitchen’s design and functionality play a significant role in accommodating your needs.

3. First Impressions: When potential buyers walk into a home, the kitchen is often one of the first rooms they see. A well-designed kitchen can leave a lasting positive impression, setting the tone for the rest of the property tour.

4. Resale Value: Kitchens are a focal point for many buyers, and a well-designed kitchen can contribute to a home’s resale value. Upgraded appliances, modern finishes, and ample storage are features that can attract potential buyers and justify a higher asking price.

5. Lifestyle Upgrades: For many, the kitchen is a place for experimentation and creativity. Upgraded appliances, smart technology, and innovative design elements can elevate the overall living experience and make everyday tasks more enjoyable.

6. Potential for Personalization: Buyers often envision how they’ll personalize a space. The kitchen’s design, layout, and potential for customization make it an appealing canvas for buyers to put their stamp on the home.

7. The Connection to Health and Well-Being: The choices we make in the kitchen impact our well-being. Buyers are drawn to kitchens that inspire healthy cooking and support their wellness goals.

8. Aesthetic Appeal: Kitchens are a reflection of a home’s overall style and design. Whether it’s a rustic farmhouse look or a sleek modern aesthetic, the kitchen’s design can align with the buyer’s preferences.

9. Daily Functionality: Buyers assess a kitchen’s layout, storage, and functionality to ensure it meets their daily needs. An organized and efficient kitchen can simplify meal preparation and daily routines.

10. Emotional Connection: Ultimately, the kitchen evokes emotions. Memories of family gatherings shared meals, and special moments often center around this space. As buyers envision their future in a new home, the kitchen’s potential to create similar cherished memories is a powerful motivator.

In the end, the kitchen is more than just a room with appliances; it’s a space where life unfolds. When home buyers prioritize a well-designed and functional kitchen, they’re investing in a place that will truly become the heart of their new home. Whether you’re a gourmet chef or someone who loves the simplicity of shared meals, the kitchen’s importance in the home-buying journey is undeniable. 🏡🍳🥂

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Andover • August 13, 2023

Andover Country Club

by Sean Harris

The Andover Country Club is an elegant, luxurious, family-oriented golf and country club with strong ties to tradition and history. For over 90 years, They have continued to offer their members and guests the highest level of service and hospitality.

As the premier club in Andover, Massachusetts, Andover Country Club provides a meticulously manicured championship golf course for members and their guests, an elegant fine dining restaurant and lounge, a lively member’s bar, and the ideal place for all your special events.

History

Andover Country Club, the dream of William M. Wood, the colorful head of the American Woolen Company, was built on the site of Chandler Farm and opened to great fanfare in October 1925. The 18-hole USGA championship course was originally conceived and adapted to the natural contour of the land by course architect, W.H. Follet and completed upon his death by legendary course designer Donald Ross. The architecturally significant clubhouse, built in the Spanish style with a stucco exterior and striking red tiled roof, opened its doors the following April 1926 and maintains its distinctive style today.

Through the years the club has been impeccably maintained and improved, most significantly through the ownership of Yvon Cormier who purchased the club in 1979 from the Donahue and Davidson families and set out to expand and redefine what today’s country club should be. Under Mr. Cormier’s stewardship, the clubhouse was completely renovated and enlarged adding hotel rooms, elegant dining facilities, and ballrooms for events of all kinds and sizes from weddings, charity events, and business functions to tournaments and golf outings.

The Cormier family also saw the need to improve club amenities such as garden space, terrace patio, updated kitchen, and locker room renovations. Mr. Cormier has also implemented changes to this challenging course enhancing and updating the course and adding a practice range and short range area for members of all ages and skill levels.

Going forward, along with maintaining the integrity of its rich history, the Cormier’s continue their proud building tradition with the elegant Homes At Andover Country Club and the townhomes at The Legends, Swan Crossing and Frenchman’s Reserve.

The Clubhouse Andover

The 54,000-square-foot clubhouse was first built in 1926. Since then, many additions have been made with care to keep the tradition and history alive and continue to always improve.

The clubhouse is home to:

Public event space for 5-600 guests
The members-only 19^th Hole Grill Room
The Links fine dining restaurant and lounge

For more information visit https://www.andovercountryclub.com/

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Andover • August 13, 2023

15 Best Things to Do in Andover, MA

by Sean Harris

15 Best Things to Do in Andover, MA

Andover, Massachusetts, is an idyllic New England town with a rich history and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Located on the outskirts of Boston, this quaint village is home to the highest point in Essex County.

This vantage point gives Andover superb views of the Boston skyline 20 miles away.

But that’s not the only thing going for this village; settled in 1642, Andover has a long and rich history which tourists can discover in its museums and heritage centers.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip, here are the best things to do in Andover, Massachusetts:

Wander through Downtown Andover
Enjoy Local Craft Beer at Oak & Iron Brewing Co.
Take the Kids to Penguin Park
Appreciate American Art at Addison Gallery of American Art
Cool Off at Pomps Pond
Learn about Local History at Andover Center for History and Culture
Go Skating at Phillips Academy Ice Rinks
Explore the Natural Wonders of Harold Parker State Forest
Go Birdwatching at Moncrieff Cochran Bird Sanctuary
Check Out Produce at the Andover Farmers Market
Tee Off at Andover Country Club
Enjoy Nature Views at Charles W. Ward Reservation
Enjoy the Natural Scenery at Deer Jump Reservation
Visit the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
Go for a Leisurely Stroll at Den Rock Park
Visit for more details https://www.travellens.co/best-things-to-do-in-andover-ma/

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Woking From Home • August 12, 2023

Six Tips for Productivity When Working from Home

by Sean Harris

Useful tips to help create effective habits and achieve greater productivity while working from home.

Tips for efficiently working from home

Adapting to a new work environment is always difficult, even when it’s moving into the comfort of your own home. Working from home can present new obstacles for those we are learning to manage work and life, in their household. Different variables like implementing new rules, practicing good habits and maintaining a healthy balance, are very important.

With the help of two experienced real estate agents with Coldwell Banker®, we have identified some useful tips to help create effective habits and achieve greater productivity:

Create a Workspace (And Keep it Tidy)

First, create a designated workspace that you can call your office and in which you keep your work. This helps to make the distinction between where you work and where you live.

Make sure to keep your workspace organized and keep your essentials at hand – notes, office supplies, water and brain-food snacks. This helps you focus and avoid getting up to find things, constantly, which can lead to more distractions.

“I knew that I would be working from home much more than normal in the coming weeks and decided I needed to make a change, and fast. We had a desk in the basement, and we had a store credit on Wayfair.com that we decided to use to purchase a new desk chair. With these items and some rearranging of furniture, I was able to create the perfect home office for me in our den.” – Rachel Crowl, Coldwell Banker Preferred PA

Stick to Your Regularly Scheduled Programming

Try to keep your normal routine and schedule in place. Use the time you would normally take to commute to do something for yourself – make a good and healthy breakfast, take a shower to ready you for the day, or walk the dog a little longer. Some professionals may already be accustomed to flexible schedules. But, if you must spend more time at home than normal, find ways to supplement what you would be doing – like expanding your social media marketing skills or attending a web-based seminar.

Dress for Success

While you may not want to dress in a full suit or in business wear, getting out of your pajamas helps you get into a productive and more energetic mentality. For example, dressing in your workout clothes can help you feel more active. Dress professionally for your video calls – it reminds your clients and colleagues that you’re always a professional on your A-game.

“How you dress affects your mindset, so I am dressed in business casual attire. I recognize that a client may need to FaceTime or video-chat, so I’m prepared. I also make my workspace comfortable and bright, and I setup dual monitors.” – Bobby Yazdani, Coldwell Banker Realty in Texas

Stay Connected

Keep in touch with your clients and colleagues by recognizing the adopting the best platforms to reach them. From Microsoft Teams or Skype to social media, there are numerous platforms that facilitate communicating, sharing files, creating appointments and virtual meetings. The key is to identify your goals and the best format to connect with the desired audience.

Tip: Microsoft Teams is the hub for team collaboration in Office 365 that integrates the people, content, and tools your team needs to be more engaged and effective. If you haven’t already, download it here.

Coordinate Do Not Disturb Times

For those who aren’t working from home alone, it is useful to coordinate do not disturb hours with those living in your household. That could mean creating a schedule around your workload or organizing your workload around their schedule. Find what works best for you. Also, create the Zen space that helps you to concentratete, this doesn’t always mean working in silence, especially when external noises may be inevitable. Consider noise cancelling headphones, calming sound effect apps or maybe instrumental music online. For example, Spotify offers Focus Music Stations with a variety of sounds.

“Both of our workspaces have doors that shut, which is key when we need privacy for calls or to focus. We have also tried to implement a policy during normal working hours to save all personal discussions and business until after work hours, unless it’s a true emergency. It’s too easy to just walk into the other person’s space and spontaneously talk about things that are going on in your own mind, that might cause the other to lose their train of thought or work mindset.” – Rachel Crowl, Coldwell Banker Preferred PA

Remember to Get Fresh Air

Productivity doesn’t occur from non-stop, limitless hours of work. Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time can be detrimental to your health. Working past your normal office hours can be easy when you’re at home, but it can also lead to exhaustion and loss of sleep. A healthy balance is vital to ensuring productivity and efficiency! Use your break time to step out and get fresh air or even your normal commute time home, for a quick walk.

“I make adjustments by designating hour bands that are strictly for work. I address all immediate emails, questions or concerns relating to current transactions first and then work on different aspects of the business each day of the week. I think it’s important to re-energize, so I incorporate 15-30-minute breaks throughout the day. By midday, I typically take the time to step away and address any chores or personal errands so that by the time I come back, my mind is fresh and refocused.” – Bobby Yazdani, Coldwell Banker Realty in Texas

Article written by Gabi Ruiz, https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/six-tips-for-productivity-when-working-from-home/

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Buying a Home • August 9, 2023

Middle-Income Buyers Face the Most Severe Housing Shortage

by Sean Harris

Middle-income home buyers in the United States are finding little on the market to buy, even if they can qualify and afford a mortgage. These would-be buyers face the most severe housing shortage of any other income bracket, according to a new analysis from the National Association of Realtors and Realtor.com that found the market is short more than 300,000 affordable homes for these buyers.

The report defined a middle-income home buyer as someone in a household earning up to $75,000 a year, the median household income in the United States. Given that income, these buyers can purchase homes valued up to $256,000 without being overburdened with housing costs.

And there are a lot fewer homes in this category than a few years ago.

Middle-income buyers can afford to buy less than a quarter — only 23% — of listings that are currently on the market. Five years ago, this income group could afford to buy half of all available homes, according to the report.

“Middle-income buyers face the largest shortage of homes among all income groups, making it even harder for them to build wealth through homeownership,” said Nadia Evangelou, NAR senior economist and director of real estate research.

At the end of April 2023, approximately 1.1 million homes were available for sale, an increase of 5 percentage points from one year ago — but only a fraction of those are available to middle-income buyers. Nearly 51% of households earn $75,000 or less. In a balanced market, these households would be able to afford to buy 51% of the homes available for sale.

But that’s not the case.

“Even with the current level of listings, the housing affordability and shortage issues wouldn’t be so severe if there were enough homes for all price ranges,” Evangelou said.

The report found the United States needs to add at least two affordable homes for middle-income buyers (priced up to $265,000) for every home listed for upper-income buyers (priced above $680,000).

And while the housing shortage hits all incomes, at higher levels, the gap is much narrower. For instance, buyers earning $250,000 a year can currently afford to buy 85% of the listings, close to but shy of the 93% required for a balanced market.

“A two-fold approach is needed to help with both low affordability and limited housing supply,” Evangelou said. “It’s not just about increasing supply. We must boost the number of homes at the price range that most people can afford to buy.”

Places with more affordable homes

Among the 100 largest metro areas in the United States, three Ohio metro areas — Youngstown, Akron and Toledo — have the most homes that are affordable for middle income home buyers.

In a balanced market, buyers earning $75,000 can afford to purchase 66% of the listings in the Youngstown metro area. However, these buyers can currently afford to buy 72% of the listings. This means there are about 70 additional listings with a price lower than $250,000 than what a balanced market needs.

At the other end of the spectrum, the cities with the fewest affordable homes for this cohort are El Paso, Texas; Boise, Idaho; and Spokane, Washington.

In Boise, buyers earning $75,000 can afford to buy just 2% of home listings. However, these buyers would be able to afford to buy more than 50% of the listings in a balanced market. Currently there are about 2,120 fewer listings that these buyers can afford to buy in Boise.

“Ongoing high housing costs and the scarcity of available homes continues to present budget challenges for many prospective buyers, and it’s likely keeping some buyers in the rental market or on the sidelines and delaying their purchase until conditions improve,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist.

“Those who are able to overcome affordability constraints may be increasingly drawn to newly constructed homes or to the suburbs and beyond, both of which may offer buyers more realistic opportunities for homeownership in the near term,” she said.

https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/in-the-news/middle-income-buyers-face-the-most-severe-housing-shortage

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Buying a Home • Home Insurance • August 9, 2023

Triple-I, National Association of Realtors® Release Homebuyers Handbook

by Sean Harris

NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2023—To educate prospective homebuyers about their property insurance needs, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) today released a Homebuyers Insurance Handbook.

“Now more than ever, given increased climate risk as well as economic and inflationary challenges, homebuyers need tools to help them make informed decisions to better manage what is often their largest individual investment,” said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I. “Having the right type and amount of insurance provides critical safe keeping to homes, and so by Triple-I teaming up with the National Association of REALTORS®, we will empower even more consumers with key insights during a most important transaction.”

Purchasing a home can be an exciting event that can also come with new responsibilities and questions, especially for first-time buyers. The Handbook‘s readers will discover information on making sense of these concerns in line with their financial goals.

“The Homebuyers Insurance Handbook clearly explains how purchasing a homeowners insurance policy with the right type and amount of coverage protects a homeowner’s investment and financial future,” stated Kenny Parcell, president, NAR. “This eight-page Handbook includes the essential information a prospective homebuyer needs to prepare for a conversation with their insurance professional.”

For instance, the amount of coverage for the home itself should be based on what it would cost to rebuild the structure in the event of a total loss, in its current location, with comparable construction materials–at prices that may be affected by disaster-related demand surges or inflation. Protection to rebuild a home’s structure is typically listed as dwelling coverage. Once the home’s dwelling coverage limit has been established, personal property coverage usually equals 50% to 70% of that number. Also, to be covered for property damage caused by either floods or earthquakes, a homebuyer must purchase separate policies because both perils are excluded in a standard homeowners insurance policy, the Handbook notes.

The Handbook says these are the six ways to get the right amount of homeowners insurance:

Raise your deductible in exchange for a lower premium
Ask about discounts and bundle options
Make your home more disaster-resilient
Don’t confuse the total amount you pay for your house with its rebuilding costs
Review your insurance coverage annually after you’ve purchased the home
Keep in mind an insurer’s value also includes the services it provides to policyholders

https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/triple-i-national-association-of-realtors-release-homebuyers-handbook

Triple-I New York Press Office: Michael Barry,

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Buying a Home • August 7, 2023

Unveiling the FHA Mortgage Limits: Know Your Borrowing Power!

by Sean Harris

Are you considering purchasing a new home using an FHA loan? Understanding FHA mortgage limits is crucial to navigating the borrowing process successfully. Let’s delve into what FHA mortgage limits are and how they impact your buying power.

What are FHA Mortgage Limits? FHA mortgage limits, also known as FHA loan limits, are the maximum loan amounts that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) allows for homebuyers in specific areas. These limits vary based on the county and are recalculated annually to align with changes in housing market conditions. You can check yours from the link https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm Example Essex County, MA

The Importance of Knowing FHA Mortgage Limits Knowing FHA mortgage limits is essential for prospective homebuyers as it directly influences the size of the loan they can obtain. Exceeding the FHA loan limits may require borrowers to explore alternative loan options or provide a larger down payment, potentially impacting their homebuying plans.

Benefits of FHA Loans FHA loans have long been favored by first-time homebuyers due to their low down payment requirements and more lenient credit qualifications. Understanding the loan limits empowers buyers to make informed decisions and take full advantage of the benefits offered by FHA financing.

Factors Affecting FHA Mortgage Limits Several factors influence FHA mortgage limits, such as property location, property type (single-family, multi-family, etc.), and the number of units in the property. Being aware of these factors helps buyers gauge their eligibility for FHA loans and strategize their home search accordingly.

Navigating FHA Mortgage Limits: Tips for Homebuyers

Research Local Limits: Stay updated with the FHA loan limits specific to your area. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides an easy-to-use tool to check the current limits.
Work with an FHA-Approved Lender: Partnering with an FHA-approved lender ensures you receive accurate information and personalized guidance tailored to your financial situation.
Consult a Real Estate Agent: A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you explore properties within FHA loan limits and negotiate the best terms for your purchase. Contact me.
Pre-Approval Process: Get pre-approved for an FHA loan to determine your borrowing power and streamline the buying process.

In Conclusion Understanding FHA mortgage limits is key to making informed decisions when pursuing an FHA loan. By staying informed and partnering with experienced professionals, you can unlock the full potential of FHA financing and turn your homeownership dreams into reality. Remember, knowledge is your most powerful tool in the world of real estate. Happy house hunting! 🏠🔑🌟

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Home Decor • August 6, 2023

The Wonderful World of Green – Tips for Hydrating Plants

by Sean Harris

You may not know it, but there are proper methods to watering your plants that involve more than just pouring water on top. Plant size, soil type, weather, sun exposure and time of year all factor into how much water is needed. Timing and frequency are also important, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So how do you effectively manage your dampening strategy? Consider:

Watering in the Morning – Water can penetrate the soil where the plant’s roots can reach, absorbing and drying in the cooler hours of the day. Watering during other times of the day could cause you to boil the roots, sunburn the leaves or grow mold spores and rot.
Increasing Drainage – Excessive moisture around the root zone can lead to stagnant water and root rot, according to Deep Green Permaculture. To prevent this add a coarser material to the bottom of the pot to vary the potting medium and water retention.
Soaking Deeply – Dampen the soil at least eight inches below the surface so the roots are encouraged to grow deeper and are not sitting too close to the surface.
Optimizing Your Soil – Clearing out rocks and debris, loosening the soil and adding organic matter can affect how your plants absorb water. Adjust your planting strategy based on the soil type and how you apply compost.

Since there are so many different aspects of an effective watering system, there are also many opportunities for blunders. Here are a few common missteps to avoid:

Watering Too Frequently – Adding too much could kill your plants because it drowns them and cuts off the oxygen. Each plant is different, but you could look out for yellow, wilted or dropped leaves, brown spots, mushy stems and molding soil to understand if your plant is being overwatered.

Using a Sprinkler – Plants absorb most of their water through the soil, and sprinklers tend to moisten the top foliage.
Relying on Rain – There isn’t always enough rainfall for plants to thrive, so don’t count on it to keep them alive. You should test your soil for the amounts of water and adjust your watering methods as your plants need it.

There are also regional variations and differing needs of specific plants, so check with your local gardening center for more information. Paying attention to your plant’s moisture and developing a watering strategy will have your garden flourishing in a wonderful world of green in no time.

JENNIFER MCGUIRE https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-wonderful-world-of-green-tips-for-hydrating-plants/

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