Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: Ask a Pro

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Potted Plants

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! We’ll talk to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur about potted trees and the right time to plant.

    potted_plants

    Q: Is it now the right time to plant no matter I have to use pots? Can we plant all kind of trees or little plants too? Thanks in advance for your comments.

    -Cony E.

    A: Plants in pots are a tricky subject because each climate is very different. Most times, the answer is yes. This time of year is great for planting. That said, with temperature and light levels both dropping, extra care must be taken to ensure that your plants get what they need. Keep an eye on them and if leaves are yellowing then you may need to make some location changes that are warmer and sunnier.

    -Carson A.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Cash Sale

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Karlton Utter, Director of Learning at Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, about the process of a cash sale.

    suburban_home

    Q: Just sold my house, cash sale no conditions. Deal closes Nov13 2014. Packing my stuff up leaving Nov 7th takes a week to drive to Edmonton Alberta. How do I get my equity from my house? Does it automatically go to bank for deposit?

    -Ashlee B.

    A: Great question. Typically the  money would be released by your attorney upon closing; however, you should contact your attorney to confirm this and for information on how it will be paid to you, as the bank or your attorney may have specific policies in place.

    -Karlton U.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: What’s the best finger food to serve?

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today’s pro is Carolina Buia, Dream Team member and Lifestyle pro. She will share with us some of her favorite finger foods to serve at a party!

    Q: Finger food – what’s the best thing to serve?

    -Betty M.

    A: Here are some of my favorite finger foods, ordered from “super easy” to “a little more work”.

    prosciutto_breadsticks
    Thin, rosemary Italian breadsticks wrapped in prosciutto (prep 15 min ahead), you can also roll them in black sesame seeds.


  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Sloped Yard Solution

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur! Let’s see what he has to say about adding a terrace to a sloped backyard!

    Sloped_Yard_Solutions

    Q: How would you terrace a downsloped back yard?

    -Abigail M.

    A: It all comes down to your budget!  They best way to create a terraced slope is to use a series of retaining walls to add level spaces down the slope for plants and shrubs.  Of course this is the most expensive! If you are on a budget, collect large stones to create planting pockets behind them, working your way down the hill.

    -Carson A.

     

     

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Saving a Waterlogged Lawn

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur! Let’s see what he has to say about saving a waterlogged lawn!

    Waterlogged_Lawn

    Q: I have a large back yard. Most of the time it is waterlogged and mosquito infested, making it very difficult to maintain (hence the overgrowth and weeds). Now there is a very stinky type of mushroom taking over. How can I make my yard more hospitable and owner friendly?

    -Sandra C.

    A: Soil 911! Sandra, you officially have drainage issues!  Surprise!  I know that this isn’t a shock to you after what you’ve described, however it is significantly worse than you probably think. “Oh NO!” The hard facts; that putrid smell and the fact that you are now growing mushrooms means that your soil is starting to rot.  If you don’t get in some proper drainage solutions, then you will eventually end up with a real swamp…and yes, I really mean a true swamp (minus the gators). The inability to dry out your soil is leading to decomposition causing the smell, the fungus and soon probably mosquitoes and frogs.  Unfortunately, its time to get professional help for this. You’re going to have to invest in your yard to fix the problem. There are several options to having it fixed which means you can get a few different quotes, but don’t delay. This problem may temporarily go away if we get a dry summer, but it will keep coming back…and the smell just gets worse

    -Carson A.

    Do you have a question that you would like to ask one of our pros? Simply submit your question by using the “Ask a Pro” form on this page! We will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible!

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: How Can I Use My Backyard for Entertaining?

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur! Let’s see what he has to say about creating a backyard that is perfect for entertaining!

    Backyard_Entertaining

    Q:  My backyard is very spacious, with lots of room for entertaining. What are some ways I can use my backyard as a place for entertaining and hanging with family and friends?

    -Suzy F.

    A:  I would suggest building a beautiful deck. Since wood is half the cost of stone, a wood deck is a great option for increasing the living space in your yard. A good deck can also last between 10-12 years, so you can enjoy it for many years to come. If you have a little more in your budget, a stone patio is an elegant way to update your backyard for entertaining. Lasting upwards of 25 years, stone requires very little maintenance and is a great option if you are planning to stay in your home for a long time.

    -Carson A.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Affordable Backyard Decorating Tips

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and outdoor design pro Carson Arthur! Let’s see what he was to say about jazzing up your backyard without breaking the bank!

    Backyard Pizzazz

    Q: My family and I love spending time in our backyard, but our yard is a little boring! What are some ways to inexpensively add a little pizzaz to our space?

    -Karen W.

    A:  Containers and planters are a great way to add some color and impact to both the front and backyard.  Try adding a pair of planters to each side of your back door or patio. If you’re worried about overcrowding, try using hanging baskets instead of containers. They add a lot of color and personality and take up less space. Both of these options are very easy to maintain, and affordable!

    -Carson A.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Turning Your Home Green

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Carolina Buia, Dream Team member and Lifestyle pro. Let’s see what she has to say about going green in your home!

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    Q: What are a few easy ways to turn my home into an energy-efficient, “green” home?

    -Walt K.

    A: Going green in your home is a great way to not only save money, but to help preserve the earth. First, make sure you install energy-efficient lighting such as compact fluorescents. Also, change out any old appliances that are using up lots of energy. By replacing your old energy hog appliances, you can use less energy and save money in the long run. Another great way to go green is by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets. This will decrease your household’s water consumption by up to 70%, and you’ll also use less energy heating up the water.

    -Carolina B.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Spare Room Design Ideas

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Carolina Buia, Dream Team member and Lifestyle pro! Let’s see what she has to say about creating a multi-purpose room!

    Multipurpose_Room

    Q:  Help! I have a spare room in my house that doesn’t get much use.  What’s the best way to design a room with a workspace so that it can be multi-purpose for work, hobbies, or crafts?

    -Joan P.

    A:  An office or den can easily double up as a craft or hobby room. Get rid of your traditional desk and bring in a long, bench like table. This will create enough space for both your computer and work space, plus allow for a whole different side for hobbies.  Consider using a slender floor lamp as opposed to table lamps, so you get more out of your desk space. Another way to save desk space is by placing a peg board above your desk for supplies. The peg board also creates a visually interesting way to organize supplies and stay clutter free. It’s important to have plenty of free space on your desk to really take advantage of its multi-purpose use.

    -Carolina B.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Should You Remodel Before Selling?

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and interior design pro Jennifer Adams! Let’s see what she has to say about dated kitchens!

    Dated_Kitchen

    Q: I am looking to sell my home but my kitchen is looking a bit dated─ should I remodel it or leave it alone before selling?

    -Lisa Y.

    A: For potential buyers the kitchen can make or break the sale. If your kitchen is looking dated, you may be able to get away with a few basic cosmetic changes that will completely change the look and feel.  A good cleaning may be all your cabinets need to get them to look like new. Or, consider a fresh coat of paint which is an inexpensive way to dramatically change the whole look of the kitchen. Add a glass or tile backsplash to bring some warmth, texture, and color to a cookie cutter kitchen. Fixtures are also an inexpensive way to make the kitchen look like new. If your faucet is more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace it. You can look for them on sale at the hardware store to update your look. If your light fixtures can be saved, give them a good cleaning, otherwise a quick coat of spray paint in a metallic finish can instantly update the look. If you have old appliances, consider replacing them with stainless steel. The neutral tone will appeal to the majority of future home buyers.

    -Jennifer A.