Date Archives: July 2020

Herbs, revered in the ancient world for their healing powers, receded in importance in the 20th century as we began to rely more on pharmaceuticals and technology. As a result, we encountered them less often—usually dried in a jar on a supermarket shelf. But over the last couple of decades, herbs have enjoyed a resurgence in their freshest, most potent forms, as homeowners turn to them not only for cooking, but also for enjoyment.

If you've ever thought about growing your own herbs, take heart, because it's not hard to get started. Mark off a small garden plot with good morning sun and dappled shade in the afternoon, or create a container garden on your patio. Plant kitchen herbs, or choose another theme—medicinals, medieval, fragrance—and get going. 

A pretty or aromatic herb garden will also be a pleasing element when it comes to selling your home, helping it to stand out from other South Bend homes for sale. Get additional tips from our REALTORS® on how to make your home special.

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When the market heats up and the competition is crazy, potential buyers are sometimes tempted to make a sight-unseen offer. That means making an offer without viewing the property in person. Sight unseen offers are common in this era of online shopping and advanced technology. And with the global COVID-19 pandemic keeping more Americans physically distant, homebuyers are more willing to put an offer on a home without physically seeing the property.

However, putting in an offer sight unseen can be risky. If you're considering this approach, do your homework and let our real estate agents help on the ground so you can make your offer safely, smartly, and without any hesitation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Know What You Want
  Some homebuyers have an ambiguous idea of what they want in a home and tend to rely on that gut reaction when they walk into a home. Unfortunately, for buyers shopping sight unseen, this isn't an option. You need to have a clear picture of what you want in your dream house. This includes things like the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, floorplan, type of windows, and how close you want to be to amenities. Have a list of must-haves and deal-breakers to help guide your search.

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It's not too late to boost your curb appeal with beautiful flowers, shrubs, and trees. Greenhouses and nurseries around St. Joseph, MI offer plenty of options as well as advice on how to improve your landscaping and add interest to your yard.

Our real estate agents suggest visiting one or more of the following greenhouses around St. Joseph, MI to make your landscaping eye-catching.

• Grapevine Nursery, 5871 Hagar Shore Road, Coloma, MI
  Grapevine Nursery, which is convenient to many Coloma homes for sale, grows much of what it sells, so you'll know that what you buy hasn't been shipped from afar only to struggle to live by the time it arrives in Michigan. You'll also be assured that the plants grow well in this area's climate and soil. Interesting shrubs and trees are available, including several types of butterfly bushes that will help attract them to your yard.

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A pool is a fantastic amenity and a prominent feature that many homebuyers desire. However, like any other special feature of the home, a pool requires proper maintenance and upkeep — which is one reason why some homebuyers would rather not make an offer on such a listing. Our real estate agents are here to help you determine if a pool is right for your next home.

Should You Purchase a Home With a Swimming Pool?

As you search for South Bend homes for sale, is a pool high on your must-have list? Believe it or not, some homebuyers don't even consider if they want or need a pool before they begin their home search. This uncertainty can present added stress when you're on the fence about making an offer on what may be your dream home. Let's look at some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a home with a pool.

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