How to Spot a Walkable Neighborhood for Safety

Do you live in a walkable neighborhood? More importantly, is it safe to walk in your neighborhood? Having the freedom to walk from place to place during the day and in the evening without worry is quite the freedom, and it’s a luxury many parts of the United States simply don’t have.

 

One of the most important factors when deciding on a new home is often walkability. In this guide, we’ll help you spot a walkable neighborhood for safety by showing you just what to look for. It’s easier than you think to find your dream walkable neighborhood.

 

 

What Is Walkability Anyway?

Before we explain how to spot a walkable neighborhood, let’s talk about what walkability even is. Basically, walkability is referring to how friendly a place is to walk.

 

A walkable neighborhood or city is an area that is safe and comfortable to navigate by foot. Walkable neighborhoods aren’t just for walking. They also generally have public transit and bike paths so there are a lot of ways to get around.

 

In particular, walkability refers to a number of the following factors:

• Sidewalks
• Crosswalks
• Seating or resting spots
• Ample lighting, especially at night
• Nearby things to do, eat, and drink
• Signage
• Low vehicle speeds
• Lack of neighborhood crime

 

The Walkability Checklist

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to spot walkability in your own neighborhood. The best method is to use the Walkability Checklist created by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC). This checklist will help you identify the right questions to ask to ensure your prospective neighborhood is, in fact, walkable.

 

The checklist will ask you to consider the following things:

• Walking room – Did you actually have enough room to walk? Some possible problems are blocked pathways, too much traffic, or broken sidewalks.
• Street crossings – How easy is it to cross streets? Are there crosswalks and is it easy to see the oncoming traffic?
• Traffic – How is the local traffic? Is it an acceptable speed to feel safe walking nearby?
• Children – How safe is this area for children? Could children be seen in crosswalks, etc.?
• Pleasant – Finally, was the walk enjoyable? Did you feel safe the entire time, or did you encounter anything that made you second-guess your walk?

 

Are There Places to Walk?

Another important component of walkability is whether there’s anything to walk to. What’s the point of walking if there’s nowhere to go? It’s more likely to have a number of places to walk to if you choose a neighborhood in an urban or semi-urban area compared to the suburbs.

 

Most prospective homebuyers like being able to walk places for convenience. Especially in an urban setting, driving in traffic and finding parking can be a chore. Being able to walk safely and easily to nearby restaurants, bars, shopping, and more is a serious luxury.

 

Why Have Multiple Transportation Options?

A lot of prospective buyers might wonder why it matters to have multiple transportation options. Having only one way to get from Point A to Point B is really an inconvenience. A lot of homebuyers no longer want to drive everywhere, especially as the cost of owning a car is on the rise.

 

Instead, people are looking for increased options when it comes to transportation. Multiple forms of transportation is a sure sign of a safe and walkable neighborhood. Having a metro system, busses, sidewalks, and bike paths are all key components of walkability. Plus they help defeat traffic!

 

Is Your Neighborhood Safe and Walkable?

Now it’s time to ask yourself the big question. Is your neighborhood safe and walkable? If it’s walkable but you don’t feel safe most of the time or at night, it might not really be walkable at all. On the other hand, if you need to drive everywhere, your neighborhood still has a ways to go.

 

Living in one of the most walkable cities is a dream for many. The next time you search for a home, make sure you know how to spot a walkable neighborhood for safety. You’ll be glad you did.

 

 

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How To Decorate Your Outdoors for Entertaining Guests

When the weather is nice, it’s the perfect opportunity to use your outdoor space to relax and entertain guests.

 

But, before doing so, it takes some time and effort to turn your outdoor area into a welcoming, entertaining space. For this reason, many homeowners don’t maximize the potential of their outside spaces.

 

Fortunately, though it does take some effort, setting up your yard or patio to entertain guests is attainable. Once you’re finished, you’ll be able to entertain guests, enjoy the outdoors, and expand your living space.

 

Let’s take a look at how you can decorate your outdoor space to entertain guests.

 

 

Landscaping

If you’re planning to entertain guests outdoors, the first thing you should do is take care of your home’s landscape. Of course, this includes basic tasks such as mowing your lawn and picking weeds, but you can take it a step further.

 

Consider adding additional touches such as stone paths or walkways, decorative plants, and even yard games like croquet. You can also add lighting to highlight your landscape.

 

Lastly, make sure to include items like citronella candles and mosquito repellent to keep away any unwanted pests.

 

Maintaining your landscape is the first step towards creating a welcoming outdoor space.

 

 

Setting Up the Foundation

After taking care of your landscape, you should set up the foundation of your gathering area.

 

If your home doesn’t already have one, a good first step is to install a deck where guests can gather. Once your deck is installed, it’s time to furnish it.

 

First and foremost, your outdoor seating should be comfortable. An outdoor dining table is also a great addition so that you and your guests can enjoy an outdoor meal.

 

You should also include functional, portable, and versatile furniture, like stools, side tables, and ottomans. Items like these can be used for additional seating or as extra table space as needed.

 

Wall-mounted heating elements or a fire pit are great also great ways to make your outdoor area cozy and will allow you to use the space during cooler months.

 

You can also add an outdoor kitchen area, which should include items such as a grill and outdoor fridge. This will allow you to avoid going in an and out of the house while entertaining guests.

 

Lastly, every outdoor area should have sufficient lighting, outdoor speakers, and planters for decor.

 

These items will give your outdoor space a great foundation for entertaining family and friends. And, of course, feel free to add additional furniture and decorations to meet your taste and your needs.

 

 

Other Factors to Consider

Before decorating your space, there are a few other questions you should ask yourself, including:

 

• How many people do you typically entertain?
• How do you plan to use the space?
• How much space do you want to dedicate for your deck?
• Does your space allow guests to comfortably access the indoors if needed?

 

By taking these factors into consideration, you can get started on decorating the perfect outdoor space to entertain your guests throughout the year.

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source https://nationalcashoffer.com/how-to-decorate-your-outdoors-for-entertaining-guests/

Fall Flowers To Plant In Your Yard This Fall

The weather is starting to cool off and that means fall is just around the corner. While a lot of homeowners think fall is a time to scale back their gardening, why not plant some gorgeous flowers to get into the season’s spirit?

 

Not only do fall flowers bring warm fall colors, but they help your home feel a bit more alive when the leaves are changing and the cold weather leaves its chill. While fall is typically known for the orange and red foliage, autumn leaves in shrubs, and pumpkins, you can plant fall flowers that put these colors on display in their own way.

 

When Is the Best Time to Plant Fall Flowers?

A lot of homeowners aren’t sure the best time to plant their fall flowers. Unlike other flowers, these don’t bloom all year long, so when is the best time to purchase and start gardening?

 

Unless you live in a warm climate with scorching summers, you actually don’t need to wait until autumn to start planting fall flowers. In fact, if you plant them too late, you’ll shorten the time you get to enjoy them and that’s no fun!

 

While there’s no set date to start planting, you should begin planting at the end of summer just after the warmest part of the season. You don’t want to stress the plants with too much heat, so wait for the weather to cool off a bit. Early to late August is generally the best choice.

 

 

Which Fall Flowers Should You Plant in Your Yard?

Now let’s talk about the plants that have what it takes to survive the colder season. In the fall, you might experience frost and other harsh conditions that can be challenging on plants, especially flowers. Here are the best flowers to plant in your yard this fall:

 

1. Chrysanthemums

Also known as “mums,” these flowers are one of the best-loved fall flowers. They showcase full mounds of red, yellow, and violet flowers, making them an easy addition to any fall garden landscape.

 

First cultivated in China over 6 centuries ago, Chrysanthemums come in all shades of colleges, and they’re one of the hardiest of flowers. These are fall flowers that will last all season and beyond. Mums are surprisingly easy to grow, making them ideal for newbie gardeners of all skill levels.

 

2. Marigolds (Tagetes)

Marigolds, as the name implies, are known for their stunning gold color. They bring shades of copper and brass into your autumn gardens, and they can even bloom all summer long if you’re in the right climate.

 

There are actually over 50 species of marigolds, but the best for the fall season are known as tagetes. These are the tallest and most upright, and they can reach over four feet in height. These flowers can be planted anytime through midsummer, but take care during frost.

 

3. Pansies

Pansies earned themselves a nickname as the flower with faces since their contrasting coloring gives off that appearance. Pansies are a cold-weather favorite, perfect for both spring and fall.

 

Pansies are too sensitive for the harsh heat of summer, but they can be surprisingly hearty in cold weather. You can always count on your pansies to survive a frost, and they can even stay alive and bloom again. Color your garden with these lovely yellow and purple hues.

 

4. Flowering Cabbage

If you’re a fan of growing plants you can eat, look no further than the flowering cabbage. Adding bold shades of white and purple during fall and early winter is stunning enough, but it’s also a beautiful (and delicious) base for your favorite salad or dishes.

 

To grow flowering cabbage, you need the night temperature to stay at or below 50 degrees. These are truly a cold-weather garden addition.

 

5. Red Salvia

Finally, red salvia is a great accent for any home garden or even on a patio in a container garden. As the name might suggest, these flowers are strikingly bright red, and that’s why they’re known as the “scarlet sage.”

 

While these plants won’t survive a particularly harsh winter, they’re a very hardy plant. They should be good to go through the autumn months, and they’ll give your landscape that classic fall color we all love so much.

 

Prepare Your Garden or Lawn for Fall

Are you ready to prepare your garden or lawn for fall with these fall flower picks? From cabbage to pansies, there are so many lovely options to choose from.

 

Better yet, you don’t need to have a green thumb to make your garden bloom. A bit of care and seasonal know-how will go a long way. Celebrate the fall season with beautiful touches of nature!

The post Fall Flowers To Plant In Your Yard This Fall appeared first on National Cash Offer.

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Why Many Sellers are Staging Homes Virtually

Staging is an incredibly important part of the home selling process.

 

This is your opportunity to show potential buyers the true appeal as they can see how it looks when it is fully furnished. Many buyers won’t even seriously consider your home if it hasn’t been tastefully staged.

 

Fortunately, staging your home is easier now than ever before. You can fully stage a vacant home without using a single piece of real furniture.

 

Virtual staging allows sellers to stage their homes using renderings or photos of furniture. Learn why more and more sellers are choosing to stage their home virtually.

 

What is Virtual Staging?

Virtual staging is simply the process of using an app or other digital software to add furniture and decor to your home. Often, it’s as simple as dragging and dropping pieces of furniture into each room of your house.

 

You start by taking a photo of the room you want to stage. Ideally, the room should be empty as it makes staging the room easier. Once you have uploaded the photo, you can sort through a selection of computer-generated furniture to add to your home.

 

This process makes it easy to quickly and effectively stage your home to present it to potential buyers.

 

Why Choose Virtual Staging?

Home sellers are choosing virtual staging over traditional staging for a number of reasons.

 

Let’s take a look at the many benefits offered by virtual home staging.

 

Virtual Staging is Cost Effective

Traditional home staging is a great way to boost your home’s appeal and sale price, but the upfront costs can be very significant. Even for a smaller home, a full staging can cost several thousand dollars.

 

However, virtual staging can cost as little as a few hundred dollars. After hiring a photographer to take professional pictures of your home, the virtual staging company can decorate your home with lifelike furniture and decor.

 

Flexibility

Virtual staging offers a level of flexibility that traditional staging can’t match.

 

When you stage your home virtually, you can pick from a wide array of styles. You aren’t limited to what is currently available to rent. Additionally, if you find that the way your home is staged isn’t appealing to buyers, you can quickly and easily change your decor to appeal to more visitors.

 

Great for Sellers Still Living in Their Home

If you’re trying to sell your home before moving to your new property, virtual staging is a much more convenient option.

 

It allows you to stage your home without requiring you to replace your current furniture or decor. You can continue to live comfortably in your home until the day you move out.

 

Should You Choose Virtual Staging?

Staging your home virtually is a fantastic option and is a great choice for most sellers.

 

It is cost-effective, flexible, and convenient. This method makes it easy to attract more potential buyers, boost the value of your home, and sell your house as quickly as possible.

 

With these benefits, it’s no wonder why more and more sellers are choosing to stage their homes virtually.

The post Why Many Sellers are Staging Homes Virtually appeared first on National Cash Offer.

source https://nationalcashoffer.com/why-many-sellers-are-staging-homes-virtually-2/

How To Organize Your Kitchen and Get Rid of Clutter

Is your kitchen starting to feel too overwhelming? If your kitchen has too much clutter, it’s time to reorganize. It’s easy to lose track of just what you have in the kitchen. From china to plates to appliances, these things add up quickly.

 

Having too many things in the kitchen is a recipe for disaster. Not only will it make it hard to find what you need when you’re cooking, but it could get in the way of your cleaning routine. Not cleaning properly in the kitchen is an easy way to attract ants and other pests. Because you care about your kitchen, follow these tips for how to stay organized and get rid of clutter.

 

 

Utilize Your Storage Space

Kitchens can be a magnet for extra things. In reality, your kitchen should be a functional workspace. Like any workspace, you need to invest in the right storage. First, identify just how much storage space you have. Note: the counters are not storage space.

 

You might have storage space that’s hard to reach that you’re not using. Always store things in order of use. If you only use your fancy set of plates once a year, you don’t need to store it in the easiest spot to find. In fact, you don’t have to store it in the kitchen at all.

 

Clear Counter Space

Your counter space is hot real estate. Your counter should be as empty as possible. This not only helps you clean properly, but it makes sure you have adequate room for preparing food.

 

Is there anything currently stored on your counter that could easily be moved somewhere else? Often, we leave out small appliances like toasters when they could be slipped right under the counter for easy storage. Treat your counter space like the precious workspace it is!

 

Hang Things Upwards

Are you wasting space that’s right in front of you? A great way to organize your kitchen is to start hanging. Put your walls and ceiling to use by storing things along the wall. Installing hooks to hold coffee mugs, pots and pans, and so on is a simple DIY that also is really on-trend right now.

 

In addition, if your kitchen layout allows it, you can build some shelving above counters. Shelves are great for displaying quick-grab things like cups, bowls, and even ingredients. Better yet, they don’t clutter your counter. Don’t overlook the power of hanging things in your kitchen when space is limited.

 

Donate What You Don’t Use

We all have things in our kitchen that don’t get the use they deserve. If you find yourself never using some of the appliances hiding in your kitchen storage, it’s time to find them a new home. Decluttering your kitchen by going through and selling or donating what you don’t use is the best way to get organized.

 

It’s a simple formula. The less you have in your kitchen, the less clutter. If you’re in a small family, you don’t need an endless supply of plates, cutlery, and so on. Keep it simple and cleaning will become much easier.

 

Clean Every Day

Clutter breeds more clutter. If you let things pile up a little bit, they’re only more likely to spiral out of control. Taking 10 minutes to clean every day, as well as immediately after preparing a meal will help you reduce your overall clutter and organize your kitchen effectively.

 

Don’t go to sleep with dishes in the sink, piles of stuff on the counter, and crumbs lying around. This is a risky way to attract pests, and it will only make the problem worse. Taking a few minutes to clean and put everything in its place will pay off.

 

How Clean is Your Kitchen?

Are you ready to organize your kitchen? If your workspace is looking more like a mismatched storage area, it’s time for a change. Your kitchen should be an inviting, functional space. All of that built-up clutter just creates stress.

 

Follow these tips above to make sure your kitchen is organized every time you prepare a meal. It doesn’t take much to organize your kitchen, but it pays off immediately.

The post How To Organize Your Kitchen and Get Rid of Clutter appeared first on National Cash Offer.

source https://nationalcashoffer.com/how-to-organize-your-kitchen-and-get-rid-of-clutter/

How to Cut Costs When Moving

Moving is stressful enough on its own. When you factor the costs of moving in with the time it takes to get everything together, it’s easy to see why this is such an intimidating process.

 

The farther you’re planning to move, the more you can expect to pay. The average cost of an in-state move is around $2,000 per home. Luckily, you don’t have to settle for high moving costs. If you’re a bit crafty and you’re not afraid to put in some hard work yourself, you can effectively cut costs when moving with these tips below.

 

 

1. Choose your date wisely. 

The first way to cut costs is to be careful with the time and date of your move. While we don’t really think about this playing a role, it truly can. There’s such thing as a peak moving “season” and even peak moving times.

 

When is the moving season? This season runs from May to August, during the warmest months of the year when there’s likely to be better weather. Nobody wants to move in the snow and cold, but these “off-season” months could save you significantly.

 

Similarly, pay attention to the time of the day/week. Moving on the weekends will cost you more, and so will moving after business hours. The right date and time choice could shave the cost down more than you think.

 

2. Find free boxes. 

Free boxes are out there just waiting to be found. If you have to buy your own boxes and storage bins, this could be time-consuming and expensive, especially considering you’ll likely only use these once.

 

Source online community groups, local businesses, and friends for free boxes. A lot of people get rid of their boxes when they’re finished moving, so you might be surprised by just how available these are.

 

3. Shop around for movers. 

Don’t go with the first movers you find. Like anything else when buying a house, you need to be careful about extra fees and costs in your budget. You can shop around for quotes from multiple moving companies to see who offers the best deal.

 

It’s a good idea to aim for at least 3 quotes before deciding on the best option. Be upfront about just how many belongings you’ll need moved, and get your quote in writing.

 

4. Pack everything yourself. 

Even if you hire professional movers, you can save big by doing the packing yourself. This is a time-consuming process, but it’s the best way to make sure everything is packed in the right place. Otherwise, it’s likely that things will be broken or lost during your transition.

 

If you do choose to hire professional packers, ask how much they charge per moving hour as well as how long their services generally take. These are the questions that will help you budget effectively.

 

5. Keep taxes in mind. 

Did you know you can deduct some moving expenses during tax season? It’s true, and that’s why you should always save your receipts. If you move to a new location because of work, you might qualify for a moving expense deduction. This is an unexpected way to relieve the costs of moving.

 

6. Throw out (or donate) things you don’t need. 

Finally, the best way to keep costs down during your move is to get rid of the things you don’t need. Organizing your new home is stressful enough. You don’t want to bother moving things that you don’t need or use.

 

Even if you’re not downsizing, odds are you’ll purchase some new things for your new place. Eliminating any clothes you don’t wear, electronics you don’t use, and so on will give you more space to buy things you do want. Plus, it’ll cut down on the cost of moving.

 

Are you ready for moving day?

Now that you know the best tips to cut costs when moving, it’s time to get started. The moving process is definitely stressful, but it doesn’t need to put a strain on your budget as well. These tips above will help you keep those costs lower when you’re planning a move, whether you’re going down the street or across the country.

Like with most things, a bit of creative thinking and DIY know-how will go a long way. It’s time to start packing without the stress!

The post How to Cut Costs When Moving appeared first on National Cash Offer.

source https://nationalcashoffer.com/how-to-cut-costs-when-moving/

Disclosures vs. Agreements in a California Real Estate Transaction

A real estate transaction process in California is made up largely of sending and receiving a number of different documents.

 

To ensure that the real estate transaction is completed quickly and efficiently, it’s important to be prepared and understand the different steps in this process.

 

Before entering into a real estate transaction or signing any documents, it’s important to understand the differences between disclosures and agreements.

 

Let’s take a look at the key differences between disclosures and agreements in a California real estate transaction.

 

What is a Real Estate Disclosure?

A disclosure is the reveal of a fact which was previously unknown. Disclosures can be made by either the buyer or the seller. When you sign a disclosure, you are simply acknowledging that have received the information.

 

In California, the law requires sellers to disclose certain information. This allows buyers to make an informed decision when deciding whether or not to purchase a property.

 

Required disclosures are generally related to the ownership and condition of the property. This could include property tax details, a real estate transfer disclosure agreement, structural issues, the condition of appliances, and more.

 

Disclosures must be made in writing in order to provide evidence that the necessary information has been communicated to the buyer.

 

If the seller fails to disclose certain information, they could face fines or penalties for violating the law regarding real estate disclosures.

 

Failure to Disclose

As mentioned above, California law requires sellers to disclose certain information in a real estate transaction. If the seller fails to do so, they become liable for any actual damages suffered by the buyer.

 

This doesn’t affect the actual sale of the property, but the seller will be liable for damages and repairs.

 

Failure to disclose doesn’t just include the omission of information. It also includes any false information disclosed by the seller. If the seller doesn’t communicate the necessary information or lies about any information, they become liable for damages.

 

What is a Real Estate Agreement?

In a California real estate transaction, an agreement is a contract which dictates the terms of the transaction. This includes the offer, acceptance, payment, terms, and more.

 

When you enter into an agreement, you are indicating that you agree to the terms of the transaction and you agree to abide by these terms. When you sign an agreement, you are legally bound to it.

 

Agreements can be arranged between buyers and sellers or between the buyer or seller and their real estate agent.

 

Whereas a disclosure refers to the communication of previously unknown information, an agreement is simply a contract that defines the terms of the real estate transaction.

 

Final Thoughts

Both disclosures and agreements are critical components of a real estate transaction in California.

 

While these concepts are very different, you need to be familiar with them when partaking in any real estate transaction. It’s important to be familiar with these ideas in order to ensure that the transaction is completed quickly and efficiently.

 

By reviewing this information, you can ensure that you are prepared before buying or selling a property in California.

The post Disclosures vs. Agreements in a California Real Estate Transaction appeared first on National Cash Offer.

source https://nationalcashoffer.com/disclosures-vs-agreements-in-a-california-real-estate-transaction/