For kids around the country, the time has come – school is almost back in session! The time for sending your children to camp for the summer may be over this year -and let’s face it, can get expensive quickly, so  Many of these ideas can work for fall, winter and spring break stay-cations as well!

One of the first things to think about is teaming up with other families to join in on the fun.  Have a lot of friends in the area?  Ask if they would like to coordinate and have camp with all the kids from around the neighborhood!  This could be a great way to get back in touch with old mates or meet new friends and lesson back-to-school anxietyies.

Before you have your campers over, prepare your house to minimize any mess: cover outdoor tables with plastic or oil cloth for arts and crafts.  Old rugs or sheets are a great way to cover decks, patios, or any other area you would like to protect from paint or other materials.  Planning on doing arts and crafts projects?  Have a rinsing station and drying rack set-up for post project clean up.

A few simple solutions can quickly give your backyard that classic camp feeling.  Greet guests with a hand painted sign welcoming them to your dream camp.  Have your campers personalize other signs to hang around the rest of your “campsite”.  Have a fire-pit or outdoor movie screen?  Set up wood logs, blankets, or outdoor chairs around that area and enjoy.  Use the fire-pit for another camp must-have: s’mores.  Expecting a sleepover?  Set up tents and sleeping bags outside to really give that campsite feel (scary stories included).

Now it is time to plan out your perfect camp itinerary.  Having a theme is a great way to keep the kids attention throughout the day and give you the opportunity to plan activities around one specific topic.  Some example themes are animals, outer space, sports, or princesses!  Your home will be the envy of the neighborhood.

See below for some ideas for activities:

Outdoors:

Tug of War or Stumps

This is a summer camp classic and kid favorite.  Play the classic way or use a couple of crates to put a spin on the fun!

Obstacle Course

Set up the obstacle course of your dreams in your own backyard!  Use the things you already have in your house – cones, chairs, balls, jump ropes, etc. – and split up your kids into teams for the ultimate showdown.

Treasure Hunt

Need an activity to take up a chunk of time that will keep the kids occupied?  Stop your searching because the perfect activity is a treasure hunt!  Send the kids on a hunt looking for 5-10 different clues.  First one to find the treasure wins the prize!  Click here to take a look at a cool spin on the classic treasure hunt!

Pool

Have a pool in your backyard? Hire a teenage lifeguard in the area for the day and enjoy the time in the sun.

Indoors:

Tie Dye

Create your own camp tie-dye T-shirts and customize them with a secret camp slogan to make super special!

Puppet Show

Use paper bags to create puppets for a performance later in the day!  Need ideas?

Other Crafts Projects

Projects like a homemade kaleidoscope are perfect to keep the kids occupied if the weather isn’t cooperating outside, or just want to give them a break from the hot summer sun!

One of the biggest advantages to having camp at home is that you get to set the dates and times on your own!  Whether you plan on having activities for one day, a whole week, or sprinkled randomly throughout the year, your kids will love it!

Article courtesy of and modified from https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/backyard-summer-camp/

You may be ready to start an exciting adventure in a new home, but what about your pets? Some furry family members may find moving to an unfamiliar place stressful, but there are ways to ease them into it with a little advance planning with these moving tips for homeowners with pets.

Pet-Friendly Properties

Living harmoniously with pets is a top priority for homeowners. The APPA National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association estimates that 70% of all U.S. households – roughly 90.5 million – owns one or more pets. That’s a remarkable figure that impacts many aspects of the economy, including residential real estate. People love their pets and today’s home buyers are seeking properties that reflect it. For some house hunters, finding a pet-friendly home is as simple as getting a place with a fenced-in yard, hard-surface flooring or space for a litter box. Others, however, are looking for more deluxe amenities for Fido and Fluffy.

The Pampered Pet

Some pet-centric home designs cater to the four-legged family members. Today’s popular custom details include under-cabinet food stations, pet washing facilities, and built-in crates, beds or pet suites. Also sought after are high-tech smart-home features like electronic pet doors and remote-access security cameras that let homeowners keep an eye on their pets when they’re away.

Park, Park, Park!

Location matters to pet owners. A pet-friendly community is a must, and proximity to an off-leash dog park or long nature trail away from busy streets is a bonus. And while parents of young children often make school districts a priority, some pet parents also seek homes close to their veterinarian, boarding facility and doggy daycare.

This Way Home

Show your pets the lay of the land at the new house. Determine where your pets’ toys, bed and water bowl will go, then take them on a home tour to familiarize them with their designated areas. Be sure to examine the home for safety hazards, then let them poke around and discover new scents and favorite spots. Cats may feel more comfortable adjusting to one room at a time, so start them off in a smaller space and let them take their time exploring.

Adjustment periods in a new home are easy when you keep these tips in mind and stick to your pets’ regular feeding and walking routines. They should barely notice the move and continue living their usual happy lives in the comfort of your new home.

As summer winds down, the back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and, let’s face it – anxiety.  You need a game plan to navigate the shift from the laid-back days of summer to the more structured routines necessary for the academic year. With a little planning, you can achieve back-to-school nirvana and lay the groundwork for a successful school year.

1. Establish a Family Calendar

At the core of your organizational system, spend some time creating a calendar system that works for your family. Whether it’s a large, easy-to-read wall calendar or a digital version, take the time to set it up early so you can work through any kinks and acclimate everyone. Use it to track school events, extracurricular activities and family commitments. Once school starts, you can also use the calendar to block out time for homework.

2. Create a Study Space

Designate a quiet, clutter-free area in your home as a dedicated study space. Be sure it has ample lighting and is stocked with all the essentials like pens, notebooks, a calculator and a computer. Invite your child to personalize the space to make it more inviting and conducive to studying.

3. Don’t wait to Start a Morning Routine

Mornings are always crazy, but that first week back can be brutal! Ease the pain by implementing an earlier bedtime a few weeks before school begins. Everyone’s internal clock will get a reset, cutting down on the challenges that come with sleep-deprived students. Encourage your child to prepare as much as possible the night before by laying out clothes and loading a backpack.

4. Gather School Supplies

Start by reviewing the school’s supply list and then check which items you may already have at home. To keep costs down, take advantage of any back-to-school sales. Involve your child in the process to build excitement about the coming new school year.

5. Stay Informed

Regularly check school websites and teacher communications for other updates – especially if you have students at more than one school. Remember to sign up for any teacher communication or text lists to stay informed throughout the school year.

Getting organized for the back-to-school season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can set the stage for success by investing a little time during the final weeks of summer to get organized and gather supplies.

Summer Sales: How to Grab Buyers’ Attention

Listing your home in the late summer might sound daunting. But selling a home in August can be a good strategy, as the market is typically active with buyers motivated to move for the new school year or to settle in before the holidays. Make your property stand out with these easy-to-implement strategies for summer sales: how to grab buyers’ attention.

Leverage the Longer Summer Days

Longer days mean you have more daylight hours to show your home. Daytime showings allow sunlight to flood your rooms to better highlight architectural details, finishes and flooring. In general, natural light makes spaces appear larger, warmer and more inviting.

Keep Up the Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial. You’ll need to be at the top of your outdoor maintenance game. That means grass is always cut, weeds are pulled and shrubs are trimmed. Other essential tasks include power washing the exterior, cleaning windows and touching up paint where needed. Work with your real estate agent to understand the best way to bump up your curb appeal within your budget.

Show Off Your Outdoor Spaces

Maybe you have a spacious deck or a thriving garden. It’s worth spending a little time staging these areas to highlight them as extensions of your living space. Be sure these spaces are clean, inviting and free of weeds or debris. Consider adding some outdoor lighting to create ambiance and emphasize features like walkways, trees or sitting areas.

Add Seasonal Touches

Turn up the summertime charm with a few easy touches both outdoors and indoors. Add late-summer blooming plants like asters and mums near your front door. Place fresh, seasonal flowers around your home to add color and fragrance. Incorporate pillows and throws in late summer colors like deep yellows and oranges. Another appreciated touch: Add a tray of lemonade and glasses to your counter or island for open houses or showings. Lastly, August can get hot and muggy! Keep your air conditioning running at a comfortable temperature so your guests have a distraction-free touring experience.

With a few extra steps, you can capture the magic of summer season and help potential buyers picture themselves relaxing on your deck with a cool drink. Remember these buyers are highly motivated, so make your property the one that shines!

Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family in the open air, and hosting an outdoor dinner party is a great way to catch up while enjoying the season. Planning a summer soirée might seem daunting. With a few simple touches and thoughtful food items and activities, your alfresco dinner party can come together with ease – and be a hit with your guests. Use these tips on planning an unforgettable dinner party.

Setting Party Vibes

Subtle, strategically placed seating, lanterns, tiki torches or string lights can create a low-key festive arena. Encourage natural progression by creating pathways with your lights. You could flow from an area with cushions or blankets in cozy picnic-style seating to a large table with snacks and drinks. Then, continue the movement to a purposely open space with classic lawn games or activities. With these simple arrangements, you can transform regular yard space into an outdoor party ambiance with little to no fuss.

Simple, Savory Outdoor Food

Now the ambiance has the party vibes flowing, the food can bring in the seasonal flavor and tantalize more than taste. When thinking of outdoor treats, keep to the classic and simple ones that instantly bring the smells of summer. Bruschetta for an appetizer and quintessential grilled, marinated meats, vegetables and seafood for the main course are easy to make and delicious. For dessert, consider berries with whipped cream or a berry parfait for a light, fluffy, effortless option. You could even add a firepit and make s’mores as the evening rolls in.

Outdoor Party Entertainment for All

Complete your party with traditional entertainment that requires minimum setup. Lawn games like bowling, cornhole or badminton are easy to incorporate. For a more relaxed activity, you could set up a small outdoor movie screen. Consider showing a well-known film and encourage commentary with questions, quotes or fun facts along the way.

With a bit of creativity and simple arrangements, your outdoor dinner party can come together with ease and be remembered by friends and family as a remarkable summer get-together.

Article courtesy of blog.coldwellbanker.com by Kimberly Quevedo.

Hot savings staying cool this summer! In this radiant season of summer, consider making a commitment to enhance energy efficiency. As the sun’s scorching rays hint at rising energy costs, there are mystical methods to reduce these expenses without sacrificing comfort. Embrace the opportunity to examine your home and discover ways to lower energy usage. Look beyond the summer heat to set a course for the coming months, learning how to manage your energy bills year-round.

Begin by scheduling a complimentary energy audit for your entire home. Our expert energy advisors are prepared to reveal improvements crucial for boosting your home’s energy efficiency, from magical attic insulation to sealing elusive ducts, all leading to lasting savings. They will also determine if you qualify for incentives to help offset the cost of these enhancements.

The interplay of keeping cool in summer often leads to energy waste in homes. Consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat if you don’t already have one. This enchanted device allows you to program temperature adjustments based on your daily routine, effortlessly saving energy.

Another secret ritual to save energy and money is to swap out outdated, energy-guzzling incandescent lights for their energy-efficient counterparts. According to the Chronicles of the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for a fraction of your home’s energy use. Switching to LED lights can reduce energy consumption by up to 75%, lasting 25 lunar cycles longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and promising significant savings over time.

Committing to energy efficiency can be one of the most rewarding resolutions for this season. The Guardians of Home Energy Rx are eager to assist you with any enchantments needed for your dwelling. Send your message through the ether or call us at (501) 414-8094, and they will illuminate the path to energy conservation and financial relief throughout the celestial cycle.

Preparing Your Home for Sale: Tips and Timeline

Selling a home can be a time-consuming process, but with proper preparation and a clear timeline, you can streamline the experience and increase your chances of a successful sale. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get your home ready for sale, including an estimate of how long each step might take:

1. Assess Your Home’s Condition (1-2 Weeks): Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your home’s condition. Identify any repairs or updates that need to be made, such as fixing leaky faucets, repairing damaged walls, or replacing outdated fixtures. This step may take anywhere from one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the work required.
2. Declutter and Depersonalize (1-2 Weeks): Clear out clutter and personal items to create a clean and neutral space that appeals to potential buyers. This process can take one to two weeks, depending on the amount of clutter and the size of your home.
3. Deep Clean (1 Week): Give your home a thorough cleaning, paying attention to every detail, from floors and carpets to windows and appliances. Depending on the size of your home and the level of cleanliness required, deep cleaning can take around one week to complete.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal (1-2 Weeks): Improve the exterior of your home to make a positive first impression on potential buyers. This may involve landscaping, painting the front door, or making minor repairs to the exterior. Depending on the scope of the improvements, enhancing curb appeal can take one to two weeks.
5. Make Necessary Repairs (1-2 Weeks): Address any minor repairs or maintenance issues that could detract from the value of your home. This may include fixing leaky roofs, repairing plumbing or electrical issues, or replacing broken tiles. Depending on the complexity of the repairs, this step may take one to two weeks.
6. Neutralize Paint Colors (1 Week): Repaint walls in neutral tones to appeal to a broader range of buyers. This step typically takes around one week to complete, including time for preparation, painting, and drying.
7. Maximize Natural Light (1 Day): Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible during showings. This step can be completed in just one day but may require occasional adjustments depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
8. Stage Your Home (1-2 Weeks): Arrange furniture and decor to showcase your home’s best features and create an inviting atmosphere. Depending on the extent of staging required, this process can take one to two weeks.
9. Address Odors (1 Day): Identify and eliminate any unpleasant odors in your home, such as pet smells or cooking odors. This step can typically be completed in just one day with the use of air fresheners or odor eliminators.
10. Work with a Real Estate Professional (Ongoing): Enlist the help of a reputable real estate agent who can provide guidance on pricing, marketing strategies, and negotiating offers. Working with an agent is an ongoing process that continues until your home is sold.

In conclusion, preparing your home for sale requires careful planning and attention to detail, but with a clear timeline and realistic expectations, you can successfully navigate the selling process. By following these steps and allowing sufficient time for each task, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best possible price.