Dear Terese,
I’m going to be listing my home soon, but my grass is dead and my landscaping is rather drab. Do you have recommendation for nice curb appeal?
Janet
Dear Janet,
Most of us think of a lush green lawn in the front yard, but that may be an unrealistic goal, especially in a drought. Most landscape designers encourage homeowners to determine what native plants work best for your area. In the Hill Country, we also need to consider the deer population and whether or not you have fencing to deter them. You’ll also want to consider whether or not you, or the future homeowner, wants to spend time and resources taking time to care and water a yard full of plants. Groundcovers may be a consideration rather than a lawn full of grass. Hardscaping may be another alternative, permeable driveways, walks, and other hardscapes that allow water to percolate into the ground rather than send it into the streets is a consideration. Permeable pavers, pea gravel, and brick set atop sand or gravel is another option. Less water and maintenance seems to be the trend, so I would recommend contacting a local nursery or landscaper to determine the best options for your yard.
Dear Terese,
My wife and I have done some DIY improvements to our home over the years, including expanding our bathroom. I live in the city limits, should I be concerned about any certifications or permits when I list my home for sale?
Josh
Dear Josh,
Some areas require permits only for major renovations, others may require a permit for something as small as adding an electrical outlet. Most contractors that work on large-scale renovations such as additional typically won’t do the work without pulling the proper permits. Each municipality establishes its own rules for handling unpermitted work. The best course of action is to make an appointment with a city or county building inspector and see if the work needs to be brought up to the latest code. In a perfect world, homeowners would get the proper approvals from a municipality at the time the work is done than to wait until they sell the house years later.
Tip of the day:
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.
–William Arthur Ward
Terese Peabody, Broker Associate, Stanberry & Associates
GRI, CRS, ABR, SRES, CNE, GREEN, CLHMS
400 Hwy 290 W, B-101, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
terese@stanberry.com, www.tpeabody.com 512-894-3488 office, 512-699-7711 cell
