GDR Spotlight on Real Estate / July 30 - Aug 5

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 20

2

Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, July 30, 2021

Signs of drought stress and what to do about it

A pristine lawn is a source of pride for homeowners. Even the most well-maintained lawns must confront a host of challenges in a given year, and perhaps no challenge is more daunting than drought.

Homeowners may feel helpless when drought strikes and begins to transform their lawns from green sources of pride to off-color eyesores. However, learning to identify signs of drought stress and what to do about it can help homeowners get their lawns through dry periods.

SIGNS OF DROUGHT STRESS The lawn care experts at TruGreen note that there are four common characteristics of drought stress. Perhaps the most noticeable is changes in color, but it’s important that homeowners recognize there’s a difference between a change in hue and a change in color. When a lawn changes its hue, typically turning

from bright green to a dull gray or blue green color, it is in what TruGreen identifies as the first stage of drought stress. Regular watering, if it’s allowed (local drought restrictions may dictate how much water can be applied to the lawn), can help the grass regain its moisture and the lawn may recover within a couple of days.

When lawns change from green to brown, this is indicative that the lawn is in a dormancy stage. At this point, the lawn is entering survival mode. Watering to save the lawn will need to be more extensive. Deep and repeated watering for two to three weeks may help restore the lawn, but some parts ultimately may not recover. And deep watering may not be allowed until drought restrictions are lifted, increasing the likelihood that a significant portion of the lawn turns brown.

Footprints in the lawn are another sign of drought stress TruGreen indicates that this is a result of

lawns that are too tired to spring back up after they have been walked on.

Wilting also indicates drought stress is affecting the lawn. Wilting occurs when grass blades roll or fold because they don’t have sufficient water content.

W H AT T O D O A B O U T DROUGHT STRESS In addition to the watering techniques noted above, homeowners can try other strategies to help their lawns make it through a drought. TruGreen advises against mowing drought-stressed grass and keeping off the lawn as much as possible.

Removing tall weeds is another strategy homeowners can try. Doing so ensures the grass, and not the weeds, gets what little water is available during a drought.

Homeowners also should resist the temptation to mow too close, especially when signs of drought stress are just beginning to appear.

COMING SOON

CLARK-BRANCH, REALTORS

©

200 E. Arlington Blvd. (across from Gordon’s Golf & Ski)

Sales & Leasing • 355-2000 Visit all our listings at www.Clark-Branch.com

Louise Keel REALTOR, CRS, GRI, ABR 916-2124

louisekeel@louisekeel.com www.LouiseKeel.com

But several strategies can increase the likelihood that lawns survive such conditions. More information about combatting drought can be found at www.trugreen.com.

- Metro Content

DON’T SETTLE FOR AVERAGE.

CALL DUTY SAT - SUN

SCAN HERE TO SEE MORE

Elite Properties

IN POPULAR MELLON DOWNS-2839 MOCKINGBIRD LANE 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen w breakfast nook, stainless appliances; great room w dining area; Master w Trey Ceiling, Walk in Shower, Whirlpool; Extra bright with solar tubes and windows; hardwood floors formal areas; 1785 sq.ft. Double garage, Front Porch and back Patio; Fenced yard. This is must see near middle of August. $239,740. Call Louise Keel 916-2124 Clark Branch Realtors

TruGreen notes that mowing too close creates a shallow root system that makes lawns more vulnerable to drought.

It can be hard to watch a pristine lawn suffer from drought stress.

Family owned and operated since 2001

211 East Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC

215-0015

To view all listings in the Greenville area visit our website... www.century21eliteproperties.com

NEW LISTING

FEATURE

Westhaven - $215,000

Bel-Mar - $315,000

4BR/2.5BA brick home situated in the quiet Westhaven neighborhood boasts spacious family room with FP, Dining room & kitchen with solid surface countertops. Patio, sunroom & chicken coop overlook beautifully landscaped fenced backyard. Call Tahaia (Kunny) 5311872. MLS#100283022.

3BR/2.5BA stunning NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME situated on .35-acre lot. Home features many upgrades. Beautiful kitchen w/ center island, tile backsplash & granite countertops.

Cathedral ceiling in family room with fireplace.

Home has an expansive area that can be used as an office or formal dining. Large laundry room. Gorgeous master suite with his & her walk-in closets & lavish bath. Finished Bonus Room. Call Lisa 531-1203. MLS#100280413.

Camilla Hines 717-7229

FEATURE

Fountain - $83,900

2BR/1BA fantastic starter home just minutes from Greenville.

Features NEW bathroom plus roof has been replaced with architectural shingles. MoveIn Ready! Call Peggy 320-3832.

MLS#100274552.

We can help you find the perfect place to start your next chapter.

Arabic-speaking agent

Selling Greenville & Pitt County... One Dream At A Time!

ASL Interpreter

Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, July 30, 2021

3

How to keep gardens safe in summer heat waves Summer is a season to relax and enjoy the warm weather. Basking in the summer sun is a great way to relax, but only when the temperatures are safe. Summer heat waves can compromise the health of human beings as well as their pets. Gardening enthusiasts also may need to go the extra mile to keep their plants and gardens from wilting under harsh summer sun.

Extreme heat stress can be very harmful to plants. The online gardening resource Gardening Know How notes that some plants can withstand summer heat waves better than others. For example, succulents conserve water in their leaves, helping them to withstand heat waves when the dog days of summer arrive. But succulents are unique, and many plants will require a little extra help to withstand a heat wave.

• Take a proactive approach with mulch.

Gardeners need not wait until the heat arrives to protect their plants from searing summer heat. The sustainable living experts at Eartheasy recommend utilizing light-colored mulch during heat waves. Such mulch will reflect the sunlight and help to maintain cooler surface soil conditions. Eartheasy even notes that grass clippings, once they’ve

turned from green to light brown, can make for the perfect mulch to protect plants from the heat. Clippings also are free, making them a cost-effective solution.

• Water wisely. The horticultural experts at Yates Gardening note that water only

*Each office is independently owned and operated

PREFERRED REALTY 3208 Charles Blvd.

252.355.5006 1.800.326.5006 Like us on facebook

AGENT ON CALL SAT. & SUN.

JASON BYRD 252.916.9025

helps plants withstand heat waves if it’s applied effectively. If water is only applied in short bursts and not long enough so it can penetrate all the way to the root zone, roots will then stay near the surface. In such instances, roots will dry out during a

heat wave and plants won’t make it through the season. Timing also is essential when watering. Eartheasy recommends watering in the morning to avoid heat scald and also ensure as little water is lost to evaporation as possible. When watering during a heat wave, do so by hand rather than through a sprinkler. Hand watering allows gardeners to direct all of the water onto the plants that need it most during a heat wave.

• Let your plants pitch in. When planting new plants, it’s important that gardeners recognize it takes time for these plants to establish their roots so they’re strong enough to withstand heat waves. In the meantime, strategic planting can help them make it through their first heat waves unscathed. Eartheasy notes that planting by taller, more established plants can provide new plants with shade that can help them survive heat waves. Just make sure new plants can still get the sun they need to thrive.

Heat waves are inevitable and potentially harmful to gardens. Gardeners can help their plants beat the heat in various ways.

- Metro Content

Let Us Help You Find Your Happy Place!

MARKET FRESH 2860 E Firetower Rd, Greenville $240,000 MLS#100282927

PREFERRED REALTY

For information on all of our listings, visit our website at

www.remax.com

55 Whichard Court, Chocowinity $94,900 MLS#100277325

The Realty Group

ON CALL SATURDAY JAMES LATHAM 252-714-4509 ON CALL SUNDAY AMANDA WHITE 336-512-1389

252-355-7800

1420 B East Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC 27858 Visit the Website to View all Listings! www.centurytrg.com

4

Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, July 30, 2021

239 W Main Street Washington, NC 27889 (252) 975-8010 www.coastalrivers.com

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS. Thank you for making us a top Coldwell Banker International Office.

find

US ON

FB.COM/CBCRR

For a complete list of properties, please visit our website:

coastalrivers.com

SE HABLA ESPANOL

Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, July 30, 2021

239 W Main Street Washington, NC 27889 (252) 975-8010 www.coastalrivers.com

POINTING THE WAY

to successful and smooth Real Estate transactions.

Contact Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty to find the most knowledgeable real estate experts. find

US ON

FB.COM/CBCRR

For a complete list of properties, please visit our website:

coastalrivers.com

SE HABLA ESPANOL

5

6

Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, July 30, 2021

Let caution reign when kids are in the kitchen Parents go to great lengths to keep their kids safe. From the moment a woman first learns she’s pregnant to the day teenagers head off to college, parents make myriad decisions in the name of keeping their children safe.

Homes are safe havens for families, but dangers still lurk around every corner and inside every cabinet. That’s especially true in the kitchen. Real estate professionals often note the importance of kitchens. According to Realtor.com, kitchen remains the most mentioned room in home listings. Nearly 70 percent of listings on the home buying and selling website mentioned kitchens, while less than 50 percent mentioned bedrooms.

Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, so it’s no surprise these gathering spaces routinely attract curious kids. Kitchen safety is essential in every home, but it’s especially important in homes with young children. The following are some areas of the kitchen where parents can direct their focus as they try to keep their children safe.

BENEATH THE SINK Many families store cleaning products beneath their kitchen sinks. But that can prove hazardous if parents cannot prevent kids from accessing this area. According to the National Capital Poison Center, a disproportionate percentage of the millions of poison exposures in the United States each year affect children younger than six. It might be convenient to store cleaning products beneath the kitchen sink, but such products should be

kept higher up in cabinets kids cannot reach until they’re old enough to know it’s not safe to ingest these cleaners.

STOVES Stoves pose a significant safety risk to youngsters, even when they’re not in use. When the stove is being used, make sure kids do not go near electric or gas burners, where curious hands may reach up and get burned.

Kids also should be taught to steer clear when their parents are cooking on the stove top, as hot oil from pans can spray out and harm youngsters who aren’t paying attention. Parents also can install knob covers that prevent curious kids from turning burners on when no one is looking.

DISHWASHER Dishwashers may not seem threatening, but they can pose a safety risk to youngsters. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children should not be allowed to load and unload dishwashers until they are between the ages of seven and nine. Knives and forks in dishwashers can be sharp, posing a safety risk to curious youngsters.

When loading the dishwasher, make sure the blades and prongs of knives and forks are facing downward, and never preload detergent, which can be harmful to kids if ingested. Always make sure the dishwasher is securely closed when in use so kids cannot open the door and potentially suffer burns from hot water.

COUNTERTOPS Cutlery sets kept in blocks on countertops should be stored away from the edge of the counter, ideally along a back wall that kids cannot reach. In addition, countertop appliances like coffee machines, toasters, blenders, and slow cookers should be kept beyond the reach of young children.

Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, where curious kids can easily find trouble. Parents can reduce kids’ risk for kitchen accidents and injuries with some simple safety strategies.

- Metro Content

How families can comfortably share close quarters As the COVID-19 pandemic stretched on, families had to adapt to changing situations. Quarantine proved challenging even for the most resilient people, and families sharing close quarters had to find ways to stay calm and comfortable under one roof.

During the pandemic, families have spent more time together thanks to school closures, remote working and social distancing restrictions that limited contact between people who live in different households. The home improvement resource BobVila.com says that the average home in the United States is around 1,760 square feet, but when everyone is clamoring for a spot to spend most of their days, even the most expansive home can begin to feel a bit too confined. The following are some ways families can live comfortably when sharing close quarters for extended periods of time.

• Designate personal spaces. Bedrooms can be private respites, but they’re not necessarily the best places for people to spend the majority of their time. Try to create nooks that family members can call their own, like a man cave in the garage or a desk in a spare room for school lessons.

• Designate times for common areas.

Make a schedule that designates spaces for specific times, particularly for those who may need uninterrupted study or work periods.

• Establish defined routines. Stick to a routine so that everyone at home knows what to expect and when. Parents can

work around children’s school schedules when they know how school days are arranged. Children can avoid interrupting meetings if they realize that meetings occur at the same time each day. Set break times for meals so everyone can take a break and spend time together each day.

• Voice concerns and keep communi-

cation open. Family members should be able to freely express frustrations, anger or even fear of situations without being judged, according to the wellness resource Step to Health. Make sure everyone in the home recognizes others’ feelings are valid.

• Get out when you can. Family members can opt for safe interactions with friends or peers when needed. Engaging in conversation or getting a perspective from someone outside of the home can be beneficial. Even a short stroll alone outdoors can help to reduce stress. Parents of young children may want to establish a “quaranteam” with other caregivers so they can get a respite outside the home and leave the kids with trusted help.

• Use this as an opportunity to grow.

Spending more time together can be beneficial. Use the time together to make meals as a family, talk more, engage in family game nights, and build stronger relationships.

Some patience and cooperation can help families make the most of spending so much time together at home.

- Metro Content

Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, July 30, 2021

ASK YOURSELF... WHY AREN’T YOU A PART OF THE BUSINESSES LISTED BELOW WHO HAVE PROVEN SUCCESS!!!

PREFERRED REALTY

CLARK-BRANCH, REALTORS

©

Johnathan Kassnov

Every Saturday, this SPOTLIGHT ON REAL ESTATE will showcase area homes for sale in and around Pitt County.

7

8

Spotlight on Real Estate, Friday, July 30, 2021

We Are The Home Improvement Store That Comes To You! 1-800-938-1958

Free In-Home Estimate We kicked Covids butt! And all of our inhome staff are now fully vaccinated! Still, if you feel sick or have been exposed, please call us ahead of time so we may reschedule.

18 Months Same as Cash See Below for Details

or choose our

PLUS: Choose Free Custom Gutters or Shutters for your Home With Select Products!

5.9% APR Introductory Rate Limited Time Only

Protect Your Home and Family!

Custom Built Wood Privacy Fence M Protect Your Faimily, Pets and Home M Take Your Space Back and Get Peace

Custom Built 12’x16’ Deck!

$58.11

a month*

49

.92

$

of Mind!

M Increase Your Property Value M Heavy Duty Fences Built to Last

Chain - Link Fences as low as

84

.07*

as low as

a month* Choose from Free Gifts Listed Above!

as low as

$

Garages, Workshops & Storage Buildings!

We make it so easy for you...

M Completely Installed and Assembled on your level property M 20 Year Structure, Paint, and Frame Warranty 145 mph max Wind Rated / 35 psf Snow Load M Made in the USA. Adds Value to your property!

. 10* 13420x26

. 22* 224 30x30

$

$

a month

59

. 14* 267 34x36

$

87. 43*

$

a month

$

a month

a month

Roof Repair

349 .00*

as low as

$

No Down Payments 100% Financing THE Lowest Payments

W/Conv. Fee

plus tax

Serving North Carolina and Beyond

*All financing & SAC options based on approved qualified credit. 5.9% financing only on select products/ services, rate is good for 12 months with a 1% payment factor on revolving account. After 12 months, rate increases to 13.99% with a 1.5% payment factor; Examples given in ad: 12x20 total cash price $8743 installed on level ground, 20x26 total cash price $13,410 installed on level ground, 30x30 total cash price $22,422 installed on level ground, 34x36 total cash price $26,714 installed on level ground. All roofing removing one layer, up to 1400 sq ft, Lifetime Shingle Roofing $8710, 25 Year Shingle Roofing $5702, Metal Roofing $11,143. Ridgevent, Vent Boots, & Rake Extra, some roofs may be higher or may not qualify; Windows: Pre 1978 houses subject to lead test per E.P.A., 10 Window Special is vinyl, dual pane, tilt-in, installed at $4992, some homes/double-wides may be higher.; Siding: $5407 includes 1200 Sq ft of wall siding, white j-channel, and basic installation, most surfaces should qualify; Decks: 12x16 ground level deck - $8407, some homes may be higher. Fencing: 100 lf of: 4’ Chain-Link $3720 installed in most cases, Wood Privacy $5811 in most cases, Gates are extra; Single Color Decorative concrete patio 140 minimum sq ft $5502 in most cases; Concrete Driveways poured & finished, Up to 401 sq ft $5953 in most cases; No-Leaf Gutters: $1952 includes up to 200 lf of custom gutters installed. Gifts up to $1000 retail value max, available on initial visit only as first call incentive. Minimum & Qualified purchase required. Limited time offer, may be withdrawn at any time. We love our customers! Especially the nice ones:-) Are you still reading this? You must LOVE reading!

.53* a month

• • • • • • •

19

.52*

a month

a month

Choose from FREE GIFTS listed above!

Lifetime NO STREAK Roofing - as low as $87.10 a month*

Custom Gutter System Installed

$

$

as low as

Choose from FREE GIFTS listed above!

as low as

a month

Choose from FREE GIFTS listed above!

Decorative Concrete Patio

Choose from FREE GIFTS listed above!

NEW Concrete Driveway as low as

55

.02*

$

a month

a month

54

.07*

as low as

10 Lifetime Tilt-In Windows Installed

$37.20

M Color Match To Your Desire and Taste M No Money Down! 5.9% Finanicng! All permits Included M Custom Poured Broom-Finished 4000 PSI Concrete Floor

Lifetime Vinyl Siding

Ask About Our No-Leaf System

Patent Pending

130 MPH Wind Rated!

Never Get Ugly Black Streaks Again!

New Flashing, Drip Edge, Lifetime Vent Boots & Ice and Water Shield New Custom Synthetic Underlayment Bad Wood Replacement* Complete Clean-Up and Debris Removal Six + Nails per Tab (Arch Shingles)

25 Year Shingle Roofing - as low as$57.02 a month* Beautiful and Energy Efficient Metal Roofing As low as a month**

$111.43

Discounts for Senior Citizens, Military, and First Responders!

Licensed ~ Insured Professional

1-800-938-1958

Free In-Home Estimate www.TheImprovementStore.com