The Home News Spring 2021 | H&G
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Spring 2021
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Will Cicadas Harm The Garden? Gardeningknowhow.com
If you live in the eastern or southern parts of the United States, there’s little doubt that you’re familiar with the cicada – the only bug that can be heard above the din of a noisy lawn mower. So do cicadas damage plants? Experts offer mixed opinions on the subject, but it is generally accepted that cicada bugs in the garden are mostly harmless. However, they may cause damage – usually minor – to young or newly transplanted trees, or to trees that are already stressed and less than healthy. What is a Periodic Cicada? Periodic cicada is a specific species that appears like clockwork every 13 or 17 years. These are the pests that can harm oaks and other deciduous trees, usually when the females lay eggs in the young shoots. However, because periodic cicada emergence is spaced so far apart, healthy trees are able to rebound with little ill effect. Some trees, including mesquite, may lose branches when the females make small slits where she deposits her eggs. Experts at Arizona’s Maricopa County Cooperative Extension say that no control is necessary and that this process should be considered a healthy, all-natural form of pruning.
Cicada Control in Gardens
If you’re overwhelmed by the hordes of cicadas, or if you think they are damaging a prized tree or shrub, you can take steps to minimize the damage. One easy way is
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to protect the tree with mosquito netting or old curtains as soon as the invasion gets serious. Resist the temptation to blast the pests with insecticide. The chemicals won’t make a dent in the cicada population, but will kill birds and beneficial insects that work hard to control the pests. Don’t be squeamish if you want to keep cicadas in check; even snakes, lizards and rodents do their part by chowing down on the proteinrich bugs.
Brosky Brosky
Insurance Agency, Inc. “Tradition andAgency, Pride Since Insurance Inc.1965” “Tradition and Pride Since 1965” 1540 E. Race Street • P.O. Box 29 Catasauqua, Pa. 18032 1540 E. Race Street P.O. Box 29 Phone: (610) •264-3940 Catasauqua, Pa. 18032 Fax: (610) 264-2341 Phone: (610) 264-3940 Email: tbrosky@broskyins.com Fax: (610) 264-2341 Email: insurance@broskyins.com Todd Brosky CIC
PresidentCIC Todd Brosky President
4 H&G | Spring 2021
DIY Birdhouse Ideas Thesprucecrafts.com
Birdwatching is a favorite pastime for many. In fact, you might find yourself enjoying your chirping friends so much, that what started as one birdhouse in your yard might quickly multiply into half a dozen birdhouses. Unfortunately, premade birdhouses can get expensive. These DIY birdhouses are fun to make, and they'll save you a few dollars, which you can opt to spend on some bird seed for a bird feeder or two. 1. Basic- For beginner woodworkers, a birdhouse might be one of the first things they learn how to make. Constructing a basic wooden birdhouse is a relatively simple process once you know how to do it. Likewise, this particular house is
so easy to make, that Visit page 9 on you're encouraged to how to build the have your kids help basic wooden you along with the birdhouse project. 2. Repurpose old teapot and drawerBy combining an old teapot with a drawer, this blogger created a whimsical birdhouse ready for some nesting. First, she hung the pot from twine using the drawer handle holes. Next, she glued the thrifted teapot to the back of the drawer. Finally, she glued the top of the teapot to the bottom of the drawer to act as a landing perch.
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3. Customize a pre-made birdhouse with pennies- If you love crafting but aren't into woodworking projects, there are plenty of creative ways to make a birdhouse more custom. Pick up a pre-made birdhouse from the craft store or build one using a simple kit. Then, paint it your favorite home color. Next, gather a bunch of pennies and glue them on as the roof. Make sure you use the right type of adhesive so the roof won't fall off. 4. Birdhouse mansion with plywoodMaking this old colonial style birdhouse is easier than you might imagine. The key to nailing this look is to
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keep the white paint looking very weathered and adding character with cedar shake shingles for the roof. 5. Dried gourd- Gardeners that plant gourds will appreciate this birdhouse DIY. Simply dry out a gourd by leaving it outside for several months. By the time spring comes, the gourd will be ready to be cleaned and emptied, since all of its contents should be dried out. Make a hole large enough for a bird near the bottom of the gourd, then hang from a tree using heavy duty string or twine.
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How to Grow Garlic Indoors and Out Add a pot of this allium to your window ledge or in your outdoor garden.
Marthastewart.com Let's start by saying this: You can grow garlic indoors, but you won't get a head of garlic as you would when you plant cloves in the garden. What you'll get will be garlic sprouts or greens, which are the green tops of a bulb (much like what happens when a bulb sprouts on your kitchen counter). These greens are not the same as green garlic, which is early spring garlic or immature garlic bulbs and their edible green stalks. They are still quite delicious and can be used as a seasoning or garnish, though— you'll find their flavor is lighter and gentler than that of fresh garlic. To grow entire heads of garlic, you'll need to plant outdoors because, like other bulbs (think onions and daffodils), they need the cold winter dormancy to produce the scape (flower) and generate a head. "Garlic is a really easy crop to grow and it can be easily grown in pots or [a raised bed], with little maintenance," says Samantha Foxx farmher and beekeeper of Mother's Finest Urban Farm. "If you are like me every dish needs garlic, so add garlic to your growing area!" Planting and Growing Garlic Greens Indoors To grow garlic greens indoors, plant three or four cloves in a pot filled with potting soil. Sit them on a sunny window ledge and water them lightly. The garlic greens will grow in just seven to 10 days and can be
snipped. If you plan to have garlic greens on hand, you'll need to keep up with planting new cloves in succession as the cloves will be exhausted once they have grown the greens. Planting and Growing Garlic Outdoors For outdoor growing, garlic likes a welldraining soil, with a PH of around 6.5 to 7, says Foxx. "If you have thin or sandy soil, adding amendments of healthy compost will be a plus to help with optimal growth of your garlic," she says. "Also, aged animal manure can be a good addition to help this crop thrive and be well-fertilized during the fall months." However, Foxx urges not to use unprocessed animal manure as it can spread disease to your plants. Where to Plant Garlic For outdoor gardening, it is best to grow garlic in a sunny space. "Full sun will be ideal for the best growing conditions and help it to thrive and grow into large beautiful bulbs," she says. "Plant in a sunny area during fall," says Foxx. "Make sure to separate or mark them, because they will need a longer time to mature." When to Harvest Garlic Garlic is ready to harvest around seven to eight months after being planted, explains Foxx. "Some signs include the green leaves turning brown and the flower stems will get soft," she says.
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How To Build A Basic Birdhouse (contd. from page 4)
Skiptomylou.com Supplies 1 – 3/8 inch dowel rod 8 inches long 1 – 4” diameter perforated PVC pipe cut 5 inches long 2 – #212 eye hooks 1 – 1 X 6 piece of pine cut into 2- 5 1/2 inch X 5 1/2 inch squares (you may use types of other wood i.e. cedar) 12 inches wire or small chain for hanging 1 – 3/16“ Fir plywood cut into 1- 6” X 8 inch and 1 – 5 13/16” X 8 inch rectangles Small nails or brads 1” long for assembly Instructions Measure and cut boards. You will have a 5″ length of 4″ PVC, 1 – 8″ long 3/8″ dowel, 6 X 8″ roof piece, 5 13/16″ X 8 roof piece, 2- 5 1/2″ pine squares.
Overlap other roof piece (6” X 8 “) and nail to top sides of the 5 1/2 inch square. Place PVC pipe under roof and hold in place by pushing dowel rod through bottom holes. The dowel fits tightly. It can be sanded slightly if needed. Birds like to have clean homes! The neat part about this birdhouse is that the PVC pipe is perforated to provide air flow and can easily be removed for cleaning. Screw eye hooks into the roof on each side. Then attach the chain to the eye hooks.
BICKERT’S Drill 3/8 inch holes in the above pattern on the 5 1/2 inch squares. Use 1 1/4 inch spade bit for the larger hole. Sand the edges of the pieces Now we are ready to hammer! Nail 5 1/2 inch squares flush with the edge of the roof piece (5 13/16” X 8”). Pre-drilling the nail holes will make it easier for children to hammer in the nails.
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Home & Garden Supplement
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Insulation
Because single pane windows only have one layer of glass, they’re not as good as double pane windows at insulating your home from outside noises and temperatures. If you live Dwellbeautiful.com somewhere quiet with temperate weather, then Materials needed you may be just fine opting to Preserved save money Embroidery hoop, with singleMoss, pane Faux windows. However, you’re, flowers, Wireifcutter concernedHot about noise and other external glue gun, Ribbon factors affecting comfort offaux yourmoss home, you 1. Takethe bits of your should probably go with pane, to though and begin hot double gluing them your it’s important to note that even a double pane embroidery hoop. Experiment with different amounts moss and window isn’t going to be able of to completely different until you get block out all outsideplacements noise and temperatures. it just right! I decided to really layer Energy Efficiency it on and to also go up higher on the Heat gain and loss through is for an embroidery hoop’swindows right side responsible for 25 to 30 percent of aso: home’s asymmetrical look, like heating and cooling usage. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why double pane windows, with their added insulation due to an extra pane of glass and the option for a layer of insulating, non-toxic gas, are a good option for reducing energy waste. This reduction in heat gain and loss can save you hundreds of dollars a year, over time offsetting the cost of purchasing and installing the double pane windows in the first place. 2. Take your wire cutters and snip your faux flowers fromWindows their stems. Replacing Single Pane Get as close to the flower heads as with Double possible so they’llPane sit more flush Double pane windows are pretty against the moss! I usedmuch different standard now inranunculus newer homes, including new sized blooms as they construction If you’re livingUse in or have arebuilds. my favorite flower! some more hotan glue andhome attach them and to recently purchased older though your springbeen wreath in whatever the windows haven’t replaced recently, layout you choose. there’s a good chance they’re single pane. 3. Use some andhave makelimited a Most homeowners and ribbon renovators hanging device for your spring budgets to work with, and need to decide if wreath. Hang on the door using a single pane or doublehook paneon windows are going command the backside of
SDIY houldModern You Go Floral Spring Wreath For a SinGle Pane or double Pane WindoW?
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Cost
Let’s start with cost, since that’s definitely going to be one of the primary deciding factors when you’re choosing between single pane or double pane windows. According to HomeAdvisor, the initial purchase and installation cost of a single pane window is about $50 to $75 per window, while a double pane window runs closer to $350 to $400 per window. Double pane windows certainly require a larger upfront investment. That being said, they’re often recommended because of the advantages they provide—including cost savings later on related to better energy efficiency. Double pane vinyl or wood-framed windows are said to reduce energy usage by as much as 24 percent in cold climates during the winter and up to 18 percent in warm climates in the summer when compared to single pane windows. To get those savings though you’ll have to make a pretty major investment, since it will require that all of the windows in your home are double pane and not just a few of them.
the door. Then you’re all finished! Continued on Page 14 Stand back and admire your handiwork.
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Solar Energy Pros And Cons Consumeraffairs.com
Benefits of solar panels
There are many advantages of solar energy to consider when you’re deciding whether or not to install solar panels, such as:
Reduced electricity bills
Using solar energy instead of traditional energy sources can result in financial savings. Over a 20-year period, you could save anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on your state, home size and electricity usage. Unlike paying utility bills, paying off a solar panel system gets a return on investment. Solar energy can also be sold back to the grid, so you have the potential to earn while you save.
Financial support from the government
Federal and state tax benefits are available when you install solar panels in your home or business. Taxpayers could potentially claim 30 percent of installation costs, with
benefits that vary by state. The solar energy industry also creates jobs for solar panel manufacturers and solar installers, which in turn helps the economy
Energy independence
The sun is an infinite source of energy, unlike coal and natural gas, and solar panels can be installed practically anywhere. Using solar panels allows you to reduce dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels, leading to a more stable and predictable energy bill, especially during times when the demand for energy is high.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Solar energy is able to generate power without giving off any dangerous emissions. While there is some carbon footprint from producing and distributing solar panel infrastructure, the energy produced from solar panels is clean, free of pollutants and emits no greenhouses gases. The average American home produces 14,920 pounds Continued on Page 14
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Solar Energy Continued from Page 13
of carbon dioxide each year. By installing solar panels, you can reduce your carbon footprint by more than 3,000 pounds annually.
Requires little maintenance and has longevity
Most systems last for 20 or more years. During that time, solar panels and equipment require little maintenance. The company you choose can help you understand what is exactly required for maintenance. Plus, solar energy technology is always improving, so the same size solar panels from last year are even better today.
Disadvantages of solar panels
As with most things where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages to consider when thinking about installing a solar energy system. Some disadvantages associated with solar energy systems include:
High initial cost
While a reduced electric bill is an advantage, there are initial costs for the equipment, panels and installation that could be more than $20,000. Also, if you have devices that run on DC currents, those will be more expensive to power directly.
Weather dependence
The most important item with solar panels is the sun. If you live in an area prone to cloudy days or are simply having some storms and darker days for an extended period, this will negatively impact how the system runs. Your system will likely be less productive in winter months than summer months.
Inability to take it with you when you move
Practically speaking, once a solar energy system is installed on a home or business, it is nearly impossible to transport. Theoretically, it is possible to transfer PV solar panels if you move into a new home, Continued on Page 17
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Solar Energy Continued from Page 14
but it is never advised. The system would have to be dismantled from your roof and retrofitted to your new property, which would likely cause extensive damage to both your panels and your roof.
Limitations from your surroundings
As the solar energy industry continues to grow and offer more nation-wide services, most solar energy companies service a particular geographic region or even just one state. So, if you live in an area outside of a solar energy company’s coverage area, you could have difficulty even finding solar options near you. Additionally, if you live in a rural area or just far away from your solar provider, you could have problems reaching customer services representatives when you need to.
Inconvenience in inner cities and other areas with limited space
A solar system requires a decent size of space to install the equipment and have
everything run smoothly, and so solar panels might be inconvenient in inner cities and other areas with limited space. About 100 square feet of roof space is required for every 1 kW of conventional solar panels. If you have limited space or a small roof, you might not have the space for all the solar panels needed to power your entire house.
Bottom line
Many of the advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels seem to present a tradeoff. Solar panel technology is constantly improving, which means it’s not perfect yet. You’ll get a return on your investment, but it takes a long time. Energy produced from solar panels is abundant, clean and renewable, but the infrastructure that manufactures and delivers them leaves its own carbon footprint. After you understand how solar panels work and what makes the best solar panels, you will need to talk to a solar energy company to find out what makes the most sense for your home and climate. You could qualify for government subsidies and tax incentives that could help offset the initial high cost.
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14-Day Spring Cleaning Checklist Thespruce.com
Day 1- Dust
Take a broom to the corners of the ceiling to catch any cobwebs in your kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Then, sweep or vacuum the floors. Dust the undersides of every chair and table in your home, and then vacuum and mop the floors around them. Clean every mirror in your home, including ones in the bathrooms, bedrooms, and entryway. Dust your books and the knick-knacks on your bookshelves.
Day 2- Take inventory of your clothing
If the weather has changed, switch out your seasonal clothing. Wash your winter gloves, hats, and scarves, and pack them up for next year. Take your winter coats to the dry cleaner if necessary. Sort your under-bed storage boxes. Add any applicable items to the donate or mend
boxes. Remove odd socks from your sock drawer, and either toss them or use them as cleaning rags. Go through your dresser, and pull out items of clothing you haven’t worn in a year and have no plans to wear again. Put them in your donation box.
Day 3- Clean out your medicine cabinet
Throw away expired medicines. Look up local regulations on how to properly dispose of medicines. Organize your emergency supplies. Make sure you're stocked on first aid necessities. Declutter your linen closet. Pull out the old towels and sheets you no longer use, and put them into your donation box.
Day 4- Clean small appliances
Clean your appliances, including their plugs, tops, bottoms, sides, and any Continued on Page 20
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20 H&G | Spring 2021
Spring Cleaning Continued from Page 18
accessories that came with them. Deep clean your coffee maker, following manufacturer instructions. Thoroughly clean utensils, such as can openers, that might not be washed on a regular basis. Replace old kitchen sponges and rubber gloves.
Day 5- Clean your car Inside and out!
Day 6- Deep clean your fridge and cabinets
Thoroughly clean your fridge and freezer by removing all shelves, racks, and storage containers and washing them in your bathtub. Toss any old food. Wash your ice cube trays. Wipe down the sides of the fridge and freezer. Then, put everything back in. If you’re afraid of food spoiling, use a cooler to keep food cold while you work. Take everything out of your cabinets, and clean all the surfaces before replacing the
items. Check the cabinets for any unexpired food you don't plan to eat that can be donated. Throw out expired or questionable food.
Day 7- Toss clutter in the bathroom
Declutter and clean your bathroom storage. Take everything out, and clean the backs, sides, and bottoms of the cabinets and drawers. Dispose of any expired bathroom cleaning products. Replace any old, worn toothbrushes and/or razors. Wash or replace your shower curtain liner.
Day 8- Wash household linens
Wash your couch covers, pillowcases, and other linens used around the house. Launder the drapes in your living room, dining room, and bedrooms. If you can’t wash them on site, bring them to the dry cleaners. Wash your ironing board cover Wash your tea towels and kitchen towels. Continued on Page 22
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Spring Cleaning Continued from Page 20
Toss small rugs, bathroom mats, and bathrobes in the wash.
Day 9- Clean your electronics
Clean your remote controls. Clean your phones and tablets. Dust the screens of televisions and computers. Clean your keyboards. Sort through your old CDs and VHS tapes for items to donate.
Day 10- Clean your oven
Deep clean your oven following manufacturer instructions. Clean your cooktop and ventilation hood.
Day 11- Clean your windows
Remove your window screens, and vacuum them using the handheld attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, soak them in soapy water before rinsing. Use dish soap diluted in water and a microfiber cloth to wipe down your windows. Then, spray on vinegar diluted in water, and wipe the windows with a clean towel to dry
them. Dust your window sills and frames, and touch up any chipped paint around the sills.
Day 12- Wash your makeup and hair brushes
Deep clean your makeup brushes and hair brushes. Toss any liquid makeup over 3 months old and any powdered makeup over a year old.
Day 13- Clean out your plumbing
Clean every drain in your home using this method: Pour boiling hot water down the drain, add baking soda, and then add vinegar. Then, cover the drain with a plug for a few minutes. Follow with another pour of boiling water. Schedule a plumber for any leaky or otherwise damaged faucets you can't fix yourself.
Day 14- Get the kids involved in cleaning
If you have young children, teach them how to clean something in their room, and make that their chore from now on. Go through your books (including kids’ books), and donate ones you don't want anymore.
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Housing Market Forecast for 2021 daveramsey.com So you’re hoping to buy or sell a home and want to know what the housing market forecast is like—especially after such an unpredictable year. Well, keep in mind that no one can predict what’s going to happen with 100 percent accuracy. But we can check out what real estate experts are seeing and make some guesses about the future from there. (Hint: It’s looking strong!) Remember, housing market predictions can only give you an idea of what to expect if you buy or sell a house this year. But never let them dictate your housing decisions— only your personal situation and finances should do that. With that said, let’s take a closer look at how the market is doing. Get your fireworks ready because the housing market for 2021 could be a blast! Experts predict a post-pandemic rebound—we’re talking steady mortgage rates, job recoveries, and the law of supply
and demand all working together to spark a match that will make home sales go kaboom! That’s right, forget the slow start to 2020 where all the unknowns of the pandemic outbreak had home buyers and sellers feeling a bit shy to pull the trigger. Real estate agents have had a full year to adopt new ways to respect social distancing guidelines when necessary. And with super low inventory, pent-up buyers are scratching and clawing to enter the market. Real estate gurus believe low mortgage rates and the rise of remote workers with flexible schedules will keep home sales booming in 2021. For the math nerds out there, here’s a snapshot of what that could look like numbers-wise:
Housing Market Predictions
Existing home sales- Up nine percent Newly built home sales- Up 21 percent Home prices- Up eight percent Continued on Page 24
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Housing Market Continued from Page 23
Mortgage rates (30-year fixed)- At three percent For a better understanding of what that means for you, let’s take a deeper dive. Remember, these numbers are only predictions made by people who study the housing market. In other words, while the numbers will probably change here and there as experts crunch new data, the bottom line will mostly stay the same: Home sales and prices are likely to be higher in 2021 compared to last year.
Plenty of Home Buyers Will Enter the Market
Just before we rang in the new year, real estate agents across the country were asked to describe their market based on how many buyers were looking for homes and how many sellers were selling their homes.
Not Enough Homes Will Be Listed for Sale
On the other hand, the amount of homes listed for sale are down 22 percent compared to last year. Buyers will have to work a little harder to find their dream home.
How Fast Will Homes Fly Off the Market in 2021?
Before the start of 2021, existing homes were typically on the market for just 21 days—meaning houses were plucked off the market two weeks faster than a year ago. That’s great news for sellers who are itching to get their homes sold fast. But buyers need to stay focused! You won’t want to dawdle once you find your best home because it’ll likely be gone if you wait too long to commit.
Will There Be a Lot of Foreclosures in 2021?
Projections show that 225,000–500,000 homeowners across the country might face foreclosure (eviction for missing mortgage payments) in 2021. Is that more than normal? Yes. For perspective, experts predict that in spring 2021 the amount of foreclosures will more than double compared to the same
time last year. Why the increase? Well, those projections are mostly based on job losses connected to the pandemic. Imagine how hard it’d be for a homeowner to keep up with mortgage payments after losing a stable job and income. If that’s you, hang in there. There’s more you can do to avoid foreclosure like tightening up your monthly budget and finding multiple jobs. On the other hand, what do more foreclosures mean for home buyers? You might find a sweet discount! But keep in mind, buying a foreclosed home could come with its own set of potential issues. So make sure you do your homework on the house and know what you’re getting yourself into before you buy.
Is the Housing Market Going to Crash in 2021?
It’s pretty unlikely that the housing market will crash within the next two years at least. Remember, real estate experts predict that home prices will increase by 8 percent in 2021—and from there, they’re projected to grow at a slightly slower rate of 5.5 percent in 2022. With new buyers continuing to enter the market and not enough homes for sale to meet demand, home sales and prices are still going up. On the other hand, if the number of houses for sale was crazy high and the number of buyers willing to buy them suddenly plummeted, home prices would get slashed and that’s when a crash would be something to worry about.
What Does This Mean for Home Buyers in 2021?
Okay, so far it looks like you’ll need to bring your A game if you want to buy the home of your dreams this year. With more buyers than sellers, you’ll probably be up
Spring 2021 | H&G
against some heavy competition. But don’t worry—there’s a bright side for buyers too. If you’re getting a mortgage, you might still be able to get a low interest rate in 2021. The annual average interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage in 2020 was only 2.61 percent—the lowest it’s been since Freddie Mac started reporting nearly 30 years ago! Sure, rates might start to increase a little in 2021. But you’ll probably still have a good chance of locking in a lower than average one. A low rate means a lower monthly payment and less of your money going toward interest over the life of the loan. Woo-hoo!
What Does This Mean for Home Sellers in 2021?
Sellers out there can feel pretty good about 2021. There are still plenty of buyers in the market and not as many sellers to compete with you. If you work with an experienced agent, you’ll be able to set the best home price and find the right buyer. You should have no problem selling your house this year. PA#013733
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Behr's Color of the Year 2021 Is an Earthy and Harmonious Hue
Canyon Dusk will remind you of terra-cotta pots and cinnamon.
Marthastewart.com
If you're looking to refresh your home, there's no better way to do that than with a fresh coat of paint. Whether you want to revamp your living room or upgrade a dated bathroom, an easy cosmetic change like a new paint color will instantly make everything feel bright and fresh again. If you're looking for a new swatch to consider, check out Behr's 2021 Color of the Year: Canyon Dusk is an earthy hue inspired by cinnamon and terra-cotta, and it'll look great in any room in Continued on Page 26
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5 Indoor Plants Almost Impossible To Kill Goodhousekeeping.com Canyon Dusk Continued from Page 25
your home. "There is something so reassuring about dusk, the moment just after sunset, which brings the promise of a new day," said Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr, in a company press release. "The illuminating, free-spirited Canyon Dusk is a color that can be found in a variety of places, from an awe-inspiring desert landscape to the color of sunbaked clay. Wherever it is found, we share a collective need for these moments of comfort and inspiration in the days ahead." Canyon Dusk is part of an earthy palette from Behr that includes 21 other paint colors including Maple Glaze, which is described as "hopeful and welcoming;" the fiery and festive Saffron Strands; the always grounded and relatable Modern Mocha; Euphoric Magenta, a gracious and creative shade; soft and serene Smoky White; and the comfortable and adaptable Almond Wisp. Pair them together when you want to create a tranquil space to relax. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, finding a sense of calm and serenity in the home is more important than ever. Behr hopes that this neutral hue will offer some peace and inspire homeowners' own creativity while we all spend more time at home. "From seasoned DIYers to first time painters, it's been inspiring to see people, really embracing opportunities to enhance their spaces during this time when we are all in our homes more than ever before. Whether creating an unexpected accent wall or a simple color change, paint can make a huge visual impact, and it's one of the most affordable and straightforward DIY projects to tackle," says Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Behr. So, as you attempt to find your footing in another year filled with uncertainty, turn to Canyon Dusk and find a sense of elevated comfort within the walls of your home.
1. Pothos- Calling all black thumbs: This trailing vine has earned the nickname "devil's ivy" for its ability to withstand nearly pitch-black conditions as well as under- and overwatering. 2. Rubber Plant- Rubber trees can measure over 100 feet tall in their native Asia, but regular pruning will keep the ornamental variety in check. A potted rubber tree tolerates bright direct light, but put it in a slightly more shaded spot and it will thank you for it. Water when the soil has dried out — about every week or so. 3. Ponytail Palm- Officially called the Beaucarnea recurvata, the slow-growing ponytail palm likes basking in a sunny window. Don't douse the Mexico native with too much water because "its stems work off its reserves," says Nejman. 4. Philodendron- There's a lot to love about philodendrons. Their name literally comes from the Greek words philo- (meaning "love") and dendron (meaning"tree"). Most types can withstand dark corners as well as sparse watering. "They like to be on the
Spring 2021 | H&G
dry side," says Nejman, so don't fill the watering can more than once per week. 5. ZZ PlantOfficially named Zamioculcas zamiifolia, the ZZ plant is native to East Africa. Called "the king of the indestructible plants," the species tolerates the dangerous trifecta of plant-killers: drought, low light, and really low humidity.
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