Seasonal Refresh: Revamping Your Home For Springtime
6 Ways to Spruce up Your Home for Spring
The longer days and warmer temperatures might entice you to spend your time outside, but before you do, there are a few things to take care of inside! (And some outdoor items for those truly spectacular spring days.)
Declutter before you start cleaning, then designate boxes for donation, garage sale, or garbage.
Wash windows, sliding door tracks, and overlooked surfaces (like baseboards, door frames, walls, light fixtures, under furniture and appliances, and refresh window treatments.
Deep clean your bedroom—you spend a lot of time there sleeping. Now is a great time to rotate and flip mattresses, wash mattress pads, blankets, comforters, bed skirts, and area rugs. Don’t forget to clean your pillows, too. You can send them to a pro, hang them outside to air dry, or even freshen them in the dryer on a low or no-heat setting.
Transition your wardrobe - streamline your closet by putting warm-weather clothing at the forefront. Pack away gloves, hats, scarves, and boots. Be sure to label everything for the fall.
If you haven’t done so, do a safety check on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check your fire extinguishers and make sure you know how to use them.
Do an exterior home refresh: plant flowers in beds or movable pots, lay fresh mulch, and power wash the siding, windows, sidewalks, and driveway. Clear rain gutters, repaint your front door, clean off the outdoor furniture, or better yet, after all that hard work, treat yourself to some updated decor.
With just a few days of elbow grease, your home will be ready for a summer of sun, fun, and much less cleaning.
A Guide to Hosting a Small Thanksgiving Get Together!
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and spending quality moments with loved ones. While large family gatherings are the norm for many, hosting a small, intimate Thanksgiving dinner can be just as meaningful and enjoyable. Whether you’re celebrating with immediate family or a few close friends, here’s a guide to help you create a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving gathering.
1. Plan Ahead
Begin your Thanksgiving preparations by planning well in advance. Consider your guest list and determine how many people you’ll be hosting. Smaller gatherings are ideal for intimate conversations and ensuring everyone feels included.
2. Create a Guest List
Since it’s a smaller gathering, you have the freedom to invite those closest to your heart. Think about the people who matter most and who will enjoy each other’s company. Remember, it’s not about the quantity but the quality of the connections.
3. Choose a Cozy Setting
Opt for a cozy and inviting setting. A small dining room, a well-lit living room, or even an outdoor patio with a fire pit can be great options. Consider your guests’ comfort and create an ambiance that encourages relaxation and conversation.
4. Decorate Thoughtfully
Keep your decorations simple yet charming. Fall-themed centerpieces with seasonal flowers or candles, along with some tasteful table linens, can add a festive touch without overwhelming the space. You can also use nature’s bounty, like colorful leaves and acorns, for a rustic and homely feel.
5. Menu Planning
One of the joys of hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner is that you can curate a special menu catered to your guests’ preferences. Consider dietary restrictions and preferences when planning your dishes. Traditional Thanksgiving fare like roast turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes can be scaled down to suit your party size. Don’t forget to include a vegetarian or vegan option if necessary.
6. Cooking Ahead
To avoid being overwhelmed on the day of the event, prepare as much as you can in advance. You can make cranberry sauce, gravy, and even desserts like pies a day or two ahead. This will allow you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
7. Keep It Simple
Smaller gatherings are perfect for keeping the menu simple yet delicious. Consider dishes that are easy to prepare and serve. Roasting a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey is a practical choice for a small group. Complement the main course with a few well-chosen sides like green beans, sweet potatoes, and a fresh salad.
8. Share the Cooking
Don’t hesitate to ask your guests to contribute to the meal. You can assign them dishes, appetizers, or desserts to bring. This not only eases your workload but also makes your guests feel more involved in the gathering.
9. Signature Cocktails
Create a special Thanksgiving cocktail or mocktail that sets the tone for the evening. Whether it’s a spiced apple cider, a cranberry spritzer, or a warm, seasonal cocktail, a signature drink can add a festive touch to your gathering.
10. Thanksgiving Tradition
Although it’s a smaller group, you can still uphold Thanksgiving traditions. Go around the table and have each person share something they’re thankful for. This simple practice can be a heartwarming reminder of the spirit of the holiday.
11. Set the Mood with Music
Create a playlist of Thanksgiving-appropriate songs to play in the background. Soft, acoustic tunes and classics that reflect gratitude and togetherness can enhance the atmosphere.
12. Comfortable Seating
Ensure there’s enough comfortable seating for everyone. You might not need a grand dining table, but ample seating with cushions and throws can make your gathering cozy and inviting.
13. Timing Matters
Plan your dinner at a time that suits your guests’ schedules. You can opt for a late afternoon meal or an early evening dinner, allowing for quality time both before and after the feast.
14. Desserts
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a delicious array of desserts. Offer a variety of pies, like pumpkin, apple, or pecan, along with some whipped cream and ice cream for toppings. Miniature desserts can be a fun option, as they allow guests to sample different sweets.
15. Gratitude and Connection
As the host, take a moment to express your gratitude for your guests and the time you’re spending together. Encourage conversation, storytelling, and connecting on a deeper level. Thanksgiving is about more than just the food; it’s about the warmth and love shared with loved ones.
16. Capture the Memories
Consider designating someone to capture the special moments with photographs. These memories will serve as a wonderful reminder of your small Thanksgiving gathering in the years to come.
Embrace the opportunity to create cherished memories with your closest friends and family, and remember that it’s not the size of the gathering that matters but the love and gratitude shared among those who gather around your table.
Halloween is supposed to be spooky, but make sure your Halloween is scary for all the right reasons. Trick-or-treating is fun, but it’s also an evening fraught with danger. Here we offer 20 tips for more fun than fright this trick-or-treat night.
Plan your route.
Make sure you are familiar with the neighborhood. Use sidewalks, paths, and crosswalks. Avoid backyards, shortcuts, and alleys.
Watch the weather.
A surprise thunderstorm may add to the ambience of a haunted Halloween, but it will also add slippery walkways, reduced vision for motorists, and a threat of dangerous lightning strikes.
Stay bright.
Keep to well-lit areas (i.e., street lights if possible), and arm kids with glow sticks or flashlights so they can be seen by drivers. Adorn costumes and bags with reflective tape. Only visit homes that have front porch lights on.
Stay outside.
Children should only accept treats on the doorstep – never inside a home.
Check your child’s treats.
Remove any candy that has loose or opened wrappers (or no wrapper at all). Watch for choking hazards for young children. Discard candy that has unfamiliar brand names. Remember to check carefully for ingredients that may be allergens for your child.
Maximize visibility.
For children’s costumes, opt for face paint vs. masks. Masks might obscure a child’s vision. Hats, scarves, and wigs should be tied securely so they won’t slip over children’s eyes.
Make costumes safe.
Choose costumes that won’t cause falls. Shoes should be secure. Hemlines should be well above the ground. Also choose flame-resistant fabrics. Use non-toxic makeup and test ahead of time on a small patch of your child’s skin. Avoid sharp accessory objects such as pretend swords. Even plastic toys can be sharp or tripping hazards.
Accompany your kids.
Adults should supervise kids under the age of 12. For kids over 12, make sure they travel in groups and establish ground rules. Know the exact route they plan to take, and turn on their phone tracking. Review with children how to call 9-1-1.
Tuck cell phones away.
Cell phones are a great tool for safety, but everyone needs to have their eyes on the road. Keep ringers on, but keep phones in pockets.
Walk, don’t run.
As exciting as this night is, try to keep children energy reigned in for the sake of safety.
Be mindful of health.
Make sure your child has a good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating to discourage eating candy all night long. Make sure your child knows they are not to eat anything until you have checked all the candy at home in the light. Try to ration treats over the days following Halloween. This is a great opportunity to teach your children the importance of moderation.
If you’re at home giving out candy, here are things you can do to keep your trick-or-treating visitors safe.
Lock up pets.
Keep family pets away from the front door, for their safety and for the comfort of your guests. You also don’t want an open door to become an escape route for anxious animals. That could become a Halloween nightmare.
Clear a path.
Make sure front walkways are unobstructed to avoid tripping hazards. Sweep wet leaves away.
Light up.
Make sure porch lights are kept on. This will help little goblins see the way and let them know you’re open for business.
Fake your flames.
Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns to avoid inflaming guests.
Offer non-candy options.
Many parents will appreciate non-sugar alternatives such as pencils, bookmarks, stickers, glow sticks, etc.
If you are driving during Trick-or-Treat times, follow these precautions.
Turn on headlights early.
Most cars have headlights that turn on automatically at dusk, but try to turn on your headlights even earlier.
Slow down.
Drive very slowly and be especially alert for excited children who may dart out unexpectedly.
Use extra caution.
Be especially aware at intersections and while pulling in and out of driveways, but children also may seemingly appear out of nowhere.
Locate your car’s emergency lights.
Use caution blinkers while dropping off or picking up trick-or-treaters.
Redwood And New Story Homes Work Together To Solve The Housing Crisis
Nick Pasquini recently returned from a trip to El Salvador to check out the progress of New Story Homes – a nonprofit that has been a mainstay of the ongoing “Redwood Gives Back” charitable initiatives. But to Nick, this trip was extra special in that it perfectly packaged his top priorities.
“This was all of my life’s passions coming together all at once,” says the CEO and co-founder of Century 21 Redwood Realty. “As an entrepreneur, it’s great when your life and your work blend together and become one. That’s what this trip was – and it was very rewarding.”
When it comes to what matters to Nick, his family gets top billing, so it was fitting that his wife Sara and kids Sofia and Enzo traveled with him.
But several other boxes were checked, too.
“I had my family there, and I also love travel and adventure. It was tied in with my work and philanthropy. And then all that is linked with housing. A previous trip to work with New Story in Haiti and then this trip to El Salvador were rare moments in time where I was able to put everything together.”
The primary focus of Nick’s “vision trip” was to meet up with the New Story team and tour the homes that have been built as a tangible solution to a worldwide housing crisis. But Nick’s family purposely arrived in the country a little early to become acquainted with the people, the landscape, and the culture of El Salvador.
First, his family enjoyed some R & R—with an emphasis on the second “R:” recreation. They hiked to the top of a volcano in Santa Ana, trekked through a jungle, swam and jet skied in Lake Coatepeque, shopped in the street markets, and indulged in pupusas, ceviche, and more.
After a few days of adventure, they traveled to El Espino, El Salvador, where they met some of the 64 families whose lives have been transformed by safe and decent housing. These families had been displaced for 15 years, living in temporary, makeshift shacks due to a developer purchasing the land on which they had been living.
“It was great to see the joy in the faces of the vulnerable families who had previously been in unsafe housing conditions who now have safe places to live,” says Nick.
One of the families told him how much weather impacted the quality of their lives before they lived in good housing.
“When it rained, we couldn't get into our homes, and if we were inside our homes and it rained, we couldn’t get out.”
Nick explains, “These single-room 10-foot by 10-foot homes had dirt floors and were very unstable, so every time there was substantial rainfall, their homes flooded. A lot of times, they would lose all their belongings, even when they would stack them up high to keep them out of the muddy floods.”
Nick and his family visited three different New Story Homes communities where families who had been living in unsafe housing now thrive. “They showed us their homes, their gardens,” says Nick. “We even played soccer with them. It was great! The kids there swarmed my kids. We’ve found it’s universal that kids get along with other kids no matter where you go!”
“New Story Homes offers a unique business model that differs from other traditional housing charities,” says Nick.
The organization partners with local governments and invests with local developers to develop land with important municipal utilities such as roads, water, sewage, and electricity. Families enter into a savings program to pay for their land. After approximately 24 months, families receive their lot title, making them legal owners. Families can then use their land as collateral to access affordable home construction financing.
Nick continues to be grateful for the compassionate outpouring that Redwood agents and employees have shown through the Redwood Gives Back program.
The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Spectacular: What You Need To Know
A Total Eclipse
On April 8th, a unique celestial event will unfold, offering a rare opportunity for many Americans to witness a total solar eclipse. This remarkable phenomenon, occurring just seven years after the last one visible in our hemisphere, is a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders of our universe. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon crosses completely in front of the sun, causing the skies to go dark for a few moments.
What makes this eclipse special?
All eclipses are cool, to say the least, but this one will be a little different than the last. The path of totality is the direction and path the moon will travel where viewers will be able to see the moon totally block out the sun. Compared to 2017, this eclipse will have a much wider path of totality and will cover more populated areas, meaning more people will be able to see it. However, even if you’re not in the path of totality, 99% of those in the United States will still be able to see at least some of the eclipse this year.
The period of totality, the length of time viewers will be able to see the moon block the sun, lasted around 2 minutes and 42 seconds in 2017. This year’s eclipse will be one of the longest on record, with the totality reaching up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds in some areas.
This year's heightened solar activity will also allow viewers to see streamers and prominences, which look like bright pink loops, coming off the sun.
Fun ways to watch the eclipse:
April 8th is a Monday, and depending on where you live, most of us will be at work during the eclipse. That doesn’t mean you can’t take a break and watch this incredible event! Just make sure to do so safely with proper eye equipment. If you have the time to plan, check out the path of totality and make a whole day of it!
Go camping - Get away from the crowds and spend the day in nature. The entire eclipse will last a few hours, so take the day, grab some chairs and snacks, and enjoy!
Travel - If you are one of the lucky few who can easily travel to a city within the path of totality, go! Austin, Texas, Cleveland, Ohio, and Niagara Falls are directly within the path and will have the best viewing potential. Click here for a full map.
You don’t have to be an astronomy enthusiast to appreciate the spectacular event that will be this year’s solar eclipse. Grab some safety glasses, block an hour on your calendar, and enjoy one of space’s coolest events!
Maybe you’ve experienced this before, or maybe you haven’t, but the closer you get to closing on a home, the more your excitement builds. Because of that, every second until you take your first step into your new home can feel like an eternity.
To our fellow go-getters, we empathize with this problem. Check out our simple guidelines that can help you take charge of the situation and ensure your home closing goes as smoothly as possible.
The Do’s
Set and stick to a realistic budget
Have all your required documentation in place
Prepare to verify your income and assets
Communicate if your down payment is a gift
Continue to pay all your bills on time
Make sure that your earnest money check comes from funds withdrawn under your own bank account
Start shopping for homeowner’s insurance
Communicate with your loan officer
The Don’ts
Change jobs, quit your job, or become self-employed
Buy or trade in a vehicle
Increase debt/balances or miss payments
Spend money you have set aside
Omit debts or liabilities from your loan application
Make large purchases (ex., buying new furniture or appliances)
Acquire new loans, credit cards, or lines of credit
Change bank accounts
Co-sign any loan
Use cash for your down payment or earnest money
Wire closing funds (until you have more information from your mortgage provider)
While these guidelines are a good start, they’re not absolute. For more on what you can (and shouldn’t) do in the lead-up to closing on your home, don’t forget your loan officer is there to help – they can answer any questions you have on the do’s and don’ts of homebuying.
Our friends at Atlantic Coast Mortgage will help you navigate and understand the lending process and the loan opportunities available specifically to you and your situation. Still have questions? Contact an ACM loan officer today and start your buying journey in the right direction.
Get Out(Side)! Celebrate Spring In DC, Maryland, And Virginia
What better way to break away from the drab browns and grays of winter and rejoice in the rebirth of springtime’s rainbow hues than by taking a house and garden tour? Our region has many stunning homes with over-the-top landscaping that brighten our world. Get an up-close look that will surely inspire your own home improvement projects!
March 20 – April 14
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, D.C.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., takes place between March 20 and April 14, but the peak blooming period is difficult to predict more than 10 days in advance. You can sign up for email updates to be the first to know when blooms will be their most beautiful. The festival includes a Pink Tie Party, Blossom Kite Festival, PetalPalooza, and a parade. But be prepared for crowds: the festival attracts millions of tourists from around the world.
Enjoy food, fun, culture, and entertainment throughout Washington, DC, during one of the world's great celebrations of spring.
April 20 – 27
Historic Garden Week
Locations throughout Virginia
https://www.vagardenweek.org/
Each April, the Garden Club of Virginia oversees tours of gorgeous homes and gardens organized and hosted by member clubs statewide. This signature fundraiser supports the restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic public gardens and provides graduate-level research fellowships. There are dozens of tours throughout the state, but here are some in the DMV area:
Old Town Alexandria – Saturday, April 20
This easy walking tour of Old Town Alexandria includes private townhomes and secluded Gardens in the historic district. In addition, the tour ticket includes admission to two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects: George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Green Spring Gardens.
Leesburg – Sunday, April 21, and Monday, April 22
Hillsboro is the focus of this year’s Leesburg tour. The village dates from 1752, and visitors will enjoy a walking tour of four historic properties and a significant renovation of the town’s Main Street.
Fairfax County – Tuesday, April 23
This walking tour showcases Ballantrae in McLean – a 6.5-acre estate with a 1923 Colonial Revival manor house, a circa 1843 farmhouse, and extensively landscaped grounds with areas for outdoor entertaining, a sunken tennis court, a hidden treehouse, and a walled kitchen garden. In the neighboring town of Vienna, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens boasts 95 acres with large ornamental display gardens, a restored 18th-century farmhouse, and a Korean Bell Garden.
Fredericksburg – Tuesday, April 23
Fredericksburg has a 40-block National Historic District. Stately dwellings have pedigrees that stretch back to 1764. The handsome lineup of homes for this year’s tour includes diverse architectural styles and well-manicured historic landscapes, several of which are on the Rappahannock River. The corner of the city boasts an impressive display of spring tulips.
Winchester – Saturday, April 27
This year’s Winchester tour focuses on Fairmont Avenue, a tree-lined street brimming with homes built during the latter half of the Victorian era. The walking tour features four homes with unique architectural styles and lovely city gardens.
https://www.vagardenweek.org/
May 18
Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage – Montgomery County
Dedicated to the preservation of Maryland’s cultural and historically significant properties and landscapes, the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage was formed in 1930. The “pilgrims” have traversed throughout the state each year, taking part in immersive tours of noteworthy properties. Through these tours, the MHGP has been able to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars toward the preservation of culturally important properties.
The Montgomery County tour takes place on Saturday, May 18.
The Prince George’s County tour takes place on Saturday, June 22.
The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage puts on tours of unique homes and gardens throughout Maryland (centered in various counties) each s
May 18 – May 19
Beyond the Garden Gates
Downtown Frederick, Md.
Baker Park
Peek behind the garden gates of lovely private homes this spring in Frederick, Maryland. In addition to stunning landscapes, you’ll also be treated to various discounts from downtown Frederick retailers and restaurants.
Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19, 2024 1 - 5 PM | Downtown Frederick & Baker Park Rain or Shine Tickets go on sale Monday, April 1, 2024. F
Spring is one of the best times of year in the DMV, and these activities will help you make the most of the warmer days and fresh blooms. With walking tours, festivals, and gardens galore, you will have plenty to keep you busy!
Don’t Want To Wait? The Following Gardens Are Open Now!
Dumbarton Oaks in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The Gardens consist of sixteen acres and are an oasis of wilderness, meadows, and wooded pathways within the city. While there, explore the museum, home to a world-class Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art collection. Tickets are required beginning March 15th.
The Franciscan Monastery in N.E. Washington, D.C., is a hidden treasure within the Nation’s capital. Visitors can take a contemplative stroll among the more than 1,000 roses, beautiful native trees, and plants. Visitors of all faiths and ages are welcome. The Franciscan Monastery is in the Brookland neighborhood near Catholic University and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm, guided tours begin in April.
Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park, Maryland. The gardens include the following gardens: Aquatic, Azalea, Butterfly, Children’s, Rose, Japanese-Style, Trial, Rain, and a Woodland Walk. The Formal garden areas include a Perennial Garden, a Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and a Fragrance Garden. There are also two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Admission to the gardens is free. Outdoor gardens are open from sunrise to sunset.
Hillwood’s Estate, Museum, and Gardens in Washington, D.C., were the vision of Marjorie Post when rebuilding the estate in the 1950s. Thirteen acres of formal gardens extend from the house’s terraces and porches in a progression of “outdoor rooms.” Click here to purchase tickets.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a wonderful public garden for strolling and relaxing but it’s also a center for environmental and horticultural education, an outdoor classroom for thousands of public school children, and a botanical garden with large ornamental and native plant collections. Click here for hours and fees.
Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, an estate in Leesburg, Virginia, is operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy the four and a half acres of walled gardens, including the tea house, yew walk, meditation and herb gardens, and the color border. Springtime brings the Daffodil Wall and a riot of peonies.
Historic Kenmore In Fredericksburg, VA, reopens to the public on March 1. Click here to get tickets and learn more about the beautiful estate.
Lilypons is a magnificent water garden located in Adamstown, Md. is open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 – 4 beginning in March.
8 Reasons Spring Is THE Season For Buying And Selling
The spring market is often considered the best time to buy or sell a home for several reasons. Here are some key factors that contribute to the appeal of the spring season for home buyers and sellers:
Curb Appeal and Better Weather:
During spring, properties showcase their best features as gardens bloom and the landscape looks more appealing.
Longer days and better weather conditions make it easier for homebuyers to explore neighborhoods and attend open houses without the challenges of winter weather.
Increased Inventory:
Sellers often list their homes in spring, leading to more available properties.
A more extensive selection gives buyers more options and the opportunity to find a home that meets their preferences and needs.
Optimal Timing for Families:
Families with school-age children prefer to move during the summer to minimize disruption to their children’s education.
Buying a home in spring allows for a closing date in late spring or early summer, aligning with the optimal moving period for families.
Market Activity and Competition:
The spring market typically sees increased buyer and seller activity.
While there might be more competition, sellers may also be motivated to close deals quickly, potentially leading to more favorable buyer negotiations.
Favorable Financing Conditions:
Mortgage rates may be relatively stable or lower during the spring, providing buyers with favorable financing conditions.
Lower interest rates can reduce monthly mortgage payments and overall cost savings.
Quick Home Inspections:
Longer daylight hours during spring allow for more efficient and thorough home inspections.
Buyers can identify potential issues and negotiate repairs before finalizing the purchase.
Seasonal Mood Boost:
The overall mood during spring is positive, and this optimism can extend to the real estate market.
Buyers may feel more motivated and enthusiastic about making significant life changes, such as purchasing a new home.
Timely Moving and Settling In:
Purchasing a home in spring provides ample time for closing, moving, and settling into the new property before the busier summer months.
This timing allows buyers to enjoy their new homes and communities during the warmer seasons.
While the spring market offers numerous advantages, buyers must carefully assess their circumstances and market conditions. Location, personal preferences, and local real estate market dynamics should also be considered when determining the best time to buy a home.
