http://CBStagecoach.com/blog/archive_202008/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ It’s no secret that if you can draw in potential buyers with one glance at the outside of your home, you’re much more likely to make that sale. This attraction to the exterior of your home is what we fondly call “curb appeal,” and having it could make all the difference. If you’re  considering putting your house on the market, there’s no need to break the bank. Here are just a few cost-effective tips on how to improve your home’s curb appeal.1.     No Pressure, Just Pressure WashingNo need to buy something new, just clean up the old! Taking a pressure washer to your driveway, siding, walkways, patios, and decks will get rid of any grime that builds up over the years and can make a world of a difference. If you don’t own a power washer or have a neighbor who can lend you one, big box hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s will rent one to you. This seemingly subtle act can have the same brightening effect as a fresh coat of paint.2.     Spruce Up Your Front DoorAs the entrance to your home, your front door serves as the initial introduction to potential buyers and should be treated as such. A bold door color can garner positive attention, making your door – and home – stand out. If making your door an interesting color isn’t your style, a seasonal wreath is another way to dress it up. From magnolias to eucalyptus leaves, this front door accessory will make a good impression on all who enter.3.     Lawn MaintenanceA well-kept lawn is essential for your home’s curb appeal. Pull your weeds, mow your lawn, and rake your leaves. This, along with keeping your lawn watered to prevent brown spots, will keep it attractive for potential buyers. Consider lawn alternatives like artificial turf if you live in a place where grass has a hard time growing.4.     More PlantsMake the front of your home look like a luscious green sanctuary. If you don’t want to go to all the trouble of putting in fresh greenery or flowers, consider installing planters outside your home. Either hanging or standing, in the entryway or outside your windows, the addition of lovely plants can quickly beautify the exterior of your home.5.     Make RepairsWe’re all guilty of putting off the tiny fixes to our home, saying “I’ll get to it later,” and pushing it to the back of your mind. It’s time to move those low-priority projects to the top of your list! That burned-out bulb, broken doorbell, or ripped screen door — making these quick repairs can create a drastic aesthetic improvement. Each of these projects can be accomplished over a weekend, and the effect is invaluable. It can serve to impress potential homeowners and sell your property even faster. With a little time and a tad bit of effort, you will be blown away with the results! http://CBStagecoach.com/blog/1161/whats-the-deal-with-curb-appeal/ Thu, 13 Aug 2020 03:14:42 -0600 With so many places closed and activities cancelled, it’s becoming harder to figure out activities for your kids that don’t involve staring at a screen. But with a little imagination, your back yard can be all you need in order to say ‘good bye’ to your child’s boredom. Here are five activities you can do just outside your back door: 1)    Build a Box FortThis is for all of the times you’ve given your child a present, then found yourself saying “They like the box more than the gift!”If you’re like every other American during the recent pandemic, you’ve experienced an increase in online shopping in your household. Here’s a chance to put those cardboard boxes to good use! This means your child has ample building material for the perfect fort. With some creativity, and a whole lot of tape, the possibilities are endless. You can even get out some markers or paint and let them decorate the outside for further entertainment. 2)    Diet Coke and MentosWhat’s summer without a little science? In your own back yard, you can recreate the classic ‘Diet Coke and Mentos’ experiment and have a blast (pun intended)! All you need is a two-liter bottle of Diet Coke and a sleeve of Mentos—and possibly a poncho, if you want to avoid getting soaked. Here are some detailed instructions on how to conduct this experiment: https://youtu.be/ZwyMcV9emmc. Look up the science behind it afterwards to add an educational touch. 3)    Water FunEveryone, at one point in their life, has run through the sprinklers to stay cool when the weather gets hot. Why not make a day of it? After the sprinklers, you can fill up some water balloons and declare war for some extra splash-tastic fun! We recommend making homemade popsicles to use as bait when you need the kids to come in for their next coat of sunscreen. 4)    Plant a Family GardenGardens: a way to promote eating vegetables, while getting your hands dirty. Purchase a variety of seeds and/or seedlings, pull out your gardening tools, and let the kids know where to dig! This is not only an activity for the day, but for the whole summer. You can even create a schedule to let your kids know whose turn it is to water and tend the garden. Your family will be so excited at the end of the summer when you all can enjoy the fruits of your labor! 5)    PicnicWhy not move lunch outside for a change? Something as simple as having your food on a blanket in the sun can feel like an adventure when you’ve been eating at the same table for several months straight. With this little shake-up in routine, you can make an ordinary day just a little more special, all while getting some much-needed vitamin D. These are just some of the many activities you can do in your own back yard, making this a summer to remember! http://CBStagecoach.com/blog/1158/back-yards-are-back/ Thu, 06 Aug 2020 03:24:21 -0600