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Last March, seed sales for at-home gardens hit an all-time high due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason behind this massive surge was understandable: people were looking for a solution to address the food supply anxiety sparked by the pandemic.

Even though life is beginning to return to a more normal pace, the interest around at-home gardening has continued to increase. Whether you’re wanting to boost your creativity, lead a healthier lifestyle, or explore your green thumb, creating an at-home vegetable garden is a great way to save some money while also growing some delicious veggies.

Choose The Right Location

Picking the right location for your garden is the first and maybe most crucial step in starting your vegetable garden. You will want to look for a space that gets a lot of sun throughout the day as most vegetables require at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If you live in a primarily shady spot, there are still some vegetables you can plant. Vegetables that will grow in light to partial shade include arugula, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale.

When looking for the right location, you should also try to pick a space that has moist, well-drained soil. If your yard typically pools with water after a heavy rain, you probably don’t have a well-drained lawn. If this is your situation, try planting your veggies in a raised bed or a raised row for improved drainage. Wet soil leads to wet roots which can create rotting vegetables, which is definitely something you don’t want.

Finally, when considering your location, try to avoid areas that would be affected by strong winds. Wind can wreak havoc on your garden and can keep bees and butterflies from pollinating your plants.

Choose A Plot Size

If you’re a beginner gardener, it’s best to choose a small plot size. One of the most common errors beginners make is planting too much too soon. So, what is the perfect size for a small vegetable garden?

A 16 x 20 food plot is a sufficient size for a family of three or four. However, if you’re new to gardening, something smaller might suit your needs more accurately. The Farmer’s Almanac recommends that beginner gardeners make your garden about 10 feet long and about 11 rows across.

When plotting your garden, make sure you have foot paths that let you access your plants easily. You will have to weed your garden consistently if it is going to flourish, so you’ll want to be able to access your plants readily.

Choose Your Plants

The next step in your gardening journey is picking the right plants for your individual garden. Some plants are easier to take care of than others. Good choices for beginners include:

– Beets
– Carrots
– Lettuce
– Radishes
– Squash
– Tomatoes
– Cucumbers
– Beans
– Peppers

When choosing your plants, consider what your family likes and will actually eat. You should also be realistic about how much your family can actually consume. Be very cautious about over-planting. If you’re still struggling to pick your plants, contact your state’s Cooperative Extension Service. They will help you find out which plants grow best in your area.

Another handy tip is to mix in flowers among your vegetables, like marigolds or chrysanthemums. These flowers discourage pests and attract pollinators to your garden.

Know When And How To Plant

Finally, you should know when and how to plant your garden. Depending on where you live, every region has a different planting time based on local weather. You can look up gardening calendars online to figure out when to plant your garden. You’ll just need to enter your zip code.

Before planting, you should know the difference between cool-season and warm-season vegetables.

Cool-season veggies grow in the spring and include things like lettuce, spinach, and root vegetables. Warm-season vegetables are planted once the soil is warm and there is no threat of frost. Examples include tomatoes and peppers.

Almost all vegetables are annuals, which means you will need to replant every year. If you only want to plant perennial plants, you could look into growing asparagus, rhubarb, and some herbs, but sometimes these plants are a little more high maintenance for beginners.

Ask Your Local Agent

If you have any questions about the value adding an outdoor garden space gives to your home, don’t hesitate to contact experienced agent, Kim Clark. With over 15 years of experience, she knows exactly how to assist you in making your home appeal to the widest audience possible. Set yourself up for success—contact Kim today.

Along with many other things, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way children are educated.

Within the past year, nearly 93% of people in households with school-age children reported their kids were engaged in some form of distance learning.

With this dramatic alteration, many students have struggled to adjust to learning in a home setting. Thankfully, parents can find ways to create a productive home learning environment for their kids in order help develop their child’s creativity, sharpen their focus, and increase their motivation to learn.

Designate A Distinct Learning Space

If you’re like most American families, you don’t have a spare room just sitting around waiting to be converted into a learning space. But don’t worry. You don’t need an extra room in order to create a productive learning environment for your kids.

Instead of focusing on the amount of space you need, think about creating consistency for your child. For example, every time your kid sits down for their lessons, pull out the same folding chairs and table. You could even just designate a specific corner in the living room to class time. No matter what space you decide on, make sure nothing but schoolwork is done in that one area. That way, every time your child sits down, they know it is time to focus on school.

The key here is to create a specific routine for your child and stick to it.

Declutter The Learning Area

Logging onto Zoom meetings all day is exhausting for everyone—but especially for kids. When you’ve been staring at a screen for most of the day, it’s easy to get distracted. After designating a space for learning, focus on removing any and all distractions.

A clean work area is one of the most important ways to help your mind focus.

Too many pictures, toys, books, or supplies can quickly clutter a space and create a sense of chaos. Try to create an orderly environment by decluttering the area. To help you, start by investing in storage space. Consider buying an extra bookcase or set of shelves to store your child’s books, school papers, etc.

Additionally, ask your child to put away their phone while they are learning. Eliminating all potential distractions will help your student focus on their education during the long hours of virtual learning.

Personalize The Space

Creativity is important, and personalizing your child’s school area helps foster creativity and makes them feel comfortable. While unnecessary clutter isn’t good, personalized items like world maps, animal posters, or other learning-related decorations can help motivate your child and make them feel more at ease.

Make Your Space Comfortable

Creating a comfortable learning environment makes at-home learning so much easier. Consider all the aspects of your home that would add or detract to your student’s comfort level. Does the room you are thinking of using have good airflow? Is the space well-insulated? You won’t want to choose a space that is hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Additionally, noise can be a big distraction for kids. Find a space that isn’t disturbed by traffic, other members of the household, or any other possible noise distractions.

Another suggestion would be to find a space that has lots of good lighting. This can include natural lighting from open windows or simply plenty of lamps in the learning space. Natural light in particular can help impact your child’s energy and attention levels.

Maintain Consistency

Finally, and maybe most importantly, maintain a consistent schedule. With in-person classes, your child always has a set schedule. It’s important to keep a schedule with your child, even when working from home.

Make scheduling fun.

Write out a routine and mark it down on a colorful calendar. Get your kids to decorate larger posters and have them write out their routine at the start of every week. It’s important to set some rules and make sure your child’s schedule is consistent. It will also make learning from home feel a little more normal.

Get All Your Questions Answered

The COVID pandemic has altered the way we do a lot of things, including the way our kids attend school. Another area the pandemic has significantly altered is the housing market.

If you have any questions about buying or selling your home in the current market, real estate agent, Kim Clark, is a knowledgeable source for anyone living in or near Kosciusko County. Give her a call today and get all your questions answered.

One of the many ways in which the pandemic has affected our lives is in the way we conduct work.

According to Stanford research, 42% of America’s workforce now work from home full-time, and will likely continue to work from home for the foreseeable future.

For many of us, being able to focus and effectively conduct work from your own home poses numerous new challenges. With this new normal, it is very important to establish a home office that is conducive to your individual needs. These simple suggestions will help you make the best use of your house while working from home.

Designate a Distinct Working Space

Depending on what kind of home you live in, it might be very easy to designate a clear working space. If you already have an office room, it will be very easy to establish a distinct work area. However, a lot of people don’t have a room dedicated just to work. If that’s the case, just make the most of the space you have.

Try to pick a room where you have the ability to close the door. If you have kids, pets, or just get easily distracted, being able to close the door to your workspace will help you focus on the tasks at hand.

Set Physical Boundaries.

When working from home, it is critical to separate home life and work life.

This is so important for not only your productivity, but also your mental and physical health.

For example, you can set boundaries by never working in your kitchen. Sitting at your kitchen counter may trick your brain into thinking it is time to eat or snack. Your brain is programmed to associate your kitchen with eating. As we all know, trying to accomplish work tasks when hungry just isn’t a good idea.

The same goes for your couch or bed. Working from the comfort of your soft mattress makes your brain think it is time to relax.  This can make you feel sleepier during the workday and also make you unable to shut your mind off from work projects when it’s actually time to sleep.

Don’t Stay In The Same Place

While it’s a good idea to establish a more permanent workspace, it’s also a smart idea to change up your scenery once in a while. Moving locations helps stimulate your brain and may inspire more creative thinking patterns. If your living room gets lots of natural sunlight in the morning, maybe try working there for a few hours at the start of every day.

You can always transition back to your designated home office once you grow tired of one space.

Keep A Clean Workspace

A clean work area is one of the most important ways to help your mind focus. Maintaining a clean desk while at home can be very challenging. But there are ways to control the clutter.

Start by investing in some good storage space. If your home is conducive for extra shelving, consider buying an extra bookcase or set of shelves to store books, stacks of papers, etc. If not, buy some simple baskets, bins, or file holders to store your extra paperwork.

Keeping a clean work area not only helps your mind focus but will also help you feel accomplished and in control of your own space.

Decorate Your Area

One of the best things you can do for your work-from-home space is to add a personal flair. Studies have shown that incorporating elements from your house that you love in your home office will help you stay happy and reduce stress.

Add some personal touches to your space like a family photo, vase of bright flowers, or nice scented candle.

Also, if you’re a caffeine person, brew some coffee throughout the day to fill your work area with the aroma. The smell of coffee is said to actually stimulate creativity and productivity.

Personalizing your work area will make you happier, improve your mood, and make the workday a little easier.

Get Your Questions Answered

The pandemic has changed the way we do a lot of things, including working from home. Another sector the pandemic has altered is the real estate market.

If you have any questions about buying or selling your home in the current market, real estate agent Kim Clark is a knowledgeable source for anyone living in or near Kosciusko County. Call her today and get your questions answered.

If you are currently trying to decide between remodeling or moving, there are likely some aspects of your home that you’re not satisfied with. That’s fairly normal—after all, no house is perfect.

According to Zillow research, 76 percent of Americans would rather use a set amount of money to upgrade their home to meet their needs rather than use it as a down payment on a new home.

While remodeling might be your best option, the decision to remodel or move depends on your unique budget, preferences, and priorities. If you’re struggling to reach a conclusive decision, consider these three points.

Know The Costs Of Both Options

Whether you decide to move or remodel, you’re going to incur costs. It’s up to you to decide which option makes the most financial sense for you and your family.

To discover the most affordable option for your needs, try comparing all the potential expenses in order to make an accurate side-by-side comparison.

What Are The Costs Of Selling?

While you will be making a profit from selling your home, costs do incur during the selling process.

For example, if you decide to hire a listing agent, you should be prepared to pay at least 6 percent of your sale price in agent commissions.

Additionally, paying for boxes, moving vans, etc. might not seem like a large expense, but the numbers can accrue depending on how much assistance you need to move into a new home.

You’ll probably also be making some small repairs to your home. In order to attract buyers, you will likely want to invest in some minor home repairs.

According to one study, homeowners spend an average of $6,570 preparing their homes for sale.

Of course, the biggest cost of moving is paying for a new home. If you decide to sell instead of remodel, you may want to look for a comparably priced home, or you will find yourself spending more money in the long run.

What Are The Costs Of Remodeling?

To figure out how much remodeling is going to cost, hire a contractor and get an estimate.

Depending on regulations where you live, you will probably need a permit if you’re making changes to the structural integrity of your home. If you are making any changes to the square footage of your home or making updates to the plumbing or electrical work, check with your contractor to determine which permits are required.

The materials you use for your home renovation can dramatically impact the cost. Make sure you know exactly what materials you want to use before construction starts—if you change your mind mid-project, it will cost you.

Additionally, unless you’re completing the renovation yourself, you will have to pay for professional labor. You can also expect to cover some additional expenses like off-site storage space, demolition costs, etc.

Decide what home updates you are wanting to pursue, determine the cost of renovation vs. moving, and then decide which option makes the most financial sense for you.

Know The Market

Before deciding whether to sell or remodel, gauge the state of the real estate market. At this moment in time, the Covid-19 pandemic has actually resulted in record-low mortgage rates.

Experts are predicting a strong housing market in 2021 and foresee increased demand from buyers who delayed purchasing homes due to the pandemic.

This means if you decide to move, you might be able to get a good offer on your home. But make sure before you decide to sell that you assess your home’s marketability to buyers.

Does your home need lots of work before you list it? Remember, a home in good condition sells faster than a home than needs lots of repairs—even in a seller’s market.

Consider The Pros And Cons For Both Options

Pros Of Moving:

For one, moving means you get to literally move your location. So if you don’t currently enjoy the neighborhood you’re living in or would like to be in a different school district for your kids, you’ll be able to choose a location more conducive to your needs.

Additionally, you won’t have to live in a construction zone. Remodeling your home can be an invasive project. Moving will certainly save you from the mess and stress of a remodel.

Cons Of Moving:

You probably won’t get exactly what you want. It’s usually not possible to find a home that checks off all your boxes, which is why sometimes people choose to remodel the home they already have rather than moving.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Remodeling

Pros Of Remodeling:

A remodeling project can make your living area more spacious and contemporary. Plus, a remodel will ultimately increase the value of your property. Many homeowners love the remodeling option because it allows them to perfect a home they already love.

Cons Of Remodeling:

One of the main cons of remodeling is the temporary inconvenience a remodel can create. For example, if you’re completing a full second story renovation, you might have to move out of your home for awhile.

While there are pros and cons for both options, getting a home that you love is definitely possible. Different homeowners choose different routes—choose the path that makes sense for your needs and pursue that dream with the help of a local agent.

Talk To A Local Agent

If you’re debating remodeling or moving, you probably have a lot of questions that need answers. The first step towards getting those answers is contacting a knowledgeable local agent.

Real estate agent, Kim Clark, has years of experience in the Kosciusko area and can assist your home expansion process. Contact Kim today and get the answers you need.

When adding onto your home, there are two primary ways to expand: up and out.

How you choose to expand your home depends on what type of addition you’re seeking to achieve.

Building Out

The majority of home expansions are typically built on the ground-floor level of your home. The expansion process of building out is less complicated than building up. In order to build out, you’ll need to hire a contractor who will likely excavate part of your yard with a backhoe. The contractor will then install a new foundation and then construct the new walls and roof of the addition.

Advantages of Building Out

Typically, building out requires less disruption to your current layout. Additionally, depending on the size of your addition, you may not even require any foundation work at all. If you’re adding something like a granny flat or in-law suite to your home, you may only need an easy bump out.

A bump out is considered an additional space that is much smaller than a full house addition. Bump outs are typically smaller than an average bedroom, so they don’t require their own HVAC system.

Disadvantages of Building Out

While building out might be just what your home needs, you should be aware of the potential disadvantages. Building out will mean losing some of your yard. And, depending on the size of your expansion, you may need to get a zoning variance from your local government.

However, neither of these slight disadvantages should deter you from getting the addition you want.

Building Up

Another option for home expansion is building up. When building up, you will not disturb the footprint of your home. Building up could include adding another story onto your home or expanding an existing top floor. It could also look like adding living space above an existing garage or sunroom.

When building up, your contractor will likely have to expose and fortify your existing foundation and walls in order to support the added weight.

Advantages of Building Up

One of the biggest advantages of building up is that you won’t lose any yard space. If you don’t have much yard space, building out might not be an option—you might want to consider building up. Additionally, building up means you won’t bump into any annoying zoning restrictions regarding how far you can expand your living space.

Disadvantages of Building Up

As with anything in life, there are always some disadvantages. Some counties limit the allowed height for houses, which could be an issue if you’re trying to build up.

Additionally, your contractor will probably have to tear apart the walls and ceilings in the rooms below your addition, meaning you might have to replace electrical, plumbing, and heating lines. This of course could become an expensive and time-consuming project.

Again, none of these possible outcomes should deter you from building up if a second story expansion is your dream.

Types of Additions

If you’re looking into types of additions for your home, you might be wondering whether you need to build out or up.

The purpose of your addition will help you determine whether you need to build horizontally or vertically.

Building Out Expansion Options:

– Sunroom

– Family room

– Garage

– Kitchen

– Patio

Building Up Expansion Options:

– Weight room

– Master suite

– Bedroom

– Over garage addition

– Office expansion

Let the purpose of your home addition guide which way you choose to expand.

How Expensive is Home Expansion?

When considering expansion, it’s important to know the range of costs involved in building up or out.

Building out can be less expensive than building up. Can is the operative word here. The general rule is when building new construction, building up with a two-story home is cheaper than building out. However, when remodeling, building out with a one-story addition is cheaper than adding a second story to an existing dwelling.

On average, it costs between $140 and $180 per square foot to expand your home’s footprint outwards.

Of course, this does not account for the literal construction of the room and any of the furnishing and finishes attached.

By contrast, a second story addition typically costs between $180 to $250 per square foot. Depending on the size of room you’re building, this cost can add up quickly. And again, those numbers don’t account for the furnishing of the room.

Some of the costs associated with building up include:

– A staircase
– Structural supports
– Plumbing
– A new HVAC
– Building permits
– Repairs to the first floor

Some of the costs of building out include:

– Additional plumbing work
– Permit fees
– Pouring a new foundation
– Upgrading HVAC

Talk to Your Local Agent

If you are considering a home expansion, you probably have a lot of questions about the process. The first step in starting your expansion should be to contact a knowledgeable, local agent.

If you live in or near Kosciusko county, don’t hesitate to contact experienced agent, Kim Clark. With nearly 20 years of experience, Kim can assist you in the home expansion process and answer any questions you may have along the way. Contact Kim today.

In recent years, outdoor living spaces have become a very popular addition to homes.

From patios to outdoor kitchens—homeowners are discovering that these spaces add room, function, and beauty to their home without the need of an expensive remodel or addition.

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider building an outdoor living space and what you will gain from making this addition to your home.

Increase Your Resale Value

If there’s the possibility you might decide to resell your house someday, an outdoor living area is a great way to quickly increase the value of your home. Outdoor kitchens, decks, patios, pergolas, and arbors create curb appeal and can attract potential buyers.

Additionally, potential homebuyers will see that you have taken the time and effort to invest in your home and will appreciate the addition of these spaces knowing they won’t have to spend additional money on such amenities in the future.

If you’re searching for a way to make your house more marketable, an outdoor living space might be just the thing to make your home really stand out.

Establish Additional Living Space

If you’re not planning on moving any time soon, you’ll get to enjoy the many perks of creating your outdoor living area. Low on space? A patio, deck, or, outdoor kitchen creates a literal extension to your home. Your family and friends will love the extra space to relax, enjoy a meal together, or just rest.

Since it’s an addition to your home, you also get to control the size and design of your outdoor living area and you can customize it to fit your personal taste and lifestyle needs. For example, if you notice your family feels crowded around the dinner table, maybe consider building an outdoor barbeque area where your family can enjoy the freedom of eating meals indoors as well as outdoors.

If you’re considering putting in an outdoor living area, think specifically about the needs of you and your family when deciding what to add on.

Create Entertainment Potential

In addition, building an outdoor living space creates the perfect venue for entertaining guests. If you love to host neighborhood parties and backyard whiffle ball games, an outdoor addition gives you the freedom and comfort to host as many get-togethers as you want.

You can even incorporate tables, grilling stations, and television sets to the design of your space and expand your options for more social gatherings.

Just add some outdoor furniture and you’re ready to entertain!

Have A Great Staycation

Who says you have to spend a ton of money to get away? Outdoor living areas give you a space for a personal retreat right in your backyard. Installing a pool or comfortable patio lets you have a little slice of luxury at home when you don’t have time to go on a full-length vacation.

Sometimes, a quick getaway to your outdoor living space is all you need in order to feel refreshed.

Improve Your Mental And Physical Health

Most importantly, outdoor living spaces can significantly improve your mental and physical health.

A cozy deck or patio creates the perfect opportunity to decompress after a long, strenuous day. What could be more appealing than sitting in the warm sun and enjoying a light breeze after being stuck indoors all day long?

Spending more time outdoors can also boost your immune system. People who spend more time in nature have been proven to be healthier and happier people and have even been known to recover from illnesses quicker than those who spend most of their time indoors.

Spending more time outdoors also means more exposure to sunlight which leads to an increase in Vitamin D levels.

A recent study by the National Institute of Health even indicates that interacting with nature improves your cognition and memory.

Incorporating an outdoor living space of your choice draws people outside, meaning you and your family will get to experience many of the health benefits associated with spending time in the great outdoors.

Ask Your Local Agent

If you have questions about adding an outdoor living space to your home or any other real estate questions—don’t hesitate to contact experienced agent, Kim Clark. With over 15 years of experience, she knows exactly how to assist you in making your home appeal to the widest audience possible. Set yourself up for success—contact Kim today.