6 Tips for Successful Refinancing

So as the economy falls apart around us, we resilient Americans are looking for a silver living. Aha, you say, since interest rates are dropping I can refinance and save some money! As I have told you before in this newsletter, the story is never quite that simple. Who should refinance and when depends on many individual factors. If you are considering taking the plunge, consider the following six tips before you make any moves.

Improve Your Yard Without Breaking the Bank

If you've been to a garden supply store lately, you know that trees, bushes and flowers can add a lot to your lawn, but can take away a lot from your bank account. Like any home improvement project, careful planning and shopping can go a long way.

Think layers.
When adding bushes and plants around the house, place them well. Think of trees or tall bushes as a picture frame for your house. Place them at the edge of the house to frame the view, or in front of blank space. Meanwhile, put smaller bushes in front of them. Ground cover makes a yard look interesting and pretty, and has the added benefit of controlling weeds. Some flowering ground cover looks especially nice above stonewalls for that English garden look. Younger bushes and trees will be significantly less expensive than older, large ones.

Create an edge.
Don't allow the lawn to blend right in with your bushes. Dig up some space between the lawn and the bushes and fill it with mulch. This will create a neat look and like the ground cover, help control weeds. You can do this yourself and give your lawn that expensive, landscaped look.

Bring the inside out.
If the prices at the outdoor furniture stores have you running indoors, try some different options. Some old indoor furniture, if it is sturdy enough, can survive outdoors with the addition of some outdoor cushions and tablecloths.

Flowers, flowers, and flowers.
Adding color to your front yard is probably one of the most dramatic things you can do to improve your curb appeal. Not only will well-placed flowers hide the ugly foundation lines of your house, but they add color and show people that you have put some care into your house. Invest in perennials and you can sit back and watch the flowers come up year after year.

Of course, if the idea of gardening is not appealing to you, you can add some flowers in pots and place them strategically around the entry way and along walkways. Or, nail up some cheap wooden planters under a window and toss in some flowers and voila, you've got yourself a charming window box.

Give the front door an inviting look.
Your front door says a lot about you and your house. You want it to look inviting and pleasant. Do you prefer styles that are elegant and staid, or creative and whimsical? Doorknockers are not that expensive, and can be quite distinctive. I have one client with a funky green frog climbing up her front door as a doorknocker. A welcome mat or a small bench can add a lot, too.

Add some privacy.
You know the old adage, "good fences make good neighbors?" The same holds true for lattice, bushes, and tall plants or bushes. You could even string up some wire and grow vines if you are willing to wait a while for your privacy. If you're looking to drown out noise from neighbors or cars, water pumps can cost as little as $50 and add a relaxing running water sound to the area.

There is a lot you can do outside your home to make it look inviting and comfortable. If you follow some of these simple steps, I promise that your yard will have better curb appeal and be more enjoyable.

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