Mike Smith's Blog

Posted on 05/29/2022
Low-maintenance backyard landscaping ideas to try at home
Even for experienced gardeners, it can be easy to spend too much time keeping up with your backyard. Landscaping ideas can inspire but also inhibit - how can you find time to take care of such a stylish outdoor space? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to create a low-maintenance landscape without it feeling lazy. With the right...
Drought Tolerant
Gardening
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Posted on 05/22/2022
Tips for Outdoor Entertaining in Bad Weather
With the right preparation, you can host a comfortable outdoor gathering any time of year. Whether you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or just cold temperatures, there are many ways you can adjust your porch and patio to accommodate guests. Here are some simple tips for weatherproofing your next outdoor gathering: Invest in Heat Lamps...
Gatherings
Gatherings
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Posted on 05/15/2022
Tips for creating a natural disaster plan at home
Depending on where you live, you're likely to be at risk for some type of natural disaster. Hurricanes and tropical storms, snowstorms, ice storms, tornadoes, flash floods, earthquakes and wildfires are among the many natural disasters many homeowners have to face regularly. Having a natural disaster plan prepared can help you know what to do if this type...
Disaster Preparation
Emergency Planning
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Posted on 05/08/2022
Go Green With These Sustainable Real Estate Trends
Sustainable and eco-friendly materials and practices continue to rise in popularity and accessibility in the real estate world. Technological advancements and increased awareness of environmental issues have made green real estate a smart choice in any location. Here are some of the main green real estate trends appearing in the market today: Energy Efficiency Energy efficient materials and...
Biophilic Design
Energy Efficiency
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Posted on 05/01/2022
How to Sell Your Home in a Seller's Market
It's easier to sell your home in a seller's market, but that doesn't mean the home will sell itself. Selling your home requires strategy and planning, and in a seller's market there are specific things you can do to get the best offers. Here are some tips for selling in a seller's market: Clean & Stage A hot...
Home Selling
Home Selling
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Posted on 04/29/2022
SPRINGFIELD, VA Real Estate Market Update 4/29/2022
Click here to view SPRINGFIELD, VA blog post which has information on the constantly changing market...
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Posted on 04/24/2022
Minis: 3 Shareable Versions of Fan-Favorite Desserts
Dessert is often a favorite part of any meal. But what if you could bring a little more fun and a lot more smiles after a family dinner or friendly get-together? Here are a few of the best miniature grab-and-go desserts for any occasion. Cake Pops Cake has been a favorite dessert for centuries. The ancient Greeks used...
Desserts
Entertaining
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Posted on 04/17/2022
Millage rates & property taxes
If you pay property taxes, you've likely encountered the term "millage rate." While the term is often used interchangeably with tax rates, there are some key differences to understand. To help you better navigate the world of property taxes, here is an overview of the basics of understanding millage rates: What does “millage” mean? Millage rate, also called...
Millage
Millage Rate
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Posted on 04/10/2022
5 Expert Tips for Packing Your Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important parts of your home and also one of the hardest to pack for a move. The wide range of sizes, shapes and delicacy of items in your kitchen makes packing tricky and time-consuming. Luckily, there are some strategies you can use to make the process more efficient and also help...
Kitchen
Kitchen
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Posted on 04/03/2022
First-Time Homebuyer: Remember This Key Checklist
You've gotten an offer accepted on your first home. The appraisal and inspection came back fine. Now, all that's left to do is eagerly await your closing date. This is the day when you will sign all the paperwork that makes your first home purchase official! So, what should you expect as you prepare for this big day?...
Buyer
Buyer
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Posted on 03/30/2022
SPRINGFIELD, VA Real Estate Market Update 3/30/2022
Click here to view SPRINGFIELD, VA blog post which has information on the constantly changing market...
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Posted on 03/27/2022
Home Theater: Quick DIY Tips to Create Your In-Home Theater
An indoor home theater offers a good way to make sure you’re able to watch your favorite movies on the big screen from the comfort of your own house. With an indoor theater at home, you don’t have to worry about the weather or outdoor noise levels. You don’t have to hire experts to build a home theater...
Home Design
Home Design
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