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When you buy or sell a home with the help of a real estate agent you can expect to be charged a fee for these services. These fees can vary greatly depending on the agent, the location, and the type of property being sold. Additionally, some agents may offer a reduced fee or a flat fee instead of a commission-based fee. Let’s take a closer look at the fees you can expect to pay to an agent when you buy or sell a home.

Buyer’s Agent Fees

A buyer’s agent is a real estate agent who represents the interests of the buyer in a real estate transaction. They help the buyer find a suitable property, negotiate with the seller on their behalf, and handle all the paperwork and details of the transaction. Buyer’s agent fees are typically paid by the seller as part of their commission, which is a percentage of the sale price of the property.

Seller’s Agent Fees

A seller’s agent is a real estate agent who represents the interests of the seller in a real estate transaction. They help the seller price their property competitively, market the property to potential buyers, negotiate with buyers and their agents, and handle all the paperwork and details of the transaction. Seller’s agent fees are usually a percentage of the sale price of the property and can range from 2 to 6 percent of the sale price. If you inherited a home and you decide to sell it, you may get in touch with a probate real estate agent and discuss the process and the fees they will charge.

Listing Commission

The listing commission is the fee that the seller’s agent charges for their services. It is typically a percentage of the sale price of the property and can range from 2 to 6 percent of the sale price.

Transaction Coordination Fee

Some real estate agents may charge a transaction coordination fee for handling the paperwork and logistics of the transaction. This fee is typically a flat rate and can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

Home Staging Fee

Some real estate agents may recommend that the seller stage their home to make it more appealing to potential buyers. Staging can involve renting furniture, decor, and other items to make the home look its best. The cost of staging can be paid by the seller or the seller’s agent and can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Marketing Fees

Some real estate agents may charge a marketing fee for promoting the property to potential buyers. This fee can cover the cost of advertising the property, printing marketing materials, and creating a virtual tour. The cost of marketing can be paid by the seller or the seller’s agent and can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Closing Costs

Closing costs are the costs associated with closing the real estate transaction, including title insurance, escrow fees, recording fees, and other costs. These can be paid by the buyer or the seller, or they may be split between the two. Closing costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the sale price of the property.

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Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer, so it’s important to test your home for radon and take action if necessary. Here’s how to check for radon and what to do if you find it in your home.

Step 1: Purchase a radon test kit

There are several types of radon test kits available for purchase, including short-term tests (2 to 90 days) and long-term tests (more than 90 days). Short-term tests are quick and easy to use, but they may not provide an accurate representation of radon levels in your home over time. Long-term tests are more expensive, but they provide a more accurate measurement of average radon levels over a longer period of time.

Step 2: Choose the right location for the test

The best location for a radon gas testing is in the lowest livable level of your home, such as a basement or crawl space. If you don’t have a basement or crawl space, test on the first floor. Avoid testing in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas with high humidity, as this can interfere with the test results.

Step 3: Place the test kit in the selected location

Follow the instructions provided with the test kit to place it in the selected location. The test kit should be placed at least 20 inches above the floor and away from windows, doors, and other sources of ventilation.

Step 4: Wait for the test results

For short-term tests, wait the recommended amount of time (usually 2 to 90 days) before collecting the test kit and sending it to air analysis testing labs for analysis. For long-term tests, wait the recommended amount of time (usually more than 90 days) before collecting the test kit and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.

Step 5: Interpret the results

The laboratory will analyze the test kit and provide you with a radon-level report. If the radon level in your home is 4 pCi/L or higher, it’s recommended that you take action to reduce your exposure to radon.

What you should do if you discover radon in your home

If you find high levels of radon in your home, there are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure to the gas. Here are a few options:

• Increase ventilation: Increasing the ventilation in your home can help to reduce the concentration of radon in the air. You can do this by opening windows, using exhaust fans, and running a basement dehumidifier.
• Seal cracks and openings: Sealing cracks and openings in your foundation, walls, and floors can prevent radon from entering your home. You can use silicone caulk or expanding foam to seal these areas.
• Install a radon mitigation system: A radon mitigation system can reduce the amount of radon in your home by venting the gas to the outside before it can enter your living spaces. This typically involves installing a fan and a ventilation pipe system in your basement or crawl space.

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Staging your home is an important part of the selling process and can help you have a quick spring sale. When a home is staged, it appears well-maintained, clean, and inviting, which can increase its value and help it sell faster. A well-staged home is more likely to be featured in listings, open houses, and real estate tours, which can increase the visibility of your property and generate more interest from potential buyers. Here are some tips for staging your home for a quick spring sale.

Clean and declutter

Cleaning and decluttering is the first step in preparing your home for a spring sale. This includes removing personal items, cleaning windows, wiping down surfaces, and vacuuming carpets. You should aim to create a clean and clutter-free environment, as this will help to make your home appear more spacious and welcoming to potential buyers. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to deep clean your home before listing it for sale.

Paint and touch up

Give your home a fresh look by painting the walls in neutral colors such as white, beige, or gray. Touch up any scuffs or scratches on the walls, doors, and moldings. A fresh coat of paint can help to create a clean and modern look and can make your home appear well-maintained to potential buyers.

Maximize light

Natural light is a major selling point in a home. Open curtains and blinds, and turn on all the lights to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. If necessary, replace any burnt-out light bulbs and upgrade to higher-wattage bulbs. This will help to create a bright and airy environment, which is attractive to potential buyers.

Rearrange furniture

Rearranging furniture can make a big difference in how a room is perceived by potential buyers. Try to create a clear and open space, while still making the room feel comfortable and lived in. Avoid over-furnishing a room, as this can make it appear cluttered and smaller. Consider rearranging furniture to create a more functional layout and highlight key features of the room.

Accessorize

Accessorizing your home can help to add personality and interest to a space. However, be mindful not to over-accessorize as this can become distracting. A few vases of fresh flowers, candles, and decorative pillows can easily create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These items can help to add color and personality to a room and can make your home feel more welcoming to potential buyers.

Depersonalize

Depersonalizing your home is important to help potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space. Remove any family photos, religious items, and political posters. This will help potential buyers to see the full potential of your home and to imagine themselves living there. Consider storing personal items in a storage unit until your home is sold.

Emphasize outdoor spaces

If you have a backyard, patio, or balcony, make sure it is tidy and attractive. Plant some colorful flowers and add outdoor furniture and accessories to create a space that potential buyers will want to spend time in. Outdoor spaces can be an attractive selling point for a home and can help to make your property stand out from others on the market.

Fix any major issues

Finally, fix any major issues such as plumbing leaks, holes in the walls, and broken fixtures. This will not only improve the appearance of your home, but it will also show potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained. Consider hiring a professional contractor to fix any major issues, as this can help to ensure that your home is in top condition for a quick sale. Call on a local ac service contractor if you need air conditioning installation or repair services.

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Spring cleaning is an annual tradition that helps homeowners keep their living spaces tidy and organized. But for most people, it’s a tradition that is endured rather than enjoyed. If you’re not looking forward to spring cleaning this year, then it’s time to make this chore as efficient as possible so you can spend more time having fun. Here are 8 tips to help you get your spring cleaning done in one weekend.

Create a plan of action

Before you start, make a comprehensive list of all the cleaning tasks you want to complete. Consider dividing them into categories, such as rooms, outdoor spaces, and organizing tasks. Make a schedule for each day of the weekend, allocating time for each task so that you don’t get overwhelmed.

Gather your supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning products, tools, and storage containers on hand. This can include vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops, sponges, cleaning products, rubber gloves, etc. Having everything you need within reach will make the cleaning process more efficient.

Prioritize

Decide which tasks are most important and should be tackled first. Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom, and then move on to less frequently used spaces like the basement or attic. This way, if you run out of steam before the weekend is over, then your most-used spaces will still feel fresh and clean.

Delegate tasks

If you have family members or roommates who can help, delegate tasks to make the cleaning process go faster. Assign tasks based on individual strengths and interests, and communicate the plan clearly to ensure everyone is on the same page. One task that may need to be left to the professionals is commercial carpet cleaning.

Work from top to bottom

When cleaning a room, start from the ceiling and work your way down to the floor. Dust or wash light fixtures, walls, and ceilings, and then move on to furniture, floors, and carpets. This will prevent dirt and debris from falling onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned.

Tackle one task at a time

Avoid trying to clean multiple rooms or areas at once, as this can be overwhelming and lead to missed spots. Instead, focus on one task at a time and don’t move on to the next task until it’s been completed.

Purge

As you clean, take the opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need or use. This can include clothes, books, kitchen gadgets, and other household items. Consider donating gently used items or selling them online or at a garage sale.

Maintain the clean

Once you’ve finished your spring cleaning, make a plan to maintain the cleanliness of your home. This can include setting up a regular cleaning schedule, such as dusting once a week or vacuuming carpets twice a month, and organizing regularly to prevent clutter from building up again. To make cleaning faster, you can hire carpet cleaners.

By following these tips, you can make your spring cleaning weekend productive, efficient, and enjoyable. Remember to take breaks as needed, stay focused, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The result will be a fresh and clean living space that you can enjoy for the rest of the year.

Foreclosure is a legal process by which a lender can take possession of a property when the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments. If you’re facing foreclosure, then it’s important to act quickly to understand your options and take steps to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to do if you’ve received – or think you may receive – a foreclosure notice from your lender.

Review your mortgage documents

Take a close look at your mortgage documents, including the promissory note and the mortgage or deed of trust, to understand your obligations and the foreclosure process.

Contact your lender

Contact your lender as soon as possible so that you can discuss your options with them. Your lender may be willing to work with you to find a solution that can help you avoid foreclosure.

Consider loan modification

A loan modification is a process by which a lender agrees to change the terms of your loan to make it more affordable. You may be able to lower your monthly payments, extend the loan term, or reduce the interest rate to make your payments more manageable.

Explore refinancing

Refinancing involves obtaining a new loan to replace your existing mortgage. This can help you reduce your monthly payments or obtain a lower interest rate.

Consider a short sale

If you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth, a short sale may be an option. In a short sale, the lender agrees to accept a lower amount for the mortgage debt than is owed, and the homeowner is able to sell the property.

Attend a pre-foreclosure sale

A pre-foreclosure sale is a public auction in which the homeowner can sell the property before the foreclosure process is completed. This may be an option if you can find a buyer who is willing to pay the amount owed on the mortgage.

Hire an attorney

If you’re facing foreclosure, it may be in your best interest to hire an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations, negotiate with your lender, and defend your rights in court.

Consider bankruptcy

If you’re unable to find a solution through loan modification, refinancing, or a short sale, you may want to consider filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can provide you with a fresh start by wiping out most of your debt and stopping the foreclosure process.

Get help from a housing counselor

If you’re facing foreclosure, a housing counselor can help you understand your options and work with your lender to find a solution. Housing counselors are trained professionals who can provide free or low-cost assistance.

Be aware of scams

Be cautious of anyone who promises to “save” your home for a fee. Scammers may ask for money upfront and then take your money without providing any assistance.

Remember, the most important thing you can do if you’re facing foreclosure is to take action. Don’t ignore letters or phone calls from your lender, and don’t wait until it’s too late to find a solution. The sooner you act, the more options you may have to save your home.

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Homeownership is widely considered to be a strong foundation for building wealth over time. By making smart decisions and taking advantage of the benefits of homeownership, you can work toward a financially secure future. Here’s how you can make the most of homeownership to build your own personal wealth.

Make a down payment of at least 20 percent

By making a down payment of at least 20 percent of the purchase price, you can minimize the amount of interest you’ll pay on your mortgage and increase your equity faster. This is because a larger down payment means you’ll have a smaller loan balance, which will reduce the amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan. Additionally, having a larger down payment can help you qualify for a lower interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Keep up with home maintenance and renovations

Regular maintenance and renovations can help increase the value of your property and make it more appealing to potential buyers. This includes fixing any structural issues, keeping the yard in good condition, and updating the interior and exterior of the home. Additionally, hiring a reputable roofing company for necessary repairs or replacements can also contribute to enhancing your property’s overall appeal and value. By making these small investments in your property over time, you can potentially increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Consider paying extra toward your mortgage principal

Making extra payments toward the principal of your mortgage can reduce your loan balance and build equity faster. By paying even a small amount extra each month, you can reduce the life of your loan and save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. Before making extra payments, check with your lender to make sure it won’t result in a prepayment penalty.

Take advantage of tax benefits

Homeowners can take advantage of several tax benefits, including the ability to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on their federal tax returns. These deductions can lower your taxable income, potentially reducing your tax bill. It’s important to consult a tax professional to fully understand the tax implications of homeownership and make sure you are taking advantage of all available tax benefits.

Stay informed about the housing market

Staying informed about the state of the housing market can help you make better decisions about when to buy or sell a property. If the market is strong and property values are rising, it may be a good time to sell your home to take advantage of the appreciation. On the other hand, if the market is weak and property values are declining, it may be a good time to hold onto your property and wait for the market to improve.

Consider renting out your home

Renting out a portion of your home, or turning it into a vacation rental, can provide additional income that can help you build wealth over time. This can be a good option for homeowners who have extra space or who live in a desirable vacation destination. Before renting out a portion of your home, make sure you understand the legal and financial implications and obtain any necessary permits or licenses.

Work with a financial advisor

Finally, working with a financial advisor can help you fully understand the financial implications of homeownership and plan for your future. Your financial advisor can help you create a financial plan that takes into account your current and future financial goals and make sure you are making the most of your homeownership to build wealth.

The arrival of spring typically signals that it’s time to give your home a good cleaning. After a long winter indoors, spring cleaning helps your home feel fresh and ready for the coming season. But we understand that not everyone gets excited about the list of chores that come with the start of spring. That’s why we’ve compiled our best tips for making an easy job of your spring cleaning. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Go room to room

Don’t feel like you need to clean the entire house in one day. That’s just an invitation to put off the task indefinitely. Instead, think about cleaning one room at a time. Start with the room that needs the most attention. Maybe you practiced being a home chef this winter and your kitchen could use a deep cleaning. Or perhaps the kids took over the living room the last few months and now there are crumbs and toys everywhere. When you begin with the room that needs it most, you’ll get a bigger payoff. And that could encourage you to tackle other rooms once you see the results. And it’s OK to skip rooms that you recently cleaned like the guest bedroom or the dining room.

Streamline your cleaning products

Marketing professionals are good at making us think we need a specialized product for every task. But that can make spring cleaning feel overwhelming and more expensive than it needs to be. Not to mention that more cleaning products mean more clutter, which we’re trying to avoid. Instead, invest in one or two good multi-purpose cleaners that can be used on most surfaces in your home. Opt for natural varieties that don’t contain harsh chemicals. You can even make your own with staples you already have on hand.

Enlist your family or services for help

Who says you have to be the only one responsible for deep cleaning your home this spring? The job will go much faster if you enlists your family or residential cleaning services to help. For complex tasks such as softwash roof cleaning, it’s best to let professional cleaning services handle them. Choose chores that are appropriate for each child’s age and reward them when they complete each task. This will help to teach your kids how to clean and make them feel included in the process. A good place to start is to have each child tidy up their bedrooms. Hiring a roof cleaning service like redriversoftwash.com/roof-cleaning/ can also save you money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs.

Declutter

Even if your home is technically clean, it can feel dirty if you have clutter. As you’re spring cleaning your home, keep an eye out for items that you no longer need or want. Determine which of those items can be donated or sold and which ones should be thrown out or recycled. The simple act of decluttering can make your home feel cleaner and more spacious almost instantly.

Make a schedule

Finally, don’t try to do your spring cleaning all in one day, or even in one weekend. Instead, consider making a schedule. Aim to clean for 15 minutes each day, going room by room. Once you’ve completed your spring cleaning, you can contact Bin Buddy NZ for rubbish removal. When you do a little bit every day, you’ll no longer need to invest major time in seasonal cleaning every year.

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Searching for a new home can be a very exciting process! But it can also be daunting, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s why it’s so important to spend time thinking about what you want before you begin browsing. Not only will this save you time and energy, but it will also help to ensure that you find the perfect home for your needs. Here are some excellent tips to help you determine what it is you’re looking for in a home.

Make an exhaustive list

Brainstorming is an effective tool when approaching any problem that needs to be solved. What are all the possibilities? Think of your home search as a problem and begin to brainstorm solutions. Ask yourself – what it is that I think I am looking for in a home? How many bedrooms would I like to have? Do I need a home office? Am I hoping to entertain family and friends? Is a good school district important to me? How close would I like to be to amenities such as shopping and nightlife? Imagine yourself in your new home – what would you like to see? Begin writing all of these things down. Don’t leave anything out. Make an exhaustive list that contains everything you’d like your new home to be.

Determine if each item is a want or a need

Now that you’ve got your list ready, it’s time to take a closer look at each item. This is a crucial step in the process and one that should not be overlooked. Consider each item and whether or not having it or not having it would be a dealbreaker. Is a three-car garage essential, or would it simply be nice to have? Do you need a home office because you work from home? If you’re purchasing a home with a partner, then make sure that everyone’s needs and wants are accounted for.

Think about the future

As you’re determining your needs vs. your wants, consider the future. How long do you anticipate living in your new home? If this is your first home, then you may only live in it for a few years before you’re able to upgrade. But if you’re an empty-nester who is downsizing for retirement, then it may be the home you live in for the rest of your life. Think about what your future self will need when you’re narrowing down your list.

Apply what you’ve learned

Now that you’ve got your list, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned to your home search. It can be exciting to tour homes for sale. But you’ll soon get exhausted if you decide to look at every single one. Narrow down your choices to the ones that meet your needs and some of your wants. This way, you’ll find the right home for you more quickly and easily.

Work with a professional

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, then it can be tricky to figure out exactly what you’ll need in a home. After all, you’ve never done this before. That’s one of the many reasons why it can be so helpful to work with a professional. When you partner with a trusted real estate agent, then they can help you understand your options and narrow down the possibilities. If you’re in the market for a new home, then contact us today!

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Are you already dreaming of summer barbecues in your backyard? Having outdoor space to enjoy is one of the perks of being a homeowner. But if your backyard patio leaves something to be desired, then it’s time to spruce it up. Though you can certainly spend a fortune on a patio if you have the funds, don’t let that stop you if you’re on a budget. There are many amazing DIY transformations you can accomplish on a dime. For instance, you may consider installing vinyl patio doors that will provide a division between your indoor and outdoor living space. Here are some more of our favorites.

Create a patio with pavers

If you’re starting from scratch, then you may feel a little daunted about creating the backyard patio of your dreams. But a little know-how and some muscle can easily transform your outdoor space. If you don’t currently have a patio, then you can make one of your own with pavers. Start by spreading gravel and sand. On top of this base add concrete or stone pavers from your local home improvement store or concrete contractor. A little bit of time and effort and your part can pay off big, without spending tons of cash.

Upgrade your seating

Having a backyard patio is like adding another living space to your home. Comfortable furniture similar to these bespoke furniture Perth is a plus, whether it’s a dining table and chairs to dine al fresco or a hammock for lounging the afternoon away. If your patio furniture is looking a little worse for wear, then you can easily upgrade it. Start by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Add new colorful cushions and throw pillows to complete the look.

Add lighting

Extend your enjoyment of your patio by making it cozy at night. All you need to do is add inexpensive lighting to create a welcoming vibe. Solar lanterns are an economical way to add lighting to your patio if don’t have an electrical outlet nearby. Visit sites like https://a-lumination.com/ if you want to add an electrical outlet for lighting. You can also add string lights to help define the space. Candles are also an excellent option – especially those that contain citronella which will help to repel biting insects. However, it would be wise to protect yourself from the sun, you could consider installing patio covers.

Build a fountain

Is there anything more relaxing than the sound of running water? Adding a fountain can make your backyard patio that much more enjoyable. But buying a ready-made fountain can cost hundreds of dollars – or more. The good news is that you can easily build a fountain at a fraction of the cost. All you need to do is to put an inexpensive pump inside a large ceramic planter or another container. Fill the container with water, turn the pump on, and voila! You now have your very own, one-of-a-kind patio fountain. You can even create a fountain with no electricity nearby by using a solar-powered unit. Just make sure your fountain is located in the sun so it can function properly.

Add plants

Finally, to put the finishing touch on your budget patio, be sure to add some colorful plants and flowers. You can go big by planting trees, shrubs, and perennials next to your outdoor space. Or you can do it on a smaller scale with potted varieties. If you don’t have a green thumb, then you can even go faux! Many faux plants that are available today look just like the real thing.

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Spring is officially here! Are you as ready for longer and warmer days as we are? Now is the time to start thinking about your home’s exterior and getting it prepared for the months ahead. From trimming trees and bushes to planting annuals and vegetables, here’s what you need to know about getting your yard ready for the season!

Clean debris

Many homeowners are now waiting until spring to clean fallen leaves from the previous autumn. This gives beneficial insects a place to overwinter so they’re available to help your garden out in the spring. If you haven’t already, clean up leaves and other debris that has accumulated since last fall. However, be aware that you should wait until the soil has dried out, especially if you’ve had a wet winter. Walking on wet soil can compact and damage it, so postpone cleaning until water has had a chance to evaporate.

Trim trees and shrubs

Spring is also an excellent time to turn your attention to trees and shrubs. Hire a crane service for tree care and use it to trim out any dead or damaged branches from trees. These early days of spring can be a great time to trim some bushes before they begin their spring growth. Just be aware that some bushes, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, should not be trimmed until after they’ve bloomed. Otherwise, you run the risk of having fewer flowers this year. And if your trees are dying, the best solution is to look for a tree removal near me.

If you neglect to manage your trees, they can also cause structural damage to your property, consider Herford’s Tree Care, Inc. for your tree care services.

Weed

Think back to all those summer weeds that were nearly impossible to remove. It’s no fun trying to pull weeds that have become established over the spring and summer. That’s why weeding now in early spring is such a good idea. Weeds are extremely easy to spot and to pull out at this time of year. With shallow roots and small growth, you’ll make quick work of this particular chore. If you have Japanese knotweed all over your garden, you’ll want to find an expert that can do Japanese Knotweed Removal.

Transplant perennials

Early spring is also an excellent time to transplant many of your perennials. If you have any perennials that have gotten too big or have started to die out in the center, then it’s time to divide and conquer. Digging these plants out and splitting them can give your garden a huge boost. Not only will your plants look healthier, but it will also save you money. It’s like getting free plants!

Make repairs

Your yard can take a beating over the winter months. Take a walk through your garden and notice what repairs need to be made. This could include fence posts that have come loose, screens that need to be replaced with a more durable Lattice Screening, trellises that are leaning, or planters that have cracked. Spring is a good time to tackle these projects before you get busy with other garden chores. This is also a great time to build Backyard Playgrounds so your kids can enjoy spending time outdoors in the summer.

Clean and sharpen tools

Finally, take some time to clean and sharpen all your garden tools. Having clean and sharp tools make garden maintenance so much easier. This includes hand tools such as loppers and pruners as well as mechanical tools like lawnmowers. You should aim to sharpen your lawnmower blade every year before you begin cutting the grass. A dull blade will tear the grass instead of cutting it, which can cause disease down the line. If you’re unsure about how to sharpen your lawnmower blade, then take it to a professional to have it done.

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