Landscaping Magic

Ah, yes! Who wouldn't want that perfect landscaping, eh? You know - the kind that gives your home "curb appeal" from a block away.

That look which could easily become your home's pride and joy and the envy of your neighbors and friends... surely no dream house would be complete without fantastic landscaping!

Landscaping...

For many years, back to the times when we were young and carefree, we always pictured the home of our dreams with a beautiful yard filled with wonderful and fragrant blooms, and a patio where we could relax and savor all that we have accomplished in life.

And now, you have that home. And the only thing that is needed to transform it into the house you have fantasized about in those days of innocence is landscaping and a garden that would make its fields explode with vibrant colors and amazing beauty.

The problem?

As is usually the case, we don't have the slightest clue about landscaping, and cannot even claim more than the slightest knowledge about the basics.

We could always resort to a landscaping professional, of course.

They come in abundance, offering their services left and right. But could we afford any of them? And even if we could, how much damage would such cost our pockets?

Actually, my neighbor is a professional landscaper. With his own landscaping company. And a close friends son worked as a landscaper.

Let me tell you - they don't even want to go look at a new project if it isn't in the thousands of dollars. Many of my landscaping neighbor's projects easily run $30k or more. And he's not one of the expensive ones.

That's why I put this site together. And dug deep into their background and knowledge to put together a handbook on landscaping. I call it "Landscaping Magic".

Indeed, landscaping is not as easy as we want it to be. We could try it ourselves, of course… but such would require a whole lot of dedication and time to learn, and we're just talking about the basics!

That's why "Landscaping Magic" is the key.
And here is some more information on landscaping secrets:

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numero
12cc Feng Shui Your Home to Help it Sell Quicker
by Elaine VonCannon

In a competitive real estate market, home sellers are looking for the edge to make their home sell fast. Feng Shui, or the ancient Chinese art of placement, is one answer. Jaan Ferree, a Feng Shui consultant based in Asheville, North Carolina, explains. that Feng Shui is “having the intention to pay attention” to your environment.
I recently asked Jaan for a few Feng Shui pointers to help the home seller find a buyer faster. Here are some of her Feng Shui ideas for the home seller.

House Number
Jaan Ferree suggests taking a closer look at the house number and position on the block. As a buyer approaches the home is it easy to tell he or she is at the right place? Is the number of the home visible?
Front Door and Approach
Make sure the entrance to your home is easily discernable. If the entrance is not the front door, is it obvious to the visitor where they enter? Is the walk from the car to the door safe, well defined, well lit, and attractive?
Ferree says the front porch, door, and threshold should be welcoming and have a greeter. Use a pot of geraniums, other flowers or plants, a statue, or an attractive welcome mat. She also suggests a beautiful color on the door, wind chime, basket hung on the wall beside the door, plaque beside the door or other plants or objects which will lift the chi (energy) of the person approaching the entrance to the home. Finally, a clear bell or doorknocker, to let someone know you are there, is always helpful.

Trim the Bushes
Make certain shrubbery and landscaping is not overgrown. If it is, the energy may have the effect of pushing the person away who is approaching the entrance to the home. The best plants to line the edge of the walkway have soft round corners. Avoid sharp pointed plants or objects.

Interior Entranceway
Once you enter the home the space inside the door should be clear of clutter and obstructions. If there is a wall directly across from the entrance Ferree says that placing a mirror or art on the wall will lift the chi tremendously. This Feng Shui treatment makes sense because it prevents your visitor from walking into a blank wall. It also makes something visible that will immediately lift the spirits of your guest.
Ferree suggests paying close attention to the “subtle environmental clues” in the interior of the home to make sure that you are not pushing someone away with the objects in the space, or making them have to get smaller to walk through the space.

Safety First
In addition to aiding in lifting the energy of a space, Feng Shui can also reflect simple common sense. Safety, both real and perceived, is extremely important. Ferree recommends, “Pick up any items strewn about the yard and make sure all walkways and stepping stones and steps are level. Good lighting is essential, too. It must b e easy to walk through the interior and exterior of the house without obstruction.”

Avoid Clutter
According to Ferree, “clutter will keep a house from selling for many different reasons, one of which says the person does not attend to the upkeep of the home.” Clutter collects stagnant energy and brings the feeling of the space down.
The two kinds of clutter are passive and active. Examples of active clutter are scattered children's toys in a living room, or brushes, paints and accessories in an artist's studio. Passive clutter is piles of things which have not been put away, thrown away or recycled.

Positive Energy Keeps Guests Happy
Ferree has some ideas on how to invite positive chi (energy) into your home. Spread smells, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus throughout the home. Consider the lighting, colors and color arrangements and clarity of a space. Work on design enhancements that welcome visitors to your space and invite them to stay a while.
Ferree has one piece of final advice that applies to many situations. “Your home tells a story about you” she says, “People read the story every time they visit your space. Be aware of that and put your best self forward.”

About the Author

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia.

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Landscaping Information...

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