Welcome to the official Blog of BuyOwner.com

BuyOwner.com buy sell trade rent

  • Home
  • About BuyOwner.com
  • Popular Posts

Posts tagged green ideas

A Green Halloween

Oct24
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

And so it begins… the holiday season! This October marks the beginning of homeowners’ decorative showcases both inside and outside of their houses. After the 4th of July, many front yards and picture windows seem plain and bare, unless there’s a happy sunflower decal on the window or a few colorful flower bushes on the lawn. So after three months of decoration-less landscaping, October arrives, and people start erecting frightening ghouls, ghastly gravestones and spooky spider webs. They begin with Halloween, move on to Thanksgiving and then the winter festivities come right around the corner! Follow that up with Valentine’s Day and a few other holidays and people are almost celebrating Independence Day again!

This year, and beyond, forget about buying disposable holiday decor at a home depot store, a grocery store or an outlet mall. Why not try some more environmentally responsible alternatives that keep our planet healthier? Buy Owner will help you make greener choices when decorating and entertaining during the holidays, starting here with a green Halloween!

Use live greenery as part of your outdoor decorations!           

Planting colorful flowers is a sure-fire way to spice up outdoor Halloween decorations! Pick a universal color that can be used for mostly all holidays: white, red or black. Red impatients blossom into full, flourishing mounds! In a colder climate, they can bloom as early as spring and last as late as mid-November. Any white flower will add some delicacy to the decor. The following black flowers will help create a ghoulish garden: Black Diamond tulips, Black Barlow columbines and Alcea Rosea Nigra hollycocks.

 

Once you have chosen the universal color, place potted plants around your flower beds. For Halloween, go to any nursery and pick up orange chrysanthemums, red-orange heleniums (sneezeweeds), yellow helianthus (perennial sunflowers) or blonde goldenrods!

 

Inside the home, decorate with yummy edibles

All kinds of fruits and vegetables make the most appealing, appetizing centerpieces. Place a large bowl in the center of the table. For fall, look to fill it fruits that boast brown, orange, red or yellow hues: oranges, pears, pineapples, pomegranates, bananas and kiwi. Green veggies (like asparagus, broccoli and green beans) also enhance the warm, rich tones of the fruit. You may even want to decorate with pumpkins! Nothing says Halloween like a spooky Jack-o-lantern. Take the leftovers and whip up some tasty pumpkin pie. You could even save the seeds and plant pumpkins!

 

Think lasting, not disposable

Paper napkins that feature candy corn and pumpkins offer style and convenience, yet they waste resources. Try a greener, lasting linen that is washable and reusable. Visit Rawganique for some burgundy, russet orange or ivory organic hemp napkins. The GreenSage Store offers color-grown organic cotton tablecloths! You may want to use plain white linens and dress them up with colorful, reusable ribbons that match each holiday!

 

Check back in November for tips on how to have a greener Thanksgiving!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged earth consciousness, eco-friendly, environmental awareness, going green for the holidays, Green Living, halloween, holidays
SHARE THIS Twitter Facebook Delicious StumbleUpon E-mail

New Series: Green Holidays

Oct15
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

From presidential debates to news articles to conversations among neighbors, the same topic keeps emerging. It’s on everyone’s mind these days, and it’s only going to grow in importance: reduced energy costs and green living are the future. And that goes for real estate, too.

If you own your own home, now is the time to become more green-aware and to make renovations and changes that will create lower energy costs and greater marketability in years to come. Home buyers are increasingly aware that energy-efficient remodeling can greatly reduce costs, as well as help the environment. So updating your home accordingly is one way to make your home outshine the competition and increase in value.

Here at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ve been suggesting ways to reduce energy costs and go green with your home all year, from ways you personally can use less and conserve more in practice to plants you can add to your interior and lists of other specific suggestions for being more green. (Just take a look at our “Green Living” category for more.)

A new spin we’re bringing to you now is “Going Green during the Holidays,” where we’ll highlight eco-friendly tips and suggestions that correspond with seasonal changes and festivities. First up is Halloween, so stay tuned!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged eco-friendly improvements, environmentally conscious, going green during the holidays, Green Living, holidays, improving a home's value, selling a home, today's economy
SHARE THIS Twitter Facebook Delicious StumbleUpon E-mail

Easy-Care Plants to Improve a Home’s Appeal

Sep15
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

In our blogs here at Buy Owner, we’ve said time and time again that the way you present your house determines how potential buyers will react to it. And common advice tells you one way to do this is to add greenery in or around your home.

If you’re like most people, you may be thinking you don’t have time or luck keeping plants alive. Don’t worry! There are many easy-care plants that won’t require extensive upkeep! Your house will still contain a homey atmosphere without daily plant labor being added to your already busy schedule. Whether you’re looking for an eye-catching hanging basket for your front porch or a small table plant for your living room, outdoor and indoor plant options are available in abundance.

Here are some top indoor and outdoor choices that are nearly impossible to kill.

Outdoor

  • Hostas- Hostas evolved in Asia and contain an appearance similar to lilies. They are perennials, which mean they survive each year. The variations in the leaf and flower colors are numerous and continue to evolve. Though the flowers exhibit unique and colorful traits, the foliage is what catches the eye of most people. Lush leaves grow around the flowers and continue to spread each year.
    Care: Water occasionally and place in a spot that receives afternoon sun.
  • Petunia- Petunias originated in South America and bloom all summer long. Because they are annuals, they are a perfect fit for someone who just wants to exhibit flowers while showing their house during the summer months.
    Care: Rest the petunia plant outside in full sun and water regularly.
  • Daylily- Originally from Europe, lilies present some of the most colorful, lush flowers you will find. Daylilies are perennials, but each flower only blooms for one day. Daylilies are perfect for picking and displaying in a vase indoors, or for filling a garden with outdoors.
    Care: Place in full sun and water once weekly for the first year.
  • Russian Sage- Originating from places with rough land, this plant can handle almost any environment and spreads quickly for a full, healthy look. The foliage consists of grey leaves and lavender-blue flowers that originate in late summer from the top of the stems.
    Care: Place in full sun outside and water once a week for the first year.
  • Coneflower- Coneflowers are where the herb Echinacea originates from. Echinacea is known for helping to boost the immune system and fight off cold and flu symptoms. Coneflowers offer colorful flowers (shaped like cones), a fresh fragrance and a healthy snack for birds in the fall and winter.
    Care: Plant in full sun or light shade. Water these plants only until they are established. They will retain moisture after this point.
  • Moss Roses- If you’re looking for an annual with a long-lasting bloom period, moss roses are what you need. These plentiful colorful flowers can even grow in dry areas where drought is common or in poor soil.
    Care: Plant in full sun, preferably a dry area. Water seldom, if at all.

Indoor

  • Cast Iron Plant- These plants can grow outside and can survive inside. They are the perfect plant for those who cannot seem to keep a plant alive. They survive in low lighting without regular watering. Pointed sword-like leaves grow right out of the soil. Small purple flowers appear from the soil surface.
    Care: Place in a cool area of your house with low light and water occasionally.
  • Holiday Cactus- These special cacti are as easy to care for as regular cacti, but are unique in that they can bloom during whenever you plan to show your house. Different types bloom during different holiday seasons, so ask your florist which type you should buy. They flower when set in a cooler temperature.
    Care: Place in artificial light during the day and total darkness at night. Water rarely, but thoroughly. Water less and place in a cooler temperature right before you want them to bloom.
  • Bamboo- For an artistic style, bamboo stems often come planted in a stylish container and can live with practically no care or light. Bamboo stems curve up into ringlets. Each stem looks different from another. You can place these anywhere that you have extra table or shelf space.
    Care: Offer the bamboo a little bit of water every so often.
  • Spider Plant- Spider plants are ideal for hanging baskets. Not only are these easy to care for, but they spawn babies so that the plant continually grows. You can allow it to grow as large as you prefer it, or you can cut the baby plants off and share it with others.
    Care: Place in a cool area and next to a window so that it receives natural light but is not placed directly in it. Water them once a week.
  • Aloe Plant- Aloe is a gel found in these thick leaves and is used to cure scrapes, burns, etc. Not only do you receive an easy plant to care for, but you also receive free aloe gel from inside the leaves to use when someone injures themselves.
    Care: Water sparingly in the winter and soak in the summer; let the soil dry between each watering. Place by a window in direct sunlight and never let it reach freezing temperatures.
  • Peace Lily- A peace lily can grow anywhere but offers a tropical appearance. Not only do peace lily plants possess full, unique flowers, but this plant generates lots of oxygen that refreshes the air in the room that it rests in!
    Care: Place in room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Water it once or twice a week.
Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged adding plants, easy-care plants, how to add greenery, Selling Tips, sprucing up, ways to improve your home's appearance
SHARE THIS Twitter Facebook Delicious StumbleUpon E-mail

Green Idea: Xeriscaping

Jul07
2008
3 Comments Written by Allegra

XeriscapeIf you love gardening but always have the current global warming crisis on the back of your mind, you may have a growing concern for the amount of water you’re using to keep your plants alive.

Did you know there’s an alternative that can put your worried mind at ease?

It’s xeriscaping.

What’s xeriscaping? Xeriscaping was invented in Denver, Colorado, by the Colorado WaterWise Council to help people improve their landscapes while using less water. The word comes from the Greek word xeros meaning dry and the Anglo-Saxon word scape meaning view. Xeriscaping uses seven gardening principles that save water while creating a lush garden.

The perks of xeriscaping:

  • Lower water bills
  • Less work because of its low maintenance
  • Little to no lawn mowing, which saves energy
  • Helps conserve water

The seven gardening principles:

  1. Plan and Design
  • Before any xeriscaping can be done, a well laid-out plan needs to be set in place. Create a sketch you’re your backyard or whatever area you plan on putting your garden in. Remember to include existing structures like trees and bushes, if they exist. Consider the costs of your project, the design appearance you’re after, the function of the space and the maintenance it will require. Next, visualize the xeriscape garden you want. Choose the plants, rock beds, etc. having a plan and design will help things run smoothly.
  1. Soil conservation
  • In a water-conserving landscape the soil should both drain quickly and store water at the same time. Healthy soil grows healthy plants. You can analyze the soil to see if its needs improvement.
  1. Create suitable turf areas
  • Turf (grass) areas are necessary for open space and visual interest but keep them to a small, yet usable, size. Plant drought-tolerant turf grass in these areas.
  1. Choose the appropriate plants
  • Plants for xeriscaping should also be drought-resistant. If possible, use plants native to your area. Trees, like gray birch, cedars and elms, help reduce water evaporation by blocking the soil from sunlight. Perennial flowers include baby’s breath, Arizona columbine, succulents and tulips. Annual flowers include cosmos, marigold and zinnias. These are just a few ideas. Don’t forget about drought-resistant plants and bushes such as hydrangea, juniper and potentilla! Plants with silvery, waxy, fuzzy or prickly leaves tend to be xeriscape friendly.
  1. Use mulch
  • Cover the soil with a mulch to help conserve soil moisture and retain temperature. Options for organic mulch include peat moss, manure, sawdust and compost.
  1. Have an efficient irrigation system
  • This helps conserve water. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are the simplest way to water your xeriscape garden and they deliver water to the base of the plants. Never over-water your garden; that counteracts the preservation!
  1. Proper maintenance
  • Xeriscape gardens are low maintenance but still need to be tended to. As with any garden, prune and weed. Add extra mulch when needed.

Once you have successfully followed the seven gardening principles for xeriscaping, you can sit back and enjoy your attractive, water-conserving outdoor oasis.

Image (the xeriscape symbol) Source: Aggie Horticulture

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged curb appeal, eco-friendly home, exterior appeal, green improvement, Green Living, improving your home, landscaping, living green, living in a green home, xeriscaping
SHARE THIS Twitter Facebook Delicious StumbleUpon E-mail

About the BuyOwner.com Blog

Welcome to the BuyOwner.com Blog, your source for regularly updated market information!

Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

You can read more about BuyOwner.com here.

Article Archives

Buy Owner Links

  • BuyOwner.com on Facebook
  • BuyOwner.com Testimonials
  • BuyOwner.com Website
  • Twitter: Buy Owner

Blog Roll

Real Estate Top Blogs Real Estate Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory Add to Technorati Favorites Find the best blogs at Blogs.com. Blog Directory Home Improvement Blog Directory

Subscribe

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Tags

31 reasons to sell with buy owner adding value to your home buying a home buying a house buy owner Buy Owner experience curb appeal decorating eco-friendly eco-friendly tips environment florida fsbo Green Living holiday home decorating Home Improvement home improvements home ownership home selling how to sell your home interior decorating interior design kitchen Market News moving real estate real estate market real estate selling real estate tips Regional Info selling selling a home selling a house selling Buy Owner selling by owner selling for sale by owner selling fsbo Selling Tips selling with buy owner selling your home spring staging using buy owner winter

EvoLve theme by Blogatize  •  Powered by WordPress BuyOwner.com Blog
Tips and info for people selling & buying their homes "Buy Owner"