Here are a few tips to make your neighborhood transition easier.

1. Find a real estate agent who has experience in the area you wish to move to. Ask your local agent for a referral. You are usually best served by working with an agent recommendation.

2. Doing your own research will complement your agent’s efforts to find the area that best suits you. Take some time to personally check out the amenities, resources, and schools in the neighborhoods that you are attracted to. Drive through different areas and take note of pride of ownership, activity level, and how safe you would feel living in certain neighborhoods.

3. Consider renting before you buy. Renting is a good way to find out if a certain neighborhood is right for you without making the big investment of buying first. If you can rent for a year, you should gain intimate knowledge of the area and what it has to offer. You will learn how property values are trending.

4. If you want the best of both worlds, have your agent locate a rent-to-own opportunity in the neighborhood you are targeting. A portion of your monthly rent goes to your down payment should you decide to exercise your purchase option. This is a good way to test the area without fully committing to owning.

Please contact me to discuss more ways to make your next move a successful one.

Despite encountering numerous challenges, including bad weather, difficult terrain, and hostile wildlife, Gatewood persevered and completed the hike in just over five months. Following her achievement, she was seen as a trailblazer for women’s hiking and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams of outdoor adventure. She continued to hike well into her 70s and 80s, completing several other long-distance hikes, including the Oregon Trail and the Long Trail in Vermont as well as further hikes of the Appalachian in 1960 and 1963, breaking another record as the first person to tackle the trail three times.

Gatewood’s legacy lives on today, and her story has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries. Her determination, courage, and resilience continue to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their passions and embrace the challenges that come with them. Her motto, “Make a trail for others to follow,” is a testament to her selflessness and the impact she had on the world around her.

Over bowl, pour syrup through fine-mesh sieve, pressing minced ginger against sieve with the back of a spoon to extract flavor. Discard ginger. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled.

Evenly distribute peach slices among eight tall glasses. For each glass, lightly press peaches with the back of a wooden spoon to release juice. Pour 2 tablespoons chilled syrup over peaches.

Add ice cubes, then top with seltzer. Stir to distribute syrup, peach juice, and seltzer evenly. Garnish with 2 mint leaves. Serve.

Give the place a good clean. Across the winter hibernation period, you’ve likely accumulated clutter and missed the dirty spots that are less obvious in the low winter light. Now’s the perfect time to give it a summer sparkle.

Check and clean your air conditioning unit. Before the hot weather arrives, check your air conditioning unit to ensure it’s working properly. Clean or replace filters to improve air quality and efficiency.

Seal cracks and gaps. Check the exterior of your home for any cracks or gaps that may have developed during the winter. Seal them to keep cool air inside and prevent pests from getting in.

Install window treatments. Blinds, shades, or curtains help to keep the sun out during the hottest parts of the day. This will keep your home cool and reduce your energy bills.

Prepare your outdoor spaces. Clean and organize your outdoor spaces such as decks, patios, and grilling areas. Consider adding umbrellas or canopies to shade and protect yourself from the sun while enjoying your outdoor spaces.

Service your outdoor equipment. Before using your outdoor equipment, such as lawn mowers and grills, service them to ensure they’re in good working order.

Protect against pests. Summer is a prime time for pests such as mosquitoes, ants, and termites. Take steps to protect your home by removing standing water, sealing cracks and gaps, and using pest control products as needed.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is ready for the summer weather, keeping you and your family cool, comfortable, and safe.

For more tips on preparing your home for summer, call or email me today and we’ll discuss your options.

Choose a good location. Choose a location that is scenic, comfortable, and has enough space for your group. Look for a place that has shade and shelter from the sun, and consider the amenities available, such as restrooms, tables, and grilling areas.

Plan your menu. Plan a menu that is easy to transport, prepare, and serve. Pack a variety of foods, such as sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, cheese and crackers. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and drinks to stay hydrated.

Pack smart. Pack everything you need in a sturdy cooler or picnic basket. Make sure to pack plates, utensils, napkins, and cups. Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on, and don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.

Keep it simple. Keep your picnic simple and relaxed. Don’t overcomplicate things with complicated recipes or a long packing list. Remember, the focus of a picnic is spending time with friends and family and enjoying the great outdoors.

Clean up after yourself. Take care of the environment by cleaning up after yourself. Bring garbage bags and pack up everything you brought with you. Leave the picnic area better than you found it.

Be prepared for the unexpected. Weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain or other unexpected events. Bring a raincoat or umbrella, and be ready to move your picnic indoors if necessary.

By following these tips, you can plan a successful and enjoyable picnic that everyone will love. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can create wonderful memories in the great outdoors with your loved ones.