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April 2024: NAR Settlement Explanation

  Y'all, the real industry is evolving and there has been a lot of confusing real estate news regarding a $418M Settlement by the National Association of Realtors.  There's been a lot of buzz and a fair share of confusion about the recent developments.   Understanding the Settlement The  National Association of Realtors (NAR) has recently settled  an alleged price-fixing lawsuit that’s been a significant talking point across our industry. While the court’s final approval is pending, it’s crucial to  grasp the potential implications  anticipated to take effect by mid-July 2024.    As soon as I have additional -- and accurate -- information as to how this will affect you as a Buyer or as a Seller, I will send out a separate email. But as of now, this is the best information that I can find to summarize all the "hoopla". ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This might sound exciting and like a potential game-changer for you as a home selle

December Gardening & Planting Tips in the South

December Gardening & Planting Tips

It's time to snip greenery from your yard and enjoy amaryllis.

Grow Now: AmaryllisThese are some of the most elegant flowers of the holiday season. Buy them potted and ready to bloom, or buy bulbs to grow. Bloom colors include reds, whites, pinks, and even greens. Miniature selections are also available. Enjoy a single amaryllis, or use several of the same type to create a living arrangement of color on a table or mantel. Tuck in a few small potted ferns and mosses to fill out the display. Sometimes, the large flowers of amaryllis need a little help standing straight and tall. Bamboo stakes, available in the natural tan color or dyed green, work well. Wrap twine or raffia around the stakes to keep the bloom stalks straight. For a great selection of mail-order amaryllis, visit whiteflowerfarm.com.
Display Hollies
With bright red berries and glossy green leaves, hollies are ideal living Christmas trees. ‘Oakland’ and ‘Robin’ hollies are outstanding evergreens both as specimens and for large hedges. They will grow about 12 to 15 feet wide and 15 to 20 feet tall. Display your living tree inside or out. Outside, use it on your porch or near an entry, such as a gate. Dress up your tree by placing it in a galvanized bucket, or wrap it in burlap. Keep it well watered. You can use it inside for about 7 to 10 days. Afterward, plant it as a specimen in a sunny spot in your yard. Both selections are part of the Southern Living Plant Collection. Buy them at a local nursery, or learn more at southernlivingplants.com.
Feed Birds
Bird feeders are a great way to encourage these wonders to visit your yard. Place them where you can enjoy the show from a window or from your porch or deck. Visit your local garden center, a Wild Birds Unlimited store, or birdquest.com for a great selection of bird feeders. Deter squirrels by using a spicy birdseed such as Cole’s Blazing Hot Blend Bird Seed or treating the seeds with Cole’s Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce (birdwatchersupply.com). Birdbaths and birdhouses will also lure feathered friends to your yard.
Add Mulch
After the first frost, add a 2-inch layer of pine straw or finely shredded pine bark mulch around the bases of your trees and shrubs. You can also use fallen leaves: Rake them into a pile, and chop them up with a lawn mower; then gather them, and spread them around your plants. They’ll appreciate the extra protection during winter months.
Buy Watering Cans
Colorful watering containers are great gifts for any gardener. (Find more gifts at southernliving.com/gift-guide) Consider keeping several in handy places close to your garden projects both inside and out for easy watering. Antique galvanized watering cans are very collectible. Colorful modern cans brighten any garden too. Look for them at a local nursery, or purchase from kinsmangarden.com ($49.95 for small and $59.95 for large).
Original Article via Southern Living

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