Springtime Bugs Invading Your Home? Here's How to Keep Them Out & Get Rid of Them!

As the weather warms up, flowers bloom, and days get longer, one not-so-welcome guest also makes an appearance—springtime bugs! From ants and flies to stink bugs and mosquitoes, these tiny invaders can quickly become a nuisance. But don't worry—we've got you covered with simple prevention tips and effective solutions to keep your home bug-free this season!

How to Prevent Spring Bugs from Entering Your Home

Seal Up Entry Points
Inspect windows, doors, and vents for gaps or cracks. Use caulk or weather stripping to keep bugs from sneaking in.

Keep Screens Intact
Check window and door screens for holes and replace or repair any damage.

Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Empty flowerpot saucers, unclog gutters, and keep birdbaths clean.

Clean Up Crumbs & Spills
Bugs are attracted to food. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and store pantry items in airtight containers.

Use Natural Repellents
Citronella, peppermint oil, and vinegar sprays can help keep bugs like ants and flies at bay.

How to Get Rid of Bugs If They've Already Invaded

Ants
Find their entry point and seal it off. Use a mix of vinegar and water to wipe down surfaces and disrupt their scent trails.

Mosquitoes
Use indoor-safe traps, fans, and essential oil diffusers with citronella or eucalyptus to repel them.

Flies
Keep trash bins sealed and use sticky fly traps or a homemade apple cider vinegar trap to catch them.

Stink Bugs
Avoid crushing them! Instead, vacuum them up and empty the vacuum outside.

Springtime is a season of renewal—don't let bugs take over your home! With these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable, pest-free space all season long.

Need more homeowner tips? Stay tuned for more Pathways Home Group insights!

#SpringHomeTips #RealEstateTips&Tricks #BugFreeLiving #HomeMaintenance

🏡 Boost Your Curb Appeal: 8 Easy Ways to Make Buyers Fall in Love at First Sight

First impressions are everything—especially in real estate. A home's exterior is the first thing buyers see, and good curb appeal can add perceived value, emotional appeal, and get you offers earlier. Even if you're not putting your home on the market anytime soon, these simple updates can give your property a boost.

🌿 1. Freshen Up Landscaping
Trim hedges, cut the grass, and plant seasonal flowers like tulips or marigolds. Or even planters of flowers on the porch will provide charm and color.

Pro Tip: Edging your lawn makes your yard look professionally groomed.

🚪 2. Paint or Replace the Front Door
Your front door takes center stage. A rich, bold color (like navy blue, red, or classic black) can render your home attractive, welcoming.

Bonus: Add a finishing touch with new house numbers or a new doormat.

💡 3. Refresh Outdoor Lighting
Make sure all lights are working and stylistically uniform. Consider motion-sensitive lights or soft pathway lights to create a warm nighttime glow.

🧼 4. Power Wash Everything
Driveways, sidewalks, siding, porches, and even fences build up grime. A power wash can get them shining like new and give your home's exterior an instant boost.

🪟 5. Clean Windows—Inside & Out
Windows sparkling like diamonds let more light in and help the home sparkle from the outside. Don't forget screens!

🚗 6. Declutter the Driveway
Remove unnecessary vehicles, trash cans, and equipment. A clean, open driveway has buyers focusing on your home—not your stuff.

🌱 7. Add Mulch and Edge Flower Beds
Mulch defines flower beds and creates contrast and definition. Choose a deep brown or black to really make your greenery pop.

🪑 8. Add Porch Personality
Add welcoming elements such as a few chairs, a seasonal wreath, or hanging plants to make the entrance feel welcoming.

✨ Final Thought

Buyers determine how they feel about a house in the first 7 seconds. Make those seconds work in your favor with these low-cost, high-impact curb appeal improvements.

Want a custom assessment of your home's curb appeal?
Pathways Home Group is here to assist! Let's make your house the one they can't stop thinking about. #RealEstateTips&Tricks

🛠️ 5 Quick Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Owning a home is exciting—but it also comes with a fair share of responsibility. Staying on top of basic maintenance can save you thousands in repairs and keep your home running smoothly year-round. Here are five essential tips every homeowner should know:

1. Change HVAC Filters Regularly
Your heating and cooling system works hard year-round. Changing the filters every 1–3 months keeps the air clean and helps the system work efficiently—saving you money on energy bills.

2. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof and foundation. Clean them at least twice a year—more often if you have trees nearby.

3. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These devices can save lives. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace the units entirely every 7–10 years.

4. Check for Water Leaks
A small drip can become a major problem. Regularly inspect under sinks, behind toilets, and around appliances. Catching a leak early can prevent costly damage.

5. Seal Drafty Windows & Doors
Feel a breeze? Weather stripping and caulking are inexpensive fixes that keep your home comfortable and energy efficient—especially in extreme seasons.

#RealEstateTips&Tricks

🛠️ Homeowner Tip: Don't Fall for the "High-Performance" HVAC Filter Trap!

When it comes to replacing your HVAC filter, more expensive doesn't always mean better.

We recently saw someone spend $24.47 on a two-pack of high-performance filters (rated FPR 7) hoping to get cleaner air. Sounds like a smart move, right? Not so fast.

❗ The Problem with High-Rated Filters:

• Restricted airflow through your HVAC system
• Higher energy bills 💸
• Potential damage to your HVAC system 😰
• Shortened system lifespan ⚠️

✅ The Better Move:
For most homeowners, a basic FPR 5 filter will do the job just fine — and for much less!

You could get two for around $13, keeping your system running efficiently and your wallet happier.

💡 Want Cleaner Air?
If clean air is your top priority, consider investing in an independent air purification system instead of relying solely on your HVAC unit.

📞 Have questions about maintaining or upgrading your home before selling?
Call Pathways Home Group at 651-615-3445 —
We're on your Path. Your Timeline. No Pressure.

💡 Energy Efficiency Tips to Save Money Year-Round

Want to lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint? Making your home more energy-efficient doesn't have to mean expensive upgrades—small changes can go a long way! Here's how to keep your home comfortable and your wallet happy in every season.

🧰 Easy DIY Upgrades

Seal Air Leaks:
Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards. Drafty rooms are harder (and pricier) to heat and cool!

Upgrade to LED Bulbs:
Switching to LED lighting can save up to 75% more energy than traditional bulbs—and they last much longer.

Install a Programmable Thermostat:
Set it to lower the temp while you're away and warm things up before you return. Smart thermostats can cut energy bills by 10-15%.

🏠 Smart Seasonal Habits

Winter:
Open curtains during the day to let sunlight naturally heat your home. Close them at night to trap warmth inside.

Summer:
Use ceiling fans and close blinds during the hottest parts of the day. Fans use less energy than air conditioning and help circulate cool air.

All Year:
Unplug electronics and chargers when not in use. Even when turned off, many devices draw "phantom energy."

🔧 Consider These Upgrades

• Insulate your attic and walls to reduce heat loss
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to save water and energy
• Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® appliances when replacing old ones

Energy efficiency isn't just a trend—it's a smart move for homeowners looking to save money and increase comfort. Whether you're planning a few weekend fixes or long-term upgrades, every change counts!

#EnergySavingTips #HomeEfficiency #SustainableLiving #RealEstateTips

🛋️ Ever Wondered if Staging Works or Not—and Why It's So Important When Selling Your Home?

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions aren't just important—they're everything. Buyers typically form an opinion within the first few seconds of walking through the door (or scrolling through listing photos). That's where home staging comes in—and yes, it really works.

🎯 1. Staging Helps Buyers Visualize Themselves in the Home

83% of buyers' agents said staging a home made it easier for their clients to visualize the property as a future home.

🪑 2. The Living Room Is the #1 Must-Stage Space

Buyers' agents ranked the most important rooms to stage:

• 🛋️ Living Room – 37%
• 🛏️ Primary Bedroom – 34%
• 🍽️ Kitchen – 23%

Tip: Start with these key areas to make the biggest impression.

📷 3. High-Quality Photos & Media Make a Huge Impact

Among buyers' agents:

• 📸 73% said photos were important
• 🛋️ 57% said physical staging mattered
• 📹 48% valued videos
• 🌐 43% emphasized virtual tours

💰 4. Staging Can Increase Your Home's Value

17% of buyers' agents said that staging increased offers by 1–5% compared to similar unstaged homes.

💡 Pro Tips for Successful Staging

• 🧹 Declutter & Depersonalize – Keep it clean and neutral.
• 💡 Maximize Natural Light – Use bright, warm lighting.
• 🪑 Define Each Space – Show off the function of each room.
• 🎨 Use Neutral Tones – Appeal to all buyer types.
• 🌿 Don't Forget Curb Appeal – Tidy yards and fresh entryways matter.

🏡 Need Help With Staging?

At Pathways Home Group, we partner with expert stagers, photographers, and marketing professionals to help your home look its best—and sell for more. Whether you want to stage it yourself or hire a pro, we're here to guide you—on your path, your timeline, no pressure.

📲 Let's Get Your Home Market-Ready

If you're ready to list and want to stand out in today's market, get in touch with us. We're here to help you sell smarter, faster, and for more.

📊 Source: NAR 2023 Profile of Home Staging

🌱 Lawn Care 101: Tips for a Healthier, Greener Yard

A well-maintained lawn can boost your home's curb appeal and provide a welcoming space for relaxing or entertaining. Here's how to get your lawn looking lush and green—without spending a fortune or wasting water.

📅 Mow Smarter, Not Harder

Set your mower blades high. Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and crowds out weeds. Aim to cut only the top third of the grass blade each time you mow.

💧 Water Deeply and Infrequently

Instead of frequent shallow watering, give your lawn a deep soak once or twice a week. Early morning is the best time to water to prevent disease and evaporation.

🧪 Test Your Soil

A soil test helps you understand pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, you can apply the right fertilizer and amendments for optimal grass growth.

🍃 Feed Your Lawn

Use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall. Too much nitrogen can burn your lawn and encourage fast, weak growth—go easy!

🌾 Overseed Bare Spots

Patchy lawn? Sprinkle grass seed over thin or bald areas in the early fall or spring. Keep it moist until the new grass establishes.

🚫 Weed Without Harm

Pull weeds by hand or use a targeted natural herbicide. Avoid harsh chemicals, especially if you have kids or pets playing outside.

A lush lawn doesn't have to be high-maintenance. With just a few mindful steps, your yard can become the envy of the neighborhood!

#LawnCareTips #CurbAppeal #HomeownerAdvice

🔍 The Truth About Home Inspections (and What Really Matters)

When I bought my home, I knew the HVAC system was old enough to vote. It worked, it passed inspection, and it kept the house cool—but I also knew it wouldn't last forever. So, I planned ahead, saved, and sure enough... three years later, I replaced it. No sweat.

Why did I still move forward with the purchase?

Because that house had a *brand-new roof*, and in my price range, with the location and layout I wanted? That was a win worth taking.

🏡 Here's What Many Buyers Miss

Every home will have something—especially on an inspection report. That doesn't mean it's a dealbreaker. It means it's a home.

• Settlement cracks in the drywall? Totally normal.
• Scuffed baseboards? Common wear and tear.
• Squeaky floorboards? Call it character!

Even *brand-new homes* have inspection reports that look intense. But remember: homes are man-made and lived in. Nothing is truly flawless—and that's okay.

🛠 Inspections Are Tools, Not Dealbreakers

If your inspector handed you a blank report, you'd probably feel like you wasted your money. Their job is to nitpick—to show you the full picture so you can make an informed decision.

Your job? Know the difference between what's fixable and what's fatal.

• Fixable: Worn weatherstripping, squeaky doors, minor leaks.
• Fatal: Major foundation issues, structural damage, significant water intrusion.

📈 Real Talk: Imperfect Homes Build Real Wealth

I replaced my HVAC, yes—but I also built nearly $100,000 in equity while living there. A few maintenance bills in exchange for six figures of growth? Worth it.

So if the home fits your life, your goals, and your long-term plans, don't walk away over the small stuff. Perfect homes don't exist. But smart decisions do.

#HomeBuyingTips #HomeInspectionTruths #RealEstateWisdom #WealthThroughRealEstate