Shop local this holiday season and support your community! Why shop local? Here are just a few reasons: your money will be kept in the local economy, you help create local jobs, help the environment, conserve your tax dollars, and you have invested in entrepreneurship. Here are some local businesses I love and some great gift ideas for holiday giving!
Read MoreJENNY’S GARDEN TIPS: What to Plan for Impact in 2018
WHAT TO PLANT FOR IMPACT IN 2018
by Jenny Mandt, Owner, Garden Coaching Solutions
“In a bulb there is a flower, in a seed an apple tree…” is a song about planting today to reap the rewards tomorrow. Why not plant something now that will make your garden shine next year? With a little planning, digging, and effort the results will be worth it. First thing is to check out your soil. Is it a hard as a rock, sandy, grey and lifeless looking? This should be corrected before you plant anything. New or divided plants, shrubs or trees will need fertile, well-draining soil in order to thrive. Adding soil building compost can really boost nutrition in lifeless soil.
Read MoreHow to Put Together a Beautiful Garden Container
by Jenny Mandt, Owner, Garden
Coaching Solutions
I love this quote: “Half the interest of a garden is in the constant exercise of the imagination”. ~Mrs. C. W. Earle. It is also so pertinent to this month’s topic – container gardening. There are many choices you can put into that new, shiny ceramic pot that you just got as a gift or purchased at a store.
Read MoreSummer Maintenance Checklist
Seattle summers are the best! Tanner and I are almost done with all of our yard updates and can finally enjoy the fruits of our labor. It has been quite a transformation.
Read MoreINSURANCE: Is It Covered? Do You Have Enough?
When was the last time you reviewed your homeowner’s insurance policy?
Read MoreBest Neighborhood Resources
Summer is starting to make an appearance! So are all the fun Neighborhood activities. There are several resources that I keep an eye on in order to stay up-to-date with West Seattle news and events. Here are some of my favorites:
Read More5 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Garden
by Jenny Mandt, Owner, Garden Coaching Solutions
A friend asked me what were the top five things that she could do with her garden to make it look more attractive, with less maintenance and water, and be done at a reasonable cost. Here is what I told her:
Read MoreReducing Paper Clutter with "The Cloud"
Organization is not a skill that has come naturally to me. Thankfully, over the years of setting systems in place to keep me organized, I have found some great tools. Evernote.com is a free note taking, organizing and archiving app that works on your computer and phone. It, or other note taking cloud-based software, can help you get your home in order.
Read MoreOutdoor Updates: Happy Homeowners & Financial Returns!
I bought a fixer. Not only the house and its systems needed an overhaul, but the yard did too. We brought in dirt, we took out dirt, we have terraced and leveled and sodded and fenced….
Guess what, it made us really happy…like “new kitchen” happy. We have only finished the front yard! This article from the Realtors made me feel much better about our investment.
Winter may be a good time to get some of the major work done. Landscapers are not as busy and you can have it complete by Summer! Please let me know if you would like some referrals of contractors that can help with your projects.
For more information on the impact of outdoor remodeling projects, visit
Top tips for buyers in a seller's market
1. Get pre-approved with a lender & know your price range & down-payment.
2. Make a wish list of your wants & needs.
3. Meet with me to help you look for what you want, write your offer, and negotiate on your behalf.
4. Improve your credit score, if needed.
5. Do not make any large purchases, like a car, or apply for any credit cards.
6. Have funds ready for closing costs, inspections, and reserves.
7. Learn about the market & process of buying and ask me questions.
8. Calculate your commute.
9. Get your paperwork in order and file your taxes.
10. Think about resale value.
11. Check out the neighborhood.
12. Stay the course. You may not get the first home you put an offer on.
13. Be willing to compromise & be patient
The search and process is worth the result of getting a great home!