Home Tips

A functional and beautiful outdoor space can help make your summers more enjoyable, and when it comes to creating the perfect outdoor oasis, hardscaping has a big role to play. Our real estate agents always make it a point to invest in new outdoor elements that enhance the outdoor experience. New hardscaping not only helps to improve your home value, but it can also be aesthetically pleasing.

Below, we'll discuss the importance of hardscaping and how you can use it to make the most out of your yard this summer.

What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping is a term that describes any man-made outdoor elements, such as sidewalks, stairs, patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and more. It's basically a term used to describe landscaping elements that are not plants. Hardscaping can be used to expand your living space, guide outdoor traffic, or increase the overall functionality of your yard. It's also very low maintenance!

Hardscaping Tip
Good hardscaping requires a lot of time and planning, but the end result is often well worth the investment. Here are some hardscaping tips to make your project a success:

1. Always Evaluate The Space
   Before starting any hardscaping project, you'll want to make sure the space can support your vision. Therefore,  it's important to conduct a thorough analysis of the space. You'll want to consider the type of soil, the quality of the drainage, and the shape of the terrain before you begin building. Make sure you always measure the space.
   
   
2. Supplement With Greenery
   It's easy to get carried away with hardscaping, but man-made elements shouldn't be the dominant theme of your outdoor space. Make sure you're keeping greenery in the picture. Whether it's flowers, shrubs, or potted plants, make sure there is plenty of plant life around.
   
   
3. Stick To A Consistent Theme
   When hardscaping, you'll want to choose colors that match your home's exterior to create a seamless transition from indoors to the outdoors. Also, be sure not to go overboard. Try to keep it simple and stick to one or two textures across all your hardscape elements. For inspiration on beautiful hardscaping themes, take a look at a few of these Raleigh homes for sale.
   
   
4. Keep Things Balanced
   Humans find real beauty in balance and symmetry, so keep this in mind when you're planning new outdoor elements. Use repetition when adding rocks, boulders, decor, or other elements. Make sure your items fit nicely within the natural space of your yard. Don't be afraid to add curves to your sidewalk or build a non-traditionally shaped patio.
   
   
5. Consult A Professional
   Great hardscaping can be difficult to create. While it can make for a fun summer DIY project, you shouldn't be afraid to consult with a professional. If you're really looking to boost your home value, hiring a professional can really pay off.

Whether you're looking to create a new space for entertaining guests or your own private oasis, hardscaping is a great investment. Contact us today for more ideas about how to improve your outdoor space.

Part of making your house a home is getting to customize it with your interests. Put your personality and hobbies on display when you design a built-in bookshelf.

Built-in bookshelves complement your home, and you can use them as a focal point instead of furniture. Additionally, built-in bookshelves are customizable, easy to organize and make the space look bigger. Our real estate agents put together this guide to help you add built-in bookshelves after buying our Raleigh homes for sale to customize them to your taste.

1. Take Measurements
   Where would you like your bookshelf to be? Measure the room's height and width. Just like with any home improvement project, measuring multiple times is a good way to ensure a successful project. Most people prefer their built-in bookshelves to be by the window. So, check the window placement as well. If the room has no windows, you can place the bookshelf by the center. Next, come up with the bookcase details. How many columns and rows do you need on the shelf? What will be the width between partitions?
   
   
2. Gather Materials
   Pick out the materials you'd like to use for this home improvement project. Cut your wood to the dimensions of the bookcase details. Assemble the wood and use the glue sets to assemble the partitions.
   
   
3. Cut and Assemble the Shelves
   After assembling the partitions, let the glue dry as you cut the shelves. From the measurement of the first step, you have an idea of shelf length. You can make them an inch longer and trim them to ensure the perfect fit. Lengthening the shelves a little more makes it easy to align them perfectly.
   
   
4. Trim the Brackets
   Using a jigsaw, carefully cut out the brackets. You can use sandpaper to smoothen the carve. Mark any intersections, and use a pencil to draw a smooth line that will connect the dots. Then, cut out the shape using a jigsaw.
   
   
5. Build the Partition
   Since built-in bookshelves don't have enough weight to support them as other cabinet face frames do, nail the frame parts together. Nailing makes the bookshelf more stable.
   
   
6. Add Wall Cleats
   Use wall anchors and reliable construction adhesives to fasten wall cleats on your drywall. If you have carpeting on your floor, roll it back to avoid making a mess. If you don't have drywall, you can also check the right anchor to attach your wall cleats. The cleat helps support the partition and acts as a cleat for the bookshelf's fascia.
   
   
7. Fasten the Brackets, Fix the Nails, Sand, and Finish Off
   Tip the partitions carefully and one at a time to avoid scaring the ceiling. Then add the brackets by gluing them to the partition sides. Next, nail them to the partition and filet. Once you fix the nails, sand the wood and finish the bookcase. You can paint it in your desired color.

Are you ready to find your next home and customize it? Contact us with your needs and preference, and let us help make your search easier.

You've looked at countless Raleigh homes for sale, and you've finally found the one. Is it too early to start planning your housewarming party? Not at all! A housewarming party is a perfect opportunity to show off your new home to your friends, celebrate with those you care about most, and just relax in your own space. The following are some hosting tips that may come in handy as you plan and hold your housewarming.

• Plan on Giving House Tours
  Your guests are going to want to see your home. So, make sure it is tidied up and ready for visitors. It's okay to close off a bedroom or two if there are things you want to keep private, but for the most part, you want the whole of your home to be clean and ready for visitors. If you're still holding on to empty boxes and bubble wrap from your move, this is great motivation to get rid of it.
  
  
• Serve Appetizers and Finger Foods
  Serving a sit-down meal at a housewarming party is more work than it's worth. Plus, with all of your guests roaming around and checking out the house, gathering everyone to eat at the same time will be tough. Serve a variety of finger foods and appetizers instead. This way, you and your guests can nibble as you wish.
  
  
• Invite Guests to Drop By
  Having everyone arrive at once can be a little overwhelming when you're giving tours of the home and showing off your favorite decor. When you send out invitations, use the words "stop by between the hours of ___ and ___" so guests know they don't have to be there as soon as the party starts. Some guests will stay for a half-hour, and others may stay the whole time. Building in this flexibility also makes it easy for busy guests to attend.
  
  
• Set Aside a Spot for Gifts
  It's customary for guests to bring a small gift when they attend a housewarming party. Set aside a designated space for these gifts before the party. An end table in the living room is a good choice. Don't use your kitchen counter or island, as you'll need those spots for food and drinks.
  
  
• Open Up the Yard, if Possible
  It's nice to hold a housewarming party in the summer so guests can also mingle in and enjoy your yard. Tidy up your landscaping prior to the party. Also, make sure it's clear that guests are welcome to go outside and enjoy the yard. This may mean propping a door open or barbecuing outside where others can gather around the grill. 

A housewarming party is a great opportunity to show off your new space and welcome others into it as well. With the hosting tips above, you'll be set for success. If you're still on the hunt for the perfect home, feel free to contact us soon. Our real estate agents will be happy to guide you through the house-hunting process, working with you closely every step of the way.

Want to purify the air while improving the appearance of your home? Add a few indoor plants to improve your indoor air quality, reduce your stress levels, and enhance your home's aesthetic.

Our real estate agents also know that indoor plants effectively make any space look more inviting. Here are a few plants that will boost your indoor air quality and help your home look its best.

• Spider Plants
  Spider plants are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular option for homeowners who want to add plants that don't require a lot of time and attention. A spider plant removes formaldehyde, a chemical commonly found in fingernail polish, cigarette smoke, dry cleaning solutions, and other synthetic chemicals. To help your spider plant thrive, you'll want to keep the soil moist and place it in a spot that's semi-sunny or even shady. 

• Philodendrons
  Philodendrons are another plant that's efficient at purifying your air while being relatively easy to grow. Many homeowners like philodendrons thanks to the lovely heart-shaped leaves. Another benefit of philodendrons is that they're versatile regarding their ideal placement in your home. You can keep philodendrons in a shady spot, or you can house them in a sunnier area as long as you're willing to water them more frequently. 

• Peace Lilies
  Peace lilies have gorgeous white flowers and remove acetone, alcohols, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. They need a semi-shady spot in your home, and you'll want to keep the soil moist. 

• Snake Plants
  When adding your home to the list of Raleigh homes for sale, consider adding snake plants to your entryway or living room. Snake plants are perfect for busy homeowners thanks to their blase watering requirements; water the plant until the soil is moist, then allow the soil to completely dry out before you water it again. This means that you may only need to water your snake plant every two to four weeks. 

• Bromeliads
  Bromeliads boast a beautifully colored bloom and are effective at removing a number of air pollutants. They do best in a spot with a lot of direct lighting. Make sure that your bromeliad has a pot that allows for ample water drainage, as they are prone to developing root rot. If you notice water gathering in the pot, promptly empty it out. A bromeliad will only live for a year or two; after they flower, they start to die off. They do produce baby bromeliads at their base that you can remove and propagate. 

• English Ivy
  While English ivy is a popular addition in many gardens, it's also an excellent addition to your collection of indoor plants, offering a classic look and strong pollutant-removing properties. It can grow in full shade or full sun, and over time, you can even direct its growth so that it compliments your home. 

• Gerbera Daisies
  If you prefer a flowering plant or a species that will add color to your home, gerbera daisies are a terrific selection. They're a little tricky to grow inside because they need a lot of bright light and relatively warm temperatures. A location by a window offers these growing conditions, but too much heat can scorch the leaves. One option is to place your daisies by the window during the morning and then move them before the strong afternoon sun hits. 

Want a home with more space for indoor plants? Contact us to start your search!

Spring is here at last! Our real estate agents have been looking forward to another year of beautiful, thriving plants at our Raleigh and Durham homes for sale. In their time working on local properties, they have seen some incredible examples of gardening prowess and learned which plants grow best in this area of North Carolina. Here are some of the plants they are most excited to recommend to local gardeners this year. 

• Rosemary 
  Rosemary is a common herb used to add an earthy flavor to soups, stews, and bread, but that doesn't mean it can't be an attractive part of a garden arrangement as well. This herb's distinctive tall shoots covered in short, straight leaves can look great in the right surroundings.  
  
  Like most herbs, rosemary is hardy and doesn't need too much water or attention. It does best in full sun, so try to find it a sunny spot near the middle of your plots to help it grow. 
  
  
• Wood Geraniums 
  Wood geraniums are modest, cheerful-looking flowers that grow natively in North Carolina. They make an excellent addition to any Raleigh resident's garden, but those with lots of nearby wildlife may appreciate them even more. Their strong smell has sometimes been shown to have a mild repellent effect against deer, rabbits, and other woodland creatures.  
  
  These flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer, so plant them soon to enjoy their beauty for several months. They need neutral soil but can survive in either sun or partial shade.  
  
  
• Carolina Silverbell 
  If you want to make your garden feel like a magical respite, look no further than the Carolina Silverbell tree. This plant's dainty white blossoms look like something out of a fairy tale.  
  
  This tree needs neutral or mildly acidic soil and lots of sun but can handle periods of shade. Expect to see it bloom each year in late spring or early summer and develop stunning yellow foliage in the fall.  
  
  
• Sandhills Fire Lily 
  Looking for a striking centerpiece for your garden? The Sandhills Fire Lily might be just the plant you need. With their exotic orange blossoms and their rippling downward-pointing petals, these lilies bring dramatic flair to any outdoor space.  
  
  Fire lilies bloom in mid-summer and need lots of sun to thrive. They also do best in mildly acidic soil. They'll do great in spots near the middle of your garden where they can enjoy both the sunshine and the spotlight. 
  
  
• Lavender 
  Lavender is well-known for its soft purple flowers and delicate scent. It is often used in teas, bath scents, and massage oils for its calming fragrance. Growing your own allows you to enjoy this relaxing aroma anytime.  
  
  This plant is hardy and can survive in most conditions, but it does best in full sun and fully-drained alkaline soil. It is prone to root rot in damp conditions, so be sure not to overwater it.  
  
  
• Flowering Dogwood 
  The flowering dogwood's distinctive white clusters of blossoms are both eye-catching and understated, allowing them to easily fit into most Raleigh gardens. This plant's blooms also happen to be North Carolina's official state flower! 
  
  Dogwood trees need moist, acidic soil with partial shade. Their blossoms will appear in late spring and early summer before developing into small red fruits that give the tree a striking new look. Humans cannot eat these berry-like fruits, but many birds enjoy them and will be happy to visit your yard for a snack when you have a dogwood tree on your property. 

Eager to get started on your new garden? Contact us for more information on our roster of properties and find your perfect landscaping canvas today.  

When exploring prospective homes, one of the spaces that many homebuyers prioritize is the kitchen. Since a kitchen serves as a spot for cooking, dining, entertaining, and even working, our real estate agents understand why a home's kitchen is important to potential homebuyers. Here are some of the kitchen features that buyers want in 2022. 

1. An Efficient Design
   Buyers want a kitchen that makes it easier to use the space. A kitchen should be set up so that it's convenient to move between food prep, cooking, and clean-up. For example, a kitchen with a pull-out trash bin and cutting board is attractive because it makes it easier to dispose of food waste and other items when you're cooking. There should be a large surface that can be used for food prep that's located in close proximity to the stove and other appliances. 

2. An Updated Design
   Homeowners spend a lot of time in their kitchens, and they prefer that it be a space that's aesthetically pleasing. A higher-end countertop (like granite or quartz), sturdy cabinets with updated hardware, and coordinating flooring all work together to create a space that's aesthetically pleasing. When planning to add your home to the list of Raleigh homes for sale, plan on making a few changes to update your kitchen's look, like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet hardware. 

3. Space for Storing and Organizing Kitchen Necessities
   Even the most gorgeous kitchen will be less appealing if it lacks storage space for housing kitchen essentials. An ideal kitchen will have a pantry (buyers often prefer a walk-in pantry) and an ample number of cabinets and drawers. Buyers don't like cluttered countertops, and it's a lot easier to keep counters clear and tidy when there's sufficient storage. An easy way to make your kitchen's storage space appear larger is to declutter your cabinets, drawers, and other storage areas. Spaces that are completely filled with stuff look untidy and even appear smaller than they actually are. 

4. A Clean, Well-Maintained Kitchen Space
   A simple way to ensure that any kitchen looks its best is to thoroughly clean it. Buyers often shy away from homes that look as if they need a lot of maintenance and cleaning. When preparing to list your home with other Durham homes for sale, one of the most important things you can do is meticulously clean your kitchen from top to bottom. Use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment to remove dust and debris before cleaning the walls, counters, floors, and other surfaces with the appropriate cleaning products. If there's any maintenance you need to do, like changing lightbulbs, fixing a leaky faucet, or repairing an uneven cabinet, take care of these issues before listing your home. 

5. Updated Technology
   Buyers like kitchens with technology that makes their lives easier. Smart appliances that allow you to operate and adjust them remotely are appealing, as are models that are energy efficient. While kitchen appliances don't have to be brand new, they should appear to be in good condition. Dated appliances can make the entire kitchen look old and unattractive. 

Ready to list your home for sale? Contact us to start the selling process!

Spring isn't here quite yet, but it's poking its head around the corner. If you're someone who looks forward to a good spring cleaning, then you probably can't wait to pull out your mops and buckets. Planning ahead for spring cleaning is a great way to stay busy and make sure you're ready to go the second the weather breaks. So, how do you plan for a successful spring cleaning? Our real estate agents have some helpful tips.

1. Organize Your Cleaning Products
   Knowing where your cleaning products are will help your spring cleaning routine go more smoothly. Take the time to sort through your cleaning products, throw away old ones, and gather everything into one area. You can also make a list of new cleaning products you need and shop for them.
   
   
2. Make a List
   Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming and a bit daunting. You might keep mulling over different tasks and plans in your mind. It can be really helpful to make a list of tasks on paper. This gets you out of your head and reassures you that you won't forget anything. As you think of new cleaning tasks you'd like to tackle, just add them to the list. By the time spring arrives, you'll have a thorough record of everything you plan to do.
   
   
3. Donate Obvious Extras
   You may want to wait for spring to do a serious audit of your drawers and collections. But if there are items sitting around your home that you obviously no longer want or need, start donating and selling them now. When spring comes, you'll have fewer things to clean and less to do.
   
   
4. Use Up Pantry Extras
   Spring cleaning in the kitchen is a lot easier with a nearly empty pantry. So, start planning ahead by using up your open food, along with food items you've been storing for a while. 
   
   Some people like to do a one-week pantry cooking challenge. During this week, you do not go grocery shopping at all. You can only eat and cook with what's already in your pantry. This requires some creativity, but it's an excellent way to clear the clutter.
   
   
5. Contact Contractors
   There are some spring cleaning and maintenance tasks you simply should not do on your own. Servicing your air conditioner is one of them. Hydro-jetting your drains is another. Make a list of all the spring cleaning tasks you want to have done professionally. Then, start contacting those contractors and making appointments. It's nice to get on their schedule before the springtime rush.
   
   
6. Set Some Cleaning Goals
   Another way to plan for spring cleaning is to set some specific cleaning goals for the year ahead. Maybe your goal is to clean for 30 minutes, twice a week. Or perhaps you want to get rid of 10 unneeded items each month. Write down your goals and post them on your refrigerator. When spring does come, you'll be ready to buckle down and work to achieve them.
   
   
7. Make Your Own Cleaners
   If you prefer to use homemade cleaners, now is the time to start preparing them. Make a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to use on your surfaces. Stock up on baking soda to use on your carpets. Look up recipes for new homemade cleaning products and follow them. By the time spring comes, you'll be stocked up.

Getting your house clean so you can list it this spring? If you're thinking of moving, don't hesitate to contact us. Our real estate agents can help you find incredible Raleigh homes for sale, and they can guide you through the buying process. 

Not everyone loves cleaning, but everyone will agree a clean home shows the best! One of the best ways to keep your house clean is to create a cleaning schedule. This is especially important if you'll be selling your house soon, as Raleigh homes for sale need to be showing-ready at all times. Here are a few tips for creating a cleaning schedule you can stick to.

• Make a List
  First things first: Making a list is a great way to get organized. Whether it's a deep cleaning that's long overdue or just regular cleaning tasks, put it all on your list, and be sure to note how often it needs to be done. For instance, basic cleanup in the kitchen usually needs to happen nightly, but other things like laundry and cleaning the bathrooms may not need to happen more often than once a week. Whether it's once a day, once a week, or once a month, putting it all on your list will help you get an idea of how much work cleaning your house is going to require.
  
  
• Do a Little Each Day
  Are you the sort of person who prefers to clean a little each day so that you don't have to spend your time deep cleaning? If so, make a list of tasks to do each day, and then when you're done with those, you can do other things that need doing. For instance, you might clean up the kitchen and wipe down the counters every night after dinner, and when time permits, add in less frequent cleaning tasks, such as cleaning the oven. Our real estate agents recommend the daily clean approach if you're selling your home, as you can easily wrangle it back into show-ready shape even with a short notice.
  
  
• Pick a Cleaning Day
  If you don't have the time or the energy to clean every day, you might prefer to pick a day when you can devote a large chunk of time to cleaning. This might be on the weekends or even every other week if you do a little maintenance between cleaning days. Devoting one or two big days to cleaning is perfect for catching up on your deep cleaning or even getting your home ready to sell. This is also when your list comes in handy: You can keep tabs on everything you have to do and make sure you're moving quickly from one task to the next.
  
  
• Prioritize
  Whether you clean a little every day or hit it hard on one big long cleaning day, it's important to make sure you've prioritized your list. Note first the tasks that need doing the most, either because it's something that needs to be cleaned frequently or because it's just really bad. After you get those done, you can move on to less frequent or less pressing tasks, and so on down your list.

Keeping your house clean might not be much fun (at least not for most of us), but with these tips, it can at least become a little easier. If you're getting ready to sell your home and are interested in learning more about cleaning and staging a house for sale, contact us today.

If you're spending this holiday season in a new home, our real estate agents think a special celebration is in order. A new home is a perfect excuse to try out some new holiday traditions. Try out these ways to celebrate in your new home or to help you get to know your new neighborhood. 

Host a Holiday Housewarming 

Everyone loves a festive gathering, so celebrate your new home by hosting a housewarming party filled with holiday cheer. Start by decorating the front of your home with holiday string lights and sparkly tinsel that illuminates the trees. Next, welcome guests with a front walkway lined with candy canes, reindeer, or baskets of poinsettias that lead to a holiday wreath on your front door. When guests step inside, be sure to offer a tour of your new place!

Deck the Halls

Even if you don't plan on hosting a party, you can still decorate your new space! The holiday season is the perfect time to showcase your new home to family and friends, so feel free to deck the halls with special things that create a warm welcome and holiday atmosphere:

• Adorn the Christmas tree with bubbling lights, colorful glass ornaments, hand-made keepsakes, a tree-topper, and wrapped gifts

• Decorate the mantle with fresh greenery, pine cones, and holly berries

• Light up the fireplace with a roaring, warm fire

• Put on your favorite holiday playlist

• Scatter holiday scented candles throughout the house

• Throw holiday quilts over sofas and chairs

Enjoy a Holiday Light Show

Looking for some holiday cheer around town? Raleigh has some amazing holiday light show events you don't want to miss, so bundle up and head to a couple that will fill the night sky with a beautiful holiday glow. If it's your first holiday season calling Raleigh home, stop by these light shows:

• Nights of Lights
  Nights of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show in Dorothea Dix Park. A 1.3-mile route winds through the park filled with towering, illuminated oak trees, elaborate light displays, and local artworks. November 26th - December 24th, 2021, 6 p.m - 9:30 p.m. General admission is $20 per car.
  
  
• Magic of Lights
  This light spectacular is held at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek on Rock Quarry Road. Magic of Lights features a one-mile holiday light display with LED technology and digital animations, including the Blizzard Tunnel, 12 Days of Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, and Winter Wonderland. November 19th - January 2nd, Sun - Thurs: 5 p.m - 10 pm, Sat & Sun: 5 pm - 11 p.m. Advance admission: $20 - $32, At the gate: $30 - $40.

Welcome the Holidays with Music

Raleigh is home to one of the country's most beautiful concert halls, The Durham Performing Arts Center. Why not celebrate your new home with a special holiday concert that warms the heart? During December, the Performing Arts Center is hosting 3 wonderful holiday musicals:

• A Christmas Carol: December 15th - December 19th,

• A Hip Hop Nutcracker: December 26th

• A Christmas Story: December 28th - January 2nd

Performance times and ticket prices vary by which day you attend. Mark a date on your calendar and purchase your tickets online, but don't procrastinate because tickets go quickly for holiday musicals.

There's no place like home for the holidays! If you're considering buying or selling a home in Raleigh, contact us for information and prices on properties in desired areas.

Home sustainability plays an important role in keeping our planet and our community healthy and clean. From recycling to energy efficiency, eco-friendly best practices can help reduce pollution, diminish dependence on raw materials, and ultimately helps prevent garbage from filling up landfills.

With National Recycling Day coming up on November 15, our real estate agents thought we'd take a moment to reflect on the importance of green living. Here are some everyday sustainability tips to incorporate into your home and life.

1. Start With A Recycling Bin
   Investing in a recycling bin is an easy first step towards sustainability. Recycling is significantly easier when you have a dedicated container conveniently placed near your garbage can. When throwing things away, you can sort your glass, paper, aluminum, and plastics into your bin. Be sure to rinse your materials thoroughly and check with your local recycling company on what they'll accept.
   
   
2. Create A Compost Bin
   A compost bin is an excellent way to reduce the amount of trash you produce, and it can have great benefits for your garden too. A compost bin is a place you can toss your decomposing food, plant, or organic materials. Over time, they'll transform into compost, which can be used to fertilize your soil. Vegetable and fruit scraps, dry pet food, newspaper, or cardboard are some examples of the hundreds of items that can be placed in a compost bin.
   
   
3. Use A Water Filter
   Plastic bottles can be very harmful to the environment, especially when continually placed in a landfill. Instead of buying bottled water, install a water filter on your faucet or under your sink. You can also buy a filtered water pitcher, which can be fairly inexpensive.
   
   
4. Wash Your Clothes With Cold Water
   Your washing machine consumes a significant amount of power and over 90% of that energy is used to heat the water. Therefore, you can save a significant amount of energy and reduce carbon emissions by getting in the habit of running all your loads with cold water instead
   
   
5. Adopt LED Lighting
   Lighting typically accounts for 15% of your home's energy usage. You can significantly decrease this number by switching to LED lighting. LED stands for light-emitting diode, are these bulbs are 90% more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They're also brighter and last significantly longer too. Beautiful LED lighting is frequently used in many of these modern Raleigh homes for sale. 
   
   
6. Install A Programmable Thermostat
   Programmable thermostats have helped to revolutionize energy-efficient heating and cooling. These thermostats allow you to schedule temperatures based on the time of day. Many of them also allow you to adjust your home's temperature from your smartphone, which makes it easy to turn down the heat or air conditioning when you're not at home. This functionality not only reduces your utility bills, but it is also incredibly eco-friendly.

Energy efficiency, sustainability, and green-living play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and reducing utility bills. For assistance finding a home with eco-friendly features, contact us today.