7 Tips for Holiday Light Cruising

Driving around, admiring the creativity (and craziness) of holiday lights is an all-American tradition that costs less than a Starbucks Gingerbread Latte. Just remember to be courteous while you enjoy the spectacle. For example….

1. Don't block traffic

You may be stunned by 2,000 tiny lights and a 12-foot Santa that waves, but don't stop in the middle of the street. Pull over.

2. Keep off the grass

If you get out of your car to snap a photo or take a closer look, stay on the sidewalk. Not only is it respectful of your neighbor's property, it's also in your best interest – there could be electric chords and other tripping hazards.

3. Be mindful of your own lights

Avoid shining your headlights directly into the front windows of the home you're admiring. Use your parking lights, if you must.

4. Don't idle (your car)

Don't leave your car idling while you enjoy the display. Global warming hits the North Pole hard.

5. Chip in

Some homeowners leave a donation jar to collect tips to help with the electric bill. If you enjoy the display, consider leaving a few bucks.

6. Don't hog the view

Don't park for too long in front of popular homes. Though you might be inspired to make a holiday phone call or run through all "Twelve Days of Christmas" with the kids, remember that others want to check out the display too.

7. Don't forget other opportunities

Zoos and botanical gardens often host holiday light displays (and offer easier parking).

Yearning for a home where you can create your own holiday decoration extravaganza? The right agent can help light the way. Find one here.

Comments

Home Remodeling? Please Dispose of Waste Properly.

Demolishing your seventies kitchen and upgrading to stainless steel and granite can produce all kinds of happy feelings. It can also produce piles of materials you might not be sure what to do with. Here are a few ways to remove all those building byproducts. 1. Donate If your stuff's in half-decent condition, there's probably a drop-off donation center willing to take it. Habitat for Humanity has a national network of home improvement stores stocked by donations. They take everything from light fixtures and appliances to counter tops and windows. 2. Reclaim, reuse, recycle Roll up old carpet and use the Carpet America Recovery Effort website to find a company near you that will reclaim, recycle or reuse it. Check with your municipality to find out if they recycle any other types of construction material. The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association can help you locate local companies that will take materials such as asphalt shingles,...

Easy, affordable smart home features that could help you sell your house faster

Fresh paint on the walls, professional staging and an asking price that ends in 999 — when you're selling your home, you'll do whatever you can to help it stand out and sell faster. Because the National Association of Realtors is predicting modest growth for the 2017 real estate market, as a seller you want every edge you can get. And on the heels of the popular Consumer Electronics Show in January, perhaps that edge is a smarter home. "Smart home features are designed to make homes more convenient, appealing, secure and energy-efficient — all of which are bonuses when you're trying to sell a house," says Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX, LLC . "Sellers who want to move their homes faster may benefit from adding smart features that make their properties more appealing to tech-minded buyers." According to IHS Markit and CNBC, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide last year. That's a 64 percent increase from 2015. Here are si...

Moving with your Pet? Follow these simple tips.

These days, moving to a new home with your pet - whether furry, feathered, or scaled – isn't so uncommon. Many find themselves looking for pet-friendly lodging on the road to their new homes. Here are a few tips from Kim Salerno from Tripswithpets.com . Pet-Friendly Rooms Many hotels allow travelers to bring their pets into every room, while others have a certain number of pet designated rooms. Certain pet friendly hotels welcome pets of all breeds and sizes at no additional charge. Others have weight or breed restrictions, and may charge an extra fee when you bring your pet. Be sure to check your hotel's pet policies before you book your room to avoid any unwelcome surprises. Plan Early Pet-friendly rooms can fill up quickly. So, when you're planning your travel route, make sure to check pet friendly lodging availability and book in advance to avoid being turned away. Hiccups along the way are bound to happen, but good planning can help you save mone...

AW Realty Group

Search This Blog