Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Here are three instant advantages you can expect when adding mature trees to your property.

Increased Property Value

Studies have shown that mature trees can increase a homes value by as much as 19 percent..

Improve Your Outdoor Space

Add instant privacy to your backyard by screening out the neighbors or create a shady canopy over your terrace that allows you to enjoy it at all hours during the summer.

Environmentally Friendly

Trees instantly help by absorbing carbon and other pollutants in the environment. Additionally, trees can help cool your home with natural shade and provide protection in the winter.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are the defining features of French Provincial homes…

Stone, Brick and Slate

The exterior of this architectural style can be immediately recognized by its stone or brick faade and slate roof.

Symmetrical Windows

Multi-paned windows are commonly featured in French Provincial style architecture and are typically arranged symmetrically.

Rustic Warmth

Exposed wood beams, weathered finishes and wrought-iron accents are all great additions.

Light and Airy Colors

Complementing the natural materials, a light color palette plays a major role in creating the casual elegance thats highly sought after.

Furniture and Decor

When decorating in French Provincial style, the goal is to achieve a sense of simple romanticism throughout each room.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Over the last few years, technology has increasingly found its way into our homes. One area that often gets overlooked, however, is technology for outside the house. As we move into the warmer months, its time to take a look at some of the best devices and systems to equip your outdoor living area.

Robotic Lawn Mower
A well-kept lawn is essential to maintaining curb appeal, but you might not always have time to get out there and push the mower around. With a cutting-edge robotic lawn mower, you can schedule the machine to regularly cut your grass, rain or shine, and ensure that the yard is always looking its best.

Smart Grill
If its time to upgrade your barbecue area, then a state-of-the-art smart grill can make the perfect addition this spring. Todays intelligent grills can be programmed to prepare food just the way you like it, each and every time, so youll never have to worry about over or undercooking again. Youll receive notifications when its ready to be flipped or taken off the grill. With one less thing to worry about, you can spend more time relaxing in the backyard.

Speakers and Lights
For avid entertainers, you can extend the conveniences of your smart home to the outdoors with lights and speakers that are controlled via your smartphone or virtual assistant. All it takes is a quick voice command and youll have the perfect ambience with mood lighting and your favorite tunes playing on the terrace.

Smart Sprinklers
Automatic irrigation systems are nothing new, but these days a smart sprinkler system can adjust your lawns watering schedule based on local weather data. If a heavy rain storm will be coming down later in the day, for example, it will know to skip that mornings irrigation so youll never have an over-watered lawn again. Additionally, soil-moisture sensors are utilized to ensure that just the right amount of water is provided for a healthy yard.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When its time to upgrade the windows in your home, its important to know that not all windows are created equally. Considering that they last for up to 20 years and significantly impact the efficiency of your home, this isnt a feature to skimp on. For discerning homebuyers who are willing to spend a little extra for top quality, triple-glazed windows are well worth the investment. If youre getting ready to do (actual) window shopping, here are a few ways in which they outperform traditional windows.

What are triple-glazed windows?
First, you might be wondering what exactly the term triple-glazed means. These windows are constructed using three separate panes with an inert gas, such as argon, inserted between the layers of glass. This can deliver myriad benefits and be used for a wide variety of applications, from casement windows to skylights to sliding glass doors.

Energy Efficient
The biggest advantage is that they will almost certainly reduce your energy bill. When it comes to heating and cooling, windows are typically the least insulated part of a home and triple-glazing was specifically designed to address this. With a significantly improved ability to retain heat or air conditioning, they are widely regarded as the best choice for an environmentally friendly home.

Extra Secure
Additionally, their sturdy structure gives triple-glazed windows the added benefit of being more secure than traditional options. The increased durability can deliver peace of mind to any homeowner, particularly in locations that are prone to hurricanes, highwinds or any other harsh weather conditions.

Noise Insulation
If you live in a noisy neighborhood, youll be pleased to know that they can be an effective way to reduce outside sounds, especially compared to single-pane windows. If this is particularly important to you, then take note of the Sound Transmission Class rating when picking out new windows.

Published with permission from RISMedia.