Don’t forget to document the road to your new Virginia Home.

Deciding to buy a home is a big step. Building one from scratch is even bigger. Like most families, building a new home is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make. Why not document this momentous occasion with media old and new?

Social media is a great platform for documenting the evolution of your new home. Facebook and Instagram are ideal for sharing short posts and photos of the progress on your home – especially with out-of-town friends and relatives. For longer reveries or more detailed entries, try a blog. If you’re more comfortable with a video camera, a vlog (video blog) might be your platform. You can document everything from choosing your homesite to the first time the kids see their new rooms!

If you’re still partial to paper and pen, a written diary, scrapbook or photo album might be the media for you. Few things are as personal as handwritten notes. Take some time to write a few thoughts about these days – your family will cherish them later. A scrapbook is a great way to involve the kids – each one can have his own page(s).  And nothing beats the tangibility of turning pages in a photo album and reminiscing.  Buy a memory box and fill it with odds and ends and memorabilia.

And whether you go ultra-modern or old school, make sure your photography and videos illustrate the building process, the finishing touches, and the final interiors and exteriors.

Whichever media platform you choose, remember to enjoy the journey! It’ll go by quicker than you ever imagined!

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

How to make your front yard the neighborhood “Place to Be”

Once upon a time, neighborhoods not only had sidewalks, but also front porches where neighbors would sit, chat and enjoy their time together. The neighborhood kids would play nearby, while the grown-ups sat and discussed the local news.

Then, gradually, porches became smaller and smaller, then non-existent. The front lawns became longer and longer, pushing the houses further away from the sidewalks – if there were any sidewalks at all.

Now after many years of not knowing their neighbors, people are seeking to recreate a sense of community. They want to create places where people can gather, and get to know each other.  They want a friendly front yard!

If you’re looking for ways to create some neighborly interaction, here are some ideas.

• Plant cheerful and inviting plants for pedestrians to enjoy. Plant things that no one has ever seen. Make your front garden a topic of conversation. Also, tending to your garden allows you to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
• All of the lights! A well-lit house, pathway and lawn are warm and welcoming, especially in colder months. It is also a safer place for neighbors to gather after the sunsets.
• No porch? No problem? Create a gathering space anywhere you want. Put a bench under a tree. Tuck a café table & chairs in a sunny corner. Even a set of steps can be a place to hang as long as you make them accessible and welcoming.
• Bring the inside out. Furnish your porch with comfy chairs, pillows, cushions, throw rugs and tables. The more comfortable people feel, the longer they’ll hang out. 

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Gearing up to go back to school!

It’s that time of year… Back to School! Time to start thinking about school supplies, clothes, sports equipment… the list is endless!

Check out these numbers:

•  Families plan to spend an average of $97.74 on school supplies like notebooks, pencils and backpacks
• 30% of back-to-school shoppers will wait until one or two weeks before school to start shopping
• The average family with children in grades K-12 plans to spend $63 on back-to-school shopping

And that’s just the beginning! Once you’ve done the shopping, it’s time to start prepping for early mornings, sports practices, music lessons, and homework.

Getting yourself and your family back into the routine of school days can be exhausting, yet so exciting. With this daily checklist, your kids won’t miss a beat, or a homework assignment. 

Before School

• Lunches are packed and in a location where kids can easily grab them in your Virginia Home.
• Backpacks are packed with all books, folders, projects, etc., and in close proximity to lunch box.
• All necessities for the day are present and accounted for – Gym clothes, musical instruments, permission slips, etc.
• Kids are dressed, preferably in clothes that match. 
• Keep a daily calendar for school events to make sure that kids only wear pajamas on Pajama Day. (As opposed to the day they just feel like not getting dressed.)

After a long day of learning, your kids will most likely be ready to kick their feet back and have a snack. 

After School

•  Have a shoe rack at the front door in order to prevent kids from tracking dirt all over the house.
•  Have a snack prepared and readily available in your kitchen. Fresh fruit, cheese & crackers, pretzels and nuts are all filling, healthy and nutritious.
• Set up a coming home routine, complete with some down time to clear their minds before they start homework. 

Getting your home and your children ready for the new school year can be tedious for your children, but having checklists like this to get them prepared will help them get excited for all of their new classes and friends! 

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Prepare Your Virginia Home Before Going on Summer Vacation!

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and worry-free. That's why it's important to secure your house so you don't have to worry about broken water connections, power surges and burglars.

Whether you're going out of town for two days or a few weeks, there are things you can do to prepare your home for your absence and for your smooth return.

Make your house look lived-in.

An empty house is a welcome invitation to burglars. To avoid the house looking empty:

•       Stop the newspaper and mail (or ask a neighbor to pick them up).
•        Park your car inside the garage.
•       Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
•       Put at least one light on a timer.
•       Install a motion-activated sensor on an outdoor floodlight.
•       Make sure your lawn stays trimmed.

Take the necessary plumbing and electric precautions.

Not only is running appliances an unnecessary utility expense, it also could lead to costly problems. To avoid the expense and headache of something going wrong with an appliance while you're away:

•        Unplug small appliances and electronic devices.
•        Put the water heater in vacation mode.
•        Turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and all sinks.
•        Set the thermostat to a temperature that is less comfortable, but still protects your plants, pets and furniture.

Ready your pets.

•       Give the pet sitter or boarding facility detailed care instructions.
•       Make sure you have plenty of your pet's favorite foods, treats, toys, medicines and other supplies on hand.

Tidy the house.

•       Sweep or vacuum floors.
•        Do the dishes.
•        Wipe down counters in the bathroom and kitchen.
•        Put clean sheets on the beds.
•        Give toilets a quick clean.

General home preparation tips before you go on vacation:

•        Notify your credit card company that you are going out of town.
•        Notify your security company that you are going out of town.
•        Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
•        Leave your emergency contact information with a neighbor.
•        Toss out any food that will go bad before you return from vacation.
•        Take out the kitchen trash, or any other trash that could get smelly.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

7 Reasons Why It’s Time To Declare Your Independence… And Buy A Home!

Everyone wonders if they’re ready to take the plunge. No, not marriage… Homeownership! There are dozens of reasons to own your own home rather than rent, and most of them come down to freedom. Freedom from a landlord. Freedom from décor you didn’t choose. Freedom from rent that earns you nothing.

Why choose the “independence” of homeownership?

1.  No more random rules about pets, guests, or noise from a cranky landlord. Your house… your rules!
2. No more arbitrary rent hikes or eviction notices from that same cranky landlord. A fixed rate mortgage is FIXED! And your home is YOURS!
3. When you own your home, you can have the kitchen you want. You can move walls, buy brand new appliances, or paint everything whatever colors you want. These types of changes are not possible for renters.
4. One-story or two? Three bedrooms or four? Basement or front porch? Many builders have lots of inventory to choose from, so you’re sure to find what you want. And these new models are energy efficient, and more affordable to own. That means great choices, as well as great prices.
5. You’ll save on taxes. You can deduct the mortgage interest rate from your income taxes and get a tax break on capital gains when you sell.
6. Rent is a down payment on nothing – except lining your landlord’s pockets.  Owning your own home is a great investment in yourself.  One that gives you a tremendous sense of freedom.
7. Assuming your home is priced right, the economy will reward you with a great return on your investment. Your home isn’t the stock market and you shouldn’t view it as a way to get rich, but as the economy grows, real estate prices grow, too.

Embrace your independence!  Choose the freedom of homeownership!

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Tips for making your big move exciting for the kids

You may be excited about moving to your new home, but for your kids, it might be a little overwhelming.

1.     The biggest thing to remember is to prepare your kids. Relocating can be a fun adventure if they know what’s going on. Make sure you talk to them about the move. Ask them about their feelings so that you know their concerns, uncertainties, and fears.

2.     Involve your kids in the moving process, from picking out their new home (and their new rooms) to packing their toys. 

3.     Visit your new community. Make sure there is plenty of time for your children to explore their new home and neighborhood. Check out local parks and libraries. Visit the local pool or community center and other places your child might like. If you live far away but you’ve got pictures of the new place and neighborhood, share them with the kids.

4.     Most kids are concerned about losing old friends, and the uncertainty of making new friends. Assure them that they will not lose their old friends. Encourage them to exchange addresses, phone numbers and email. With Facebook, Twitter and the like, there are many ways for kids to remain in close contact with old friends.

5.     Meet the kids on your new block. If possible, try to meet other families with young children who live on your street or nearby. Get the kids involved in activities that will help them make friends, such as summer camps and play groups.

6.     Keep their favorite toys and comfort items close by. Pack your child’s beloved items in easily accessible places. Though you may be tempted to get rid of a ratty blanket or stuffed animal, don’t do it now if it’s something your child treasures.

7.     Get school squared away. Particularly if it’s the middle of the school year, do what you can to make your child’s transition comfortable. Take them to see their new school, and maybe meet their new teachers.

8.     Make sure there’s time to say goodbye. Plan a going-away party, or go out to your favorite local restaurant with your family and close relatives and friends.

9.     When the moving truck arrives at the new house, have the children stationed in their new rooms (so they are out of the way, unless they are big enough to actually help). Tell the children not to start dragging out their stuff until the furniture is in their room and they have a place to put their clothes.

10.  Keep whatever routines you have if possible. From breakfast to bedtime, kids like to know that some things never change.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Some tips on eco-friendly moving!

Moving is typically not an eco-friendly undertaking. It involves packing boxes, tape, packing peanuts, transportation… lots of ways to harm the environment. But it doesn’t have to be an eco-nightmare. Follow a few of these simple tips and make your relocation a greener experience.

1.     If you don’t need it, don’t take it. One of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint when moving is to reduce the amount of stuff you move. Go through your stuff and get rid of things you no longer need.  Donate clothing, furniture and books to charities or thrift stores or have a garage sale. If you have items that need to be thrown out, try to recycle them if possible. Always dispose of electronics properly.

2.     Go green when you clean. Whether it’s the home you’re leaving or the one you’re moving into, you’re likely to be doing a great deal of cleaning during your move. Cleaning products are typically very bad for the environment, as well as your health, so choose green cleaning products whenever possible. Look for products that are non-toxic and biodegradable and read through the ingredient list to make sure they’re all natural. You can also consider making your own cleaner using vinegar and water.

3.     Choose responsibly. Eschew the usual old truck packed with cardboard boxes. There are a variety of moving companies that espouse green practices, from using trucks that operate with bio-fuels, to using recycled or biodegradable packing products, to how efficiently they pack your belongings to minimize trips.

Here are some questions to ask:

·      Do they use recycled packing materials?

·      Will they come collect packing materials so they can be re-used?

·      Do they have a no idling policy?

·      Do they make an effort to reduce fuel consumption through a shortest route possible policy or speed monitoring?

If you’re handling your move on your own, be sure to rent a moving van that’s the right size for what you have to move – the smaller the van, the lower the fuel consumption. And to reduce your carbon footprint even further, load your belongings in such a way that allows you to make the fewest trips back and forth.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.