Backyard Upgrades Your Kids Will Love

In a world dominated by technology, kids are consumed by their phones, tablets and televisions. Designating limited screen time is becoming tougher and enjoying old-school, outdoor playtime has been put on the back burner. Why not spruce up your own backyard and inspire your children to get outside and away from their screens?

With these backyard upgrades, you can help your kids appreciate the great outdoors. Here are some ideas that will help everyone get outside, enjoy the sunshine and connect with nature. 

Treehouse
For kids, there’s almost nothing more fun or classic than climbing a tree, and having a hangout in the treetops makes it that much better! Let your kids decorate to their liking, making this their own nature-filled sanctuary. You can find instructions, materials and tools to make this a DIY project at your local hardware store or hire a pro for a more luxurious look. 

Swingset
A staple in almost every suburban backyard, a swingset is a great way to get your kids outside. With endless styles and sizes, it’s easy to find the right one for your family. Some sets include slides, monkey bars, rock climbing walls and many different styles of swings, such as a classic seat, a tire, baby seats and even specialty seats for two!

Pool
On a hot summer day, having a pool to jump in, play in and cool off is enticing, both for kids and adults. With options for underground, inground and even temporary pools, anyone can enjoy the luxury of a swim. Host pool parties for your children’s friends and purchase pool toys, such as floats, pool noodles and even basketball for days full of fun in the sun!

Yard Games
Whether you have a large or small yard, you can find fun games to play to get your kids outside. From volleyball to cornhole, wiffle ball to croquet, there’s a game for everyone, whatever the age or skill level. If you’re planning a BBQ or birthday party, yard games are the perfect addition to your backyard fun!

2142 Aiken Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Exceptional quality Blackstone home with owned solar. This remarkable residence presents 3,640 square feet, 4 to 7 bedrooms, and 3.5 bathrooms. As you enter through the charming covered porch, you are welcomed with a grand staircase and the stunning dining room with Pottery Barn chandelier and wood floors.

Exceptional quality Blackstone home with owned solar. This remarkable residence presents 3,640 square feet, 4 to 7 bedrooms, and 3.5 bathrooms. As you enter through the charming covered porch, you are welcomed with a grand staircase and the stunning dining room with Pottery Barn chandelier and wood floors. The spacious office is located near the entry and features double doors. The great room is ideal for entertaining and includes the kitchen, family room, dining nook, and secondary office space. The state-of-the-art kitchen offers stainless appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with sink.

Upstairs, the oversized landing overlooks the bonus/theater room, laundry room, and all of the bedrooms. The generous master suite boasts an expansive walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom. The bathroom features two vanities, a shower stall, and a soaking tub.

Situated on a 7,971 square foot parcel, the private backyard offers a built-in BBQ, dining bar, lawn, and expansive patio. There is abundant parking with the three-car garage and a sizable driveway. 

Blackstone community amenities include a 10,500 square foot clubhouse called "The Club." This residents-only clubhouse contains 3 pools, a spa, fitness facility, aerobics room, locker rooms, massage room, children's playroom with an outdoor play area, a large multi-purpose gathering area with adjoining kitchen and a cozy living room. Additional features include a tot playground, shady pavilions, courtyards, gazebos, fountains, and an outdoor fireplace. Approximately 350 acres are dedicated to open space where trails ribbon throughout the community. 

Listed at $725,000

5 Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior

Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to make some simple updates, curb appeal matters. Thankfully, updating your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. From following a smart maintenance routine to adding a splash of personality, you can spruce up your home’s exterior in no time. 

Maintain Your Lawn
Your front lawn is a focal point to your home, making it one of the most important spaces to maintain. If your grass is overgrown or your trees and shrubs are dead, the first impression of your home may not be a good one. Mow your lawn, trim your trees and bushes, rake or blow leaves out of your yard, and remember to sweep any walkway, porch or front steps you may have leading to your front door. 

Add Flower Pots and Window Boxes
In addition to a clean lawn, florals play an important role in curb appeal. Maybe you don’t have the best luck with gardens, or there just isn’t enough space. Adding flower pots to your steps or porch is a great way to add a pop of color to your doorstep. Window boxes are another great option if you don’t have space for a garden or potted plants. Even hanging plants in your exterior entryway will liven up the look.

Paint Your Front Door
Florals don’t have to be the only pop of color you add to your home’s exterior. Painting your front door in a bright, vivid color is a great and modern way to spruce up your home. Consider the color of your home and the aesthetic you want to present when choosing a color. If you belong to an HOA, refer to the regulations and guidelines.

Clean Your Windows
Of course, this is something every homeowner should do when maintaining their home. However, the outside of the windows are often overlooked. Cleaning the outside of your windows will not only boost the curb appeal, but also allow brighter, natural light to enter the interior of your home, which is great for daily life as well as showing your home. Wipe them down with a microfiber towel —a combination of dish soap and water has the best and clearest results. 

Add a Seating Area
Whether your porch or yard is large or small, having a small space where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors is an easy and cost-effective way to elevate curb appeal. Chairs, benches and even a small table add an inviting touch to your home. Be smart when choosing your outdoor furniture regarding size, color and plans for placement and spacing. 

Boosting your curb appeal doesn’t have to be hard or costly. A little bit of time, care and minimal spending is all it takes to take your home’s exterior from drab and dreary to bright and lovely. 

2032 Keystone Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Exceptional quality Blackstone home built by Meritage in 2014 with owned solar. Offering 3,498 square feet of single-story living, the 4 bedroom, 3 bath residence boasts tall ceilings and beautiful wood flooring. Enter into the foyer that overlooks the dining room and formal office. A guest bedroom and full bathroom are situated near the front of the home as well.

Overlooking the family room and spacious dining nook is the gourmet kitchen which includes a five-burner gas range, two ovens, built-in microwave, dishwasher, an island, butler pantry, and a walk-in pantry. 

The luxurious master suite showcases an oversized walk-in closet and a glass door with backyard access. Retreat to the spa-like bathroom that features dual sinks, a seated makeup area, a shower stall, and a soaking tub. Down the hall, you will find two additional bedrooms and a Jack & Jill bathroom with dual sinks. A  secluded bonus room with a closet is located upstairs. 

Situated on a 12,196 square foot parcel, the private backyard presents a built-in fire-pit, cafe string lights, a fountain, an expansive lawn, hot tub, and a California room. There is abundant parking with the oversized three-car garage and gated side yard access. 

Blackstone community amenities include a 10,500 square foot clubhouse called "The Club." This residents-only clubhouse contains 3 pools, a spa, fitness facility, aerobics room, locker rooms, massage room, children's playroom with an outdoor play area, a large multi-purpose gathering area with adjoining kitchen and a cozy living room. Additional features include a tot playground, shady pavilions, courtyards, gazebos, fountains, and an outdoor fireplace. Approximately 350 acres are dedicated to open space where trails ribbon throughout the community.

Listed at $850,000

Why You Should Have a Buyer's Agent

A listing agent represents a seller. If you want to buy a house, find a buyer’s agent to work on your behalf.

An exclusive buyer’s agent will show you any properties that suit your needs, regardless of which company listed them and how much money the agent could make.

A buyer’s agent and seller’s agent will split the commission.

Find a buyer’s agent online or through word of mouth. Look for someone who understands the local market and is a good listener.

If you don’t have a buyer’s agency agreement, the agent represents the seller.

Make sure the contract says the agent has a fiduciary duty to represent your interests.

Gifting a Down Payment for a House

Coming up with the down payment can be the biggest hurdle to buying a home. If you’re lucky, your parents, grandparents or other relatives will gift you a down payment. 

The amount given often depends on the type of mortgage and your credit score. An FHA loan, for instance, can be approved if you have a low credit score and can only require a down payment of 3.5 percent if your credit score is between 580 and 619. 

The lower your credit score, the more money you must put down yourself from your own income, with less being given as a gift. If your credit score is below 580, a 10 percent down payment at minimum is required for an FHA loan. If you put down 20 percent or more, the entire down payment can be a gift. 

Conventional loans, such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans, allow the entire down payment to be a gift if you’re putting down 20 percent or less of the home’s purchase price. 

Down payment funds also have other rules, starting with a down payment gift letter that’s required by the lender to document the gift. It isn’t a standard form, but can be written by you. You can get help writing this letter from your real estate agent or broker. 

Gifts are only allowed from family members, not friends. The letter should include the name and address of the person making the gift, the amount, address of the home you’re buying, the relationship of the giver, what type of account the money’s coming from and a clear explanation that the money is a gift, not a loan.

Documented proof will also be needed as to where the gift is coming from and that you’ve received it. This can be a bank statement or copy of a canceled check made out to you, or a brokerage account statement if investments are sold to raise the cash. The money you receive should be put into a separate account apart from your checking or savings. 

Tax implications should also be considered—not by you as the person receiving the down payment gift, but by the person making the gift to you. 

While tax laws are apt to change annually, it’s important for anyone gifting down payment funds to speak with a tax professional to understand exactly how the process works.