Mary Huffman's Real Estate Blog - Erie, PA

 

5 Trendy Tips to Enhance a Small Porch  Who doesn’t love the idea of a front porch?  Picture a cool lemonade in the shade on a hot summer’s day while watching the world go by. Home builders have embraced this ideal over the past couple decades with more new construction featuring this timeless feature. Often though, the size of the porch seems to make it more of an idea than a usable space. But even a modest-sized porch can be an inviting place to relax. Here are 5 trendy ideas to try this weekend to enhance a small porch.  1. Outdoor Furniture – Any porch can accommodate some kind of furniture. It may be a modest bench or a small outdoor couch, but adding a sitting option is an instant plus.  2. Pillows – Soften the look of the space and create a welcoming impression by adding pillows or blankets to the sitting area. Vary the color and style by season using weather-proof fabrics.  3. Potted Plants – Small containers or size-appropriate edges of flowers or bushes add softness and in

 

 

  With soaring energy costs, many homeowners are turning to solar for both their homes and their cars to save money. With solar companies touting huge monthly savings for electricity costs, how can you know what makes sense for your needs? Here are the basics of solar panels to help you start the process.  How do solar panels work?  Solar panels are positioned on your roof and absorb energy when the sun shines on them directly. The amount of energy generated will be affected by the amount of square footage of the panels. Therefore, your roof must have enough area with extended direct sunlight each day to be effective.  How to find a solar panel company?   There are a lot of solar panel companies advertising their service right now. Some companies specialize in panels as well as roofing companies adding solar as an option and big-box home improvement stores. It’s important to consider both price and expertise when choosing a contractor to install the panels. You should read reviews and