Selling your home in winter
Cold weather and snow create a challenging landscape for home sellers. Traditionally, winter is one of the hardest periods in which to sell a home. Here are some seasonal selling tips:
Curb appeal: Curb appeal is important year-round, but especially in the winter. An unkempt house on the outside will be perceived as not taken care of on the inside. Landscaping should look well-kept and trimmed. Evergreens can go a long way to improving winter curb appeal.
Winter maintenance: Make sure gutters are in place and secure. Ensure that windows and doors are in good working condition and tight and snug to keep out winter elements.
Driveways and walkways: Make sure all pathways are clear and clean. Not only is an unshoveled driveway an eyesore, it's also a potential safety hazard.
Lighting: With the sun setting early, exterior lighting is important, especially for evening showings. Add outdoor lighting elements such as motion lights and pathway lighting. Interior lighting is also important. When in doubt, add more. Incorporate higher-wattage light bulbs, as well as additional floor and/or table lamps.
CATHY HOBBS, Tribune News Service
Plant propagation
Grow your garden beautifully and economically by creating new plants from existing ones. Landscape and production horticulturist Jim Calkins demonstrates how to propagate plants asexually (without seeds) using a variety of techniques. The presentation will instruct on the correct preparation of cuttings and layers. Participants can then take what they've learned and immediately put into practice and take home a "greenhouse-in-a-pot." 9 a.m. Jan. 27. $55, includes arboretum admission and class supplies.
A second course demystifies one of the more difficult methods of plant propagation — grafting. Learn the different methods, and practice techniques to make a number of grafts and take home the results. 9 a.m. Feb. 3. $55, includes arboretum admission and class supplies.
Both classes at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska. Register at arboretum.umn.edu.
MELISSA WALKER
