Your Home For Sale – Does It Need A White Picket Fence?

Many of us grew up hoping we’d one day own the perfect American suburban dream, a home with a white picket fence. And, there is a certain charm and warmth that comes with a house lined with pickets. However, when you look at fencing today and the options available for your home, there is a lot more to choose from and so you can and should shop around!

First of all your fencing should be determined by your lifestyle needs and surrounding area. Are you located on a sprawling ranch or nestled between lofts in the city? Your fencing may need to be dictated by those factors, in part.  Do you have a need to keep animals in or out? If so, special electric dog fencing, a solid wall or deer fencing may be essential for your home.

Next, you should consider the overall look and feel of your home and landscaping. Your fencing should blend with your existing structure, unless you purposely choose a more distinctive look.  Keep in mind that the height of your fence will matter, as well.  Remember, the fencing is more than just a barrier against the outside world, it also sets the tone for the look and feel of your home.

Make sure you evaluate the type of materials that would be best used in terms of maintenance. Lattice and wood fencing will require more regular maintenance than vinyl, metal mesh, wrought iron or post and rail options, but may be your best choice if expense is an issue. The more decorative the fencing, the higher the cost, generally speaking.

Obviously privacy and security are always considerations when it comes to your home and fencing, so it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen materials and design. Take the time to carefully evaluate local resources such as your neighbor’s fencing choices and your local home improvement store to gain a good understanding of what is available to you before making your decision. Sometimes a combination of fencing types is the best way to ally all your concerns and create beauty in the fencing of your home.

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Many of us grew up hoping we’d one day own the perfect American suburban dream, a home with a white picket fence. And, there is a certain charm and warmth that comes with a house lined with pickets. However, when you look at fencing today and the options available for your home, there is a lot more to choose from and so you can and should shop around!

First of all your fencing should be determined by your lifestyle needs and surrounding area. Are you located on a sprawling ranch or nestled between lofts in the city? Your fencing may need to be dictated by those factors, in part.  Do you have a need to keep animals in or out? If so, special electric dog fencing, a solid wall or deer fencing may be essential for your home.

Next, you should consider the overall look and feel of your home and landscaping. Your fencing should blend with your existing structure, unless you purposely choose a more distinctive look.  Keep in mind that the height of your fence will matter, as well.  Remember, the fencing is more than just a barrier against the outside world, it also sets the tone for the look and feel of your home.

Make sure you evaluate the type of materials that would be best used in terms of maintenance. Lattice and wood fencing will require more regular maintenance than vinyl, metal mesh, wrought iron or post and rail options, but may be your best choice if expense is an issue. The more decorative the fencing, the higher the cost, generally speaking.

Obviously privacy and security are always considerations when it comes to your home and fencing, so it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen materials and design. Take the time to carefully evaluate local resources such as your neighbor’s fencing choices and your local home improvement store to gain a good understanding of what is available to you before making your decision. Sometimes a combination of fencing types is the best way to ally all your concerns and create beauty in the fencing of your home.

Political Signage and Your Home

As we get closer to the next election, political opinions are being a little more freely discussed no matter where you live in the U.S.  Issues and debates are sure to bring out even more exposure to political discussion and are likely to bring that conversation to your home. You may even start to see signs go up in your neighborhood supporting specific measures, parties, or people.

Did you know that certain governmental jurisdictions have laws in regards to political signage that affect the neighborhood surrounding your home?

In 1994 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that outdoor political signs are protected under the First Amendment speech rights, however, some states have enacted laws to define that protection a little more clearly.

In California, for instance, a law was passed last January that allows renters the ability to display political signs under six total feet without penalty from property owners on elections, recalls, public offices, or community issues in the ninety days leading up to an election.  There are specific instructions relating to multi-use residences, as well, so it’s good to be aware if you plan to place political signs near your home.

In Wisconsin, you can show political signs around your home, but placing signage on highways will result in fines if they are deemed a safety issue for motorists.  In some states, like New York, you may need to file an application or permit prior to placing your political sign. Other states and individual cities, such as Provo, Utah, allow signage on private homes and vehicles with the owner’s permission but restrict the placement of handbills on vehicles, which is good to know if you are involved in a specific campaign.

The point is to be aware and informed.  Use your first amendment right of expression to its fullest, but make sure that you are complying with local regulations when using your home as the canvas.