Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home

For some buyers, there’s a misconception that newly built homes aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes.

Unfortunately, this is turning some buyers away from what may be one of their best options in today’s housing market. As Builder Online says:

“As resale inventory remains limited and the price spread between new and resale homes narrows, new homes are increasingly an attractive value proposition for buyers, with incentives such as rate buydowns a way to help address ongoing affordability challenges.”

So, is there any merit to the myth? Let’s break down the best way to make sure you feel good about looking into new home construction. That way, you’re not missing out on such a great option today.

Choosing the Right Builder

The key to making sure you get a quality newly built home is to choose a good builder. Reputable builders adhere to strict building codes and standards, use advanced construction techniques, and often offer warranties that cover structural issues for several years. That’s why the Mortgage Reports offers this advice:

“When embarking on the journey of buying a new construction home, one of the most important steps is selecting the right builder. This decision can significantly impact the quality and satisfaction you derive from your new home.”

And while you could dig into research about all the builders in your area, there’s an easier option to get the job done: lean on a pro. When you work with a local real estate agent, they already know about the builders and the new home communities under construction in your area.

Beyond that, maybe they’ve even worked with other buyers who opted for a home in one of those neighborhoods. Here are just a few of the things your agent will help you with:

1. The Builder’s Reputation: Your agent will help point you toward builders with strong reputations and positive reviews from previous buyers. Additionally, your agent will make sure the builder is licensed and insured. Membership in professional organizations, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), is also a good sign of a builder’s commitment to industry standards.

2. Their Model Homes: Your agent will also be able to tell you if the builders have model homes you can tour. And when your agent walks through the model with you, they’ll draw your attention to the little details that matter most. Things like the quality of finishes, layout, and overall feel of the home.

3. Builder Warranties: Your agent will also be able to help you navigate any builder offers or incentives. Reputable builders often provide warranties to cover major structural elements of the home for a significant period of time. This is a testament to their confidence in the quality of their construction.

4. Getting Inspections: Even with new homes, inspections are crucial. Your agent will coordinate the inspections with licensed professionals to ensure the home meets safety and quality standards before you move in.

Agents Are the MVP When You’re Buying a Brand-New Home

Maybe that’s why data shows homebuyers unanimously scored their agents higher than their builders when looking back on their recent purchase:

So, you don’t need to worry that they just don’t make them like they used to. By working with a knowledgeable real estate agent to choose a reputable builder, you can feel confident when buying a newly built home today. As Realtor.com says:

“If you are interested in buying a new construction . . . You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you’re going to want someone representing your side of the deal.”

Bottom Line

If you’re considering buying a brand-new home, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Work with a local real estate agent to find a home you’ll love and be proud to call your own.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

Related Links

• The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

• 6 Essential Home Selling Tips for First-Timers

• Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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6 Essential Home Selling Tips for First-Timers

Selling your first home can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience.

It's a big step in your life, and you want to make sure you do it right. But don't worry if you're not sure where to start—we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll share six essential tips for first-time home sellers that will help you through the process with confidence and ease. So let's get started on making your home selling journey a success!

Research the Market
Before putting your home on the market, you need to do your research and understand the current real estate scene. Look into recent sales in your area to get an idea of how much homes are selling for and how long they stay on the market. This will give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect for your own sale.

You should also research any trends or changes in the housing market that may affect your sale. For example, if interest rates have gone up or down, this could impact buyer demand and ultimately, the price you can sell your home for. Being aware of these factors will help you make informed decisions throughout the selling process.

Consider Hiring a Real Estate Agent
While it's possible to sell your home on your own, it can be a time-consuming task for anyone. Consider hiring a real estate agent who can help guide you through the process and handle all the details for you. They are experts in the field and have experience negotiating, marketing and navigating legal documents.

When looking for an agent, make sure to do your research and find someone who is knowledgeable about your local market and has a proven track record of successful sales. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently sold their homes.

Price Your Home Competitively
One of the most critical factors in selling your home is pricing it competitively. Overpricing your home may lead to it staying on the market for longer than necessary, while underpricing means you could be losing out on potential profits.

Your real estate agent can help you determine a fair and competitive price for your home based on market research and the condition of your property. Be open to their advice and consider making adjustments if needed.

Stage Your Home
First impressions are crucial when it comes to selling a home. Staging involves decluttering, deep cleaning and arranging furniture in a way that showcases the best features of your space. A well-staged home can attract more buyers and potentially lead to a higher sale price.

When staging your home, try to create a neutral and inviting atmosphere that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. You can also add some personal touches, such as fresh flowers or scented candles, to make the space feel more welcoming.

While staging can be beneficial, there are also some common mistakes that first-time sellers should avoid. These include over-decorating or personalizing the space too much, not properly decluttering and neglecting to make necessary repairs or updates. If you're not sure what to do with your space, your real estate agent can provide guidance on how to best stage your home for a successful sale.

Be Flexible With Showings
As a first-time home seller, it's easy to get caught up in the stress of having strangers walk through your home. But remember, the more showings you have, the higher chance of receiving an offer. Make sure to be flexible with showing times and keep your home clean and presentable at all times. It may also be helpful to have a plan for where you will go during showings, whether it's taking a walk or going out for coffee.

During showings, potential buyers will schedule a time to view your home with their real estate agent. Your agent will be present to handle the showing and answer any questions that may arise. Try to make sure your home is in top condition for each showing, as this could potentially lead to an offer. Remember to also be open and honest about any known issues or repairs needed in the home.

Don't Neglect Curb Appeal
Curb appeal refers to how attractive your home looks from the outside, and it plays a significant role in making a good first impression on potential buyers. Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door can make a big difference. If your home is in dire need of a facelift, consider hiring a professional landscaper or investing in small upgrades to boost your curb appeal and make your home stand out.

While improving curb appeal can help attract potential buyers, there are also some common mistakes you should avoid. These include overdoing it with landscaping and adding too many personal touches, like lawn ornaments or excessive decorations. Be sure to create a clean and inviting outdoor space without going overboard. Additionally, make sure to address any major issues like cracked sidewalks or broken fences, as these would deter buyers from even entering your home.

By following these essential tips, you'll be on your way to a successful home selling experience. Remember to stay informed, listen to the advice of professionals and keep an open mind throughout the process. Good luck!

Read more at Rismedia.com

Related Links

• The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

• Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

• Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home.

That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the median down payment has too.

According to the latest data from Redfin, the typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers is $67,500—that’s nearly 15% more than last year, and the highest on record (see graph below):

Here’s why equity makes this possible. Over the past five years, home prices have increased significantly, which has led to a big boost in equity for current homeowners like you. When you sell your house and move, you can take the equity that gives you and apply it toward a larger down payment on your new home. That’s a major opportunity, especially if you’ve had concerns about affordability.

Now, it’s important to remember you don’t have to make a big down payment to buy your next home—there are loan programs that let you put as little as 3%, or even 0% down. But there’s a reason so many current homeowners are opting to put more money down. That’s because it comes with some serious perks.

Why a Bigger Down Payment Can Be a Game Changer

1. You’ll Borrow Less and Save More in the Long Run

When you use your equity to make a bigger down payment on your next home, you won’t have to borrow as much. And the less you borrow, the less you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan. That’s money saved in your pocket for years to come.

2. You Could Get a Lower Mortgage Rate

Providing a larger down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit risk. The more confident your lender is in your credit score and your ability to pay your loan, the lower the mortgage rate they’ll likely be willing to give you. And that amplifies your savings.

3. Your Monthly Payments Could Be Lower

A bigger down payment doesn’t just help you reduce how much you have to borrow—it also means your monthly mortgage payment may be smaller. That can make your next home more affordable and give you a bit more breathing room in your budget.

4. You Can Skip Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you can put down 20% or more, you can avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which is an added cost many buyers have to pay if their down payment isn’t as large. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

“For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It is not the same thing as homeowner’s insurance. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that’s required if you make a down payment less than 20%.”

Avoiding PMI means you’ll have one less expense to worry about each month, which is a nice bonus.

Bottom Line

Down payments are at a record high, largely because recent equity gains are putting homeowners in a position to put more money down.

If you’re thinking about selling your current house and moving, reach out to a trusted real estate agent. They’ll help you figure out how much home equity you have right now, and how it can boost your buying power in today’s market.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

Related Links

• The 20-minute trick that will help a carved pumpkin last for weeks

• Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

• Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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A guide to 2024 Colorado pumpkin patches, corn mazes and fall fun galore

Elk are bugling in Rocky Mountain National Park, juicy apples are waiting to be picked at Colorado orchards and golden yellow aspen leaves are dancing in the high country — sure signs that autumn has officially arrived.

What better way to usher in this new season than to get out and explore the Centennial State’s many pumpkin patches and corn mazes? Before your weekends totally fill up, scope out this list of quintessential fall activities.

A quick note: We did our best to include as many pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other fall happenings as we could, but we recognize that this list may not be complete. In addition, please check each venue’s website for the most up-to-date information.

BENNETT

Mile High Farms: Just 30 or so minutes from Denver, find 11 acres featuring two corn mazes, a petting zoo, antique tractor hayride, pumpkin patch, corn pits, playground, concessions and more. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. from Sept. 28 until Oct. 27. Cost: $13 for kids ages 5-12; $18 for adults ages 13-59; $15 for seniors, military, first responders and veterans; free for kids 4 and under. Pumpkins available for purchase. 11 Cavanaugh Road, Bennett, 720-560-0730; milehighfarms.com

BROOMFIELD

Rock Creek Farm: Meet farm animals, pick the perfect pumpkin and venture into the hay bale maze or one of the three corn mazes on this working farm. Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sept. 28 to Oct. 31 Cost: Free farm admission Tuesday-Thursday, with the option to purchase $8 corn maze tickets on site; $10 farm admission Friday-Monday, which includes the corn maze. Free for kids 3 and under every day. Pumpkins available for purchase. 2005 S. 112th St., Broomfield; 303-465-9565; rockcreekfarm.com

CAÑON CITY

Diana’s Pumpkin Patch: Activities include a maze, hay slide, duck races, climbing rope, hay ride, corn bine, horse bouncers, photo booth barn and pumpkin field. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. from mid-September through Oct. 31. Cost: $15 per person; free for kids 5 and under; $13 on select military days and customer appreciation days; $38 season pass. Pumpkins, gourds and decor available for purchase. 1649 Poplar Ave., Cañon City, 719-821-9133; dianaspumpkinpatch.com

COLORADO SPRINGS

Long Neck Pumpkin Farm: Glide down the hay bale slide, climb into the sheep herder’s wagon, take a hayride and check out the farmer’s market. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. from Sept. 21-Oct. 27. Cost: $18, free for kids 23 months and under. Pumpkins available for purchase. 7595 California Drive, Colorado Springs, 719-551-0525; longneckpumpkinfarm.com

Miners’ Pumpkin Patch: Support the nonprofit Western Museum of Mining and Industry while also celebrating autumn. Enjoy the vintage cider press, gold panning, machine demos, hayrides, food trucks, hay maze, sack races and more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday in October. Cost: $11 in advance, $13 at the door, free for kids 3 and under. Pumpkins available for purchase. Western Museum of Mining and Industry, 225 North Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs, 719-488-0880; wmmi.org

DENVER

Glow at the Gardens: See the Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street come to life after dark with hand-carved pumpkins, live performers and lights. Hours: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 22-27. Cost: $26-$32 for nonmembers; $24-$30 for members; $24-$30 for military; $28-$30 for students; free for kids 2 and under. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.

Glow Before Dark: Can’t make it to Glow at the Gardens? Visit the York Street location of the Denver Botanic Gardens during the day instead to see spooky scenes like a graveyard, a field of scarecrows and skeleton displays. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19-21 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22-27. Cost: Included with daytime general admission, which is $15.75 for nonmember adults; $12 for military and seniors 65 and up; $11.50 for students and kids ages 3-15; and free for members and kids 2 and under. 1007 York St., Denver, 720-865-3500; botanicgardens.org/events

Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park: Spend the day enjoying live music and performances, munching on apple cider donuts, panning for gold, watching blacksmithing demonstrations and more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12-13. Cost: $22 for adults; $17 for kids ages 4-12; $45 for VIP package; $25 to build your own scarecrow. Prices go up Oct. 7.

Also at Four Mile Historic Park: Spirits & Spirits, a one-night, 21+ event featuring cocktails, drag bingo, performances, crafts and more. Hours: 6-11 p.m. on Oct. 26. Cost: $30 for nonmembers; $25 for members; $70-$75 VIP packages. Prices go up Oct. 20. 715 S. Forest St., Denver; 720-865-0800. fourmilepark.org/pumpkin-harvest-festival

ELLICOTT

Fall Fest Pumpkin Patch at Wishing Star Farm: Enjoy the hay slide, tire swings, corn bins, horseshoes, petting zoo, barrel train rides and more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays for general public; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for groups, field trips by reservations and special events on most weekdays Sept. 24-Oct. 30. Cost: $14 for 4 and up; $12 for seniors 62 and up; free for kids three and under. Discounts available for groups and families; Military and first responders save 10% on Oct. 5-6. Season passes available. Pumpkins and add-on activities available for purchase. 24024 Highway 94, Ellicott, 719-244-7252; wishingstarfarm.com

ERIE

Fall Festival at Anderson Farms: Check out the 25-acre corn maze, barrel train, jump pad, pedal carts and trikes, hay bale pull, combine slide, farm animals and more. Hop on a wagon for a ride to the 25-acre pumpkin patch. Pumpkins available for purchase. Hours: Varies depending on the day from Sept. 25-Nov. 2; closed on Tuesdays. Cost: $17 for timed entry, $27 for anytime entry (date specific) Monday-Thursday; $29 for timed entry, $39 for anytime entry (date specific) Friday-Sunday; free for kids 3 and under; $99 for a season pass.

Terror in the Corn at Anderson Farms: See if you’ve got what it takes to make it through this spooky, mile-long attraction, which kicks off after the sun goes down. Hours: 7-10 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 7-11p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 27-Nov. 2. Cost: $40-$44 for timed entry; $55-$59 for quick passes; $140 for platinum pass; admission to Fall Festival is included. 6728 County Road 3¼, Erie, 303-828-5210; andersonfarms.com and terrorinthecorn.com

ESTES PARK

Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival: Support the nonprofit Estes Park Education Foundation while having fun at this one-day bash, which includes food trucks, live music, pony rides, air tattoos, local craft beer and more. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 5. Cost: Free admission. Pumpkins available for purchase. Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park; epeducationfoundation.org/pumkins-and-pilsners

Halloween Haunted Forest: Don your best spooky costume and wander through this family-friendly haunted forest. Hours: 7-10 p.m. Oct. 26. Cost: Free, $5 suggested donation. YMCA of the Rockies, 2515 Tunnel Road, Estes Park; ymcarockies.org

FRUITA

Moon Farm Pumpkin Patch: Meet cute animals at the petting zoo, wind your way through the straw maze, relax on a hay ride and pick out the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Sept. 29-Oct. 31. Cost: $7 suggested donation per person 4 and up. Pumpkins available for purchase. 1360 18½ Road, Fruita, 970-261-1113; moonfarm.net

GRAND JUNCTION

Studt Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze: Explore the corn mazes, climb to the top of Hay Mountain, ride the barrel train, race around in a pedal cart and so much more. Hours: Varies depending on the day from Sept. 28-Oct. 27, closed Mondays. Cost: $22-$48 for weekends; $12 weekdays; $74-$97 season passes; free for kids 2 and under; group rates available. Additional fees for some activities. Pumpkins available for purchase. 21½ and I½ Road, Grand Junction, 970-305-9006; studtspumpkinpatchandcornmaze.com

HUDSON

Mazzotti Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze: Take the family through the 10-acre, scare-free corn maze, pick out a pumpkin, meet animals at the petting zoo and play games. Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend in October. Cost: $20 per person, which includes one pumpkin; free for kids under 2; $50 to make a scarecrow. Additional pumpkins available for purchase. 24120 Weld County Road 8, Hudson, 303-536-4089; mazzottifarms.com

LAFAYETTE

Cottonwood Farms: Get in the fall spirit at Cottonwood Farms, which has a corn maze, a straw maze, vintage farm equipment, farm animals and more. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 21-Oct.31. Cost: $8 admission for adults, plus $5 wagon rides; admission and wagon rides free for seniors 65 and up and kids 5 and under. Pumpkins, winter squash and decor available for purchase. 10600 Isabelle Road, Lafayette, 720-890-4766; cottonwoodfarms.com

LASALLE

Fall Festival at Fritzler Farm Park: This popular Weld County spot has corn mazes, pedal go-carts, a beer garden, a slide mountain, tons of photo opps and more. Hours: Select dates Sept. 15-Oct. 27, timed entry tickets. Cost: $24.95-$41.95 online, $34.95-$51.95 at the gate. Additional fees for some activities.

Scream Acres at Fritzler Farm Park: Do you dare? Test your mettle at this spooky, immersive experience (which is not recommended for kids under 13). Hours: Select dates Sept. 21-Oct. 27. Cost: $39.95 general admission, $59.95 VIP admission. Ticket includes access to some Fall Festival attractions. Additional fees for some activities. 20861 County Road 33, LaSalle, 970-737-2129; fritzlermaze.com and fritzlerscreamacres.com

LITTLETON

Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms: This three-day bash at the Chatfield Farms location of the Denver Botanic Gardens includes a 10-acre pumpkin patch, a corn maze, artisan booths, live music, food trucks, an antique tractor exhibit, photo booths and more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4p.m. Oct. 11-13. Timed entry tickets, must purchase online in advance. Cost: $12-$18 for nonmembers; $10-$16 for members, military and students; free for kids 2 and under. Additional fees for some activities. Pumpkins available for purchase.

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms: Also at the the Chatfield Farms location of the Denver Botanic Gardens, this year’s 7-acre pumpkin patch has a Colorado wildlife theme with bears, moose, mountain lions and other creatures. View it from the 15-foot-tall bridge, or explore it on foot. There’s a corn mini-maze for kids under the age of 10. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Sept. 20-Oct. 27. Cost: $12-$18 for nonmembers; $10-$16 for members, military and students; free for kids 2 and under. Timed entry tickets, must purchase online in advance. Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, 720-865-3501; botanicgardens.org/events

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns at Hudson Gardens: Marvel at thousands of illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins, enjoy a sweet treat at the s’mores stations and take lots of family photos. Hours: Select nights through Nov. 2. Cost: $23.99+ for adults and $18.99+ for kids ages 3-12 for general admission line; $38.99+ to skip the line; group rates available; ticket pricing is variable and will increase closer to selected date. 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. 720-802-0006 or denverhelp@magicofthejackolanterns.com; magicofthejackolanterns.com

LONGMONT

Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch: Take a leisurely stroll through the pumpkin patch, shop the produce market and enjoy a picnic lunch. On the weekends, you can do all those things, plus ride the dragon roller coaster, glide down the fire truck slide, take a pony ride and so much more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Sept. 26-Oct. 30; carnival activities on weekends only. Cost: Free admission; fees for à la carte activities. 9059 Ute Highway/CO 66, Longmont; rockymtnpumpkinranch.com

MONUMENT

Colorado Pumpkin Patch at Colorado Kids Ranch: Spend a festive day on this 40-acre farm, which has jumping pillows, large-scale games, slides, an animal petting area and more. Hours: Various dates and times from Sept. 18-Nov. 2., check the website for calendar. Cost: $16-$20 per person; $14-$17 for seniors 65 and up, active/retired military and first responders; $50 for a season pass. Additional fees for some activities. Pumpkins available for purchase. 2205 E Hwy 105, Monument, 719-799-6708; coloradopumpkinpatch.net

PLATTEVILLE

Fall Harvest Festival at Miller Farms: Learn what life is like on a real working farm with a visit to Miller Farms, where you can meander through a corn maze, enjoy a picnic lunch and check out antique tractors, among other activities. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through mid-November. Cost: Free admission, $18-$28 per person for hayride into the 180-acre field; free for kids 4 and under. Group rates and homeschool days available. Veggies and pumpkins available for purchase. 13912 CR 19, Platteville, 970-785-6133; millerfarms.net

THORNTON

Maize in the City: Built into a 40-acre corn field, this outdoor attraction has been attracting Colorado families since 2001. Activities include a 20-acre corn maze, a mini maze, sand art, bouncers, face painting, a barrel train and so much more. Hours: Various dates and times from Sept. 21-Oct. 31, check the website for calendar. Cost: Free admission; fees for à la carte activities. 10451 McKay Road, Thornton; maizeinthecity.com

Read more at DenverPost.com

Related Links

• The 20-minute trick that will help a carved pumpkin last for weeks

• Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

• Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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The 20-minute trick that will help a carved pumpkin last for weeks

Carving a pumpkin is one of the joys of autumn, but they typically only last between three and five days before beginning to rot.

To stop your pumpkin from looking sunken, sad and smelly, experts have recommended a clever 20-minute vinegar trick that could help your carved creations last for weeks in the run-up to Halloween and beyond.

Better still, this simple solution is an eco-friendly alternative to the trend of spraying pumpkins with bleach.

It's also safe for wildlife too, so you don't have to worry if you leave your pumpkin outside.

"The vinegar kills fungus, making it hard for the pumpkin to rot. That's why vinegar-soaked pumpkins look so new; they're unblemished by the grossness that inevitably befalls their untreated peers," says the team at Taste of Home.

How to preserve a carved pumpkin with vinegar

Want to give this trick a go? According to Taste of Home, you can make your fresh pumpkin last longer by using vinegar and water. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Choose a healthy pumpkin from your local pumpkin patch. "Make sure there are no soft spots or discolored areas, and avoid any gourd that's too bruised," says the team.

2. Next, carve your pumpkin with your desired design. Browse our guide on pumpkin carving ideas for plenty of inspiration.

3. Fill a large bucket with 10 parts water and one part vinegar (the bucket needs to be big enough for your pumpkins). Some experts also suggest doing this in the bath or a large sink.

4. Submerge your pumpkin in the vinegar and water solution, leaving them for 20-30 minutes. Once the time is up, pull them out and let them air-dry. You can then place your carved pumpkins outside for a long-lasting display.

Read more at CountryLiving.com

Related Links

• Home Values Rise Even as Median Prices Fall

• Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

• Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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