If asked to describe the real estate market over the last few years in one word, “challenging” sums it up nicely. We have watched the inventory shrink, the prices remain strong and stable, and the mortgage interest rates hit over 7%. We have watched buyers and sellers drop out of the market, waiting to see where the crazy post-COVID economy would take us. If ever there was a time when a professional realtor could be the difference between success and failure, that time is now.
Recycling and salvage play a crucial role in reducing waste and repurposing valuable materials, but many people don’t fully understand the difference between the two. Jim Dimarco, Owner of Scrap Dog Recycling & Salvage, explains how the industry works, common misconceptions and the most valuable discarded materials.
Move over, bold brights and cool neutrals – 2025 is bringing warmth, richness and a touch of indulgence with PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse! This deliciously deep brown is like a comforting cup of cocoa, a velvety espresso or that perfect bite of chocolate cake. In other words, it’s a shade that soothes the soul while keeping things effortlessly sophisticated.
Imagine stepping into your garden on a summer morning, the air alive with the soft buzz of bees, the flash of a butterfly’s wings catching the light, and a hummingbird hovering gracefully over a cluster of blooms. More than a delight to watch, these tiny visitors are working hard to keep our ecosystems and food supply thriving.
A family-owned business for nearly 80 years, Linden Kitchen & Bath is a trusted and respected name in the home remodeling industry. “We take great pride in offering exceptional kitchen and bath remodels with a personal touch,” states Owner/Designer, Michelle Robins. “Over the decades, we’ve not only built lasting relationships with our customers but also stayed ahead of design trends, ensuring we create spaces that combine timeless elegance with modern style.”
Erin Caudell, Owner of The Local Grocer in Flint, has discovered the root of what people want – locally-grown, fresh produce to feed their families. Not only is she a successful small business owner, Caudell and her partner, Franklin Pleasant, also own and operate Flint Ingredient Co. (FIC) and the Weekly Greens CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).
Master Gardeners are known for their passion for gardening and volunteering through community garden education. Founded in 1978, the Master Gardener Association of Genesee County (MGAGC) is organized exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes, specifically to instruct adults and youth in horticulture science, to educate communities about environmentally sound practices through horticulture-based activities, to promote food security and to improve the aesthetic of our community.
For most homeowners, springtime awakens the motivation to make their living spaces fresh and new. While it may not be a great time to make significant monetary investments in interior renovations, there are many affordable and DIY-able updates to consider.
Did you know that your garage door is typically the biggest moving object in your home? Inspecting your garage door to identify any potential issues can go a long way toward ensuring a safe environment for your family. Garage doors are subject to normal wear and tear, and regular maintenance is important to ensure it is operating properly and safely. You could have a hazard on your hands, but the good news is you can make a difference by learning more about how your door works, and what to look for.
You have smoke alarms in your home, you check them regularly and you practice your emergency escape plan with your family – but are you overlooking an essential component of home fire safety as you check your spring to-do list? Having fire extinguishers can give you peace of mind and help ensure your home and family are prepared in the event of a fire.
Roy Fields, Founder of EJ’s Garden, wanted to make sure that residents in his North Flint neighborhood never went hungry. In 2006, a grant-funded high tunnel hoop house (greenhouse) was built on a vacant corner lot on Brownell Blvd. An abandoned house on the property was razed in 2009 to create space for an outdoor garden, and a grant was obtained from the Ruth Mott Foundation to drill a well. “Since 2014, we have distributed fresh food throughout the community,” Fields shares. “There is a great need here.”
So, you are remodeling your basement – smart move! According to Redfin’s real estate experts, a basement renovation is one of the top ten ways to maximize your usable square footage and in turn, increase your home’s value.
