Cheryl Bourland's blog

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Water Use

With several states across the country living the reality of extreme and severe droughts and heat warnings, many people have become more conscious of the amount of water that they use on a daily basis. Even if you live in a region with no water supply issues, reducing your water consumption can result in a large decrease to your utility bills. With these time tested theories in mind, here are some simple home upgrades that will drastically decrease your water use. Currently, Arkasas has several areas marked "Abnormally Dry" which is the lowest on the table. However, things can change quickly and it should be a cause for concern. 

Avoiding a Flooded Basement: 5 Tips

umbrellasGiven that Summer weather can be unpredictable and even severe at times, it seems appropriate to take the time to think about how you can avoid experiencing water damage in your own home. While these tips likely wouldn't be enough to help if you receive 20 inches of rain in just a few days, they will reduce or even prevent damage from occurring during typical heavy rain. Naturally, the part of your home most likely to become flooded is the lowest point, your basement! Follow these 5 tips to keep your basement water-free.

Hidden Factors in Home Value

Everyone knows about the major characteristics that determine a home's value, such as square footage, neighborhood, and the level of interior updating, but what other, more subtle factors come into play? Back in 2020, real estate analytics company HouseCanary sought to answer this question by looking at 5 "hidden" home characteristics that might not be as obvious on a conscious level when measuring a home's value. They found that significant correlations not only exist for things like frontage length, but also show regional trends.