Herbs make tremendous impact in the home due to their numerous functions. They can be used as spices on food or as air filters. They add fragrance and absorb odors. For best result, growing each of the herbs in their separate pots helps you customize the care they need as individual plants.

Here are a few plants to jumpstart your in-home, herb garden.

1. Basil

Basil grows very quickly and has been known as one of the most cultivated herbs for cuisines around the world. Make sure your plant gets enough warmth and bright light. It is not a long-term plant, so you will need to plant a new batch of seeds every few weeks. Aside from its aesthetically pleasing, decorative stature, it can be used to enhance sauce, curries, and salads. So, if you want an herb that you can easily grow, and has a multitude of possibilities, basil is your best bet.

2. Bay Laurel

Another remarkable herb that does well indoors is bay laurel. This herb develops thick and flavorful leaves essential for soup and stews. At its maturity, it will either grow into a lively bush or a small tree. When you’re ready to harvest the leaves, choose the oldest, greenest leaf. This will ensure you get a robust and savory flavor. If you’re looking to store them for later use, be sure to dry them well. Once you pick the leaves, place them in an open area on top of porous material. This will guarantee that they dry naturally and with little chance of damage. Bay laurel prefers a room that is well ventilated and has plenty of sun or fluorescent light.

3. Mint

There are more than 600 varieties of mint available, such as peppermint, spearmint, chocolate, pennyroyal, apple, licorice, and more. Snap the leaves and sprigs for tea and to garnish desserts. Mint is an attractive houseplant that grows robustly with catchy, fragrant stems and leaves. Try to keep the soil moist and maintain moderate to high light exposure.

4. Parsley

Parsley is a curly-edged, flat leaf that does more than garnish dishes. It also adds brightness and flavor to your soups, stews, salads, and fresh sauces. Harvest the parsley by pinching the stems off from the base. A common mistake many make when growing this plant is using a shallow pot. A deep pot gives higher yields and should be placed under a bright light to ensure the plant is getting the most nutrition it can.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular stew spice. It brings out the flavor of roasted meats and root vegetables, and is a great option when looking for indoor herbs. Its aromatic fragrance, during winter, can transport you into warmer climes. Rosemary grows as a small bush or tree and can either be used fresh from the tree or as dried needles.

There are many other herbs that you can plant indoors and utilize to their full potential. Visit your local garden store for more options for your indoor herb garden.

Photo by Schluesseldienst via Pixabay

Selling? Ready to wow potential buyers with some high-impact touch-ups? Here are some top ideas to mesmerize home buyers—without spending a fortune on renovations. 

Dazzle Them at the Doorstep

Many of today's home sales, and certainly most fast transactions, begin with online browsing. First, snap a photo of your home. Take it from the perspective of someone walking up to the front door. Is the walkway weeded? Is the welcome mat spiffy? Is the patio tidy? Think about the irresistible qualities of your home, as you first saw them. Are those charming elements as visible today? Lay fresh mulch on the front garden to touch up the landscaping. A coat of paint for the door, window frames, and decorative shutters is well worth the time invested. Just one sunny day's work...et voilà!

Now, to clean the windows. Are they perfectly clear and inviting? Peek in. Is the interior clutter-free, sparkling clean, and charming? Well done! You're ready to start your virtual home tour on your social media accounts!

Uplift the Interior Mood

Look for spots where you can lighten up the interior look. White paint over dark panels, doors, or cabinets can make a world of mood-lifting difference.

If possible, remove the furniture, except for your staging pieces, before having the photography done. Make the essence of your home bright and joyful. Consider, for instance, that essential oils can be exceptional mood enhancers. Research has confirmed lavender's "anti-agitation and antidepressant" effects.

Make this knowledge work for you. Drop a little lavender oil on your AC filter, or on the cardboard roll inside toilet tissue, for diffusion that keeps spreading a calm feeling throughout your home. (You can share the tip with the new homeowner at closing!)

Try Speed Renovating 

Here again, start by taking pictures inside. Find your best touch-up targets. 

For example:

• Pick out some simple brass outlet covers to replace your old ones.
• For a mini-makeover in the kitchen, install a sleek, new faucet. It's a relatively small project. But it can be transformative.
• Grab some attractive peel-and-stick tiles. Make a backsplash to frame your stove or sink.

Now, throw those curtains open! Open those blinds and windows. Bright, sunny interiors sell homes. 

Ready to Sell Your Home?

Great!

You've cleared out everything. The baseboards are painted. Your kitchen is ready with its glistening—and empty—countertops.Be sure the lock and key work nicely. (You might be surprised, but homes get passed over because the agent can't get the key to work.) Now, you're ready to open your home, and I'm ready to help you. Just give me a call, and let's get that SOLD sign ready!