Things to know now to save money later
- Nicholas Tong
- May 1
- 4 min read
Hello Everyone!
We've packed this month's Blog with practical insights and tips designed to help you improve your quality of life and make the most of your home. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply settling in, our goal is always to share the knowledge we've gained through our real estate experience in ways that are genuinely useful to you. Here's what we're covering today:
1. Septic Tanks – Things to know now to save money later
2. Mulch Do's & Don'ts – How to prevent mice intrusion in your home (+ FREE info guide)
3. Exploring More of Michigan – An app we're using to find the best local trails
4. Seller Tip Video with Nick Tong
5. Buyers: Are mortgage rates going to drop?
6. A Note from the Team!
Did you know?
Michigan is the only state in the country where septic systems are not state regulated. While legislation is always trying to make its way to each county, as of the writing of this newsletter, these attempts have been unsuccessful. While this can seem like good news for owners and sellers, it can also be problematic when the system has been out of sight and out of mind.
The good news? A few simple habits now can save you thousands later.
Start with routine pumping. Most septic tanks should be pumped every 3–5 years, depending on household size and usage. Skipping this can lead to buildup, backups, and system failure.
Watch for warning signs. Slow drains, gurgling pipes, bad odors, soggy patches in the yard, or unusually green grass over your drain field can all signal trouble. Catching these early can mean a repair instead of a full replacement.
Be mindful of what goes down the drain. Avoid flushing wipes (even “flushable” ones), grease, hair, food remnants (garbage disposals are bad for septics!) or harsh chemicals—all of these can disrupt your system and shorten its lifespan.
Buying or selling a home that is on septic? Have it evaluated. A septic inspection is crucial to determine how the system is functioning. It’s one of the most overlooked (and costly) surprises in real estate.
Mulch Smarter, Not Harder 🌱
Mulch can instantly boost your curb appeal but if it’s done incorrectly, it can also invite unwanted guests… like MICE.
Check out this info video from @powers_plants about how high your mulch should go... |
Keep mulch away from your foundation. Piling it too high or too close to your home creates the perfect hidden pathway (and shelter) for rodents to sneak inside. Aim to keep mulch a few inches below siding and leave a small gap between mulch and your foundation.
Choose the right type. Some mulches, like shredded wood, can hold moisture and create cozy nesting spots. Others, like stone or rubber mulch, are less inviting to pests.
Think long-term protection. Proper mulching doesn’t just look good, it helps with drainage, protects your foundation and reduces the risk of pest issues down the line.
We’ve included a quick Mulch Guide to help you pick what’s best for your home and landscaping goals.
EXPERT TIP 💡
*Mulch deals hit Memorial Day weekend (May 22–25) with some sales active NOW!
Expected Sales:
Lowes: 5 bags for $10 (2 cu ft bags) = (BEST price per volume)
Home Depot: 4 bags for $10
(1.5 cu ft bags)
Explore More of Michigan This Summer!
If you’re looking for a simple way to fall in love with new areas before making a move, get outside and explore them. One tool our team has been loving is the app "AllTrails."
It’s an easy way to discover local trails, parks, and hidden gems all across Michigan. You can filter by distance, difficulty, and scenery as well as whether you want a quick nature walk or a full day adventure. The app shows real user reviews, photos, and current trail conditions, which makes it incredibly helpful when you’re checking out an area you’re considering calling home.
If you’re thinking about moving to a new town, this is one of the best ways to get a feel for the lifestyle, outdoor access, and overall vibe beyond just the house itself.
Sometimes the best way to know if an area fits is to experience it firsthand!
Preparing Your Home To Hit The Market
We don’t leave your sale up to chance—we give you clear, strategic steps to position your home to sell for over asking price, from pricing and prep to timing and marketing. Our approach is designed to create demand and competition, which is exactly how our recent listing in Farmington sold for $15,100 over asking. When you follow the right plan, the results speak for themselves.
The Right Time For Buyers?
Buyers: Start with a Lender 📊
If you’re thinking about buying, talking to a lender now helps you track mortgage rates in real time and understand what price point makes sense as the market shifts. Rates have been fluctuating around 6.5% and while there are signs they may ease slightly later this year, most experts expect gradual—not dramatic drops, which makes timing and preparation key. Getting set up early puts you in position to act quickly when the right home (and rate) lines up.
Until Next Time ☕
Thanks so much for reading along with us, we always appreciate you being here. If anything sparked a question or you just want to talk through your plans, feel free to hit reply anytime, or even better, let’s grab a coffee and chat. We’re always here as a resource for you, whenever you need it.
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