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Our pets are more than just fluffy little creatures we like to have around – they’re our family, our best friends. We can always count on them to greet us with an unparalleled level of enthusiasm, whether we’re gone for 10 minutes or 10 days. When someone adds so much joy to your life – you want to do everything you can to make them feel just as loved as you do, so here are 10 tips for keeping your pet happy:
1.Keep them safe by fencing in your backyard – Electric fences and cute white picket-fences are both great options for your yard that allow your pets some freedom to roam, play, and get some fresh air. Electric fences typically cost between $950 and $1,500 to install, making them an excellent solution for those on a budget or those who like the aesthetic of their yard the way it is – sans fence. Fence installation typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 for the average yard depending on the material and size of the homesite. Both provide your pet with plenty of space to run around and play. Regardless of which option you choose, if you have a Homeowners Association, be sure to check with them first for any necessary approvals.
2. Install a doggy door – Doggy doors with access to your yard provides your pets with freedom. However, we only recommend installing one if you’ve fenced in your backyard and trust your pet to behave and respect your neighbors.
3. Hire a dog walker –If you and your family tend to be busy with work, school, extracurricular activities, and social events – a dog walker can help. Veterinarians recommend letting your pets out at least every six to eight hours or between three and five times a day. However, this isn’t always possible for the average busy family. With services like Rover, Wag! and Care, it’s easier than ever to call on a trustworthy, animal-loving dog walker to lend a helping hand. There may even be businesses in your neighborhood that offer this service.
4. Treat them to cozy beds – Your pets deserve the best, and just like you, they need a good night’s sleep. Invest in quality beds your animals will love sleeping in based on their size and the material. There are so many different kinds of beds on the market – donut beds, mats, plush cushions, cave-style. You may need to do a bit of trial and error to see which kind your dog loves most. We recommend choosing durable, stain-repelling fabrics that can be removed and cleaned to help keep your home free of pet-odor.
5. Give your cat some privacy – There are so many options available today when it comes to cat homes and litter boxes. Many are discrete and blend in with your home’s decor while still helping to prevent odors and provide your cat with easy-access and privacy.
6. Set-up a Kitty Castle – Cats love enclosed spaces – cardboard boxes, cat castles, and houses. It makes them feel secure and protected – they’re also pretty fun. Again, plenty of options on the market for you to choose from, everything from faux fur to little pink castles is available and sure to provide endless hours of fun and entertainment to your little furball.
7. Feed them high-quality pet food – Like humans, an animal’s nutritional health is vital to their overall well-being. High-quality food will be easier on your fur baby’s digestion and free from harmful ingredients and preservatives like BHA and sodium nitrite. Read the labels on the products you currently buy and ensure they don’t contain artificial flavors, fillers, and meat meals and by-products like “poultry by-product meal.” If your current pet food does include these items, it may be time to switch them over to something a bit more healthy.
8. Take them for walks – We all benefit from a nice walk and a bit of fresh air. Stretch yours and your pup’s legs, hit the sidewalk in your neighborhood or community, and catch-up with neighbors and puppy friends along the way.
9. Give them a social life – Dogs tend to be pretty social animals, they love to sniff, play, and chase, and there’s no better way for them to find other dogs to mingle with than at the park. It’s a great space for you to socialize as well! Meet other dog parents, pack some snacks, and let your dog play. They’ll be so worn-out they’ll be panting to go home for a nice long nap.
10. Chip for safety – Microchipping has become quite popular and is a great way to ensure your pet’s safety, especially if they like to get into trouble. Microchips are permanent solutions that prove ownership and increases the likelihood your pet will be returned safely should they ever get lost. Microchipping is an affordable solution typically costing $45 to $50.
As they say, “happy pet, happy life”… right? Okay, maybe that’s not the right phrase – but it’s true! When your pets are happy, healthy, and enjoying life at home, you’ll be happier too. Our pets bring so much joy to our lives, so it only makes sense that we return the favor!
Making the most of a new situation
Today as we type from a safe social distance of six feet away, social media is full of uplifting stories providing hope and relief. Everything ranging from Zoom dance parties, play dates, push up challenges, happy hours and communities banding together to serve those in need. It’s amazing to see how social media is bringing us all together in a new and positive way during a time of social distancing.
Although social distancing is difficult and new for most of us, we are learning new ways to accomplish all our same day-to-day tasks from home. These can be things as small as trying a new recipe or online shopping for groceries, to big tasks like homeschooling our kids or even purchasing a new home.
As recently as St. Patrick’s Day, the real estate market was strong. Inventory was low and interest rates and prices where trending up. Have you looked recently? WOW! What an amazing opportunity to take advantage of our current market. Move-in ready inventory pricing is spectacular and interest rates are lower than they have been in years. Now is a great time to secure the American dream of homeownership.
The best news is we can do all of it from the comfort of home. Lennar makes it simple and convenient to complete the purchase from wherever we are. Our New Home Consultants are there for you every step of the way to guide you through the process of a digital home buying experience.
AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON, YOU CAN:
1. Get pre-qualified online through Eagle Home Mortgage, LLC*
2. Submit your initial deposit
3. Digitally sign your purchase agreement
Lennar is equipped with a team fully trained for a Digital Homebuying Experience. Your dream of finding a new home can continue while protecting social distancing. Our team is here to walk you through the process step by step – virtually, of course! We are excited to help you take advantage of your social distancing WIN!
Your home is your safe haven and Lennar takes great honor in helping families find their perfect sanctuary in the Charleston and Myrtle Beach areas. Homebuyer purchasing power is at an all time high, and homeownership is proven to be one of the most reliable wealth builders. If you’re interested in buying a new home, here’s how Lennar can help.
Lennar.com is a wealth of information.
Do your homework ahead of time by virtually determining which Charleston or Myrtle Beach community checks the boxes on your wish list. Each of our communities are showcased in detail on lennarcharleston.com, where you can see everything from floorplans and neighborhood amenities, to details both large and small from inside your future home. Our website provides peace of mind without ever having to leave your computer.
Today’s investment will go the distance.
Now is the time to buy. Due to the market’s response to COVID-19, your home buying dollars will stretch further than ever before. Low interest rates are allowing new homeowners to buy larger homes than they thought possible, and are contributing to lower monthly mortgage payments, meaning you can save more cash for a rainy day.
We are here for you, virtually all the time.
Although nothing quite replaces the joy of meeting our future homeowners in person, we offer many creative opportunities to home buy — virtually. Lennar allows homebuyers to tour their future homes and sign a contract from the comfort of their homes or offices. FaceTime, Skype, group chat – we’ve seen it all and done it all. If you’re across the country or simply moving from one home to another in the neighborhood, Lennar is gifted with the ability to get your family into your dream home as quickly, easily, and safely as possible.
Our Welcome Home Centers are spotless.
We call them “Welcome Home Centers” for a reason. Like all places of business, we will remain on extra high alert to provide the obvious measures like hand sanitizers, extra attention to our cleaning processes, and ensuring that our staff is healthy. We have separate and private areas for meetings and consultations and can tour private model homes at a moment’s notice. We are now operating at a “by appointment only” to maintain proper social distancing.
Simply said, we are a tight-knit family here at Lennar, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to welcome you into our ever-growing family, despite these trying times. We look out for each other, and always go the extra mile to make your new home dreams a reality. Just let us know how we can help.
April Fools is the day to channel your inner jester. But even if you’re stuck at home during this glorious holiday, there are still many practical jokes you can play on your friends and family. We’ve put together a fun list for you to consider – they don’t require much effort, but they sure know how to pack a punch. Happy pranking!
Who’s that in the picture?
In our homes we all have pictures we pass by every day. Whether they’re from prom, a wedding or family portraits, we’ve grown so accustomed to seeing them that we rarely pay attention to them anymore. For a fun joke, replace a picture with something absurd, like a fictional character from one of your favorite sci-fi movies or a famous sitcom family. How long will it take for someone to notice? Let’s find out!
Work day interrupted
This one’s a classic work prank and if the kids are being homeschooled or someone’s working from home, you can easily pull it off. Wake up early and place tape at the bottom of their mouse to block the sensor. It’ll have the recipient frustrated, wondering what’s wrong with it. They’ll change the batteries and charge it, but nothing will work. You just sit back and enjoy the show! (You can also do this with the TV remote if you want to double your joke.)
A sweet prank
What better way to prank someone than by messing with their expectations? Grab a bag of Skittles®, M&M’s® and Reese’s Pieces and mix them all together in a bowl. Bring the bowl out for the kids on the pretense that it’s a special treat for their good behavior. Watch as they start chewing and realize they’re not eating what they thought they were. Just be warned – kids have a great imagination, so they might retaliate with a joke of their own!
A cheesy joke
If you don’t mind wasting a perfectly good block of cheese, you’re in for a Gouda time. Replace one of your bathroom soaps with a block of cheese. Your family will just think it’s a fancy artisanal bar soap!
Pranking from afar
If you and your friend have a long-standing tradition of pulling jokes on each other but won’t be together this April Fool’s Day, technology has you covered. Start off by texting them that you need to talk to them about something important. Once they reply, download a gif of three dots and send it off. This joke will have their minds racing, wondering what could be taking so long to type! Another trick you can play on someone remotely is randomly texting them ‘What’s Your ETA?’ It’s especially perfect for that busy person in your life who has a hectic schedule and would be very likely to forget made plans.
