Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Pretty much every aspect of our lives has been upended by the global pandemic and your exercise routine is most likely no exception. Gyms are closed across the country and personal trainers are staying home to abide by social distancing guidelines, which means the onus is on you to take your fitness regimen into your own hands. Even if youre fortunate enough to have a home gym, you still might need a little extra motivation to work up a sweat. Here are a few handy apps to keep you working out while staying home.

Peloton
Even if you dont have a Peloton bike, you can still benefit from thousands of live and on-demand classes available through their app. Theres something for everyone, with guided activities that range from running and strength training to yoga and meditation. For anyone whos starting to feel a little stagnant while isolating, this is the perfect app to tap into for a variety of workouts.

Nike Training Club
The Nike Training Club app offers a similarly diverse array of classes and workouts that you can do under your roof. Whether you have a fully-equipped home gym or some open space in the backyard, youll find all the resources you need to stay fit, as well as strategies for developing healthy eating habits and keeping a positive mindset.

Glo
If youre looking specifically for an app with an emphasis on yoga, meditation and Pilates classes, then Glo is likely the one for you. With over 4,000 classes and 16 different styles of yoga, youre sure to keep your mind and body feeling their best without leaving the house. For those who have always wanted to give yoga a try but never found the time, now is your chance to give it a go and see if its for you.

FitBit Coach
Whether or not you already have a FitBit device, anyone can utilize their app to participate in dynamic workouts that are recommended based on your fitness level. Additionally, FitBit Coach includes guidance for reaching your nutrition and sleep goals to help you achieve a comprehensive approach to personal wellness.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Its easy to understand why waterfront property is so appealing to luxury homeowners. From breathtaking views to endless activities in the backyard, there are a multitude of benefits that attract a wide variety of buyers. For those who are interested in living on the water, here are a few things that you should keep in mind when looking at property.

Do Your Research
Quite simply, waterfront property is more complicated than your typical piece of land. Elevation, of course, is an especially important consideration to take into account to ensure that the house isnt prone to flooding or, specifically for oceanfront property, rising sea levels. Property lines can also be a more complex issue, as some locations consider the shoreline to be public land. This is why its crucial to do your due diligence in order to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Consider How Youll Use It
Waterfront property can vary dramatically and so too can the lifestyle that it delivers. Some homeowners prioritize a sandy beach where they can soak up the sun, while others want a deep water dock to keep their yacht in the backyard or calm, protected waters for kayaking. If you find a home where youll want to add a dock, make sure its possible to get a permit beforehand.

Extra Costs
Living on the water is expensive. From flood insurance to pricey hurricane-proof windows, there are plenty of extra costs that come with the territory. Although a salty sea breeze is one of the perks of living on the ocean, it also takes a toll on the home and corrodes materials, which usually means extra upkeep and maintenance costs.

Work With a Waterfront Specialist
Navigating the complexities of waterfront homes can be daunting. Its certainly important to do your own research, but as they say, you dont know what you dont know. For this reason, the best resource you can have is a real estate agent who specializes in local waterfront property. Someone who is familiar with both the land and regulations will be the best advocate to have in your corner when searching for the perfect new home on the water.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If theres one home feature thats increasingly in demand, its the home office. High-end buyers are prioritizing an adequate space where they can work remotely, however, what that entails exactly can vary quite a bit. Everyone has different requirements and work habits, so its important to find a home with an office that suits your specific needs. Here are a few different types of workspaces that youre likely to find in luxury homes.

Traditional Study
A study likely conjures up images of a wood-paneled room with built-in bookshelves, a large desk and maybe even a fireplace. While it might not have this exact aesthetic all the time, a traditional study will always be appealing to luxury homeowners who want a secluded area where they can get work done without being distracted.

Work Station
You might not necessarily need your own designated room to use as an office. For example, in a home with an open layout, its quite common to find a work station thats designed within a multi-purpose area. All it really takes is a quiet alcove in the living room with enough space for an adequate desk, but this can be a challenge for those who have little ones running around the house. Nonetheless, if youre the type who prefers to have some activity around them while working, this can be an excellent option.

Separate Studio
Some people just need to get out of the house in order to feel like theyre going to work. If this sounds like you, then youll want to look for a home with a separate structure that you can use as your office or studio. Whether its a guesthouse, annex or in-law suite above the garage, youll have a work area with enough space for everything youll need throughout the day, such as a comfortable sitting area, kitchenette and en suite bathroom.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Whether you have a charming backyard, sizable balcony or spacious rooftop, there are plenty of opportunities to grow your own produce in the city.

Maximize Your Space

Using raised beds and implementing square foot gardening, where each square foot of garden holds a specific plant, will maximize space and efficiency.

Containers are equally well suited to growing vegetables in confined spaces and can provide a unique aesthetic to your garden with beautiful planters.

What to Grow

Stick to vegetables that require a soil depth of less than a foot, like lettuce, spinach, eggplants, radishes and beets.

Vegetables that can grow vertically using support systems, such as tomatoes and squash, are another way to maximize space.

Bring in the Soil

Even if you have a backyard, its a good idea to buy organic potting soil thats rich in nutrients and can retain moisture to keep your plants healthy.

Published with permission from RISMedia.