WELCOME GIFTS REAL ESTATE AGENTS CAN GIVE TO NEW HOMEOWNERS

It’s easier than ever to welcome new homeowners to their new home! It is customary to give a small token of appreciation/congratulations to the happy homeowners. Choose a customized piece or give small items that allow the homeowners to build new memories in their new home. Use these thoughtful ideas to help choose the perfect gift for your clients - 

1. WELCOMING DOORMAT

(Image Courtesy: Etsy)

2. WINE BAG & COOLER

(Image Courtesy: Food52)

3. SERVING TRAY

(Image Courtesy: Society6)

4.  MOSCOW MULE MUGS

(Image Courtesy: Pottery Barn)

5. MINI WREATH

(Image Courtesy: Etsy)

6. PERSONALIZED KEYRING

(Image Courtesy: Mark and Graham)

7. TRIO OF SUCCULENTS

(Image Courtesy: Amazon)

8. CUSTOM PAINTING OF THEIR NEW HOME

(Image Courtesy: Etsy)

9. LETTERPRESS COASTERS

(Image Courtesy: Haute Papier)

10. WELCOME SIGN

(Image Courtesy: Etsy)

11. PIZZA BAKING STONE

(Image Courtesy: King Arthur Flour)

12. PLAID THROW BLANKET

(Image Courtesy: Target)

13. BEAUTIFUL BIRDHOUSE

(Image Courtesy: Gardener's Supply Company)

14. ALL-PURPOSE BROOMS

(Image Courtesy: Lostine)

15. CHEESE BOARD WITH KNIVES

(Image Courtesy: UncommonGoods)

16. CHEESE/TART MARKERS

(Image Courtesy: MoMa Design Store)

17. WALL MOUNTABLE MAGAZINE RACK

(Image Courtesy: Wayfair)

18. LATTICE LETTER & KEY HOLDER

(Image Courtesy: Wayfair)

19. VASE BOOKENDS

(Image Courtesy: UncommonGoods)

20. WATER-RESISTANT PICNIC BLANKET

(Image Courtesy: Amazon)

21. PICNIC BASKET

(Image Courtesy: Amazon)

22. PERSONALIZED VANILLA SCENTED CANDLES

(Image Courtesy: Amazon)

23. MAGNETIC KNIFE SET

(Image Courtesy: Etsy)

24. PERSONALIZED FAMILY BOX

(Image Courtesy: Etsy)

25. SUSHI KIT

(Image Courtesy: Amazon)

26. HOMEOWNERS TOOL SET

(Image Courtesy: The Home Depot)

27. DECORATIVE GLOBE

(Image Courtesy: Wayfair)

28. MIXED-SEED BIRD FEEDER

(Image Courtesy: Jet)

29. FOLDING STEP STOOL

(Image Courtesy: Amazon)

30. DUTCH OVEN

31. BAKING DISH

(Image Courtesy: MoMa Design Store)

32. POLAROID MAGNAFRAMES

(Image Courtesy: Magnaframe)

33. BATH CADDY

(Image Courtesy: Amazon)

34. MUFFIN PANS

(Image Courtesy: Amazon)

35. METALLIC DECORATIVE PIECES

(Image Courtesy: Decofurn)

Information Source: Better Homes & Gardens

https://www.bhg.com/christmas/gifts/gifts-for-new-homeowners/

SPEKBOOM: 5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW

Credit: Samara Private Game Reserve

Also known as Pork Bush or Elephant’s Food, this indigenous evergreen is an environmental miracle worker, with the potential to tackle carbon emissions like no other plant can. Whether you’re a succulent fan or have yet to hear about this magnificent tree, here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about this wonder plant.

1. SPEKBOOM IS PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN

It is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, and especially in the semi-arid Karoo region, where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant. It favours North-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. Thriving in poor soils, it tolerates both drought and frost.

2. SPEKBOOM IS ONE OF THE BEST CARBON SEQUESTRATORS IN THE WORLD

Hectare for hectare, Spekboom thicket is ten times more effective than the Amazon rainforest at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One hectare of Spekboom can sequester between 4 and 10 tonnes of carbon per year. This makes it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and the move towards a zero-carbon world.

3. SPEKBOOM CAN LIVE UP TO 200 YEARS

And Spekboom trees can grow as tall as 5 metres. Prior to the advent of large-scale livestock farming, some areas of the Eastern Cape had Spekboom forests so thick that it was said a grown human could walk across the top as if walking on a carpet. Spekboom propagates very easily, and a broken-off branch can quickly grow roots and create a whole new plant.

4. SPEKBOOM ARE EQUIPPED WITH A UNIQUE MECHANISM FOR ADAPTING TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS

In the wet, cool months, Spekboom photosynthesises like other plants, opening its stomata during the day to absorb carbon dioxide. During drier times, the plant has the ability to open its stomata at night in order to prevent water loss during the heat of the day.

5. SPEKBOOM IS EDIBLE, WITH A VERY HIGH NUTRITIONAL VALUE

It is a favoured food of black rhinos, elephants and kudus. The good news is that we can eat it too. With a slightly lemony taste, Spekboom leaves are juicy and full of moisture, making them the perfect ‘pick-me-up’ during a long day’s hiking in the arid Karoo. Popular Cape Town restaurants like the Pot Luck Club use this succulent as accents to their beautifully crafted dishes.