Owning a home is a wonderful thing – and a huge responsibility! At any given moment there are probably at least a dozen little things that need to get fixed around the house. From the toilet that won’t stop running to a hole in the wall, and everything in between. Sometimes making ends meet while paying off the mortgage is hard enough, let alone paying a professional to come in a work on these projects. The good news is, a lot of minor home repairs are easy to do yourself! So grab a friend and get to repairing your home this weekend with this easy list of tips and tricks from the pros!
10. Repair A Hole In The Wall
We’ve all probably gotten a hole in a wall, one way or another. Whether you decided to “toss” a textbook onto the bed only to miss and have it crash into the wall, or your husband got a great idea to move a massive bookshelf to the other room without any help and it inevitably ended up crashing into the wall, or… any other way people get holes in walls, the fact is that the hole is there, and it’s ugly. In this easy to follow tutorial from The DIY Playbook, we learn how simple it is to repair a hole in the wall. You’ll just need a few basic supplies: mesh tape, razor blade, spackle, paint and primer, and a sanding block. The process is pretty simple – a couple layers of mesh tape, followed by spackle and sanding the area down. Then, paint away, and you’re good to go!
9.Fix Chipped Concrete Steps
If you have concrete steps in your front or backyard, you’ll know the ongoing battle of keeping them up! Once that first crack shows, it only gets worse year after year as the water freezes and expands during the winter months, then melts and contracts during the spring and summer. It can be hard to get control of! Plus, usually, things like back porch steps are pretty low on the priority list when it comes to home repairs, but don’t put this one off any longer! Repairing concrete stairs is actually a lot easier and cheaper than you might think. In this step-by-step tutorial from Two Feet First, we see how to repair concrete with some cement, water, a putty knife, and a wire brush.
One of my first apartments had beautiful hardwood floors that I loved. What I didn’t love? When my roommate brought home a 65-pound dog full of energy and rebellion. After a year of playing run-around-the-apartment-and-scratch-up-the-floors, as well as normal wear and tear (it wasn’t all the dog’s fault, after all), I was sure we would never get the deposit back on the apartment. I tried several different methods of cleaning up the floors and eventually gave up. I wish I would have known about this little trick way back then! According to The Chronicles of Home, all you need is a can of Restor-a-Finish and a roll of paper towels. Simply pour some of the finish on the scratches, then rub it into the scratches with a paper towel. Then use a dry paper towel to pass over the area several times. It won’t make deep scratches disappear, but it will significantly reduce the eyesore of scratched floors! Plus, it really does work wonders on small scratches. See for yourself!
7. Fix A Stuck/Uneven Door
We all have that one door that gets stuck all the time. And if you don’t have an uneven door now, chances are you will at some point, so this is good info for everyone to know. The first place to look for trouble is the screws on the hinges. If the screws are tight, do a visual inspection when the door is closed. If you can see the gap go from wide to narrow, it’s probably due to a hinge that has worn down over time. See how to fix this quite easily with this tutorial from homespothq.com!
Have you ever taken on a caulking project? Whether it was for a backsplash in the kitchen, redoing the tile in the bathroom, or installing new windows, caulk is definitely one thing the home repair DIYer always has on hand. However, sometimes the caulking ends up looking sloppy, especially if you’re just starting out and haven’t used this product before. A quick and super easy tip from How To Nest For Less tells us to use painter’s tape when caulking. How genius is that?! I can’t believe I’ve never thought of that before, but next time I’ll know!
Aluminum and steel garage doors have their pros and cons. On one hand, they are relatively maintenance-free, but on the other hand, they can dent easily. Lucky for us, this easy tutorial from hunker.com shows us one easy trick the pros use on dented cars that works just as well on garage doors! First things first – clean the dented area with soap and water and allow to dry for at least an hour. Then, cut a piece of aluminum foil that is big enough to cover the dent. Set the foil over the dent and hold with your hand. Move a lighter back and forth over the dent for a minute, and then take a compressed air canister and flip it upside down and spray the area for 30 seconds. The temperature difference between the lighter and frozen compressed air will force the dent to “pop” out!
Chipped enamel on sinks or tubs can be unsightly and so frustrating to deal with. You don’t have to replace the whole thing just because of a few chips – with this helpful tutorial from Family Handyman, see how you can fix it yourself for less than $20! You’ll need an Epoxy repair kit, which can be found in the adhesive section of most hardware stores. There are several color options available and you can mix colors to get the perfect match, if necessary. You’ll also need a small brush and some wet/dry sandpaper, 400 or 600 grit. Start out by scrubbing the area with a sponge and soapy water, and rub the sandpaper over the damaged area to remove dirt. Then, just mix the epoxy according to directions and use a brush to fill in the gap. You’ll need to work in layers, and be respectful of the dry time according to the package.
Does this look familiar? I grew up on a farm where some part of the wooden fence was in desrepair. It really feels like a huge undertaking to fix a fence – either that or pay way too much to have someone else come and do it for you. But, as you’ll learn in this awesome tutorial from ehow.com, it’s usually a lot easier than it looks! Instead of going through and replacing each plank of wood, you can usually save the structure of the fence simply by resetting some bolts and hinges, and a few strategically placed reinforcement planks.
If you’ve ever tried to remove the trim in your house and didn’t score the trim enough (or at all), you’ll find that the paint pulls the paper right off of your drywall, and you’re left with an unfortunate looking wall. Your first instinct might be to just paint over the ripped paper, but wait! It’ll look terrible (trust me). Plus, there’s an easy way to fix the torn drywall paper. First, cut off the loose edges, even if that means cutting off a significant amount of the paper. Then, sand it all down. Prime the area and use a joint compound. Sand again. Repeat the joint compound and sanding steps as much as necessary to build the wall back up, and end with a coat of primer to seal it all in. See the full tutorial at mresdoitherself.com!
Pretty much everyone knows the pain of the popcorn ceiling. It’s fine for an apartment or a temporary living situation, but it’s such a hassle to keep clean and after several years of wear and tear it start crumbling and leaving lots of dust around. Not to mention… it’s not very attractive! In this amazing DIY from edithandevelynvintage.com, see how this lady transforms her popcorn ceiling into a gorgeous planked ceiling for under $300! Plus, there’s no need to scrape off the old popcorn texture – win-win!
If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year. Home prices have been rising, which means you’re building equity much faster than you might think. Here’s how it works.
Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan.
Over the past year, there have still been more people wanting to buy than there are homes available for sale, and that’s pushed prices up. That rise in prices has translated directly into increasing equity for homeowners.
How Much Equity Have You Earned over the Past 12 Months?
According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights from CoreLogic, the average homeowner’s equity has grown by $28,000 in the last year alone.
That’s the national average, so if you want to see what’s happening in your state, check out the map below. It uses data from CoreLogic to show how much equity has grown in each state over the past year. You’ll notice every single state with sufficient data saw annual equity gains:
What If You Bought Your House Before the Pandemic?
If you bought your house before the pandemic, the equity news is even better. According to data from Realtor.com, home prices shot up by 37.5% from May 2019 to May 2024, meaning your home’s value has likely increased significantly. Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says:
“Homeowners have seen extraordinary gains in home equity over the past five years.”
To give context to how much equity can stack up over time, Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains the total equity the typical homeowner has today:
“With home prices continuing to reach new highs, owners are also seeing their equity approach the historic peaks of 2023, close to a total of $305,000 per owner.”
How Your Rising Home Equity Can Help You
With how prices skyrocketed a few years ago, and the ongoing price growth today, homeowners clearly have substantial equity built up – and that has some serious benefits.
You could use it to start a business, fund an education, or even to help you afford your next home. When you sell, the equity you’ve built up comes back to you, and may be enough to cover a big part – or even all – of your next home’s down payment.
Bottom Line
If you’re planning to move, the equity you’ve gained can really help. Curious about how much you have and how you can use it to help pay for your next home? Connect with CA Real Estate Group.
OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEK (Jul 11-14)
🏡 15303 Jersey Ave, Norwalk, CA 90650
🏡 3 bd | 2 ba | 1,434 sq ft | 5,002 sq ft lot
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OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:
🚩 THU, JUL 11, 3:00-6:00 PM
🚩 FRI, JUL 12, 3:00-6:00 PM
🚩 SAT, JUL 13, 1:00-4:00 PM
🚩 SUN, JUL 14, 1:00-4:00 PM
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🌴 Spacious living room with laminate flooring opens to the dining room with a built-in cabinet.
🌴 The kitchen has new linoleum, maple cabinets, a Kitchen Aid oven and microwave combo, and a 4-burner cooktop.
🌴 Plenty of cabinet and counter space with a breakfast nook and laundry just off the kitchen area.
🌴 To service the three bedrooms is the hall bath with tile flooring and a tub/shower combo, sink with a solid Corian-like counter. The other bath also has a shower.
🌴 Double-pane windows, fresh paint both inside and out, and new carpet in all bedrooms.
🌴 The addition family room houses a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and ¾ bathroom.
🌴 Possible workshop space in the 2- car garage with a newer garage door.
🌴 Amply shaded backyard is mostly brick for ease of care.
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Stop by during our Open House or call and make an appointment for a private showing! Take a virtual tour & more see more photos of this gorgeous property here: https://carealestategroup.com/search/listing/15303-jersey-ave-norwalk-ca–PW24130139/
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👩🏻 Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Buyers Agent Realtor DRE # 01412944
714-476-4637 | christine@carealestategroup.com
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
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(Listed By Edie Israel and Keller Williams Realty)
You want to know the best toddler beaches with no waves in OC? I’m going to provide you with my Top 4 plus two bonus beaches, but they come with a note of precaution.
Still water beaches, meaning no waves or surf, have a general propensity for water quality issues and they can also be good stingray habitat – at least along the warm sandy edges.
Check Heal the Bay Beach Report Card for water quality. Make sure a lifeguard is watching and ask for his/her advice about local conditions on the day you visit.
Any body of water is a dangerous place for a toddler – you should be within arm’s length of any child under 4 years old when they are wading or swimming – and this especially applies at the beach!
As long as you move forward with those precautions in mind, then you should have a grand time at these toddler beaches!
Corona Del Mar — inside the harbor (Pirate’s Cove)
Scramble down the path that leads over the rocks and take the stairs to this mini beach (NOT stroller-friendly). Check the tides before you go!
You’ll have to find parking on the street above the beach or pay for parking in the adjacent lot. Read my post about Corona Del Mar Beach.
It’s also a fun place to watch boats enter and leave Newport Harbor in the summer. The Wedge is just across the harbor and from the bluff you can see the surf pound the breakwater.
Baby Beach in Dana Point
You can park close and you don’t have to pay for parking, but this one can get incredibly busy on weekends and holidays. So arrive early!
It’s a launch point for paddleboards and kayaks, as well. Swimmers are roped off from boat traffic by a buoy line so you’ll have some room for shallow water swimming. Read my post about Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor.
Weekday trips in the off-season are probably the least crowded. August and September can still be very warm in California.
Also, be aware that it can be 90 degrees at your house inland and foggy at the beach. Make sure you come prepared!
Some families prefer the grassy area behind the beach for relatively sand-free picnics.
Newport Dunes in Newport Beach
Parking inside Newport Dunes will cost you, but there is a wide bay for swimming and you can pay extra for access to a waterpark with float toys in the summer for playing in the water.
North Star Beach in Newport Beach’s Back Bay is in the same general geographic area as Newport Dunes (above), except the opposite side of the bay and a little further inland. So much of the area is protected as a nature preserve.
This City of Newport Beach spot is designed for launching recreational watercraft like kayaks, outriggers, canoes, and paddleboards. The beach area is VERY small, but the water play is fun and airplanes fly over from Orange County Airport. This is NOT a swimming beach, but more of a wading spot for toddlers.
There are quite a few things to be aware of at North Star Beach and also a lot of links to share about it, so I ended up writing a full post on it.
I have had one parent complain of rocks that hurt her child’s foot, but otherwise no reported issues over the years this one has been included on the list. Could be seasonal since beaches tend to have the sand wash in and out over the year (summer = more sand, less rocks)?
Mother’s Beach in Huntington Harbour
A favorite for the Huntington Beach area is Mother’s Beach inside Huntington Harbour (thanks to reader, Meg, for pointing that one out)!
This one has an awesome pirate-themed playground and it’s somewhat off the beaten path (except on popular weekends and holidays when it can be really busy)!
So that’s it! If you can think of any other toddlerbeaches in OC with NO waves, please let me know! I do know of another in Huntington Harbour, but the parking is pretty impossible so I’ve not included it here.
If you want to know about the 30+ Toddler-Friendly Parks in Orange County, then make sure you go read that blog post which highlights playgrounds with baby swings and restrooms – and other features that make them work for younger kids!
Summer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind this season. If you’re excited about getting away and having some fun in the sun, it might make sense to consider if owning your own vacation home is right for you.
An Ameriprise Financial survey sheds light on why people buy a second, or vacation, home (see below):
Vacation destination or a place to get away from the stresses of everyday life (81%) – Having a second home to use as a vacation spot can be a special place where you go to relax and take a break from your daily routines and stressors. It also means you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to stay when you go there.
Better weather (49%) – Buying in a place where there may be nicer weather can be a great escape, especially if it’s cold or rainy where you usually live. It lets you enjoy sunny days and warm temperatures, even when it’s not so nice back home.
Rental income (41%) – You can rent it out to other people when you’re not using it, which can help you make some extra money.
Primary residence in the future (33%) – You can eventually move into the home full-time during retirement. That means you can enjoy vacations there now and have a getaway ready for your future.
Having a venue for gatherings with family and friends (25%) – It would be a special spot where you can have parties, regular family trips, and create fun memories.
Ways To Buy Your Vacation Home
And you don’t have to be wealthy to buy a vacation home. Bankrate shares two tips for how to make this dream more achievable for anyone who’s interested:
Buy with loved ones or friends: If you’re okay with sharing the vacation home, you can go in on the purchase price together and pool your resources to make it more affordable.
Put a savings plan in place: This will require patience and persistence but consider adding a vacation home savings plan to your budget and contributing to it monthly.
Finding Your Dream Spot with a Little Help from an Agent
If the idea of basking in the sun at your very own vacation home sounds appealing, you might want to start looking now. Summer’s when everyone’s trying to buy their slice of paradise, so it’s best to start early.
Your first move is to team up with a real estate agent. They know all the ins and outs of the area you want to be in, and which homes you should look at. Plus, they can give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about having a second home and how it can benefit you. The same article from Bankrate says:
“Buying real estate in a new area — or even one you’ve vacationed in for many years — requires expert guidance. That makes it a good idea to work with an experienced local lender who specializes in loans for vacation homes and a local real estate professional. Local lenders and Realtors will understand the required rules and specifics for the area you are buying, and a local Realtor will know what properties are available.”
Bottom Line
If the idea of owning your own vacation home appeals to you, connect with CA Real Estate Group.
Don’t take all of this responsibility on. Instead, connect with a CA Real Estate Group agent so you have someone with the knowledge and experience you’ll need on your side.
Let’s connect and plan your next steps. Find out if we’re the right real estate team for you!
It should go without saying that your fridge and freezer are most vulnerable in the summer heat. To keep them running smoothly, clean condenser coils—which help the unit stay cool by releasing heat from the compressor—and be sure to remove dirt, pet hair, and any nasty food that’s lodged there.
Shortcuts: Make the job simple by using a vacuum and coil brush, says Chris Granger, vice president of Sears Home Services.
While you’re at it, tackle the door.
“A leaky door gasket can result in your refrigerator trying to cool the entire kitchen,” Granger says.
Clean the gasket with a mild cleaner, and then check the seal integrity with a solution of soapy water—just like you would do with an inflatable mattress, he says. You can also use the dollar bill approach: Close a dollar bill in the door so it’s half in your fridge. If your gasket isn’t tight enough, it won’t hold the bill firmly in place—the dollar bill will fall out or slide down.
Call in the pros: Most appliance repairmen charge by the hour. Depending on the issue, a refrigerator repair could cost anywhere from $100 and $250 an hour.
CA Real Estate Group works with professional service people.Whether it’s refrigerator repair or HVAC tune-ups, we can connect you with the people we work with.
Are you considering selling your house but unsure whether the time is right? Assessing a few key factors can help you decide if you’re ready for a move.
You have the wrong amount of space. Whether you’re running out of room for your growing family or you’re an empty nester and the house feels too big, one sure way to know it’s time to move is when your home no longer fits your lifestyle.
You’ve built up equity. When selling your house and purchasing a new one, it’s wise to have enough equity to cover at least a 20% down payment on your new home to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). Make sure you also have enough to cover closing costs and moving expenses.
The market is in your favor. The timing of your house sale can significantly impact the offers you receive. Take advantage of high home values and strong demand to maximize your sale price.
Your house is ready to list. Properties in good condition and not needing any extensive repairs are more attractive to buyers. If minor touchups and fixes are required, be sure to address those before putting your house on the market.
You’ve found the right real estate agent to help you. Once you decide it’s time to sell, a real estate professional will guide you through the process, helping you move on to the next exciting chapter of your life.
Keep Curb Appeal Up When Temperatures Soar
Maintaining curb appeal throughout the long summer months can be a feverish undertaking. Consider these tips to keep your home looking refreshed, even on the hottest days.
Add potted succulents to your landscape. These heat-tolerant beauties not only reduce your watering and weeding workload but also come in a variety of muted tones and textures that give your outdoor space a trendy touch.
Look for indications of wear and tear on your home’s exterior. Heat from the sun can cause paint to fade, blister, peel, and crack. If you see any of these signs, it may be time to have your house repainted.
Mowyour lawn on a regular basis and use an edger or trimmer for a clean, crisp perimeter. Pressure wash your concrete driveway and walkways to complete the manicured look.
Wash away dirt and pollen left behind by seasonal winds and storms. Clean your windows inside and out so the bright summer sun can help your home shine.
What’s Going on With the Housing Market?
Last year, economists predicted falling mortgage rates in 2024 would increase the number of potential buyers, with sellers eager to list their homes. When rates fall and more properties are on the market, home prices tend to level off. More sellers will naturally allow for more sales.
Even though mortgage rates have been rising for the past two years, data shows that inventory has been increasing, and home prices have remained steady. Unless there is a significant drop or increase in mortgage rates, home prices will likely remain consistent with last year.
You can rely on a knowledgeable real estate agent to help sell your home quickly for the best price.
How To Stand Out as a Buyer
A competitive housing market moves quickly, so buyers often need ways to capture the seller’s attention. With the right strategies in place, your dream home is just one good offer away.
Get Preapproved
Loan preapproval gives a seller confidence in your funding ability, and knowing your purchase limit can help you make a competitive offer when other bids are on the table.
Present Your Best Offer
In a seller’s market, you may only get one shot at making an offer, so make it your best.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Asking for a lot of extras during negotiations may deter a seller. Stay focused on the most critical items, such as the roof, foundation and plumbing.
Act Fast
Competitive markets move swiftly. To reduce deliberation time, make a list of nonnegotiable features you want in a home.
Work With a Real Estate Professional
Buying a house is a complex process, so having someone you trust to help you navigate the details is important.
Advantages of Putting a House in a Trust
Placing a house in a trust can help ensure a smooth transfer of the property to your beneficiary upon your passing. It establishes a fiduciary relationship, which prioritizes the protection of another individual’s interests. Here are some of the benefits of creating a trust.
Avoid probate. Probate can be an expensive, lengthy process for those who inherit property and other assets. A trust allows for direct transfer without going through the court.
Reduce taxes. Depending on the type of trust you establish, you may be able to minimize estate taxes or other taxes that could be imposed on your property.
Maintain privacy. Placing your house in a trust ensures sensitive financial information isn’t included in public records.
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Another Father’s Day, another opportunity to show Dad how much you love and appreciate him with a gift that will knock his socks off and a day full of fun that he’s sure to enjoy. While finding the perfect gift can easily be achieved with one of our Father’s Day gift guides (like, top first Father’s Day gifts and ideas you can score last-minute), figuring out what to do on June 16 can be a bit trickier. Sure, every dad is one of a kind, but there’s certainly some overlap when it comes to their favorite hobbies and things to do when they have some time off and are looking for some relaxing fun. And if you’re looking to change it up from the standard dinner and drinks you usually do to celebrate your favorite guy, then look no further than our list of funFather’s Day activities set to impress any Dad — even the stubborn ones who might grumble in protest of the big day dedicated to dads.
Take advantage of the warm summer weather and hit the pool or host a bonfire and s’mores night with the kids. Destress with the spouse in a rage room or break out some of your favorite tunes and have a karaoke night where Dad gets to pay tribute to his favorite songs. And if your present to Dad is a day all to himself to unwind, there are some awesome ideas he can enjoy alone, too.
Keep scrolling for our favorite ideas for Father’s Day.
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Take a road trip.
Pile the family into the car, crank up the tunes and take the scenic route. Whether your destination is the beach or your dad’s favorite national park, this trip will definitely create a lasting memory.
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Bake him a homemade dessert.
The perfect cure for any sweet tooth is a perfectly decadent treat. Whether your dad is a brownie guy or loves a good pie, the way his face lights up will be priceless when you present him with his favorite dessert made with love.
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Build a campfire.
End his Father’s Day on a sweet note by roasting marshmallows over the fire. As people are eating their s’mores, ask everyone in the circle to share their fondest memories with Dad or Grandpa. It’ll make this moment even sweeter.
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Plan a family workout.
Even if you’d rather spend your Sunday lounging on the couch, Father’s Day is a time to do whatever your dad loves most — even if it’s working out. Skip the gym and hit the trails or jog along the water. Or if the weather isn’t in your favor, let him choose an at-home workout that you can do right in your living room.
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Take an online cooking class.
Since Father’s Day falls on a Sunday, there may not be too many in-person cooking classes to attend. If you find that to be true, sign up for a virtual cooking class instead. Introduce your dad to some of the world’s finest cuisines with one of Airbnb’s online experiences or stick with something more traditional, like an air fryer-focused class taught by Craftsy experts.
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Get your karaoke on.
Crank up his favorite tunes, pass the mic, and watch him bring down the house with his serious karaoke skills. Bonus points if your dad busts out his dance moves while he’s on stage a.k.a. your living room floor.
MIKE GARTEN
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Serve dad an all-star brunch.
The best way to start off Father’s Day? A table full of Dad’s favorite brunch recipes, of course. Wow him with an all-star spread of waffles, eggs and fruit — and don’t forget the coffee and OJ!
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Have a family game night.
This year, let Dad lean into his competitive side during a family game night by playing classics like Jenga, charades or Monopoly. If Dad loves trivia and brain-teasers, you can even host a family trivia night!
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Host a wine tasting.
For all wine-loving dads, the ultimate treat on Father’s Day is an at-home wine-tasting event. Complete a selection of the best wines with a beautiful spread of cheeses and grapes, along with a scorecard to keep track of all the wines he’s tasting.
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Craft together.
Encourage everyone in the family to get creative by making crafts fit for the holiday. While you can always go for something that’ll double as a gift for Dad, we’re pretty sure he’d love to get his hands in the paint, too.
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Pack up a backyard picnic.
Here’s an easy way to impress Dad on his special day: Pack up some sandwiches, grab a blanket and then head out to your backyard for a family picnic. He’ll definitely enjoy the sunshine and some fun backyard games, especially with all his favorite people around him.
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Pamper him with a spa day.
Dads deserve some pampering, too! Turn your home into a relaxing spa by lighting candles and playing soothing music. If you or your kids aren’t great at giving messages, give him a gift basket full of self-care goodies, including shaving creams, lotions and soaps.
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Fire up the grill.
Father’s Day is best celebrated with family and amazing food, so fire up the grill to make a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy. Take the opportunity to learn a thing or two from Dad, or simply cheer him on as he serves plate after plate of juicy burgers, grilled veggies and more.
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Hit the golf course.
We’re sure if you ask Dad how he’d like to spend Father’s Day, golf will most certainly be at the top of the list. Make his wish come true with tee time at his favorite golf course. Feel free to go the extra mile by organizing his gear ahead of time and arranging his transportation.
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Bring him to a steak dinner.
Give Dad what he really wants on Father’s Day: a nice dinner served with a glass of his favorite bourbon. Practice the recipe ahead of time to ensure that you can sear the steak just right.
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Plan an outdoor movie night.
Since drive-in movie theaters are hard to come by, set up an outdoor screening in your own backyard. Shine a projector against a blank wall and pick one of Dad’s favorite movies to watch as a family.
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Make a splash at the pool.
The only way to celebrate the “official day of summer” on June 20? With a fun poolside hang the day before of course! Give him his own pool float or let him knock out his first summer read — it’s his choice!
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Go camping.
Whether you head to a campsite for the weekend or decide to set up a tent in your own backyard, Dad will love roasting marshmallows and telling scary stories around the fire.
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Create a scavenger hunt.
Add some extra flare to your dad’s Father’s Day gift by having it discover it himself. Leave him a list of riddles and clues that will lead him right to his present.
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Visit a museum.
If your dad is a history buff, take him to visit a local museum. And even if history isn’t really his thing, there are tons of museums with interactive exhibits that are sure to be fun for the entire family.
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Head to the race track.
Make June 18 a day to remember with a friendly go-kart race that might just turn competitive after a few laps. Pick a partner or ride solo, but definitely give Dad a head start — it’s his special day after all.
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Take a historical site tour.
If Dad’s a history buff, look for historic sites that offer tours. The experience will give him an opportunity to tell you all about his favorite leaders and events, making the day even more special.
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Go to a car show.
A buzzing car show will add a unique touch to your Dad’s day. Spend time looking at his favorite models through the years and discover new favorites together.
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Take him to a food festival.
Whether it’s food trucks, a BBQ battle or Smorgasburg, a food festival or food market is the perfect activity for any foodie Dad. You can choose to browse and taste multiple kinds of cuisine or focus in on his favorite!
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Help Dad wash the car.
If Father’s Day is sunny and bright this year, it’ll be the perfect time for a car wash. To make it a bit more fun, you could even fill up some water balloons and grab some water guns to turn it into a water fight.
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Take him to see live music.
Whether your dad loves jazz or country music, finding him a live performance to attend on Father’s Day is sure to warm his heart.
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Treat him to ice cream.
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Treat your dad to his favorite flavor and maybe even grab a pint for him to take home.
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Go for a bike ride with the family.
The entire family can get some exercise with a bike ride on Father’s Day. Scope out Dad’s favorite trails ahead of time and maybe even plan for a picnic once you reach your destination.
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Perform a concert.
Nothing will make a dad smile more than seeing his child perform an original song or dance. If you want to make it really special, add in some lyrics that will let your dad know how special he is to you.
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Schedule a pottery class.
Take your DIY crafts up a notch and take a pottery class with your favorite guy. You all can laugh over the wacky creations you make or create something pretty enough to showcase at home.
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Break things at a rage room.
Allow your dad to blow off a little steam through the cathartic exercise of breaking things at a rage room. By the time you finish ripping through the room of various items, you’ll both feel more relaxed.
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Take him shopping.
Your dad might say he doesn’t want anything this year, but that could change if you let him pick out exactly what he wants during a mini shopping spree.
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Try out axe throwing.
If you want to create a truly memorable experience, take your dad out for a couple of hours of axe throwing. You both can take turns seeing who can hit the bullseye.
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Go bowling.
Bowling always brings family together. This Father’s Day, you could split up into teams — like parents against kids — to see who has the best form.
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Build a pillow fort.
Father’s Day is as good a day as any to create lasting memories. Grab a few pillows, couch cushions and blankets to create the ultimate fort, perfect for reading stories or sparking a pillow fight.
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Solve a mystery in an escape room.
Have your dad channel his inner detective when you take him to an escape room. As you all comb through clues in order to solve the puzzle and escape, you are bound to learn more about each other.
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Work on a puzzle together.
Depending on the puzzle, this activity can create hours upon hours of bonding and laughs. Once you’ve completed the puzzle, you can even frame it.
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Go skydiving.
Free-falling through the air might not be for everyone. But if your dad is a self-proclaimed risk taker, then this might be just the activity for him.
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Compete in a mud run.
If your dad has a competitive streak then he’s sure to have fun navigating a mud-filled obstacle course. You can even set a wager on who will finish first.
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Take a rock climbing class.
Get in a workout and maybe even a new hobby but taking him to a rock climbing class. It’ll give him an adrenaline rush without being too dangerous.
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Hire a private chef.
Allow your dad to relax this Father’s Day and hire a private chef to take care of the cooking.
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Plan a paint and sip.
Break out the paint and open a bottle of your dad’s favorite wine. While you both attempt to paint a tree, a vase or a dreamy landscape at sunset, you can bond over your artistic skills or simply share a laugh at the final product.
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Create your own vintage arcade.
Celebrate your dad’s inner gamer by putting together a vintage arcade for him. All you’ll need to do is to rent out the machines for his favorite childhood games, like Pac-Man and Sonic. Once you set them up, watch his inner child come alive.
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Surprise him with a race car test-drive.
Has your dad always dreamed of tearing down a NASCAR track at top speed? You can make that dream a reality by surprising him with a NASCAR racing experience where he can either ride with a trained professional or take to the asphalt all on his own. Whichever experience you land on, your dad is sure to have a Father’s Day he’ll never forget.
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Take care of a task.
Even the handiest of Dads seem to have that one project that they’ve “been meaning to get to.” This Father’s day, let your old man take a load off while you take care of whatever lingering tasks he may have cluttering his to-do list. Trust us, you’ll be able to see the appreciation all over his face.
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Garden with him.
If your dad already has a green thumb, why not join him in his natural habitat? You may be surprised to find yourself bonding over tomato plants and fresh herbs. And if his garden is far along you may even be able to create a meal with what you pick.
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Challenge him to a pick up basketball game.
If your dad has been coaching you in sports for most of your life, now is the time to see if he’s still got it. Challenge your dad to a pick up game. You could even get the entire family involved, making it siblings versus parents and set a wager for the prize. What ensues is sure to create an epic memory.
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Trace your family’s roots.
Even if you think you already have a grasp on everything there is to know about your dad, there’s so much more to his story. Take a walk down memory lane by flipping through his photo albums and school memorabilia. Then take time to trace your dad’s family tree to get a deeper look at your family’s past and present.
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Host a lawn game tournament.
Bring the Olympic spirit to your backyard by organizing an afternoon event with cornhole, horseshoes, croquet and other lawn games. If your dad has a competitive side, keep score at each game and tally up the points at the end to name a winner.
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Watch all of the Marvel movies in order.
Cross one more thing off your dad’s bucket list: Track down all of the Marvel movies — some are available to stream, others must be rented — and cozy up on the couch for an all-day movie marathon. There are 24 Marvel movies in total, so it may take a few weeks to get through them all.
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Get out on the water.
Rent a boat with Boatsetter for the morning, afternoon or evening, so you all can spend quality time together on the water. Some rentals also come with the option to rent jetskis, which are perfect for dads who want to get active. Whatever you settle on, make sure the entire family remembers to apply a generous amount of sunscreen.
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Go for a hike.
Enjoy the great outdoors as a family by hitting up your local hiking and biking trails or driving to the nearest National Park in your area. Let Dad choose the path and be ready to take tons of family photos.
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Host a beer tasting.
On Father’s Day, serve Dad a refreshing pint of his favorite brewski. For the ultimate treat, plan a craft beer tasting with an assortment of ales, lagers and IPAs from local breweries. He might just find a new favorite and you’ll be the one to thank!
Some Highlights
If your needs have changed, now’s a great time to sell and get the features you want most.
Many buyers are eager to move between the school years, so you may see a faster sale, multiple offers, a higher final sales price, and more.
If you want to get your house ready for a summer listing, connect with CA Real Estate Group. Give Christine Almarines a call at 714-476-4637!
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