
Herbs, revered in the ancient world for their healing powers, receded in importance in the 20th century as we began to rely more on pharmaceuticals and technology. As a result, we encountered them less often—usually dried in a jar on a supermarket shelf. But over the last couple of decades, herbs have enjoyed a resurgence in their freshest, most potent forms, as homeowners turn to them not only for cooking, but also for enjoyment.
If you've ever thought about growing your own herbs, take heart, because it's not hard to get started. Mark off a small garden plot with good morning sun and dappled shade in the afternoon, or create a container garden on your patio. Plant kitchen herbs, or choose another theme—medicinals, medieval, fragrance—and get going.
A pretty or aromatic herb garden will also be a pleasing element when it comes to selling your home, helping it to stand out from other South Bend homes for sale. Get additional tips from our REALTORS® on how to make your home special.

Fire pits are the hottest thing in outdoor entertaining. They're simple to construct, provide light for summer evenings, and the chance to perfect your smores-making technique. As the evenings draw in and take on the crispness of fall, fire pits provide the warmth you'll want when enjoying a cup of cider.
Part of the beauty of fire pits is their flexibility. They can be as petite as a salad bowl or large enough for the whole family to roast marshmallows. You can have them professionally installed, assemble them yourself from a kit, or even design and build one on your own. Our real estate agents enjoy seeing how a DIY contribution to a home reflects the tastes of the homeowner and celebrates the style of the home itself. If you'd like your own custom fire pit, keep the following tips in mind.

The weather has been absolutely beautiful in Saint Joseph lately, just right for a day on the water! And with miles and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Berrien County is the perfect place for a kayak or paddleboard adventure. Check out some of our real estate agents' favorite paddling spots in the area.

If you're looking for a reason to clear off your calendar and clean off your cleats, then make sure to mark August 1st on your calendar. While you're at it, since you work hard all year long, you should go ahead and mark the whole month off. August is National Golf Month and that's all the reason you need to take a break and give yourself the gift of some "me" time on the course. It's your opportunity to explore the region's best courses and ponder which of the fabulous South Bend homes for sale you want to put an offer down on.

The Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm is one of the best annual events in South Bend and our real estate agents are pleased to see its return on Saturday, July 13. Classic car lovers from Indiana and beyond will cruise over to the John D. Oliver House to enjoy an afternoon gazing at stunning vehicles. This event is touted as one of the premier celebrations for automotive design and styling in the state. Though this is only the second year that the Copshaholm will host this event, the Concours d'Elegance is not new to Sound Bend.
Concours d'Elegance's first event took place in 2005. From then until 2017, it was known as the Lake Bluff Concours d'Elegance. Taking place at Lake Bluff Park in downtown, the show featured dozens of automobiles and plenty of family activities. Unfortunately, Lake Bluff Park stopped hosting the event after its 13th year, leaving its future uncertain.
Thankfully, the Studebaker National Museum was interested in hosting their own Concours d'Elegance event. Partnering with their neighbor, The History Museum, the first Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm took place in 2018. We're so excited that the Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum have agreed to host this event once again during 2019!