Ahhh (choo!), Spring. March is upon us, and let’s be real: after a season cooped up indoors, it’s time to dust off those cleaning supplies and get to work. Now cleaning probably isn’t the most exciting activity on your list as the grass turns green and days grow longer, but the benefits are certainly worth it. Especially if a move is on your radar.

Benefits of Spring Cleaning

So, why should you bother with spring cleaning? Well, for starters, it’s a chance to get rid of all the junk you’ve been hoarding over the winter. All those clothes you haven’t worn in years, those papers you keep meaning to file away, and those random knick-knacks that are just taking up space. It’s time to declutter and create a more organized living space.

But it’s not just about getting rid of stuff. Spring cleaning also means giving your home a deep clean. Washing windows, scrubbing floors, and deep-cleaning carpets. It’s a chance to get rid of all that built-up grime from the winter and create a fresher, healthier living environment. Here are a few perks:

1. Improved air quality: During the winter months, homes tend to be closed up, and the air can become stagnant. Spring cleaning involves opening up windows, cleaning air filters, and dusting surfaces to improve the air quality in your home.
2. Reduced stress: A cluttered home can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Spring cleaning can help you declutter your space and create a more organized, relaxing environment.
3. Increased productivity: A clean and organized home can help boost productivity and creativity. With fewer distractions and a clear space to work in, you’ll be able to focus better and get more done.
4. A healthier home: Spring cleaning involves deep-cleaning surfaces and getting rid of dust, mold, and other allergens that can affect your health. By doing so, you’ll create a healthier home environment for yourself and your family.

Tips for Good Clean Fun

Spring cleaning can seem like an overwhelming task, but with a little planning and organization, it can be a straightforward process. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Make a plan: Before you begin, make a list of everything you want to accomplish. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.
2. Start with a deep clean: Begin by tackling the most challenging tasks, such as deep-cleaning carpets, washing windows, and scrubbing the bathroom. Once these tasks are complete, the rest of your cleaning will be more manageable.
3. Declutter: Spring cleaning is the perfect time to get rid of anything you no longer need. Go through your closets, drawers, and other storage spaces, and donate or sell items you no longer use. Or that no longer—say it together—”spark joy.”
4. Get the whole house involved: Make spring cleaning a family (or roommate) affair. Assign tasks to each house member, and make it a fun activity by playing music or providing snacks.
5. Don’t forget about outdoor spaces: Spring cleaning isn’t just about the inside of your home. Take the opportunity to clean up your outdoor spaces as well. Sweep the porch, clean outdoor furniture, and plant some new flowers to brighten up your yard and get ready for those sweet, sweet, outdoor months.

So what are you waiting for? Grab those cleaning supplies, put on some tunes, and get to work! Your house (and everyone inside) will thank you.

As the winter starts to fade away, it’s time to start thinking about getting your garden ready for spring. Gardening can be intimidating though, right? Wrong! With a bit of preparation and some hard work (and perhaps even some guidance from professionals…links below!), you can create a beautiful outdoor space that you can enjoy all spring and summer long. Here are some tips on getting your garden ready for spring.

1. Clean up your garden

The first step in getting your garden ready for spring is to clean up any debris and dead foliage that accumulated during the winter months. This will help you identify any areas that need extra attention, such as weeding or soil preparation. Rake up any leaves, remove any dead plants, and dispose of any debris that may have accumulated. PRO TIP! Instead of throwing away or burning your yard waste, make this your year to start composting—either at home or with a local composting service.

2. Prune your plants

Once you’ve cleaned up your garden, it’s time to prune your plants. This will help to promote healthy growth and shape your plants. Pruning will also help to get rid of any diseased or dead branches that could harm the plant. Make sure you use the correct tools and techniques for each plant to avoid damaging them. PRO TIP! Different plants want to be pruned in different ways and at different times.

3. Prepare your soil

The next step is to prepare your soil. This involves adding any necessary nutrients and fertilizers to the soil. You can also amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve the soil’s structure and drainage. PRO TIP! Testing your soil can also help you determine what amendments you may need to add to it.

4. Plan your garden

Once you’ve cleaned up, pruned, and prepared your soil, it’s time to plan your garden. Consider the plants that you want to grow and where you want to plant them. You should also think about the layout of your garden and any hardscaping elements you may want to include, such as pathways or garden beds. PRO TIP! Local gardening companies like can help you plan the perfect garden based on your specific space and needs.

5. Plant your seeds or starts

With your garden planned, it’s time to start planting your seeds and starts. Make sure you follow the instructions on your seed packets or plant containers for proper planting depth and spacing. You can also start seeds indoors and then transplant them into your garden once the weather warms up. PRO TIP! Don’t be afraid to ask the nursery or garden center employees for advice on how to plant the perfect garden.

6. Maintain your garden

Once you’ve planted your garden, it’s important to maintain it. This means watering your plants regularly, weeding, and monitoring for pests and diseases. Regular maintenance will help your garden thrive and produce a beautiful bounty of flowers and vegetables.

After a winter spent indoors, getting your hands dirty and garden ready for spring can be a rewarding experience that can provide you with beautiful flowers and fresh produce, not to mention the perfect setting for creating summer memories.

Announcing partnerships with Brownsburg-based Rise Real Estate and Plainfield-based Indiana Home Realty, locally-owned brokerage @properties has expanded its presence in the greater Indianapolis area. In total, 21 agents from the two westside firms have joined @properties.

This expansion gives the brokerage two Hendricks County offices, joining three Indianapolis locations in Herron-Morton, Downtown’s Bottleworks District, and Broad Ripple.

These strategic partnerships come at a time of growth for the company formerly known as Plat Collective. Before joining the @properties national franchise network in October 2021, Plat had steadily been increasing its business in the metropolitan area after primarily being known as a downtown brokerage.

“Before partnering with Rise and IHR, we were already doing about a quarter of our volume in the donut counties,” said Mark Nottingham, founder and co-owner of @properties IND. “Now as part of @’s franchise network, we have access to tools and resources that allow us to better serve real estate agents and clients in all parts of the greater Indianapolis area.”

Rise co-founder Jon Bell also saw a mutually-beneficial relationship. “We were at a crossroads. We needed to invest in our own infrastructure or partner with a brokerage who could offer what we needed,” Bell said. “Fortunately, we found that and more with @properties. We found the tools, the marketing, the support. Maybe more importantly, we found a dynamic and collaborative culture that welcomes, encourages, and values us.”

“This is an exciting time for the Indianapolis market,” shared IHR’s Todd Messer. “Both the city and the suburbs are experiencing blistering growth. Having a team and a culture like @properties behind us gives us so many more opportunities to share expertise with one another and ultimately serve our clients better.”

Locally-owned real estate brokerage @properties announced transitions on their leadership team. Formerly managing broker, Crystal White has been promoted to Director of Agent Development. Taking her place in the managing broker role is industry veteran Megan Sullivan.

Crystal White supported the Indianapolis brokerage as it blossomed from 95 agents to 140 agents. Throughout a pivotal time for the company, she helped brokers increase their business while navigating the market effects of the pandemic and the company’s rebrand from Plat Collective. She also implemented an intensive business development program called @ccelerate. The year-long program features group work and coaching sessions with the company’s leadership. Twenty-two brokers are participating in the first year of the course.

Under her guidance, @properties agents achieved the highest year-over-year median volume growth among the top 20 brokerages in MIBOR. Her new role will allow White to focus more exclusively on providing ongoing training to experienced brokers to help them continue developing their business.

“At my core,” White said, “I am a coach. That’s what gets me out of bed and going every day: the opportunity to help someone achieve a vision for their life or business that they may not have realized was possible. I am beyond excited to dedicate more of my time to impacting our agents this way, so they make a greater impact for their clients.”

Megan Sullivan, meanwhile, brings 9 years experience in real estate to the role of managing broker, with the last 4.5 years at @properties. She will be the point of contact for all transactional needs, while also focusing on new agent training.

“Our culture is so collaborative,” Sullivan said. “Agents are always pitching in and helping each other out. I am excited to continue that tradition and provide holistic support to all of our agents, especially those who are new to our brokerage or the industry.”

@properties, the fastest-growing residential real estate brokerage in Indianapolis, has expanded its physical presence in the city with the opening of its new office in the heart of Broad Ripple.

The expansion into the Midtown area will serve as a hub for the company’s more than 140 agents, many of whom live and do a number of transactions around the neighborhood. Situated on the Monon Trail, the new office will be a working space for agents and will be used for closings as well as internal and external company programs like agent trainings and client appreciation events.

Opening in Broad Ripple is a natural step for the locally-owned @properties franchise that began as Plat Collective. Founded by Mark Nottingham in 2011, the company began with a strong focus on the downtown Indianapolis market before branching out to other urban neighborhoods in the city.

“Broad Ripple and the Midtown area have always been in high demand for our clients due in part to the area’s walkability, culture, diverse housing stock, parks, and schools,” Nottingham explained.

“Naturally, it’s also been a popular part of town for agents who want to live where they work and impact their community through that work. We are thrilled to put down deeper roots in Broad Ripple and support our agents and clients with this expansion.”

Spreading the Love

Already @properties has made a visual mark on its new neighborhood with an iteration of its “love” mural campaign along the Monon Trail. The “love” campaign began as an effort to celebrate what’s great about our homes and communities, while also spreading positivity and inspiring a sense of pride and proactive care for these places. Broad Ripple’s new love mural, painted by local artist Lennie Flowers, features the iconic script paired with a series of rubber ducks in a nod to the neighborhood’s annual rubber duck race that takes place just steps from the office.

This marks the third new office @properties has opened in the greater Indianapolis area in 2022, following expansions into Brownsburg and Plainfield. These offices join the company’s downtown-area locations at Bottleworks District on Massachusetts Avenue and the original location on E. 16th Street in the Herron-Morton neighborhood, giving agents convenient work locations, visibility, and physical places to connect and get the support they need to be the best at what they do.