Mason Clarke

Outdoor & Real Estate Writer

As the Outdoor & Real Estate Writer for HomeStyle & Beyond, Mason Clarke covers everything from property development and real estate trends to landscaping and gardening. He is dedicated to exploring sustainable living and home improvement, offering readers practical advice for both buying a home and designing outdoor spaces. Through his writing, Mason aims to provide actionable insights that help readers elevate their everyday living and create beautiful, functional environments.

Expertise

Real Estate TrendsOutdoor DesignLandscapingHome BuyingProperty DevelopmentGardeningSustainable LivingHome Improvement

Coverage Areas

Outdoor Spaces
Real Estate
Gardening

Latest Articles

Elegant kitchen remodel in a Williamson County home, showcasing modern design and high-end finishes, reflecting homeowner investment.
Real Estate

Affluent Williamson County Homeowners Remodel Instead of Selling

Single-family home inventory in Williamson County plummeted 8.

Aug 22, 2026 · 3 min read

A sophisticated monochromatic green garden showcasing a variety of plant textures, with sunlight creating a play of light and shadow.
Outdoor

Monochromatic Green Gardens Offer Surprising Textural Depth

A recent survey of landscape architects found 65% reported an increase in client requests for monochromatic green garden designs over the past three years, according to the Irish Examiner (2023).

Aug 22, 2026 · 4 min read

Professional landscaper using electric hedge trimmer with electric mower in background on a sunny day.
Outdoor

7 Essential Electric Tools for Professional Landscapers

A new Bainbridge Island-based electric lawn care business, Even Keel, launched this summer and already serves five clients, anticipating future local bans on gas-powered tools.

Aug 21, 2026 · 5 min read

Homeowner and appraiser discussing property details during a home appraisal inspection in front of a suburban house.
Real Estate

What is the home appraisal process for homeowners?

A standard home appraisal, which can determine hundreds of thousands of dollars in property value, often involves an on-site inspection lasting only 30 minutes for a typical residence, according to Go

Aug 21, 2026 · 5 min read

A modern living room filled with plants, natural light, and wooden accents, showcasing biophilic design principles for a healthier home.
Outdoor

What are Biophilic Design Principles for Homeowners?

Urban living is associated with poorer physical and mental health when compared to residing in and around green spaces, according to research published in PMC .

Aug 21, 2026 · 5 min read

A beautifully renovated house exterior showcasing a new garage door and enhanced landscaping, highlighting increased property value and curb appeal.
Real Estate

Exterior Renovations Outperform Expectations, Boosting Property Values

Replacing a garage door can yield an astonishing 268% return on investment, far surpassing many popular interior remodels.

Aug 21, 2026 · 4 min read

Gardener dividing irises in late summer, showcasing healthy roots and new growth for garden expansion.
Outdoor

9 Perennial Division Tips for Late Summer Garden Expansion

Many spring-flowering plants, such as irises, are best divided in summer (June-August) after flowering when they produce new roots, according to Rhs Org Uk .

Aug 21, 2026 · 4 min read

Young couple happily holding keys in front of their new home, symbolizing successful first-time homeownership with an FHA loan.
Real Estate

How Do FHA Loans Work for First-Time Buyers With Low Down Payments?

Nearly 30% of Gen Z homebuyers utilize FHA mortgages, significantly more than other generations.

Aug 20, 2026 · 4 min read

A tranquil garden scene with fallen leaves and protective coverings, signaling the end of autumn and preparation for winter.
Outdoor

Winter Landscaping Tasks to Protect Your Garden

Shoppers can save significantly on outdoor items by purchasing them now, before fall prices rise, while simultaneously preparing their gardens for winter's harsh conditions.

Aug 19, 2026 · 5 min read

Home Depot store interior showing high sales performance with fewer customer transactions, illustrating a shift in shopping behavior.
Real Estate

Home Depot Q2 2026 sales climb despite fewer shoppers

Despite reporting net sales of $47.

Aug 19, 2026 · 6 min read

A charming home exterior enhanced by vibrant, low-cost landscaping upgrades, showcasing excellent curb appeal and increased property value.
Outdoor

8 Low-Cost Landscaping Upgrades for Curb Appeal & Value

Standard lawn care service alone can recover 217% of its cost at resale, making it one of the most profitable home improvements.

Aug 18, 2026 · 5 min read

A busy, sunlit garden center with diverse customers enjoying plants and interactive displays, showcasing a thriving retail environment.
Outdoor

Garden Center Sales Soar as Consumers Embrace Practical, Experiential Trends

In July, garden center sales surged by +11% year-over-year, a stark contrast to the broader building and garden supply store sector's 4.

Aug 18, 2026 · 5 min read

A happy first-time homebuyer couple receives keys to their new home, symbolizing the achievement of homeownership with financial assistance.
Real Estate

How to Buy a Home: Steps for First-Time Buyers in 2026

A first-time homebuyer in 2026 could secure a substantial $10,000 grant for a down payment, an amount that never needs to be repaid.

Aug 17, 2026 · 4 min read

A dimly lit office with scattered documents and a spotlight on an incomplete business plan, representing the challenges of documenting A&K Outdoor Services' success.
Outdoor

Challenges in Documenting A&K Outdoor Services' Success

The U.S. landscaping services industry generated $129.5 billion in 2023, growing 3.6% annually between 2018 and 2023, according to IBISWorld . Within this robust market, A&K Outdoor Services has achie

Aug 17, 2026 · 3 min read

Sleek, modern solar pathway lights illuminating outdoor steps in a garden at twilight, providing a warm and inviting glow.
Outdoor

Brighten Pathways: Top Solar Lights for Outdoor Steps Shine

A new solar pathway light, tested in extreme winter conditions, maintained full brightness for 12 hours straight.

Aug 16, 2026 · 3 min read

Close-up of a beginner gardener's hands working in a lush vegetable garden, with essential, high-quality tools like pruners and a trowel visible.
Outdoor

Essential Tools for Successful Beginner Vegetable Gardening

Roger Davis has used the same pair of Felco 2 bypass pruners for 27 years, according to The New York Times .

Aug 16, 2026 · 5 min read

A beautiful and sustainable backyard garden filled with diverse native plants and a tranquil water feature, bathed in soft sunlight.
Outdoor

What Are Sustainable Landscaping Principles for Eco-Conscious Homes?

Out of 165 scientific papers, a staggering 120 found native species consistently outperform non-native plants in supporting local ecosystems and providing environmental benefits.

Aug 14, 2026 · 5 min read

A beautiful, low-maintenance garden filled with diverse drought-tolerant plants thriving under a sunny sky, demonstrating water-wise landscaping.
Outdoor

12 Best Low Maintenance Drought Tolerant Plants for Any Climate

A single drought-tolerant garden can save thousands of gallons of water annually, transforming a high-maintenance chore into an environmental contribution.

Aug 12, 2026 · 5 min read

A modern, professionally designed backyard in 2026 featuring integrated architecture, lush greenery, and functional outdoor living spaces.
Outdoor

Landscape Designers' Priorities in Yard Design

A professional landscape design service doesn't just pick plants; it evaluates an entire property to create a plan that effectively utilizes every single area, according to Vandjlandscape .

Aug 11, 2026 · 5 min read

A homeowner proudly holding a property deed document in front of their house, symbolizing legal proof of ownership and security.
Real Estate

What Is a Property Deed and How Does It Work?

In all 50 states, your property deed stands as the sole legal proof of home ownership.

Aug 11, 2026 · 4 min read