Are you considering selling your home and not sure what the market value is? Contact the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000 or click here to complete an online form for your FREE home evaluation.
For more information about buying or selling visit our website, www.groveteam.com.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Search the MLS on our website
Tired of driving around and looking for homes for sale? Did you know you can search active listings on the MLS through the Grove Team website? Check it out...
Search MLS Listings here
When you see a home that you would like to take a look at, give us call! We'll schedule time to meet and view the properties together.
For more information on buying or selling, call us direct (817) 337-0000 or send an email info@groveteam.com.
Search MLS Listings here
When you see a home that you would like to take a look at, give us call! We'll schedule time to meet and view the properties together.
For more information on buying or selling, call us direct (817) 337-0000 or send an email info@groveteam.com.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Keller and Central High Play for the Cure September 24
Keller and Central high schools are once again teaming up for their Play for the Cure event, culminating with the varsity football matchup between the two schools on Friday, September 24.
Cheerleaders from KHS and CHS will be collecting donations and raising money throughout the week of the game (Sept. 20-24) to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation's funding for breast cancer research. Both squads will be selling "Pink Pride" t-shirts, pink bracelets, pink donuts, pink snow cones, and pink jeans passes for teachers among other pink items.
The schools are asking the community to get involved by purchasing a t-shirt from either school and showing up for the game wearing pink.
Both schools will be hosting a "Pink Out" pep rally the morning of the game, and are inviting any breast cancer survivors to attend as guests. Survivors along with any friends or family members that have been affected by breast cancer are also invited to come down to the field at halftime for the presentation to the Susan G. Komen representatives.
The Indians and Chargers football teams will meet at 7:30 Friday, September 24 at Keller ISD Athletics Complex. Keller will be the home team this year, with Central on the visiting (east) sideline.
For more information on community schools, visit the Keller ISD website or contact the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000.
www.groveteam.com
Cheerleaders from KHS and CHS will be collecting donations and raising money throughout the week of the game (Sept. 20-24) to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation's funding for breast cancer research. Both squads will be selling "Pink Pride" t-shirts, pink bracelets, pink donuts, pink snow cones, and pink jeans passes for teachers among other pink items.
The schools are asking the community to get involved by purchasing a t-shirt from either school and showing up for the game wearing pink.
Both schools will be hosting a "Pink Out" pep rally the morning of the game, and are inviting any breast cancer survivors to attend as guests. Survivors along with any friends or family members that have been affected by breast cancer are also invited to come down to the field at halftime for the presentation to the Susan G. Komen representatives.
The Indians and Chargers football teams will meet at 7:30 Friday, September 24 at Keller ISD Athletics Complex. Keller will be the home team this year, with Central on the visiting (east) sideline.
For more information on community schools, visit the Keller ISD website or contact the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000.
www.groveteam.com
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Does staging make a difference?
Often a seller will ask if it is worth taking the time to stage their home before going active on the market. As agents, we often say to our clients you live in a home one way, and sell it another.
Here is a great illustration of the power of staging...in a quiet, unassuming neighborhood in north Fort Worth the Grove Team listed a traditional three bedroom, two bath home with just over 1,500 sqft.
Here is a great illustration of the power of staging...in a quiet, unassuming neighborhood in north Fort Worth the Grove Team listed a traditional three bedroom, two bath home with just over 1,500 sqft.
The breakfast nook, featuring great natural light and awesome space for a table to gather around for meals.
An open and spacious family room offers invites you in for entertaining or simply relaxing.
The master bedroom comfortably fits a king-size bed and offers adjoining bath with garden tub and separate shower.
This home was listed for five months without any offers and very few showings. With the permission of the seller, the Grove Team staged the listing...
The breakfast nook after staging.
An updated family room feels warm and comfortable for any occasion.
The master bedroom becomes a haven from the hustle and bustle of daily demands.
Although a smaller home, once the staging was complete an offer was received and executed within two weeks.
Who do you know that may be in need of a real estate professional? Whether buying or selling the Grove Team is here to lend a hand start to finish. Contact us direct (817) 337-0000 or visit our website, http://www.groveteam.com/
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Secluded Colleyville Estate
Welcome home to your secluded sanctuary inside the city.
Nestled on a 2.5 acre wooded lot, this home features stables and a horse paddock. Quality crafted construction leaves no detail overlooked. The park-like ambiance with rolling topography and hundreds of trees allows you to quickly forget the hustle and bustle of city living.
Offered for $799,900 - Contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty (817) 337-0000 to scheduled YOUR private viewing of this amazing estate.
Nestled on a 2.5 acre wooded lot, this home features stables and a horse paddock. Quality crafted construction leaves no detail overlooked. The park-like ambiance with rolling topography and hundreds of trees allows you to quickly forget the hustle and bustle of city living.
Offered for $799,900 - Contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty (817) 337-0000 to scheduled YOUR private viewing of this amazing estate.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Put a little personality in your outdoor entertaining
Warm sun-drenched days and cool starry evenings can inspire the host or hostess in us all. It's the perfect time of year for easy outdoor entertaining - to reconnect with family and friends at a backyard barbecue, neighborhood block party or rooftop soiree. It's also a time to show off your unique style and personality without the pressure of planning an elaborate sit-down dinner."While outdoor entertaining is definitely more casual, it doesn't have to be boring," says Ann Gearty, senior brand manager at Rust-Oleum. "With a little imagination and a few simple touches, it's easy to transform an ordinary barbecue or casual evening with friends into an event your guests will remember."
Decide on a theme - The easiest way to select a theme is to look at your guest list and your outdoor space and let them be your guide. For example, if you're planning a family party in the backyard, spice up the ordinary with a colorful tailgating theme. Planning a neighborhood gathering? Make it a back-to-school celebration that will put smiles on kids' faces (and parents' too) with a few simple props. Or, transform a casual rooftop party into a magical evening by taking a cue from Shakespeare's "Mid-Summer Night's Dream."
Set the stage - Once you've selected a theme, it's time to set the stage. Support your favorite football team by spray painting an old patio set, planters and other outdoor accessories in your team's colors. High-energy colors like Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Real Orange, Paprika, Deep Blue or Sun Yellow are just a few colors that may help you support your favorite team. Even old galvanized buckets can be transformed into brightly colored beverage coolers with a little spray paint. Add a festive table cloth, colorful paper plates and napkins, a "make it yourself" burger or chili station - and a custom colored bean bag toss game board - for a festive family gathering.
Transform an ordinary piece of plywood into a reusable "inspiration board" that's the perfect focal point for a back-to-school celebration. Paint the plywood with Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint. It's available in traditional black as well as a tint base so you can choose from a variety of colors such as Banner Blue or Raspberry. Then invite the neighborhood parents to write inspirations like "Do Your Best", "Aim for the A" or "Practice Makes Perfect". Add kids, cupcakes, juice boxes, a few backyard games and inexpensive party favors -- empty juice cans transformed into pencil holders. Spray paint the cans with their favorite school colors, and personalize them with American Accents Decorative Paint Pens. They'll enjoy them throughout the school year.
Twinkling white lights on rooftop railings and large outdoor plants can set the stage for an elegant rooftop soiree for business colleagues. Spray paint flea market or garage sale finds like old bistro tables, wicker chairs, candlesticks and planters with Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic All-Surface Paint to give them the high-end look of Metallic Satin Nickel, Aged Copper or Oil-Rubbed Bronze. Universal can be used on any surface at any angle (even upside down), so you can paint wood, wicker, glass, metal - even plastic or vinyl - so let your imagination run wild. Chill the wine and welcome your guests for a magical evening outdoors.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sales Activity Released through August, 2010
Local stats thru August are now available. With very few exceptions, the number of active listings for the month dropped by much more than listings sold which indicates many cancelled listings. The number of active listings in NTREIS dropped by an average of twenty percent in August! The positive news to glean from this is there will be less competition for your current listings and our sales per foot is holding very comparable to last year.
WHERE ARE THE BUYERS?
It is unfortunate that the media has done such a poor job of educating consumers on how much a 4% rate can save them on a newer home. On a $200k 30 year note, the difference between a 4% and 6% rate is $244 per month. If you combine that with a more energy efficient home, individuals could be in a newer home easily saving over $500 a month with less monthly repairs bills. Our clients need to be better informed so let’s not wait for the media to do it.
Today's blog, brought to you by: Kristy Lohse, Alamo Title Company
For all of your closing needs, contact Kristy (817) 994-4419 or visit, Alamo Title Company. Alamo provides amazing customer service from start to finish...never more than a phone call away they are there for all your closing needs.
WHERE ARE THE BUYERS?
It is unfortunate that the media has done such a poor job of educating consumers on how much a 4% rate can save them on a newer home. On a $200k 30 year note, the difference between a 4% and 6% rate is $244 per month. If you combine that with a more energy efficient home, individuals could be in a newer home easily saving over $500 a month with less monthly repairs bills. Our clients need to be better informed so let’s not wait for the media to do it.
Today's blog, brought to you by: Kristy Lohse, Alamo Title CompanyFor all of your closing needs, contact Kristy (817) 994-4419 or visit, Alamo Title Company. Alamo provides amazing customer service from start to finish...never more than a phone call away they are there for all your closing needs.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Ten ways to improve your home's curb appeal
10 simple improvements, you can easily transform your home into the best looking house on the block.
In a day - There are a number of quick fixes you can complete in just one day that will make a big impact on your exterior.
* Replace old hardware. It's the little things that make a big difference. Update your dated or dingy house numbers, entry door lockset and overhead light fixture. Each of these elements can add style and interest to your home's exterior, especially if you incorporate a great finish option like oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel.
* Make over your mailbox. Your mailbox should complement the style and color of your house. Restore your existing mailbox with a fresh coat of paint or stain that matches the trim, color and woodwork of your house.
* Tame planter beds and landscaping. If your beds are overrun with weeds and unsightly growth, you'll need to get them under control to give your home a well-manicured look. Prune, pull weeds and plant flowers to add color. Add a fresh layer of mulch and your yard will look as good as new.
* Illuminate your walkway. Adding low-voltage solar lighting to your front walkway can have a big impact on your home's curb appeal. It also provides added safety and security. If you don't have a walkway, string accent lighting in the trees for a whimsical-looking effect.
* Freshen up the front door. The front entry is the focal point of your home's curb appeal. To keep it looking free of abuse from the elements and use, clean off any dirty spots and remove any loose paint. If your door is beyond repair, install a new version that reflects the design of your house. Once you're all set, be sure to add a piece of decorative flair, like a wreath or door knocker that showcases your personality to the outside world.
In a weekend - In just a couple of days, you can boost the beauty of your home with easy upgrades.
* Renew paint and trim. Give your home an exterior facelift by adding a new coat of paint or stain. You'll automatically update the look of your home by fixing any obvious defects, like loose paint, fading colors or cracks in your trim and fence. Be sure to use high-quality painting tools to get a professional-looking finish, like the Pro-Extra brush from Purdy. The extra length and thickness of the filaments on these paintbrushes provide superior paint-holding capacity and are specially designed for all exterior paints and stains.
* Replace gutters and downspouts. If your gutters are loose and worn out, not only do they look neglected, but they're also a danger to guests. To prevent any injuries, as well as improve the overall appearance, install a new, snap-fit gutter system that go together with a few tools for an easy and important upgrade.
* Add shutters or accent trim. Everything on the exterior of your home should be a reflection of what's inside. To mirror the pulled-together appearance of your indoor rooms, install shutters and trim to provide an extra layer of interest on the exterior. Not only do shutters help control light and ventilation, but new materials such as PVC resins or polyurethane make them durable and low maintenance.
In a month - Using a little elbow grease and taking extra time on some projects can reap huge rewards for your home in the long run.
* Upgrade railings. Porch and stoop railings deteriorate over time and can become loose. If yours are past their prime, look for quality wood or metal replacements. Make sure the color, scale, design and details coordinate with the rest of your home's main features.
* Dress up the drive. If your driveway is cracked, stained or has weeds sprouting up from it, now may be time to show it some TLC. Upgrade it without completely starting over. Repair any cracks or stains and be sure to kill the weeds and then add some extra character by staining the concrete or affixing flagstone. For additional flair, add stone, bricks or pavers to the sides for a completely custom look.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
In a day - There are a number of quick fixes you can complete in just one day that will make a big impact on your exterior.
* Replace old hardware. It's the little things that make a big difference. Update your dated or dingy house numbers, entry door lockset and overhead light fixture. Each of these elements can add style and interest to your home's exterior, especially if you incorporate a great finish option like oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel.
* Make over your mailbox. Your mailbox should complement the style and color of your house. Restore your existing mailbox with a fresh coat of paint or stain that matches the trim, color and woodwork of your house.
* Tame planter beds and landscaping. If your beds are overrun with weeds and unsightly growth, you'll need to get them under control to give your home a well-manicured look. Prune, pull weeds and plant flowers to add color. Add a fresh layer of mulch and your yard will look as good as new.
* Illuminate your walkway. Adding low-voltage solar lighting to your front walkway can have a big impact on your home's curb appeal. It also provides added safety and security. If you don't have a walkway, string accent lighting in the trees for a whimsical-looking effect.
* Freshen up the front door. The front entry is the focal point of your home's curb appeal. To keep it looking free of abuse from the elements and use, clean off any dirty spots and remove any loose paint. If your door is beyond repair, install a new version that reflects the design of your house. Once you're all set, be sure to add a piece of decorative flair, like a wreath or door knocker that showcases your personality to the outside world.
In a weekend - In just a couple of days, you can boost the beauty of your home with easy upgrades.
* Renew paint and trim. Give your home an exterior facelift by adding a new coat of paint or stain. You'll automatically update the look of your home by fixing any obvious defects, like loose paint, fading colors or cracks in your trim and fence. Be sure to use high-quality painting tools to get a professional-looking finish, like the Pro-Extra brush from Purdy. The extra length and thickness of the filaments on these paintbrushes provide superior paint-holding capacity and are specially designed for all exterior paints and stains.
* Replace gutters and downspouts. If your gutters are loose and worn out, not only do they look neglected, but they're also a danger to guests. To prevent any injuries, as well as improve the overall appearance, install a new, snap-fit gutter system that go together with a few tools for an easy and important upgrade.
* Add shutters or accent trim. Everything on the exterior of your home should be a reflection of what's inside. To mirror the pulled-together appearance of your indoor rooms, install shutters and trim to provide an extra layer of interest on the exterior. Not only do shutters help control light and ventilation, but new materials such as PVC resins or polyurethane make them durable and low maintenance.
In a month - Using a little elbow grease and taking extra time on some projects can reap huge rewards for your home in the long run.
* Upgrade railings. Porch and stoop railings deteriorate over time and can become loose. If yours are past their prime, look for quality wood or metal replacements. Make sure the color, scale, design and details coordinate with the rest of your home's main features.
* Dress up the drive. If your driveway is cracked, stained or has weeds sprouting up from it, now may be time to show it some TLC. Upgrade it without completely starting over. Repair any cracks or stains and be sure to kill the weeds and then add some extra character by staining the concrete or affixing flagstone. For additional flair, add stone, bricks or pavers to the sides for a completely custom look.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Custom Homes with Innovation Builders
Look · Love · Live
Welcome to Innovation Builders, specializing in merging creative design and high-quality construction with the warm, safe, and satisfying feeling of “I’m Home!” With over twenty-one years of home building experience, Innovation Builders has earned a solid reputation for integrity, dependability, leadership, and value.
■Unique Designs and Semi-Custom Floor Plans
■Exceptional Quality at Affordable Prices
■Energy Features that Simply Outpace the Industry
Whatever your stage in life—whether you are a first-time home-buyer, a growing family realizing your dreams, or an active adult seeking to create the space you always wanted—we have the exciting award winning designs and impressive features that are right for you.
We Build Homes with Heart - Click here to see a slide show of amazing Innovation products!
For more information about Innovation Builders contact -
The Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty
(817) 337-0000
-or-
Jeremy Larsen, Sales Manager - Innovation Builders
(214) 402-8894
Welcome to Innovation Builders, specializing in merging creative design and high-quality construction with the warm, safe, and satisfying feeling of “I’m Home!” With over twenty-one years of home building experience, Innovation Builders has earned a solid reputation for integrity, dependability, leadership, and value.
■Unique Designs and Semi-Custom Floor Plans
■Exceptional Quality at Affordable Prices
■Energy Features that Simply Outpace the Industry
Whatever your stage in life—whether you are a first-time home-buyer, a growing family realizing your dreams, or an active adult seeking to create the space you always wanted—we have the exciting award winning designs and impressive features that are right for you.
We Build Homes with Heart - Click here to see a slide show of amazing Innovation products!
For more information about Innovation Builders contact -
The Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty
(817) 337-0000
-or-
Jeremy Larsen, Sales Manager - Innovation Builders
(214) 402-8894
Friday, September 3, 2010
Five keys to smooth sales and bargain buys in a slow housing market
Anyone who has bought or sold a home has heard the standard advice: Find a good agent, be aware of local home values, fix up the house you're selling and research school districts and crime rates where you're buying.
"It's all good advice, but it's not always enough," says Rich Novak, assistant vice president of Home Solutions, with USAA, a full-service financial services provider serving military personnel and their families. "Families who need to move quickly during a tough real estate market may need to go the extra mile to close a sale."
Keep these five themes in mind from the moment you start planning your next move:
1. Dig deeper: You probably already know to use neighboring home values as a comparison point for selling or buying. But in today's market, some additional homework can pay off. If you need to sell quickly, for example, keep a close eye on what other houses are selling for in your neighborhood and stay ahead of the market by pricing yours lower. In the wake of the bursting real estate bubble, it's also important to have a heightened awareness of foreclosures, both where you're selling and buying. As unfair as it seems, any foreclosures on your street can put a dent in your home's market value. And if foreclosures are still prevalent in the neighborhood you're moving to, it could be a warning sign that values could continue to drop after you buy.
2. Be involved: Just because you're working with a realtor doesn't mean you can't do some of your own legwork.
"The first 10 days on the market are the most critical to selling a home because new listings tend to get the most attention from buyers," says Brenda Wall, relocation director with ERA Colonial Real Estate in San Antonio, Texas. "Anything a seller can do to get their home ready to sell before putting it on the market would be helpful, including de-cluttering, cleaning, painting if needed and making the home look spacious and bright."
3. Accept a helping hand: Take advantage of a wide range of services, beyond your local realtor's, that could help you streamline the buying and selling process. Some cost money, such as home "staging" services that can help whip your house into selling shape.
4. Get creative: Sometimes it takes out-of-the-box ideas to seal a deal. If you know that a potential buyer is wavering on whether to make an offer on your house, buck convention by making a "reverse offer," where you try to win the sale with an attractive price. Sellers might also sweeten the pot with extra incentives. Money toward closing costs or prepaid homeowner's dues are common buyer incentives.
If you're the one buying but can't find the perfect house, ask your agent to look up houses that were recently taken off the market. You might be able to request a "one-time showing" and get a bargain price on a house the owners thought they couldn't sell.
5. Remain flexible: According to the experts, buyers and sellers should keep their pride in check and be willing to make some concessions, especially in a tough market. That means not haggling over minor repairs or refusing to leave behind the chandelier your potential buyer loves. Factor in the cost of keeping up your home for several more months versus just accepting a lower selling price today.
Even in the most sluggish real estate market, an early start and an open mind are two of the best strategies to make your next move go smoothly.
Are you or someone you know in need of a real estate professional? Contact us on the Grove Team - your Realtors even when you are not moving!
Office (817) 337-0000
Email info@groveteam.com
www.groveteam.com
Courtesy of ARAcontent
"It's all good advice, but it's not always enough," says Rich Novak, assistant vice president of Home Solutions, with USAA, a full-service financial services provider serving military personnel and their families. "Families who need to move quickly during a tough real estate market may need to go the extra mile to close a sale."
Keep these five themes in mind from the moment you start planning your next move:
1. Dig deeper: You probably already know to use neighboring home values as a comparison point for selling or buying. But in today's market, some additional homework can pay off. If you need to sell quickly, for example, keep a close eye on what other houses are selling for in your neighborhood and stay ahead of the market by pricing yours lower. In the wake of the bursting real estate bubble, it's also important to have a heightened awareness of foreclosures, both where you're selling and buying. As unfair as it seems, any foreclosures on your street can put a dent in your home's market value. And if foreclosures are still prevalent in the neighborhood you're moving to, it could be a warning sign that values could continue to drop after you buy.
2. Be involved: Just because you're working with a realtor doesn't mean you can't do some of your own legwork.
"The first 10 days on the market are the most critical to selling a home because new listings tend to get the most attention from buyers," says Brenda Wall, relocation director with ERA Colonial Real Estate in San Antonio, Texas. "Anything a seller can do to get their home ready to sell before putting it on the market would be helpful, including de-cluttering, cleaning, painting if needed and making the home look spacious and bright."
3. Accept a helping hand: Take advantage of a wide range of services, beyond your local realtor's, that could help you streamline the buying and selling process. Some cost money, such as home "staging" services that can help whip your house into selling shape.
4. Get creative: Sometimes it takes out-of-the-box ideas to seal a deal. If you know that a potential buyer is wavering on whether to make an offer on your house, buck convention by making a "reverse offer," where you try to win the sale with an attractive price. Sellers might also sweeten the pot with extra incentives. Money toward closing costs or prepaid homeowner's dues are common buyer incentives.
If you're the one buying but can't find the perfect house, ask your agent to look up houses that were recently taken off the market. You might be able to request a "one-time showing" and get a bargain price on a house the owners thought they couldn't sell.
5. Remain flexible: According to the experts, buyers and sellers should keep their pride in check and be willing to make some concessions, especially in a tough market. That means not haggling over minor repairs or refusing to leave behind the chandelier your potential buyer loves. Factor in the cost of keeping up your home for several more months versus just accepting a lower selling price today.
Even in the most sluggish real estate market, an early start and an open mind are two of the best strategies to make your next move go smoothly.
Are you or someone you know in need of a real estate professional? Contact us on the Grove Team - your Realtors even when you are not moving!
Office (817) 337-0000
Email info@groveteam.com
www.groveteam.com
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Spotlight on Local Events
Looking for something fun to do? Check out a few upcoming events in the area...
Grab your girl friends and make plans to spend next Friday night (Sept 10th) at Fashion's Night Out in Southlake Town Square. Your favorite stores will be rolling out the red carpet as they offer you refreshments, entertainment, special incentives, and a really great time. View the new Fall fashion collections and h...ave your photo snapped by 'our official Fashion's Night Out Photographer. 6-10PM, Southlake Town Square.
Grapefest, Grapevine Texas - Make your way to historic Grapevine and uncork the largest wine festival in the Southwest. Wine lovers and connoisseurs from across the nation will sample award-winning Texas wines at the 24th Annual GrapeFest on September 16, 17, 18, and 19. GrapeFest is the place to enjoy premium wines, great music, delectable foods and plenty of fun. It’s the perfect spot to eat, shop and be entertained! A grape stomping good time awaits you at GrapeFest voted a 2010 ABA Top 100 Event in North America!
Addison Oktoberfest 2010
September 16 - 19, 2010 - More than 60,000 fans of polka, German food and Spaten Bier will gather in Addison’s spectacular Addison Circle Park for four days of music, folk dancing, sing-alongs, children’s entertainment and more.
Grab your girl friends and make plans to spend next Friday night (Sept 10th) at Fashion's Night Out in Southlake Town Square. Your favorite stores will be rolling out the red carpet as they offer you refreshments, entertainment, special incentives, and a really great time. View the new Fall fashion collections and h...ave your photo snapped by 'our official Fashion's Night Out Photographer. 6-10PM, Southlake Town Square.
Grapefest, Grapevine Texas - Make your way to historic Grapevine and uncork the largest wine festival in the Southwest. Wine lovers and connoisseurs from across the nation will sample award-winning Texas wines at the 24th Annual GrapeFest on September 16, 17, 18, and 19. GrapeFest is the place to enjoy premium wines, great music, delectable foods and plenty of fun. It’s the perfect spot to eat, shop and be entertained! A grape stomping good time awaits you at GrapeFest voted a 2010 ABA Top 100 Event in North America!
Addison Oktoberfest 2010
September 16 - 19, 2010 - More than 60,000 fans of polka, German food and Spaten Bier will gather in Addison’s spectacular Addison Circle Park for four days of music, folk dancing, sing-alongs, children’s entertainment and more.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Back-to-School Tips
Back-to-school shopping: Save money, earn rewards and go a little 'green'
This back-to-school season promises to be costlier than ever for many American families. Not only will they spend more for personal supplies for their children, families are also being asked to help school districts battle budget shortfalls by supplying basics like toilet paper and trash bags.
A recent survey by the National Retail Federation indicates that Americans are expected to spend more than $55 billion on school supplies this year, up from $47 billion last year. Back-to-school season can become expensive for families who do not plan well.
Parents should know that they have many options to save money when purchasing school supplies this year. If they research thoroughly, parents may also find ways to make their hard-earned money go twice as far this school season.
Here are a few things to consider:
* Know what to purchase. Unless parents have already received a list of school supplies from teachers letting them know exactly what their children will need this school year, the best idea is to wait until the first week of school to purchase supplies.
* Wait for discounts and reuse last year's leftovers. Before making any purchases, parents should look through leftover school supplies from the previous school year to see if there are paper, pencils, pens and other class materials their children can use for the first few weeks of school. For example, if there is unused, clean paper in notepads, parents should rip those sheets out and have their kids use that paper during the first weeks of class. This way, families can make sure they're using all the paper and materials they already have, while doing their part to protect the environment and their wallets.
A search of the phrase "back-to-school discounts" on Twitter will garner hundreds of results including the Twitter accounts of retailers who continually update their followers on current discounts.
Parents also can find coupons for back-to-school supplies on websites like RetailMeNot.com, CouponMountain.com, and CouponCabin.com. These sites have a special back-to-school section.
Make funds allocated for school supplies work twice as hard. Along with rent or mortgage payments, utilities and other fixed costs, the purchase of school supplies is something that must be done at the start of every school year and, at times, after the winter break. By using a debit card that earns reward points every time it's used for a credit transaction instead of debit, parents can collect enough points to earn valuable rewards.
Spending for school supplies may in fact go up this year, but these tips can help parents save significantly and contribute less of their money to the $55 billion American families are expected to spend.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
This back-to-school season promises to be costlier than ever for many American families. Not only will they spend more for personal supplies for their children, families are also being asked to help school districts battle budget shortfalls by supplying basics like toilet paper and trash bags.
A recent survey by the National Retail Federation indicates that Americans are expected to spend more than $55 billion on school supplies this year, up from $47 billion last year. Back-to-school season can become expensive for families who do not plan well.
Parents should know that they have many options to save money when purchasing school supplies this year. If they research thoroughly, parents may also find ways to make their hard-earned money go twice as far this school season.
Here are a few things to consider:
* Know what to purchase. Unless parents have already received a list of school supplies from teachers letting them know exactly what their children will need this school year, the best idea is to wait until the first week of school to purchase supplies.
* Wait for discounts and reuse last year's leftovers. Before making any purchases, parents should look through leftover school supplies from the previous school year to see if there are paper, pencils, pens and other class materials their children can use for the first few weeks of school. For example, if there is unused, clean paper in notepads, parents should rip those sheets out and have their kids use that paper during the first weeks of class. This way, families can make sure they're using all the paper and materials they already have, while doing their part to protect the environment and their wallets.
A search of the phrase "back-to-school discounts" on Twitter will garner hundreds of results including the Twitter accounts of retailers who continually update their followers on current discounts.
Parents also can find coupons for back-to-school supplies on websites like RetailMeNot.com, CouponMountain.com, and CouponCabin.com. These sites have a special back-to-school section.
Make funds allocated for school supplies work twice as hard. Along with rent or mortgage payments, utilities and other fixed costs, the purchase of school supplies is something that must be done at the start of every school year and, at times, after the winter break. By using a debit card that earns reward points every time it's used for a credit transaction instead of debit, parents can collect enough points to earn valuable rewards.
Spending for school supplies may in fact go up this year, but these tips can help parents save significantly and contribute less of their money to the $55 billion American families are expected to spend.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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