Tuesday, March 31, 2015

6 things Keller homeowners should avoid when renovating a kitchen


Whether you’ve heard it in the office, a classroom or a soccer field, that old saying about mistakes being valuable learning tools really rings true, doesn’t it? If those mistakes occur during the course of a kitchen renovation, however, it may be difficult to be philosophical about them. Bungle a kitchen redesign, and you’ll either have to live with the consequences for a long time or invest even more money to correct them.

It’s better by far to avoid making a big mistake when renovating a kitchen. Here are six wrong moves that you should never make when improving the most-used room in your Keller home:

1. Give up cabinets.
Maybe you long for a window over the kitchen sink. Perhaps replacing or upgrading all the cabinets in the kitchen will take too big a bite out of your budget. Or maybe you intend to become a minimalist and need storage space for only two plates, two mugs and two wine glasses. Whatever you think your reason is for reducing the number of cabinets in your kitchen – don’t do it. Cabinet storage space is a top priority in any kitchen; it can help keep clutter off your countertops, and improve the room’s appeal to potential buyers. Never give up cabinet space unless you have a ridiculous number of cabinets, in which case, see move No. 2 ….

2. Cover every inch of wall with cabinets.
The only thing worse than not enough cabinets is having too many. We’ve all seen kitchens where the cabinets visually overwhelm the space. Sometimes they’re too large for the scale of the room. Other times there are just too many of them. Keep in mind the need for visual balance, and turn to online calculators to help you understand how much cabinetry is appropriate for your kitchen.

3. Sacrifice appliance quality.
New appliances can be a large part of your kitchen renovation budget, and the temptation to cut costs by buying cheaper quality products can be compelling. Yet kitchen appliances are among the most-used in any home. When you consider how often you’ll use them, how much wear and tear they’ll endure, and how great their impact is on the usability of the room, it makes sense to invest in the best appliances you can afford. What’s more, if you choose cheaper models – or worse yet, keep old, inefficient appliances – you may miss out on the energy savings that new appliances can deliver.

4. Give up even a single ray of sunlight or breath of fresh air.
More than one kitchen renovator has chosen to solve the problem of too little cabinet space by covering up a window. Not a smart move, especially when you consider the value of natural light and fresh air in a kitchen. If you have no wall space to spare for windows, adding Energy Star-qualified no-leak fresh-air skylights can solve the problem. Modern skylights are as dependable as high quality vertical windows and they admit much more natural light. Solar powered fresh air skylights passively vent humidity and cooking fumes from the kitchen while bringing in light. Pair them with solar-powered designer blinds, and your skylights become not just more energy efficient, but more functional, since both are operated by a programmable remote control.

5. Pick materials that are too fragile for life in the kitchen.
Just as you never pick a vehicle based on its looks alone, choosing kitchen materials based on beauty is doomed to disappoint. For example, recycled glass countertops can chip, scratch or crack more easily than other options, and may not stand up to rigorous use. Limestone has a lovely, luminous look but is vulnerable to stains. Before you choose a material for its looks, find out its durability and weigh that against your tolerance for cleaning and repairs, as well as how brutal you’re likely to be on the surfaces in your kitchen. And in that vein ….

6. Let looks trump practicality.
Choosing an overall design or materials that look great and are fashionable, but that aren’t practical for your lifestyle, is a recipe for regrets. Whether it’s buying a refrigerator that’s too big for the scale of the room, or opting for a countertop color that’s too unusual to be universally appealing, conceding practicality to appearance will make the kitchen harder to work in and harder to sell down the road.
A well-executed kitchen renovation can boost home value and improve your enjoyment of the kitchen, which is the heart of the home. With planning and care, it’s possible to avoid the kind of renovation mistakes that no one wants to live with.

These are just a few tips that can help you avoid mistakes when renovating the kitchen of your Keller home. Visit groveteam.blogspot.com for other ideas.


Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
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Thursday, March 26, 2015

5 lawn tips for Keller homeowners this spring



Those winter chills are finally history and for Keller homeowners it’s time focus on outdoor fun again. Your lawn is the perfect spot for family gatherings, barbecues and relaxing afternoons, so why not make it the best it can be? Before your calendar fills up, apply these five tips and your lawn will be in great shape for the entire season.

Clean up. Whether it was packed under the snow or blown in by the wind, the winter season leaves more than its fair share of debris behind. Grab a rake and get started raking up all of this garbage. Once the lawn is clean, apply a thin layer – about a quarter-inch thick – of compost to give your lawn a boost and start it in the right direction.

Reseed the bare patches. Your travels around your lawn to rake up debris will probably reveal some bare patches. If you do happen upon a patch of barren ground, loosen the top 2-4 inches. Level the soil with your garden rake and cover the area with a mixture of grass seed and fertilizer. You could also replace the fertilizer with compost. Pat the surface with the flat end of the rake when finished to ensure the seed remains in place. Water as necessary.

Aerate your lawn. Aerating allows oxygen, water and other nutrients to reach your grass’s roots, and it’s one of the best things you can do to support your lawn. Travel across your yard with a manual or gas-powered aerator, punching holes in the ground. Make sure to pass over each area only once. After you’ve finished aerating, spread compost, fertilizer or peat moss over your yard. The fertilizer will be absorbed quickly through the holes created by the aeration.

It’s time to mow. Optimal grass length is 2.5-3.5 inches, so cut your grass as frequently as needed to achieve this length without cutting more than third of each grass blade. Mowing high and often will produce a heartier lawn that is more adept at keeping weeds away, as well as making it less susceptible to heat and drought.
  
Add color and contrast. Landscaping adds immediate scenic interest to your space and allows you to showcase your creativity as well. If you choose to add annuals or perennials to your space, plant them in odd numbers and in tiny pockets around the yard – this produces a more natural appearance. You can also add a centerpiece to your yard, such as a sculpture, fountain, fire pit or horseshoe pit. Any of these focal points provides a gathering place and an excuse to enjoy relaxing afternoons on your beautiful lawn all season long.

These tips will have your lawn ready for spring and will complement your Keller home nicely.


Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

181 Buffalo Ridge Drive Newark, TX 76071

Virtual Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/NYJ9KK
Fantastic one story home with great open floor plan and split bedroom design located in a peaceful gated community featuring family park with private community pool, clubhouse and weight room. Enjoy the abundant amounts of natural light throughout. Ample cabinets and island in kitchen allow plenty of room for meal preparation. Escape to the master suite, retreat and relax in the garden tub. Large secondary bedrooms complete the package in highly rated Northwest ISD.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 1,789
Price: $155,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 2636038 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.groveteam.com


MLS ID: 13111740

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
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Friday, March 20, 2015

Spring projects that are sure to spruce up your Keller home


Warmer weather and sunnier days are on their way and many Keller homeowners are itching to begin home improvement projects. If you are one of them, consider these areas of your home when doing projects this spring.

Windows and doors
From a full window replacement to a simple coat of paint, updating your windows and doors can have a big impact on your home.

If your windows felt drafty this winter, it may be time for replacements. Replace your old single-pane windows with energy-efficient double-pane windows. Double-pane windows can help you save on heating and cooling bills; they help keep the temperature in your home consistent year-round and help protect your furniture, carpet and window treatments from the sun’s fading rays.

Need to bring some fresh color into your home but don’t want to paint? Try updating your blinds or shades. From different styles to colorful fabrics, blinds and shades can add a pop of color to your room. Motorized blinds and shades come in various style and color options so you can find the right fit for your home’s decor.

Your front door is a major focal point of your home, enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Consider options with decorative glass accents, and sidelights to add more natural light while maintaining a sense of style and privacy.

Looking for something even easier? A new coat of paint to your existing door is a quick and easy way to give your home a fresh, new look. Get inspired by your favorite Pinterest collection of favorite front doors.

Gutters and downspouts
Excess water near your foundation can cause thousands of dollars in damages. Luckily gutter cleaning and downspout repair is fairly low-cost.

You’ll want to make sure to clean your gutters and clean out any debris that may keep spring rains from flowing freely through your downspouts.

Along with replacing damaged gutter or downspout sections, you’ll also want to make sure you have added downspout extenders to ensure water is draining far away from your home’s foundation. Extenders should reach at least five feet into your yard.

Gutter covers can also be added to minimize debris from gathering in gutters throughout the year.

Air conditioning
Spring is a great time to start getting your cooling system ready as the temperature begin to rise and the A/C begins to become important.

Often you have to call in the pros for air conditioning work but things like spraying off any overgrowth or debris, cleaning coils and changing filters are fixes you can easily do on your own. Also, trim back any shrubs that are near by. Keeping the outdoor unit clean from debris will boost your A/C system’s efficiency.

You can keep part of your indoor duct work clean by removing register covers and wiping clean any of the visible parts. You’ll need to contact a professional in the Keller or DFW area for a full duct cleaning.


Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
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Monday, March 16, 2015

11108 Zachary Court Fort Worth, TX 76244

Virtual Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/4C6H8R
Wonderful 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath situated on quiet cul de sac.The flexible, split floorplan is complete w spacious secondary bdrms, master featuring dual sinks and; large walk in closet. Natural light pours into family room with high ceilings and; wood burning fireplace. Light and bright kitchen boasts breakfast bar, butler's panty and ample storage. Escape to the master and relax in garden tub. Awesome yard allows plenty of room for family fun and entertaining under the covered patio.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 3,022
Price: $250,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 2624748 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.groveteam.com


MLS ID: 13108770


Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
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Thursday, March 12, 2015

This top garage trend keeps gaining momentum in North Texas



The carriage house garage door is to your Keller house what the little black dress and strand of pearls are to your wardrobe; classic style elements that never go out of fashion.

At the dawn of the automobile age, those who were fortunate enough to own a car kept it in the carriage house, where the horses and buggy would have been stored. But this cohabitation became a unsanitary and the need for separate storing structures was soon realized.

Enter, the garage. Built in the style of the original carriage house, the garage’s sole intent was to store the car away from the animals and elements. The word garage actually comes from the French word, garer, which means to shelter and protect. Naturally, the garage needed a door to offer protection to the automobile. The ensuing “carriage house door” was a hinged, double door that swung outwards, and can be considered the original garage door.

In the early 1920s, the kickout door was invented and progress continued from there, bringing homeowners the modern convenience of today’s overhead garage doors. Today’s carriage house sectional garage doors open overhead and continue to gain in popularity, constituting 35 percent of the volume in the garage door industry with projections to remain a huge trend.

When it comes to the style of garage door chosen, most homeowners want something classic, that won’t fade in popularity over the years and will also enhance curb appeal. This is especially true if home resale is a factor.

The carriage house door also offers a myriad of design elements. For example, a dual-directional wood grain design that provides the realistic look of wood with the practicality and low-maintenance upkeep of steel. With a three-section design and the option of larger windows, this door offers a more authentic carriage house look with the benefit of additional natural light flow into your garage. Two-tone looks are also available with many color combinations and panel designs, and hardware and window choices are plentiful. These different design options can be tailored specifically to your home’s façade and will further enhance curb appeal.

If you’re thinking of replacing a tired garage door in an effort to boost your Keller home’s curb appeal, consider the classic carriage house door whose popularity has only continued to grow over the last century. With a timeless design that can be specifically tailored to your house, it’s a choice that both you – and future owners of your home – can happily live with for a long time.


Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
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Tuesday, March 10, 2015

5 home-improvement projects to help sell your Keller home




The real estate market is doing well, but Keller homeowners thinking about listing their homes this summer need to stay competitive to attract buyers. Buyers are looking for long-term homes, ones they want to stay in for years while raising their children, or settling down and retiring.

To prepare your home for listing – or simply to enjoy it for yourself – check out these top five home improvement projects you can do yourself to make your home more attractive to buyers:

1. Give the front door a new look – The front door sets the tone for your home's curb appeal and security, and it signals how well you maintain everything else. Buyers will be walking into your home via the front door, so be sure to give them a good first impression. If your door is in good shape, you might just need to give it a refreshing new coat of paint or new hardware. But if it's seen some wear and tear over the years, consider replacing it with a steel door – one that will show buyers your home is safe.

2. Update the most-used entryway – While the front door needs curb appeal, the garage door is traditionally the most-used door in the home. Old wooden garage doors will start to sag and the paint will peel, giving your home a run-down look. Replacing this door with an insulated steel door will not only improve the exterior look of your home, but also keep the garage space warmer. Finishing off the garage can also be a big draw for buyers, but you probably won't be able to recoup as much of the expense as you would by replacing only the garage door.

3. Add additional living space – You might not think about adding a deck as the same thing as adding an extra room to the house, but if you're selling your home during the warmer months, that's how buyers will see it. They'll be able to picture themselves enjoying breakfast and picnic dinners outside, or curling up on a lounge chair with a good book on a summer afternoon. To make your deck a good selling feature, consider using a color-treated wood that retains its color for years. This means your buyers can easily move into your house and can enjoy the space without the annual chore of staining. Research estimates that homeowners can recoup 87 percent of the investment of adding a deck when they sell.

4. Create a bathroom retreat – As the smallest room in the house, the bathroom tends to cost the least to remodel. If you have a guest or master bath that can use a little help to transform into a relaxing oasis, take the opportunity to replace the flooring, add cushy rugs, paint the walls and replace the accessories with more modern styles. Faucets, showerheads, the mirror and even the toilet can all be upgraded with water-saving and stylish designs. Buyers will take note of a maintenance-free bath, making your home one they'll remember as move-in ready.

5. Turn the backyard into a private paradise – Buyers will be visualizing themselves in your backyard when touring your Keller home. They're looking to see how quiet and secure the space is. Consider adding a beautiful wooden fence to enhance the privacy. It will make the home attractive to families with children and pets, and for couples who aren't interested in having a conversation with the neighbors every time they go outside. To make your fence an attractive selling feature of the home, consider using durable and colored fence pickets or pre-built panels. The cedar-tone or redwood-tone colorant driven deep into the wood fibers will stand up to the sun's harsh rays and won’t gray out over time, unlike cedar fencing. You can match it to the deck coloring for a beautiful accent look that connects the colors in your backyard.


Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
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Thursday, March 5, 2015

12205 Durango Root Drive Fort Worth, TX 76244

 

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/D6QFZV
Immaculate and move-in ready home located in sought after Keller ISD! 5 bdrm, 3 bath, 2 car in Villages of Woodland Springs. The gourmet kitchen features granite counters, tile floors, an abundance of storage, butler's pantry and SS appliances. Kitchen and breakfast are open to large family room with fireplace. Retreat to the master suite featuring his and her vanities, garden tub and separate shower. Fifth bedroom currently office. Don't miss this one!
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3.00
Square feet: 2,761
Price: $237,500

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 2600451 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.groveteam.com


MLS ID: 13104168

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
Find us on FACEBOOK

Monday, March 2, 2015

Raise your Keller home to new heights with eye-catching ceilings



Want to infuse your Keller home with architectural interest? Start at the top.

“The ceiling is the most overlooked design element in a space, hands down,” said Brian Patrick Flynn, whose interiors are regularly featured on HGTV.com.

Consider this: The largest solid surface in a room – besides the floor – is the ceiling. Instead of leaving it bright white or builder beige, convert this blank canvas into a decorative canopy of color and texture. Many influential designers are forecasting a ceiling “revival” in 2015. Fresh interpretations of vintage styles – such as gleaming metal tiles and textural wood beams – are helping inspire that trend, along with new, easy-to-install products that put these ceiling projects well within the reach of today’s DIY-ers.

Here are some hot ceiling trends to take your rooms to new heights:

Layer on the luster. Stamped metal ceilings have contributed shine and sophistication to American homes since they were introduced in the 1880s. Besides beauty, metal ceilings offer practicality. They resist mold and mildew, offer sag resistance and last longer than plaster or drywall. Metallaire metal ceiling are available in many patterns, and a variety of finishes, including chrome, copper, brass, white and lacquered steel. The lacquered steel panels also can be painted to accent or blend with the rest of the room. Regardless of the finish, the texture of the tiles creates a tactile top layer to the space.

Mix and match ceiling styles. Some room designers are combining different decorating elements at the top, such as inlaying the recesses of coffered ceilings with gold or copper tiles. Some also prefer the tongue-and-groove ceilings accented with beams. They can enhance the room visually and make it feel larger.

Create character with wood. From rustic timber to sleek teak, wood hues help set the tone in a room. Besides imparting a sense of warmth, the grains and knots in wood panels add a textural layer that contrasts nicely with smooth surfaces like painted walls and granite countertops.

Add architectural depth. Coffered ceilings first appeared in Roman architecture, and their geometric elegance has graced grand buildings ever since. Today, the cost and complexity of building coffered ceilings have been reduced by lightweight materials and easy-to-install prefabricated systems that boast features like mold, mildew and sag resistance.

Keller homeowners can start thinking about their ceiling by exploring websites for ideas.Various websites offer hundreds of examples, including some interesting before-and-after photos.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000
Find us on FACEBOOK