We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Moving - Do it yourself basics

Grab your strongest buddies and move your stuff. If you've got the time and determination to pack and move yourself, you can get behind the wheel yourself. Here's a quick look at how to approach your move.

First, follow the next three steps:

·Decide what size vehicle will accommodate all the household goods you'll be moving.

· Decide what equipment and supplies you need: hand truck, furniture pads, dish-pack boxes, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, tape, padlock, sofa and chair covers and mattress covers.

· Reserve your rental truck, equipment and supplies at least three days before you plan to pick them up.

Price Scale

Money can determine if you move, when you move and how far you move. When it comes to the cost of renting a moving truck, the price is determined by your parameters, geographically speaking. To talk the moving talk, check out the types of moves below and then consult your local truck rental services.

Local (Less than 50 miles but within the same state.) Pricing is based on an hourly rate, numbers of miles driven and equipment rented or supplies purchased.

Intrastate (Greater than 50 miles, but within the same state.) Pricing for intrastate moving is based on a flat, one-way rate, mileage charge and equipment rented or supplies purchased.

Interstate (To a different state.) Pricing for interstate self-moving is based on a one-way rate, mileage charge and equipment rented or supplies purchased.
© Copyright 2000, iMove.com

Are you thinking of buying or selling in 2011? Call on the Grove Team to assist you with all your home buying and selling needs. Reach us direct, (817) 337-0000.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or visit us online, www.groveteam.com.

Ask a Texas REALTOR

The Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty joins campaign to spread the truth about Texas real estate “Ask a Texas REALTOR®” informs consumers about statewide market conditions, encourages consumers to learn more from local Texas REALTORS®

Would you wear a poncho in Texas because it’s raining in New York? Like the weather, the national real estate market cannot be compared to what’s happening in Texas and Texas REALTORS® are doing something about it.

It’s easy to let the doom and gloom of the national news give Texans the wrong impression about their real estate prospects. While we’re not immune to national economic conditions, we’re certainly insulated from them and remain one of the healthiest real estate markets in the country – facts many Texans are simply not hearing.

Texas’ strong job growth, diverse economy and enduring real estate values make economic conditions in the state significantly better than national averages, facts the “Ask a Texas REALTOR®” campaign emphasizes. In addition, the campaign encourages consumers to consult with a Texas REALTOR® to learn more about their local market conditions and to evaluate their own personal situation to make sound decisions.

According to Brooke Hunt, chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®, “Texans hear figures like ‘prices are down 23 percent’ and they don’t know that news pertains to Arizona or California. In fact, average sales prices in Texas are unchanged from 2007 to 2008. Texans deserve to know that, which is what the ‘Ask a Texas REALTOR®’ campaign is all about.”

To learn more about the “Ask a Texas REALTOR®” campaign or get the truth about Texas real estate for yourself, visit http://www.texasrealestate.com/.

Considering buying or selling? Contact the Grove Team to discuss current market trends in Northeast Tarrant County. Our team of REALTORS is on hand and ready to assist you with all of your real estate needs.

Reach us direct (817) 337-0000, online at www.groveteam.com, or by email info@groveteam.com. Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.

Here is to hoping you are surrounded by love and warmth this holiday season.

Merry Christmas

From the Grove Team
Keller Williams Realty

Federal tax credits set to expire by end of year

(ARA) - Putting off that home improvement project? Waiting too long could be detrimental to your wallet.


On Dec. 31, the federal tax credit worth up to $1,500 for energy-efficient home improvements will expire, leaving procrastinating homeowners out in the cold - or at least chilly from their old, drafty windows.

In addition to tax credit savings, many window sellers are offering savings on qualifying windows during October.

Shopping for replacement windows

The first rule of thumb when shopping for new sustainable windows is to understand what the labels mean, and to read them carefully. Windows that bear the ENERGY STAR label are proven to reduce heating and cooling costs, and are National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) approved for U-factor (the rate of heat loss through the window) and solar heat gain (how well the window blocks heat from the sun).

To meet the federal tax credit requirements, windows must achieve a .30 U-factor and .30 solar heat gain coefficient, and this information should be clearly marked on the windows. But to ensure the long-term performance of replacements, there are a number of other factors that should be considered, including condensation resistance.

The existence of condensation on windows is a sign that a window is inefficient. This can even occur in newer, poorly constructed windows and will lead to other problems, including mold and damage to curtains, walls, carpet and the window itself. Most importantly, moisture can lead to seal failure and the need to replace the entire window system.

Some NFRC labels include condensation resistance (CR), which is reported on a scale from one to 100, and measures the ability of a product to resist formation of condensation on the interior surface of the product. The higher the CR rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. While this rating cannot predict condensation, it can provide a credible method of comparing the potential of various products for condensation formation. This rating is not required to be posted on new windows - so be sure to do your homework if it isn't there.

The primary component to watch for to prevent condensation is the spacer - the window component that separates and seals the two panes of glass. According to the NFRC, an important step toward reducing the potential for condensation is the use of a warm edge spacer system that reduces the conductivity through the edge of the window.

A survey conducted by the Alliance to Save Energy found that 64 percent of homes in the U.S. have single-pane windows, which contribute up to 35 percent of energy wasted in buildings. In cold climates, energy-efficient, dual-pane windows with low-e coatings can reduce heating bills by as much as 34 percent. In warm climates, they can cut cooling costs by 38 percent.

For more energy-efficient window buying tips and tax credit information, visit http://www.sustainaview.com/.

Consider other improvements to your home before putting it on the market? Contact the Grove Team - we are here and available to assist you with all of your home buying and selling needs. Reach us direct, (817) 337-0000 or online, www.groveteam.com.

Don't let your holidays become an opportunity for criminals

For many of us, the holidays are a mixture of fun and frantic shopping, joyful times and a hectic pace. Criminals, however, see the holiday season as full of opportunities - the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal chaos.

"With everything going on, the holiday season is no time to let your guard down when it comes to home security," says Jim Boots of Protection 1 (www.protection1.com), the largest privately owned security company in the U.S. "Criminals know that our holiday habits can leave our homes, belongings and personal information vulnerable. It's important to be vigilant throughout the year, and especially during the holidays. According to the FBI, there's a burglary every 14 seconds in the U.S. And, with homes and cars filled with new gifts and gadgets, the holidays are an especially lucrative time for thieves."

Fortunately, by taking some simple precautions, you protect your home, purchases and identity from predators this holiday season.

Secure your home

"Burglars know many people travel during the holidays, and many more will leave brand-new, valuable merchandise in their homes when they're out," Boots says. "A criminal is more likely to target a home that looks vulnerable. The best thing homeowners can do to protect their homes is to make it clear to burglars that their house won't be an easy mark."

Reduce the risk of burglary by:

* Putting inside and outside lights on a timer to make your home look occupied while you're away.

* Keeping bushes, trees and decorations from obscuring the view of your front door from the road.

* Suspending newspaper and mail delivery if you'll be away for several days.

While you're keeping bad guys out, don't overlook fire safety as well. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the top days for home candle fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually, resulting in six deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage, the administration's statistics show. Remember, never leave candles burning and don't overload electrical sockets with decorative lights. However, should there be an accident a monitored alarm system automatically dispatches the fire department just in case you're away from the house, asleep or unable to respond.

Stay safe when you're out

Thieves know our holiday shopping habits and can make us vulnerable to theft while we're out and about. From breaking into cars to "shoulder surfing" for credit card information and PIN numbers, criminals take every opportunity to brighten the holidays for themselves. When holiday shopping, keep these safety tips in mind:

* Never leave shopping bags, wrapped gifts or other valuables visible inside the car. Always place them in the trunk. Thieves are more likely to break into a vehicle if they can see the loot in it.

* Carry only the credit card you need and one piece of ID when shopping. Leave your Social Security card at home or in a secure place.

* Be aware of who might be looking over your shoulder as you type a PIN number.

* Never allow a store clerk to take your credit card out of your sight.

"By taking some precautions, homeowners and shoppers can ensure the holidays stay bright for themselves and their families - and not for criminals," Boots says.

Selling your home in 2011?

Tips to add value during winter months

Major home renovations can be overwhelming, but there are a few fundamental repairs that can update your home's appearance and increase its value. If you're planning to sell your home in 2011, take advantage of the colder winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects:

Make a first impression.
The entryway is the first up-close encounter a potential homebuyer will have with your home. Manicure your front yard and update or even replace your front door to complement your home's exterior. Select a rich, dark stained wood or bold white door to draw attention to the main entry and add personality to your home. If your door is already in great shape, consider a simple replacement of weak or older-looking hardware that will impress buyers at first sight.

Get cookin' in the kitchen.
Experts agree that a kitchen can significantly impact a home's perceived value. An outdated kitchen can be a deal breaker for many homebuyers. Naturally, then, it's the place you might spend the most amount of time updating. To increase the appeal of your kitchen, consider investing in updated, matching appliances that match the style of your kitchen. Some manufacturers even offer replacement panels to update the exteriors of older appliances.

Next, if you can't afford to add new cabinetry, change out the hardware so the knobs, drawer pulls and handles match your decor and add a modern flair. Adding technology-driven fixtures, including built-in water filtration systems, garbage disposals and faucets is another great way to increase the room's appeal.

Update and upgrade light fixtures.
Lighting is key. It can drastically change the look and feel of a room, and lighting fixtures are affordable and relatively simple to install on your own. Shop discount stores and home improvement depots to find a statement piece to add spice to your living room. A beautiful ceiling fan with lighting can serve double-duty to update your family room. Remember, well-lit and bright rooms appear larger and more open.

Step on it.
Flooring is one of the first things that potential homebuyers notice. Make sure you dust, vacuum and clean so that you show off the flooring to its best advantage. If you have hardwood floors, polish and protect your flooring so that it gleams when potential buyers step into the home.

Whether you're trying to sell your home this winter or simply want to update its look, you don't have to wait until the spring thaws. When the cold weather drives you inside, take advantage of the time to make attractive upgrades that can increase the appeal and value to your home.

When you are ready, contact the Grove Team direct, (817) 337-0000 - our team is available and on hand to assist you with all of your home buying and selling needs.

Find us online, www.groveteam.com, Facebook or Twitter