Sunday, October 31, 2010

Grove Team and Lionsgate Homes

The Grove Team is pleased to annouce our partnership with Lionsgate Builders.


With more than 50 years of combined experience building upscale custom homes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the principals of LionsGate Homes are bringing this same level of quality to a new generation of homebuyers. Flexible floorplans adapt to your changing needs, with such versatile features as private studies, spacious gamerooms, and state-of-the-art media rooms. Pamper yourself with stunning gourmet kitchens and elegant master retreats.

Contact on-site rep, Crispen Breslin at 214-674-9495 or the Grove Team at (817) 337-0000 for more information or to schedule your private showing today.

A little innovation can go a long way

In today's challenging market, creativity seller homes.


The Grove Team thinks beyond the traditional techniques. Here are some examples of out-of-the-box marketing we have and continue to do:


* Offered incentives to agents who preview and show our properties, then offer feedback.


* Organize local mini-tours with cooperating agents who have similar homes listed for sale in a geographic area.


* Reverse offers: The seller makes the buyer an offer to assist in creating urgency.


These are just a few of the innovative techniques we have used to get homes sold. Contact us today about selling your home!


Grove Team
Keller Williams Realty


(817) 337-0000
info@groveteam.com


www.groveteam.com

How to increase your home's appeal

Increase your home's appeal with easy, proven tips.


Whether you are in the market to sell or not, staging involves key ways to make a home feel more inviting. Did you know...


* Well-placed furniture can open up a room and even make rooms seem larger than they are.


* The best light to show off your room is natural. Opening drapes and blinds help make a room bright and cheery.


* Update and freshen your home with decorator wall colors. Painting is the best low cost, high impact choice for instant results.


Visit http://www.groveteam.com to request a FREE report on "Getting your home ready to sell." Call the Grove Team direct today to schedule an appointment to sit and discuss your market value with our listing specialist.


Grove Team
Keller Williams Realty


(817) 337-0000
info@groveteam.com

Who do you know that is renting?

With so many opportunities for first-time buyers, everyone who is renting should at least explore what opportunities may be available. Who do you know that might want to learn more?


The real estate market changes quickly, so don't let your family and friends miss out on this fantastic adventure.


Call or email us today to assist you, your family or your friends with a purchase of a new home.


Grove Team
Keller Williams Realty


(817) 337-0000
info@groveteam.com


www.groveteam.com

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

Kids look forward to Halloween for many reasons. They like the dressing up in costumes but the mostly they like it for the candy and treats! Who wouldn't? Even some adults still like to go our trick or treating. When you are out this All Hallows Eve, remember a few tips you learned as a kid...

* Children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have a group of kids going, the parents should choose two or three of them to go along and keep an eye on things.

* Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves and they have a cell phone.

* Remind children not to cut through back alleys and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Explain to them why it can be dangerous for kids not to do this.

* Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff!

* Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Explain why this is not a god idea and what to do if someone approaches them and tries to talk to them.

* Take a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.

* Remember to stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

The Grove Team
Keller Williams Realty
www.groveteam.com

(817) 337-0000



Wednesday, October 27, 2010

NTE Mobility Partners - Expansion of Hwy 183

It is true to say that the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex carries many of the top congested roads in Texas. The congestion is about to become a bit more of a challenge...

The $2 billion North Tarrant Express road project is close to kicking off the expansion of the Airport Freeway, Texas 183. Work is set to begin in the next couple of weeks.

For more information, consider attending a public open house today, Wednesday October 27th from 2:00 - 8:00pm at the Hurst Conference Center. The conference center is located at 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst.

You can also stay in touch with the Grove Team for additional updates and details as they are made available. Contact us direct, (817) 337-0000.

Are you one of the families affected by the expansion - we can help! Our team is staffed and available to assist you in the search for a new home. Give us a call, (817) 337-0000 or visit our website, www.groveteam.com.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Are you in need of a mortgage professional?

With so much information available about mortgages, refinancing and financing it is important to partner with someone you can trust. The Grove Team has partnered with Sara Thomas for more than 15-years. Continue on to learn more about Sara and her company, MetLife.

"My philosophy is to listen to each customer's needs, and respond to those needs efficiently and effectively. I strive to build long-term relationships, so that as your lender, I will be with you each time your life necessitates a home change. Many lenders can 'get you a loan'. My goal is to 'get you the right loan'. I am proud to be a loan officer for MetLife Home Loans. I look forward to fulfilling your home financing needs"

About MetLife Home Loans

MetLife Home Loans shares the core values of the MetLife family. These include conducting business with sincerity, truth and fairness. Currently, MetLife Home Loans serves a range of homebuyers by offering a variety of loan products, including:

•Fixed- and adjustable-rate loans
•Flexible products for first-time homebuyers
•FHA and VA loans
•Reverse mortgages
MetLife Home Loans customers are primarily served by Mortgage Consultants who uphold MetLife's values of integrity and honesty. Mortgage Consultants provide traditional services to their customers these include educating homebuyers so they can make informed decisions, and assisting them with building real financial freedom.

For more information about a new home loans or refinancing, contact Sara direct:

Sara Thomas
MetLife Home Loans
400 N. Carroll Avenue
Southlake, TX 76092
(817) 329-6036 Office
(817) 235-3089 Cell

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Considering a career in real estate?

Would you like to know how to secure four listings and four buyer transactions in just three months? Keller Williams Realty can show you how!

The best part, our training is FREE. Give us a call; we'd would love to tell you more about the dynamic classes offered. I can be reached at the office, (817) 337-0000.

Our local offices are some of the most profitable in the area. Let's schedule a time for you to meet privately with a team leader to talk more.

Join us Monday, October 25th at 6:00 at the Southlake market center - 850 E. State Hwy, Southlake to learn more about what it takes to launch YOUR real estate career.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Tip for making sure your contractor checks out

With many Americans still focused on staying put and maximizing the value of their current homes, competition is fierce among contractors wooing homeowners for their renovation dollars. All the attention may make homeowners feel like the prettiest girl at the high school dance, but for every "nice guy" who expresses interest, a "bad boy" could be waiting in the wings to take their money and leave their jobs unfinished.

Even though the majority of contractors are honest, homeowners should be aware of the need to check a contractor's business license and the business' financial stability. Few people have money to waste these days, especially those who are already planning to invest in a home improvement or renovation project, so it is more important than ever to choose the right contractor. Here are some steps that can help you ensure you're choosing the right contractor:

Know the facts

In this economy, credit issues are common. You probably know plenty of good, hardworking people who are experiencing financial difficulties right now. It pays to check a contractor and his financial background, however, because it could directly affect his ability to get your job done. If he has limited access to credit, he may be unable to purchase the materials or hire the help he needs to complete your renovation.

Fortunately, it's easy to find online resources that can give you the inside track on a contractor's credentials. Experian, known for its credit reporting and protection services, maintains a database of more than 5 million contractors and their businesses' information. ContractorCheck.com allows consumers to view Experian's data, which includes critical information such as:

* Company name, address and phone number
* Multiple operating addresses
* How long the company has been in business
* License, bonding and insurance information
* Contractor specialties
* A credit review that will reveal any past collection or derogatory credit events
* An easy-to-understand contractor rating

Additionally, the reports include public record information such as liens or judgments against the business. An important fact, as 8.4 percent of the contractors in Experian's database had a lien on file and 6.2 percent had a judgment filed against them.

Know the signs

While most contractors are honest and operate within the law, it pays to know the warning signs of one who is not on the up-and-up. The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips:

Beware of contractors who solicit door-to-door, only accept cash or who don't have a phone number that is associated with a valid business. Likewise, beware of anyone who offers to discount your job because he will use materials left over from a previous job.

Avoid contractors who ask you to obtain building permits for them, or find them new customers in exchange for a discount. Acquiring necessary permits and marketing his business is part of the contractor's job - not yours.

As with virtually anything in life, if the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. An exceptionally long guarantee or an offer to discount your job as a "demonstration," are often warning signs.

Walk away from high-pressure pitches. If a contractor wants you to make an immediate decision on hiring him, or to fund your project through his preferred lender, consider taking your business elsewhere.

It also pays to find out what other people have to say about the contractor you're considering. Just as you once checked out prospective dates by talking to friends and others who knew the person, you need to do some word-of-mouth contractor research before committing.

Ask the contractor for the names and numbers of past clients he's worked with. But keep in mind, even a reputable contractor is only going to give you contact information for customers he knows were happy with his work, so use these references as one more piece of information, but don't base your decision on them.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Halloween Events in Keller

Haunted Trails

7 to 9:30 p.m. • Saturday, October 23
Big Bear Creek Greenbelt, 405 Rufe Snow Drive
$5 Adults $3 Students

Every year about the time of Halloween, the Big Bear Creek Greenbelt takes on a haunting atmosphere as ghosts and goblins come out of hiding to send a chill up the spine of those walking along the trails on this frightening evening. Join friends, family and community at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 23 in the Keller Pointe Parking Lot. Walk the trails of the Bear Creek Park Greenbelt if you dare and then return to the parking area for a fun filled hayride. For information call the Keller Parks and Recreation Department at (817) 743-4050.

Spooky Kooky Keller Kastle

2 to 5 p.m. • Sunday, October 24
Johnson Road Park Playground, 660 Johnson Road
Free

Children ages 11 and under are invited to join us for a howling good time from 2 to 5p.m. on Sunday, October 24 at Johnson Road Park Playground for Halloween activities. There will be plenty of free carnival games, candy and prizes for the kids. Mainstage entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m. For information contact Keller Parks and Recreation at (817) 743-4050.


For more information on local happenings around town, call us direct, (817) 337-0000.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Did you know...

The average size of a newly built home decreased from a peak of 2,479 square feet to 2,322 square feet...the most significant drop ever recorded!


Nationwide surveys show that many homeowners now want fully functional residential spaces that are thoughtfully designed to match their lifestyle and that cost less to maintain over time.


Are you considering a home improvement project? Call us on the Grove Team if you are considering more about the specific trends that are most evident in this area. (817) 337-0000 or email info@groveteam.com.

Home Trends Reflect Shift in Values

New Priorities Trump Old Rules


The prevalence of non-traditional, open layouts with spacious kitchen and family room areas continues. Today's homeowners are looking for ways to maximize the square footage of their homes, so larger, more gathering-friendly casual spaces are often replacing rarely used formal living and dining rooms.


Options Create Opportunities


Many builders have incorporated flexible spaces that give buyers the option to dedicate a room to meet their specific needs and preferences or to serve multiple purposes. For example, formal dining room calls for a chandelier and open access, whereas double doors and built ins can easily create a private home office or library in the same space. It is now also more common for the owners of older homes to alter their floor plans to work better with the way they live.


Focus of Accessibility, Practicality, and Storage


A growing number of aging baby boomers drive the preference for one-level or two-story designs with the master bedroom downstairs. Storage features such as large closets and rooms with built-in shelves and cabinets maximize the use of space in a smaller footprint.



Copyright 2010 Buffini & Company

Should you be a trend watcher?

Dear Family and Friends,


The nations's collective mindset is often evident in house market trends, and if you own a home or are planning to purchase, it is important to stay updated on the most significant changes. In order to protect their investment, homebuyers and renovating homeowners should consider resale potential when making key decisions and that requires an understanding of the features that appeal to the majority of today's consumers.


This month, the Grove Team has available information about the most recent trends captured by a prominent survey of American architects. In addition to the emphasis on smaller, more efficient floor plans, the survey also identified other popular characteristics that relate to modern lifestyles like outdoor rooms and home offices.


Are you planning a home-improvement project or would you simply like to know more about the trends that are specific to our local area? Feel free to give us a call, (817) 337-0000. We're always happy to help you maximize your home's market value.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

A Tour of 4737 Exposition Way

Loaded with upgrades and amenities and located in highly sought Bluffs in the Heritage Addition. Offered by the Grove Team for $304,500 - take the tour now!



Go beyond de-cluttering with sophisticated bathroom storage

Look through any interior design magazine and you'll notice one common theme across all the featured homes: a lack of clutter. No matter whether the style is minimalist or maximalist, in the most beautifully decorated homes in the world, you're unlikely to see hairdryers and beauty products sitting out on the bathroom counter. You might think that it's just a trick of styling for a photo shoot, but with the right storage solutions, clutter doesn't need to be a part of any home's decor.

The first step to creating a magazine-ready, uncluttered room is to assess which items you need and which are taking up more space than necessary. If you have an abundance of lotions, soaps and shampoos in your bathroom, make a conscious effort to use them up, until you have just one of each. Make sure that your stash of gadgets isn't too expansive, either. If you have extras that still work, they can easily be donated.

Once you've gotten rid of the excess, look carefully at how you can make alterations to your current bathroom that will better suit your needs and fit the items you need to keep. One of the simplest ways to add extra style and improve the function of your bathroom is to add new cabinetry. And with the advances that have been made in storage solutions, you might be surprised how chic and efficient your bathroom can become in just one step.

The best design ideas are based on how people live, taking into account the mundane tasks people go through every day. For many women, styling their hair is something that must get done every morning, and along with that comes tools like hairdryers and curling irons. These tools also involve high temperatures and unruly cords.

It makes sense to not want to put a hot hairdryer away in a drawer right after using it - it might damage your cabinet or worse, be a fire hazard. That's why so many people end up leaving those items out on the counter, causing unsightly clutter. Some creative thinking on the part of cabinet designers might just make your morning routine a little less cluttered. Cabinets made of glass and metal can withstand those hot temperatures, making them ideal materials for bathroom cabinets and vanities. Models from cabinet maker Robern even include a dedicated hair dryer organizer with in-drawer electrical outlets and a place to keep cords neatly tucked away.

Those who have small bathrooms - whether it's a second bathroom or a space-compromised master - know the hassle of having to lean back to open and close a medicine cabinet door. One new innovation from Robern, ideal for de-cluttering cramped spaces, is a medicine cabinet with seamless mirrored doors that slide up, rather than open out. Simply changing out your existing cabinet for these new models can make your bathroom infinitely more usable - not to mention the aesthetic boost it will get from the sleek glass-and-aluminum design.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Average Days on Market

QUESTION: Do you know the average days on market for listings in the Northeast Tarrant County?

ANSWER: 120 days

QUESTION: Do you know the average days on market for Grove Team listings in Northeast Tarrant County?

ANSWER: 66 days

That is almost half the area average. Would you like to know more? If you are considering selling your home, give us a call, (817) 337-0000. We can meet and discuss with you the Grove Team difference!

Visit us online too, www.groveteam.com or join us on Facebook

Friday, October 1, 2010

Red Out Weekend - Sunday Homes

Look for the red balloons this weekend and join us at several open houses around the area!

Sunday, October 3rd


4812 Eagle Trace Drive, Fort Worth, Open 1:00 - 3:00
Coventry Hills Addition, Keller Schools
Offered at $129,900




13045 Fencerow Road, Fort Worth, Open 1:00 - 3:00
Harvest Ridge Addition, Keller Schools
Offered at $139,900




1617 Green Tree Drive, Hurst, Open 1:00 - 3:00
Green Tree Addition, HEB Schools
Offered at $205,000





4737 Exposition Way, Fort Worth, Open 2:00 -5:00
The Bluffs, Heritage Addition
Offered at $304,500



For more information on these homes, please visit our website, www.groveteam.com

or call us direct, (817) 337-0000

Red Out Weekend

Look for the red balloons this weekend and join us at several open houses around the area!

Saturday, October 2nd



4821 Valley Springs Tr., Ft. Worth, Open 2:00 - 5:00
Trace Ridge Addition, Keller Schools
Offered at $139,900




1812 Arthurs Circle, Bedford, Open 1:00 -3:00
Glenbrook Addition, HEB Schools
Offered at $259,900




8308 Elm Court, N. Richland Hills, Open 1:00 - 3:00
Crestwood Estates, Birdville Schools
Offered at $132,500




4737 Exposition Way, Fort Worth, Open 2:00 - 5:00
The Bluffs, Heritage Addition
Offered at $304,500





Be sure to read the next blog for homes available on Sunday!

For more information on these homes, please visit our website, www.groveteam.com

or call us direct, (817) 337-0000