Introducing a new way to shop for a house with the Grove Team!
The Grove Team, Keller Williams is proud to introduce a new way to search for homes listed on the MLS from our website - TRY IT HERE NOW!
This easy search format is FREE to use - customize and save your personal searches, find and locate the most current inventory in the area.
When you are ready, call the Grove Team to set up your personalized appointment to get the process started to find the right home for you!
Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty
(817) 337-0000
info@groveteam.com
www.groveteam.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Video Tour - 1108 Garden Lane, Keller
Video Tour - 1108 Garden Lane, Keller
Offered for sale by the Grove Team, Keller Williams
Marvelous renovation by TK Homes, LLC in north Keller! Situated on a picturesque lot with just under .75-acre, no detail has been left undone. Featuring three bedrooms, study, and two full baths - all newly updated with high quality craftsmanship and fixtures. You'll love the abundance of natural light and flexible floorplan. Come take a look at everything this enticing property has to offer.
Call the Grove Team today to schedule your showing
(817) 337-0000
www.groveteam.com
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Texas Homes More Affordable
Texas Homes More Affordable
By David S. Jones, Senior Editor, Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
July 13, 2012/Release No. 26
COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (Real Estate Center) – By almost any measure, Texas homes are
more affordable than the United States overall. But the gap is narrowing, said a residential
expert with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
“Texas’ median home price remains at a comparative advantage relative to the U.S. median,”
said Research Economist James Gaines. “However, the gap between the two has narrowed
substantially in the past couple of years.” Gaines uses the relationship between household income and housing prices to compute the Texas Housing Affordability Index (THAI) at the Center, part of Mays Business School.
The THAI suggests that the state’s housing has been consistently more affordable than that of
the United States. Changes in the median home price and interest rates are the two main
reasons affordability has increased, said Gaines. The 30-year fixed rate fell nearly 31 percent.
“The national median home price declined 25 percent between 2006 and 2011, while the Texas
median increased a modest 4 percent,” he said.
Texas major markets are among the most affordable metropolitan areas in the country. Fort Worth is the state’s most affordable major metro. Austin has the highest median home price. “Texas’ 2011 THAI was 21 percent more than the 2005—11 average,” Gaines said. “Meanwhile, the national index was nearly 56 percent above average.”
Gaines said 2012 will be even better at the national level as interest rates and the median price remain stable. Texas affordability, however, may decline as prices rise faster than incomes in some areas. In January 1991, a buyer needed an annual income of $49,023 to qualify to buy a $150,000 home with a 30-year, 80 percent loan at the existing 9.64 percent interest rate. The monthly mortgage for such a loan was $1,021.31. To buy the same home today at the current 4 percent rate, a buyer needs only $37,351 in annual income. The monthly mortgage would be $572.90.
“The home purchasing power of a dollar in income increases dramatically as interest rates fall,” said Gaines. “With an 80 percent loan at 10 percent interest, $1 of income buys about $3 of housing. At 7 percent, it buys $4 of housing. At 4 percent, it buys nearly $5.50.” In the previous example, a buyer with the $49,023 income could buy a $150,000 house at the 10 percent rate but a $270,000 house at the 4 percent rate.
To read more about this topic, read Gaines article “State of Affordability” in the July issue of Tierra Grande magazine, the Center’s flagship periodical.
By David S. Jones, Senior Editor, Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
July 13, 2012/Release No. 26
COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (Real Estate Center) – By almost any measure, Texas homes are
more affordable than the United States overall. But the gap is narrowing, said a residential
expert with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
“Texas’ median home price remains at a comparative advantage relative to the U.S. median,”
said Research Economist James Gaines. “However, the gap between the two has narrowed
substantially in the past couple of years.” Gaines uses the relationship between household income and housing prices to compute the Texas Housing Affordability Index (THAI) at the Center, part of Mays Business School.
The THAI suggests that the state’s housing has been consistently more affordable than that of
the United States. Changes in the median home price and interest rates are the two main
reasons affordability has increased, said Gaines. The 30-year fixed rate fell nearly 31 percent.
“The national median home price declined 25 percent between 2006 and 2011, while the Texas
median increased a modest 4 percent,” he said.
Texas major markets are among the most affordable metropolitan areas in the country. Fort Worth is the state’s most affordable major metro. Austin has the highest median home price. “Texas’ 2011 THAI was 21 percent more than the 2005—11 average,” Gaines said. “Meanwhile, the national index was nearly 56 percent above average.”
Gaines said 2012 will be even better at the national level as interest rates and the median price remain stable. Texas affordability, however, may decline as prices rise faster than incomes in some areas. In January 1991, a buyer needed an annual income of $49,023 to qualify to buy a $150,000 home with a 30-year, 80 percent loan at the existing 9.64 percent interest rate. The monthly mortgage for such a loan was $1,021.31. To buy the same home today at the current 4 percent rate, a buyer needs only $37,351 in annual income. The monthly mortgage would be $572.90.
“The home purchasing power of a dollar in income increases dramatically as interest rates fall,” said Gaines. “With an 80 percent loan at 10 percent interest, $1 of income buys about $3 of housing. At 7 percent, it buys $4 of housing. At 4 percent, it buys nearly $5.50.” In the previous example, a buyer with the $49,023 income could buy a $150,000 house at the 10 percent rate but a $270,000 house at the 4 percent rate.
To read more about this topic, read Gaines article “State of Affordability” in the July issue of Tierra Grande magazine, the Center’s flagship periodical.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Enjoy outdoor activities while keeping ticks and mosquitos away
Enjoy outdoor activities while keeping ticks and mosquitos away
While warmer weather brings many opportunities to enjoy outdoor living spaces, it also ushers in unwanted pests like ticks and mosquitos.
A mild winter often triggers an early emergence and larger populations of these insects. Frequent accounts of tick sightings and bites have been documented in many states, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a steady increase in the prevalence of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever each year.
About 75 percent of all reported Lyme disease cases are acquired from ticks picked up during activities in backyards and around the home, according to the CDC website.
The site also notes that homeowners can reduce the population of ticks that can cause Lyme disease and the like by 68 to 100 percent with as little as one application of an appropriate outdoor insecticide spray.
Another pest-spread illness, West Nile virus, is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos. West Nile poses health risks to humans and pets alike during the warm summer months.
While incidents of West Nile virus have declined over the past 10 years, the CDC reports it to be an established seasonal epidemic that can cause severe illness and result in permanent neurological damage.
The best way to prevent an outbreak of the disease, according to the CDC, is through the use of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to control both adult mosquitos and their larvae before they can hatch and mature.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes IPM on its website, www.epa.gov, as "an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices."
The EPA points out that the IPM approach, which takes insects' life cycles into consideration as well as currently available pest control methods, is a good way to manage pests economically and with the least health and environmental hazards.
In addition to the efforts and community education by organizations like the EPA, there are many simple, preventative steps that individuals can take to ensure their own lawns, gardens and patios are a safe environment for summer fun.
"Keeping grass cut short and eliminating standing water in and around the home are two easy, effective ways to reduce the prevalence of menaces like ticks and mosquitos, " says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) - a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. "The applications of insect repellents and thorough skin checks after spending time outdoors also serve as important safeguards for adults, children and pets.
"Pesticide and repellent products can provide significant protection, and it is important to note that these products are rigorously tested and approved by EPA and your state to ensure they will protect you and your pets from harmful pests," Hobbs continues.
Reading pesticide and repellent labels and following directions for proper application and storage are ways to ensure that your outdoor living spaces remain a healthy, pest-free summer haven.
To learn more on how to protect your family, friends and pets from insects, rodents and weeds, visit http://www.debugthemyths.com/. (ARA)
While warmer weather brings many opportunities to enjoy outdoor living spaces, it also ushers in unwanted pests like ticks and mosquitos.
A mild winter often triggers an early emergence and larger populations of these insects. Frequent accounts of tick sightings and bites have been documented in many states, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a steady increase in the prevalence of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever each year.
About 75 percent of all reported Lyme disease cases are acquired from ticks picked up during activities in backyards and around the home, according to the CDC website.
The site also notes that homeowners can reduce the population of ticks that can cause Lyme disease and the like by 68 to 100 percent with as little as one application of an appropriate outdoor insecticide spray.
Another pest-spread illness, West Nile virus, is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos. West Nile poses health risks to humans and pets alike during the warm summer months.
While incidents of West Nile virus have declined over the past 10 years, the CDC reports it to be an established seasonal epidemic that can cause severe illness and result in permanent neurological damage.
The best way to prevent an outbreak of the disease, according to the CDC, is through the use of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to control both adult mosquitos and their larvae before they can hatch and mature.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes IPM on its website, www.epa.gov, as "an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices."
The EPA points out that the IPM approach, which takes insects' life cycles into consideration as well as currently available pest control methods, is a good way to manage pests economically and with the least health and environmental hazards.
In addition to the efforts and community education by organizations like the EPA, there are many simple, preventative steps that individuals can take to ensure their own lawns, gardens and patios are a safe environment for summer fun.
"Keeping grass cut short and eliminating standing water in and around the home are two easy, effective ways to reduce the prevalence of menaces like ticks and mosquitos, " says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) - a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. "The applications of insect repellents and thorough skin checks after spending time outdoors also serve as important safeguards for adults, children and pets.
"Pesticide and repellent products can provide significant protection, and it is important to note that these products are rigorously tested and approved by EPA and your state to ensure they will protect you and your pets from harmful pests," Hobbs continues.
Reading pesticide and repellent labels and following directions for proper application and storage are ways to ensure that your outdoor living spaces remain a healthy, pest-free summer haven.
To learn more on how to protect your family, friends and pets from insects, rodents and weeds, visit http://www.debugthemyths.com/. (ARA)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
PRICE REDUCED - $184,900
PRICE REDUCED - $184,900 345 Cedar Crest Drive
Come take another look - aggressively reduced to $184,900. Barely lived in...beautiful four bedroom, two bath home and three living!
Call the Grove Team to schedule a showing on this fantastic listing today!
(817) 337-0000
www.groveteam.com
Friday, July 13, 2012
Just Listed - Open this Weekend!
Just Listed - Open this Weekend
1108 Garden Lane, Keller
OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY
July 15th
3:00 - 5:00
Marvelous renovation by TK Homes, LLC in north Keller! Situated on a picturesque lot with just under 3/4-acre, no detail has been left undone. Featuring three bedrooms, study, and two full baths - all newly updated with high quality craftsmanship and fixtures. You'll love the abundance of natural light and flexible floorplan. Come take a look at everything this enticing property has to offer.
Offered for sale by the Grove Team, Keller Williams
(817) 337-0000
www.groveteam.com
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Upgrading to the house of your dreams
Upgrading to the house of your dreams
Many homeowners staying in place and looking for ways to make their current abode the most comfortable it can be. Because they're not selling, homeowners are looking at remodeling rooms, changing out decorating schemes and in some cases, even adding on to the home.
Incorporating a new look into the home - whether it's in the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom - can really change the feel of the house. Upgrading a bathroom is a great place to start, because it's a smaller room and is used by both occupants and guests. A remodel can also help you save money on your utility bills. With a new bathroom adding a spa-like feel to your home, you may even rethink your desire to move when the housing economy turns around.
Here are some tips to changing the bathroom of your home into a beautiful and comfortable space:
* Vanity: Used for hand washing, preening in the mirror and brushing teeth, the vanity is one item in the bathroom that is the center of activity. Add an artistic - and economical - touch to your vanity, characterized by refined good looks. When on, this budget-friendly, universal design faucet runs a mere 1.5 gallons of water per minute, earning it the green WaterSense label. In addition to the faucet, consider upgrading your mirror with a model that combines beauty and elegance in the room.
* Walls: A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in changing the look and feel of a room. Don't forget about the ceiling. Even if you only give it a new white coat, the fresh look can make all the difference. Choose a paint that handles high humidity well to give your upgrade a longer lifespan.
* Toilet: The toilet tends to be the largest water consumption appliance in homes. But replacing your older toilet with, a one-gallon per flush ultra high-efficiency toilet, can really affect your utility bills. This gravity-fed toilet uses Double Cyclone Flushing technology to provide excellent performance and exceptional bowl cleansing action to create a green, clean flushing system that saves you money, water and time cleaning the toilet, always a thankless task.
As you upgrade your toilet, don't stop with just installing a high-efficiency, self-cleansing toilet. These new additions to the Washlet family use eWater+ technology, which is applied after each flush and once every eight hours when the unit is not in use, disinfect the bowl, reducing the need for harsh chemicals during cleaning, which saves money and is better for the environment.
* Flooring: High humidity often found in bathrooms can quickly age the flooring, causing peeling and even cracking of dated linoleum. Plus, modern flooring products are much higher quality, and are built to withstand more traffic and high humidity environments. Consider using ceramic, clay or stone tiles, or laminate in stone or wood styles to modernize the look of your bathroom.
Upgrading a bathroom will transform your entire house with a new look and feel. And if you love the change enough, you might decide to continue the upgrade to another room, like the kitchen or master bedroom, turning your home into the beautiful house of your dreams. (ARA)
Many homeowners staying in place and looking for ways to make their current abode the most comfortable it can be. Because they're not selling, homeowners are looking at remodeling rooms, changing out decorating schemes and in some cases, even adding on to the home.
Incorporating a new look into the home - whether it's in the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom - can really change the feel of the house. Upgrading a bathroom is a great place to start, because it's a smaller room and is used by both occupants and guests. A remodel can also help you save money on your utility bills. With a new bathroom adding a spa-like feel to your home, you may even rethink your desire to move when the housing economy turns around.
Here are some tips to changing the bathroom of your home into a beautiful and comfortable space:
* Vanity: Used for hand washing, preening in the mirror and brushing teeth, the vanity is one item in the bathroom that is the center of activity. Add an artistic - and economical - touch to your vanity, characterized by refined good looks. When on, this budget-friendly, universal design faucet runs a mere 1.5 gallons of water per minute, earning it the green WaterSense label. In addition to the faucet, consider upgrading your mirror with a model that combines beauty and elegance in the room.
* Walls: A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in changing the look and feel of a room. Don't forget about the ceiling. Even if you only give it a new white coat, the fresh look can make all the difference. Choose a paint that handles high humidity well to give your upgrade a longer lifespan.
* Toilet: The toilet tends to be the largest water consumption appliance in homes. But replacing your older toilet with, a one-gallon per flush ultra high-efficiency toilet, can really affect your utility bills. This gravity-fed toilet uses Double Cyclone Flushing technology to provide excellent performance and exceptional bowl cleansing action to create a green, clean flushing system that saves you money, water and time cleaning the toilet, always a thankless task.
As you upgrade your toilet, don't stop with just installing a high-efficiency, self-cleansing toilet. These new additions to the Washlet family use eWater+ technology, which is applied after each flush and once every eight hours when the unit is not in use, disinfect the bowl, reducing the need for harsh chemicals during cleaning, which saves money and is better for the environment.
* Flooring: High humidity often found in bathrooms can quickly age the flooring, causing peeling and even cracking of dated linoleum. Plus, modern flooring products are much higher quality, and are built to withstand more traffic and high humidity environments. Consider using ceramic, clay or stone tiles, or laminate in stone or wood styles to modernize the look of your bathroom.
Upgrading a bathroom will transform your entire house with a new look and feel. And if you love the change enough, you might decide to continue the upgrade to another room, like the kitchen or master bedroom, turning your home into the beautiful house of your dreams. (ARA)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Newest Homes for Sale in Keller
Looking for new home in Keller, TX? Review newly listed homes below!
For more information on any of these homes or others in the area, contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams and their team of buyer specialist to begin your home buying experience today!
Grove Team, Keller Williams
(817) 337-0000
info@groveteam.com
www.groveteam.com
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Video Tour - 4817 Campfire Crt., Fort Worth
New listing offered by the Grove Team, Keller Williams
4817 Campfire Crt., Fort Worth Coventry Hills Addition
Custom four bedroom, 1-1/2 story home on a cul-de sac lot in the Coventry Hills Addition. Ample amounts of storage, 100% bricked, full sprinkler system and large covered porches on the front and back. Recently updated - including installation of radiant barrier, additional insulation, fixtures and so much more.
Call the Grove Team today to schedule
a showing of this fantastic new listing!
(817) 337-0000
www.groveteam.com
Friday, July 6, 2012
Need a style lift? Begin with neutral flooring for ultimate design versatility
Do you pin your favorite bathroom makeover ideas on Pinterest, look for inspirational kitchen designs or dream about new decorating styles for your home? If so, you're not alone. Many homeowners are opting to makeover their homes this year instead of upgrading to a new one.
According to a recent survey by Better Homes & Gardens magazine, consumers rank "style upgrades" as the most important component of their upcoming home improvement plans, followed by storage. For future projects, consumers said their top style upgrades include flooring, countertops, faucets and fixtures.
Laminate flooring experts suggest beginning a style upgrade project by installing neutral-colored flooring. Neutral floors create the perfect canvas to help tie all of a room's design elements together.
What is a fresh, new and widely-popular neutral color within interior design circles? That would be grey. Some of the hottest hardwood flooring designs for 2012 offer traditionally American brown tones that are delicately infused with a grey influence.
Grey is the new brown
Grey is no longer viewed as a trend color in design circles, but is now viewed by professional designers as the new neutral.
"Grey is the new brown," says Erinn Valencich, L.A.-based interior designer and blogger for HGTV's Design Happens. "I used a grey-based floor in my new design studio because it goes well under a myriad of other wood tones. You don't have to use grey-based furniture on top of it - grey looks great with all wood tones." Another benefit to grey-based flooring, Valencich adds, is that it's very forgiving.
Just look to large furniture retailers to see how their offerings now highlight grey-based tones. The bleached-out, weathered Scandinavian look is very popular right now, Valencich says. It's perfect to pair with a new grey floor.
Colors that complement
Don't be afraid of color when designing a room with a grey-based floor, Valencich says. She suggests one of these color palettes to make a room shine:
* 50 shades of blue - Grey looks beautiful with any shade of blue, from soft powder blue to vibrant turquoise to charming daisy blue.
* Bananas Foster - A favorite color trio of Valencich's is yellow, chocolate and cream on top of a grey-based floor. The subtle flooring highlights the rich colors for a bold, decadent look.
* Lovely with lavender - Lavender is one of this year's hottest colors and a long-time partner for grey. Valencich suggests adding any color of purple to a grey floor for standout results. "Consider creating a focal point around a muted lavender wall and add some deep, rich, regal purple accents to bring it all together."
Getting started
When beginning a room makeover project, the first step is choosing a clear color palette. Wall color is a great place to begin, Valencich says, but any object - a rug, chair or artwork - can serve as your inspiration.
Next, think of the design process in layers - the trick is to coordinate and contrast. "If your paint, accessories, furniture and flooring are all the same color, the room will feel flat," Valencich advises. "So create drama by using a pop of color or by layering varying shades of the same color for a refined tone-on-tone look."
A well-executed color palette can transform any space with great results. (ARA)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Video Tour - 11008 Swift Current, Fort Worth
Listed by the Grove Team, Keller Williams
11008 Swift Current, Fort Worth Offered at $234,500
New construction, never been lived in! Well appointment finish out includes hand-scrpaed wood floors, crown, granite counters in the kitchen and bath, massive covered patio complete with second fireplace. Popular 1-1/2 story floorplan with full bath upstairs.
Call the Grove Team, Keller Williams today to schedule a showing of this awesome new listing.
(817) 337-0000 or at www.groveteam.com
** This home will be open this coming Sunday, July 8th from 3:00 - 5:00 **
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