Transform your interior decor to create a cozy atmosphere

Transform your interior decor to create a cozy atmosphere

The change of seasons, the change of family schedules, or even a change in furniture – there are many reasons to take the time to transform the interior of your home and revitalize your decor. Why not take the opportunity this fall and winter to refresh your interior with the bold colors trending this year?

Traditional fall colors like bronze orange, vibrant gold and comfy eggplant bring plenty of life to a home’s decor, especially after the temperatures have dropped and you’ve closed up the house for a season. Winter colors are warm this year, with a lot of browns blended in with reds, yellows and taupe, creating a cozy interior feeling through the long winter months. And if you’re looking to transform your home into a blooming spring or summer theme inspired by next year’s anticipated colors, brighter hues in traditional primary shades are a good direction to go.

Changing a paint color is always the first big step to take in refreshing the look of a room. But many people often eschew painting a room because they think it takes too much time. Not so any more.
“Edging is often the most time-consuming and frustrating portion of a painting project,” says Arti Lyde, project director for Wagner Spray Tech. “Combining the taping and the painting time together allows homeowners to accomplish the project much quicker.”

Another way to revitalize your decor is to bring in accent colors through fabrics. Toss a pillow or two in a contrasting shade on your couch, loveseat or chair. Or add pops of color to your windows by accenting them with colorful Venetian drapes. Another way to add accent colors to your rooms is through wall art in the form of paintings, posters or even decorations. Rotate in wall art incorporating your new colors to attract the visual attention of guests to your home.

Don’t forget the floors. Plush rugs can add warmth to the room no matter if you have carpeting or wood floors. Use a small rug under a coffee table in the living room, at the base of the vanity in a bathroom, or a larger rug under the bed in the master bedroom to bring some character a room. Match the colors of your rug to the wall colors to unify the look.

With a new paint color warming the walls of the room, and accent colors bringing added dimension to furniture, fabrics and floor decorations, your home will be transformed into a comfortable living environment for many months to come.

Quick fixes for a swift home sale

Quick fixes for a swift home sale

First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home, and peeling paint, stained carpets and unpleasant odors can be an instant turn-off for buyers. Fortunately, you can take simple and inexpensive steps to prep your home for a quick, top-dollar sale.

Freshen up: Paint is an easy, cost-effective way to improve any interior, and a new coat can make all the difference in selling your home. Cracked or peeling paint will repel potential buyers, and faded or boring walls can create a lackluster overall appearance.

Make your home stand out with a fresh coat in a vibrant color.  Perfect for showcasing a finished basement, kids’ room or accent wall anywhere in the home, these bright shades will make any space “pop.”  And as you are updating walls with new color, use a paint that not only adds beauty but also reduces odors.  Add a few scented candles or potpourri to make the home even more appealing to buyers’ noses.

Little fixes: The little things can make a big difference when it comes to the appearance of your home. Many buyers are looking to make as few improvements as possible, and even tiny cosmetic repairs can seem like a huge project. The more move-in-ready your house appears, the faster it will sell, and more likely buyers will be willing to pay the asking price. Some easy fixes include replacing broken counter and floor tiles, patching holes in any surfaces, making sure all lights work properly and doors open and close smoothly.

Organize and de-personalize:  To give your home a spacious showroom feel, take time to remove any superfluous “stuff.” Show off your kitchen countertops by storing unnecessary appliances, clear the sink and dishwashing machine, and organize refrigerator contents. Keep the bathroom vanity clear of personal items, neatly fold or hang clean towels, and clear or cover clothing hampers. Organize your cupboards, closets and drawers to maximize the appearance of your home’s storage capabilities.

Clearing your home of visible clutter will not only make it seem more spacious but also make it easier for potential buyers to picture it as their own. Minimize family photos and personal items to help visitors more easily see themselves – and their things – in your home.

Curb appeal: First impressions can make a world of difference, so don’t neglect your home’s exterior as you prepare to sell. The mailbox should be in good condition and the house number easily visible from the street. Keep exterior doors, including garage doors, free of flaking or fading paint and freshen the trim around windows and shutters. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can add to your home’s curb appeal and affixing a seasonal display of flowers or a festive wreath on the front door also makes a warm, welcoming statement.

A few simple projects can vastly improve your home’s overall appearance, and with these tips, your home will be sold in no time.

Video Tour - 1826 Forestdale Drive, Grapevine

Video Tour - 1826 Forestdale Drive, Grapevine

Offered for sale by the Grove Team, Keller Williams

Here is the home you have been waiting for...located in the hear of Grapevine and close to highways, bi-ways, shopping and dining! Situated on a picturesque corner lot and featuring an inground, gunite pool, this home is a must see! Create your memories in this open plan three bedroom, two and a half bath home. Enjoy the spacious master located downstairs with updated en suite bath. A pleasure to see, call the

Grove Team-Keller Williams Realty, (817) 337-0000.

Why more people are installing saltwater pools

Why more people are installing saltwater pools 

One of the hottest summers in US history has sent everyone scurrying into their pools to cool off, and the biggest new trend in swimming pools is salt water. First developed in Australia, saltwater pools offer several advantages over conventional chlorine and have become incredibly popular in the last decade.

People no longer have to tolerate the eye-burning, nose-curdling sting that comes from chlorine. Saltwater pools only have one-tenth the salt of ocean water and about one-third when compared to human tears. They are also gentler on the skin and hair than traditional chlorine pools. And pool owners don't have to purchase, store, and handle harsh chemicals, so maintenance is easier, more convenient, and saves time and money.

Across the country, more chlorine pools are being converted to salt water and today there are more than 1.4 million saltwater pools in operation nationwide. An estimated 75 percent of all new in-ground pools are salt water, compared with only 15 percent in 2002, according to data published; Spa News.

Since the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland, Mich., converted its 65,000-gallon pool to salt water, members have been pleased with the results. "The minute you walk into the pool area you notice a big difference," says Jodi Owczarski, the center's community relations director. "There is no longer that chemical smell. People also tell us that the water is much softer. In the old pool, people said they sometimes had to wash twice to get all those chemicals off, but in this pool, they only have to wash once. All in all, people have been thrilled with this new system."

In saltwater pools, chlorine is automatically produced as water passes through the generator. As the water exits the generator and enters the pool, the sanitizing chlorine reverts back to salt, and the process repeats itself, conserving salt and keeping sanitizer levels balanced.

Saltwater pools require less maintenance than traditional pools, but pool owners still should test weekly for pH and chlorine, and monthly for other water balance factors and for salt levels, which can drop due to splash-out, rain and filter back-washing. Most pool owners test their pool water themselves with test strips and periodically bring a sample in to a pool retailer for testing.

Anyone who has made the decision to move to a saltwater pool should make certain they use salt specifically designed for that use. An average 20,000 gallon pool requires 530 pounds of salt at startup; with quantities that large, even small amounts of contaminants within the salt can cause pool problems. That's why ultra-pure salt is best for salt water pools. Salt water systems can also save money in the long run over chlorine-based alternatives.

There have also been questions about the effect of salt water on pool construction materials, decks and surrounding structures. When pools are properly constructed and normal maintenance is followed, salt water has no effect on pool finishes, equipment and decks. Most materials are suitable for salt water pool construction, and most kinds of stone and decking materials will last if treated and sealed properly and periodically rinsed off.

If you're considering a saltwater pool, talk to a knowledgeable builder or retailer, or get some insight from other saltwater pool owners. You can also find more information at the Salt Institute website. (ARA)

Video Tour & Open this Weekend - 809 Crystal Lane

Video Tour & Open this Weekend - 809 Crystal Lane

Offered for sale by the Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty

LOCATION! Borders Colleyville with easy access to Davis Blvd, Loop 820, Keller, Southlake, and DFW airport. Set in a quiet, established neighborhood with highly sought after schools, this 4 bedroom, immaculate, well-maintained home stands ready for immediate occupancy. Filled with natural light and large rooms, this home is ready for you to make it your own. Property features a large private fenced back yard with garden shed. A must see!

Join us this weekend for an open house! Open Sunday, August 19th, 3:00 - 5:00pm

For more information, call the Grove Team (817) 337-0000.

www.goveteam.com

info@groveteam.com

Beat the heat with water conservation and home safety advice

Beat the heat with water conservation and home safety advice 

The peak water usage season, which usually begins in late July or early August, arrived early this year with record high temperatures and widespread drought. During the warmer months, the average American uses about four times as much water as they do the rest of the year. More time outdoors translates into more sweat and dirt, which leads to taking more frequent showers and washing additional loads of laundry. Meanwhile, outside, fighting heat and lack of rain requires heavy lawn and garden watering.

All of the increased activity adds up. Here is a list of water safety and conservation tips to beat the heat.

1. Check the temperature setting on your water heater. It should be set no higher than 125 degrees to prevent scalding and reduce energy use. Summer is a good time to turn the temperature down, especially when away on vacation to save on energy costs.

2. Replacing an old showerhead can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing water pressure. Also, try cleaning mineral deposits from the showerhead by unscrewing it, soaking it in vinegar overnight and then gently scrubbing with a toothbrush to remove deposits.

3. To maximize efficiency with each load of laundry, check washing machine hoses for rupture. Turn valves on and off to check for leaks.

4. Water should flow freely from outdoor faucets when watering the lawn, washing the car or filling the pool.

5. If everything is operating as it should, be conscious about conserving water. Water your lawn before sun up or after sun down to reduce wasted evaporation.

6. If you will be out of town on vacation and have no house-sitters requiring the washing machine, you can shut off the machine's water supply.

7. When traveling, install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering. Another useful device is a flood detector that works like a smoke detector, setting off an alarm to warn your house-sitter of a potential flood or leak.

8. Make sure that yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open and free of debris.

9. Beware of standing water. Excess water can result from leaky or broken pipes or a damaged sewer line. Standing water is not healthy for children or pets, and is a breeding ground for insects and germs. Inspect the yard for areas that are too wet and with unusual plant or grass growth.

10. If your region is experiencing or anticipating drought, schedule a pipe and drain inspection. Extended periods of very dry ground can cause strain on pipes resulting in cracks. This can create a very serious and expensive problem for homeowners, so it is best to get in front of it with an inspection. Roto-Rooter has additional seasonal plumbing tips available on-line at www.RotoRooter.com/plumbing-basics. (ARA)

Video Tour - 630 Chandon Court, Southlake

Video Tour - 630 Chandon Court, Southlake

Offered for sale by the Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty

This exceptional Timarron golf villa leaves no detail undone. Intelligent design offers split bedrooms, half bath for guests, warm natural light, is well tailored for entertaining. Complete with new stainless kitchen appliances, newly updated surfaces in both full baths, this home also offers thermal barrier,  hail resistant roofing. Relax as you look over the 17th tee in your inground spa with separate water feature.

Contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty

(817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

Five reasons why buying a home is still a good idea

Five reasons why buying a home is still a good idea

A still murky economy and uncertain real estate market may have you wondering if buying a home is a good idea. Whether you're thinking about buying, or already have and just need some affirmation, you may find it comforting to know there are still plenty of good reasons for financially stable people to buy a house. Here are a few:

* Homeownership can help make good credit even better. If your credit is in poor shape, you'll want to monitor it before seeking a mortgage. But if you have good credit, live within your means, and consistently make good financial decisions, a mortgage can be the kind of "good debt" that helps your overall financial health. Making regular payments on a mortgage shows potential lenders that you're a less risky candidate for a home loan. Before you begin home shopping, it's a good idea to check your credit. Enrolling in a product like freecreditscore.com can help you better understand and leverage your credit.

* A mortgage can function like an automatic savings plan. By now, you've read the news reports about how little we Americans save these days. Well, every year you pay on your fixed-rate mortgage, is a year of building equity, and equity is like money in the bank. When it's time to sell - whether you've stayed in your home seven years or the full 30 year term - you'll have created equity and should be able to sell your house for more than you owe.

* Homeownership comes with plenty of financial perks, including an income tax credit for property taxes you pay on your home. For detailed information on tax breaks check out IRS.gov. Buying a home also affords you the opportunity to halt your housing costs. Rent will always go up from year to year, but if you have a fixed-rate mortgage (avoid adjustable rates) your biggest annual expense - housing costs - will be locked-in.

* Mortgage interest is a good deal when stacked up against other types of interest that don't do much for you - such as high credit card interest rates or low rates on savings accounts and CDs. Mortgage rates are low right now, meaning you can pay less over the life of a loan than at practically any other time in recent history. Plus, it's the only kind of interest that you can deduct from your taxes.

* Prices are still relatively low and inventory is high. It's been a buyer's market for a long time, but that's going to change. The question is: when will the market start to improve in your area, taking home prices with it? You'll have to do some legwork and astute research to determine when is the best time for you to buy.

If you monitor your credit and are on a sound financial footing, buying a home can still be a good idea. And now is as good a time as any to make your purchase. (ARA)

Video Tour - 5717 Lakeside Drive, Fort Worth

Video Tour - 5717 Lakeside Drive, Fort Worth

Beautiful home for sale in The Resort on Eagle Mountain

Resort-style living at its best. Exquisite home at Eagle Mountain Lake in gated, golf course community has all the features you desire. Classic, richly appointed 4bdr-4 bath, gourmet kitchen, fabulous master suite, custom cabinetry, 2nd floor media-entertainment area, oversized garages, 3 zone HVAC. Stunning backyard, inviting pool-spa, huge covered patio, .5 acres to run. Golf Club facilities-workout equipment, pool and  boat ramp and restaurant.

Contact the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

www.groveteam.com

Video Tour - 6817 Muleshoe, Fort Worth

Video Tour - 6817 Muleshoe, Fort Worth Just Listed by the Grove Team

Do not miss this gorgeous home in the Ranch at Eagle Mountain! From the impressive entry to the well appointed kitchen this home is built for entertaining. Terrific single story floor plan offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. New carpet, hardwood floors, crown moulding, stainless appliances, gas range and so much more! Check out the master retreat with sitting room and fireplace. What a great place to call home!

Call the Grove Team, Keller Williams

www.groveteam.com

info@groveteam.com

(817) 337-0000