Technology to keep families connected and protected this season

It's the time of year when family schedules change and their daily routines reset. From coordinating calendars to handling additional demands such as homework and extracurricular activities, it can be a challenging, if not daunting, time for even the most organized family. 

 

The good news is advancements in technology can help organize busy families' schedules, streamline their routines and simplify their days - making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time. Today's technology tools can also help eliminate the stress and worry of whether or not someone remembered to lock the door or adjust the temperature while the house is vacant for the day. Here are a few tips to help families get organized this season.

1. Connecting via social media: Family members can stay connected throughout the day by using private groups on social media platforms, allowing everyone in the family to post quick messages, send photos or ask questions.  More than 60 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 have signed up for a profile on one social networking site. With teenagers' high social activities, parents can often receive responses and information from their children in a more timely and effective manner.

2. Protecting the family: October is National Crime Prevention Month, a time when families should take into account the importance of home security. With approximately one in nine children coming home to an empty house after school, according to U.S. Census data, advancements in home automation and security technology can help parents remotely safeguard their homes and families. Some systems allow parents to receive email and text alerts when the kids arrive home after school, check in during the day with real-time video monitoring, and even lock and unlock doors if the kids arrive home before they do.

3. Sharing lists online: Shopping trips can take a lot of time during the week, but the process can be simplified by sharing lists via online spreadsheets and smartphone apps. Organize the lists by categories such as grocery, pharmacy or pets to ensure both parents conveniently have access to the list the next time they make a trip to the store. Not only does this save parents time, it's also a great way to earn brownie points with their spouse. The tip also works for organizing the family chores. Create a to-do list assigning each family member a job, and have them check off the task when completed.

With a secure and efficient home and by staying connected to each other, families can settle into a smooth routine and enjoy the exciting activities of the fall season.

(BPT)

Hard water: bad for your home and wallet

Nearly 90 percent of American homes have hard water - water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium. The hardest water is commonly found in the states that run from Kansas to Texas as well as in Southern California. Hard water on its own is bad enough, making it difficult to wash clothes and dishes and leaving scaling on your pipes and showerheads as well as nasty brown rings in your sinks and toilets. However, it is also costing you money. 

Research found that with hard water, showerheads lost 75 percent of their flow rate in less than 18 simulated months and could not maintain the required flow rate because of scaling. 

Water heaters are also negatively affected by hard water. When using softened water, researchers found that all the water heaters tested maintained 100 percent efficiency over a simulated 15-year lifetime, but with hard water, the gas and electric heater efficiency dropped by 25 percent - an incredible loss in energy resulting in significantly higher costs. In the case of the new instant tankless water heaters, hard water caused them to completely fail to function because of plugged-up scale, or mineral build-up associated with hard water, after only 1.6 years of simulated use - about a tenth the normal life of the appliance. 

Another study assessed the impact of water hardness on automatic dishwashers. Soft water was up to 12 times more effective at cleaning dishes than increasing the amount of detergent used. Researchers also found that for washing machines the most important factor in removing stains was water softness. Reduction of water hardness was up to 100 times more effective at stain removal than increasing the detergent dose or washing with hotter water. 

You can take steps to eliminate the source of the scaling with a salt-based water softener. In order to make hard water into soft water, you have to remove the calcium and magnesium. The only way to do that effectively is with a salt-regenerated water softener. These work by running the incoming hard water through a resin filter that traps the calcium and magnesium in the water, as well as any iron, manganese or radium ions and replacing them with sodium ions. Magnetic and other non-salt based water softeners do not remove these harmful hard minerals. 

Do-it-yourself water testing kits are available at most hardware stores, or you can have a water treatment professional do the testing. 

Eliminating hard water minerals delivers significant benefits in terms of the efficiency and maintenance cost of appliances and plumbing. From a budgeting perspective, using less detergent and energy can add up to real savings for families and individuals. Plus the harder these machines have to work, the faster they wear out and need repair or replacement, representing another very significant expense for homeowners.

(BPT)

 

Three easy tips to create a more natural bedroom

 

The formerly "fringe" back-to-nature movement has become mainstream in America and nowhere is the desire for a more natural approach to living more prevalent than in our homes. From organically grown fruits and vegetables to free paint choices, the trend is toward fewer additives, synthetics and chemicals.--

But for all the farmers market-purchased food in the kitchen and goat milk soaps in the bathroom, one room that has been neglected in the quest for a more natural home is the bedroom. However, it doesn't take very much to make the bedroom more natural or "green." Here are three easy and effective tips:

Choose natural bedding materials

Down and feathers come from nature, are biodegradable and renewable; consequently they have the lowest carbon footprint of any bedding fill material. Thirty-six percent of U.S. adults use down and feather bedding precisely because it is eco-friendly.

Being a natural insulator, down helps regulate body heat for an optimal sleeping experience, which allows homeowners to turn down the thermostat at night and save on heating costs.  55 percent of U.S. adults who use down and feather bedding have chosen it precisely for its natural warmth.

Add fresh plants and flowers to your decor

Live plants act as natural air filters and some plants - spider plants, Boston ferns, rubber plants and palm trees - are particularly effective absorbers of chemical pollutants emitted from carpets, furniture and electronic equipment. Adding fresh flowers and plants to your bedroom helps with the natural cycle of carbon dioxide and oxygen, improving the overall air quality in your bedroom.

Take advantage of nature's best heater: the sun

In the cold winter months, open blinds, draperies, and shutters during the day to let solar energy warm and brighten your room naturally. In the hot summer months, be sure to do the opposite, and close your window coverings to prevent your bedroom from overheating and causing air conditioning units or fans to work harder, thus using more energy.

(BPT)

Winter home safety: Quick steps to help protect your family

As cooler weather descends, homes heat up and so does the risk your family could experience a home fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Most home fires and CO poisonings occur in the winter. Besides heating appliances, seasonal activities such as increased cooking, candle usage and holiday decorations all add to the risk. In fact each year winter fires claim an average of 945 lives, injure 3,825 people and cause more than $1.7 billion in property loss. 

 

To help keep your home worry free from fire and CO this winter, answer these questions to customize your winter home improvement projects with tasks that save money, reduce a common household annoyance and increase safety.

One in four older homes needs to update fire safety equipment. How old are your alarms?

* Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every five to 10 years, based on the alarm model.

* Purchase an alarm with a 10-year sealed lithium battery to receive hassle-free protection for a decade -- no need to change a battery or hear a low-battery chirp.

Seventy-five percent of homeowners don't know where to install smoke alarms. Do you have enough?

* Fire experts recommend placing smoke alarms on every floor and inside/outside all bedrooms. Choose alarms with room-specific features, such as an LED light in the hallway, or a voice notification for the bedroom.

* Place a CO alarm near sleeping areas and on each floor. Keep them 10 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.

Do your alarms incorporate the newest features and technology?
 
* A sealed-in 10-year lithium battery not only continuously powers the alarm, it's also tamper-proof and can't be removed.

* A digital display shows the level of CO in the air and updates the reading every 15 seconds.

*An intelligent multi-sensor responds faster to real fires and CO, while reducing nuisance alarms like those commonly caused by cooking.

*An end-of-life appliance warning lets you know when to replace your alarms.

Do you need other safety products?

* Fire extinguisher - place one within reach in rooms where fires often begin: kitchen, garage, bedroom, living area.

* Escape ladder - place in second- and third-floor rooms as an alternative escape route.

Have you developed a family escape plan?

*Create a plan and practice regularly. Know two ways out of every room and who will assist children and loved ones with mobility/health issues.

Do your children know their address and how to dial 911?

* Post your home address and emergency phone numbers on the refrigerator.

Are your appliances and chimney winter-ready?

* Have a professional inspect fuel-burning appliances to ensure they function properly and that they vent outside.

* Have a professional clean or inspect fireplaces annually. Birds and small animals can cause leaves to build up on top of the chimney, preventing carbon monoxide from venting properly.

* Create a 3-foot clutter free zone around fireplaces, space heaters or wood stoves.

(BPT)

Video Tour - 1618 Meadow Park, Keller

Offered for Sale by the Grove Team, Keller Williams

$257,500

 

This home has it all! Impressive two story entry, large open living area with view of backyard and in ground pool! Flexible four bedroom floor plan offers master with spa like bath and his & her walk-in closets. Guest room downstairs & two additional bedrooms, living area and laundry room are upstairs. Numerous updates include new carpet, tile, new granite, freshly painted with designer colors, new fixtures, hardware & so much more! 

 

Schedule your private showing of this amazing renovation - call the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000 or find this online at www.groveteam.com

Autumn edibles: Tips for fall gardening and second plantings

People choose to garden for many reasons: Food is fresher and tastes better. It's a healthy hobby that exercises the body. It saves money. Numerous reports show an increasing number of homeowners are growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs.

As summer's end nears, you may think gardening season is over. The good news is with a few strategic tips, you can keep your green thumb going and enjoy a plethora of autumn edibles for months to come

Step 1: Select second plantings

Second plantings are the plants you use for the latter part of the gardening season. Late summer is typically the best time to plant these varieties. Call your local extension offices or access information online to find regionalized planting schedules and recommended plant varieties.

The length of the fall season and when the first frost will likely hit are important considerations when selecting second plantings. Keep in mind that fast-maturing vegetables are ideal for fall gardening and they should be planted early enough to reach maturity before the first frost arrives.

Popular second plantings that yield a delicious late fall/early winter harvest include broccoli, lettuce, turnips, collards, carrots, peas, radish, spinach, leeks and beets. Some people even claim root vegetables and cole crops like kale and turnips taste better after the first frost.

Step 2: Prepare your garden space

If you plan to use your current garden space for second plantings, remove the early-season plants that are done producing. Add those plants to your current compost bin or create a new compost pile. Wood-slate bins blend well with the outdoor aesthetic and the design allows oxygen to circulate and facilitate the composting process.

Next, prepare your garden space. Elevated garden beds are growing in popularity because they look great anywhere in your yard or on your patio, and are easy to move if necessary. They are ideal for fall because gardeners can regulate the temperature of raised beds with ease. On hot days, move or add a shade netting to protect plants from the heat; when frost is a threat, cover the entire bed for protection.

While you're getting your hands dirty, fall is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs. A little outdoor work now and you'll be rewarded with beautiful flowers when spring arrives next year.

Step 3: Enjoy the harvest

Tend your garden daily for the best results - it may just need a quick check for pests and proper soil moisture. Typical benefits of late-season gardening include fewer bothersome bugs and the soil has better water retention.

As plants grow, pick the fruits and vegetables and enjoy Mother Nature's bounty. If your plants become crowded, pluck a few out to help remaining plants grow roots and increase the harvest yield. You may be surprised just how many cool months your plants provide you with fresh, delicious produce.

Fall is a great opportunity to keep gardening momentum alive. So get started and decide what second plantings are best for your space. In as little as 30 days you could be eating the freshest, most flavorful vegetables you've ever had, all while under the gorgeous autumn sun.

(BPT)

Fall lawn tips that keep your yard looking great year-round

Falling temperatures and shorter days don't mean you can retire from lawn care for the year. In fact, the fall season is a critical time to nourish lawns and care for plants so they can survive winter and emerge even more vibrant when next spring arrives.

Before you store your lawn and garden supplies, consider these fall lawn tips that keep your yard looking great year-round:

Fertilize

Your lawn may not look like it's doing much above ground during cool months, but below ground root systems continue to grow. That's why most lawn care professionals recommend fertilizing once or twice in the fall - grass will store and use the extra boost of nutrients throughout winter. Fertilizers high in nitrogen are ideal for fall feedings.

Sweep

Leaves and other foliage left on the ground can rot and deprive grass and other plants of moisture and sunlight. If you dread raking, a blower/vac is the ideal tool.

Water

Watering during fall is important to foster root growth and give plants a healthy drink before winter arrives. If you're not experiencing at least 1 inch of rainfall a week, supplement with a sprinkler. Continue the same eco-friendly watering strategies you used throughout summer, such as watering in the mornings to reduce evaporation.

Seed

Have a few sparse areas in your yard? Fall is a great season for grass seed to germinate due to the cool, moist weather. Plus, because most seasonal birds have left, the seed is less vulnerable to being eaten. Over-seeding now not only fills in open areas, but it increases grass density to help prevent weeds next year. Loosen and prepare the soil, choose a high quality grass seed and water the area plenty so seeds reach maturity before winter.

Aerate

Aerating your lawn in the fall helps to open compacted soil and break down thatch that built up over the summer. The small soil plugs removed by the aerator loosen the ground so oxygen and water can better reach the grass roots. Aerators are available for rent at most rental stores and the job can typically be done in a few hours, depending on yard size.

Mow

As the weather cools, grass slowly goes dormant. Before winter hits, continue to mow as needed. When your lawn seems to have almost completely slowed its growth rate, mow one final time for the year, but set your mower at a higher height. This helps keep grass healthy until warm weather returns. Recommended mower heights for a final mow are 2 to 2.5 inches.

Rather than retreating from the crisp fall air, use the time to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature while helping keep your yard looking its best. A few simple steps now will help your lawn look great today and into next year.

(BPT)  
 

Modern styling, technology help homeowners refresh their nest

 

Flipping through the television channels, it's hard not to find a home improvement show about remodeling and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. These popular programs give homeowners ideas on how to modernize their spaces. If you're planning your own DIY projects, here are three areas of the home that will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to a makeover.

First stop: the bathroom

Bathroom remodels are the most popular remodeling projects because they have a high return on investment. When you're ready to sell your house, renovating the bathroom typically has a return of 62 percent. A low-cost way to modernize the bathroom is installing new faucets. Signature styling featuring cylindrical, geometric shapes and distinct 90-degree angles is an ideal choice for an iconic, modern update. Sleek, contemporary pieces can add instant luxury.

Another idea for modernizing the bathroom is to add additional light sources. Bringing in more light will open up the space and make your bathroom come to life. The bathroom is often a place to unwind, and adding the right lighting can set the tone for a spa-like atmosphere. One way to do this, without breaking your budget, is by simply replacing the light fixtures. Add a modern touch to your bath with dramatic choices like chandeliers and sconces.

Second stop: the living room

Modern design doesn't have to mean uncomfortable. Homeowners love modern interiors for the sleek and streamlined look, which leads to less clutter and visual stress. Expand the modern theme throughout the home by updating furniture with unfussy and relaxed pieces. You don't need to buy everything new. Fabric covers, in an array of prints and colors, can instantly bring new life to old furniture. For pieces that need to be replaced, consider purchasing solid and neutral furniture. As trends change, you can switch out pillows and blankets to stay up-to-date.

Keep neutrals in mind when selecting paint colors, as well. White, black, brown and gray will go with just about anything. For a pop of color, paint an accent wall with a bold color, or add extra personality with drapery or area rugs. Use lamps, paintings and accessories to give a personal touch throughout the rest of your living space.

Final stop: the kitchen

Opening up shelving is a way to put a fresh, modern spin on your existing kitchen layout. You can order new cabinets with glass panels or simply remove the doors from your existing ones. Just make sure the exposed areas are not cluttered. Adding new hardware to cabinets is also an inexpensive way to improve the look of your kitchen.

Since faucets are the most-used item in the kitchen, a new model can make a big impression. Swap out your old one for the new high-arc spout and a geometric handle, emphasizing the simplicity and elegance of the design. To complement your new faucet, look to update your counters as well. Granite remains a popular choice because of its high style and durability.

Integrating technology into home design

It's not just about making your life easier, technology can also aesthetically enhance your living space with modern touches. Mirror technology allows homeowners to disguise the TV when it isn't in use. Available for all TV models, it will look like a mirror is in the room until the unit is turned on.

(BPT)

What's your home's price tag now

As the housing market bounces back in many parts of the country, you may be wondering: What's my home worth now?

There's actually more than one answer.  Your home has three potentially very different price tags based on its:
1. Market value
2. Replacement value
3. Property tax value

Since different values can be used for different reasons, it's important to understand when each applies and some of these values may move in different directions at the same time.

Market value

This is the amount homes in your area are bought and sold for. It's the measure most folks think of when they try to estimate their home's worth or value. Determined in part by the going rate for similar houses in your city and neighborhood, market value is not based on what you paid for the home or how much it cost you to finish out the basement, reroof or remodel the kitchen. Many intangibles factor into this figure.

Understanding the market value helps you calculate your total net worth and how much equity you have in your home. To calculate equity, subtract the amount you owe on your home from its market value: That's about how much profit you could receive from a sale.

To strengthen your negotiating position with potential buyers, get an accurate idea of your home's market value. A real estate agent can tell you the selling prices of similar homes in your area, helping you set reasonable expectations.

Even if you're planning to stay in your home, market value matters when taking out a home equity line of credit or home equity loan. For example, you may be planning a kitchen remodel and need $40,000, or you want to tap your equity to help pay your kids' college tuition. Depending on your creditworthiness, many lenders will allow you to borrow up to 85 percent of your home's value, less any mortgage or other equity loan on that property.

Replacement value

If your home is completely destroyed because of a fire or natural disaster, replacement cost is what it would take to remove debris and rebuild the structure from the ground up based on construction costs in your area.
Unless your insurance covers replacement costs you run the risk of coming up short if the costs to rebuild your home are more than your coverage will pay.

Property tax value

This is the number taxing authorities use to calculate your property tax bill. A given home may be taxed by more than one jurisdiction - hospital and school districts, for example - and each may apply its own math.

Typically, property tax values are meant to approximate the home's market value, though sometimes there's a big discrepancy between the two because of outdated assessments or mistakes by assessors. An accurate property tax valuation ensures your tax bill isn't too low or too high and helps to ensure that your entire tax burden is understood.

If the property tax value of your home exceeds the market value, consider contesting the value with your taxing authority. And be aware that certain actions on your part, such as remodeling, could cause a reassessment and result in a larger tax bill.

Taking the stress out of a job transfer move

A job transfer usually is a good thing. Hopefully the transfer signals a promotion as you take your career a step further up the ladder, bringing about new and fun challenges in the workplace. But the transition itself is often not easy, especially if it involves moving your home and family to a new location.

Businesses often give transferred employees less than two weeks (11 days) to accept a transfer offer and once accepted, an average of 33 days to move and report to the new job.   That isn't much time to find a new home, put the old home up for sale or subleasing and plan a move that could be across town, across state lines or across the country.

Resources are available to help ease the stress of your job transfer. They include:

* Your company - Before you accept the job transfer offer, check with your human resources department on what services or financial compensation your company offers. Many companies outsource relocation services or cover selected services like providing rental moving trucks for employees. Be aware that the average cost of shipping household goods for a domestic transfer was around $12,500. 

* House hunting - Searching for a new home could be the most stressful part of relocating. Many employees will opt for temporary housing like apartments or extended-stay hotels for the first couple months of the transfer. This allows them to get a feel for the community and take the time to review homes for sale. However, if you prefer to purchase a home right way, contact the human resources department at your new location to ask for real estate agents referrals. Also take your search online. Between MLS listings with photos and online mapping tools, you can narrow your search quickly to preferred homes, allowing you to make an appointment once with your real estate agent to tour the homes and hopefully make an offer.

* Truck rental - Much of the moving process involves the transfer of your household goods. Truck rental companies help to make this process much easier.

* House selling - On the other end of the spectrum, you also have a home to sell. Many homeowners are opting to hire a management company and rent out the home, with the intent to sell in the future once they have their life organized in the new location and have the time to list the home with a real estate agent. Management companies handle the review of rental applicants, the background checks, collect the rent and take care of any emergency maintenance concerns that might occur, allowing the homeowner to concentrate his energies on the new job.

The job transfer process may feel overwhelming, but with these resources available to assist you with the transfer, you'll find yourself quickly settling into the new office and digging into the challenges of the new job.

(BPT)