What Keller homeowners should look for in a new garage door

If you are contemplating replacing the garage door of your Keller home, the dead of winter may not seem to be the optimum time to do so. However, quite the opposite is true: frigid temperatures and brisk winds readily prove the need to upgrade your garage door from an older non-insulated version to a more modern insulated garage door.

The garage door is generally the largest moving object in your home and offers the greatest exposure to the elements. An insulated garage door will maintain the temperature in your garage in the winter and summer and likely decrease heating and cooling costs. Insulated garage doors not only make the garage more comfortable inside but also affect the rooms adjacent to or above the garage. In addition, a well-insulated garage helps keep moisture out, and its sturdy construction offers a far greater noise-reducing sound barrier than non-insulated models.

What should consumers look for in an insulated garage door? For starters, check out the R-value. R-value is a measure of thermal resistance to heat flow and is how most garage door manufacturers show the energy efficiency of their product. The higher the R-value of a door, the more insulation you’ll get. Second, look at the door’s construction. Well-insulated doors will have a “triple-layer” construction, consisting of environmentally safe polystyrene or polyurethane thermal insulation between two layers of heavy-duty steel.

Of all the budget-friendly improvement projects you can complete before spring, a new garage door will not only save on energy costs, it will give you one of the best returns on your investment and provide a great value for your home. Over the last few years, surveys indicate that installing new garage doors has been a project in the top rankings for return on investment.
 
Whether your garage door withstands heat, wind, snow, rain or all of the above, it’s the largest line of defense for your Keller home. Make sure that it’s working hard for you by reducing your home’s energy consumption, increasing your home’s curb appeal and adding to the value of your home for years to come.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

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Countdown to 2015: New ideas to get your Keller home ready for the new year

 
The end of a year usually means one thing: resolutions. As you bid farewell to the holidays, it’s all about what you want to change, upgrade and do better. Health and well-being are always the first things that come to mind, but don’t overlook your home. In fact, sometimes it’s the first place to start – from a total overhaul to the simplest design changes. Those major or minor design decisions can really impact not only how you live, but also the health and happiness of you, your family and your Keller home.

Get organized
The first thing, and maybe the most important, is to clean the house. Don’t underestimate how important that is, and what a difference it will make. Next, clean up the clutter. Getting rid of all the clutter, which has probably been piling up all year, will allow a room to really shine again. It’s all about editing – throw out what no longer works to make room for things that are necessary to live well.

Brighten your outlook
If there’s one easy change to make in a home, make it the lighting. Maybe it’s a pair of statement sconces in the bedroom or a pendant light in the entryway. When it comes to design tricks, lighting is one of them. It can change the whole feel of a room in an instant.

High tech, high touch
As society moves at a rapid pace with technology it is important not to get caught up in buying the newest, most expensive appliance just for the sake of it. For Keller homeowners, while it doesn't hurt to be open to the newest high tech appliances, researching products and deciding which of them (if any) fit your home the best will pay off in the long run.

Changes that last
Maybe 2015 is the year that you commit to that renovation. If thinking of a full kitchen remodel, it’s one of the best investments to make in the home. Reach for things that you think you will be happy with long term because replacing your stove, or wall tiles, or flooring the next year or even after 10 years, is not an option. 

Add personal touch
If you’re not able to take on a full kitchen renovation this year, don’t worry – it can be as simple as layering in some color. Adding in a bold accessory is one of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of a room. Color is a great way to add personality, and accent pieces are the best way to make a statement; if by summer it’s time for another refresh, those pieces are easy enough to change out.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000

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Selling your Keller home? Upgrade your bathrooms with these three quick tips

Are you getting ready to sell your Keller home? As soon as your listing goes live you'll begin entertaining potential buyers who will be inspecting your entire home to ensure it meets their needs perfectly. Your bathrooms will be a key area of focus and you might be surprised to learn that the look and feel of these small rooms can make or break a sale. Here are three quick tips for renovating or upgrading your bathrooms to freshen up their look before potential buyers start viewing your home.

Clean Your Bathroom out and Start Fresh
Before you begin, take a close look at your bathroom. Is there wallpaper on the walls? Are the sinks and faucets a bit dated and stained? Does the bathtub have a crack in it or is there some discoloration in the tiles or grout? If your bathroom hasn't been renovated in the past few years, there's a good chance that the entire room needs to be overhauled. Clean all of the fixtures, materials, cabinets and even that dated flooring out and start from scratch.

Choose Your Color Palette Wisely
Before you begin you'll want to have some sort of color palette in mind. Does the bathroom receive some sort of direct sunlight? Is there a skylight or a window in the room? Is there a color theme in other rooms in the house that you'll need to match up with? Having some color ideas in mind will significantly assist with painting and adding shower curtains, towels, mats and more.

Don't Skimp on Fixtures and Accessories
Remember that you're selling the home and that you're likely to regain some or all of the costs of your bathroom renovations in the form of a bump in your selling price. Don't purchase cheap faucets or fixtures as buyers will be looking closely and they'll want to ensure they're buying a home that has quality building materials used throughout. While you don't have to go too luxurious, use materials that are high-quality.

Breathing some new life in to your bathrooms won't break the bank, but it might just help secure your Keller home sale.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000

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Add curb appeal to your Keller home

Whether you're just listing your Keller home for sale or you've already started entertaining potential buyers, focusing on your "curb appeal" can drastically increase your chances of a quick and successful sale. Here we'll discuss how to present your front and back yard in order to make them more inviting and welcoming to prospective homebuyers.

It all starts with a great lawn
Whether you're standing on the street looking at the front of your home or you're on the patio looking out over your back yard, your lawn is an area that potential buyers are sure to focus on. You'll want to ensure that your lawn is very well-kept, with no weeds, dandelions or patches of clover breaking up the continuity of the grass. While enjoyable for some, maintaining the lawn is a task others find too time consuming. There is always the option of hiring a lawn service to maintain your lawn. The Grove Team can refer you to services in your area.

Use gardens to add a splash of color
Once the lawn looks appealing, it's time to move on to your gardens and other landscape features. Gardens are the best way to add a vibrant splash of color to your yard and they can be used to accessorize the front or back of your home to break up the monotony. Choose flowers or plants that are in season for your area to ensure that they are healthy while potential buyers are driving past and viewing the home. Also, keep in mind that most of the time, less is more; don't over-do your gardening or it can become a bit overbearing. As previously mentioned, there are services that can help you with landscaping.

Make your back yard feel as inviting as possible
Your back yard will be a significant feature for many prospective homebuyers in Keller – especially those with children. You'll want to ensure that your back yard feels as inviting as possible. If you have a deck or patio, ensure that you have furniture and that your grill is tastefully arranged so the buyer can picture themselves hosting friends and family.  The Grove Team can assist you with home staging and refer you to other services that can improve your home's appeal.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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Tackle Keller home projects like a pro

Have you been putting off some seemingly hard-to-handle home improvement projects for your Keller home? If so, there’s still time to tackle do-it-yourself tasks like a pro – from painting high ceilings and stairwells to repairing garage and basement floors. With the right tips and tools, you can accomplish these home improvements in a snap.

Repainting basement and garage floors
Has repairing and/or repainting the floor of your garage or basement made your to-do list for years but never seems to be your No. 1 priority? Make this year the one where this project gets done. First, pick up protective eyewear and gloves for the job as it will involve paints and cleaners, and be sure the area is well ventilated. Before beginning, it is best to remove stains by using a three-parts water to one-part bleach mixture. For tougher stains, consider using a pressure washer. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the area. Once the floor is clean and dry, repair any cracks in the concrete using concrete/mortar-repair compound for smaller cracks or concrete patch for larger ones.

Next, you will want to apply a thin primer coat using a paint roller attached to an extension pole to ensure you don’t paint yourself into a corner. After eight hours, start with a coat of the floor paint and allow the first coat to dry for one full day before applying the second. Wait about 24 hours before walking or driving on the newly painted surface.

Reach new heights
When it comes to sprucing up foyers and great rooms, painting may appear to be a challenge for most Keller homeowners – especially when it comes to the ceiling. But it doesn’t have to be. Start by covering furniture and floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting, or removing furniture from the room entirely.

Start the painting process from the top. A fresh coat of paint on a ceiling can transform a room. Grab a ladder and be mindful of necessary safety precautions. Before painting, shield your eyes by wearing protective goggles. Lightly sand your ceiling and remove any dust with a damp rag or sponge. Then, edge around your ceiling with a paint brush to line the perimeter of the ceiling.

Start painting in one corner of the ceiling and form a “V,” then roll the paint out and around. Work in 4-foot sections and always roll into the wet edge of the section you were previously painting. Wait for the ceiling to dry completely and apply another coat.

Safely painting stairwells
Many two-story foyers are accompanied by stairwells with equally tall walls. These high-traffic areas are very visible, yet may be the last place homeowners care to spend time updating. While most areas of the home can be painted with a roller or brush and a basic stepstool, stairwells may pose a safety risk. There are few ways to carefully cross this potentially tricky task off of your to-do list.
A sturdy extension pole that allows for smooth length adjustments is a must.

Power Lock extension poles enable the user to safely and effectively paint areas in and out of reach. You can also utilize an extension ladder on the side walls of a stairwell with a ladder leveler. Simply place one leg of the ladder on one step and the other leg, with the ladder leveler attached, on the step below it. Adjust the ladder leveler so that your ladder is resting evenly, and you’re ready to update the walls and ceiling in this space. If you find yourself in a spot where the results are less than ideal or the job is simply too complex, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional for assistance.

By following these helpful tips and using the proper tools, you can complete lingering projects in no time. You'll then be able to enjoy great looking, long-lasting results.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000

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New year, new coat of paint: Painting tips for Keller homeowners

Painting projects are more popular than ever with do-it-yourselfers as studies indicate 94 percent are planning a painting project in 2015. DIYers are also planning their painting projects earlier in the year, with January, February and March marked as popular months to upgrade homes with color.

If you plan to paint your Keller home this year, here are some tips to help prepare you for success.

Choose colors with confidence
A fresh coat of paint in the right color can quickly transform the look and feel of any space in your home. To help choose the perfect color for your space, take advantage of the easy-to-use color selection tools available to help you find and try colors before you paint. Homeowners can use the online Color Visualizer, for example, to virtually paint a space and try on different color combinations, making it easy to choose colors with confidence.

Find color inspiration
Choosing the perfect paint color is key to creating the look you want, but how do most people find the right color? More than half of DIYers (56 percent) say they look to nature for color inspiration, while more than a third (36 percent) take their color cues from Pinterest images. Needles to say, there are many more places in which homeowners can draw inspiration and it is important to choose a color that you are comfortable with.

Select the right finish
Once you've decided on the perfect color, make sure you're getting the best finish for the space you are painting. For durability and washability, choose a semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss is a good option for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, as well as trim. For high-traffic areas, like a hallway or a kid's bedroom, satin and egg-shell paints are preferred as the finish is easy to clean and maintain. High gloss paints are also extremely durable and easy to clean, making them perfect for windows, doors and trim. For spaces that have something to hide, a flat finish will work to your advantage.

Paint your space in the correct order
When planning your painting project, also consider the order in which you paint your space. Start with the ceiling, followed by the walls. If two coats of paint are needed, finish both coats before moving to the next step. Then, paint the windows from top to bottom. After the windows, paint the baseboards, trim and doorframe. Finally, paint the door. Following this order will help ensure a smoother painting process in your Keller home and will require fewer cleanups.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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Protect your Keller home during peak fire season

Cold weather often brings many tasks to mind, such as weatherizing your Keller home, conducting car maintenance and preparing for holiday fun. However, one preparation often overlooked by many Texans is how to keep their families safe during the peak season for home fires.

In a recent survey conducted by ORC International a surprising number of Americans don't know the recommended operating life of a smoke alarm. In the survey, only 9 percent correctly noted 10 years as a smoke alarm’s operating life.

The survey also found that nearly 50 percent of Americans spend 15 minutes or less shopping for new smoke alarms – products that could save their lives. Certain new model alarms are designed to simplify choosing the right alarm for the right location. These alarms are the first UL-listed comprehensive line of smoke, CO and combination alarms containing a sealed, lithium battery that lasts 10 years - eliminating low battery chirps and providing nonstop protection.

In 2013, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported 387,000 home fires in the U.S., and most of them occurred in the winter months. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of a fatality in a reported fire in half. Unfortunately, while most homes (96 percent) have a smoke alarm, not all of those alarms work. Almost three out of every five home fire fatalities result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms, mainly due to dead, missing or disconnected batteries.

To protect your family and Keller home during peak fire season, take a few minutes to review and follow these five simple home fire safety steps:

1. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Consider installing smoke alarms with a 10-year sealed-in, tamper-proof battery.
2. Place fire extinguishers within reach on every level of your home.
3. Install UL-listed CO alarms on each floor and near bedrooms.
4. Create and practice an escape plan with your family.
5. Commit to fire safety. Staying fire safe helps keep your family safer and reduces the risk of injury to firefighters.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000

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Video Tour - 1207 Sabine Court (Reduced Price)

Video Tour - 1207 Sabine Court

Reduced price! Offered for sale by the Grove Team, Keller Williams

View the Tour New Price! 1207 Sabine Court in Southlake is now being offered at $525,000. This home with a spectacular lake view has a large kitchen with granite, covered patios and many great features! Contact the Grove Team today to schedule a private showing. Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.  Office (817) 337-0000 info@groveteam.com Find us on FACEBOOK

Safety tips for your Keller home this winter season

Cold temperatures and problematic weather could be in store for Keller this winter and that means homeowners need to take steps to ensure that their loved-ones and property stay safe and warm through the long, cold months ahead.

While forecasts are never a guarantee, this winter shouldn't be as nasty as last year because the persistent, large-scale atmospheric climate patterns that caused the cold last winter are really unlikely to form according to forecasters. Nevertheless, precautions should be taken.

Chimney fires, frozen pipes, ice dams, and water are destructive enemies for Keller homeowners. Take time now to do the important things that protect your property. A few precautions can help protect you from serious losses and disruptions this season.

Chimney and furnace fires
While fire presents a year-round risk, certain causes of fire occur more frequently during the winter. Chimneys, boilers and furnaces pose particularly high risks. Studies suggest that approximately 25,000 residential fires begin in a fireplace or chimney every year. These fires are caused by a layer of unburned carbon-based residues (sometimes referred to as fireplace creosote) that builds up along the inside walls of your chimney and can eventually catch fire. The solution is to have a trusted, certified professional chimney sweep inspect your chimney annually and have it cleaned as necessary. A chimney and flue system is a complicated mechanical system that requires regular inspections, just as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems do. The only way to know if you have a problem with your chimney is to have it inspected regularly.

Indoor floods
While home fires make headlines, water damage is also common and often just as severe. The most frequent cause is faulty or broken pipes. In fact, studies show a surge in water damage during the first three months of the year, when pipes are most likely to freeze and burst. Be sure to insulate exposed pipes. If you leave your home to spend time in warmer climates or even just a weekend on the ski slopes, always leave the heat on in your home and set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees. Don’t let high fuel prices tempt you into going lower. The pipes that come in through your foundation or run through external walls can reach temperatures much lower than the setting on your thermostat so have someone check on your home while you are away. A foolproof way to protect your home from broken or leaking pipes at any time of year is to install an automatic water shutoff system. Attached to your home’s main water supply line, these devices detect leaks as they happen and automatically shut-off the water to the home, thereby preventing further ongoing damage. Additionally, these devices can be integrated into a home’s security or smart-house system to provide real-time notification when the shut-off valve has activated.

Backup generators
Power outages can cause many problems from food spoilage to basement flooding. Install back-up generators to power all of your home’s critical systems including sump pumps, security and fire alarm systems, and heating systems.

Ice dams
Snow and ice storms can create a number of potential threats to your home. One of these is ice damming, which occurs in the days after a snowstorm. Icicles hanging from your eaves, while they may be beautiful, usually indicate that a dangerous ice dam has formed. An ice dam is a build-up of ice that can form at the edge of your roof when precipitation melts but is blocked from draining. When more precipitation melts and is trapped behind this ice, the resulting water backup can soak through your roof and cause damage to ceilings, walls and more. The most common causes of ice dams are clogged gutters and insufficient insulation, both of which are easy to remedy.

Old trees
Mature trees on your property represent another potential hazard during storms. Strong winds or frozen water that covers old branches with a heavy coat of ice can lead to failure and collapse, a clear threat to your home or other nearby structures. Have a trusted horticultural expert take a look at your property’s mature trees and prune or cut down unstable specimens.


Follow this checklist to make sure your Keller home is properly winterized:
* Consider installing an automatic water shutoff device.
* Prevent frozen pipe bursts by insulating exposed pipes.
* Have your furnaces and chimneys inspected annually and cleaned as necessary.
* Install backup generators for critical systems in the home.
* Inventory your personal contents.
* Remove stored items and clutter from your furnace room.
* Set your thermostat to no lower than 55 degrees when you leave your house.
* Have your roof gutters cleaned and inspected.
* Replace insulation if necessary.
* Keep art and collectables a safe distance from heat sources (fireplace, heat vents, etc.).
* Have mature trees inspected and maintained.
* Have salt/sand on hand for icy sidewalks and driveways.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. 

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

Find us on FACEBOOK