5 ways to redefine your Keller home's outdoor space

Winter’s coldest days make you appreciate spring and summer, as well as the warm afternoons spent outdoors enjoying these seasons. Anticipating the warmer weather can give people something to look forward to and when the time comes, there’s no better place to relax than in your own Keller backyard. If your space isn’t all it could be, though, this is the perfect time for a little outdoor upgrade.

Below are five projects you can tackle on your own to reinvent your backyard and turn it into the space you always knew it could be.
  
Landscape for the year. Landscaping provides a focal point in your yard, but don’t just landscape with the warmer months in mind – include plants for each season. Showcase blooming flowers and hostas in the warmer months, and pair them with evergreen conifers for a look that’s inviting all year long.

One-of-a-kind planter boxes. Showcase your most beautiful blooms or delicious herbs in planter boxes made from Western Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar is ideal for planter boxes because it is naturally rot, decay and insect resistant. Plus, building the box is easy. You can learn how to build planter boxes of your own with online tutorials.

Sitting beside the fire. A fire pit is a great way to extend your backyard use into the evening hours, and giving the pit a professional look is easier than you think. Start by measuring the pit area and then build your wall of pavers. Surround the pit itself with gravel, additional pavers or another non-flammable substance, then add some comfy chairs and prepare to enjoy.

The all-in-one pergola. Whether you’re looking for a little shade, a centerpiece for the yard or the perfect spot to entertain, a pergola delivers. Building the pergola out of a lighter wood like Western Red Cedar will make the material easier to handle for any DIYer, and the appearance and smell of Western Red Cedar ensures your pergola will blend in naturally with the rest of your yard. You can find instructions for building your own pergola online.

Let there be light. Enjoy your backyard any time of day with just a little lighting. Solar-powered path lights are a low-maintenance way to showcase your new landscaping, and hanging track lighting can bring an evening glow to your pergola. Finally, don’t forget tiki torches. Adding a couple will give your backyard a rustic feel and keep the mosquitos away at the same time. What could be better than that?

Your backyard is what you make of it, so why not make it great? Any of these projects will noticeably enhance the backyard of your Keller home.

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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How to avoid winter chills in Keller without the higher bills

Every year, Keller homeowners face the expense of coping with winter – from cranking the heat to lighting your home during a season with fewer hours of daylight. However, it doesn’t take a lot of new technology to turn your house into an efficient home, and the payoff can be big. Consider these easy tips to save money while staying warm.

Prevent drafts. Drafts that come from unprotected windows and doors will increase your energy costs by 5 percent to 30 percent, according to research. Prevent drafts by weather stripping windows and installing inexpensive draft stoppers under doors. It’s a simple step that could save you hundreds of dollars every winter, and keep your family warmer.

Perform regular furnace maintenance. If your furnace filters are dirty, it’s costing you money and can affect your health. Change your filters every month throughout the winter, and if you have an older, inefficient furnace consider replacing it. According to the IRS, you could qualify for federal tax credits that cover as much as 30 percent of the replacement cost to a maximum of $1,500.

Have a talk with your thermostat. Every time you turn your thermostat down by just one degree, you can save about 1 percent on your energy bill, according to studies. That means turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day, when the house is empty, can save you 5 to 15 percent a year on your heating bill.

Consider the switch to solar. Many Americans are investing in clean energy sources like solar panels to create more energy efficient homes. Leasing solar panels can cost nothing to install and reduce your energy bill by 20 percent on average. If you haven't already invested in a solar system, consider using the money you could save this winter. Effective solutions start with making a few small changes that can result in significant savings. Don’t wait until next winter to create a warmer, more efficient Keller home, start today.

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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Design a kitchen backsplash in your Keller home

The kitchen is the heart of the home and a top-selling feature with Keller homebuyers. Does yours convey style and functionality? Whether you’ve just completed a remodel or you’re looking for ways to upgrade your existing kitchen, a tile backsplash will instantly transform the space into an eye-catching masterpiece.

It’s one of the number one ways homeowners can add value to their kitchen while adhering to their personal design preferences. Best yet, the process can be simple and enjoyable.

Here are several tips for designing a stylish backsplash for your kitchen without headaches or stress:

1. Determine your style profile and take action
Start by looking at Houzz, Pinterest and home magazines to see what styles you’re drawn to. Are you more contemporary, vintage or transitional? It can help to see backsplashes in person to get a true idea of how different materials look, feel and reflect light. For up close and personal inspiration, visit a showroom environment like The Tile Shop to view multiple styled vignettes.

2. Follow your vision
When exploring tile or stone, think about whether you want the backsplash to be a focal point or more subdued. Subway tiles in neutral tones are timeless for those who prefer a muted backsplash. If you’re looking to make a statement, clean and tumbled white marble is trending right now. Slate is comforting and earthy where metallic offers a more eye-catching and contemporary look. For added personality, consider designs with color, patchwork or patterns.

3. Consider product type and maintenance requirements
A backsplash isn’t necessarily maintenance-free, so know how much time you’re willing to spend before making a final design decision. If you prefer low maintenance, the best route is ceramic tile. If you are drawn to the beauty of natural stone, keep in mind that there’s minimal annual maintenance, including resealing the surface to ensure the product’s integrity and beauty last.

4. Know your budget
Before digging into any home improvement project, it’s important to know your budget. Convey your visions and cost parameters to any experts you work with, such as a contractor or interior designer. Bring a sample of your cabinetry and countertop, or a picture of your kitchen, to the designer or showroom you’re working with. It will help them maximize your budget while achieving your vision.

5. Add personal touches
When finalizing your design, consider adding unique characteristics. Above the sink or cooktop are good places to do something more decorative. If appropriate, you might decide to add a niche with a cutout that has tile on the interior that matches the exterior tile or create a picture frame design using a completely different style of tile and stone that complements the backsplash to make a statement. Additionally, if you are doing a backsplash in a bar area, it’s a great place to have fun with materials and shapes.

For other ideas on how to compliment your Keller home visit groveteam.com and groveteam.blogspot.com.

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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8 ways first time Keller homebuyers can make themselves mortgage-ready

It’s rare to get something right the very first time you try it, but when it comes to buying your first Keller home, a lack of knowledge and experience can lead to costly mistakes. One in four first-time homebuyers say they are completely unfamiliar with the mortgage financing process, according to reports. Even among those with an understanding of the overall process, the reports found that many first time homebuyers still had significant knowledge gaps in important areas such as available mortgage rates, closing costs, down-payment requirements and income required to qualify for a loan.

A lack of information could lead to consumers paying a higher interest rate or failing to secure an affordable mortgage for a home they want. While most first-time homebuyers understand the importance of their credit report score in securing a mortgage, it’s important they familiarize themselves with other factors. Fortunately, there’s plenty of useful information out there for borrowers who want to do their homework before diving into the loan process.

Here are eight tips for first time homebuyers

1. Adjust your budget. A mortgage payment can increase your monthly housing expenses, so prepare by calculating what that amount will be and begin saving that same amount every month so you can get used to the budget change in advance. Use a free online payment calculator to help you predict your payment and understand your current debt-to-income ratio.

2. Plan for a down payment. Nearly all home loans will require you to put some money down as a down payment. Some home loans may require as much as 20 percent of the purchase cost as a down payment, although some Federal Housing Administration loans may require less. Decide on the amount you think you’ll need and create a savings plan to help you reach that goal.

3. Consider the location and type of home you want to buy. Many factors influence the cost of a home, including its location, size, style and more. A larger home in a high-income area will generally cost more. Many first-time homebuyers find lower priced homes are a good option. Knowing the estimated cost of the type of home you want to purchase can help you better manage your budget.

4. Stay on top of your credit. Lenders will consider your credit score and report history when determining your mortgage eligibility and the interest rate they may offer you. Make sure to review your credit report in advance. You can download a free credit report once a year from all three major bureaus. If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, it’s a good idea to review your report more frequently and to consider paying to obtain your credit score from at least one major bureau. If your report contains errors, work with the credit bureaus to have them corrected before you apply for a mortgage.

5. Keep current on monthly bills. While it’s important to save toward a down payment, don’t let monthly bills slide. Paying your bills on time every month can help increase your credit score, and a good payment history is something lenders look for when reviewing your credit report. Use online tools like email reminders and automatic payment options to help ensure you never miss or make a late payment.

6. Work on your debt. If you have delinquent balances, bring them up to date as quickly as possible. If you carry a lot of revolving credit card debt, you may want to work to reduce it by paying more than the monthly minimum payment. While it helps to have a report that shows no late payments, the most important thing is to not have any delinquent balances before you apply for a mortgage.

7. Plan for escrow. In addition to the amount you will need each month toward repaying your mortgage, you’ll need escrow – an amount added to and collected with each monthly mortgage payment that is applied toward annual homeowners’ insurance premiums and/or taxes. Estimating taxes and total insurance costs can help you better understand how much your escrow will be each month, and you’ll be able to budget more accurately as you prepare for home ownership. Don’t forget that this amount may adjust every twelve months if your insurance premium or taxes change for the next year.

8. Take advantage of educational resources. From lenders' websites to government agencies, it’s easy to find plenty of information online. Also talk to your real esate agent about your options going forward. For Keller first time homebuyers, there is alot of information to process in a relatively short time period. However, if done with the assistance of resources and experts, things will quickly become manageable.

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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1005 Creekhollow Drive Keller, TX 76248

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/WPKKHG

Shown with pride! This impeccably maintained 5 bedroom, 3.1 bath, home features an easy flow, open floor plan. Natural light pours in highlighting decorator touches and custom finishes throughout. A fabulous kitchen boasts huge island with abundance of storage. Enjoy formals, lower level master with spa-like bath, sizable secondary bedrooms, guest suite, game room, screened porch and oversized garage. Close to shopping and located in desirable Keller ISD. A must see!

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3.1

Square feet: 3,279

Price: $320,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 2528153 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.groveteam.com

MLS ID: 13084351

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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2015 and Kitchen Design: Three trends that can add value to your Keller home

Renovating your kitchen is an excellent way to improve its look, increase the value of your Keller home and appeal to a more diverse range of home buyers if you decide to sell. However, a kitchen remodel can easily cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more, which is why you want to make choices that you can live with. Learning more about some of hottest trends for 2015 can help you decide what you want and don't want in your kitchen.

Traditional Is Back
Trends come and go, but the classics remain constant. One of the hottest renovation trends for 2015 is a more traditional look. Homeowners today are no longer attached to trendy colors and modern designs; they want homes that have a more traditional look and will retain that traditional look for years to come.

Experts predict that 2015 will bring a return to darker wood colors for cabinets, tables, counters and even floors. There are also some reports that homeowners will use oil rubbed bronze and darker pulls and handles on cabinets and drawers as opposed to flashy and contemporary chrome accents. Other trends include rustic farmhouse tables, double porcelain sinks and natural stone counters.

Going Green
It's hard to go anywhere today without seeing or hearing about green decorating trends, and those trends carry over into kitchens. Homeowners want products made from recycled materials and the chance to "go green" at home. Adding a recycling center is just one of the hottest trends for the kitchen.

Designers also found that homeowners want counters and floors made from recycled or sustainable materials. Bamboo is a sustainable construction material that works well in flooring applications. Homeowners can also find counters made from old tires, soda bottles and other recycled goods.

Homeowners Want More Space
Ask anyone what they need in their homes, and the odds are good that many will say they need more space. Recessed lighting is one trendy accent that adds more space and reduces the number of fixtures and cords hanging down from the ceiling. Other ways to add more space include adding an island with storage to the center of the room and cutting down on the number of cabinets lining the walls. There are a number of trendy ways that you can renovate and change your kitchen. Going green, adding more space and bringing in traditional elements are just a few of those ways.

Talk with a real estate agent about other changes you can make that will add value to your kitchen and your Keller home.

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 in 2015? Boost your resale value with these 3 inexpensive renovations

To get top dollar for your Keller home, renovations may be necessary. However, some renovations can prove costly and they don’t always add value to your home. Here are a few inexpensive renovations that are sure to improve the resale value of your home.

First Impressions Matter
Your home needs to have curb appeal. If the potential buyer doesn’t see that, it will be difficult to get the price you want. Spend money and time landscaping your yard. Pressure wash your driveway. Paint your front door. Make your porch look welcoming. If you do all of this yourself or with the help of family and friends, the costs will be reasonable.

After a prospective buyer is impressed by your nicely kept lawn, you will want to continue impressing him/her with your interior design. Buyers know what they want when it comes to the number of bedrooms and baths. You have something they want or they wouldn’t be looking at your home. Now, you need to keep their attention.

Freshening Up the Interior
Each room can be freshly painted in a neutral color. Old wallpaper and borders should be stripped and walls repainted. Make each room look larger by clearing any clutter. If possible, remove any unnecessary furniture and store it somewhere else. Have any carpets professionally cleaned, and be sure to polish any hardwood flooring. In the bedrooms, de-clutter your closets. Your kitchen and bathrooms should be sparkling. Clean and organize counters and cabinets. Again, most of these suggestions cost little but add great value to your home.

Upgrades
When you think of upgrades, you many automatically assume major costs with little return. However, many upgrades may be within your budget. Consider making some of these affordable upgrades to your home.

Living Areas/Family Rooms – If you’re going for a more elegant touch, add some crown molding. For a more rustic feel, add box beams. Improving the ceilings of main rooms will add value to your home.

Hardware and Fixtures – Painting and changing the hardware on your cabinet doors can change the look of a room dramatically. Add new fixtures such as lighting and doorknobs for a more updated look.

Selling your Keller home may require you to spend a little money, but you’ll likely receive the full value of your home.

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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How Keller homeowners can use lighting to enhance bathroom remodels

Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular home improvement projects and they provide impressive return on investment. While plenty of focus goes into selecting the perfect tile or ideal shower surround, there’s one critical area that too often is overlooked: the lighting.

For Keller homeowners to make the most out of your remodel and ensure a space that is as functional as it is fashionable, it’s important to understand the purpose of different types of lighting and how each influences the style and usefulness of the bathroom. A surprising number of bathrooms have critically poor lighting that not only detracts from their design, but makes it more difficult to do daily tasks.

Whether you have a petite powder room or a grand master bath, there are four main types of lighting you should consider: ambient, task, accent and natural.

Ambient lighting
Ambient lighting is the main source of illumination and is fundamental to a solid bathroom lighting plan. Also known as general lighting, ambient lights are typically installed overhead and provide lighting for safety and overall comfort. Recessed lights, wall-mounted fixtures and small chandeliers have become popular options for bathroom ambient lighting. Many people choose to install dimmers for the main source of lighting so they can adjust the illumination depending on what they are doing; brighter is used for quick showers and softer lighting is used for soaking in the tub.

Task lighting
Task lighting is absolutely necessary for daily grooming activities like putting on makeup and shaving. Typically located by the mirrors, quality task lighting is free of glare and shadows, and it will never strain the eyes. Certain high-end mirrors feature built-in premium task lighting. These mirrors generally feature fluorescent vertical task lighting at an ideal light value that simplifies grooming tasks. By coordinating finishes, lighting and design aesthetics of different pieces, orientations can be created to meet specific functional needs for the ultimate in bathroom
customization.

Accent lighting
To add dramatic visual interest and call attention to certain objects in the bathroom, use accent lighting. These types of lights artistically highlight special objects, like paintings, plants, sculptures or architectural detailing. Accent lights are typically smaller and include a shield that allows you to direct the light on the desired object. Wall-mounted picture lights, halogen spotlights and table lamps are a few examples of accent lighting.

Natural lighting
Due to privacy concerns, many bathrooms do not have any natural light sources. Fortunately, thanks to ambient, task and accent lighting, natural light is not a necessity. But some Keller homeowners may like the option of natural light and a skylight can be a simple solution. Skylights allow sunlight in during daylight hours without jeopardizing any privacy, plus they can be installed with shades for optional closure if desired. Natural light from sources like skylights can be particularly inviting near the bathtub.

If you plan to remodel your bathroom soon, you can take your upgrades to a whole new level with the right lighting. Consider how you will use the space, what you want to highlight, and your personal preferences to create a bathroom lighting plan you’ll love 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. 

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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