5 outdoor projects for Keller homeowners

Now that warmer weather’s finally here, who doesn’t want to be outside? Lawn games, barbecues and lazy afternoons in the backyard – these warm days were made to enjoy. They also present a great opportunity for Keller homeowners to conquer some outdoor home improvements.

If you have an eye on improving your outdoor space this year, here are five projects to help you get the most out of those warm-weather days.

Walk right up. Whether you’re replacing an existing path or building a new one, adding a walkway is a great way to define your outdoor space. Stone pathways are a durable solution and offer a classic look, especially when you choose stones that complement your home’s appearance. Your stone path can lead from the driveway to the home or from the home to an outdoor entertaining area, whatever you prefer. Just remember to choose a dry area for the path, as stones become slippery when wet.

Reimagine your deck. If one of your annual outdoor projects involves repairing or re-staining your wood deck, consider replacing it instead. Consider traditional decking colors and styles in a durable composite material, meaning you can enjoy the same benefits of a wood deck with just a fraction of the upkeep. There are no costly repairs to be made and no repainting or restaining is required. Installation is easy so you can enjoy your deck in no time.

Start a fire. Building a fire pit in your backyard is a great way to create an intimate feeling at your get-togethers, allowing you to extend those events into the later hours. Larger fire pits can sit above ground and be encircled by bricks, or they can be dug into the ground and bordered by stones. You can also purchase metal fire pit kits or make an above-ground kit from stones for your patio.

A little or a lot of lattice. Looking to add a stylized accent to your outdoor space? Lattice delivers. Plastic lattice is a durable, sturdy option that won’t rot or spoil, and it doesn’t require yearly maintenance. Whether you use it as a decorative accessory or to provide a little outdoor privacy, you’ll see the benefits of these easy projects.

Find those perfect small additions for your yard. Small projects can give your yard that final, special touch. Hibiscus and Lantana are nectar-producing shrubs that will attract hummingbirds to your home. You can also highlight your outdoor space with solar lights for an effort-free luminescence you’ll enjoy each evening. Lastly, don’t forget decorative tips like painting your mailbox or planting low-maintenance plants like day lilies or hostas to provide a little unexpected color.

These warm-weather months are the time when you savor being outside, so make sure your outdoor space is up to the task. Any of these projects can have an immediate positive impact on your space and the overall makeup 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. 

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1079 Misty Oak Lane Keller, TX 76248

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/XTXVVB

Bring your Buyers. This wonderful 4 bed, 3 bath, move-in ready home is located in established neighborhood of Oak Bend Estates situated in the heart of Keller. The spacious kitchen features island, tile floors, abundance of storage and butler's pantry. Kitchen and breakfast are open to large family room with fireplace. Retreat to the master suite with huge his and her closets, garden tub and separate shower. Enjoy backyard oasis offering gorgeous pool and Koi pond.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.00

Square feet: 3,146

Price: $375,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 2726009 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13136154

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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11700 Aspen Creek Drive Fort Worth, TX 76244

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/C9X9LK

Shown with pride! Fantastic one story home with great open floor plan and split bedroom design located in desirable Woodland Springs. This home is move in ready with paint and carpet less than a year old. Enjoy the abundance of natural light. Spacious kitchen offers plenty of space for meal prep. Retreat to the Master suite and relax in the garden tub. Large secondary bedrooms complete this package. Community pool, jogging trails in highly rated Keller ISD!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,782

Price: $165,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 2711587 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13127614

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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7 ways to upgrade your Keller home's entryway

 You only get one chance to make a first impression and that first statement for your Keller home begins with your front door. Fortunately, there are a few simple projects to help welcome your family and friends into your home with style.

Start fresh with a new door
Sometimes the simplest answer is to begin with a clean slate and replace your front door. From single doors to double-door options, those accented with decorative glass or transoms and sidelights, it's easy to find one that fits your budget and your style. Once you have a look, pick a material such as wood, fiberglass or steel. Don't forget to look for an ENERGY STAR qualified option to help keep your home comfortable.

Pick a standout color for your front door
Sticking with your current door? A fresh coat of paint will do wonders. Try a bold color to brighten a neutral color scheme. Pick a color that coordinates with your home's exterior with a pop of contrast to add eye appeal.

Update your hardware
Why stop with a fresh coat of paint? Refresh old doors with new hardware. Choose handles and doorknockers that complement your home's exterior design. Many hardware stores offer hardware in a variety of finishes to instantly upgrade exterior doors.

Replace broken or damaged items
Replace broken light fixtures, burned out bulbs and worn out weather-stripping on exterior doors. Pitch that faded wreath, worn out mat and dead plants. Instead add a bright new welcome mat and eye-catching seasonal decorations.

Lay a new path
Flagstone, gravel or pavers - any of these materials can be used to create a new, inviting walkway in a weekend or less.

Illuminate your walkway
Make it easy for others to see the way to your front door at night. Transform and illuminate walkways with easy-to-install solar lights. Stake them in the ground positioned so solar cells get enough southern exposure for sunlight to recharge during the day.

Trim bushes, create great container gardens
Landscaping should accent your home, not dominate it. Keep bushes below the bottom sill of your windows to improve your view. Trim or replace overgrown shrubs and trees. Keep plant material trimmed several feet away from your home to minimize damage from wind or insects. Fill decorative containers with plants that accent your Keller home's color scheme, front door and landscape design.

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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6 simple warm weather tune ups for your Keller home

It is the time of year for warmer weather. Just as you’d tune up a convertible to drive you into the summer sunshine, now is the time to perform routine maintenance on your Keller home so it’s ready for the hottest months of the year.

Use this summer maintenance checklist to get your home in tip-top shape both outdoors and indoors – and to avoid repairs down the road.

Do an outdoor inspection
Walk around the outside of your home and check for peeling or cracking paint, then patch up the spots to avoid wood rot later on. Inspect your gutter system to see if it’s in good shape or it needs repair. Take a look at your lawn-watering hoses and faucets, and replace as needed.

Get outdoor air conditioning units ready
While you’re outdoors, remove any debris from the fan area in the outdoor central air conditioning unit, ensuring that it runs efficiently. If you have window air conditioners, remove the covers and change the filters.

Clean your indoor air
As much as you love the warm summer air, it can also trigger allergies so this is a great time of year to install an indoor air cleaner. Certain air filtration systems can remove up to 99 percent of airborne particles and allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mildew, pet hair and dander, fungus and bacteria from the filtered air, so everyone in your home can breathe easier.

Keep indoor temperatures under control
Don’t place lamps, TV sets and other heat-producing devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat, as rising heat from that equipment can cause your air conditioning unit to overcool the house. Locate the thermostat on an inside wall, where it’s away from windows and doors that give it direct sunlight. People also generate heat, so if you’re planning to host a party, this is the perfect season to get everyone out of the house and onto the deck for a barbecue.

Reduce humidity
Infiltration of humid outdoor air can be your heating and air conditioning system’s worst enemy, eating up excess energy to keep you cool. Find the places where air can sneak into your home, such as around the foundation, the entrances to doors and windows, and plug them with caulking, weather stripping or plastic. To further reduce humidity, make sure appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers and dishwashers, are properly vented to the outside.

Schedule cooling system maintenance
Caring for your home’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system allows it to work smarter for you and your family. A qualified customer care dealer can inspect, clean and make necessary adjustments to your home’s indoor and outdoor cooling units to ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance during the hottest months, when you need it most.

By following this checklist, you’ll not only be revved up for summer – but your Keller home will be, too.

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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One smart update can upgrade your Keller home

If your home is 10 years old or older, your garage door is probably a raised-panel steel door that adds little to the overall design of your Keller home.

So why not make an improvement? In the last decade, the garage door industry has generated stunning new designs that can transform the curb appeal of your home from ordinary to exciting.

Large area = big impact
When something consumes such a large part of the front of the house, it should not be generic; it should be special. It should improve the looks of the house, not detract from it. A better-looking garage door can actually parlay into a more-valuable home. One nationwide study of real estate professionals revealed that an attractive new garage door can add as much as 4 percent to the home’s selling price. That adds $10,000 to the value of a $250,000 home, which means that a new garage door can easily pay for itself.

Two new designs that dazzle
Two new garage door designs are hot right now: woodgrain prints and carriage house styles.
A woodgrain print is a steel garage door that looks so much like wood, you need to thump on it to realize it’s actually durable steel. This technological breakthrough by steel coating companies brings big benefits for garage door buyers. The rich wood-look of these doors is gorgeous. Plus, since they’re made of steel, they’re incredibly durable and require almost no maintenance. The other popular new design is the carriage house style. These attractive doors open just like your old door, but they look like the side-hinged, swing-out doors of the charming carriage houses of yesteryear.

Quick design tips
Since both of these new designs come in dozens of attractive styles, here are a few tips to select the one that integrates best with the personality of your home. Design experts advise you to select a door that matches with three exterior features of your home: colors, lines, and shapes. The color of your garage door should complement the overall house color as well as the window trim colors. Then look at the lines on your home exterior. Are they horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or curved? Today’s garage door styles can provide excellent matches for any of these architectural features. Finally, consider the shapes of elements on your home, particularly the window panes. Are they arched, square, or small rectangles? Matching the panes on the house with the garage is not that difficult, given the wide variety of garage door window designs now available.

Cool choosing tools
Thanks to new technology, you don’t need to guess at the right door design. Most garage door manufacturers now offer door designer tools on their websites. Many door dealers also have similar software on a computer tablet they bring to your home. You just upload a photo of your own home and drop in any of hundreds of door designs to see exactly how it would look on your home. A good starting place is GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial website that features dozens of garage door photos from many manufacturers. It also includes a find-a-dealer function that helps you find qualified dealers in your area.

Your new garage door is not only a perfect home improvement project, it’s a smart investment. You are investing in the single largest moving part on your Keller home, which is going to affect its appearance for at least the next 20 years.

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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These home improvements add value to your Keller home

As the U.S. housing industry continues to emerge from the Great Recession, signs are pointing toward positive recovery. In fact, a recent report from Harvard University states that the home improvement industry could see record spending in 2015. It’s news like this that may have you contemplating an update to your Keller home. Even if you plan to stay in your home for years to come, it’s important to consider which home remodeling projects offer the potential for a positive return on investment.

Research shows that more homeowners intend to remain in their homes after remodeling, however, resale value is still a major factor when planning renovations. Before spending a significant amount of time and money on your next home improvement project, consider these tips.

Five home improvements with the highest ROI
The 2015 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report identifies these top five mid-range exterior home renovations as beneficial investments that allow homeowners to recoup a substantial percentage of their investment when they resell their homes:
* Replacing the front door (steel 101.8 percent)
* Adding manufactured stone veneer (92.2 percent)
* Replacing the garage door (88.4 percent)
* Replacing the siding (vinyl 80.7 percent)
* Adding a deck (wood 80.5 percent)

The cost-value ratio compares resale value to construction cost. The higher the percentage, the more of the job costs you are likely to recoup when selling your home.

Homeowners want lasting value from their exterior renovation projects, so it’s important to select the best materials for the job upfront. For example, when choosing siding for the home, vinyl siding provides overall better performance than wood, engineered wood and fiber cement and requires less maintenance both in the short and long term, allowing homeowners to complete their renovation and enjoy it, hassle-free, for years. In addition, vinyl siding provides the styles, textures and stylish colors homeowners want to create beautiful curb appeal.

Budgeting for success
Once you’ve decided which replacement and remodeling projects will offer the best ROI, develop a schedule and a budget to ensure the home makeover remains financially sound. The budget defines the project’s scope, estimates overall costs, and helps to establish priorities. Generally, renovation costs should not exceed 30 percent of your home’s value and should be consistent with housing trends in your neighborhood.

What should the budget include? Many websites offer comprehensive advice for creating a renovation budget and sticking to it. To start, consider these likely-to-occur expenses:

* Contractor costs. These include labor and may incorporate employee benefits, professional fees, permit and inspection charges and, of course, profit. Get at least three contractor estimates to ensure your contractor is cost-effective and reputable.
* DIY costs. Should you forgo a contractor? Keep in mind you will need to rent or buy power tools and equipment and potentially learn new skills.
* Hidden costs. For example, bringing outdated electrical or plumbing installations to code, or removing lead paint.
* Site preparation costs. For exterior renovations, this may include tree trimming, clearing land, and renting a haul-away container.
* Interim housing costs. If you plan to relocate, you will need living expenses for the project’s duration.
* Material cost. These include large expenses and small ones (ex. nails, trim) and could account for as much as half to 75 percent of the total cost. Factor in an extra 6-to-10 percent for waste for materials that are cut and fitted.

Bringing it home
If you’re interested in near-term resale value, it’s important to make sure that selling your Keller home will at least recoup the cost of any completed projects. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, however, you’ll not only benefit from an improved resale value down the road, but you’re also more likely to appreciate the improved comfort and curb appeal in the meantime.

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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What Keller homeowners need to know about the kitchen sink

If the kitchen is the heart of your Keller home, it would be easy to make the case that the sink is the heart of your kitchen. It’s where you prepare foods, clean dirty hands and scrub dishes before the next culinary project. It's also one of the best features to update when planning a kitchen remodel, thanks to new technology and designs aimed at improving how well kitchen sinks perform.

When it comes to style, traditional is the most popular design choice for families. The contemporary style, however, is increasing in popularity and comes in at a close second, according to studies.. But when it comes to picking a new kitchen sink, there's much more to think about than just the design style. You must consider top- and under-mount sinks, single bowl, double bowl and materials as well. Here is some background information regarding what's available, as well as the pros and cons for each:

Top-mount – This type of sink is the easiest to install and replace, especially if you don't intend to replace the countertops. It does create a ridge where the sink material meets the counter, however, and this is a place where water and dirt often collect, making cleaning more challenging.

Undermount – For cleaning purposes, under-mount sinks are great because you can simply wipe your cloth right over the counter and into the sink. But if you need to replace an under-mount sink, it might also require you to take out the countertops.

Single bowl – When it comes to washing large dishes, the single-bowl sink is a good choice. It's also handy if you need to dump large pots of hot water, because you have a larger area to hit. You might end up using more water with the single-bowl sink, though, especially when washing dishes. It simply takes more water to get it deep enough in the single bowl.

Double bowl – One sink for washing, one for drying. One sink for holding dirty dishes and another for rinsing vegetables. There are myriad reasons why homeowners love having a double bowl. One drawback is that the sink is smaller, and that makes it easier to splash water outside of the sink area.

Drain type – When it comes to the features of the sink you traditionally think about, the drain is probably not top of mind. There are several drain styles available, however, that can make your use of the sink easier. For example, sinks with rear-centered drains provide the maximum amount of functional and usable sink space.

Stainless steel – As the most popular choice because of its functionality, durability and coloring, stainless steel has a timeless element to it. It can scratch, though, and it might have a louder noise value. It also shows water spots more easily.

Cast iron – A throw-back to the original sinks, cast iron sinks with an enamel finish are still quite popular today. The finish is very strong, but tiny chips and pinholes that can evolve over time can cause the iron sink to rust. Cast iron sinks also tend to cost more.

Granite or quartz composite – These sinks feature a combination of rock with resin, and they create a beautiful and colorful look in any kitchen. The composite materials are very durable and require little maintenance. They do tend to cost more money, and the coloring of your sink could limit your options when decorating the rest of the room.

For more tips and ideas for your Keller home visit 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

info@groveteam.com

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How Keller homeowners can create an outdoor kitchen space

Now that warmer weather is here, you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible – and that includes mealtime. But what if your outdoor kitchen space is lacking? Worry not! There are several easy, affordable projects that can help you transform the area into the perfect cooking and entertaining area. Keller homeowners should give these projects a try.

Start with the grill. Your grill will be the focal point of your cooking area and you’ll need to determine whether gas, charcoal or propane is right for you. If expense is a concern, propane is a more cost-effective fuel than charcoal and it doesn’t require running any lines to your grilling area, providing you with the same grilling space and fewer expenses.

Build a barbecue cover. Give your kitchen a beautiful outdoor shelter by building a barbecue cover. This natural wood is resistant to rot, decay and insects, and it will look great no matter what the weather brings, turning a beautiful silver grey patina if left to weather naturally. In addition, building the cover is easy.

Find the perfect light. Looking to make your outdoor kitchen an area everyone wants to be in, even at night? Forget the deck light and opt for ambient lighting options instead. Track lighting can be strung across your space easily to make the kitchen a welcoming environment. And if you want to be more unique, you can find simple instructions online for building wine-bottle torches or Mason jar lamps.

A place for guests to dine. Enjoy the food where it was made by adding a dining table and chairs. There are many affordable choices. This allows you to select furniture perfect for a more traditional or modern kitchen.

Provide a little shade. Make those summer afternoons enjoyable and comfortable by providing some shade for your guests – and for the cook as well. Patio umbrellas are a helpful addition to any seating area. To cover a larger space, you could also opt for an all-encompassing retractable awning that will provide shade when you need it and peel away when everyone wants a little sun.

Many people mistakenly believe that outdoor kitchens are luxury items for only the wealthy, but that is no longer true. Any of the easy projects listed above can help you reimagine your space into the outdoor kitchen of your dreams for 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

info@groveteam.com

Find us on FACEBOOK