5 winter DIY steps for Keller homeowners

With the dead of winter fast approaching, it’s never too soon (or late) to prepare your Keller home for the cold months ahead. With the goal of keeping cold air out and warm air in, make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your family warm and your heating bills low.

Proper insulating and air sealing can help lower your energy bills by up to 30 percent. Additionally, the average U.S. home has a half mile of gaps and cracks spread throughout, according to energystar.gov. If you’re seeing spiders, dust, cobwebs and feeling drafts or uneven room temperatures, your home likely has gaps and poor insulation. Here are five DIY air sealing steps to help keep your home comfortable during the frigid weather using insulating foam sealant:

1. Scope out the problem areas
Start by checking around doors and windows that lead outside or to the garage. Gaps around water and waste pipes often lead to exterior walls which can let in a lot of air. Don’t forget to look around in your basement and attic where you may find gaping joists, holes in wood or cracked blocks.

2. Take safety precautions
Before starting any DIY project, be sure to take the necessary safety precautions. Begin by reading and understanding all of the instructions on the foam sealant can for proper use and handling. Sealant is sticky and will adhere to your skin, so cover all skin.  At a minimum, you’ll need both gloves and long sleeves to cover your hands and arms, along with a pair of safety glasses. Protect the floor and surrounding area by laying down a ground cover and make certain the room has proper ventilation with no sparks or flames nearby.

3. Start with windows and doors
To seal the openings around windows and doors and their rough openings, find an entry point for the nozzle to spray the foam sealant of your choice, such as Great Stuff Insulating Foam Sealant. Fill the cracks only about half way, because the foam will expand the rest of the way. Not only does this block out cold air, but it’ll help keep those unwanted bugs and spiders out of your home.

4. Move on to cracks in the foundation
Cracks in your home’s foundation tend to develop over time. It’s important to take action when you find them, to help prevent major damage down the road. Apply a water-resistant, air-tight sealant to any cracks you find in your basement or attic. Shake the sealant can and turn it upside down to begin filling. If you spray too much, wait for the sealant to cure, and after about eight hours when it is fully cured, level it with a serrated knife.

5. Seal off pipe penetrations
Pipes that penetrate floors and walls in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room are prime areas for air flow and pests to sneak through. As a result, the space that surrounds the pipes should not be left wide open. Using a can of foam sealant, point the straw into the opening around the pipe and start sealing. Do not force foam into spaces or voids behind walls.

6. Safely store and dispose of cans
Most one-component insulating foam sealant cans are for one-time use so before you start, make sure you identify all the areas around your Keller home that you can seal. Also be sure to follow all of the instructions on the product label for both storage and disposal. Disposal regulations for these types of products vary. Because a sealant is pressurized it must be stored upright and at room temperature.

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.

Put your Keller home on autopilot to save money, time and energy

Every Keller homeowner can remember a time when they wondered, "Did I lock the front door this morning?" Or, "Did I leave a light on?" Others can attest to that feeling of dread knowing their air conditioner is running full blast while they're away on a weekend trip. There's nothing worse than worrying about the security of your home — or your rising electric bill — while you're away.

Fortunately, recent advancements in home technology offer peace of mind when it comes to energy efficiency, security and time savings. Almost any home can be put on "autopilot" without breaking the bank. Many areas of the home can benefit from some simple technology upgrades.

Efficiency
Heating and cooling a home accounts for 50 percent or more of a home’s energy bill, so it’s important to incorporate the latest technology to make it as easy as possible to be as efficient as possible.

We have seen some great advancements in home technology that maximize the energy efficiency of heating and cooling products. For example, as thermostats become more advanced, homeowners now have the ability to optimize home comfort and energy savings.

One example of these smart thermostats is the Lennox iComfort S30. Homeowners can maximize energy savings through its one-touch smart away mode, which detects when family members leave and return to the home and automatically adjusts to an energy-efficient setting. It is also is the only thermostat that offers first-of-its-kind real-time air quality monitoring.

Water usage also is a concern when it comes to efficiency. Homeowners can cut down on water bills by using home sprinkler systems that incorporate Wi-Fi technology. These systems allow homeowners to start or stop sprinklers from anywhere, avoiding water waste when heavy rains have already saturated the lawn. Many systems now even include wireless capabilities that prevent sprinklers from activating during rain or freezing temperatures.

Security
Homeowners can rest easy thanks to automated systems that ensure their home is safe and secure. Companies now offer products that check, open and close garage doors directly from a smartphone, tablet or computer. There are also lock systems that respond only to the fingerprints of residents of the home. If that's not enough, new technologies send texts or email updates when doors are locked or unlocked, and can remotely lock doors through Wi-Fi. And for those who are wondering who’s there when they’re not, there are now door bells that allow homeowners to see on their phones who’s at their door remotely, from any location.

Time savings
Finally, kitchen appliances now integrate technologies to streamline the day-to-day routines of Keller homeowners, allowing for maximum time savings. Consumers can take the hassle out of finding the perfect cooking setting by using a microwave that can scan a barcode on a dish and automatically adjusts to the correct time and power for the particular product. Ovens equipped with Wi-Fi allow cooks to monitor their meals on a mobile device and put the crock pot to shame.

Families can also save time while enjoying the convenience of home automation. Wi-Fi-enabled mailboxes send text or email alerts when mail has arrived. Parents can even save the time it takes to beg their child to stop playing video games by using a tool that automatically limits the time spent on an electronic device.

Peace of mind isn't all about expensive, over-the-top upgrades. Home automation can save time and money, and offer customized comfort and security, often through simple technology tweaks.

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.

4 approachable modern design ideas for Keller homeowners

Once limited to simplistic, clean lines and cool color schemes, modern design has evolved to include sleek, minimalistic looks with gentle, warm, organic elements. The new “approachable modern” design schemes emphasize the grace of nature, respect the strength of simplicity and can be effortlessly incorporated into your Keller home by choosing the right accents.

Incorporating metal
Metal accents often serve as the focal point of modern design. When incorporating metal into your space, start with the basics: hardware, faucets and fixtures. If you gravitate toward warm finishes like bronze tones, choose accents with clean, minimalistic silhouettes.

Conversely, if you opt for modern finishes with cool blue undertones like chrome and stainless, look for hardware with organic shapes like the Delta Tesla bath faucet that boasts a gentle silhouette inspired by curves found in nature. The faucet also provides modern convenience, with optional technology that activates the flow of water with a simple touch or via hands-free proximity sensing.

Complementary accessories
To maintain a modern feel, simplicity is the key with accessories. Look for a few small items to work within modern and organic schemes. For instance, geometric shaped mirrors work well across from windows to enhance natural light and a touch of greenery can come to life in a minimal, white pot.

Balancing color
Choose a neutral, like grey, white or beige, as the primary color in your home to enhance a minimalistic, contemporary feel. To take a next step and elevate a home’s color palette, incorporate organic materials such as wood or slate in dark, rich tones to create warmth and texture.

Let there be light
Often overlooked, the right lighting is critical when creating a space that channels modern design and Keller homeowners have a number of options to consider, such as recessed, wall mount, chandelier and pendant lighting. Remember quality of light and placement are key. If you wish to highlight certain room features, spot lighting can be incorporated, whereas skylights work well for added natural light.

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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8812 Random Road Fort Worth, TX 76179

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/VJ2TVG

Exceptionally Gracious! Come visit this 3 bed, 2.1 bath, Lake Country Estates home offering country charm and city convenience. Enter into an open concept perfect for entertaining featuring updated kitchen, SS appliances and crown molding. Escape to private master boasting his and her dressing areas and walk in closets. Savor a cool drink under the covered patio while enjoying the park like setting. Large secondary bedrooms complete this package.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 3,218

Price: $310,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 3128512 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13258252

Keller homeowners can get a whole new look in the bathroom, for less

A bathroom remodel is one of the most valuable home improvement projects you can undertake. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range bathroom remodel of $16,000 recoups 70 percent of its value at the time of resale.

But what if you want a great bathroom on a smaller budget? Or crave better efficiency and function, but aren’t willing to lose the use of your bathroom during weeks of renovation? Fortunately, a bathroom can get a fresh look with improved function and efficiency, without the hassle and expense of a full remodel. 

Here are five easy improvements Keller homowners can use  — and they can each be accomplished in just one day!

1. Replace sink faucets
Faucets are more than just a functional bathroom element — they are the “jewelry” of a bathroom. A new faucet can redefine the complete appearance of a vanity, and evoke the feeling of a whole new design for the bathroom. Manufacturers like American Standard offer styles that fit with virtually any bath decor: classic to contemporary, cosmopolitan to country, refined to rustic. An online search for faucet designs will yield numerous options. A breadth of options are available at local home improvement stores or a kitchen and bathroom showrooms.

Replacing faucets can also make your bathroom more water efficient. Older faucets generally have a higher flow rate than newer models, so more water, and money, goes down the drain. American Standard bathroom faucets have a flow rate of just 1.5 gallons per minute, using 32 percent less water than standard faucets, and are WaterSense-certified for high performance and water efficiency. 

2. Repaint
There’s a reason why painting is on virtually every list of “must-do” home improvements — it’s a fast, easy and economical way to completely change how a room looks and feels. Most bathrooms will require only a single gallon of paint and one day to repaint. You can save money by doing the job yourself, too.

When choosing paint colors for a mini-remodel, remember that the bathroom is an oasis of relaxation, not just a place to shower and brush your teeth. Soothing, neutral tones on the walls will help inspire this sense of calm, while providing a placid backdrop for pops of color in your accessories and linens.

3. Swap out hardware
If the faucet is the crown jewel of your bathroom, the cabinet and drawer hardware are lovely accents to tastefully complement it. Once you’ve replaced that tired old faucet, it’s time to look at cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Look for options that match the style statement made with your faucet — traditional, transitional, contemporary, eclectic, etc.

Keep in mind that coordinating the knob finish to the faucet will create a pleasing, cohesive look for your overall bathroom design. Popular finishes are brushed nickel, polished chrome, oil rubbed bronze and satin brass. Swapping hardware can be a fast, cost-effective way to underscore your remodeling theme.

4. Upgrade your shower
Sure, a single spray showerhead that’s 10 years old can be adequate to get you clean. But a shower should be an experience – a satisfying and relaxing one. Replacing a single spray showerhead with a multi-function model can provide varied spray patterns for different purposes – and help create a more spa-like experience in your bathroom. 

Plus, a new showerhead can save you money in the long run, especially if your current one is dated and inefficient. Water-saving models use significantly less water than traditional models. A special aerator can spin a mere 1.5 gallons of water per minute to make it feel like a powerful spray.

5. Freshen the softer side
Just as new window treatments look great in the living room, they make a big difference in bathrooms, too. Update window treatments — roman shades, mini-blinds, valances, full-length sheers — whatever style works in your bathroom. Splurge on an upscale shower curtain and throw rungs that match the window treatments, and finish off with a luxurious set of towels.

Bathroom remodeling doesn’t have to cost a bundle or take a lot of time. A few simple updates can make all the difference to your Keller home, at a fraction of the cost.

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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10512 Stoneside Trail Fort Worth, TX 76244

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/ASU6XQ

This delightful 3 bedroom, 2 bath, one-story Crawford Farms home is full of character. Spacious family room with wood burning fireplace, light and bright kitchen boasts island, breakfast bar and ample storage .Escape to the large master suite and relax in the garden tub. Enjoy the large secondary bedrooms plus study with French doors. Awesome 20X30 screened porch allows plenty of room for family fun and entertaining. Easy access to shopping and highways. Keller ISD!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,923

Price: $205,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 3113495 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13256232

Winter lawn care tips for Keller homeowners

Cooler nights and shorter days are a sure sign winter is on its way. Many Keller homeowners use this time to prepare their homes against the seasonal change. You too can protect your property and eliminate winter worries with a few simple projects that can be completed in one weekend or less.

Dispose of dead leaves quickly
When all those beautiful colored leaves turn brown, you know they will soon fall in your yard. It’s important to collect and compost dead leaves for several reasons. First, leaving yard waste over winter encourages mold growth, which can cause breathing problems. Second, leaves left on the ground can choke out grass, so you’ll have a spotty yard come spring.

To save time, forget raking and invest in a quality blower. Leaf blowers are ideal for home use, providing high power with a smart ergonomic design. The blower tube's are engineered to be in line with the handle, minimizing rotational force on the wrist. You’ll quickly create piles of leaves for composting without back or joint aches.

Clean clogged gutters
You probably don’t give much thought to your home’s gutter system, but when it gets clogged with leaves, twigs and other yard debris, you’ll wish you had. This organic matter in the gutter clogs up your roof’s drainage system, which can cause water leaks into your home, or worse, ice dams.
Make sure your gutters are clean before frigid temperatures set in. Using a leaf blower gutter kit you can carefully clean out gutters and inspect the shingles for any damage.

Trim dangerous branches
Do you have branches that have grown dangerously close to your or your neighbor’s home? Perhaps a branch died over summer is just hanging there. Trim trees today to avoid hassles tomorrow. Winter winds paired with ice and snow can snap branches that can then cause costly property damage — and since it’s your tree, you’ll be on the line for the bill.

Fall is the ideal time to trim trees for winter to give Keller homeowners peace of mind. For small limbs, a pruning saw is a great tool. For larger limbs, use a reliable chainsaw like the Husqvarna 450. The X-Torq engine means lower fuel consumption and reduced emission levels, plus Smart Start allows an easy start every time. Bonus: after cutting branches and sawing into logs, you’ll be ready with wood for winter fires.

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

5053 Britton Ridge Lane Fort Worth, TX 76179

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/Y5S8GW

Precious memories begin here! This well maintained 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Fort Worth home boasts a wonderful, open floor plan with spacious dining and family rooms ideal for family gatherings. Light and bright kitchen features island, breakfast and ample storage. Enjoy the 2nd level, private master suite with garden tub,large secondary bedrooms and gameroom. Awesome, private yard backs to greenbelt and allows plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing under the covered patio.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 2,440

Price: $200,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 3102188 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13249803

Six style tips to prepare your Keller home for the holiday season

This year, more Keller homeowners are thinking beyond the traditional when decorating for winter celebrations. Expert insight into the year’s top decor trends can help anyone create impressive, elegant holiday style with minimal effort.

Anyone can use inventive color schemes, fun patterns and smart home updates to create spaces that embrace the essence of the season.

Here are six top trends to keep in mind when decorating for the holiday season:

1. Feel festive with florals
An easy first step to bring your home into the holiday season is to add festive fresh or dry floral arrangements. Evergreens and poinsettias always convey the essence of the season, but blooms in hues of rich purple, crisp white and even funky fuchsia will add cheerful energy to any room. A small floral arrangement on a bathroom vanity, for example, adds warmth and color — a particularly nice touch if you’re hosting guests.

2. Beautify with backsplashes
Tiling your backsplash is an easy update that instantly upgrades a kitchen or bar space, and serves as a great conversation starter for guests. Start this project in the fall so you have plenty of time to finish before the thick of the holidays. A backsplash also can be a relatively inexpensive project with a stunning impact.

3. Be merry with metallics
To create a show-stopping visual effect, use metallics in details throughout your home. Chrome and nickel are hot, and there’s a current resurgence of brass and gold. If you have metal in your backsplash tiles, add a centerpiece in the same metal to tie the entire room together. Keep in mind that less is more. Thoughtful touches of holiday decor will have bigger visual impact than an overload of figurines and frills.

4. Get jolly with geometric patterns
From gift wrap to seasonal fabric, geometric patterns are on trend for the upcoming holiday. A gorgeous geometric tablecloth is the ideal backdrop for a big family feast. Geometric mosaic backsplashes, like those found at the Tile Shop, leave a lasting impression during the holiday season and into the new year.

5. Wow with window treatments
Don’t overlook the potential of your windows when adding holiday pizzazz to your home. By using fabrics that feature a festive theme or pattern, you can easily create temporary window treatments that bring a space together. Simply visit your local craft store, pick out a bolt of two of fabric that blends with your holiday aesthetic, and have the appropriate lengths cut. Then simply drape and enjoy.

6. Give your fireplace a facelift
A fireplace is the quintessential gathering spot for friends and family during holiday celebrations. A sleek stone makeover will update any drab or dated fireplace into a stylish focal point in your home. Add extra ambiance with candles, flowers and other simple decor on the mantel to make the space feel special.

There’s no better time to let your home shine than the holidays. Adding holiday greenery, a few metallic touches and whimsical window updates will make your Keller home feel festive. Now’s the perfect time to get that tile project done that’s been on the back burner, so you can show off your hard work and the amazing new space to all visitors.

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