Grove Team Keller Williams: January 2016

Sunday, January 31, 2016

888 Stafford Station Drive Saginaw, TX 76131

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/ZRPAC3

Lovely one story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Highland Station. Enjoy the open concept and abundance of natural light. Spacious kitchen offers stainless appliances, window seats and plenty of space for easy meal prep. Retreat to the Master suite featuring dual sinks, garden tub and separate shower. Large secondary bedrooms and awesome yard complete this package. Close proximity to schools, neighborhood parks, shopping and easy access to highways.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,744

Price: $150,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 3308867 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13309624

Thursday, January 28, 2016

How Keller homeowners can prepare for severe weather

While Keller homeowners have not experienced the severity of winter weather this season, other forms of severe weather have and will continue to be a threat in the DFW area. The most notable weather threat is tornadoes.

In order to prepare for severe weather, it is imperative to help people be self-sufficient in instances of power loss.

Why you should be prepared
When Hurricane Katrina struck, 2.6 million people lost power, many for nearly a month. Today’s hurricanes, as well as tornados can also cause extended outages that can leave the unprepared equally trapped and powerless in their home.

It’s essential all families develop an emergency plan. This plan should include a safe place in your home where you can find shelter and a safe location if you are away from home or you are forced to evacuate. Each family member should also have a cell phone so they can communicate with each other and every home should contain an emergency kit. The kit should include a weather radio, flashlight(s), batteries, first aid kit, money, medications, heavy clothes and five days of non-perishable food and water.

The importance of power
The primary issue in an emergency situation is access to reliable power. Unlike portable generators, a standby generator automatically turns on when power is lost. A standby generator, which is permanently connected to your Keller home like a central air conditioning unit, has the ability to power everything in your home including your heat and air conditioning systems, refrigerator, lights, computers, television and other technologies. Each of these modern-day necessities are indispensable during an emergency. And best of all, because the standby generator connects to your home’s existing fuel lines, you’ll never need to worry about refueling it to keep the power up and running.

When power returns
When the power comes back, wait several minutes before turning on TV's, computers or home appliances. The return of the power may cause a momentary spike or surge that can damage electronics. It may also damage motors on certain appliances including the furnace, the air conditioner, the washer, and the refrigerator. After waiting several minutes, check each piece of equipment to ensure no damage was done.

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

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

2016 kitchen design trends for Keller homeowners

Some kitchen design trends fade as quickly as they come in — tile countertops, naked windows or avocado-hued appliances may come to mind. Other trends, however, are so deeply rooted in good design that they’re destined to become timeless style statements — and enhance your kitchen with a look you’ll love as much in a decade as you do the first moment you see it.

Those are the trends Keller homeowners should watch for in 2016 and incorporate into their kitchen upgrade plans. Given nearly nine in 10 homeowners plan to renovate their homes in the near future with half of them planning to do so within the next year, being armed with the right information will help make those renovations a success.

Timeless design has an enduring aesthetic that seamlessly complements a range of infinite kitchen styles and colors. They create looks and enhance functionality in ways that will pay off for homeowners for years to come.

Hera are five design trends to watch in 2016:

Open it up
Areas that seem small or cramped have never been a staple in homes. Look for design enhancements that create a more open atmosphere, like open shelving or glass-front cabinets, which appear contemporary, sleek and functional. Open storage encourages organization, cuts clutter and eliminates chaos since the contents are always on display. They also provide a great way for homeowners to display their special dishware.

Stainless steel revamp
Stainless steel appliances have long been the standard of elegance in modern kitchens. Newer appliances add luster and warmth to the satin-smooth finish and maintain the durability of traditional stainless steel. The effect is warm and sophisticated, meshing perfectly with a range of kitchen design styles and colors. It only helps that the finish is smudge-resistant, which is perfect for a people who like to keep things clean. The Black Stainless Steel from LG is considered a great option.

Let your personality shine
Modern designs and the sheer number of home décor products make it easier than ever to personalize virtually any design theme. You can add a dash of your personality to your kitchen decor in many ways. Use decorative accents on counters and focus on underscoring a theme you love in the rest of the house, for instance.

A lived-in look with touches of style adds life to the space. Vintage salt and pepper shakers, brass or wooden utensils, glass canisters, wooden bowls, enamel pots and even vintage cookbooks are options. You can find so many ways to add personal flair to a design, and it’s a sensibility that will never go out of style.

Contrast is good
Some combinations will always be on trend. Black and white, and metallics like brass, gold or copper, paired with natural and wooden touches are combinations that will never tire. They can be used alone or in combination with other elements to bring energy to your Keller home. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Friday, January 22, 2016

3 DIY tips for Keller homeowners

Whether inspired by countless cable shows or the desire to have the perfect kitchen, more Keller residents are doing their own home improvement projects. Laying hardwood floors, installing plumbing and replacing windows has become more attainable than ever before.

Consider these following tips in determining how to tackle your next job.

Assess the job
Define what you want to accomplish. Determine your timetable, budget and the project scale and scope. Match your tools from there. There are certain projects that might be better left to experts. If you don't feel you can accomplish your overall goal, don't be afraid to hire local contractors to complete your vision.

Research the project and tools
In some cases, people turn to professionals for jobs they could do themselves because they don't know what tools they need. To avoid that pitfall, research tool reviews, equipment magazines and even retailer websites to help guide you with your tool selection.

One’s skill level also plays a factor when it comes time to choose a tool. A veteran DIYer might not need some tools someone performing a project for the first time might. And to fit these needs, purchasing specialized tools allows you to do a specific task — like drilling through concrete — while avoiding the cost of hiring a a contractor.

Consider ROI
Look in depth at the tool you need to buy and at the different brands on the market that fit for your budget. Private label brands like Ironton often offer value. And instead of bouncing from one hardware store to the next, utilize product comparison tools online to compare and contrast product life, value, capabilities and quality to determine the best return on investment.

While DIY projects often save money, they also provide an enhanced pride in ownership associated with seeing your handiwork. With the right tools, you can tackle many home improvement projects. Ultimately it’s the person who makes the tool, not vice versa. For Keller homeowners, there has never been a better time to gather resources on home projects.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

5 smart upgrades for the most-used rooms in your Keller home

Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are typically the rooms in any Keller home that get the most use, which could also be why homeowners, when surveyed, consistently cite those rooms as the ones they most want to renovate. It makes perfect sense to upgrade the rooms where you spend the most time, but in high-traffic areas, you can’t afford to make changes just for the sake of cosmetics. You want improvements that can enhance your enjoyment of a room and its functionality.

Here are five smart improvements to make in the rooms people voted as the most popular ones in their homes: kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and game rooms.

1. Add natural light
Most rooms in the home look better and are more functional in natural light, and more daylight can help reduce the need for artificial light. What’s more, there’s no arguing the positive mental and physical health effects of natural light. Daylight stimulates the body to produce Vitamin D and boosts brain levels of serotonin, which is thought to be associated with positive moods.

Adding skylights is a practical, cost-effective and attractive way to bring more natural light into virtually any room. Solar-powered fresh-air skylights provide not just natural light, but passive ventilation, a real plus in kitchens and baths. Adding solar powered blinds, in designer colors and patterns, increases energy efficiency while giving you total control over the amount of sunlight entering a room through the skylight.

In kitchens, Energy Star-qualified fresh air skylights increase natural light and ventilation without requiring any loss of wall space you could better use for cabinetry. In bathrooms, they provide the perfect combination of privacy and healthful natural light and ventilation.

If you already have older glass or plastic bubble skylights, you can upgrade to the latest solar powered models, plus solar blinds, and receive a 30 percent federal tax credit on the products as well as installation costs. You can even bring more natural light into rooms or areas without direct roof access, like half-baths, closets and hallways, and with sun tunnel tubular skylights.

2. Add organization/storage
Clutter and chaos not only make a room function less efficiently, it can impact your mood as well. Adding organization and storage to rooms where clutter typically collects — such as bedrooms, living rooms and game rooms — is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the function of the room and how you feel about spending time in it.

In bedrooms, maximize closet space by installing organization units. A variety of manufacturers offer ready-made units you can install yourself. Or, for a bit more investment, you can have a professional closet organizer custom-make a unit to fit your space and needs. In living rooms and game rooms, built-in shelving and cabinetry is a functional and beautiful way to improve organization.

3. Improve ventilation
Air flow is critical to the health of your Keller home and everyone who lives in it. Ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms carries away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew, and creates a fresher, more healthful environment by exhausting stale indoor air.

Bathrooms should be equipped with exhaust fans, and kitchen hoods should vent to the exterior of your home whenever possible. You can further improve ventilation by installing Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux. Because these skylights open, they provide passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and admit fresh air. A sensor operates a motor to close the skylights automatically in case of rain.

4. Replace older, inefficient fixtures and appliances
Fixtures and appliances are key elements of kitchens and bathrooms. Older ones not only look dated and shabby, they can cost you money because they use more electricity and water than newer, more efficient models.

Replacing old faucets, shower heads, dishwashers and washing machines with newer models that use less water can reduce your water bill and give kitchens and bathrooms a whole new look. Energy Star-qualified appliances such as stoves, clothes dryers, refrigerators and washers also use less electricity than older appliances, so you can also lower your energy bills.

5. Freshen the foundations
Every room benefits from a good foundation, and that doesn’t just mean sturdy flooring. Wall color, flooring materials and trim are fundamental elements in any room. Simply repainting walls and woodwork can completely change the way any room looks. Or, if you like the colors you have, a fresh coat in the same color will make the room look brighter and newer. Replacing worn carpeting or dated tiles, or refinishing a hardwood floor are also great ways to improve the foundations of any room.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Window replacement tips for Keller homeowners

Kitchens and bathrooms are not only two of the most highly used rooms in your Keller home, they’re also two of the most popular rooms to renovate.

With any kitchen or bath renovation, there are many aspects to consider — cabinets, counters, floors, etc. And whether you’re making small updates or completely gutting the room, make sure to include window replacement in your list of must-haves.

How can new windows benefit a room? With a style that fits your personality, the right window provides natural light and ventilation to help create a beautiful, functional and comfortable living space.

Keep three key elements in mind when choosing a window for your kitchen or bath:

Choose a window style with function in mind.
Kitchen windows are often placed above counters or sinks, while bathroom windows tend to be located above tubs, beside showers or above bathroom counters. The placement of these windows can sometimes make them hard to reach, so choosing a window style that’s easy to open and close is a must.

Sliding windows or casement windows — which crank open and closed — are good options for hard-to-reach areas like above a counter or sink.

Ventilation is another key consideration for kitchens and bathrooms. A properly placed window can help decrease the amount of heat and moisture retained from cooking or showering. Awning windows, which can be pulled in or pushed out, are a good option for ventilation, and perform best when placed close to the ceiling or above eye level.

Select a window material that fits your needs.
Kitchens and baths require windows that are easy to clean and can withstand moisture, so materials like vinyl or fiberglass are ideal.

Fiberglass windows can withstand extreme heat and cold, are energy-efficient and can have the quality look of painted wood. Vinyl windows are easy to care for and don’t require additional painting or staining.

However, if wood is a better fit for the style of your Keller home, make sure to select a finish that will hold up against stains and moisture, and be prepared to do a little more cleaning and upkeep.

Consider additional features and options.
If you want to maintain privacy while maximizing natural light in the bathroom, choose a window with obscure or opaque glass.

Or, you can streamline the look and function of your kitchen or bath with between-the-glass cordless blinds or shades, which minimize allergens and eliminate clutter. Because these window coverings are tucked between the panes of glass, you won’t have to worry about moisture or stains.

You can take it one step further and motorize the blinds or shades with Pella’s Insynctive technology. Controlled via a remote or home automation system, the blinds or shades can customize the level of light in the bathroom or kitchen.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Timely landscaping can increase your Keller home's value

As soon as the first morning frost appears and the winter weather sets in, many Keller homeowners begin looking forward to spring. Images of green leaves, red and orange blossoms, fresh vegetables and herbs help keep the cold winter days manageable as you wait for the ground to thaw so you can start planting. A good green thumb knows early starts in the garden or yard ensure lush, healthy plants, especially if you’re planting trees.

Many people do not realize that they shouldn’t wait for summer. Young trees do best when they are put into the ground in spring and have ample time to establish themselves in the soil before either extremes of heat of cold hit.

Therefore, if part of your winter landscaping daydreams include planting trees, it’s important to know you’ll need to be ready to plant early. Winter is an opportunity to begin planning.

Six simple ways trees are practical and beautiful
Few things can be so practical and as beautiful as a tree. It’s no wonder that with the rising popularity of the do-it-yourself lifestyle, more people are deciding to plant trees in their yard. Here are six simple reasons why:

1. A mature tree can add up to $10,000 to your Keller home's property value.
2. Trees can reduce energy costs by providing shade to a house in the summer.
3. Trees naturally offset carbon emissions.
4. Because many change from season to season, trees add a variety of different colors to your yard and allow for a range of creative choices and combinations.
5. The nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation is encouraging people to get an early start on their tree planting this year by offering 10 free flowering trees with a $10 membership.
6. Trees help make memories. Watching a tree grow in your yard from year to year builds a connection between you, your family, your home and the memories you make there.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Transform your Keller home today, stay safe tomorrow

While many can only dream of the day they’ll retire, for baby boomers, that dream is quickly becoming a reality. By the year 2030, approximately 20 percent of Americans are expected to be age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But retirement doesn’t necessarily mean relocating to a senior community. More and more, adults choose to “age in place,” remaining in their current home, even after retirement. Here are a few ways to add extra convenience today — and ensure safety in your Keller home moving forward

Change up common areas
When thinking about the long-term, start with the layout. In a perfect world, it’s ideal to have all the key living spaces — bathroom, kitchen and bedroom on the first floor. If your home wasn’t built with a first-floor bedroom or bath, and stairs have to be a part of your plan, install no-slip strips on the edge of each stair to help limit trips and falls.

Next, make sure there’s plenty of room to move. Aim for doorways that are at least 32 inches wide, though 36 inches is ideal. Tight corners and doorways are a challenge for those with walkers or canes. For stress-free opening and closing, change out door handles from traditional knobs to lever handles for an easier grip.

Then, focus on the flooring. Installing carpeting can provide warmth and cushioning for you to enjoy now, and offers an added element of safety when it might be harder for you to maneuver around in the future. Choose a low pile carpet to minimize tripping — too much shag is a safety hazard. Area rugs are a major no-no, as unsecured rugs and loose carpet are one of the main causes for slips and falls. If you can’t bear the thought of losing your area rug, use carpet tape to secure it firmly to the floor.

Boost the bath
If you can only update one place in your home, make it the bathroom. The bathroom typically offers the most opportunities for injury. In fact, roughly 234,000 injuries occur annually in the bathroom alone, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An easy way to incorporate safety is to install grab bars.

Today’s grab bars are stylish, fitting in seamlessly with your space, rather than seeming obtrusive and sterile. Install them near the toilet, (make sure you have a comfort-height commode for easy sitting and standing) as well as in the shower. Grab bars like those from Moen pull double duty, adding an element of additional storage you can take advantage of immediately. These kinds of models can also provide room to store your shampoo, and will help keep you safe while entering and exiting the bath. Check out retailers like Lowes for a wide array of options that are fashionable as well as functional.

For the shower, handheld showerheads are an ideal option for those who might want to be seated while they bathe. Also, select a faucet with lever handles — they’re easiest to grip and turn — and install sconces near the mirror for additional lighting.

In general, the most important advice for any room in your Keller home is to think efficiently. Locate items that work together near each other to make tasks easier today, tomorrow and in the years to come.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Quick guide to Keller home financing

It’s an all too familiar monthly event: you write out a rent check and wait for the funds to disappear from your bank account. But what if instead of making endless payments on something you don’t own, you could own a home of your own in Keller or the surrounding area? When you finance a home purchase with a mortgage, you build equity and increase your percentage of home ownership with each payment made.

Homeownership sounds like a huge step, but it’s not as unattainable as it might seem.

These tips to home financing help you realize a place of your very own:

Assess your financial situation.
Before you even begin to look at homes, you should know what you can afford. Consider your debt-to-income ratio which is your monthly income compared to your total monthly bills. After figuring your ratio you will have a better idea as to what you can afford for a mortgage payment. To determine what your monthly mortgage payment might be, use an online mortgage calculator.

Budget and save.
Financing a home begins with budgeting to ensure you have an appropriate down payment. Be sure to set a realistic goal and use the idea of your future home as an incentive to stick to it. You can set up a savings plan, evaluate your current spending, and consider earning extra income to help reach your savings goal. Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way toward reaching your goal.

Maintain your credit.
There are a number of ways you can build your credit, ranging from opening a checking or savings account to paying all of your bills on time. Getting a secured credit card can also help to build your credit. Be sure to monitor how often you use the credit card and how much you spend so as not to create revolving credit debt. Try to minimize your outstanding debt and keep existing debts in check.

Apply for a loan.
Know ahead of time what information and documents you’ll need to complete a home loan application to help make the application experience as easy as possible. Documents needed may include: proof of income, employment information from the past two years, state-issued identification, proof of residency, and your social security card. Brush up on home loan terms so you can be knowledgeable throughout the process.

Stay on track with your payments.
After you have moved into your Keller home, be sure to make your mortgage payments in full and on time. If you can, plan an optional early mortgage payoff by making additional payments toward your principal balance each month.

Care for your home.
The financial responsibility of owning a home is just the beginning. You worked hard to finally get to this point, so why not keep your home in top shape? Create a home maintenance checklist and make a point to regularly go through it. Keep track of routine items like checking HVAC filters, cleaning the sink disposal and cleaning out the gutters.