5 tips for Keller homeowners to prepare the bath for winter

As chilly weather approaches, it’s time for Keller homeowners to consider ways to winterize their living spaces. New seasons serve as a great opportunity to refresh bath décor and incorporate simple upgrades — ultimately transforming the bath from a cold, simple space into a warm and comforting winter oasis.

Warm it up!
There is nothing more relaxing after a stressful day than a steamy, luxurious shower. However, showers can’t last forever — even in the wintertime. Decrease the temperature shock by investing in a towel warmer A cozy, heated towel within arm’s reach will help eliminate those post-shower chills.

Keep the pipeline smooth.
When ice and snow cover the ground outside, there’s always a risk of frozen pipes. If residual water sitting in the pipes freezes, the flow is stopped, allowing water to expand and potentially lead to a burst pipe. Prevent a water shut-off by ensuring your pipes are insulated well in advanced of winter’s approach. Leave cabinet doors under the sink open to let warm air in, or if your pipe has already frozen over, use a hair dryer or portable heat source to thaw the pipe before bursting occurs.

Amp up the shower.
Swapping out an old showerhead can completely transform the bath experience in as little as five minutes. Consider something like the Delta In2ition showerhead which offers the feeling of using more water, while using less. Enjoy the benefits of a luxurious shower without depleting the hot water supply (and saving some for the guests).

Set the mood.
Speaking of simple swaps, trading out bathroom accessories to fit the season is a great way for Keller homeowners to change the look of the bath. Display cozy, plush robes to keep bathers warm when stepping out of the shower and make guests feel right at home. Consider installing robe hooks close to the shower door for easy access. For added flair, incorporate accessories such as towels in a festive pattern, splashes of gold in soap dishes, or hints of bronze in candle holders and picture frames.

Create candlelit luxury.
A flame effect creates a soothing aesthetic to any room. If your bath is particularly chilly, consider a freestanding, electronic fireplace heater to boost the temperature and add an element of sophistication to the room. Don’t have the space? Simply arrange a few candles to create a subtle, yet comforting environment. Lush, wintery scents like sweet peppermint, crisp pine and woodsy cedar enhance the mood.

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 

3000 Oak Valley Drive Bedford, TX 76021

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/HJYBC3/3000-Oak-Valley-Drive-Bedford-TX-13495621

Wow! Gorgeous trees and quiet neighborhood. Amazing home backs to the Greenbelt of Bedford Athletic Complex with quite the view! Wood floor entry invites you home. Kitchen has lots of cabinets and tile. Large open living room with brick wood burning fireplace. Split bedrooms, Master with Texas Bath, two walk in closets, separate vanities, tub and shower. A large deck overlooks the Park-green area. Terraced yard has wood fence with park access.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square feet: 1,530

Price: $175,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4007194 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13495621

813 Billie Ruth Lane Hurst, TX 76053

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/QPEVN8/813-Billie-Ruth-Lane-Hurst-TX-13494786

Perfect place to start! Open living room, kitchen-dining room. Corner wood stove with stone hearth, Windows less than 5 yrs old, Ceiling fans to make each room comfortable. Stainless oven, tons of cabinets and breakfast bar. Front bed has half bath with updated fixtures and medicine cabinet. Bathroom with large linen closet and under sink storage. Patio is enclosed for extra living area. 16x12 Workshop with electric and extra storage. Near N.E. Mall

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square feet: 1,222

Price: $135,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4003874 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13494786

Tips to help you prepare your Keller home for holiday celebrations

‘Tis the season for big meals, festive gatherings and making memories that will last a lifetime. But hosting friends and family in your Keller home can be a daunting responsibility. In fact, nearly 40 percent of consumers say that entertaining guests is the most stressful part of their holiday season, according to a recent holiday survey. The good news is that there is still time to give your home a refreshed look. Need some inspiration? Check out these stress-free tips, which will leave your guests impressed.

• Purge the closets – Heading into the holiday season is the perfect time to clean the clutter from your closets. Not only will you make room for any house guests you may have to put their things, but you’ll also free up space for any new clothing you receive as gifts. Plus, you can give back to others by donating any lightly-used items to a local charity.

• Get ready to repair broken decorations and household items – The fact is that things get damaged during the excitement of the holidays. Use an all purpose adhesive to fix broken ornaments, tighten loose or creaky chair legs, and repair other broken items around the house before guests arrive. Adhesive sets in just 30 seconds, is two times more durable than super glues and bonds virtually everything to anything – including wood, metal, glass, plastic, ceramic, and more. It’s also the ultimate stocking stuffer for everyone on your list.

• Refresh common surfaces – Give your home a fresh look and feel by washing walls, cleaning carpets and rugs, scrubbing tiles, and polishing woodwork. And if you have time, painting a room is an easy and inexpensive way to dramatically change the look and feel of your home with color.

• Stock the essentials – Your overnight guests won’t expect four-star hotel treatment, but having basic items in place will make your visitors more comfortable. Essentials include a working light, fresh sheets and pillows, extra blankets, bath towels and a power strip to charge devices overnight. Go the extra mile to impress your guests by leaving out magazines, snacks, hangers and mini toiletries such as mouthwash, shampoo and aspirin.

• Replace old, unsightly caulk – Throughout the year, your kitchen and bathrooms are exposed to high levels of water and moisture. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, and buildup of dirt and stains on the caulk. Make these areas look new again by removing the old caulk, thoroughly cleaning the area to remove any dirt or residue, and then re-caulking with an ultra sealant. These products repel water, liquids, soap scum, stains and dirt.

• Relax and enjoy the celebration – Preparing your Keller home for a holiday celebration takes time and energy, but don’t forget to step back and take in all the good times.

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 

7917 Old Hickory Drive North Richland Hills, TX 76182

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/6EYHB7/7917-Old-Hickory-Drive-North-Richland-Hills-TX-13486468

Fantastic one story home with open floor plan in established Coventry Place Estates. This home is move in ready featuring trayed ceilings, granite surfaces and the warmth of a fireplace. Enjoy the abundance of natural light. Spacious kitchen offers SS appliances and ample storage. Retreat to the Master suite and relax in the garden tub. Large secondary bedrooms and private yard w-shed. Recent Roof, A-C and Water Heater. Sealed Garage Floor.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Square feet: 2,173

Price: $255,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 3996908 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13486468

An affordable way to qualify for a home loan without that big down payment

For many Texans, the biggest hurdle in buying a home is the 20 percent down payment they think is required for mortgage approval. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 34 percent of respondents believe they need more than 20 percent. Meanwhile, low down payment mortgages account for a significant amount of home buying annually.

Families with down payments as low as 3 or 5 percent have been able to purchase a home thanks to private mortgage insurance (MI) for 60 years. Since 1957, MI has helped 25 million families become homeowners. In the past year alone, MI helped more than 795,000 homeowners purchase or refinance a mortgage. Nearly half were first time homebuyers and more than 40 percent had incomes below $75,000.

How MI works
Mortgage insurance is simple. In addition to the other parts of mortgage underwriting process — such as verifying employment and determining the borrower’s ability to afford the monthly payment — lenders traditionally required 20 percent down to ensure the borrower had some of their own money committed before the bank would provide a loan. This is where MI enters, bridging the down payment divide to qualify borrowers for mortgage financing.

Benefits of MI
* It helps you buy a home, sooner. For the average firefighter or school teacher, it could take 20 years to save the typical down payment. Private mortgage insurers help borrowers qualify with as little as 3 percent down.

* It’s temporary, leading to lower monthly payments. MI can be cancelled once you build 20 percent equity, either through payments or home price appreciation — typically in the first five to seven years. This is not the case for FHA loans, the federal government’s form of MI. The majority of which require MI for the life of the loan.

* It provides several flexible payment options. Your lender can offer several options for MI payment; the most common is paid monthly along with your mortgage.

* It’s tax-deductible. Subject to income limits, MI premiums are tax deductible — similar to interest paid on a mortgage. In 2014, 4 million taxpayers benefited from this deduction with the average being $1,402.

MI is a stable, cost effective way to obtain low down payment mortgages, and offers distinct benefits to borrowers. It’s been a cornerstone of the U.S. housing market for decades, providing millions the opportunity to own homes despite financial barriers. Ask your lender for low down payment options using MI. You can realize your dream of becoming a Keller homeowner. Visit www.USMI.org for more information.

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 

102 Preserve Place Lewisville, TX 75067

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/HXB5RP/102-Preserve-Place-Lewisville-TX-13489102

The perfect fit! This cozy three bedroom, two and a half bath Townhome is close to shopping and highways. Open floor plan boasts plenty of natural light. Large kitchen offers granite surfaces and stainless appliances. Spacious dining area and living room overlook patio. Retreat to the master and relax in the spa like bath. Loft area and large secondary bedrooms offer a place for everyone. Two car garage and private patio complete this package.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.1

Square feet: 2,017

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 3977848 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13489102

Is marble making a comeback? 5 tips for Keller homeowners

Marble touts a long precious history in design. For thousands of years, the beautiful stone has been used to complete some of the most famous structures in the world, such as the Taj Mahal, the Supreme Court building, the leaning tower of Pisa, the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s Statue of David.

However, in the 1980s, the material lost some of its classic appeal in American design, becoming synonymous with gaudy, over-the-top style. Throughout the decade, homes were outfitted with marble bathrooms, kitchens and other living spaces, accented with shiny brass or gold fixtures.

Fast forward to today and marble is making its way back into homes — thanks to an ‘80s design renaissance — but designers are thinking differently about how to incorporate the look in ways that are more timeless and less ostentatious. Companies are even giving marble a fashionable, playful twist, creating everything from backpacks to yoga pants to furniture inspired by the stone.

If you’re planning an upcoming renovation for your Keller home, here are five tips for incorporating the marble look.

Make a grand entrance.
In the foyer, marble floors make a statement for visitors. Adding marble to the floor is a great option since it is traditionally a smaller space — meaning more bang for the buck. Marble also adds visual interest to a home from the moment someone steps through the front door.

Add sophistication to the kitchen.
The marble aesthetic will continue to be a staple in the kitchen, as there are few countertops that look as luxurious and everlasting. However, the natural material should be used with caution on high-traffic surfaces like countertops. Considered a porous soft stone, marble requires regular sealing, and accidental spills from wine, acid or any dark liquid could easily stain the material.

To get the same look as marble with less worry, consider innovative alternatives, which are constantly being introduced to the market. Brands like Neolith — a 100 percent natural, high-performance, sintered compact surface — offer a true interpretation of marble in a lightweight, low maintenance material.

Turn a functional bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
The industry is bringing back yet another popular idea from the 1980s: the resurgence of the separation in the bath, with separate showers and oversized bathtubs. Homeowners and designers today are customizing the rooms with thoughtful elements that integrate better with their lifestyles and design preferences.

Consider whole slabs of marble or marble-inspired surfacing to line the shower walls or floors. Use softer colors such as gray, white and cream, which will make the bathroom feel light and clean.

Focus on marble accents in living spaces.
Marble makes an excellent material for furniture, but if you entertain a lot or have young children, marble could be too difficult to maintain. When a simple glass of water can leave a permanent ring behind, it’s important to seek out alternative materials to get the high-end look that can withstand the wear and tear of life. Marble and its alternatives are offered in numerous colors, so do not feel the need to stick to neutral tones; a colored marble tabletop could add just the right pop of color needed to bring the space to life.

The marble aesthetic can also instantly elevate the look of a living room when used around a fireplace. Websites like www.neolith.com offer visualizer tools so you can how envision how the marble look will enhance your living space, before making a purchase commitment.

Incorporate marble into a home with accessories.
One of the best aspects of the marble revival is that marble accessories are showing up on store shelves. This allows people to try out the trend before making a permanent decision to incorporate the material. A marble clock in the living space, a marble coffee mug or marble lamps are perfect for those seeking to incorporate the material on a smaller scale.

Marble is a great way to infuse luxurious elements in your Keller home as it will add a timeless feature, but it is important to do your research to see where the material is most appropriate to ensure its longevity. It’s important to know when to use authentic marble and when to turn to an alternative option.

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 

4 easy ways to pest-proof your Keller home

You turn out the light and are just about to drift off to sleep when you hear a noise coming from the attic. You sit up to listen, but it quickly goes quiet again. You lay back down and close your eyes, and just as you fall asleep, the noise is back, this time it's coming from inside the wall.

You have a visitor - an unwanted visitor.

As much as we all enjoy the comfort our homes, they are also the perfect setting for pests like rats, mice and raccoons to snuggle up and escape the cold air, too.

Whether you've already noticed signs of pest activity or just want more peace of mind at home, use these four preventative tips to eliminate and prevent potential pest infestations.

1. Seal off entry points to stop rodents from squeezing in.
Rodents can enter through holes as small as a dime, and will use any vulnerable opening to get in-from your foundation to your roofline. To keep these unwelcome intruders out, start by checking the perimeter of your home and repairing any small cracks or holes. In order to prevent rodents from chewing through these sealed areas, layer your sealing work by stuffing it first with a metal mesh, such as steel wool, and then sealing it down with caulk. This can also help keep summer pests such as spiders and ants at bay.

Don't forget to check for gaps around conduit pipes, worn-out door sweeps and garage seals, as well as torn screens behind gables and roof vents. And, avoid leaving your doors open unnecessarily-even between trips to the car for groceries.

2. Secure food sources to eliminate the attraction.
Pests are not picky eaters. Once they find a food source, they are notorious for overstaying their welcome (and inviting friends). While critters can thrive in even the cleanest of houses, Keller homeowners should remove any temptations by sweeping up spills and crumbs immediately. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends storing food in airtight containers made of thick plastic or metal. This is especially important when storing pet food or bird seed in the garage.

3. Clear up clutter in your yard.
Stacks of firewood, old tires or other debris leaning against your exterior walls are a perfect, protected pathway around your house. Leave at least a foot of space between these items and your home, and move mulch away, too. Then, clean out your gutters and remove any dead leaves. Not only do piles of colorful fall foliage make for the perfect autumn Instagram photo, but raking these away from your home can help prevent pests like earwigs and snakes from finding warmth and building nests.

Keller homeowners with green thumbs should also thoroughly clean out planters before bringing them in for winter, as spiders will often lay eggs at the bottom of pots to hatch next spring.

4. Know when to call in the pros.
As with most home improvement projects, there are great do-it-yourself methods available to prevent pest control issues in your home. However, waiting until it's too late to call in a certified professional can be dangerous and lead to major damage, costing you money and time. Pest control companies like Terminix offer free pest inspections to assess your home, and if needed, can remove any critters that may have settled in. To keep your family worry-free, they will seal any entry points to ensure winter pests can't return.

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