Smart storage ideas to squeeze extra space from your bathroom

Shampoo bottles, makeup tools, lotions, linens and laundry - the bathroom is one of the most frequented rooms in your Keller home and clutter can collect quickly. Stop the chaos before it gets out of control by implementing some smart storage solutions. With these simple ideas, your bathroom will be the most functional and fashionable room in the house.

Streamline shower shelving
It's time to say goodbye to hanging racks from shower heads and precarious corner shelving and hello to customizable storage accessories, minimizing clutter and ensuring everything you need is close at hand. Sturdy shelves and accessories are easily snapped into locations within the shower - no tools necessary.

A fully accessorized wall can include four rimmed shelf/soap dishes, two 4-inch deep storage bins, and soap dishes with towel bar and two shower hooks. Plus, the back wall has molded foot ledges on either side, providing a safe, handy shaving ledge. Check out these DIY ideas on cleaning up shower clutter for good.

Dare to go vertical
Expand the storage potential of a small bathroom by using vertical storage options. Floor space may be limited, but by installing shelving and other smart storage options on walls, you dramatically increase space for necessities. For example, floating shelves are an elegant and space-saving option that are easy to install over the toilet or between a mirror and a pedestal sink. That small space above the door? Perfect for a shelf to store mason jars full of supplies or those beautiful perfume bottles.

Need extra space to store linens and washcloths? Install stacked towel racks on the back of your door or hang baskets on the wall and then place folded linens inside for a tidy look that keeps fluffy towels within easy reach.

Vamp up the vanity
From shaving and combing to primping and curling, the vanity is center stage for your daily routines. That means clutter can easily take over the countertops and drawers if you're not careful. A few thoughtful steps will help you organize and maximize your vanity space. To start, donate or dispose of any products or tools you don't use. Then purchase some drawer organizers or reuse small plastic containers to get items in order.

On the inside of doors, install small pieces of PVC pipe vertically to store hair tools and cords. You can also repurpose spice racks on doors to hold a slew of personal products. For hair accessories or other small metal objects, a magnetic strip on the inside of a door or drawer is amazingly effective.

With these simple storage ideas, Keller homeowners can cut clutter, keep spaces clean and never trip over a random bottle or towel on the floor again.

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

10408 Camrose Court Fort Worth, TX 76244

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/H3CS2X/10408-Camrose-Court-Fort-Worth-TX-13510538

Over a quarter-acre lot in Keller ISD! This 5 bedroom, 3.1 bath home on quiet cul-de-sac boasts open design floor plan perfect for entertaining with beautiful two story stone fireplace. The sleek kitchen features butler's pantry, island, granite countertops, custom cabinets and SS appliances. Retreat to the private master suite and relax in the luxurious spa-like bath. Upstairs game and media rooms, study space and large secondary bedrooms offer plenty of space for the whole family. Don't miss this one!

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4

Square feet: 4,827

Price: $390,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4047127 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13510538

6996 Stonybrooke Drive North Richland Hills, TX 76182

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/GUGD9U/6996-Stonybrooke-Drive-North-Richland-Hills-TX-13510135

BE YOUR OWN DECORATOR! This 5 bedroom, 2.1 bath, two story home located in established neighborhood needs some help to make it a home. Large family room with open design is perfect for entertaining. Retreat to the private master suite featuring dual sinks, his and her closets, separate shower and garden tub. Large secondary bedrooms, game room and office offer a place for everyone. Awesome sized yard, close to shopping, restaurants and highways. Birdville ISD. Price reflects As-Is condition. Please submit best and final by 4 p.m. on Thursday 12.22.16. Roof will be replaced before closing.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3

Square feet: 2,978

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 4044882 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13510135

3 easy home improvement projects for Keller homeowners

During the milder months - like summer and fall - Keller homeowners naturally tend to prioritize working on the exterior of their houses, because the weather is nice. But in the winter, we're more apt to tackle smaller home improvement projects inside. This seems like a no brainer, right? After all, no one wants to redo landscaping when it's 35 degrees outside.

With that in mind, these three easy home improvement projects can help you make the most of your winter indoors.

Repaint your walls
While you're holed up inside the house decorating for the holidays or just escaping the cold, you may start noticing places on your walls in high-traffic areas with one too many scuff marks or kids' grimy handprints. Whether they come from the kids, the pets or even yourself, erasing them is quick and easy.

Primer and sealer can take care of these marks and more. Newer high-hiding products only need one hour of dry time before you apply your topcoat, so there's no need to set aside a whole weekend to cross this project off your list.

Clear grout of gunk
No matter how much cleaning you do at your house, there's one thing that's hard to keep looking clean: grout. The dirt and grime that turns your grout nasty colors can be scrubbed out, but it takes a little extra TLC.

To clean grout at your home, wipe the surface with a wet cloth and mix up a paste of two-parts baking soda and one-part water. Scrub it onto the grout surface using an old toothbrush or stiff-bristled brush, then rinse the area with water. If your grout lines are stained from mildew or kitchen spills, try spraying a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water onto the tile. It'll foam for a bit, but once it's done, scrub it well. After a final rinse, the stains should be gone.

Seal out the elements
If your home is susceptible to heavy rain or snow , know that weather can lead to serious issues in your foundation. To prevent water damage and leakage stains, inspect masonry on the interior and exterior of your home. Fill any defects you find with fast-setting hydraulic cement and clean up the surface.

Once the surface is clean and dry, apply two coats of of masonry waterproofer. This interior and exterior product is formulated for waterproofing basement walls, masonry walls, retaining walls, and cinder and concrete blocks. Once the second coat is dry, you're all set for the winter.

Start your project today
When it comes to home projects, wintertime doesn't have to mean downtime. Start your project season with any of the three ideas listed above and when warmer months roll along, you'll be ready to step out and make your Keller home's exterior as beautiful as your interior.

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

Buying your first Keller home? Follow this New Year's plan to get fiscally fit

So buying a new home in Keller tops your list of New Year's resolutions. As you picture the big moment - the one where you pull up to your dream home in your moving truck, sprint up and unlock your front door - you probably understand there's something you need to do first. You need to get your finances in shape.

Just like those who make resolutions to run a marathon, making this big investment starts with a plan. Runners know that if they run a certain distance each day, it gets them closer to accomplishing their goal. The same is true, in many ways, when it comes to buying a home.

By following a few tips to reach financial fitness goals, you, too can achieve the goal of home ownership.

Do those daily sprints
People who reach their fitness goals begin with a look at their current habits and then make a plan to replace them with better ones. The same is true for homebuyers. First, look at the spending choices you've been making, and review three to six months' worth of bank statements. Consider what is necessary and what needs to cut back. The goal is to trim the fat in your budget so you can use the extra money to reduce your debt and increase your savings.

Crunch your debt
Take a look at your debts and consider the monthly payments you make. Are there any debts standing in the way of making a house payment affordable? Those are the ones you want to knock out with an accelerated payment plan, using the money you freed up by cutting back on unnecessary expenses. Try focusing on one debt at a time, paying close attention to the ones with the highest interest rates to pay off first.

Beef up your credit score
The good habits you exercise today will make all the difference on your interest rate later. Put in the extra work to raise your credit score. Your credit score pulls together many details from your past and current debts as well as other financial factors, and helps lenders determine your creditworthiness. Making the effort to raise your score is worthwhile because shaving off even one-quarter of a percentage point from a mortgage loan can potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

A credit score factors your history of on-time payments, the amount you owe on your debts, the type of credit you have, the age of that debt and any recently opened new credit lines as well as other factors. You may be able to improve your score and get the lowest possible interest rate on a home loan if you follow these "reps" every month: pay all your bills on time, don't close old credit card accounts and don't open new lines of credit.

Increase your intake of savings
Even when paying down debt, it's still a good idea to start a small savings plan so you have some cash to fall back on if, say, you need to go to the doctor or get new tires for your car. Start by opening a savings account and set up automatic transfers each month. Even with $50 a month, you'll have $600 in one year, which could bail you out of a number of small emergencies. Eventually, once your debts are paid off, you can divert those payments right into savings, which also can build your down payment for that new dream home

Prepare for the big event
All these steps lead to one main event: buying your home. Once you meet those smaller goals - following a budget, eliminating debt, raising your credit score, and saving for your down payment - you're ready for the final push toward home ownership.

First, figure out how much home you can afford: look at home prices in your area, use an online loan calculator to estimate your payments, and go through your budget. Then gather up the financial documents you'll need, including proof of employment, bank statements and tax statements. Finally, choose a lender that is right for you.

Following these steps can lead first time buyers to their Keller home and instill great habits in the process.

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 

5 home-building secrets you should know

Any professional builder will tell you, the secret to building a truly great house isn't what fixtures you choose or the type of crown molding you install. Rather, the most important components of a house are hidden behind the build. For those interested in building a home in Keller or the surrounding area, here are five things to know.

 The following five points represent some of the most important hidden aspects of any new home construction that will ensure your house retains its beauty for decades.

1. Proper insulation. Texas summers can be very hot. In such situations you'll rely on air conditioning. Good insulation not only saves money, but keeps your AC and furnace units working longer and more effectively.

 2. Subflooring. Whether you use hickory, maple or bamboo, everyone has their preference when it comes to flooring, but something that all flooring materials need is a solid subfloor. Like a box-spring for your mattress, subflooring provides a solid foundation that prevents sagging and squeaking, keeping your finished floor looking better, for longer.

 3. A smart house. Just like our phones, cars and televisions have been radically changed by the digital revolution, so have our homes. Today's modern smart homes are designed to fit our digital lives. Some features to consider are a consul to place your WiFi router so you can set up the appliances and thermostat for wireless. That way you'll be able to access them from a tablet or phone. You might even want to install some USB outlets.

 4. Modern kitchen solutions. Today it's all about expansive, open-concept kitchens. With stone countertops and larger refrigerators, engineers have noticed the combination of heavy appliances and a larger floor surface area puts more stress on the finished floors. Installing subflooring creates a solid base for floorboards and heavy modern appliances to rest on, thus helping to prevent squeaky or uneven floors in your kitchen.

 5. Choose the right exterior walls. The exterior "shells" of new Keller homes are being built tighter. In other words, new products and practices are being used to help reduce air leakage as part of the overall energy efficiency design. Next-generation exterior sheathing systems like ZIP System(R) sheathing and ZIP System(TM) tape have built-in water barriers and taped panel seams to create one continuous protective barrier underneath your finished exterior to help lock-out water and air.

If you haven't already, talk with your builder about the hidden elements of your home, that will help your home stand up to the tests of everyday life. After all, this is the house you always envisioned, and behind the beautiful layout, you want to make sure you have a solid foundation and good bones to ensure lasting beauty and life.

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 

3 reasons why winter is a smart time to buy a Keller home

Don't give up on buying a home as winter nears. In fact, December through February may be better for Keller home buyers than the busy season in spring and summer.

Enjoy less competition and lower prices.
Fewer properties are typically available during the winter, as sellers and buyers aim to complete transactions before the school year begins. You can turn that to your advantage.

In winter, there are less homes for sale, but less competition, with fewer buyers per property. The more favorable supply-demand balance can lower prices. Also, winter sellers may be more motivated, especially if they're forced to sell by divorce or by corporate or military transfers.

In January and February, homes cost 8.45 percent less on average than in June through August, according to NerdWallet research conducted using Realtor.com data from 2014 and 2015.

Lower prices help at closing - and over the life of your mortgage.
A lower price can ease your home transaction in many ways. It lowers your down payment, any closing costs that are calculated as a percentage of the home's sale price and your mortgage payments.

There's also less of a seller's agent commission bundled into the sales price. These savings help when you buy, and they add up over the life of your mortgage.

The right agent can help.
When supply is limited, the right agent can help you get a jump on other buyers. Agents who are well connected learn about properties before they are listed.

The right agent understands the market where you are buying. That includes doing competitive market analysis so you understand what the house is worth.

If you are considering buying a Keller home, winter may be a good time to explore the market.

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 

637 Goldstone Lane Fort Worth, TX 76131

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/AGW2LQ/637-Goldstone-Lane-Fort-Worth-TX-13501834

Precious memories begin here! This well maintained 5 bedroom, 3.1 bath home boasts wonderful, open floor plan with spacious dining and family rooms ideal for family gatherings. Light and bright kitchen features breakfast bar, granite surfaces and ample storage. Enjoy the first level, private master suite, large secondary bedrooms, study and game room. Awesome yard allows plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing under the covered patio.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4

Square feet: 2,743

Price: $250,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4023058 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13501834

13400 Escalara Lane Justin, TX 76247

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/WTALEX/13400-Escalara-Lane-Justin-TX-13503309

Elegant 4 bedroom, 3 bath custom home with luxury finish out and attention to detail in every room! Chef's kitchen complete with double oven, island, granite counters and built-in bench seating. Luxury master suite with sitting area, large secondary bedrooms, office and gameroom offer a place for everyone. Hand scraped wood floors, conditioned attic storage, hot water circulating system, 16 SEER HVAC and Argon gas filled windows. Guaranteed to average less than $99 per mo. to heat and cool.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Square feet: 3,564

Price: $500,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 4023063 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 13503309

4 tips to help keep your home warm, comfortable and energy efficient this winter

With winter comes the holiday season, a time that's supposed to be associated with "comfort and joy." But how joyful will it be if pests invade your Keller home, or if your home is cold and drafty? Help stay warm all winter long by addressing factors like air leaks from gaps and cracks that can make your home feel uncomfortable.

Consider these steps to help ensure a draft-free, pest-free and comfy home this winter season:

Seal cracks and gaps
Gaps and cracks throughout the home allow hot air to escape and cold air and pests to enter. Energy Star estimates that homes can have a half mile or more of cracks around doors, windows and sill plates alone, and those aren't the only places in a home where gaps can exist. Air duct joints, points where piping enters a home, and anywhere wood meets concrete (such as around the foundation) are locations where cracks and gaps can occur.

Sealing cracks can help prevent air leakage, improve a home's overall energy efficiency and block out pests and insects. In fact, homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling by air sealing their homes and adding insulation.

Even do-it-yourself novices can easily and quickly seal cracks and gaps in their homes. Insulating Foam Sealants are specially formulated to seal gaps and cracks, blocking out air, moisture and even pests. The ready-to-use insulating foam sealants can fill gaps up to 1 inch. When sealing gaps, be sure to follow safety guidelines, including covering all skin, using gloves and safety goggles, and keeping the work area well ventilated.

Check insulation
Insulation is like a blanket that your home wears to help keep everyone inside warm and cozy. If your home doesn't have the right amount or type of insulation for your climate, it can lose heat, energy efficiency and comfort. Reports indicate that about 90 percent of existing homes don't have enough insulation.

Follow Energy Star's guidelines for more information on how to check your insulation to see if your home could benefit from adding more.

Take care of the HVAC system
If your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system isn't working as well as it could, you're sacrificing comfort and increasing your energy bills. Make sure to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall to ensure they are operating efficiently.

Have the ducts inspected and seal any leaks. Be sure to change air filters regularly, per the system manufacturer's recommendation for filter type and frequency. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, making HVAC systems work harder and consume more energy to heat your home.

Don't overlook little things
Things as simple as a forgotten window left cracked in summer months or neglecting to close the flue in your wood-burning fireplace can all affect the amount of heat and comfort that escape your Keller home in the winter.

Before the weather turns very cold, make a sweep through your home and check for these minor but important points:

* Windows - Are all your windows closed? If you've recently sealed around windows, you probably opened them for ventilation. Double check to be sure you remembered to close them.

* Thermostat - Is yours properly programmed to optimize energy use by adjusting the temperature when you're out of the house? Proper use of a programmable thermostat can cut energy bills by nearly $200 per year.

* Ceiling fans - you can use ceiling fans to supplement your furnace during the winter, but you have to remember to reverse the air flow. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the fan blades to spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down from the ceiling during winter.

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