Grove Team Keller Williams: July 2018

Monday, July 30, 2018

5 landscaping tips for Keller homeowners

It’s easy to appreciate the sights and smells afforded by lawns and landscapes, but when it comes to your Keller home's yard there is much more to consider besides pleasing aesthetics and aromas. Many would even be surprised to learn that the benefits of a lush lawn and stunning landscape design extend well beyond a yard’s perimeter.

That’s right, well-managed landscapes offer tremendous benefits for the community and environment. Here are just a few:

Scrubs the air: Beautiful greenery, including grass, catch dust, smoke particles and other pollutants to make the air you breathe fresher and cleaner.

Protects waterways: Well-maintained yards and lawns help prevent soil erosion and unwanted runoff into nearby lakes, streams and rivers.

Adds oxygen: A 50-by-50-foot lawn produces enough oxygen to supply a family of four.

Boosts home values: The yard is the first thing a potential buyer sees, and it sets the first impression. If you plan to sell your home in the next few years, investing in your landscaping now can pay dividends later. A recent study by the National Association of REALTORS and National Association of Landscape Professionals found that investing in landscape maintenance recovers 100 percent of the cost at the time of sale!

Makes you feel good: Having a nice yard with lush turf and well-tended landscapes delivers some mood-enhancing properties as well. Looking at plants and trees, even through a window, has been found to lower stress and blood pressure, while walking among plants and trees improves attention and memory.

Ideas to enhance your yard's natural benefits

Now that you know the benefits of your lawn and landscapes, you may be inspired to try some of these simple improvements to make it look and feel even better. Some of these can even save you time and effort, so you have more hours to spend outdoors.

Mow properly: Raising the deck height of your lawn mower is one simple thing you can do right now to improve your green space. When mowing, the blade should remove no more than a 1/3 inch from the blade of grass.

Mow at the right time: Professionals recommend to not mow right after it rains. Mowing wet grass will cause clumping and ruts. This also leaves the lawn more susceptible to certain diseases.

Let the clippings drop: “Grass cycling” your clippings allows nitrogen and other nutrients to return to the soil. Even better, it eliminates the step of hauling around heavy bags of yard waste.

Invest in smarter watering tools: An irrigation system saves time on watering chores, but one that uses smart technology and weather-based data will apply water only when your lawn and garden need it.

Consider natural landscaping: The next time you choose flowers, shrubs or trees, opt for species native to your region. These plants have adapted to the climate, so they’re more resilient to your region’s weather patterns, and require less watering than exotic species.

With these tips, you have plenty to get started on creating a beautiful lawn and landscape that looks and feels even better. If you’re seeking fresh ideas to amp up your landscaping or want to maximize its full environmental and enjoyment benefits, consider turning to the expertise of a lawn care or landscape professional. With help from a professional, your Keller home can have the outdoor oasis of your dreams.

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. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

Sunday, July 29, 2018

4 ways gardening is good for Keller homeowners

In this increasingly digital world, there's an app for just about everything. People are glued to their smartphones, texting instead of talking, and, in general, interacting with technology more than they do with the living, breathing world around them. But there's a cure for tech overload: Gardening. Whether you're creating a vegetable garden in your backyard or planting flowers and herbs on your apartment balcony, it's all about getting outside, feeling the sun on your face, and putting your hands into the soil.

If you find you're desperately in need of a break from devices, try gardening to get back in touch with what's real.

If you've never gardened before, it might sound intimidating, but just dive in. Plant a flower in the ground or grow herbs on your Keller home's windowsill and see what happens. Sun, water, and a little TLC is all it takes. You'll find that gardening is an easy, enjoyable hobby that anyone can learn to do. And it's good for your health, too. Here are four surprising ways gardening is good for you.

Locally grown food is healthy. Eating local is on trend these days. What's more local than your own backyard? Pick your veggies at the peak of ripeness and walk 20 feet to your table, rather than having them picked early and transported for 20 (or 200) miles to the grocery store. That means they're full of flavor and freshness. You're getting more nutrients, too. Specially selected vegetables with higher antioxidants filled with vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene, selenium and lycopene foster a healthier diet. Another health benefit: Growing your own vegetables allows you to choose what fertilizers and pesticides come in contact with your food. Instead of paying more at the grocery store for organic produce, grow it at home for a fraction of the cost. And the convenience factor can't be beat. Craving a salad for dinner? Pop outside and pick some lettuce.

You'll have more compassion and less anxiety. Research has found that gardening creates compassion toward others, less worry and anxiety, and lowers depression. Further, people who spend more time around plants are more likely to help others and engage in social relationships. If you want to experience the satisfaction for yourself, start with something simple. Petunias are the perfect easy-maintenance, high-performance plants that are great for beginners!

Gardening combats loneliness. Studies show that chronic loneliness increases your risk for all kinds of ailments, from stress hormones to inflammation to heart disease. Gardening combats loneliness by giving us a sense of community as it allows us to come together to enjoy local gardens or meet fellow gardeners in your neighborhood. Looking to go one step further? Start a weekly cooking group with friends using ingredients from your gardens!

It counts as a workout. You might not think of gardening as a physical activity, but it gets your heart rate pumping. Whether you’re pulling weeds, lifting petunia planters, or working the soil, research shows you'll be burning 200 to 400 calories per hour!

So, the next time you're feeling digital fatigue, let gardening in your Keller home's yard be your refuge. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

640 Unbridled Lane Keller, TX 76248

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/JM6JXC/640-Unbridled-Lane-Keller-TX-13891784

Curtain rising! If you desire graceful living among beautiful surroundings, you must see this spacious home located on over one half acre in Keller ISD. The open concept and abundance of natural light evoke a relaxing lifestyle. A warm and welcoming family room perfect for entertaining guests features a wall of windows and the warmth of a fireplace. Retreat to the master suite with sitting area and spa-like bath offering his and her vanities, jetted, garden tub and separate shower. Large secondary bedrooms, gameroom, media room and study provide a place for everyone. Enjoy the private backyard with patio and plenty of room for outdoor fun. Conveniently located close to restaurants and shopping.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.2

Square feet: 3,610

Price: $450,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 5159857 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

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

MLS ID: 13891784

Saturday, July 21, 2018

1112 Edgewater Drive Azle, TX 76020

Property Tour: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/A7Z65V/1112-Edgewater-Drive-Azle-TX-13894156

Precious memories begin here in this beautiful one story home tucked away in a family oriented community. The open concept and abundance of natural light evoke a relaxing lifestyle. Spacious kitchen offers plenty of space for meal prep featuring island, breakfast bar and granite surfaces. Entertain family and friends in the sizable family room. Retreat to the Master suite for private time and relax in the garden tub. Large secondary bedrooms, study and awesome yard complete this perfect package. Conveniently located to Eagle Mountain Lake, restaurants and shopping.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square feet: 1,737

Price: $185,000

For more information about this property, please contact Diane M. Grove at 817-337-0000 or info@groveteam.com. You can also text 5157807 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

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

MLS ID: 13894156

Monday, July 16, 2018

5 kitchen safety tips for Keller homeowners

Cooking equipment is the top cause of home fires, and the second leading cause of home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Be prepared to fight the small flames by following the below tips to stay safe in the kitchen.

Properly equip your Keller home. Keep your family and house safe by ensuring that functioning smoke alarms are installed throughout your home. The NFPA recommends one alarm on every floor, including the basement, and inside every bedroom. In addition, install smoke alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances to minimize false alarms. All alarms should be tested monthly, and for alarms without 10-year batteries, replace the batteries every six months.

Keep an eye on your food. Staying in the kitchen while cooking is key to preventing oven or stovetop fires. Whether you’re simmering, baking, boiling or roasting, check on your food regularly. If you need a reminder that the oven or stove is on, just set a timer. Be aware that fires can happen fast, so if you must leave the kitchen — even for a short period of time — turn off the stove.

Clean your appliances. Keep all your appliances clean of grease and food debris that could potentially cause a fire. Clear the toaster of crumbs and wipe down the stovetop as needed. Ovens should be cleaned at least every three to six months.

Clear off kitchen countertops. Keep your countertops clean and clear of flammable objects. Move items such as pot holders, wooden utensils, plastic bags, food packaging and paper towels away from the stove, oven or any other kitchen device that generates heat.

Be prepared when disaster strikes. Over 70 percent of fire extinguisher owners say that they would not feel very comfortable actually operating one. Providing homeowners with a user-friendly, affordable solution, some modern extinguishers feature a lightweight spray-can design that has no pins or levers — making it easy to use. It can put out common household fires, including cooking oil, fabric, paper, wood and electrical fires. Tundra sprays four times longer than an average fire extinguisher and fits perfectly in your kitchen cabinet. Plus, it won’t damage your stove or countertop; simply wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.

Having the necessary fire safety tools and knowledge, and talking with your family members about these safety precautions, can help prevent potentially fatal kitchen fires in your Keller home.

Sunday, July 15, 2018

DIY Keller home improvement projects

The words home improvement usually conjure up images of major undertakings like tiling your bathroom or kitchen or tearing down a wall, taking hours or even days to complete. The fact is there are some meaningful home improvements Keller homeowners can finish in under two hours.

1) Need more daylight? Have you ever wished your home had more daylight? Maybe you want to bring light to a small place like a closet or laundry room. Or maybe you have a room with a window but still not enough light. One solution is a daylighting system from Solatube. This product can be installed in under two hours and floods the interior with natural light.

2) Concerned about security? Installing a video doorbell takes just a few minutes and you can monitor visitors at your front door on your smartphone through an app. This is a way to add some security to your home. You can be anywhere with your phone but answer your front door and see who’s there. They have no idea where you are, home or otherwise.

3) Dealing with poor indoor air quality? The upstairs can often be hotter than the downstairs. Air can be humid and wet. House odors from cooking, pets, etc., can hang around. Newer model fans are quiet (with a light white noise) and can be installed without reframing. When you open the windows with the whole house fan on, it strips out the heat from the home as well as the unwelcome smells. In summer months it keeps the house cooler and it eliminates stale air in the winter.

4) Considering a new bathroom fan? Another product that installs quickly is an upgraded bathroom fan. It comes with a variety of options such as heaters and lights. An upgraded bathroom fan can dramatically reduce bathroom humidity and odors and run more quietly.

5) Still using outdated light bulbs? An easy home improvement project is to swap out light bulbs for LEDs. Even CFL bulbs can’t hold a candle to LED bulbs, which, while more expensive, last up to 20 years or more.

This gives you an idea of some ways to spruce up your Keller home in under two hours. But the changes will be long-lasting!

Sunday, July 8, 2018

How Keller homeowners can remodel to age in place

With kids grown and moved out, many adults are considering remodeling to meet their future needs. This has inspired the idea of aging in place, meaning the desire to have a high quality of life in your Keller home as you get older.

According to the AARP, 87 percent of adults age 65 and older want to stay in their current home and community as they age. Furthermore, among people age 50 to 64, 71 percent of people want to age in place. The desire to age in place typically requires making thoughtful updates to a home to accommodate senior needs.

Multigenerational households are also changing for older family members. Sometimes it's necessary to have elderly relatives move in to your home for them to thrive. Adult children will opt to make remodeling updates so spaces are safe, comfortable and accessible for all.

Whether you're remodeling for yourself or a family member, there are many things to consider. Making changes where it matters most will help transform the household into a secure space for aging adults.

Single-story living

Having all rooms on a single story is the ideal layout for senior living. That means the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen can be accessed without having to travel to different levels of the home. Keep in mind, open-concept designs can be beneficial for seniors, but if you are updating hallways, make sure they are at least 36 inches wide for easy maneuverability.

Bathroom additions

Adding a bathroom to facilitate single-story living might seem impossible if you don't have existing drainage. However, it is feasible and doesn't require costly demolition. With Saniflo, you can add a complete bathroom where no drainage existed before, thanks to above-floor plumbing features like a macerating toilet and drain pumps.

Bathroom safety

Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in a home, particularly for those age 65 and older who are more prone to falls. When remodeling, add wall supports such as grab bars in the bath, shower and by the toilet. For showers, a fold-down seat and handheld showerhead can add comfort. A wall-hung sink adds space below and can make it easier to clean and move around. Avoid using rugs and instead install slip-resistant flooring.

Kitchen additions

Redesigning your home with a mother-in-law suite for aging relatives can be a nice way to provide them with everything they need. It will also ensure that everyone has their desired privacy in the home. Again, don't let drainage limit your remodel plans. Add a modest kitchen setup using Saniflo Sanivite technology. It will pump wastewater away from a variety of sources, such as a kitchen sink, laundry sink and washing machine.

Ramps and stairs

There may be spaces in a home where you can't avoid installing a ramp or stairs. The entryway is one such area. For stairways, install handrails on both sides and add contrast strips to prevent tripping and stumbling hazards. For ramps, the National Association of Home Builders recommends slopes no greater than 1-inch rise for each 12 inches in length, a 2-inch curb for safety and a 5-foot landing at the entrance. All ramps or stairs should have adequate lighting for easy visibility.

Ample lighting

As vision decreases with age, lighting becomes a critical element throughout a home. Consider adding windows and skylights for plenty of natural light. Swap in brighter bulbs and add adjustable features that allow you to customize settings for frequently used spaces. Finally, add motion lights to hallways and bathrooms for easy evening use. Hard-wired lights are preferred to plug-in options, but if you must have cords, make sure they are hidden or secured to the ground.

When aging in place matters to you or your family members, these guidelines can help you remodel wisely. Smart updates will help you enjoy your Keller home today and thrive in the future.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Tips to finance your Keller home improvement project

Whether it’s transforming a fixer-upper into your dream home or just giving a makeover to your kitchen or bathroom, home improvement projects are on the minds of many new Keller homeowners.

While many things about renovating your home are flexible, your budget might not be. In general, not a single floor board is laid, or a new countertop installed without money, which is why every home renovation project should begin with careful financial planning.

There are several ways to finance larger projects and it’s important to explore your options to find the one that’s right for you. Below are five important tips to keep in mind when deciding how to fund your next home project.

1. Shop around. The better you plan, the better chance you’ll save money. Before anything gets torn out or installed, you should spend time consulting with contractors and getting estimates. Look at the work they’ve done to see if they would be a good fit. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions to make sure you’re working with the right people and paying the right price.

2. Consider financing options. There are several options when financing a home improvement project and it is important to choose the right fit for you. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) require you to borrow against the value of your home, with home equity loans offering a lump sum while home equity lines of credit provide you with a credit line you can borrow against. An unsecured home improvement loan can be used based on your creditworthiness and ability to pay, not tied to a piece of collateral.

3. Create a budget. Because of the nature of remodels, things often end up costing more than you might think. No matter how big or how small the project, you need to have a solid sense of what your “all in” budget number is. This should not only account for hard and soft costs for things like labor, materials and designers, it should also account for contingency costs. Experts typically recommend budgeting an additional 15 to 20 percent for unexpected scenarios that might arise. A thoughtful budget will help keep your priorities in front of you and prevent you from spending more than you want.

4. Remember, this is an investment! Not all home renovations will pay off in the long term. It’s important to consider cost vs. value before you start making changes, especially for homeowners looking to sell in the near future. If you plan on putting your house on the market sooner rather than later, be sure to keep track of the top home features to get the best return on your investment.

5. Work with a designer. This might sound like a luxury or an added expense, but in many cases, a designer could actually help save money by finding deals or providing suggestions for less expensive alternatives, such as using quartz or white concrete instead of marble. Above all, their expertise can help avoid costly mistakes that can often arise when people try to cut corners on their own.

With these tips, you should be better prepared to finance your Keller home improvement project. When you’re ready to start, you shouldn’t have to wait weeks for a home appraisal to get your renovation project underway.

Special Thanks To: Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R)

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Cooling your Keller home's outdoor spaces

Are Keller, TX and DFW summer’s sizzling temperatures causing you to retreat from your favorite outdoor spaces? Garages, patios, sheds, gardens and other outdoor areas should be enjoyed throughout the year. Unfortunately, TX heat can quickly make being outside intolerable during the dog days of summer.

The good news is keeping outdoor spaces comfortable doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right tools and some thoughtful planning, you can stay cool and continue your favorite hobbies, no matter how high the temperatures rise. Whether it's wrenching on a car, in the garage tackling a DIY project, tending to your patio container garden or simply kicking back on the deck, the following steps can help you stay cool and safe.

Step 1: Shade

Direct sun on decks and patios can make it nearly impossible to enjoy hot days. Strategically install shade features like umbrellas and awnings to add instant protection and ambiance. An alternative is vine-covered trellises that block sunlight and align well with the natural elements outdoors. For covered areas like garages and sheds, direct sunlight isn't a concern, but those rays can raise the temperatures in those spaces fast. That's why it's important to take additional steps to cool the air within.

Step 2: Portable cooling

Fans alone simply circulate stagnant, hot air throughout outdoor living spaces. Instead consider an evaporative cooler. Evaporative coolers drop temperatures through the naturally occurring process of evaporation using water and the surrounding air, without creating mist. Open backyard spaces, patios and garages can be more comfortably cool on the hottest days by rolling this cooler wherever it's needed.

Step 3: Insulation

For covered spaces like garages and sheds, adding insulation can help regulate temperatures. Batt insulation is inexpensive and an easy weekend DIY project to install if drywall isn't present. Add to walls and ceiling spaces where applicable and then cover with drywall. If you already have drywall, you can look into blown-in insulation options. By insulating these spaces, you'll help keep sweltering heat out and cool air in for more enjoyable summer days.

Step 4: Color

Keep color in mind when evaluating outdoor spaces. Light colors reflect the sun and dark colors absorb it, causing temperatures to rise. For decks and patios, opt for rugs and furniture in light colors to stay cool and comfortable. For garages and sheds, consider the color of the exterior. If you find the afternoon sun beats mercilessly down upon it, consider painting the exterior a lighter shade of paint, and when it's time to replace the roof, choose a new color in a lighter hue.

Summer heat doesn't have to force you indoors. Enjoy favorite outdoor spaces with these simple steps to stay cool and comfortable outside your Keller home.