5 hardwood floor cleaning steps for Keller homeowners

Getting your home ready for summer means putting away the warm clothing and winter gear, clearing out clutter and making room for lighter and brighter accessories. As you prepare to tidy and organize your Keller home for a summer of get-togethers and cookouts, don't forget to show a little extra love to those hardwood floors. 

The floor is the largest surface in your house, so caring for and cleaning your floors is important to keep the home healthy and dust-free. Particularly for hardwood floors, a little care goes a long way in keeping this central feature in your home looking beautiful.

Here are a few easy tips to care for hardwood floors the right way — quickly, efficiently and safely.

1. Clear out the clutter. Clearing out the room not only looks cleaner but will allow fewer places for those dust bunnies to collect. Carefully move large items out of the way, so you can give the room a wall-to-wall, thorough clean. If you have limited space, move a couple of pieces of furniture at a time. Enlist help from family or friends to avoid scratching your floors and to prevent a back injury. This is also a great opportunity to consider a new furniture arrangement, or to clear out little-used or worn-out items to open your space.

2. Banish the dust. Dust, sweep or gently vacuum hardwood floors first to remove all of the loose dust, accumulated pet hair and fine debris. Even small particles of dirt can create micro scratches in the finish.

3. Get the right tools. Not just any old mop will do. Old-fashioned sponge or string mops tend to just push the dirt around, or they can leave streaks of dirty water on your hardwood floors. For more effective cleaning on any kind of flooring, all-in-one solutions with the large mop head base plates are takng over. That means covering more floor surface in less time. These mops also have rubberized corners to prevent damaging baseboards or furniture during your enthusiastic cleaning. Use a washable, reusable microfiber pad designed for hardwood floors to ensure dirt is lifted and trapped in the pad rather than just pushed around the room. The outer fibers break up grime while the inner fibers trap and absorb dirt.

4. Use the right solution. Did you know that some floor cleaners can damage hardwood floor finish? Standard soap and water, and products containing ammonia or vinegar-and-water solutions can strip the finish and dull your hardwood floors — even when diluted with water — making them look and feel less clean. Oil-based cleaning products can leave a residue, making the surface of your floor dangerously slippery. Instead, look for a residue-free, non-toxic cleaner specially developed to help clean and protect hardwood floors.

5. Protect your floors. After cleaning your hardwood floors, consider using easily washable or vacuumable rugs under furniture to prevent marks or scratches from marring your hardwood floors. Furniture pads are another inexpensive investment to protect the floor finish. Finally, add doormats at key entryways in your home to grab dirt and debris before it ever hits the floor.

The floor is the largest surface in your home, which gets the most wear and tear. A room with a clean floor looks and feels so much better. With the right tools and little effort, you can get your hardwood floors — and your Keller home — ready for anything.

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 owners

3 modern bathroom updates for Keller homeowners

We tend to think of the bathroom as a utilitarian space, and therefore not worthy of the same energy and expense put into designing spaces like the living room or kitchen. We spend a lot of time in the bathroom, however. It’s the room where we start and set intentions for our day. In the evening, the bathroom is where we go to unwind — some people prefer soaking in a bubble bath while others take a hot shower to relax.

A bathroom's design can dramatically affect your experience and Keller home's resale value. Consider improving your daily ritual with these three upgrading tips.

Bring technology into the bathroom

Technology plays a big role in most people's lives, so it’s no surprise that it has started to pop up in bathroom designs, too. Consider how technology can simplify your daily routine. For example, defogging technology built into the vanity mirror allows one person to shower while another is using the mirror. If you have products that need to be charged, like an electric toothbrush or razor, consider installing USB ports inside the medicine cabinet to ensure your go-to items are always ready to use.

Technology can bring entertainment into the bathroom as well. If you like to start off the day with some energetic music or unwind in the bath listening to your favorite podcast, Bluetooth technology can be the perfect way to add entertainment without sacrificing counter space.

Design with ergonomics in mind

Ergonomics is the process of designing and arranging spaces so they fit with the people who use them. When making upgrades to your bathroom, it’s important to think through how you use the space each day. What a functional design might look like to someone else could be inconvenient for you.

Bathroom storage tends to be treated as one-size-fits-all. Many bathrooms have a vanity that contains deep cabinets. People with this basic storage solution are forced to use small containers to organize their products and often must rummage through belongings to get what they need.

An ergonomic bathroom is designed to keep frequently used items accessible. Consider adding a medicine cabinet to your bathroom to keep smaller products that get easily misplaced on hand. A vanity that offers a top drawer allows you to store everyday items, like a hair brush or toothpaste, up higher than a storage cabinet would, meaning you wouldn’t have to bend down as often.

Find the best solutions through personalized designs

The way that your bathroom is set up and how you use your bathroom are unique. It’s often difficult to find an off-the-shelf solution that gives you exactly what you want from this space. Consider a solution instead that is customizable to your needs. Whether you’re working with a difficult bathroom layout or feel limited by space constraints, modular designs help ensure can meet your storage needs.

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 owners

Dispelling myths about Keller home warranty plans

If you’re considering a warranty plan on your Keller home, you are probably doing your due diligence — as you should — on how they work, who the different providers are and what to expect from the experience. This article is meant to help you understand home warranty plans, as well as separate fact from fiction.

Go the extra mile to protect your home

Myth: “I don’t need a home warranty plan because I have home insurance.”

Investing money, time and love into a place to call home can be scary, especially knowing that things don’t always go as planned. You may have homeowners insurance to protect your home against unexpected disasters, but these plans typically don’t cover the issues that come with the everyday wear-and-tear your home systems and appliances go through. The reality is that unexpected breakdowns will happen, and they can be costly.

Trusted connections and expert service

Myth: “It’s hard to know who you can trust these days, and I need someone who knows what they’re doing and is looking out for me.”

When an appliance or home system needs repairing, choosing the right person to bring into your home can be a daunting task. Lean on your realtor to find trusted and reputable service workers in the DFW Metroplex. Reputations can be verified easily online by checking for reviews on Google My Business, Facebook, and Yelp. Simply type the company's name into Google and their business information (including reviews) should appear on the results. If they don't have any reviews, consider it a red flag.

Smart budget protection

Myth: “I’m already saving for unexpected breakdowns, so I don’t need extra coverage.”

Many home warranty plans offer varying coverage levels so that homeowners can choose the level of protection that’s right for their individual home and budget needs. Considering that 58% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, an unexpected repair cost could cause serious financial strain. With most plans, customers pay a predetermined service fee to diagnose and repair a covered item, but there can be non-covered expenses such as permit and disposal costs, refrigerant, necessary code upgrades and more.

Home warranties can help save Keller homeowners from many of the headaches that come with owning a home. The plans are growing in popularity as more and more consumers take advantage of the convenient access to professional service contractors, valuable budget protection, and now, the additional services that providers offer.

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 owners

How Keller homeowners should choose plants for the summer garden

Whether you’re new to gardening or have a green thumb, summer is the perfect season to start your own garden. Now is the time to start thinking of all the possibilities the warm weather brings!

The initial task to get your summer garden going is to list which plants lift your mood and what you'll enjoy this summer. A garden can very much be an aesthetic enhancer of your entire Keller home.

The Gilmour Planting Map can also help you determine what to plant based on your zone. If you’re not sure where to start, consider these ideas to inspire your summer garden.

Garden like a chef

From fresh herbs like sage and basil to easy-to-grow kitchen staples like carrots and tomatoes, there’s nothing like growing your own food. With an edible garden, the possibilities are endless to take you from garden to table throughout the season.

Vegetables like lettuces, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, celery and asparagus are all great seasonal options. Some are even companion plants, so planting them near one another can increase plant health, optimize soil, prevent weeds and more. However, these veggies are "thirstier" than others, so make sure you have the proper watering tools for them to grow successfully. 

Plant for visual beauty

If you’re more interested in looking at your garden than eating it, consider planting your favorite colors. Choose flowers that look gorgeous outdoors and indoors as vibrant and colorful bouquets. Cosmos are a great seasonal choice and range in colors from shades of white, yellow and tangerine to pink and magenta. Another bountiful option is the Clematis, which bloom all summer long in shades of lavender, pink and purple.

If you’re looking for shade or a little privacy for your yard, Hollyhocks are another great option, as they grow up to six feet tall.Flowers tend to spread quickly, so using a sprinkler to water them makes gardening a lot easier. 

Attract pollinators

There are many options that will bring beautiful pollinators to your garden as well. Honeysuckles are a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds and bees because of their sweet scent. Easy to grow, Honeysuckles simply require full sun and generous watering. Milkweed and nectar-rich flowers such as Asters are other great options that attract monarch butterflies.

To attract pollinators all season long, make sure your hose is up for the job. Choose something that is durable and will hold up season after season. super duty hoses designed to resist kinks will allow you to be able to weave around your landscape to water all your flowers with ease. No matter what your gardening goals are this season, if you choose to plant what you love, you can’t go wrong. 

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 owners

5 ways fight spring allergies in your Keller home

Spring is not only a time for renewal around the house, but also for battling pesky allergies. While you can’t stop allergies from happening each spring, there are easy ways to reduce their effects in your Keller home.

Here are 5 ways to fight back:

1. Fight back with asthma and allergy-friendly appliances

Turning your home into an allergy-fighting fortress is key this spring. Look for laundry appliances and air purifier solutions by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). They not only reduce the impact of allergies in your home, but also provide a sleek new look for your spring home refresh.

2. Replace your old throw pillows

If you haven’t done this recently, it’s a good rule of thumb to replace your pillows every two years to keep allergies at bay. Swapping old pillows for new 100% cotton ones are the easiest way to give your living room and bedroom a fresh boost of color and pattern, while also reducing dust and other allergens lurking in old pillows.

3. New bedding

Although you may not see them, your bedding is covered in allergens like dust and pet dander. An easy fix to spruce up your bedroom is through replacing old comforters, blankets and sheets with asthma and allergy friendly solutions. Get rid of the synthetic fabrics, as they can be allergy irritants. Natural fabrics are more asthma and allergy friendly.

4. Replace real flowers with artificial flowers

Although they are beautiful, real flowers can be a mighty allergy instigator. Not to mention they die quickly and smell up the house when they rot. Consider artificial flowers. They will add the pop you look for out of spring colors without bothering the air. They also last much longer.

5. Swap out rugs

Your choice of rug can be the leading cause of your sneezing fits. The materials used to manufacture rugs can sometimes cause an allergic reaction as well as volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). The presence of a dog or cat in your home can also aggravate your allergies. When it comes to rugs, your rug ends up collecting pet dander. This dander can also collect pollen and dust, which can all worsen allergies. It is recommended to invest in a vacuum cleaner with a built-in HEPA filter, and to vacuum thoroughly one to two times a week. Also flip area rugs over and vacuum on the back as well as the front. Swap out your current rug for allergy-friendly fibers like sisal, jute, wool or polypropylene.

Following these steps may not cure your allergies altogether, but they will definitely help you breathe easier this spring, and year-round. Making these changes will also give you opportunities to refresh your decor, brightening up the look and feel of your Keller home. 

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 owners

New ways HOAs communicate with Keller residents

Without thoughtful communication, relationships between board members, residents and property managers of community associations can go from smooth to contentious in a hurry. From single-family communities to high-rise condos, everyone has their own ideas about what’s best for their Keller neighborhood. But despite what most headlines will have you believe, the reality is that homeowner satisfaction in managed communities and HOAs is reported to be at an all-time high. Embracing the right communication style to connect with their community is a key reason.

Savvy HOA boards customize their communications to residents' ages and lifestyles. By identifying trends within communities, HOA boards and property managers are employing more effective tactics to convey important information, make decisions and even defuse tension.

Sharing in bits and bytes: Millennial messaging

For example, younger generations are more receptive to messages delivered through digital media, online platforms and mobile apps. In high-rise communities where millennials are prevalent, association boards are using these channels to connect with tech-savvy residents. Apart from distributing important building information, board members are also able to get better buy-in and feedback on community initiatives. The use of digital media lives up to its name, as previously hard-to-reach residents are now being brought into the fold to create richer living experiences and more representative communities.

On-demand communication tools engage working families

Single-family or master-planned communities are home to more established residents, mainly working professionals and families. They tend to prefer email or texting over in-person meetings, with the added option to source information themselves. The community management industry is responding with innovative tools that allow these self-directed individuals to engage on their own terms.

One of the biggest markers of progress in the industry is the increasing adoption of online resident portals. FirstService Residential Connect is an online property management platform that allows residents and boards to communicate directly with one another and the community manager without being disruptive.

Residents can check account balances, reserve amenities, manage visitor access and track package deliveries. Online property management platforms also enhance board members' ability to spot and respond to operational needs and make improvements while reducing costs and delivering added value to their community, which ultimately leads to increased resident satisfaction and support.

Traditional communication still important

There is no denying that growing numbers of mature residents are “plugged in” and finding their voice in the digital age. Nevertheless, more traditional forms of communication, including emails, physical mail and in-person consultations, are still preferred by this generation.

While face-to-face conversations are welcome, they can open the door to confrontations just as easily. Understanding this, community board members, with the assistance of property managers, are increasingly employing personalized communications techniques to navigate difficult personalities in the face of such interactions.

For instance, summarizing a complaint in writing after a resident airs grievances can help them feel heard. Laying out the logic behind a decision can help residents feel more comfortable with the process, even if they don’t like the decision. These small changes are much more effective in managing relationships than simply saying, “Thanks for your comment.”

As HOA boards focus on these kinds of interpersonal tactics, they’ve seen fewer disgruntled residents and more small issues remain small issues. The key is to communicate directly, plainly and sincerely.

Becoming an interpreter

Forward-thinking HOA board members and community managers say effective communication is all about speaking the same language as their residents. That means delivering messages in a way they’ll respond to and be comfortable with. By mirroring preferred communication channels, association boards and residential managers are changing the game to give everyone a voice and create stronger Keller communities.

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 owners