6 ways to create community in your Keller neighborhood

It's easy to see the value of living in caring neighborhoods and being good neighbors.

One recent survey found 75 percent of Americans think it's important to welcome new neighbors, 58 percent say it's important for neighbors to socialize and 37 percent are more likely to seek help from a neighbor than a friend when it comes to small projects.

Interested in becoming a better inhabitant of your Keller neighborhood? Consider these suggestions aimed at promoting a kinder, friendlier environment.

1) Introduce yourself. Take the first step. Instead of avoiding contact when in your yard or out for a walk, shake hands, say hi and make an effort to remember people’s names. Even when in-person contact is brief, it can go a long way toward helping people feel connected and more like friends than strangers.

2) Take new neighbors housewarming gifts. Make newcomers feel wanted and welcome by acknowledging their arrival with a thoughtful gift. One meaningful and sure-to-be-welcome idea is a beautifully fragranced soy candle. 

3) Give new families contact info for neighbors and neighborhood amenities. Include phone numbers for emergency services, doctors’ offices, dentists, schools, babysitters, entertainment options, sources of great takeout food, dry cleaners and any other assets you think may be helpful. People will appreciate your insider view into local amenities, and they’ll be more likely to communicate key information to others if their contact info is readily available.

4) Organize a neighborhood event. It could be as simple as a front-porch open house or as strategically planned as a neighborhood cleanup, but any gathering that brings people together to socialize is bound to create goodwill and a friendlier neighborhood vibe.

5) Stay aware of who needs help. When possible, organize meal delivery, dog walking, transportation or other assistance for neighbors going through tough times. Teaming up to help others may make your neighbors feel more connected, and people on the receiving end of such kindness tend to pay it forward.

6) Live by the golden rule. Treat your neighbors as you would like to be treated. Clean up after pets and kids, drive through at reasonable speeds, don’t be overly loud, mow at reasonable hours, return anything you’ve borrowed and generally stay aware of how you’re coming across to others.

It feels good to live in a neighborhood that feels more like a community than an anonymous collection of strangers. Consider how you can take the initiative to create warmth and peace within your own neighborhood.

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

3 emerging smart home trends for Keller homeowners

If you're building a dream home, you want it to be stylish, functional, and of course, state of the art with the latest technology advancements. Smart home features are on top of the wishlist for Keller homeowners, with 81 percent of homebuyers stating they would favor purchasing a home with smart accessories already installed. By building your own home, you get the advantage of these features being integrated seamlessly into the design.

Every year, smart home technology gets better and better, with new trends emerging that make homeowners' lives easier and more convenient than ever before. Here are some of the top smart home trends of 2019 that you may want to integrate into your building plans:

Smart circuit breakers

For the most part, circuit breaker boxes in traditional homes have remained unchanged for decades. The mysterious gray box in your basement or garage is one that you tend to avoid, but smart design and technology are taking these load centers into the 21st century. 

How does it work? Smart circuit breakers communicate with a Wi-Fi or Ethernet-enabled data hub to report real-time status. Using an App, homeowners can conveniently monitor electrical usage per circuit branch or specific appliance, safely turning breakers off remotely if needed. S

mart circuit breakers also report home energy consumption, including historical views by day, month or even year. The app also allows users to receive alerts when a circuit breaker trips, or if a circuit is using more energy than usual. They can even set contractors as recipients of this notification and give them secure access to their app's panel view, allowing them to troubleshoot remotely. No more wondering if the stove was left on — you'll be able to see instantly.

Smart comfort

You want to stay comfortable from season to season in your home, but you also want to heat and cool it efficiently. Smart temperature controls are making this easier than ever for homeowners, allowing you to put the temperature decisions virtually on auto-pilot.

Smart thermostats go beyond programmable thermostats by using technology to analyze heating and cooling usage and maximizing efficiency for when you are home versus when you are gone. Connected to an app on your phone, the technology knows through your device's physical location if you are home or away at work. It records patterns and begins to make suggestions and adjustments based on your lifestyle. These smart temperature controls allow you to make automatic adjustments remotely if necessary, so if you're headed home early, you can have the house to your ideal temperature by the time you arrive.

With access to historical energy use data and temperature control charts, you'll be able to analyze your energy footprint and make informed decisions about how you want to use your home's heating and cooling systems best for your comfort and for the environment.

Smart security systems

It's amazing what modern home security can do when paired with smart home technology. Not only will your home be safer, but it will be more accessible, too.

For example, pair cameras with intelligent locks to let you know who is at your door even when you're away. If it's your child coming home from school, they can be safely let into the house. If it's a package delivery, you will know right away. If it's a package thief, you can be alerted and take action through two-way audio before the police arrive. Smart cameras can detect people, animals, and things, making your spaces incredibly secure.

Smart sensors are also a big part of the smart home security trend, bringing peace of mind to homeowners. These sensors monitor environmental changes in the home, so you're alerted to air quality changes and other concerns such as temperature fluctuations or smoke. For example, you'll know right away if high levels of carbon monoxide are detected, whether you're at home or away.

Another way to keep your home safe is by making it look like you are home when you are away. Smart lighting options with Wi-Fi Technology enables you to schedule lights to turn on and off throughout the day from any location all through the convenience of an App.

When building a home, it's important to make it a smart home. These three emerging areas are bringing the home fully into the future with more innovations still to come.

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.

5 easy projects to get the whole family outside

Want to get the kids away from screens and outside for some fresh air? Many outdoor projects will not only lure your whole family outdoors once the jobs are completed, but the family may actually want to help you.

Here are five ideas for outdoor projects that Keller homeowners will love.

1. Make a backyard movie theater

Who wouldn’t love watching movies under the stars? You’ll need a DVD projector and a large screen. You can use a large drop cloth or blackout cloth stretched over a PVC frame or between two trees for a screen, if you’ve got them. Stretch it taut and secure so it doesn’t move with every breeze mid-movie. Provide plenty of blankets or rugs and pillows so everyone can relax during the movie, and pop up some popcorn! You can rent a projector, collapsible screen and popcorn machine. 

2. Build wooden benches

For kids — and grownups — who aren't keen on lying on the grass to relax, offer outdoor seating options in shady spots. Sturdy wooden benches are not hard to build, and there are plenty of templates online for different approaches. One creative method is to build a bench around the trunk of a favorite large tree. Get kids involved in helping with construction and painting. Supply cushions for a comfy, shady spot for kids to read, talk and daydream.

3. Get out the s’mores

Fire pits are all the rage, and for good reason. They’re easy to make, and people love gathering around a fire to roast marshmallows and enjoy a summer evening. You’ll need to check local ordinances regarding fires before you begin. Pick a spot well away from bushes or foliage, with no overhanging branches or structures. You should also call 811 to check that there are no underground utility cables where you’re building. Fire pits can be dug into the ground, at ground level or raised slightly above ground level. Materials vary, but include stone, brick or metal, and you can make it any shape — round, square or rectangular. Using heavy stones and bricks is an easier task if you have — or rent — a wheelbarrow or cart for transporting materials.

4. Create a playhouse or gazebo

To attract everyone in the family, create a little outdoor space for kids to play in or for adults to enjoy a beverage and relax. Depending on the size and design of your project, this can be a straightforward build or a more complicated structure. Online templates can give you ideas for different design options, so you can choose what works best for your space and skill level. If you can, build a screened-in structure to keep the bugs out for maximum comfort. You will need to purchase lumber for your posts, floor, joists and beams, but again, you can keep the design to a simple rectangle or square to make the job easier. Tools you will need include a miter saw, jigsaw and power drill. 

5. Put up a tree swing

If you’ve got an older but sturdy, healthy tree with a good-sized horizontal branch, this could be a great spot for a tree swing. Make sure the branch is long enough to occasionally relocate the swing, to prevent damage to the tree. You can make either a simple disk-shaped swing with a single rope, or a traditional rectangular swing with 2-4 ropes. There are plenty of home improvement websites offering rope swing designs. You’ll want to use strong rope, such as a 3/4-inch twisted polypropylene rope. Tools you may need include a handsaw or miter saw, a sander, a power screwdriver and power drill.

The entire family will find renewed interest in spending time together outdoors with your creative additions to the yard. Now is a great time to start a fun new project — before the summer flies by. 

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.

5 keys for Keller homeowners to create the ideal DIY workspace

DIY — is trending among people of all ages. No matter the hobby or home improvement project, creating a well-equipped workspace is just as important as having the right tools for the job. Whether your workspace is in the garage, a shed or a converted patio or back porch, equipping the space for your ultimate comfort and creativity can start your project off on the right foot and keep your productivity on track.

Here are five must-have elements for the ideal DIY workspace in your Keller home:

1) Evaporative coolers

Whether it's a hot day or you're working up a sweat from manual labor, keeping cool will help you stay focused and motivated. Cooling a space where air conditioning is typically impractical — like a garage or shed where the door needs to stay open — is easy with a portable evaporative cooler. Evaporative coolers do more than just move hot air around like a fan. It can effectively and cost-efficiently chill up to 900 square feet by using water and ambient air to create a noticeably cool workspace. 

2) Proper lighting

Even if you have a good source of natural light, many DIY projects require extra illumination, especially if small parts are involved. If the space allows, add an overhead light fixture or replace existing light bulbs in fixtures with higher watt LEDs for better lighting any time of day. Also consider investing in a work light with an extension cord that includes a metal cage around the light for protection and a hook so you can hang it wherever you need an illumination boost.

3) Flexible electric access

If you plan to do specific DIY projects, you may have to hire an electrician to adjust your electric outlets. For example, a welder has specific amp and breaker requirements. However, for the average DIYer, you'll simply need a flexible power source with standard plugins. Don't be limited by outlet availability. Stock your space with a retractable power cord that allows you to bring the electricity to you. Plus, the retractable reel will allow you to keep your space clean and uncluttered, unlike traditional extension cords.

4) Mobile workbench

It's not ideal to work on the ground, so every suitable DIY space should have a workbench. Of course, you can buy one, but in the true spirit of DIY consider making your own to custom fit your needs and space. With a few 2-by-4s and plywood, you can create the perfect workbench for your space. Adding locking caster wheels makes it a safe mobile workbench that can easily move as your project dictates. Consider adding storage for tools to truly tailor to your needs.

5) Ergonomic extras

DIY projects shouldn't result in a pain in the back, or anywhere else for that matter. In addition to a workbench, you can add some extras to help your body feel its best as you get the job done. For example, utilize a comfortable chair with proper back support when doing projects. Keep a foam pad on hand for kneeling to cushion knees and support legs. For long periods of standing, use an anti-fatigue work mat as it can make a world of difference.

While specific tools may vary depending on your project or hobby, having these elements in place will improve the quality of your DIY workspace to help make sure you add value to 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 ownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

5 metal roofing myths Keller homeowners should consider

Asphalt shingles may be the most popular roofing in the U.S. by volume, but metal roofing is gaining in popularity for its durability, longevity and low-maintenance benefits. Still, many people unfamiliar with the product have misconceptions about this quality roofing option, including Keller residents.

Myth #1: Metal roofs are loud

One of the biggest misconceptions of metal roofs is that they are loud during a rainstorm and unbearable during severe weather, making sounds like repeatedly dropping objects on tin. In reality, residential metal roofs are fastened to the roof deck, not open rafters. Metal roofs can be applied over multiple layers of old asphalt shingles, so the sound insulation between the metal shingles and your ears could reduce the noise to potentially less than more traditional forms of roofing.

Myth #2: Metal roofs attract lightning

The Metal Construction Association has released several technical bulletins outlining research that shows metal roofs are no more likely to be struck by lightning than other types of roofing. The factors that do affect lightning strikes include topography of the surrounding area, the height and size of the building and the frequency and severity of storms in the area.

Myth #3: Metal roofs are ugly

Metal roofs have traditionally been associated with industrial buildings or outbuildings like sheds and barns. But as metal roofing’s popularity has grown, so has the technology to make it an excellent choice for residential structures. Manufacturers have gone from standing seam metal roofs to creating metal shingles in a variety of colors that would make an attractive covering for any home. Some metal shingles are stamped and shaped to look like other types of roofing, like wood shake, stone slate and clay tile.

Myth #4: Metal roofs can’t handle hail

Metal roofs are actually among the most resilient roofing options when it comes to hail. Many metal shingles are rated Class 4 for Impact Resistance by the UL testing group. The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) reported that studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) acknowledged that all roof types can sustain some cosmetic damage depending on hailstorm severity, but "metal roofing performed best and was much less likely to puncture as compared to asphalt, withstanding even golf ball-sized hail stones without compromising performance."

Metal roofs also stand up well to other types of extreme weather. Metal shingles are often rated to withstand winds of over 100 miles per hour, and are rated for fire resistance.

Myth #5: Metal roofs aren’t energy efficient

Because metal in other uses is a good conductor of heat and cold, some Keller homeowners are concerned a metal roof will cause their homes to be colder during winter and hotter in the summer. Besides the comfort factor, the increased utility costs associated with that misconception cause major concern. The reality is, according to the MRA, metal roofing boasts some of the best energy efficiency among roofing options. State Farm Insurance Company reported that metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-15 percent.

The Metal Roofing Alliance reports that metal roofs also provide excellent insulation in the winter, and estimates that choosing metal could save up to 40% in energy costs for a home during the year. The Metal Construction Association also said metal roofs are considered a product of choice for snowy areas because of their superior response and tolerance to that environment.

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.

5 kitchen cleaning tricks for Keller homeowners

You wipe down the counters, clean the floor and run the dishwasher regularly. Your kitchen appears clean on the surface, but there's probably a lot that could use a refresh. It's time to pay attention to frequently used but often forgotten items in your kitchen. Make sure to include these five kitchen items on the next round of cleaning so you get the sparkling kitchen your Keller home deserves.

Dishwasher

Why would a machine with the main job of cleaning need cleaning itself? Because food debris and mineral buildup from water can clog important components, causing your dishwasher to work inefficiently. To thoroughly clean your dishwasher, start by removing the filter and cleaning it out. Then fill a dishwasher-safe coffee cup with white vinegar and put it on the top rack and run on the hot cycle to remove soap scum and other buildup. Try to do this monthly for a sparkling clean dishwasher that works great.

Coffeemaker

Cleaning your coffeemaker regularly is an important step for it to work at peak performance and keep beverages tasting their best. Don't be intimidated by cleaning your coffee machine, particularly if you have a Keurig brewer. It's surprisingly simple to clean your brewer with this simple three-step routine:

1. Use Keurig Rinse Pods once a week to rinse away old coffee oils and residue, or use any time after brewing a flavored beverage to reduce flavor carry-over between brews.
2. Every 2 months, replace your Keurig Water Filter Cartridge to help remove chlorine, calcium and other impurities from water to improve the taste and quality of beverages.
3. Every 3 months, use Keurig Descaling Solution to safely and effectively remove mineral buildup from inside your brewer.

Microwave

Food steams, spurts and splatters in a microwave every day, and even if it appears visually clean, there's probably a lot of grime on the inside walls. Rather than scrubbing harshly, make it easy to get off the grime with a simple solution: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup water and then slice a lemon in half. Squeeze the lemon in the water and then add the halves. Microwave for 3 minutes and then let sit for 5 so the steam can penetrate the buildup. Finally, open the microwave, remove the bowl and easily wipe away grime with a washcloth.

Under appliances

Just because you don't look there doesn't mean the dirt and dust goes away. It's time to clean appliances, particularly the refrigerator where food, dust and dirt often collect and clog up the coils. Carefully pull appliances out and clean well underneath. Start by vacuuming and then wipe down with soapy water. You should also look at the back of appliances and wipe off to remove dust and other grime. If the appliance has an air vent, make sure to vacuum it well to help it continue to run efficiently.

Kitchen knobs and handles

You make it a habit of wiping down your faucet knobs when you clean the sink, but what about the other knobs in your kitchen? The knobs on the cabinets are sometimes touched hundreds of times in a month by different people, which can transfer germs and bacteria, not to mention grease and other grime on fingertips. Start by wiping all knobs down with disinfectant wipes. For grimy buildup, use hot water with a touch of dish soap and wipe down with a rag to break down grime and leave knobs looking good as new.

The kitchen is the heart of your Keller home and deserves a good clean. Add these five items to your next round of kitchen cleaning and you'll have a sparkling clean space you can truly enjoy.

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.