2918 Rolling Hills, Carrollton - Just Listed by the Grove Team

2918 Rolling Hills, Carrollton - Just Listed by the Grove Team

Woodlake Addition, offered at $132,900

Exceptional renovation located in the Woodlake Addition! Enter into this 3-2-2 split bedroom floorplan featuring updated fixtures in the kitchen along with granite counters and porcelian 'wood' floors that offer the rich look of wood, yet the durability of tile. Intelligent design, custom master closet, newer roof (2011), new double pane, low-E, double hung windows, 13-seer HVAC, and wired for CAT-6 internet...too much to list, come see!

Call the Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty today to schedule your personal showing! 

(817) 337-0000 or find us online, www.groveteam.com

Button-up your home for winter

Button-up your home for winter


Contractors’ slow season makes fall a great time to embark on home improvement projects


As the leaves turn and fall to the ground, it's time to start thinking about “buttoning up” your home for winter to keep you and your family healthy and comfortable, your belongings safe and high energy costs at bay.

Heating accounts for 34 percent of all annual utility usage, according the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the most cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home is to seal and insulate the “envelope” - outer walls, windows, doors and roof. By doing so, ENERGY STAR estimates that a homeowner can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, the equivalent to lowering up to 10 percent of total energy costs for the year.

Here are a few ways to keep you and your family healthy, your belongings safe and help lower your heating bill:

Preventing the draft

Old, drafty windows and doors can account for home energy loss of up to 30 percent, according to the EPA, which means paying more in the winter to heat your home. By replacing non-performing windows and doors, homeowners can drastically reduce heating costs. A typical home that replaces its single-paned, clear glass windows with energy-efficient windows can realize up to $501 in annual savings, according to the EPA.

Additionally, old or improperly installed siding can also be the cause of drafts. However, by installing new, energy-efficient vinyl siding and underlayment, homeowners can increase a homes' R-Value, a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat traveling through it.

However, even the best windows, doors and siding can be drafty, if they are poorly installed. So it's important to make sure your home improvement is completed by a quality contractor who has a long history of being in the business so you can be sure they will be around if you have any issues down the road.

Prevent moisture

Water leakage from snow, ice and rain can cause damage to the exterior and interior of your home. This can result in costly damage to framing, structure and insulation, more importantly it can cause issues - like mold - that can be harmful to the health of your family.

The roof is often the site of leaks in homes; however, by installing a new roof and taking the proper precautions, leaks won't be a problem.

Other ways to improve the seal of your home to prevent moisture damage, drafts and improve energy efficiency include:

* Sealing leaks
* Adding insulation
* Sealing ducts

For more energy saving window, door, siding and roof tips, check out the U.S. Department of Energy's website. (ARA)

Celebrate autumn with these fun activities for the whole family

Celebrate autumn with these fun activities for the whole family


Fall is often considered the coziest of seasons. Not too hot, but not too cold, there is something about the vibrant colors of leaves and crisp air that make you want to pull on a sweater and take in all this season has to offer.

Celebrate all the scents and sounds of the fall with a few tips to make the most of this beautiful season:

*Reread a classic. Cozy up with a classic book. A few of the most anticipated upcoming feature films are adaptations of classic novels. Take some time away from your busy schedule to revisit some of these books before they hit the big screen. Throw a few logs into the fireplace, put on your warmest sweater and relax with a good story, whether you're reading it for the first or 20th time.

*Take a walk. There's no better way to take in the sights, smells and sounds of fall than being surrounded by the season. Enjoy the vibrant colors of leaves changing, the familiar smell of smoky bonfires and children jumping into massive leaf piles. It is the perfect time for long walks because temperatures aren't overbearingly hot and the humidity levels are much more tolerable. Dress appropriately for the cooler weather and see what fun you can have outside.

*Help others. Fall is an excellent time to direct your energies and donations toward nonprofit organizations. For example, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you can participate in a fundraiser for any breast cancer organization or donate funds during this special month.

*Harvest fall fun. Visit a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Apple trees are heavily laden with crisp and delicious apples this time of year. Head out to an orchard to pluck the perfectly grown fruits off trees bearing your favorite variety of apples. Or take children on a ride at a pumpkin farm. Let them run through the patch, inspecting every pumpkin for their perfect carving creation.

*Feed your autumnal appetite. All of fall's exciting activities will leave members of your family feeling voracious. Warm them up - and create a delicious smell in your house - with a bowl of homemade soup. This simple recipe for Chicken Soup and Crackers is destined to become a fall staple.

Chicken Soup and Crackers

Ingredients:

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or homemade chicken stock
1 (3-pound) chicken, cooked and de-boned, then skinned and pulled
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 box of frozen okra

Directions:

Place broth in a 3 quart sauce pan. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper and simmer until vegetables are very tender.

Add chicken pieces and frozen okra, and boil for 5 minutes.

The fall months are a perfect time to enjoy spending time with family and getting outside to enjoy the final warm days of the year. (ARA)

JUST LISTED by the Grove Team, Keller Willams

JUST LISTED by the Grove Team, Keller Willams

11453 Turning Leaf Trail, Fort Worth

Offered at $197,500

Nothing short of stunning! Enter into this richly appointed 4 bedroom, 2 bath home featuring wood floors throughout, granite counters with 42-inch cherry cabinets in the kitchen, stainless appliances including a double oven, plantation shutters and crown molding. Well maintained - this beautiful home also offers an extended back patio, electrical outlets in the eaves, & a new roof installed in 2012. Too much to list - a pleasure to see & show.

To schedule your private showing, call the Grove Team-Keller Williams today! (817) 337-0000 or find us online at www.groveteam.com

Tips for a thorough fall house cleaning

Tips for a thorough fall house cleaning

With the changing of the season right around the corner, most Americans are beginning to clean up the exterior of their homes by raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters, but what about the interior? Fall can be the perfect time to revisit that spring cleaning list that you never completed and give the interior of your home a deep clean in preparation for the holiday season.

While most people rely on their own cleaning know-how to tackle germs and dirt, they depend on their eyes to show what they think is a clean house. In fact, more than two out of three people believe that vision is the most important sense in determining the cleanliness of a home, according to a recent national consumer survey conducted by Stanley Steemer.

But it's often the dirt that you don't see that requires help from the pros. Traditional at-home cleaning methods such as vacuuming and dusting only remove a relatively small portion of dirt, dust and particles that lurk in your floors and furniture. Without a deep cleaning, you'll be trapping dirt inside your home for the entire winter, which can impact the visual appearance of your home, while also elevating the risk of allergens in the home.

To help you see through the dirt that lurks in your home, the experts in the field these fall tips for maintaining a cleaner, healthier home:

With fall comes the foliage

Reduce the amount of dirt and leaves that may get tracked into your home by using indoor and outdoor entrance mats.

A quick pickup

Remember to act quickly to clean up any spills or stains; consider keeping a professional spot remover handy at all time or use items commonly found around the home such as white vinegar and baking soda.

Dirt never quits ... it's like tooth decay

Keep up with the high traffic areas in the home by vacuuming them two to three times a week and the rest of your carpets at least once a week.

Outside work effects inside comfort

Keep your windows closed and turn on the air conditioner when raking leaves and doing other fall cleanup work outside. These activities kick unwanted dirt, dust and pollen up into the air, which can settle into upholstered furniture and carpet.

Even the most diligent person can't do alone. Get help from the pros. Schedule a professional deep cleaning every six months to help maintain the value and health of your home. (ARA)

Upgrading your kitchen from 'blah' to 'bling' for less

Upgrading your kitchen from 'blah' to 'bling' for less

From cooking to entertaining, the kitchen - always the heart of the home - now takes center stage as the 21st century hub of the home. As families spend more time in their homes, today's “command central” kitchen needs to be multi-functional and high-definition ­­with easy-to-maintain surfaces dedicated to cooking, working, Web surfing and blogging, paying bills and doing homework, as well as creating a comfortable environment to entertain with family and friends.

To design a kitchen that meets the multiple needs of today's modern family, including standing up to its daily wear and tear without breaking the bank, homeowners can transform their kitchens with a few tips and tricks from interior design experts and companies that have created more durable and affordable yet equally beautiful products.

Small steps can create better spaces

Begin redesigning your kitchen to address multi-functional needs with some smart planning, and consider remodeling in phases rather than all at once. Begin with the easiest area: replace aging countertops with materials that are beautiful yet durable and versatile. Counter space for food preparation can be optimized for laptops and other electronics while you keep an eye on dinner and the kids. Design at the appropriate height and allow space for your legs under the counter so that the same space can be converted to an ad-hoc desk when you aren't cooking.

Incorporate a distinct play and work area for kids to do homework or create a crafting or game area for school and art projects, and family activities that can be tucked into a corner when not in use. Include flat-panel screens in a back splash or a separate lounge area adjacent to the workspace to entertain family and friends.

Counter life's madness with beautiful surfaces

Making the most of the countertop requires the right material for aesthetics and functionality. While there are numerous options, today's laminate countertops feature beautiful designs that mirror granite and other natural stones at a fraction of the cost, and with scratch-resistant finishes that are not only easy to clean but also resist common stains like peanut butter, permanent marker and red wine. Because laminates are made from recycled content and are easy to install and maintain, they make an eco- and budget-friendly choice for consumers.

“Everyone loves the look of natural stones but they don't realize how much maintenance they can require, while, today's high-quality laminate mirrors that look and withstands daily wear and tear,” says interior designer and HGTV's Design on a Dime host, Summer Baltzer. “I love the fact that there are now new countertop collections that offer great design options that complement both traditional and modern spaces, but also offer great features like integrated sinks and decorative edges, to make it a simple one-stop remodeling project. Consumers can give a room new life just by replacing a countertop with laminate at significant savings compared to other materials.”

Get inspired and create a space to live in high definition

Before embarking on a renovation project, talk with the family to determine what the ideal kitchen will look like. Read home improvement magazines, watch remodeling shows for inspiration, and ask experts for tips and tricks at your home improvement store. (ARA)

Check out some local events happening in Keller during the month of October

Check out some local events happening in Keller during the month of October

Pumpkin Splash


Keller Pointe Indoor Pool

Saturday, October 26 • 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pre-registration required
$10 per participant in advance • $14 per participant day of event




Join us on Friday, October 26 at the Keller Pointe Indoor Pool, 405 Rufe Snow Drive, for the largest floating pumpkin patch that you'll ever see! From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. participants will have an opportunity to float through the patch and select their own pumpkin for the Halloween season. Pre-registration is required and a fee of $10 per participant applies for advanced registration or $14 the day of the event. For more information follow this link or contact 817-743-4386 or thekellerpointe@cityofkeller.com.


Haunted Trails
Big Bear Creek Greenbelt

Saturday, October 27 • 7 to 9:30 p.m.
$5 adult/$3 - age 12 & under

Saturday, October 27th from 7 to 9:30 p.m., head on down to the Big Bear Creek Greenbelt for ghostly good time along the 'Haunted Trails' of Keller. Beware of who or what may be lurking along the trail. The event may be too scary for some children. For more information follow this link or contact 817-743-4050 or email parksandrec@cityofkeller.com.


Spooky Kooky Keller Kastle
Johnson Road Park

Sunday, October 28 • 2 to 5 p.m.
FREE!!!!

Children age 11 and under are invited to enjoy an afternoon at Johnson Road Park as it is transformed into a 'Spooky Kooky Keller Kastle' from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 28. They will enjoy the haunted playground along with carnival games, prizes and candy. The event is free for all those attending. Come in costume and have loads of Halloween fun! For more information follow this link or contact 817-743-4050 or email parksandrec@cityofkeller.com.