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Best Schools In Flower Mound

Discover the Best Schools Near Flower Mound, Texas

If you’re considering a move to Flower Mound, Texas, you’re making a smart decision. This incorporated town is part of Denton County and it’s a great place to call home. If you have children or plan to in the future, you’ll probably curious about schools in Flower Mound. You may wonder which ones have the best ratings. Today, we want to help by sharing information about some premier schools in the area.

Once you’ve discovered the best schools near Flower Mound, you’ll be ready to move forward and begin house hunting in neighborhoods which are close to the right schools! When you’re ready, we’re standing by. Our team will make sure that you’re able to find properties that are a perfect a match for your needs.

Flower Mound Elementary Schools

Elementary schools offer classes from Kindergarten to Grade 5. If you’re interested in finding the best Flower Mound elementary schools, you’ll benefit from considering Liberty Elementary and Wellington Elementary, which are part of the Lewisville Independent School District.

Garden Ridge Elementary

Garden Ridge Elementary School is located on 2220 South Garden Ridge Boulevard, and is part of Lewisville Independent School District. Garden Ridge is a public elementary with 465 students from kindergarten through 5th grade. It received a 10/10 rating from greatschools.org based on academics, equity, and environment. It is rated above average in school quality compared to other schools located in the state. Test scores and student progress are far higher than other elementary schools in the state.

Garden Ridge Elementary offers both great STEM courses and a robust gifted and talented program for students, and is committed to creating a flexible learning environment utilizing programs such as a Digital Learning Environment.

Flower Mound Elementary School

Flower Mound Elementary School is also part of LISD, and is located at 4101 Churchill Drive. It also received a 10/10 rating from greatschools.org. It is another great public school option with 499 students, ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade. According to the 2016-17 Texas Education Agency School Report Card, Flower Mound Elementary scored significantly higher on STAAR test results compared to other schools at both the district and state levels.

Flower Mound Elementary also offers a robust giften and talented program, and features a number of student activities, including:

Art Club

Earth Club

Falcon Singers

Lego Club

Little Bit of Broadway Theatre Club

News Crew

Percussion Ensemble Club

Running Club

Student Council

W.A.T.C.H.D.O.G.S.

For a full list of the great elementary schools in Flower Mound, visit the Lewisville Independent School District website.

Flower Mound Middle Schools

McKamy Middle School

One Flower Mound middle school to put on your short list is McKamy Middle School (Lewisville Independent School District), which includes grades 6-8. It ranks forty-eighth out of over nineteen hundred schools and has a student population of over eleven hundred. It is received a rating of 9/10 from greatschools.org, excelling in both test scores and student progress.

McKamy offers a variety of student activities, including a robotics club and National Junior Honor Society.

Clayton Downing Middle School

You may also want to give some thought to sending your child or children to Clayton Downing Middle School (Lewisville Independent School District). Clayton Downing Middle School ranks fifty-first out of over nineteen hundred schools and its student population is six hundred and six. Like the other schools on this list, it ranks well above other state and district schools in both test scores and student progress.

Clayton Downing Middle School also offers great opportunities for students who want to participate in activities, including band, choir, orchestra, and theater.

Flower Mound High Schools

Marcus High School

Marcus High School is located at 5707 Morriss Road, and is a public school with over 2,000 students between grades 9 and 12. It ranks well above state school ratings, and has a number of activities for students.

It offers a variety of advanced placement courses and dual credit options for preparing students for college. Marcus also has a highly ranked athletic program including football, soccer, and volleyball. The Marcus Marauders band is one of the most well-rounded programs in North Texas, and always exciting to watch.

Flower Mound High School

Another great high school option is Flower Mound High School. Its current ranking among all Texas high schools is one hundred and eleven. If you send your teen to this high school, he or she will have the chance to embark on AP coursework and the opportunity to sit advanced placement examinations. Forty-nine percent of Flower Mound High School students select Advanced Placement courses.

This school is part of the Lewisville Independent School District, and is located at 3411 Peters Colony Road. The student population is just over 2,500, and the ratio of students to teachers is sixteen to one.

Which Flower Mound School is Right for Your Child?

Your child deserves every educational opportunity. When you choose one of these high-ranking Flower Mound schools for your son or daughter, you’ll know that you’re giving your child a chance to shine academically and the best chance for future success. These Flower Mound schools offer a great balance of academic excellence and extracurricular activities, and have impressive student to teacher ratios, whether they are large schools or smaller educational facilities.

Now that you know the best schools near Flower Mound, Texas, isn’t it time to start house hunting near these world-class elementary, middle and high schools?

If you’re looking for an experienced Flower Mound Real Estate Agent, please give Elaine a call at (972) 974-1375 today for expert assistance in buying your dream home.

The post Best Schools In Flower Mound appeared first on Elaine White Homes.

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Does an Open House Work?

Do open houses sell homes?

Wondering if open houses actually sell homes?

In a real estate environment as competitive as the one that we all live in right now, open houses can mean all the difference between selling your home at asking price or above and your home sitting on the market for longer than you ever would have thought or hoped.

At the same time, not all open houses are created equally. Some open houses are designed to accent all of the special features and highlights that your home brings to the table, whereas others are simply “open houses” – where pretty much anyone and everyone can give themselves a self-guided tour with no real selling being done.

With the right kind of open house, you should have no trouble whatsoever finding the perfect market – and the perfect buyer – for your home. Obviously, you’ll want to make sure that you’re always working with the right Realtor® to paint your home in the best light possible, and here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your open house.

First impressions are EVERYTHING

One of the most important things you can do before your open house is to really elevate your curb appeal as much as humanly possible.

The first impression that your home gives off to your potential homebuyers will make or break the rest of the open house experience for them. You want to be sure that your curb appeal makes your home look inviting, exciting, and worthwhile – and that’s only going to be possible if you spend a little bit of time touching things up and improving your curb appeal before you do anything indoors.

Right out of the gate, you want to do whatever you can to freshen up your landscaping and your exterior paint. A freshly mowed lawn, regularly edged boundaries, trimmed trees, and a couple of flowers planted strategically can improve your home’s first impression almost immediately. Combine that with a fresh coat of exterior paint and you’ll be able to turn any home into something really inviting.

Clean every nook and cranny

You want to make sure that every single area of your home – inside and out – is as clean as possible, to give the best impression you can.

We’re not just talking about vacuuming and mopping here, either. You’re going to want to dust, you’re going to want to spruce things up, you need to remove as much clutter as possible, and you really want to go over things with a fine toothed comb to create as clean and fresh an appearance as possible.

If you don’t feel up to the task of cleaning everything on your own you may want to hire a professional cleaning service to make sure it’s done right. Bringing in professionals to provide you with the deepest clean possible – covering all of the bases for you – will be money well invested.

Be smart about staging your home

A lot of the time when people ask “do open houses sell homes” they are really wondering whether or not staging actually works to sell properties fast and at asking price or above. We have to tell you that the evidence is conclusively in the corner of staging over not staging.

Renting furniture, artwork, and other home decoration items (if your home is empty) and having a designer help you stage your property can often make or break an open house experience. By staging your property to really accentuate the features of the home you are looking to highlight, while at the same time painting a relatively “blank canvas” that future homeowners are going to be able to modify and customize to their taste, you’re able to create a welcoming and inviting environment that gets people really excited about your property.

Spread the word!

So, do open houses sell homes?

You bet they do – but only when people actually know that an open house is happening!

You want to make sure that your open house information is a big part of your marketing and advertising, and you want to be sure that your Realtor is on board with making the open house a big part of your house selling process.

Yard signs are definitely an important part of getting the word out about your open house, but you’ll want to think about postcard mailings and digital advertising if you really want to bring in the most potential house buyers possible. An experienced Realtor® will have all of these channels available for their clients.

Bake cookies in the oven and have plenty out to share

Nothing says “welcome home” more than fresh cookies baking in the oven, and this is one of those insider secrets that a lot of Realtors pull out to sell homes faster than most people would’ve thought possible.

If baking cookies isn’t exactly your forte, you can always pick out some candles or Scentsy plugins that will give off the enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies or cake. Note, be prepared for these items to induce cravings for sweets!

If you’re looking for an experienced Flower Mound Real Estate Agent, please give Elaine a call at (972) 974-1375 today for expert assistance in selling your home.

The post Does an Open House Work? appeared first on Elaine White Homes.

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Get The Best Offer for Your Home

Top tips to get the best offer for your home

There are plenty of different things you’re going to want to do if you’re looking to get the best offer for your home in Flower Mound – but some are going to be more important than others.

Most everyone knows the value of keeping your home clean and tidy while you are showing it to prospective buyers, and most folks also understand the importance of curb appeal and staging. But if you really want to get the best possible offer for your home and your property, the kind of offer that comes in at asking price or above, you’ll want to make the most of the top tips to get the best offer that we highlight below.

Let’s dive right in!

You really want to price your home appropriately

Right out of the gate, you want to know exactly what your home is worth right now, and you want to be sure that you price it to move at an appropriate level that you are comfortable with and that will bring plenty of offers in at the same time.

A lot of folks just kind of turn this responsibility over to their Realtor (and rightly so when you’ve decided to list), but if you want to be sure that your home is priced appropriately – and that you are accurate in your thinking about the price that you would accept for your home – you’re going to want to do some of this price matching like work yourself.

For a free home evaluation, and to know exaclty what your home’s fair market value is, contact us today.

The Internet is going to be your best friend when it comes time to do this sort of research, but you want to ask your Realtor for comps and figures that can help you better understand your local market and what you really should be asking for your property today.

Knowing home values in your area before you list your home is always the best bet, because you’ll get a general overview that can help determine if you’re in a place to sell your home in the first place. The rule-of-thumb for any pricing you find online is that it should be used as a general guideline. Online valuations are by no means 100%, but they can provide a starting point.

Keep your closets half full

While most people think that getting their closets completely empty will give the illusion of unlimited storage, the truth of the matter is most folks are pretty bad at estimating just how much they can fit inside of a closet – and some people might think that closets are a lot smaller than they actually are.

A better trick is to keep your closets half full. Make sure they are neatly organized, but a closet that is half full gives the illusion that it is half used – and that there must be so much more space available that you can’t use all of it up yourself!

Get serious about your lighting

One of the top tips to get the best offer for your home is to make sure that you have the lighting inside and outside of your home dialed into the picture-perfect level.

Inside lights should be bright but never overbearing, warm but never sterile, and abundant while completely controllable and your outside lights should add plenty of “outdoor living space” and make your yard and your property safer when the sun goes down. Take time to really make sure that your lighting is helping you sell your property and you’ll be much more likely to get an offer.

It’s hard for home-buyers to fall in love with a property they can’t see!

Make sure your home is pet friendly without your furry little family members around

The truth of the matter is your home has a good chance of being purchased by a pet owner. But, not all of them are going to want to have to contend with your furry family member running around the house while they are going through the open house experience.

By all means, make sure that you show off just how pet friendly and pet accessible your home is by neatly organizing their toys and their bedding. Put their bowls in a conspicuous space that can be noticed without being in the way. Also, make sure your furry little ball of joy is “out to lunch” when they come for the tour to avoid any issues.

Don’t overdo it with upgrades

A lot of people are going to try and upgrade every aspect of their property when it comes time to sell. While you’ll definitely want to make necessary updates and upgrades to get the kind of asking price you are after, one of the top tips to get the best offer is to upgrade only what is necessary. Leave everything else for the new homeowners to customize and modify on their own. Check out these trendy bathroom update ideas for inspiration.

You don’t necessarily want your home to be a completely blank canvas (a bit of charm definitely helps homes move), but you do want the new homeowners to feel as though they are going to be able to put their fingerprints all over their new home. Keep the upgrades to a minimum, and always avoid overspending on one area while neglecting another.

An old adage in real estate is that you don’t want the nicest home in the neighborhood, but you also don’t want the shabbiest.

At the end of the day, if you take advantage of these tips and tricks you’re going to find it becomes a lot easier to get the kinds of offers you are looking for.

If you’re looking for an experienced Flower Mound Real Estate Agent, please give Elaine a call at (972) 974-1375 today for expert assistance in selling your home.

The post Get The Best Offer for Your Home appeared first on Elaine White Homes.

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Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Is your home winter ready?

Although it may not feel like winter in North Texas, we are getting closer to the colder months, so homeowners should start making sure their house is ready for winter weather. While we don’t have the same issues as northern states known for significant snowfall, freezing temps can wreak havoc on an unprepared home.

One drawback of living in Dallas/Fort Worth is although we may not get the extreme artic weather; we have crazy swings on a daily basis. It’s not uncommon to have a day with freezing temps in the morning to be followed by a sunny afternoon in the low 80s.

Here are a few things you should do to get your DFW home ready for the colder months:

1. Clean your gutters.

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t pay any attention to your rain gutters until there’s an issue (especially given the amount of rainfall we’ve received this year). The problem with ignoring gutters is you likely won’t realize the problems caused during the fall. Leaves will fill your gutters and can cause damage and prevent them from doing their primary job: diverting water. It’s typically recommended to check your gutters around mid-December, after the trees in your neighborhood have had a chance to shed leaves. You don’t want to wait until one of our nasty ice-storms to realize that your gutters are clogged and you now have 20 pounds of ice hanging over your head.

2. Seal your windows and doors

Many homeowners don’t realize how much of an impact differnet seasons can have on their home. Wild swings in temperature can cause structures to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks and crevices appearing around doors and windows. If left unchecked, this will lead to moisture getting into your home or destroying door and window frames. Take a few minutes to walk around your home and make sure you don’t have any large cracks, and if you do, address them as soon as possible. Caulking cracks isn’t that difficult and is definitely a home repair every homeowner should be comfortable doing. This can also save on energy bills by keeping the heat inside your house.

3. Get your HVAC unit serviced

There’s nothing worse than finding out you have a heating issue during one of our unexpected cold fronts. Actually, a surprise bill because of an avoidable issue with your system might be worse. Most heating and cooling failures can be prevented by proper service schedules, which can be pretty inexpensive. You should have a service company come out and check your system at least twice a year, and should make a note to replace air filters every 3 months (every 2 months if you have pets in the house).

4. Get your chimney cleaned

A clean chimney is something that most homeowners in Texas definitely overlook. Granted, you may only use your chimney a few times each year, but if it’s been decades since you’ve had it cleaned, you should schedule an appointment with a chimney sweep (yes, that’s still a profession). Even if everything appears fine from the exterior, you may have internal issues that could lead to costly repairs. Another problem to watch out for if you have a chimney are bird and rodent nests. It’s not uncommon for mice or the occasional squirrel family to set up residence in chimneys that aren’t used on a regular basis. You definitely don’t want to start a fire only to find that your chimney is block be a family of squirrels. You’ll have some angry squirrels and a smoky house to contend with, and that’s never a good way to start the holidays.

5. Prep your plumbing

Anyone who has ever dealt with a burst water pipe will always remember to winterize their plumbing. Coming home to a flooded yard because your sprinkler system broke can lead to a giant holiday headache. If you have an in ground sprinkler system you need to schedule an irrigation company to come blow out your lines. Pool owners are another group that should play it safe with plumbing. If you have a temperature gauge on your filtration system, make sure it is set to kick on a little above freezing. Pipes that are filled with water WILL BREAK when it freezes. In most cases, this hassle can be completely avoided with proper preparation. Make sure any exposed pipes are insulated and don’t forget to turn off any exterior faucets that may be on a timer. While your kids might think it’s cool to have an ice rink in your front yard, your neighbors will likely be less impressed.

If you’re looking for an experienced Flower Mound Real Estate Agent, please give Elaine a call at (972) 974-1375 today for expert assistance in selling your home.

The post Get Your Home Ready for Winter appeared first on Elaine White Homes.

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Texas Homestead Exemptions

Texas Homestead Exemption

If you’re a Texas homeowner, you’ve probably heard about the Texas Homestead Exemption. Since Texas doesn’t have a state property tax, it is up to the local counties to administer and assess property taxes. These property taxes account for most of the local government income that pays for community resources such as schools, police and firefighters, roads, libraries and city parks.

The state of Texas offers a number of total, or absolute state property tax exemptions from property values that are used in determining local property taxes. Partial exemptions, such as the Texas Homestead Exemption, are those that remove either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the appraised value from the property’s value from the property tax. A total exemption will exclude the entire property value from taxation. The state offers mandatory exemptions, while local governments have the option to offer additional property tax exemptions.

The most common exemption used by homeowners in Texas is the Homestead Exemption.

What is a Texas Homestead Exemption?

A Texas Homestead Exemption is an exemption offered to homeowners on their primary residence and requires that school districts offer a $25,000 exemption on the residence. Additionally, local government is also provided the option to offer a separate residence homestead exemption of up to 20% of the property’s appraised value, but not less than $5,000. For counties that collect flood control or farm-to-market taxes, there is a requirement to offer a $3,000 homestead exemption as well.

A standard Homestead Exemption would provide a minimum of $25,000 (the mandatory school district exemption) from the appraised value for an approved principal residence. This means that if a home were appraised for $100,000, the school taxes on the residence would be based on a value of $75,000.

An additional exemption of $10,000 is available to homeowners over the age of 65, or owners with a disability, in addition to the $25,000 mandatory school tax exemption. A homeowner who is both over 65 and listed as disabled is only eligible to receive one additional exemption.

What qualifies as a Homestead?

A property qualifies as a homestead if it is a separate structure, manufactured home, condominium or town home that is owned by the individual living in the property as a primary residence. In Texas, a homestead can include up to 20 acres of land, provided the homeowner owns it and it’s used in a way related to the residential use of the property.

What are the requirements for a Texas Homestead Exemption?

The only requirements to qualify for a Texas Homestead Exemption are that the owner has an ownership interest in the property and uses the property as their principal residence. The applicant must also not claim a homestead exemption on a residence outside of Texas. A Texas Residential Homestead Exemption Application must be completed and include a copy of a state identification card (driver’s license or other state approved form of identification) with an address that matches the residence of the application. This does not apply to owners with a listed address of a facility that provides health services, such as a nursing home or long-term medical care facility. The chief appraiser may also waive this requirement for active duty U.S. armed service members or their spouse if the application includes a copy of military identification and a utility bill for the residence listed on the application.

The homeowner will not lose the homestead exemption provided the owner does not establish a different principal residence and intends to return to the property after being absent from the residence for a period of less than two years.

In the case of co-owners, homestead exemptions will only apply to the percentage of the interest owned by each individual. For example, if an individual has a 50% interest in a property, they will receive an exemption of $12,500.

How do you submit an application for a Texas Homestead Exemption?

Homeowners must submit an Application for Residential Homestead Exemption with their appraisal district up to one year after the taxes of the homestead are due. The general deadline for filing an exemption application is before May 1. Once the homestead has been approved, the homeowner will not need to reapply for the exemption unless contacted by their district’s chief appraiser. If the homeowner relocates they must inform the appraisal district in writing before the next May 1st.

How much does a Texas Homestead Exemption cost?

There is no fee for submitting a Texas Homestead Exemption application, and new homeowners should never pay for submitting an application. If you receive anything in the mail suggesting otherwise, you should disregard and visit your local appraisal district’s website for full details about the exemptions in your county and any applications or contact information.

Dallas/Fort Worth area appraisal district contact information:

Collin County

Dallas County

Denton County

Tarrant County

A full list of Texas County Appraisal District contact information can be found on the Texas State Comptroller’s website.

If you are looking for an experienced Flower Mound Real Estate Agent, please give Elaine a call at (972) 974-1375 today for expert assistance in selling your home.

The post Texas Homestead Exemptions appeared first on Elaine White Homes.

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Selling Your Home

Real Estate In Flower Mound Texas: Selling Your Home

For the home selling process to be successful in Flower Mound TX, you need to know what to expect at the beginning, at the end, and in between. You also need to appreciate that real estate matters are handled differently in different states. To be on the safe side, you need to work with the professionals, including real estate agents in Flower Mound, TX. This post will give you a general understanding of what you will go through as you prepare to sell your home.

If you are still living in the home you intend to sell, there are certain things you need to do to get it ready for sale. Here’s an overview of what you should plan for:

5 Ways to Prep Your Home For Selling

The time has come to sell your home. The tears have been shed and you’re officially in preparation mode so you can move onto the new house you’ll call home. Before taking photos, uploading your listing, and waiting to see what comes in, you have to do a little work. Re-visit that running to-do list; take a look at your current landscaping and much more. Not only will this allow you to sell your home faster, but you’re more likely to get the price you’ve asked for when you do the necessary prep work.

Here are five ways to get your home for selling. Read more at Texas Home and Garden.

Strategic home preparation plans will go a long way in ensuring you get a good deal for your home.

Selling Your House? Better Prepare for the Home Inspection

One activity that has the potential to make or break your deal with a potential buyer in Flower Mound, TX, is the home inspection. Here’s some advice on what you should expect during a home inspection:

You’ve got a contract on your home for sale—congratulations! But before you pop the cork on the champagne, you’ve got to go through a process that could make or break that sweet deal: a home inspection.

The home inspection is a contingency written into most offers, meaning that if the buyers aren’t happy with the result, they can cancel the sale without losing their earnest money deposit, or reopen negotiations and ask for a price reduction.

So it’s important to prepare yourself and your home for this important step of the process. How? Hey, we’re glad you asked! Let’s start at the beginning. Read more at Realtor.com.

In situations where the buyers are planning to put up a new building on your existing property, they may not need an inspection done. However, in most cases, the buyer will live in your home, so it’s best to be prepared for an inspection.

Another crucial decision you will need to make is the listing agent that you will work with. Here are some tips on how to pick the best real estate agent in Flower Mound, TX:

How to Choose a Listing Agent

Two of the biggest mistakes home sellers make when choosing a listing agent are selecting an agent solely based on the following two things:

Highest list price for your home

Lowest commission

At first glance, a seller might say, “What? Are you nuts?” Because sellers want the highest possible price and to pay the least amount of commission. But those two criteria have very little to do with hiring a competent agent and, in many instances, are completely irrelevant.

Let’s look at why.

The Highest Suggested List Price

Agents can’t tell you how much your home will sell for. That’s a fallacy. A listing agent can show you comparable sales, pending sales, and active sales. But YOU choose the sales price and a buyer will tell you if the price is right. An agent can suggest the list price that will attract a buyer. Read more at The Balance.

The Lowest Commission

Most Realtors® will charge the same amount of commission as other real estate agents, but you may be tempted to choose an agent who uses a non-traditional commission rate. There are some agents who will charge a flat fee for their commission regardless of the sales price. This may seem like a great chance to save some money, but in reality this flat fee could end up costing you money. In most of these scenarios the service you get from the agent will be limited. They may charge less for being the listing agent, but they’ll likely do far less when it comes to selling your home. What at first seems like a great idea will often turn into a long and drawn out process that leaves your home on the market for significantly longer than what you would get with an experienced real estate agent. Ask yourself if the money saved is worth the opportunity cost of your home selling quickly and at a higher sales price. An experienced real estate agent is definitely the way to go when you’re selling your home.

A real estate agent could very well be the difference between a successful sale and a failed attempt. If you are looking for a great Flower Mound Real Estate Agent, please give Elaine a call at (972) 974-1375 today for expert assistance in selling your home.

The post Selling Your Home appeared first on Elaine White Homes.

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Decorate Your Home For Fall

Fall Landscaping Ideas for your home

Autumn is often regarded the most beautiful of all seasons. The leaves change color, a slight chill in the air (although in North Texas the chill may only last until the sun comes out), and it’s almost time for Halloween. Everybody enjoys fall and all that comes with it, from nature’s beautiful magic tricks to sipping hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows in your backyard.

It’s also the best time to show off your beautiful North Texas home. When you put up decorations for Halloween, stack pumpkins, and arrange seasonal plants in your garden, your home will look picture-perfect. Here are some landscaping ideas that can help you spruce up your garden during the fall.

Add some country-themed decorations

Create some classic country decorations and place them on your back deck or porch to bring out the true Texas spirit. Arrange pumpkins, corn stalks, hay bales, and mums around the walkway and steps leading to your front door. You could also arrange some cowboy hats and boots around your garden to give it the rustic western look. If you’re going for the spooky angle for Halloween, hang up some fake spider webs. Fall colors work really well with the classic country theme; warm autumn colors make any house look homey.

Spruce up your porch with some DIY designs

Your front porch can change dramatically even with simple changes like hanging a fall-inspired wreath on your front door instead of a boring doormat. A simple wreath consisting of fall leaves and flowers can make you home appear very inviting. You could also hang some flowering plants, which add small bursts of color to the front of your house. For Halloween, use playful decorations that the neighborhood kids will love.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins

Autumn is never complete without using pumpkins. During this season, you get gourds and pumpkins in abundance, so you can use them to make simple, artsy outdoor decorations. You could line them up on the steps of your property or place them in a planter. If the gourds are small, you can arrange them in a tray or a vase. Add a rustic touch by filling a basket with pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Place the basket on your porch, doorstep, or the patio. You could even try a different look with white pumpkins instead of orange ones. I love experimenting with different sized pumpkins of various colors. Gone are the days of only using the traditional orange pumpkins, so get playful with creative decorations. Not sure where to find pumpkins? Check out these local pumpkin patches and make a family day out of it.

Paint some colors with fall flowers

One of the best ways to spruce up your lawn is by planting some fall flowering plants. By now, your summer plants would have started fading. Plant vibrant flowering plants or mums around your walkway to add a zing of color to your home.

Clean the exterior of your house

When falls comes around, leaves start falling to the ground, making your home appear more exposed. This puts the exterior appearance of your property in the spotlight. It’s a good idea to wash the exterior of the house and clean your windows. Apply a fresh coat of paint in case you notice chipped or fading paint. This will revive the appearance of your home and also allow you to prepare your property for the oncoming winter. While you may get a break from the blistering North Texas sun, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for wind and potential winter weather on an unprotected home.

Add some shine with outdoor lights

Hang some lights like string lights or lanterns around your home to make it look warm and inviting. You could also use them to decorate and illuminate walkways. Use Christmas lights around the posts or pillars in your home and also string them around the pumpkins for a kitschy way to illuminate and decorate your property.

Try hardscaping your lawn

When put together, your soft landscaping and hardscape can work magic to improve the look of your property. You could create a focal point in your lawn or emphasize fall colors. Add elements like stone structures, walls, or rocks to add some wonderful contrast. You could also erect a pergola to make your lawn look more appealing.

These are some really simple ideas that you can use to spruce up the landscape of your home in North Texas. Celebrate fall and Halloween with your family and neighbors by decorating your house and getting into the festive spirit.

If you and your family are looking for a great Flower Mound Real Estate Agent, please give me a call at (972) 974-1375 today and I can help you find your dream home.

The post Decorate Your Home For Fall appeared first on Elaine White Homes.

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Dallas/Fort Worth Family Pumpkin Patch

Find the Best Pumpkin Patch in Dallas/Fort Worth

It’s pumpkin time! I love this time of the year. Nice weather, fall décor, pumpkin spice, football, the State Fair of Texas and pumpkin patch pictures is what October is all about. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! The nice weather has already arrived in North Texas and the days aren’t so hot (although it may be a bit before we truly get to the fall temperatures). My fall decor is ready and waiting to be perfectly placed around our house, and October 1st couldn’t get here soon enough. Pumpkin spice has already made its grand entrance as usual, and I have already indulged.

Thanks Starbucks for pumpkin everything.

Last, but not least, pumpkin patches are in the works. Area pumpkin patch owners are already busy creating their pumpkin masterpieces for all to enjoy, and we are so thankful.

Want the scoop on the best pumpkin patches in Dallas/Fort Worth? Here’s a list of some of the best North Texas pumpkin patches for families:

Flower Mound Pumpking Patch

Flower Mound pumpkin patch is a wonderful pumpkin patch in the Flower Mound/Lewisville area, which is open October 1st through the 31st. The Flower Mound pumpkin patch, located on Double Oak Ranch, includes several activities for the kids. Every year kids enjoy the incredible wooden characters. Characters include childhood favorites such at Scooby Doo, Paw Patrol, and Charlie Brown to name a few. Each year characters can change according to what’s popular at the time and are perfect for fall-themed family pictures. Other activities include jump houses, hayrides, and some really fun hay mazes. The pumpkins patch in Flower Mound also has hundreds of pumpkins for decoration and available for purchase. Best of all the activities are free! A $5 parking fee (Monday-Friday) is all that’s needed to enjoy the day. On Saturday and Sunday parking is $10 per car.

Hall’s Pumpkin Farm in Grapevine

Over in Grapevine is Hall’s Pumpkin Farm, which includes a corn maze. The pumpkin farm opened September 29th and is also open through October 31st. The pumpkin farm includes hayrides and other fun activities for kids along with the corn maze. Be sure to check the website for opening and closing times as well as cost. They differ from week days to weekends. As a heads up Grapevine’s pumpkin farm doesn’t take credit cards or checks, so make sure you grab some cash.

Pumpkins on the Prairie in Frisco

Frisco hosts a pumpkin patch as well. Pumpkins on the Prairie is located at United Methodist Church. It opened September 30 and runs to October 31st. Again, check the website for hours as they vary depending on the day. Frisco’s pumpkin patch includes several kids’ activities such as hayrides, face painting, and jump houses. Parking and all activities are free! Check website also for special activities offered at Pumpkins on the Prairie.

Dallas Arboretum

Autumn at the Arboretum is a huge attraction this time of year. Definitely a must see and perfect for the kids. Dallas Arboretum includes several fun children’s activities and huge attractions created by pumpkins. The Arboretum is open September 23rd to November 22nd and relates to all things fall. The Arboretum includes thousands of pumpkins to enjoy. Check the website for open times and specials. The arboretum creates a great family environment.

If you and your family are looking for a great Flower Mound Real Estate Agent, please give me a call at (972) 974-1375 today and I can help you find your dream home.

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Residential Service Contract – Is a Home Warranty Worth the Investment?

Should I Buy a Residential Service Contract for my Dallas/Fort Worth Home?

An experienced Realtor® will always ask you to consider buying a residential service contract, or home warranty when you purchase a home, especially if the home is older and does not include warranties on existing appliances. It goes without saying that buying a home insurance policy at the time of purchase is a smart decision (and also required in most cases), add to it a residential service contract and you’ve got yourself protection from just about any problem, right?

Residential Service Contract: What Is It?

A residential service contract is a policy that covers replacements and repairs on older appliances and home systems for residential properties. Typically these policies will be good for 1 year, and can be renewed at the end of the policy term. Given its limited period of coverage, many homeowners won’t renew their residential service contract, but in most cases, this is a mistake. Most Dallas/Fort Worth Realtors will recommend reading the policy and finding a residential service contract that the new owners are happy with, and then renewing the policy every year.

A residential service contract, when understood, can be the easiest way to save the cost of repair or replacement in the event of a costly appliance failure.

How is a residential service contract different from home insurance?

Home insurance covers the damages caused by fire, vandalism, property crimes, water damages and other factors that inflict irreversible damage to the structure or personal possessions of the homeowner. These damages are largely due to an immediate and unforeseen problem, such as a water pipe bursting, or storm damage. A residential service contract on the other hand covers specific home appliances and systems, such as air conditioning units or pool equipment.

It’s a contract between the warranty company and homeowner agreeing to repair appliances at a rebated cost. Most home warranties will include coverage for:

Plumbing systems (hot water heater, dishwasher, garbage disposal)

Air conditioning units and systems

Electrical components and systems

Furnace or heating system (if separate from air conditioning system)

Additional appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers and swimming pool systems may also be covered, or added to the contract at an additional cost. When a warranty claim is filed, the home warranty company sends in a service repair specialist who determines if the appliance needs replacement, or can be repaired. The homeowner will pay a service fee for the inspection of the appliance, and if covered under the terms of the policy, the repair technician will work with the homeowner and home warranty company to make sure the repairs are completed.

Cost of residential service contract: Is it worth it?

The average cost of a residential service contract is a few hundred dollars, which can either be paid in full or installments depending on the contract and home warranty company. The overall cost does not vary greatly among the home warranty companies in Dallas/Fort Worth. There are four main variables that dictate the overall cost of a residential service contract:

Annual Premium: The cost varies from $400-$1000 depending on the coverage and the company.

Technician’s fees: A small amount is paid to the technician who is sent over to assess and repair the damage.

Variations: The cost remains unaltered with the exception of new home construction. Costs increase on homes larger than 5,000 square feet.

Deductible: Every time a claim is submitted a deductible of around $50 has to be paid as a Service Charge.

To determine the value of a warranty, its benefits need to be considered with any potential out-of-pocket costs for homeowners.

Benefits of residential service contract:

The most obvious benefits to having an active residential service contract include:

Monthly budget is stable since the cost for unexpected expenses in the form of appliance repair is largely covered (with the exception of deductibles).

In case of faulty working of appliances or plumbing system, a service technician is sent in for evaluation, immediately.

Based on the terms and coverage outlined in your policy, the faulty system is either repaired or replaced.

The value of property increases when the home carries a warranty, and can negotiated for the seller to pay.

The annual renewal provides on-going coverage to all home appliances.

In case of replacement of faulty appliances, the company will order and replace it with something of equal value.

A few drawbacks to residential service contracts:

Although the arrangement seems perfect, in reality, it is not always as clear as one might expect. A few drawbacks are:

Replacement of worn or damaged appliance is not always guaranteed. This is why it is incredibly important to fully read and understand any residential service contract policy.

Damage caused by carelessness is not covered. If an appliance is blatantly neglected for extended periods of time, the home warranty company may deny coverage.

The grounds for claim denial vary depending on the contract.

A service charge is to be with every call made. One issue is addressed per call. If you have more than one issue, separate claims need to be made, and separate service charges will be required.

The verdict: Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of residential service contracts, one could argue it’s an additional expense that can be avoided if you have brand new appliances (which are usually covered for at least a year by the manufacturer). Considering it can often be negotiated into the closing contract at the seller’s expense, it’s always a good long-term investment.

Looking for a great Flower Mound real estate agent to help you sell your Dallas/Fort Worth home? Give me a call at (972) 974-1375 and let’s talk. Now’s a great time for sellers in North Texas.

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Creative DIY Kitchen Island Project

Kitchen Island DIY Project

Special thanks to Megan for sharing this great DIY kitchen island project. I love the creativity that went into repurposing this old desk! Read Megan’s step-by-step guide below for a little inspiration for your next project.

The Kitchen Decoration Dilemma

I’ve wanted a unique and custom kitchen island for a long time. However, finding the perfect piece became an impossible task. I enjoy having furniture in my house that is unique, which often leads me to large-scale refinishing projects that my husband hates. Luckily, I love crafty projects, and my husband is pretty handy when I need him to be. My intentions with my new kitchen island were to make it out of an old dresser, but apparently I’m picky and finding the right dresser was difficult (i.e. impossible). Then out of the blue we received a free office desk and it was perfect!

Above is the desk before our project began. To begin we trimmed out the original front, which was a plain solid piece with no trim or decoration. Because this is the side seen from the living room we dressed it up a little. Also, since we were using it as a kitchen island, my husband needed to make space for two bar height chairs that would give the kids room to sit and eat.

Next task: sanding everything. No fun but a crucial step in refinishing furniture. The best way to accomplish this was with a pad sander on the sides and belt sander for the top. In some of the more detailed spots around the trim we had to do it the old fashioned way by hand. Our plan was to distress the bottom and sand the top to the natural wood. Once we sanded the sides it was time to paint. This is my favorite part! The painting process is where I get to be creative.

I use spray paint as my base coat when I’m going to distress something. To make the entire thing even and the same color I first paint with a dark brown, paying close attention to the white trim that we added (we opted to save money and bought trim that was already primed). After letting the brown completely dry I sprayed on a coat of red. One coat is all it took. After coating with spray paint, we allowed everything to dry completely and went back to make sure everything was equally covered and we didn’t miss any corners or edges.

Now the distressing starts. To begin the distressing process, which is super easy, I used 100 grit sand paper to sand the entire thing focusing on the corners and allowing the wood underneath to come through.

We followed the same process for each drawer and all of our new legs. For the legs we bought premade table legs at Home Depot. We needed to raise the island to bar height for our stools. Pre-made legs are the easiest way to add some personality, but we had to customize them a bit to ensure they would support the weight of the desk. The legs came with bolts installed that were only about ¾” long. This wouldn’t work for our intentions, so we bought a 4-foot long ½’ threaded rod, cut them into 8” pieces, then drilled 4” holes into both the legs and the bottom of the island. We then used ½’ barrels to screw into the bottom of the desk and glued the rods inside the legs. This gave us a stout rod that would connect the legs to the desk and provide more stability.

After the sanding process we coated the entire desk, including drawers and legs, in furniture wax. A little trick I learned years ago is to mix wood stain and furniture wax. This gives the furniture a dark antique look; depending on how dark the stain you mix with. I chose a dark walnut stain. With an old rag rub each piece with the wax mixture. This process is done as many times as needed according to color preference.

After allowing all pieces to dry completely, it’s time for the final process for the bottom. The last step with painting was to coat all of our newly distressed surfaces with polyurethane. For ease and to speed up the process I chose to use the polyurethane spray paint. One to two coats will work. Because I prefer the matte look over the glossy I used a silk finish polyurethane to accomplish this. If you’re new to spray paint, be sure to watch your over spray, or you’ll end up with some painted items in your garage (our garage freezer looks a little funky after many similar projects).

The next process is the wood top. We sanded the top down to its natural wood. Because we are not painting this, but staining it, sanding it completely to the wood is important for a beautiful finish. After sanding to the natural wood we coated with our choice of wood stain. One coat did perfect for us. Again, this is done as much as needed to your color preference. After allowing it to dry overnight we did a light sanding on the top beginning with 100 grit sandpaper and moving to more fine options with each coat. After the first light sanding the top was coated with cutting board oil. Here is where we did something different than most. I, again, prefer the matte look, so we did not use the hard high-gloss shellac most people will use for wood counter tops. We chose to make it like a cutting board top. So after sanding lightly and coating with oil 3-4 times, allowing to dry over night or at least 8 hours each time, we were ready to bring it in. (Pro tip: each time you sand between oils, increase the grit count. By the end of the top we were using 2,000 grit sandpaper. This ensures that your top is completely waterproof.)

Before placing the legs, we brought it in the kitchen. A quick trip to pick up some discount cabinet hardware, and we were all set. Here’s the finished product:

The drawers to the right were removed except for the bottom drawer to create a hidden cabinet trash bin. We just cut off the drawer faces, and the face frame between each drawer and then tied them all together to make one large face that looks like multiple drawers. The drawers on the left are all functional and give so much storage space to the kitchen. We placed chairs on each side of the desk for us to use it as a table as needed. I couldn’t be happier with the results. The desk originally had extensions on each side of the chair space that could slide out for more writing space, that we will be replacing with smaller cutting boards for a little extra working space for those big family meals and holidays.

Next time you start to pass that old piece of furniture left at the curb, you might want to take a look and see if there are any creative uses that might breathe new life into your home. Fair warning, my husband isn’t always thrilled to find new furniture in the garage, but he he’s never complained once the piece is finished and we have a great new addition to our home without investing a lot of money.

Looking for a great Flower Mound real estate agent to help you sell your DFW home? Give me a call at (972) 974-1375 and let’s talk. Now’s a great time for sellers in North Texas.

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Factors influencing the Dallas/Fort Worth Housing Market

Factors influencing the Dallas/Fort Worth Housing Market

If you’ve been considering buying or selling home in the Dallas/Fort Worth area you’ve likely seen a lot of real estate news coverage lately. The North Texas real estate market has been interesting (to say the least) over the past year or so, and is one of the hottest markets in the country. Unlike many areas, Dallas/Fort Worth has a number of industries that make for a robust economy and has many appealing factors for those looking to relocate (both individuals and businesses).

Some factors are more apparent than others and can often be overlooked by those who don’t closely follow real estate and business trends.

Here are just a few of the factors that influence the Dallas/Fort Worth housing market:

Job Growth and Workforce Migration

If you’ve been in North Texas for long, you’re likely very aware of some of the recent business relocations. The most prominent being the completion of car manufacturer Toyota’s $1 billion, 100 acre campus in Plano, which is bringing an estimated 4,000 jobs to North Texas.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Of the 50 Fortune 500 public companies in Texas, 22 are located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Texas added over 40,000 jobs in June and is regularly listed as one of the “Top States for Business.” Not only are businesses setting up shop in North Texas, but businesses who have called DFW home are adding jobs and expanding as well. Job growth and workforce migration have created a booming economy.

Future Developments

Along with the addition of new corporate headquarters, and large-scale professional expansion, DFW has a number of development plans to accommodate and appeal to new residents. Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties are all in various stages of new developments ranging from retail space and residential properties, to extravagant mixed-use developments.

Investors from around the world are currently working on development projects in Dallas/Fort Worth, with no end in sight. Some of these large-scale projects are underway, but new developments are being announced everyday. These projects have a huge impact on the overall wellness of the North Texas housing market.

New Home Construction

While pre-owned home sales have skyrocketed, demand has far exceeded supply in some areas. This has lead to significant home value increases, and has also highlighted the growing need for new home construction. Areas such as McKinney and other suburban areas have plans underway for large residential projects to help meet this demand. This in turn leads to even more job growth by adding thousands of jobs to get these homes built, which is one more example of the diverse North Texas economy.

Conclusion: The DFW Housing Market Will Continue to Boom

These are just a handful of the factors that influence the North Texas housing market, and within each of these individual factors exist a number of additional influences. For the most part they are largely connected, and it’s easy to see how one may affect another, but luckily for the Dallas/Fort Worth area we are not wholly dependent on one specific industry.

Our strong and diverse economy makes North Texas a great place to live and work, and provides many benefits to its residents. Whether you’re a long-time resident looking to sell your Dallas/Fort Worth home, or have recently relocated, you need an experienced North Texas Realtor® on your side.

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Back to School Shopping Tips

Back to school time for North Texas Students

It’s that time again. Packing backpacks, meet the teacher, and school supply shopping.

Yep, school supply shopping, it can be crazy, hectic, and outright exhausting. Here are a few options and tips to help make the task easier.

It all starts with the list. Here is a quick link to all Lewisville Independant School District (including Flower Mound school) schools:

Lewisville ISD

Let’s make it as easy as possible. Everyone likes easy. Unfortunately, there is no “easy button” for back to school. If you’re like most moms, strategic planning can help. Use the link above to print a list for all LISD schools your family attends.

Make sure to look out for deals. Doing a little online research or coupon clipping before heading to the store can save money. I know some of you busy Moms and Dads lack time to clip coupons and research deals. Completely understandable. Hours of coupon searching doesn’t sound very appealing to more parents. Check for an app. Almost every store has an app with tons of money saving coupons and scan codes. Some apps collect points for purchases that can be redeemed in store at any time. There’s no better time to collect points than now.

Here are a few of the apps I’d recommend for saving money, or collecting points:

Walmart Savings Catcher

SnipSnap

Kroger

Target Cartwheel

Want to make it even easier? Order online and pick up at the store, yes the entire list! Try stores with grocery pickup, it’s incredible. I use Walmart grocery pickup at the Lewisville location on Justin Road, and can even get all school supplies using grocery pickup. It’s not just groceries (trust me it’s worth it). I order online through my app and select a pickup time that works for me. When it’s time for pick up I drive to the pickup parking spot and let them know I’ve arrived. On average I have my groceries loaded and set to go in 5 minutes! School supply shopping can’t get any easier than that. I’m 100% sold on grocery pickup.

Well, I said it doesn’t get any easier than that but it does. Some schools have the option to purchase a pack of school supplies already picked out by the school and incudes all needed supplies. This option isn’t too expensive, and you should always take into consideration the value of the time you’ll save. In my opinion it’s actually cheaper.

Happy shopping!

Looking to save time with selling a home? Looking for a Flower Mound Realtor®? Here are just a few reasons why Elaine White should be your go-to real estate expert in Dallas/Fort Worth.

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Splash Parks for Summer

Splish Splash – Local Splash Parks for the Family

Looking for nearby splash parks for the kids? It’s hot outside and the perfect time for some water fun. What could be more perfect than a splash park? Splash parks offer just enough water to keep you cool and provide plenty of fun, but not enough to really put anyone in danger. Parents can even relax near the splash pad while little ones play safe and sound.

I’ve found that not every town has built a splash park, but in most cases they’re not far away. If your town doesn’t have one, chances are one or more of the nearby neighborhoods do. The best part is most splash pads are actually parks and free to the public. Who doesn’t like that?

The town of Flower Mound doesn’t have a free splash pad but it does have an awesome community center water park, and daily passes aren’t outrageously expensive.

This awesome community water park has several fun features including a water slide, lazy river, lap pool and splash pad. This park is sure to provide fun for all ages. Day passes range from $4 for kids to $6 for adults, and non-residents are $6 and $8.

Right next door in Highland Village you can find a small splash pad sure to satisfy without a fee. Yep, it’s free.

Doubletree Ranch Park in Highland Village. Beautiful scenery and tons of fun.

Also in the area, the city of Grapevine has 2 splash parks ready for summer time fun. Parr Park Spray Ground located in the middle of Parr Park right next to the playground.

Parr Park Spray Ground has tons of fun for everyone. This park includes the splash pad and a playground for toddler and school age children. There are plenty of covered areas for parents.

Also in Grapevine, Dove park has a great splash park and pool area. This one isn’t free but non-residents have access as well as residents. Non-residents pay only $5 per person.

The summer heat has hit. Enjoy the outdoor playtime but don’t forget your sunscreen and hydration.

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Flower Mound and Lewisville Parks with Shade

Shady Parks in Flower Mound and Lewisville

The Texas summer is heating up! It’s mid-July, the temperature is high and the kids are ready for outdoor play. If you’re like most moms, when you’re ready to venture to the park it’s usually high noon, or later, when the sun is bright and the temperature is heating up quickly. This is the time you need a “shady” park. To clarify, by “shady” I mean parks with a lot of shade (not those of questionable reputation). In my experience most parks lack shade at this time of day making the equipment way too hot to play on. Bummer. Now explain that to your kids who are all too excited to release some energy.

Where’s the shade in Flower Mound and Lewisville parks? Several parks in the area actually have shade over the playground equipment, which makes for a perfect park day, all day. Sometimes it just helps to know which ones and where they’re located. I’ll point out a few that I’ve found to be perfect for all day play.

Flower Mound School Playgrounds With Shade

Most schools have great playgrounds, and in the summer they are open all day for playing. I find these usually have the best shade. Here are a few, in Flower Mound, to check out this summer:

Prairie Trail Elementary

Flower Mound Elementary

Donald Elementary

Sorry, this is the best picture I could find of this one. The point is it has shade!

Flower Mound Parks with Shade

There are a few parks in the Flower Mound area that either have shade or equipment that’s ok to play on in the heat.

Heritage Park

Heritage Park in Flower Mound is HUGE and has plenty for the kids. It covers the toddlers too. Toddlers have their own section with only one entrance to both. This way there’s no escaping! Easy for everyone. Most of the equipment is not affected by the sun’s blasting heat.

Bruce Lockhart Lions Club Park

Bruce Lockhart Lions Club in Highland Village is a nice park that’s a little smaller, and isn’t completely covered. But, a little shade is better than no shade. The Bruce Lockhart Lions Club Park is a smaller park so it’s easier to monitor the little ones.

Shadow Ridge Park

Shadow Ridge Park in Flower Mound. This park has two shade pavilions and something for the adults. If you’re looking to work out or keep active while the kids play this park has inserted workout equipment right next to the playground. Double bonus for parents, although if the point of this list is to find some shade, you might be opposed to sweating it out in the sun.

Lewisville Parks with Shade

Lewisville has several fabulous parks to explore and play. Several of the Lewisville parks have plenty of shade from large trees. Yes, some of them large enough to shade the playground equipment next to it. Always a plus. There are also several with large shade pavilions for all day play.

Iris Lane Park

Iris Lane Park in Lewisville has the great shade pavilions over the playground. This park is next to a basketball court, if you have older kids who are a little too old for the playground equipment.

Reverend Alvin Turner Sr. Park

Rev. Alvin Turner Sr. Park (formerly known as Sycamore Park.) The entire playground is covered by a large shade pavilion, and close to a basketball court for the older ones.

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National Ice Cream Day!

National Ice Cream Day is Real!

I’m not sure how, but I honestly didn’t even know this day existed until this year. My family could live off of ice cream. You can guarantee we will be out hunting for all the ice cream deals in the area. This might be our new must celebrate holiday.

Be sure to check out these stores for deals:

Mc Donald’s

Wendy’s

Dippin’ Dots

A&W

Coldstone Creamery

Baskin-Robbins

Denny’s

Let’s not forget about those four-legged ice cream lovers. PetSmart has them covered. Yes, they are offering a treat for National Ice Cream day as well.

If you can’t take your family out for ice cream, you don’t have to miss out. Make it fun and celebrate by making your own ice cream. If you’re like me, you’ve seen several “make it at home” ice cream recipes from Facebook and Pinterest. Believe it or not they’re actually pretty good, and yes, they are easy to make. The best part is most of them are healthier than what you’ll find in stores. Who doesn’t love that?

One of my favorite, easiest ice cream at home recipes is this 5 min healthy frozen yogurt. OK, yes it’s yogurt but just a yummy as ice cream. It really only takes 5 min! Kids love it and parents will love the healthy ingredients.

Check out Pinterest for hundreds of homemade ice cream recipes. Here are a few I’m dying to try: Homemade Coffee ice cream, Mason Jar ice cream, and Ben & Jerry’s copycat Cherry Garcia. Cherry Garcia is probably one of Ben & Jerry’s most popular flavors, so I’m definitely curious to try this one out and see how it compares.

Let’s not leave out an ice cream classic: the coke float. Mmmmm. I prefer mine with Dr. Pepper but coke floats are yummy with almost any soda you choose. A scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla (I’m so glad its back on the shelves in time for National ice cream Day) covered in your choice of coke will make any summer day that much better.

However you celebrate National Ice Cream Day 2017 enjoy it to the fullest, with a cherry on top.

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How to Prevent Soil Erosion in North Texas

How to Prevent Soil Erosion to Protect Foundation from Damage?

Soil erosion occurs when the topsoil erodes due to certain elements such as drought or poor irrigation. Thereafter, it exposes the underlying earth around a foundation, which can lead to big foundation problems down the road.

When developers or homeowners remove trees around a home, they also dispose of the root system, which originally held the topsoil firmly in place. When there are windy periods or heavy rainfalls, the exposed soil loosens and undergoes rapid erosion.

How does soil erosion cause problems?

Soil erosion is a common concern in the agricultural industry. This is because when the nutrient rich topsoil is lost; the crop yield shows a sharp reduction. But, you don’t have to be a farmer to feel the impact of soil erosion.

Severe property damage is another harmful impact of soil erosion even for homeowners living in urban or suburban areas. Soil erosion is an especially common problem for Dallas/Fort Worth area homeowners due to the extreme periods of heat and drought.

When the protective layer of topsoil is removed, the ground under it takes a lot of time in attracting and retaining moisture. This means the soil surrounding your house can undergo quick expansion and contraction. These fluctuations cause extreme stress on the foundation of your property.

The stress that your home’s foundation goes through typically begins with hairline cracks. However, if you do not get the foundation repair done in time, these cracks can lead to more severe problems such as:

Total failure of the foundation

Warped floors

Buckling walls

Leaning chimneys

Sagging roofs

Plus soil erosion may also give rise to serious aftereffects like flooding and washouts. Whenever the topsoil gets loose, it is next to impossible to prevent the cascading of earth, debris, and water into your house or out of your yard.

So, a homeowner should not underestimate the effects of soil erosion on their foundation. While it takes centuries to naturally form even one inch of soil, destroying that layer takes no time at all, which can be devastating to a home (especially in North Texas).

Ways of preventing soil erosion around your home’s foundation

If you think your home is threatened by soil erosion, you should immediately consult an experienced foundation repair service company who can inspect the property and suggest the most appropriate solution.

Here are a few of the most recommended strategies to prevent soil erosion:

Intelligent landscaping

This is one of the most effective solutions, which includes planting grass, trees, and bushes strategically around your house so that the topsoil can be held in place. Such landscaping also lowers the danger of soil erosion over time. If you’re in an area that isn’t ideal for planting, you could try using gravel, mulch, and rocks to hide the exposed patches and prevent further erosion.

While landscaping could be a Do It Yourself project, the placement of grass or shrubbery is very important.

If the planting is done in close proximity to your house, the roots, leading to long-term damage, can eat up your foundation. You should research the root system of the plants you plan to use, and look for recommendations of plants that won’t cause more damage over time.

When the trees or shrubs are planted too far away, moisture levels that surround your house cannot be regulated properly by the roots.

Intelligent landscaping works effectively in flatter areas. On the other hand when your house is located on a slope, you may need to look into more significant erosion prevention strategies.

Regular watering

A good preventative plan for North Texas homes is to regularly water your foundation. This will keep the soil around your home moist and ensure that the area doesn’t crack during long dry periods. If you use sprinklers to water your grass, make sure that you are getting coverage to the parts of your yard that meets your home’s foundation.

Another good way to water your foundation is to use a soaker hose. Just set up a soaker hose around the foundation of your home and water for an hour a few times a week. A soaker hose is a great option for homeowners concerned with water conservation.

Anchor retaining walls

So, what is a retaining wall? It is a protective barrier, which is installed at the slope’s bottom so that the soil can be prevented from falling down. After it’s anchored, this protective wall can hold the slope firmly in place to counter gravitational force.

Install stepped terraces

In this technique, “mini” retaining walls are installed on the entire slope at fixed intervals. The ground is leveled at every successive layer so that a chain of stepped terraces can be created. This is a great way to protect a large sloped area from erosion during and after heavy rainfall.

Is your home getting threatened by soil erosion?

Foundation damage due to soil erosion can occur in any place, regardless of yard grade or landscaping. If you’re worried that your foundation has already suffered due to soil erosion, you should contact a professional foundation repair company for a full evaluation. The company will preform a comprehensive inspection of the property and either provide a repair estimate, or make recommendations to prevent further damage.

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​Top 5 Neighborhoods for Young Families in Dallas

Thinking About Moving Your Family to Dallas?

The Dallas side of the metroplex is a huge city with many family-friendly neighborhoods and suburbs. Most of these neighborhoods have a distinctive character and offer a range of different amenities – schools, parks, entertainment, shopping etc. If you’re planning to buy a home for your family in the beautiful city of Dallas, this is a list of the top five neighborhoods which are definitely worth considering:

1. Lakewood

The Lakewood neighborhood was established back in the 1990s and comprises mainly of Lakewood, Park Estates, Lakewood Heights, Whilshire Heights, Belmont, Hollywood Heights and Gastonwood-Coronado Hills.

Lakewood has something to offer to all kinds of families, those on a budget as well as those looking to splurge. The starting price of homes in this neighborhood is below $200,000. However, the price could easily cross $1,000,000 depending on the location, area, size and type of home. This neighborhood is highly recommended for young families with kids since it is very safe and has a lot of families already living here. Also, one of the most sought-after schools in Texas, Lakewood Elementary.

2. University Park

University Park along with Highland Park is considered to be among the most respected neighborhoods of Dallas. It houses the Southern Methodist University and is the most educated area all over Texas. It is one of the most highly recommended neighborhoods for young families that have children. Almost 40 percent of the households in University Park have children and education rates here are extremely high. The neighborhood also offers a range of different amenities to its residents.

3. Preston Hollow

Preston Hollow is considered to be among the most influential neighborhoods in Dallas and is located specifically in North Dallas. Here, you will find majestic estates with beautiful oak trees. There are still some vintage homes in this neighborhood of Dallas. These are one or two storey buildings that were constructed in the 1930s. However, many of the old constructions have been renovated and converted into new modern homes. Most homes occupy an area of 6,000 square feet (or more). The residents of Preston Hollow are found shopping mostly at Preston Road (State Highway 289). Neuhaus Café is a favorite lunch place for a lot of people living in Preston Hollow.

Preston Hollow is an excellent neighborhood choice for young families with children. It has some very elite private schools including the Hockaday School, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Episcopal School of Dallas and others. Many business and civic leaders reside in the neighborhood of Preston Hollow and it is home to some of the best-known names in the city.

4. Plano

While technically not “in” Dallas, Plano is close enough and offers so much for families that it had to be included on this list. In 2016, the CNN Money magazine rated Plano as the #3 area to live in all of Western America. The neighborhood has top-rated schools, safe streets and a very low rate of poverty. For young families looking to move to Dallas, Plano might be one of the best options to consider. The DART light rail transport system connects Plano to Dallas. Downtown Dallas is also within comfortable reach of Plano. It is among the largest suburbs in Texas and has houses to suit all kinds of budgets. It is also one of the fastest growing areas in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex with numerous industry headquarters located in the area.

5. Lake Highlands

Lake Highlands can be found located on the northern side of Northwest Highway and is a very popular family neighborhood. In fact, it is also highly recommended for young working couples looking to shift to Dallas. Who wouldn’t want to live in the beautiful Richardson school district that includes the area? In Lake Highlands, schools are considered to be an important place for community gatherings. Another great feature of the Lake Highlands neighborhood is that it offers easy and quick access to downtown Dallas as well as the job centers located in Plano and Richardson.

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