3 Winter Staging Tips with The TaylorMade Team

3 Tips to Welcome Potential Buyers

We love living in the DFW area.  Our "Winter" is not as extreme as other areas are experiencing right now!  However that being said, we still have had a few days that brought snow and quite a few days where it was downright COLD!

NOW is the time to get your home on the market and get it SOLD! Don't wait until spring - we have buyers out looking for homes NOW.

If you are thinking of selling your home, here are 3 professional staging tips to prepare your home for a great showing in these colder days!

1.  Make your home inviting and comfortable.  If you have your thermostat turned down during the day, keep it at a comfortable temperature so that it feels warm and inviting.  Keep those curtains and blinds open for natural light.

2.  Place a winter wreath on the door.  A nice looking,  dried floral wreath is a simple item and a nice touch at this time of year.

3.  Have time right before the showing?  Consider baking an apple pie or bread for a fresh baked smell to welcome potential buyers.  Baking cookies and having bottled water set out is always a good idea.  If you have the time, think about making a mulled cider or hot chocolate to leave in the crockpot on those colder days.

With Keller, Texas being recognized as a top place to live, it's a great time to be buying and selling a home in our DFW area.  For more tips on selling your home, visit us at www.taylormadeteam.com

Want to know what homes are selling for in your area?

Contact us at 817-430-6279
Mary Taylor
The TaylorMade Team

Holiday Safety Tips from The TaylorMade Team

The holidays are here and it's a time to celebrate family, food and holiday traditions.  A this time of year, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! 

From our TaylorMade Team family to yours, here are some tips that we always share with our friends and neighbors in Southlake, Keller and the DFW area:

• Expecting packages to be delivered?   If you can't be home to check on deliveries, ask a neighbor to keep an eye out and pick it up for you.  If you've sent items to other people, track your packages & deliveries.  You can either track it yourself or give the tracking link to the recipient to remind them to look out.  There are awful stories about people following the UPS trucks and picking up packages from peoples doorsteps.  

• Check the stability of your christmas tree stand!  The packages get placed, the kids lay under the tree, the tree gets moved around a bit at time... avoid the knocked over or pulled over Christmas tree and make sure the tree stand is stabilized and balanced.

• Don't forget to water the tree!  If you are out of town, you can place sand in the base to help retain the water for the tree (and for a little extra support).  Your tree should retain its moisture. 

•  Leave a TV or Radio on when you leave your home to that the house looks and sounds occupied.  

•  Holiday Trash can be overwhelming, however make sure that the boxes from gifts (like flatscreen TV's) are broken down and hidden amongst the other trash or recycling items.  You don't want to call attention to gifts that just arrived in your home.

We hope this holiday season is safe and enjoyable whether you are celebrating here or traveling.

We look forward to seeing those great family pictures on Facebook... we're going to try and post  some too!

Blessings, 

Mary, David and Steffani Taylor

The TaylorMade Team

Re/Max Heritage

817-430-6279

www.taylormadeteam.com

What's UP with West Nile?

It's no secret that we've got a serious mosquito problem right now in our DFW area!  

West Nile Virus!  

There isn't a moment that goes by in picking up the paper, looking at the TV or seeing it on Facebook that you don't hear about the West Nile Virus.

Just seeing the picture of a mosquito makes your skin crawl and you want to run indoors!  We're all concerned and we want information on how we can keep our families and pets safe.

Here are a few basic tips that the Center for Disease Control has put out:

1.  Remove all standing water sources - that's right - make sure that any dripping outside faucets are checked.  Fountains are kept clean.

2.  Make sure that windows and doors are properly sealed to ensure no insects are getting inside.  You've probably been talking about doing it all summer - well... no time like the present!  Get to it!

3.  Help support any local mosquito control efforts.  Know when neighborhoods are being sprayed and help communicate to neighbors that may need to be aware that have pets or small children.

4.  Mosquito's are most active at dawn and dusk - be aware and if you are outside - wear protective clothing.

5.  Here is the link to the most common mosquito repellents that the CDC recommends.

Here is the latest FAQ's on the West Nile Virus from the CDC.  Please feel free to share this information with family and friends.

From our family to yours,

The TaylorMade Team

4th of July Fireworks in the DFW Area!

The 4th of July is almost here!

So where are you headed to go see the traditional fireworks display?

We have helped TONS of family relocate to our DFW area.

Here are a few places we found to watch fireworks in our local Dallas / Fort Worth area.  These events also have family friendly activities to share with your family.

July 3: Addison - Kaboom Town!

What: Kaboom Town! celebrates its 27th anniversary with a festival beginning at 5 p.m. Food, music, kid's activities including rock climbing, giant slide, fun inflatables, sand art, free movie, an obstacle course and an After Party featuring Emerald City on the Dos Equis Main Stage. This event is free.

When: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 from 5 p.m. to Midnight. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Addison Circle Park, Dos Equis Main Stage, 4970 Addison Circle Drive, Addison, TX

July 4: Arlington Highlands 4th of July Extravaganza

Arlington Highlands 4th of July Extravaganza kicks off at 7 p.m. with live music from The Chant Band. Get your free snowcones from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (First 3,000 snowcones are free. After that, they are $1). Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. FYI: The best viewing location is on the east side by Dave & Busters.

When: July 4, 2012; Fun starts at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

What: An Independence Day Celebration with an Circus twist. 4thFEST Big Top Celebration includes a free concert, InflataFUN Zone, a variety of circus family fun FREE activities, festival-style culinary delights and of course, the spectacular fireworks extravaganza.

July 4: City of Bedford - 4thFest

When: Wednesday, July 4, 2012 from Noon to 11 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Where: 2801 Forest Ridge Road, Bedford Boys Ranch Park, Bedford, TX

Parking: There is no on-site parking. Parking and shuttle service for $4 per person will be offered at Pennington Field, 1501 Central Drive. The last shuttle TO the Boys Ranch Park will leave Pennington Field at 9:30 p.m.

Bring: Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and non-alcoholic beverages.

July 4: Dallas - Fair Park Fourth

What: It's Dallas' biggest fireworks display. Fair Park's participating museums will offer free or reduced admission including the African American Museum, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, the new Texas Museum of Automotive History, Texas Discovery Gardens, Museum of Nature & Science and The Children's Aquarium at Fair Park.

When: Wednesday, July 4, 2012. 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas, TX.

From our family to yours, 

We wish you a safe and fun 4th of July!

The TaylorMade Team

http://www.thetaylormadeteam.com/

3 things to think about when considering a re-finance

You've all been hearing about it.....

• Rates are at record lows!  
• You've been pre-approved to re-finance your mortgage!
• Save hundreds on your monthly mortgage payment!

It's got you thinking, RIGHT?

Rates are at a record low, but you still need to re-finance for the right reasons - and be knowledgeable about the process.  Even IF you can score a rate in the 3% category...
1.  Are you aware that there are closing costs associated?
2.  Should you think about rolling those costs into the mortgage?

We're not mortgage experts, but we have worked with quite a few (call the office and we can give you some names of folks we have had good experiences with).

Here is a little more to think about when considering a re-finance:

1. Make SURE you check your credit rating to make sure that of what is on your credit report - you won't qualify for the advertised rate if you are late on a payment or your debt to income ratio is tremendous!

2.  Shop around - just like when you were getting your first mortgage  - check around and find the right programs and lenders for you & your needs.

3.  Make sure you check the existing value on your home- has the value of your homes changed since you bought the house?  You will most likely have to get an appraisal performed on your home, so be aware of the market around you.

You want to spend your hard earned money on things that are going to help you and your family.  Re-financing when the terms and conditions are right for YOU is the way to go!  If you have a specific question about the value of your home give us a call at 817-430-6279 or visit us at www.thetaylormadeteam.com

5 Tips for a Stress Free Move With Your Pet

Moving with a Pet?

Here are 5 quick tips on helping to make sure that your move is stress free for ALL your family members!

1. Packing for your pet

Just like you would pack for a small child, you need to pack gear for your pet too! Extra leash for dogs, biodegradable bags to pick up after your pet on rest stop walks will be important to have on hand. Don't forget portable bowls and pre-measure kibble to put in ziplocks for each meal are a must for your best friend! If you have not micro-chipped your pet, for the move it is probably a great idea for safety! If you have micro-chipped, make sure that all your contact information is updated and correct. Does your pet take any regular medications? Make sure you have it with you!

2. Don't forget the Vet Visit!

If you are flying with your pet, most airlines require up to date vaccines. Plan ahead so that you have all this information current and with you to present as needed! For international travel, the details can vary - be prepared! Even if you are not flying, it's a great idea to make sure that you have a vet visit prior to leaving the area. Get a copy of all your pet's paperwork, test results, and vaccine records that you may need when you find your new vet. Some vets have a referral network - they may be able to help find a quality vet in your new home!

3. Say no to Sedatives

Most pets can usually handle stress better than we can! The most common tranquilizer, H-acepromazine, relaxes the respiratory muscles as well which can lead to breathing difficulties - especially during altitude changes. Check with your vet for more information, but carefully consider that options when using tranquilizers during travel.

4. Check your options when flying with your pet

Did you know that many airlines offer specialized pet compartments with temperature control? If you are traveling in winter or summer, you will want to inquire about the arrangements for your pet that the airline has prior to boarding the plane. And yes... many airlines often accommodate extra leg room areas to have a crate with you on the plane - check with your airlines to see what options are available to you.

5. Make friends with the travel crate

Prior to traveling, make sure that your pet is used to the travel crate! Take your time to acclimate your pet to spending time in the crate. Plan a few meals to be fed in the crate and ensure that your pet fits properly. Many pet stores offer free crate training seminars.

At the The TaylorMade Team, we want your move to be as easy and stress free as possible on all your family members! For more information on moving tips or to search for homes for sale in the area, please visit us at www.thetaylormadeteam.com

Grapevine, TX - Entertainment For The Entire Family!

Are you tired of the same ol' weekend routine? This April head out to Grapevine, TX to find entertainment for the entire family!

Lets start with what Grapevine is REALLY known for - THEIR WINE! With beautiful wineries throughout the city, you are sure to fill up a day just visiting them all. But if you want to spice it up a bit, grab a few of your closest friends and try taking a ride on the new vintage jazz wine train or check out the blessing of the vines and the new vintage wine and gallery trail.

Have a night out with your sweetheart at the Palace Theater to see movies or maybe even a production The Sound of Music. This is sure to be an experience you won't soon forget!

Don't forget the little ones! There are so many exciting activities this spring for children of all ages! Some activities include Heritage Fun and Kite Flying at historic Nash Farm, The Easter Bunny Fun Run on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, the 36th Annual Easter Egg Hunt and the grand opening of LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills Mall!

With so many fun and exciting things to do in Grapevine this April, you want to be sure not to miss anything! Check out a full list of events now and head out to Grapevine, TX to find entertainment for the entire family!