Articles Tagged "Southlake TX"

DFW might be a thriving urban metropolis, but the area retains a number of places where nature takes center stage. Our real estate agents refresh body, mind, and spirit with visits to these beautiful nature centers throughout the area. 

• Cedar Ridge Preserve - 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75249
  Perched at an elevation of 755 feet, Cedar Ridge Preserve is considered a "little slice of hill country" overlooking the city. The Preserve is maintained by Audubon Dallas, the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, the iconic organization dedicated to promoting conservation. Enchanting names like Cattail Pond, Little Bluestem, and Red Oak identify the Preserve's 13 trails. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - dusk Tuesday through Sunday and a minimum donation of $3 is requested for admission.
  
  
• Twelve Hills Nature Center - 817 Mary Cliff Rd., Dallas, TX 75208
  Despite its bucolic sound, the name of Twelve Hills Nature Center is a reference to the apartment buildings that once stood on its grounds. In 2005, volunteers began this unique project to reclaim the land as a prairie oasis in the midst of Dallas homes for sale. A butterfly garden greets visitors at the entrance while dog-friendly trails wind through flowering plants and shrubs along the five-acre property. Twelve Hills is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free, though donations are welcome.
  
  
• Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve - 355 E. Bob Jones Rd., Southlake, TX 76092
  Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve is rich in both natural resources and historical relevance to the area around Southlake homes for sale. The land where the nature center sits once belonged to Bob Jones, a former slave who went on to become a successful rancher and farmer. With more than 20 miles of hiking trails that span 700 acres, the Preserve offers a fascinating look at the Cross Timbers ecosystem along with frequent glimpses of birds and wildlife. Hours are 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily, with closing time at 5 p.m. during winter. Admission is free.
  
  
• Elm Fork Nature Preserve - 2335 Sandy Lake Rd., Carrollton, TX 75006
  The origins of Elm Fork Nature Preserve date back to 1861 when the Bramblitt family purchased the property as a wood right, not far from where Carrollton homes for sale now stand. But no clear-cutting ever took place, and in 1986, 40 acres were donated to the city of Carrollton to remain a self-contained ecosystem. While walking the trails, which pass through woodlands and past a pond, visitors are often treated to the sight of armadillos, eastern cottontails, great horned owls, snowy egrets, and many other birds and animals. Hours are dawn to dusk, and admission is free.
  
  
• Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge - 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76135
  Take a step back in time just minutes from Fort Worth homes for sale at Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. The 3,621 acres are filled with dog-friendly trails winding through forests, prairies, and wetlands that retain the look of the local landscape back in the early 20th century. As one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the country, it was deemed a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., with early entry at 7 a.m. May through August. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for ages 3-12.

Ready to learn more about what life in Texas has to offer? Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates to learn more.

It's a well-known fact that curb appeal makes a huge difference in Dallas homes for sale. Whether you're planning on listing your home soon or not for a little while yet, here are a few outdoor walkway ideas our real estate agents recommend for a quick way to boost curb appeal.

• Stepping Stones 
  Stepping stones are an inexpensive way to put walking paths anywhere you want, plus they blend in nicely with a well-landscaped yard. You can find stepping stones in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, so head over to the home improvement or garden store and spend some time browsing and comparing prices before you decide what you want.
  
  
• Gravel
  Another inexpensive, easy to work with, and good DIY choice is gravel. Gravel can be used to surround stepping stones or large pavers, as a border along a concrete or brick path, or as a path itself. You will need to provide some kind of a border to keep the gravel in and remember that gravel can also travel and requires some maintenance to continue looking nice.
  
  
• Brick
  Brick is a great option with a lot of opportunities for variety. If you choose someone experienced to do the job for you, they'll not just level the path to making sure you don't end up with any bricks sticking up, they can also lay the bricks in intricate and pleasing designs. Brick tends to look both traditional and upscale in Fort Worth homes for sale.
  
  
• Pavers
  Pavers are a more expensive alternative to brick, stepping stones, or flagstone, but they come in a wider variety of sizes and colors and textures and can be used to create many pleasing patterns. You could also consider laying the pavers with a narrow space in between where moss or ground cover could grow, tying your walkway into your landscaping.
  
  
• Wood
  Wooden walkways can lend an interesting rustic or beachy vibe, depending on the look you're going for. You could lay circular slices of trunk-like they were pavers or stepping stones, for instance, or build a walkway like an extension of your deck. For zero-footprint ideas, consider using reclaimed wood, such as the wood from a broken-down pallet.
  
  
• Texture or Stenciling
  Is your original walkway still perfectly serviceable, but you're looking for a way to update it? Fortunately, there are many affordable ways to do so. You can have a concrete walkway sprayed and textured with a roller, or you can paint existing pavers using stencils. Upgrading your existing walkway provides immediate curb appeal without breaking the bank.
  
  
• Landscaping
  Don't forget that the walkway is only a small part of your curb appeal, so take some time to make sure the landscaping around it is up to par, too. Consider a nice border of shrubbery or flowers or with the installation of little path lights.

Whether it's for your own enjoyment or you're ready to sell your house, you'll be amazed at the difference a newly designed outdoor walkway will make in your home's curb appeal. For more tips on boosting curb appeal or to chat with an agent about selling your home, contact us today.

Love to cook? If so, you may be looking for a dream kitchen among Fort Worth homes for sale. You probably have some good ideas about what you want in a kitchen, but our real estate agents have some insightful advice that might make you reconsider what you're looking for. For instance, many homeowners think large when it comes to kitchen space, but experts say it's more important for your kitchen to be organized than to be expansive.

Make the most of your kitchen with these upgrades.

1. Create a Good Workflow
   Gathering guests in the kitchen while you cook is a definite trend, but you want to arrange things so your guests can enjoy visiting and not be in the way. Place them nearby where they can enjoy a drink or some snacks, but not where you have to work around them. Plan for your cooktop to be out of the flow of traffic; take that a step further and locate the trash or the bar away from the cooking flow so you don't have to dance around obstructions. By the same token, you want essentials nearby, such as the refrigerator, pots and pans, most favored utensils, and cooking ingredients.
   
   
2. Invest in Good Counters
   You want good quality counters, but that doesn't mean you need to invest in the most expensive materials. For instance, granite is popular, but it requires considerable upkeep and can scratch easily. Another popular material is soapstone, which is soft and can be scratched, but it's not delicate. It also ages nicely and can stand high heat. Compressed recycled quartz is a popular choice that stands up to wear and comes in several choices.
   
   
3. Go for Quality Cookware
   Forget those 20-piece cookware sets. Rather, buy piece by piece and only buy what you need. For instance, you're likely going to use a frying pan or skillet more than, say, a saucier, so do invest in one that's of good quality. But investing in an inexpensive non-stick skillet for daily egg cooking isn't a bad idea. You can save the quality piece for the gourmet dishes, and just let the non-stick go when it wears out.  
   
   A cast-iron skillet is one way to acquire a quality piece that doesn't cost much. These last forever. You might also want to invest in a fully clad pot, which means it's composed of three layers of bonded metal. These pots are known for even transmittal of heat, which translates to nice browning instead of hot spots.
   
   
4. Think Bold
   While white kitchens with a bold pop of color or two have prevailed over recent years, the trend may be shifting to more adventurous colors. For instance, bright blue cabinetry might call to you, as might a green marble countertop or a backsplash that makes an eye-catching statement. If you know you're staying in your current home, choose the colors that appeal most to you.
   
   
5. Consider Sustainability 
   The throw-away syndrome is something we all need to lose, and no better place to start than in your kitchen upgrade. As you look to redo your kitchen, shop for quality, artisanal, sustainably made items that will last a lifetime. For example, consider adding quality food storage solutions to get rid of plastic wrap usage.

Still looking for a home complete with the perfect kitchen for all your culinary adventures? Our agents can help. Contact us today.

Everything's bigger in Texas, but it looks smaller when seen from the treetops. Ziplining is just one of the outdoor activities that make the Dallas-Fort Worth area such a great place to live. Our real estate agents recommend getting your adrenaline pumping at these exciting parks around the DFW.

1. Trinity Forest Adventure Park - 1820 Dowdy Ferry Rd., Dallas, TX 75217
   How high can you go? At Trinity Forest Adventure Park, not far from Dallas homes for sale, three different levels of elevation take you as far as 50 feet off the ground. Each course, ranked by a ski slope-style color-coded system, features obstacles such as wobble bridges, ladders, and free falls. The staff-led school lets you practice on the ground, then proceed at your own pace. Admission for a three-hour session ranges from $44.95-$54.95, with a minimum age of 6. Receive a $5 discount when you reserve online. Trinity Forest is open on weekends from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
   
   
2. Go Ape Adventure Park - Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano, TX 75074
   The signature jungle call is optional, but you'll certainly feel like Tarzan swinging through the trees at Go Ape Adventure Park. Located in the largest park near Plano homes for sale, Go Ape offers more than eight miles of trails and ziplines. Enjoy a thrilling two- to three-hour trip, passing over Rowlett Creek and above the trees and greenery of the surrounding area. Admission is $54.95 for ages 10-15 and $64.95 for ages 16 and up. Visit the website to view the schedule.
   
   
3. Urban Air Adventure Park - 9157 Harmon Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76177
   What goes up must come down at Urban Air Adventure Park. Soar above it all on Sky Rider, then take the plunge with Indoor Skydiving. With heart-pumping adventures such as climbing walls, rope courses, performance trampolines, and a flying trapeze, it's no surprise Urban Air was named "Best Gym in America for Kids" by Shape magazine. Keep your energy up with a tasty snack and refreshing beverage at the onsite cafe. All this fun is just minutes from Fort Worth homes for sale. Combo packages are available at prices ranging from $19.99-$34.99. Hours are 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
4. DFW Adventure Park - 13055 Cleveland Gibbs Rd., Northlake, TX 76262
   Put that controller down and take part in some real-world gaming action at DFW Adventure Park. Join family and friends for a lively game of paintball that challenges your body and mind. Low impact, with a .50 caliber paintball for reduced impact, is perfect for beginners. The park also offers Splat Master, a variation for younger players. All-day play is $25, or $20 if you bring your own equipment. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
5. Widowmaker Trail Rides - 904 Quail Creek Ct., Southlake, TX 76092
   Get a taste of the old cowboy days right down the street from Southlake homes for sale with Widowmaker Trail Rides. Enjoy a two-hour ride around scenic Lake Grapevine, accompanied by an experienced guide who will help you get the most out of your experience. Rides are $100 per person and are scheduled by appointment only. 

After a day outdoors, there's nothing better than heading back to your own DFW home. Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates for friendly and experienced real estate help.

Renovating or updating your home is an exciting prospect. Whether you plan on living there a while longer or are fixing it up to sell soon, doing much-needed updates can be satisfying. Before you get too carried away, though, here are a few words of caution from our real estate agents.

1. Choose your contractor carefully.
   Remember that a lot rides on your choice of contractor. This person will oversee your project, so it needs to be someone who is on board with your vision. It also should be someone who is good at what they do, so check online reviews. It's a good rule of thumb to interview several contractors and look for someone who will be a good fit for your project, understands your budget, and will be able to deliver as promised and on time.
   
   
2. Expect the unexpected.
   That being said, always expect the unexpected, and build a little wiggle room into your budget and your timeline. You don't know what your contractor and his crew will find once they start work. The original plan may need to be changed or some issue could require attention before the work can continue. If you build a little extra into your overall plan, changes in cost or time frame won't hurt as much.
   
   
3. Do the kitchen first.
   There are several reasons why you should do the kitchen first. First of all, it's likely to inconvenience you the most, since you won't have a kitchen to cook in. You can set up a temporary kitchen station in another room, where you can do simple food prep. But more importantly, kitchen updates have the biggest impact on your home's value. Dallas homes for sale that feature clean, modern kitchens show and sell the best. Plus, those updates feature the most functionality, so you'll likely enjoy them the most during whatever time you have left in the house.
   
   
4. Be honest with yourself before DIYing.
   It can be tempting to save yourself the money and do the work yourself, but be honest with yourself as to whether you have the required knowledge, experience, and skill to DIY it. If you overestimate your ability to DIY your upgrades, you'll detract from your home's appeal and leave the buyer to clean up the mess. Be honest with yourself, and if you don't know enough to make the job look professional, then leave it to the professionals.
   
   
5. Know whether you're selling or staying. 
   If you're designing updates to enjoy while you live in the home, your goals are going to be different than if you're updating a home in order to join the list of Fort Worth homes for sale. Renovations for yourself will of course be targeted to your personal preferences, whereas renovations prior to selling need to be more neutral so that they'll appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

If you're looking to sell your home soon, home improvement projects are a great way to boost its appeal to buyers. For more information about what upgrades sell the best, or to speak to an agent, contact us today.

Have you thought about jumping on the bandwagon and making your home smarter in 2021? If not, maybe you should. There are so many ways smart features increase your home's comfort, security, and efficiency that a smart system bears looking at. What's more, if you're listing your home among Dallas homes for sale or Plano homes for sale, you might include the smart system and appliances as a selling point.

In case you're not familiar with all the features you could have with a smart system, let's look at a rundown.

1. Smart Home Assistant
   The smart home assistant is the foundation for any smart system. There are two that dominate the market: Amazon Echo with Alexa and Google Home with smart speakers. Similar to the way they work, these devices control all the other smart devices in your home, from lights and doorbells to security alarms and cameras.
   
   
2. Smart Hub
   If you go with a smart speaker without a built-in hub, you'll need a smart hub for automating all the smart devices in your home through only one app. A couple of the best are the Smart Things Hub and the Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub.
   
   
3. Lighting
   No need to get up. Add smart bulbs and control the lights through your phone, either by voice or touch. Still at the office? Turn on some light for the dog remotely. Change the mood by changing the color of the light if you opt for RGB lighting.

4. HVAC Thermostat
   Manage your home's environment from near or far with a smart thermostat. Use an app on your smartphone or tablet to control the temperature; depending on if you have an in-house humidifier, you might even be able to raise or lower humidity. Some systems can sense your approach and raise or lower the temperature for your comfort. Need an analysis of your energy usage? A smart thermostat can do that as well.

5. Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
   Smart smoke detectors not only detect smoke but send a message to your phone that there's a problem.
   
   
6. Garage Door Opener
   Let workers in your garage when you're away with an app on your phone. Did you forget to close the garage door? No problem. You can close it remotely as long as you can access Wi-fi.
   
   
7. Smart Security Features
   A complete smart security system should include indoor and outdoor cameras, door locks, lighting, and even the doorbell. Here's how these features play into your overall security strategy:

• • Indoor camera -- There are many reasons to monitor what's going on inside your home, from watching a babysitter or cleaning employee to monitoring your pets' activities to recording a break-in.
  • Outdoor camera -- Again, you want to be able to record who comes up to your front door and what they do. The Nest outdoor security camera comes with night vision and has a built-in microphone and speaker; plus, you can use the app for the Nest to view live footage on your smartphone.
  • Door lock -- These devices do away with the need for keys; you can unlock them via your smartphone or with a fingerprint or a pin.
  • Doorbell -- These come with a camera that lets you see who's ringing the bell and communicate with them through your phone. Some devices have the ability to recognize your visitors.

Our real estate agents can help you upgrade your home and appliances to create a more convenient, efficient, and secure smart system. Contact us today.