Family time is the best time for many people, and it's often with loved ones that some of the fondest shared memories are made. Get everyone together (including your pets) for shared experiences such as outdoor activities, mealtime and game nights, for plenty of fun. Here are a few suggestions, courtesy of DFW Properties: Get Fit with the Family – Find an outdoor activity the whole family can...
Better Living
You aren't the only one who needs to prep for vacation. Your home, too, needs a bit of special attention before you head out of town. The following tips from DFW Properties can help you ready your space before you hit the road. Change the setting on the water heater – There is no need to heat water in an empty home. A lot of homeowners don't realize their water heater may have a vacation mode...
While jumping into a pool or lake this summer may help you cool off, your home is a whole different story. As many of us work to cool or homes, we unfortunately also spike our utility bills. Below are several tips from DFW Properties on how to limit energy use even on the hottest days. Clean the filter regularly. Dusty filters make your air conditioner work harder. Set your thermostat at 78...
Sunlight is a natural antidepressant, and there is ample scientific evidence that associates daylight with better health and quality of life, such as improved mood, less fatigue and reduced eye strain. If your home needs some brightening up, we at DFW Properties encourage you to consider these home features with natural light in mind: Paint. Choosing a lighter-colored paint and avoiding statement...
While you might have some-day plans for redoing the kitchen or finishing the basement, while you’re waiting, you can chip away at smaller improvements around the house that are well within your budget, yet will make a big difference in your daily life. Plus, these projects can be done in a weekend and won’t cause a lot of mess and disruption. DFW Properties recommends the following: Paint a...
Whether you live in a drought prone area or are simply environmentally conscious, we know at DFW Properties that saving water is important, and you can do so both inside and outside your home.The non-profit GRACE Communications Foundation (GRACE) developed a free Water Footprint Calculator, so consumers can see how their everyday actions – from washing dishes to watering the lawn to buying groceries...
As temperatures skyrocket during the dog days of summer -- especially in Texas -- so do air conditioning costs as we work to maintain climate control within our homes. But finding a way to keep AC usage in check can prevent utility bills from getting too high. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, you’ll save approximately 3 percent on your utility bill for every degree you raise the set...
A home that operates efficiently isn't just better for the environment. Ensuring your home systems are as efficient as possible can also help reduce the financial burden of maintaining your home throughout the year.These tips by DFW Properties from Gary White with JCPenney Home Services can serve as areas of focus for lowering your energy bills and lessening your appliances' negative impact on the...
If the ultimate goal of your home improvement project is aesthetic, the greatest benefit may come from your personal enjoyment of the new space. However, if you're looking to add true value to your home, it's important to consider which projects are likely to bring the greatest return on your investment. At DFW Properties, we recommend the following: FlooringFlooring speaks volumes about a home....
With home values enjoying a steady rise over the past several years, most Americans have witnessed a return of home equity, and many are leveraging that equity toward other important financial goals. A recent study by LendingTree, which assessed home equity loan requests since the start of 2018, tracked six uses for home equity loans: home improvement; debt consolidation; retirement income;...