Nov 30, 2016 | Real Estate
The Holidays are meant to be a time to enjoy precious moments spent with family and friends, but all too often we find ourselves rushing to decorate our homes perfectly. The good news is a few garlands of evergreens, a colorful wreath in the window, or an arrangement of simple candles flickering on the mantel can create an abundance of cheer. Here are some quick and easy ways to make your home festive this Holiday season:
Develop a Theme!
Something as simple as an unique container filled with ornaments can tie a room’s theme together. Decide which palette you want as far as colors. This helps when decorating tree and placing decorations throughout house that makes the theme flow throughout. Pinterest has great DIY projects to create decoration pieces that go along with any theme. Choose a couple colors and go from there….easy start to making your home festive.
Garland, Garland, Everywhere!
It’s difficult to overdo it on that classic winter decoration, the garland of evergreen. Add some visual interest by weaving in lights, pine cones, strips of thick ribbon, or bright seasonal berries. Whether hung over doorways, draped between shelves, or wrapped around a dining table centerpiece, there’s space for this fragrant favorite anywhere.
Lights!
Whether outdoors, strung along your bushes, or wound around your staircase, lights add a soft glow and create a comfortable atmosphere. White or color lights….let them shine bright. ‘Tis the season for lighting anywhere you want it to be!
Keep it simple…and don’t forget the tree!
We sometimes feel overwhelmed thinking we need more Holiday decorations when in fact sometimes simple is best. Adding pops of color with a lighted JOY sign or Santa will draw that Holiday feel without cluttering the shelf with several decoration pieces. Spread out the bulbs on the tree and add more ribbon for the full yet simple look.
There are many ways to make the inside and outside of your home cozy, inviting and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Turn on that Holiday music and include the entire family….happy decorating!
Nov 16, 2016 | Real Estate
When hosting, each year you try to make this Thanksgiving easier than the last, and every year you end up spending more time running around the house than enjoying your guests.We want to help change that so here are some tips to help you prepare in advance to help you de-stress when your guests arrive! Whether you are entertaining multiple families or you are having a small intimate gathering, Thanksgiving is to be enjoyed by the host, too. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home, and your meal for a Thanksgiving that will be remembered for years to come.
- Invite your guests now! While you may want to try to have an ‘open door’ policy that anyone who wants to drop by on Thanksgiving is welcome, this tens to make for an uncertainty in planning. Inviting guests now allows you ample time to invite a few more guests if you’d like. This will help you budget for food, time, chairs…and your nerves!
- Choose your menu well in advance! Consider going through family traditional recipes in your cookbooks, or visiting your favorite food blogs, or websites for ideas. If choosing a potluck, plan out a list of what type of food you’d like guests to bring and advise them once they accept the invitation.
- Plan your holiday table! Whether you prefer a formal dining experience or you will go with a casual dinner, plan table linen, dinnerware, seats, and serving ware now. Add a pop of color when picking the table linen or place a few pumpkins around for decor. Planning in advance helps lessen the stress the morning of.
- Prep your kitchen! After you have planned the meal, make sure to prep your kitchen with plenty of serving utensils, and plan where the food will be served. This will help you when preparing food and for the ease of serving. This also will help guests find what they need easily without asking you where items are!
- Enjoy your guests! While this step isn’t about preparation, it is the most important step! The holidays only come around once a year, and Thanksgiving is a time to cherish those around you, and give thanks for having loved ones near.
We hope you find these tips helpful when preparing for your Thanksgiving holiday meal and home. Remember to keep an open mind and be flexible when planning, to help lessen the stress that comes when hosting. Every detail doesn’t have to be thought out and your guests will be thankful for you opening up your home to have them over to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday together!
Nov 2, 2016 | Real Estate, Walk Through Wednesday
Walkthrough the Beazer model home in Miramonte with us this Wednesday!! The beautiful Chateau floor plan offers 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bath in 4,601 square feet with many upgrade options. Miramonte is a gorgeous community located in Frisco and Prosper ISD. Definitely a must-see! Enjoy this Walkthrough Wednesday video! Let us know if you have any questions or if you want to see this home, or any other, in person call us at 214-620-0411!
Oct 25, 2016 | Real Estate, Safety TIps
As children in the neighborhood get ready for Halloween, homeowners are preparing, too. In addition to buying treats for the kiddos, many homeowners like to decorate their home, inside and outside, with festive Halloween decorations. Homeowners can make the experience fun and safe for everyone by following these home safety tips:
- Clear the walkway. Fall is the time when leaves tend to clutter the lawn and pathway to the front door. Sweep your walkway and remove lawn ornaments, including electric cords or garden hoses that may block trick-or-treaters or cause them to stumble and injure themselves.
- Keep it bright. Check your porch light and other outside lights. Replace burnt out light bulbs. It can be fun to set the mood by providing an eerie atmosphere for visitors, but you also don’t want to scare them away. A lighted porch light is usually an invitation for trick-or-treaters to knock on the homeowner’s door. Keeping your entry brightly lit will make it safe for children.
- Carve pumpkins the safe way. It’s a lot of fun to carve a pumpkin and use it as a decoration on your doorstep. Be safe and use a special pumpkin carving tool, instead of a kitchen knife. Stores have carving tools especially designed for children. Another great idea is to let kids color or paint on a pumpkin instead of carving.
- Eliminate potential fire hazards. Some homeowners like to place candles inside their jack-o’-lanterns for special effects, but this can be a fire hazard. It is safer to use battery-operated candles or light sticks than live flames. Your jack-o’-lanterns might get tipped over, or trick-or-treaters’ costumes, their props, and other Halloween decorations, especially dried flowers, may catch fire.
- Serve safe treats. Homeowners are responsible for the treats they provide their visitors. Make sure the treats you hand out are safe. Consider purchasing non-food treats, or commercially-packaged treats that are labeled and sealed.
- Confine your pets. Pets get highly excited when the doorbell rings and may want to greet and jump on a visitor. Some pets are very protective of their master and may attack a trick-or-treater. Keep your pets away from the door for everyone’s safety and your peace of mind.
- Keep yourself and your home safe. Halloween is an exciting time for children, but it is also a prime time for harmful tricks, including vandalism and burglaries. Your safety as a homeowner is paramount. Keep all doors and windows of your home locked and your garage secure. Do not leave valuable equipment, including garden tools, outside. Always check and see who is at the door before opening your home to strangers. If you are unsure of the visitor, do not open your door. Turn off all outdoor lights and check again and make sure all doors and windows are locked when you are done providing treats.
When the Halloween fun is complete, if you are thinking of buying or selling give the Marr Team a call at 214-620-0411. We would be happy to help you find a house, spooky or safe!
Oct 20, 2016 | Real Estate
Costco is coming to McKinney!
City of McKinney officials, in May of this year, approved an economic development agreement with the popular, membership-driven wholesale retailer. Costco plans to build at the northeast corner of Hardin Boulevard and U.S. Highway 380. On site will be 740 parking spaces and a members-only fuel station – very similar to the Costco in Frisco.
Many other retailers are set to build around Costco on the various corners of Hardin and 380, check out the proposed map above!
With this growth also comes more opportunities for new communities opening up around the area. Now is still a great time to buy and sell, so if you are thinking about it- give us a call! We would love to help you!
Oct 13, 2016 | A Marr Team Listing, Prosper, Real Estate
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SPACIOUS HOME ON LARGE CORNER LOT IN PROSPER ISD! Situated on a lg corner lot with beautiful stone and cedar elevation for wow street appeal.Welcomed into a gorgeous rounded entry and wide hallway to family room.With 3 bedrooms downstairs and a separate game, bedroom and full bath upstairs perfect for separate living or guest space.Great kitchen with abundance of granite counter top spaces and serving areas. Huge backyard w over sized gates for storage.
