Have a Spooktacular Halloween 2015

The leaves are starting to turn beautiful reds and yellows, the nights are getting cooler, and Halloween is just around the corner. North Texas may be slated for more rain this weekend (Friday in particular), but don't let that put a damper on your Halloween activities. As always, there are several things to do in the area.

Of course, there are several Haunted Houses around the Metroplex, but most of them are for adults. If you have children, here are some other options:

If you have lots of energy and like to begin your Halloween extra early, sign up for the Monster Dash 5K, 10K or half marathon by the Trinity River. Races begin at 8 am.

Once your race is over and you've gotten a little rest, head over to the West 7th Halloween Bash for kids and adults. This event goes from 4 to 7 pm. There will be a costume contest, face painting and trick-or-treating at participating stores and restaurants (look for the orange and black balloons). If it's just adults, a Pub Crawl begins at 5 and ends at 10.

If the Stockyards are more your style, take the kids to Treat Street at Stockyards Station from 6-8 pm. You can enjoy hayrides, pumpkin decorating and a costume contest. Afterwards, take in a rodeo at Cowtown Colesium at 8 or get a sitter for the kids and come back to Billy Bob's at 10:30 to hear Frankie Bullard in concert.

As always, rain or shine, Fort Worth is THE place to be!

Summer Fun

photo: http://www.fortworth.com/

As you know, Fort Worth is an awesome place to live. We have world class museums, great restaurants and beautiful parks and open spaces. There's always something wonderful going on around town. This weekend, there will be a concert at Panther Pavilion with Dolly Shine and Parker McCollum. You can tube in the river while listening to the music or bring a a blanket or chairs and relax on the shore.

If you'd be more comfortable in an air conditioned space, check out the museums. There is a show of Audubon's Beasts at the Amon Carter Museum and the Museum of Science and History has a fun, hands-on, interactive program called Design Zone. Or  you could see Pippin at Bass Hall. If you're interested in something that has less culture and more cowboy, the NCHA is sponsoring a Cutting Horse Spectacular. And that's just this weekend!

Of course, there are always thing happening around town. Stay updated at www.fortworth.com and have fun!

Keep Your Cool This Summer

Although we here in North Texas had lots of rain (and cooler temperatures) in the spring, summer is officially upon us, including the heat and humidity that come with it. There are several things you can do to keep your cool this summer. Some would require some big bucks, but most of these tips are cheap or free!

•  Let’s get the big ticket items out of the way. With some planning (and money) you can have a (relatively) cool house all summer long. So, starting 15 or so years ago, plant some trees. Or wait 10-15 years from now to enjoy the shade from the trees you plant today (actually, fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs, so keep that in mind).
• Add insulation to your attic.
•  Replace your existing dark-colored roof for one with cool shingles or a light color.
•  Add window awnings.
• Buy a high efficiency air conditioner. Clean/replace A/C filters once a month.
• Buy energy efficient doors and windows.

The rest of the tips are much less expensive!

• Don’t run major appliances during the day (washer/dryer, dishwasher, stove). Dry clothes outside.
• Eat cold meals, cook outside or in the microwave.
• Close windows and blinds.
• Install cool lighting (CFLs or LEDs).
• Turn off electronics.
• Use ceiling fans.
• Use less hot water.

Hope these suggestions help you keep your cool this summer!

Kitchen Remodeling Budget

Remodeling can be an exciting and scary proposition. It takes some planning and maybe a reality check or two. Whether you are remodeling for yourself or on an investment property, here are some tips to help with the process:

1.  Make a budget and stick to it. This may be a no-brainer but it's very easy for costs to get out of hand. You may budget $250 for lighting and fall in love with a $350 set of pendant lights that would be "perfect" over the island. It's "just" $100, right? But those "little" $100 changes add up.

2. Knowing the cost break downs in a kitchen remodel will help with budgeting. Here is a general run down on costs from HGTV.com:
          a. Cabinets 35%
          b. Labor 20%
          c. Appliances 20%
          d. Windows 10%
          e. Fixtures 5%
          f. Fittings 5%
          g. Other 7%

3. In addition to the costs for cabinets, appliances, fixtures, etc. be sure to add in a 20% fudge factor. Sometimes you come across a problem you didn't know existed. Sometimes the cabinets you fell in love with 6 months ago have risen 10% in cost. Sometimes you change your mind and want to make the island 6' long instead of 5'. It all adds up!

4. Before you start the process, have a frank talk about wants and needs with your spouse or business partner. Is that $350 faucet a WANT or a NEED? Crown molding is lovely, but will it make your kitchen more functional? If the plan is to sell the property, be sure you aren't "overbuilding" for the price point and neighborhood. A nice laminate will work in a $125,000 house, whereas the buyer of a $250,000 house will expect granite. Prioritize for the project and the budget.

Remodeling a kitchen can be a big undertaking, and being smart with the budget will make it much less stressful!

Interesting Real Estate Facts

I found some interesting real estate facts on the web this week.

Enjoy!

I love to look at houses (which is one reason I love my job!). I especially love looking at magnificent homes, like those that are completely out of my budget. I also love it when they are in a gated community that doesn't normally grant access to the "regular" people like me.  Here's a chance to look at one of those home this week. The Fort Worth Dream Home is open for viewing! The cost is $10, and benefits A Wish with Wings. You can see this year's Dream Home through Oct. 19.

Rental rates are increasing in the DFW area. You may be surprised that buying a home can be cheaper than renting. It's much better to build equity than give all your money to the landlord.  Maybe it's time to buy a house -- especially before interest rates rise! I'm here to help you find your dream home!