Home Improvement

December is here, and cooler winter weather is just around the corner. It's the perfect time to check off some of the home maintenance tasks on your to-do list.

Follow these tips from our real estate agents to get your home ready for the winter season. 

• Give Your Entire Home a Deep Dusting
  Since you'll be spending more time inside, hosting holiday gatherings, and running your furnace more frequently, it's time to rid your home of pesky dust. You don't want your furnace kicking dust around, and a clean, dust-free home is an inviting space to spend your time. Vacuum all your surfaces, including your light switches, baseboards, light fixtures, lamps, heating vents, and lampshades, using your vacuum's hose and a horsehair brush. Then, go over the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust particles. 

• Check Your Lights
  With daylight hours in short supply, it's important to check that all your interior and exterior lights are working properly. A well-lit home is also important if you plan to add your home to the list of Georgetown homes for sale. Replace any lightbulbs that have burnt out or that don't properly brighten the space. See that you have ample lighting outside to illuminate your walkways and driveway in the dark. If you do need more lighting, consider adding motion-activated lights or solar landscaping lights. 

• Clean Your Range Hood
  Now is the time to prepare your range for all your winter and holiday cooking. Your range hood directs odors and fumes out of your home; to do so effectively, it needs to be clean. Remove your range's filter and put it in the sink. Then, spray it with a degreasing cleaner and let it soak for a few minutes. Rinse the filter with warm water. Repeat the process if there's any grease remaining. Clean the rest of your range hood by spraying it with a degreasing cleaner and wiping it down with paper towels. 

• Check the Insulation in Your Attic
  Inadequate attic insulation means that you're spending more on your heating bills than you need to. If your attic is missing insulation, doesn't have it in enough spots, or doesn't have it in the right areas, this will allow your home's warm, toasty air to escape. Fix any deficiencies in your attic's insulation to keep your energy costs under control. 

• Set Up Smart Plugs
  If you're away from home for extended hours or have a holiday trip planned, it's important to give the appearance of an occupied home. Occupied homes serve as a deterrent to potential thieves. You can use smart plugs to program your lamps and task lighting to turn on and off automatically. Or, swap some of your lightbulbs in your overhead light fixtures for smart bulbs that you can program to automatically turn on at a specific time each day. 

• Repair Cracks or Holes in Your Home's Exterior
  Inspect your home's exterior for any cracks, holes, or damaged areas that allow animals to enter your home. It's much easier to keep animals out than it is to get rid of them once they've taken up residency in your home. You can caulk small cracks and holes. Larger areas of damage will need to be repaired with a patching compound. 

Are you interested in putting your home on the market this winter? Contact us today!

Cooler weather, sweaters, and pumpkin flavors...what isn't there to love about the fall? The cozy feeling of autumn weather makes this time of year a favorite among our real estate agents. Most of us will be spending more time indoors over the next several months, which is why we love making our homes as warm and comfortable as possible. If you're in the market for one of these Round Rock homes for sale, it's a great time to start thinking about the cozy upgrades you can make once you move in. Below are some ideas to help you get started:

• A Hammock Chair
  Looking for a cozy, comfortable place to read a book or drink your coffee in the morning? Add a hanging hammock chair to the corner of any room to create the perfect nook. These chairs are easy to install, and you can cover them with a blanket or a pillow to make them extra comfortable.
   
• A Large Bean Bag Chair
  A bean bag chair is another cozy seating option for a reading nook. They're comfortable, easy to adjust, and conform to your body for ultimate comfort. Place one in the corner of your room or near your favorite window.
  
  
• Indoor String Lights
  Few things create a cozier vibe than a bedroom lit with string lights -- especially during a cold fall or winter. Run string lights horizontally across your ceiling, or line them vertically along the wall to provide some comfortable lighting tones.
  
  
• A Comfortable L-shaped Couch
  Once cooler weather comes along, many us tend to watch more TV and movies, and an L-shaped couch is great for maximizing comfort. It really gives you the ability to comfortably lounge about instead of attempting to use the coffee table as a leg rest.
   
• A Soft Bath Mat
  As soon as fall rolls around, the thought of taking a nice warm bath sounds even more appealing than usual. Cover your cold tile floors with a large, soft plush bath mat for maximum bathroom coziness.
  
  
• Artificial Plants
  Don't underestimate the positive mental impact artificial plants can have on your mood during cold fall and winter months. Artificial flowers or trees can help bring a sense of nature indoors and can make for a great addition to your cozy room. 
  
  
• Anything Velvet
  Velvet is so soft, warm, and smooth -- it's the ultimate cozy material. It's easy to add velvet elements into your decor. Try velvet pillowcases, furniture toppers, and curtains for the perfect cozy environment. 
  
  
• Faux Fur
  If you really want to make your room comfortable and cozy, faux fur is the way to go. Faux fur blankets, slippers, rugs, and sweaters can help keep you warm all fall and winter.
  
  
• Creative Book Displays
  Snuggling-up with a good book is the quintessential definition of cozy, so take some time to figure out a creative way to put your books on display. Turn a wall into a library with a large shelving unit and arrange them into unique patterns. Or, you can even create an end table for your reading nook out of your favorite books. The opportunities are truly endless!

Make sure your home is warm, comfortable, and cozy for the cold weather months ahead. For more tips on home upgrades, contact us today

Whether you're getting ready to sell your home or just want to refresh your space for your own enjoyment, home improvement projects can be satisfying... but sometimes they come with an expensive price tag. If you can't afford a high-dollar renovation, here are a few suggestions from our real estate agents for home improvement projects that won't break the bank.

• Update Your Front Door
  Nothing adds to curb appeal like sprucing up your entry. If you don't have a lot of money to spend on renovations, one thing to focus on for sure is the front door. Replace it with a modern front door or at least update the paint on your existing front door so that it's clean, shiny, and bright again.
  
  
• New Interior Paint and Color Schemes
  New interior paint is by far one of the more expensive "cheap" projects you can do, but it's totally worth it, as it can overhaul your entire look. Don't worry about repainting trim if you don't plan on changing the color. If you plan on selling soon, opt for a neutral palette, as bright colors are too personal and Round Rock homes for sale do better when buyers can imagine themselves living there.
  
  
• New Curtains or Blinds
  Another way to overhaul your entire look is to replace your window treatments. Whether you hang new curtains or splurge for high-end blinds, it's an opportunity to totally upgrade your decor. Be sure to check out options like room darkening and energy-saving materials.
  
  
• Update Lighting Fixtures
  Nothing dates a home like old lighting fixtures. Brighten your space by upgrading your lighting fixtures and adding new lighting where possible. For instance, consider adding task lighting such as under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Ceiling fans are also a popular upgrade and can be a good investment if you plan on selling your home.
  
  
• Install Shelving
  Especially in areas that lack sufficient storage, such as an older kitchen, attractive shelving can do a double duty of adding to your functional storage and your decor. Open shelving is trendy, so don't feel like you need to build cabinetry, but do make sure your shelves are built of attractive materials and be mindful of how you use them.
  
  
• Replace Cabinet Hardware
  If your kitchen is looking tired and outdated, it may benefit from more than just a coat of paint. Replacing your cabinet hardware with something more modern allows you to update your kitchen's look and complement any paint scheme changes you've chosen. The same goes for your bathroom cabinets!
  
  
• Update Bathroom Fixtures
  Sometimes an entire bathroom renovation isn't necessary, just some paint and updated fixtures. Old bathroom fixtures tend to look drab and outdated, but that's easy and usually fairly inexpensive to remedy.
  
  
• Customize Your Closets
  Your closets may not be the first thing you see when you look around your house, but that doesn't mean they're not important. Plenty of closet space is one of the things homebuyers want when they browse Georgetown homes for sale. Maximize your home's storage space with custom shelves, bins, drawers, and multiple rows of clothing rods.

Home improvement doesn't have to mean big, expensive renovation projects. If you don't have much money to spend, look for little improvements to make a big impact. For more information about home improvement projects that will boost your home's appeal to buyers, contact us today.

When you think of home security upgrades, you may think of expensive security systems. Many upgrades, however, are very affordable and will help your family and belongings stay safer. In many cases, you'll even be able to do the work yourself.

Our real estate agents share the following inexpensive home security upgrades that can make your home safer:  

• Smart outdoor lighting
  Motion-activated LED lights for the exterior of your home can help shine a spotlight on any potential unwanted visitors. Use this feature for floodlights, step lights, and path lights, and consider buying ones that will send you an alert when motion is detected.
  
  
• Upgraded door locks
  Upgrade the locks on the doors that lead to the outside of your home, and while you're at it, buy a better strike plate (the metal that's on the doorpost). Look for one that has holes for up to six screws, and when you attach it, use three-inch screws. These improvements will make it more difficult for a thief to kick your door in.
  
  
• A safe for valuables
  If you have valuables that are small in size, such as expensive jewelry, a safe provides an extra level of security against thieves. You can get a basic one for around $100, with options such as fire protection raising the price. Bolt your safe to the floor using the holes provided inside in most models and hide it in the back of the closet. If you choose a wall safe, you can mount it inside a wall and cover it with a picture.
  
  
• Foot locks for patio doors 
  Standard patio door locks are easy for a burglar to pick. To make it more difficult for intruders to gain access to your home in this way, add a foot lock. They utilize a bolt that fits into a grommet that holds the door secure, and they're easy to install using a drill.
  
  
• Window stops  
  Window stops prevent windows from being opened more than six inches. This makes it impossible for burglars to raise your windows and climb into your home. Since they open six inches, however, you'll still be able to raise your windows enough to get some fresh air and ventilation inside your home.
  
  
• Tamper-proof shed hinges
  If you have a shed with a standard hinge and a door that swings outward, it's easy for thieves to pop the pins, remove the door, and steal valuable property like lawnmowers and tools. To prevent this buy and install a security hinge that comes with tamper-proof pins and a locking tab.
  
  
• Home security system  
  Wireless security cameras can help monitor your home and provide an extra layer of protection. Consider buying a system that has built-in sensors that are triggered by motion and trigger an alarm. An alert is then sent to your smartphone, and a video clip of the incident is uploaded to the Cloud.
  
  
• Wide-angle door viewer  
  Entry doors don't usually come equipped with peepholes, and if they do, they're usually quite small. This makes it easy for potential intruders to hide out of view and also distorts images, making it hard to identify exactly who's at your door. Install a wide-angle door viewer so the images will be clearer and a burglar won't be able to simply step to the side to remain undiscovered.

Contact us to find out more about home security upgrades and to visit Round Rock homes for sale. If finding a home with some of these features is a priority, we'll help you identify ones that meet your criteria.

An aging, cracking, or crumbling driveway is a problem that will gradually get worse the longer you wait to fix it. It's an eyesore that tanks your curb appeal and can also detract from your home's value. Sprucing up your driveway will protect your investment in your home, and you may be able to get the money back when you sell. Here are a few driveway improvement tips from our real estate agents.

1. Add Lighting
   If your problem isn't a broken driveway but just a boring one, you can make the old seem new by adding some cool new features such as lighting. Round Rock homes for sale that offer lighting alongside the driveways offer instant class and curb appeal. Solar-powered lights are fairly inexpensive, or spring for an electrician and get the system wired up so that you can control the lights with a switch or put them on a motion sensor.
   
   
2. Use Bricks or Pavers
   Another perfect upgrade for a boring driveway is a border. Use bricks or pavers to create an attractive border along the edges of your driveway. As an added bonus, the border creates a segway into your landscaping and may even serve to hold back dirt, mulch, and overly enthusiastic plants. Stepping stones and crushed rock set alongside your driveway can also boost curb appeal, not to mention provide a pathway for visitors to travel on the way to your front door.
   
   
3. Repair Minor Damage
   Sometimes the damage to your driveway is minor, and you can get away with just doing a few repairs to preserve the original driveway. If you're unsure whether your driveway can be repaired, it's best to contact a driveway paving contractor and get an expert opinion. If you're planning on selling your home, you'll probably want to spend the least amount of money that will produce a return on your home's value, so sometimes repairs can be cost-effective.
   
   
4. Cover with Stamped Texture
   If you don't like the look of a patched or repaired driveway, there are various ways to cover the imperfections and make your driveway look new again. One way is by covering it with a spray treatment and adding texture. The result can be attractive and classy and gives the driveway a newer, more upscale look without redoing the entire thing.
   
   
5. Add a New Layer of Concrete or Asphalt
   If your driveway is damaged beyond repair, the easiest way to get a whole new driveway is by patching any cracks or breaks and adding a layer of concrete or asphalt on top of the original one. This is easier and less expensive than bulldozing everything and starting over. You can even add on to your driveway while you're at it, widening or adding a parking area or turnaround since the new pavement will match.

One of the first things someone sees when arriving at your home is your driveway, making it a crucial part of your curb appeal. An attractive driveway is as much a part of that first impression as your landscaping or your front door. For more ideas on how to improve curb appeal, contact us today.

There are few projects as satisfying as growing your own food, and raised garden beds allow everyone to do that, even in a minimal amount of space. Our real estate agents can show you some exciting Round Rock homes for sale to house the garden you have wanted. With a little patience and a few simple steps, you'll soon be enjoying your own fresh produce, and nothing tastes better than the vegetables that come fresh from your own garden.

• Select the Container
  If you don't want to invest in expensive materials, consider materials you may already have or can easily acquire. Many people start with wooden pallets. Almost any container will do. A galvanized horse trough will work well, even if it has a few leaks and is no longer good for the purpose intended. If you want multiple beds that are all uniform, pre-made kits are easy to find at home and garden stores, some of which are on wheels so that you can optimize the sunlight. 

• Chose the Location
  Select a spot with the proper amount of sun for the crop you are planting. Tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, and cucumbers thrive in full sun for the entire day. Root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and beets, need about half a day of sunshine to thrive. For shadier spots, plant leafy greens, such as kale and spinach. Take the time to do a little sun mapping before planting for the best results. Choose carefully because once you fill the bed with soil, it will be difficult, if not impossible to move, unless it is on wheels. 

• Determine Watering System
  You may enjoy watering with a hose the old-fashioned way, or you might want to consider an efficient drip irrigation system. You can run a line directly from your water tap or rain barrel to allow you to water quickly and easily by simply turning a spigot. 

• Fill the Container with Soil
  One of the advantages of a raised garden bed is that you won't need to worry about digging, rocky ground, or nutrient-poor ground. You won't find an article on raised garden beds that doesn't emphasize the importance of using the highest quality of soil your budget will allow. When purchasing garden soil by the bag, select products that support organic vegetables, after you fill the container about three-fourths full, top it off with compost. If you don't already have a compost pile, you can buy it at garden centers. This combination is important to fill your garden with rich nutrients and to hold moisture. To determine the amount of soil you will need, several suppliers offer online calculators that are very helpful.

• Plant Your Crops
  Of course, you'll have done your homework long before this point and decided what crops to plant and when to plant them. If you're planting from seeds, you may have already started germinating them inside and have seedlings ready to place in the garden. You'll have learned that Round Rock has a growing zone designation of 8. Many vegetables should be started indoors in mid-February to avoid frost. For later planting, consider transplanting seedling tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, fresh herbs, and more from your favorite garden center. The optimal growing season in this area runs from April 1st to December 1st. 

Are you ready to start looking for a place to plant your own raised vegetable garden? Contact us today to arrange a tour. 

These days, a home's outdoor spaces are just as important as its indoor spaces. Just look at all the Round Rock homes for sale with outdoor living spaces! Homeowners use their outdoor spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxing, so patio furniture and decor require some planning. Here are a few things to know before you go shopping for new patio furniture.

1. Think About Your Goals
   Do you plan to use the space for grilling, outdoor dining, and entertaining? You'll want to prioritize a table and chairs where you can eat. If your dream patio is one where you can enjoy a glass of wine, read a book, and relax, you'll want to look for furniture that is more appropriate for lounging.
   
   
2. Consider the Size of the Space
   Choosing patio furniture based on the size of your patio is very similar to choosing indoor furniture based on the size of the room. Leave plenty of room for the flow of traffic around the furniture. Measure your patio before shopping so that you know how much space you have to work with. The "less is more" approach to staging a home applies to outdoor spaces as well, according to our real estate agents, so this is especially important if you're preparing your home to sell.
   
   
3. Keep the Weather in Mind
   The sun, rain, and humidity in Texas are something to consider when shopping for patio furniture. Being exposed to these elements can weather some types of furniture, such as wood, faster than others. If your patio furniture isn't protected from the elements by a roof or overhang, opt for something sturdy such as metal. Cushions left outside will likely need to be replaced every few years, but this may be seen as a bonus since it gives you a chance to freshen your look!
   
   
4. Storage Options
   If you can, storing your patio furniture (or at least your cushions) will keep it looking nicer, longer. A patio storage bench is perfect if you want a handy place to put your cushions when you're not using the space, or you could build a garden shed with room to store lightweight patio furniture when not in use. Well-planned outdoor storage can be a selling point when you go to list your house, too. 
   
   
5. Remember That You Get What You Pay For
   Sure, you have a budget, but try not to buy the cheapest patio furniture you find, as you will surely get what you pay for. Inexpensive patio furniture tends to be made of materials that don't hold up to weather exposure, such as plastic that will degrade quickly in the sun or cheap metal that will rust quickly with exposure to rain. If you need to stick to a tight budget, check out resources for secondhand goods, and keep an eye out for higher quality patio furniture.

Ultimately, look for patio furniture that not only looks good but where you can also see yourself spending time. Your outdoor living spaces should be an extension of your home: the perfect place to hang with family and friends or kick back and relax after a long day. For more information on what homebuyers expect from an outdoor living space, contact us today.

Achieving just the right look in your home can be a delicate balance. Whether you're entertaining, staging your home to be listed among Round Rock homes for sale, or just want a beautiful home to relax in and enjoy in your free time, the right decor will help to pull it all together. Or will it? Here are five common interior design mistakes you don't want to make.

1. Not Providing a Focal Point
   A focal point is what draws the room together. For instance, in the family room, the TV is more than likely the focal point. That one is easy! In a living room or sitting room, perhaps the fireplace is the focal point, and in the bedroom, the bed. All of the furniture and decor in a room should be arranged to emphasize, support, and draw the eye to the focal point.
   
   
2. Making Everything too Matchy-Matchy
   When browsing furniture and decor, resist the urge to buy out the entire collection and make everything in the room match. What looks good on the showroom floor won't necessarily look good in a room that is lived in, or that is meant to look that way. It's the way you pull together coordinating but different pieces that will give your home a warm, unique, and totally personal feel.
   
   
3. Forgetting to Take Scale into Account
   Have you ever seen a small room dwarfed by huge furniture? Most likely, that room felt cramped and uncomfortable. The opposite can be true, too: Large rooms with small furniture can feel unfinished and awkward like they're still waiting for something. Your furniture should fill the space adequately while still leaving generous walkways through each room. This is especially important when staging a home to sell!
   
   
4. Adding the Wrong Rug
   Rugs should usually be chosen after the furniture since the choice and layout of the furniture can impact the size and appearance of the rugs you choose. In many ways, a rug is your finishing touch. For instance, you can tie a sitting area together and make it seem cozier with a medium-sized rug that ends underneath the couch and chairs or use a smaller rug as an accent by positioning just the coffee table on top of it. A large rug that fills the entire room, on the other hand, will create a sense of luxury.
   
   
5. Plan Your Lighting
   Planning the lighting in a room is just as important as planning the furniture, paint, and decor. Settling for overhead lighting can be disastrous as the unflattering glare will wash everything out. Having a main light source is important, but you'll also want to layer other levels of lighting throughout the room. Soft lamps are great for mood lighting, and you'll want more focused light, known as task lighting, too. Think of reading lights by the bedside or your favorite chair or under-cupboard lighting to shine on prep space in the kitchen. If you are selling your home, our real estate agents know that well-lit homes show best!

Sometimes noticing and fixing mistakes like these can make all the difference, whether helping your home to show better or just enabling you to enjoy it more. To talk with an agent about other staging tips, contact us today.

If you're thinking about selling your home, you might be considering some renovations to help you get the highest price possible. Some of the most popular DIY shows may have convinced you that in a matter of days and on a shoestring budget, you can transform your house and have it stand out among other Round Rock homes for sale. Before you jump into any home improvement project, our real estate agents want to make sure you have all the facts and know what home improvement shows don't tell you.

1. Renovation timelines
   Television may create the illusion that major renovations can be completed in a day or two, but the truth is that most projects take time and leave you without the use of that space for the duration. New kitchen cabinets, for example, will probably take two or three days, but countertops will likely take at least two weeks. A full kitchen remodel will typically mean six to eight weeks with the kitchen out of commission. That also means workers in and out of your home for at least eight hours every day until the work is done.
    
2. Realistic budgets
   Home improvement shows have sponsors that not only advertise but they also supply materials. Without their contributions, the upgrades featured would be much more expensive. Before embarking on any project, no matter how large or small, create a budget that includes every single item. Even protective materials such as plastic drop cloths should be included. Otherwise, your total cost will be grossly inaccurate. By the way, do you own all the necessary tools? You may be able to save money by renting them, but they are still not completely free. Cheap materials look just as bad as shoddy workmanship, so be careful you are actually adding value to the home.
   
   
3. Skill sets required
   It may look easy on a screen, but if it was, everyone would do their own remodeling, and contractors would be out of business. Even the smallest jobs often require multiple skills. Going back to the kitchen, you may be looking at cabinet makers, tile setters, electricians, plumbers, and painters. Even a licensed contractor will likely subcontract some specialized labor. Don't forget that many home improvements require permits as well as inspections. 
   
   
4. Availability of materials
   If you think you can walk into any big box store and buy all of the materials you need, you're in for a surprise. You may need to wait for weeks for special orders to arrive. You may also have to go to multiple merchants to find everything you need. Before you begin, you should gather everything you're going to need from beginning to end of the project. 
   
   
5. Detailed plans
   It would be impossible to address the issues already described without a detailed plan. Without a clear path, you can easily find yourself in over your head. If you have to hire a contractor to undo mistakes you've made before they start the rest of the work, your costs are going to skyrocket. When you hire an expert, you'll spend a lot of time going over the details of your vision and discussing at length the actual costs as well as your options. 

Whether you are getting ready to buy or sell, our team is here to help you accomplish your real estate goals. Contact us today.