As a new or experienced home owner having multi-functional spaces across your home can really be blessing in disguise for several reasons. It can create more space for guests during the holiday seasons. Multi-functional spaces can create organization areas, and give your home a minimalistic feel.

Here are 5 ideas you can use to make multi-functional spaces in throughout your home:

1.       The Side Table

Having a side table on the end of your couch can really serve multiple purposes. It can keep your drink nearby. It can be a place to set your phone during the big game, or a place to add more lighting to the area. You can also create an extra seat by picking out a side table that doubles as a seat.

2.       Convertible Bedrooms

Convertible Bedrooms can really create multiple uses. You can turn a bedroom into a play area that double as an extra room for sleepovers. You can also turn the extra room into an office with a bed to double as a guest bedroom

3.       Dual Purpose Furniture

Dual purpose furniture is another great way to create multi-functional spaces in your home. It can also create a minimalistic effect if you choose. Home owners can find coffee tables that double as storage, side tables that have a pet bed built in, and a bed that folds down from the wall.

4.       Front Patio Tables

A front table patio can be a life saver! We all have experienced having to dig to find keys while also carrying multiple things. Having a patio table can give you an extra hand while looking for those keys! It has helps give the front patio some decoration space for signs and plants!

5.       The Backyard Flower Bed

The backyard flower bed can serve multiple uses. It can bring some color and decoration to your back yard. You can also utilize this space to grow some herbs for your kitchen pantry!

This is only a few ways you can create multi-functional spaces in you home!

Image via Pexels

As a renter, you may not be able to make some of the significant renovations you dream about. But that doesn’t mean your apartment or house can’t meet your needs.

Whether you only use your apartment to sleep or you work from home with kids in tow, there are plenty of ways to redecorate your rented home without risking a loss of security deposit or having an awkward landlord exchange. Check out these tips from North Texas Top Team!

Open the Space     

When you cannot change the layout of the house or apartment you’re renting, it’s essential to work with the space you have by using every trick in the book.

One of the easiest ways to make a room feel bigger is to monopolize the natural light by preventing any obstruction of windows and adding mirrors around the room to reflect light. When the natural light is not enough, add extra wattage to light fixtures and opt for more lighting throughout the space.

At all costs, avoid over-cluttering the room with too much furniture and decor. Too many large pieces of furniture can make a room feel closed-in and darken the room. Instead, choose versatile furniture (i.e., serves as extra storage or seating), and aim for a minimal approach to furnishing.

Evaluate the Furniture     

When decorating your rented home, work with what you have instead of reinventing the wheel. If you have wood furniture that has seen better days, consider sanding it down and bleaching the wood, restaining it, or even using chalk paint to add a pop of color. You can breathe new life into some pieces by changing out cushions, pillows, or by adding a throw.

If you have upholstered furniture that you love, but some stains won’t come out no matter what you’ve tried, consider hiring a local upholstery cleaner to make them look as good as new. Before choosing a professional:

●     Look up online reviews on Angi.com.

●     Call to discuss your needs to ensure they can accomplish the task.

●     Get a quote.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to two or three people, ask the selected cleaners what tools they use (all-in-one cleaning tools are not meant for every task), and ask for referrals of happy customers who can vouch for their work. You will be glad you took the extra steps to ensure you save the pieces you love and avoid bad experiences.

Carve Out a Workspace       

Whether you work from home or just need a dedicated space to manage your finances and pay bills, make sure you set aside an area suitable for the desk. You can use a dedicated room, a nook in the kitchen, a corner of your bedroom, or the dining room. You can make any space the perfect workspace.

Find the ideal desk that sets your workspace apart but flows with the rest of your decor. Add some of the following to your space to make the workspace inspiring:

●     Vertical storage

●     Decor

●     A comfortable, ergonomic chair

●     Curtains or a partition

●     Organizational bins and drawers

Use Area Rugs 

Very few things will warm up a room and make it feel finished and cozy like an area rug. Whether you have carpeted floors or some form of hardwood or vinyl flooring, an area rug is a detail that can automatically change the look and feel of the room in all the best ways.

If you have kids, an area rug can prove to be a safe and comfortable place to play. Just be sure to invest in an easily cleanable rug free of harmful materials.

Conclusion

You can make any space a home by making intentional decorating decisions. You may not be able to paint walls or make extensive modifications. Still, you can open the space to make it appear bigger, breathe new life into your existing furniture, design a valuable and fun workspace, and warm up the rooms with beautiful area rugs.

But don’t stop here. Keep looking for ways to make your space feel like home!

Are you looking for top-tier realty services in North Texas? Contact the North Texas Top Team today! (469) 759-3899

It's a great idea to do a regular check up on your home, and make sure everything continues to be in good working order. A good way to stay on top of the maintenance is to create a calendar. Here are a few suggestions to take a look out through out the year.

One thing, you should do every month is change the A/C filter.  

Spring:

1.      Gutters

Clean out your gutters! It is a great idea to do this early in the Spring before the shower season starts.

2.      Seals

Check the seals around your doors, and windows. This is important to keep the warmer air out of the home, and to keep unwanted pests out.

3.      Chimney

Now, that you are done with the fire place, give it a good sweep.

4.      Air Conditioner

Give your air conditioner a checkup, you may want someone to do a quick inspection before the summer heat hits. That way you can address any issues before it is 100 degrees outside!

5.      Roof

Have you roof inspected before the rainy season hits, to catch any small issues before they become large issues.

Summer:

1.      Pest Control

Upkeep that pest management! You may want to consider a quarterly pest control visit, or having a professional inspect the property. They can make recommendations on how often your home and yard should be treated based on their evaluation.

2.      Pool

Keeping the pool cleaned out, is a yearly chore, if you have a pool.

3.      Foundation

You can also choose to have the foundation inspected during the warmer seasons.

Fall:

1.      Gutters

   Check the gutters before the cold season hits for any objects that could clog them up in the winter.

2.      Pipes

  Check the pipes, make sure they are in good working condition before the cold.

Winter:

1.      Check the seals

Check for any cracks in the seals around your home. These may let in the cold during the winter months.

2.      Heater

        Check your heater is in good working order before the cold hits.

Home Ownership Goals for 2022

Making S.M.A.R.T. Goals

As we delve into 2022, you maybe making a list of goals for the New Year. Owning a home maybe apart of your New Year’s goals. Maybe you already own your own home and creating a list of upgrades or things to maintain to your current home may also be apart of your New Year’s goals. Whatever home ownership goals you are creating; it is import you make S.M.A.R.T. goals.

 Creating goals that are S.M.A.R.T. will set you on the path to success.

Your Home Ownership goals should be Specific. Answer all the questions; What kind of maintenance does your home require? When do you want to buy your home? What kind of upgrades do you want to make to your home? Etc.

Making your goals measurable is also a great idea. It gives you time to plan it out, budget for it, shop for the right items needed, and research your next steps.

Your goals should be attainable. Now that you have answered your questions – you want to become a home owner in 2022, or in 2022 you want to make upgrades to your bathroom. Start breaking down the project piece by piece. If you have decided you want to become a home owner in 2022. Call The North Texas Top Team Realtors® they can guide you through your next steps.

Realistic and timely goals will set you up for success as well. Don’t give yourself the expectation today to upgrade your entire kitchen by next week. Do your research, and find trusted companies to work with. Talk to someone you trust that has owned their home for a while, or talk to your Realtor® they know the industry and WANT to guide you to SUCCESS!

The New Year can be so exciting and invigorating. Don’t let your New Year’s Home Ownership Goals overwhelm you. You can own your home in 2022. You can make upgrades to your home in 2022. Make S.M.A.R.T. Home Ownership Goals.

Did you know that in September 2021, the Texas Legislature changed the way Homestead Exemptions in Texas work?
Texas REALTORS® supported this legislation because it provides  homeowners with a way to lower their property's taxable value and save money on their property taxes.  This new law unanimously passed both chambers of the 87th Texas Legislature.

This law is effective beginning January 1, 2022 and will provide property tax relief by allowing homebuyers to file for homestead exemptions in the year when they purchase the property. Previously, new homeowners had to wait until the following year to file for the exemption.

Is there still an April 30th deadline to file for homestead exemption in Texas?
No.  The new law allows a home-buyer to apply for their homestead exemption immediately after the purchase of their property.  The new law went into effect on January 1, 2022, and there is no longer a requirement of applying by April 30.  However, a new homeowner must apply for the exemption before the first anniversary of the date they acquired the property.  (Please note: the April 30 deadline still applies for other types of exemptions)

Was there a change to the process for filing for the homestead exemption in Texas?
Although the time line is different (beginning January 1, 2022), the process to actually file for a homestead exemption should be similar to prior years.  Homebuyers should check with their central appraisal district for more detailed instructions.  

If you are planning to buy a home in North Texas, give our real estate experts a call at 469-759-3899.

Client Stories: Home Found Before The Holidays!

With the holidays just around the corner, The North Texas Top Team is ready and able to make their clients their top priority! Finding a home during an intense Seller's market can be stressful, but with the right  REALTOR® on your side you do not have to worry. Check out this story from Raegan Hailey- REALTOR® and how she helped her clients find their home just weeks before the holidays! 

Raegan drove nearly 300 miles in one day to find her clients their dream home in North Texas. This beautiful home is on 5 acres of land and has a massive workshop. They made an offer and got under contract on the same day! In this market you have to be concise and aggressive to get what you want. 

Whether you are buying or selling your first home or you are securing another investment opportunity, Raegan can be trusted to help you along the way. Raegan's commitment to helping you find your dream home or next real estate venture takes the guesswork off of your plate and allows for her to do the work for you. With nearly 10 years in customer service, easy communication, and efficiency is what you can expect from Raegan. She strives to uncover your unique needs and be specific about what she can do for you.

Congratulations to the New Home Owners!!!

Jami Mumley - REALTOR®

 With 20 years experience in marketing and sales, Jami brings her expertise to Real Estate. Her attention to detail and client-focused sales approach make her the perfect choice for helping you and your next real estate venture.

Follow her story as she helps her client navigate the seller's market:

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The holiday season is a great time to spend with family. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to find the right things to do for everyone in your group. If you are you looking for a few fun things to do with the family, in the DFW area we have found a few we think you may enjoy.

1.      Addison:

Vitruvian Park: A outdoor park in the heart of the Vitruvian Development, is a nice outdoor area you can walk around the lake, see architectural fountains. The city of Addison sets up different events through out the year. During the holidays, they put out a free light display!

2.      Arlington

The lights at Interlochen is one of the largest experiences in North Texas. Featuring more than 200 homes, this neighborhood is open to drive through from 6pm-10pm. Admission is free.

https://www.arlingtontx.gov/news/my_arlington_t_x/news_stories/the_lights_at_interlochen_2021

3.      Flower Mound:

Crump House: A free display. A contender for the best lights in Flower Mound. All the lights are synchronized to music.

4.      Highland Park: Trolley Ride

See the holiday lights on a trolley ride through Highland Park. This is a 1 hour experience in a heated trolley. The trolley departs from the bus lanes at the Mockingbird Station.

https://bigdfuntours.com/holiday-lights-trolley-ride/

5.      Dallas:

The Dallas Arboretum: Holiday at the Arboretum

This is a fun event presented by Reliant. Guests of the Arboretum are welcome to walk around and observe the 25-foot displays of the 12 days of Christmas. They also have a little Christmas Village for guests to take part in activities or do some shopping.

The Trains Display at the NorthPark Mall:

For the last 34 years guests have been able to see the Trains at NorthPark. This event benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The display features 1600 feet of train track that spans from coast to coast of the United States.

http://www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com/exhibit.html

6.      Grand Prairie:

Prairie Lights – a premier holiday light park located in Grand Prairie on Joe Pool Lake. This experience features a magical walk-through forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa and more.

https://prairielights.org/

7.      McKinney:

Home for the Holidays in Downtown McKinney 

A Holiday pop-up that takes place Thursdays-Saturdays in on Kentucky Street from 11 am to 8pm. This experience features letters to Santa, visiting Santa, carousel rides, and crafts for kids.

Don’t Wait Until Spring To Sell Your Home! NOW Is The PRIME TIME To Sell.

Winter is typically a slower time for home sales across the country. But will that be the case this year?  There is no indication that will be the case, and especially in North Texas.

The pent-up demand for homes that started during the pandemic has continued.  Interest rates are still at all-time lows. Add to that the influx of people moving to North Texas, and our seasonal shift in real estate will remain strong for sellers.

“Compared to other past winter seasons, this winter season’s sales activity will be stronger,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors®. “This winter, there will be more sales compared to pre-pandemic winters going back all the way to 2006.”

Let’s break it down further.
1. Usually there is a seasonal adjustment in the market for many reasons.  This could include the fact that school is back in session, people are busy with holiday festivities, the weather is more conducive to staying indoors than going out shopping for a home.

2.  Most of 2021 has seen an unprecedented increase in home prices due to a high-demand from buyers and an unwillingness to sell from home owners.  Many home owners that would love to sell for the maximum price today feel that they can’t sell because they will have nowhere to go.  (Supply and Demand is the primary factor of the real estate market)

3. Although there may be fewer buyers in the winter months, the demand is still high and the supply is still low.  This causes multiple offers from home buyers and price increases.

4. One of the things our market needs is more housing.  With builders running up against supply chain issues and labor shortages, new home construction will still be lagging behind demand.

Based on all of this information, NOW is the best time to sell your house.  Don’t wait until Spring/Summer to make it happen.  Take advantage of the market today.

If you know someone who needs our expert advice and professional service, have them check us out at www.NorthTexasTopTeam.com or call us at 469-759-3899. 

Looking for something fun to do in the Dallas Fort Worth area?  These are some of the top attractions to see and do.  

1. The Observation deck at Reunion Tower

2. Six-Flags & Hurricane Harbor

3. Professional Sports: Rangers, Cowboys, Stars, and Mavericks

4. JFK Memorial and 6th Floor Museum

5. State Fair of Texas (Must see Big Tex) 

6. Ft. Worth Stockyards and Billy Bob's Dance Hall

7. Sundance Square and Water Gardens 

8. Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History 

9. Kimball and Modern Art Museums

10. The Perot Museum and Klyde Warren Park

Planning to relocate to the area?  We can help!  Our agents live here and work here and can help you find the right home so that you can start enjoying your time here. Call us today at: 469-759-3899!

  Welcome to Texas!