Category Archives: Lifestyle

Tips for Creating Curb Appeal at Your New Home

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One of the appeals to buying a new home in McKinney is the fact that no one has ever lived in it before. A new house is like a fresh canvas to a painter. This is your opportunity to create a home that totally reflects your personality and design aesthetic. Not just indoors, but outdoors as well. Curb appeal is what makes a home inviting to friends and family. Here are a few tips to enhance your new home’s curb appeal:

1. Create symmetry - Symmetrical light fixtures flanking the front door along with accent pieces such as matching planters, provide a welcome entryway to guests.

2. Add lighting – Add low-voltage or solar lights along the pathway to your front door. They will enhance the appearance of your walkway, and provide added safety for your new home in McKinney as well. Accent lighting for trees also adds a decorative touch to your yard.

3. Design an instant garden – Container gardens can be a welcome addition to your home’s exterior. They’re easy to maintain and add a colorful dimension to your porch or walkway. Create a dynamic setting by using a staggered, asymmetrical arrangement to your landscape.

4. Install window boxes – A quick and easy way to bring color and charm to your home’s exterior is to add window boxes. Choose copper or iron boxes for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel. Fill the boxes with assorted plants and flowers that suit lighting conditions and your home’s color scheme.

5. Add focal points to your yard – Add an eye-catching element to the landscape of your new home in McKinney by adding a unique, weather-resistant art piece, birdbath or wind chime. Water sculptures also function as yard art, and lend soothing sounds to your home’s ambience.

6. Install planting beds – Bring contrast and color to your home’s exterior by adding planting beds along the driveway or walkway, at the front corners of the yard, or immediately in front of the house. Choose features that compliment and frame your home. Stone and pre-cast concrete make excellent borders. Include a variety of plants in different sizes, colors and textures for optimal results.

Two communities to consider for your new home in McKinney are Shiloh Ranch and Verona Estates by Landon Homes. Priced from the $200s, and offering some of the largest homesites in McKinney, Landon has the perfect home to suit your needs, whether you’re an empty nester looking to downsize, or a young couple with a growing family. Call 866-898-3603 or visit the website for more information.

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7 Tips for Saving Energy during the Winter

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Energy bills can run high in the winter months because of the need to heat your new home in Little Elm, TX. But there are ways to cut back on your energy usage to keep your budget in balance, while still staying warm indoors. Here are a few energy saving tips to follow:

1. Run your ceiling fans on a low setting to re-circulate warm air down from above, where it will be better appreciated in the room.

2. Make sure your windows are closed up properly and sealed, so warm air doesn’t leak out. Cover your central air conditioning unit to keep moisture out of it during the off-season.

3. Install plug outlet covers on any unused outlet. About 20 percent of the air that escapes your home does so through these outlet openings.

4. Dial down the thermostat to 68 degrees. Every degree you raise the temperature adds 3 to 5 percent to your electric bill.

5. Apply caulk to the cracks and gaps around windows, doors and other areas to prevent air from entering and escaping your new home in Little Elm, TX. But do this when the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise the caulk may not adhere in the cold weather.

6. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees F, and wrap an insulation blanket around it. This step can cut energy usage by 10% to 15%.

7. Swap out any incandescent bulbs with fluorescents. They use 70% less electricity, give off five times more light, emit 90% less heat and last 10 times longer.

You can also cut down on energy use any time of the year in your new home in Little Elm, TX by remembering to turn off the lights when you leave a room and turn off running water while you soap your hands or brush your teeth.  Landon Homes specializes in building affordable, energy-efficient homes in Little Elm. Visit the website to explore the different floor plans that are available that best suit your family’s needs.

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Tis the Season for Holiday Cheer

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The holidays are upon us, a time when local communities stage special events to spread good cheer among residents and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a new home in Little Elm right now, make some time to celebrate the season by checking out a few of the special offerings in the area. After all, the holidays only come once a year!

If you have time for only one holiday event, consider Christmas in the Square in Frisco. This one of a kind extravaganza is the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in Texas, with over 175,000 lights, 11-1/2 miles of wiring and 8 miles of extension cords!

The festive event includes a model train show, carriage rides and for the time in over ten years in the DFW area, an outdoor ice skating rink. In addition, Christmas in the Square features the same snow machines used by Disney to create a “winter wonderland” on the sidewalks of Frisco Square.

A light show of a different sort takes place in nearby McKinney with the 2nd annual Heard Trail of Lights. Walk along a half-mile section of the Heard nature trails to see thousands of holiday décor and lights, many synchronized to holiday music. You and your family can take photos with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive, decorated cabin along the trail, and listen to live holiday music in the Heard amphitheater while sipping hot beverages.

More holiday lights are on display during the annual Rotary Christmas Light Parade in historic downtown McKinney. Featuring beautifully decorated, lighted floats, this holiday event culminates with an appearance by that jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus!  Who knows, if you’ve been good this year, Santa might grant your wish of being in a new home in Little Elm by Christmas!

But you don’t have to rely on Santa. The “elves” at Landon Homes can help you find a perfect new home in Little Elm to buy. Their Lakeview communities offer some of the best value for homes for sale in the Frisco Independent School District. Residents can take advantage of four amenity centers with pools, parks, trails and more.  And the Reserve at Lakeview features some of the biggest homesites in the area. Visit the Landon Homes website to learn more about the better built, affordable green homes for sale in Little Elm.

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How to Stay Organized When Planning a New Home

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Landon Homes is launching a new development of high quality, energy-efficient homes in Frisco, TX.  Richwoods is one of the biggest housing projects to be built in North Dallas in recent years, featuring 1600 homesites in a variety of lot sizes. Landon expects the first models to be available in spring 2012.

Should you decide to buy a new home in Richwoods, it’s important to get organized for the building process. Here are some tips to help you during the planning stages:

1. Assemble financial reports – Gather your bank records and other financial statements to determine just how much home you can afford.

2. Obtain financing – Once you’ve set your budget, take the time to get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a new home in Richwoods. North Dallas mortgage experts like TX Home Lending can help you through the buying process, so it goes as smoothly as possible.

3. Determine home style – Evaluate the different home styles your builder has to offer and determine which one will be right for you. For instance, do you prefer a one or two-story home? Find out what design options are available.

4. Choose floor plan –Do you want a big kitchen or something cozier?  The plan you choose factors into the overall cost and affects how well your family will live together in the years ahead.

5. Select products – When you visit the design center you can choose what fixtures, flooring and appliances you’d like for your new home in Richwoods before building begins. The professional design center staff at Landon Homes knows all the latest trends in home design and can guide you through each decision – big or small.

Contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 to learn more about the Richwoods development, or to sign up for a tour of our design center and learn what the Landon Homes difference is all about.

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New Home Kitchen Trends

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One of the most important features to evaluate when looking at new homes in Little Elm, TX is the kitchen. Today’s kitchens have become the focal point of the home with islands, prep areas, and seating that enable families and friends to cook together or just talk.

Here are some of the latest kitchen trends to take note of as you browse the new homes in Little Elm, TX:

Stainless Steel – White appliances are out and stainless steel or black appliances continue to be popular. Both colors blend well with Landon Homes’ granite countertops and are easy to take care of. Plus, new appliances provide a seamless, nearly germ-free surface, which is important if you have children.

Natural Elements – Natural stone countertops are also popular. Landon’s elegant granite countertop options are resistant to scratches, burns and wear. They also add a natural beauty and refinement to any kitchen.

Colors – Bold colors such as orange and yellow, and a palette of scarlet reds and dark purples are being used, reflecting a move away from the more neutral tones of the past few years. Black is also still a popular color for appliances.

One of the premier builders of new homes in Little Elm, TX, Landon Homes has a Design Center that can help you select kitchen options and designs for your new home. Design Center staff will help you find the right color of your granite counter tops, cabinet stain and matching backsplash to create the gourmet kitchen of your dreams.  Landon Homes’ Design Center is well versed in the latest trends, and is ready to help you choose among the various options available best suited to your style and budget.

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Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Buying a new home in McKinney, TX is an exciting prospect. The town has been rated number 5 among the best places to live in the U.S. by CNN Money Magazine. McKinney is surrounded by rolling hills, expansive open spaces, 42 miles of hike and bike trails and 2,000 acres of parkland.

It’s important to take care of your new home to keep your family safe and protect your investment. Following a maintenance schedule will enable you to take care of small issues as they occur, before they become big problems later on.

Here are a few things you can take care of during the fall to keep your new home in McKinney, TX in good shape.

1. Turn on the furnace to see if it’s working properly, and replace the filters.

2. Inspect and repair caulking in sinks, tubs, showers, thresholds, walls, windows and other interior areas as needed.

3. Adjust the heating registers.

4. Check the fireplace to make sure it’s clean, and open the chimney damper before first time use.

5. Perform safety tests on the following items:

  • Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
  • Dryer vents
  • Pressure gauge in fire extinguisher
  • GFCI outlets

Maintaining the outside of your new home in McKinney, TX is also important. Autumn is an excellent time to address the following areas:

1. Clean and remove debris from the gutters; inspect the alignment of gutters, downspouts and splash-blocks to allow water to run off properly, and away from your home.

2. Inspect and repair or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed. A well-insulated home will keep heat in and cool out during the winter months.

3. Put up hoses and shut off outside water faucets at the cut-off valve to avoid pipes bursting.

4. Close all foundation vents in the crawl space and place insulation over the opening(s).

5. Inspect and repair caulking of windows, siding, cornice, and other exterior areas as needed to seal gaps and secure tiles.

When looking for a new home in McKinney, TX, visit Shiloh Ranch by Landon Homes.  This quiet community offers some of the largest homesites in the area, with homes priced from the $190s. Visit the Landon Homes website today for more information.

 

 

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How to Create a Productive Homework Space

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Thinking of buying a new home for your family? As you look at new homes in McKinney, TX, consider where your children will do their studying once your move in. Depending on the age of your child, they could do homework in their bedroom or at the kitchen table.

The key to creating a productive homework space is making sure that whatever area you choose, it should be quiet, well-lit and contain plenty of appropriate supplies. New homes in McKinney, TX frequently include bonus rooms that you can outfit as a study or library that your child can use for homework. No matter which room gets designated as a homework space, it should feature some kind of table or desk, and a chair of appropriate height for the child.

The homework space should also be stocked with the essentials such as: paper, pencils, pens, a dictionary and thesaurus, an atlas, scissors, tape and glue, a calculator, index cards and art supplies such as markers and construction paper. These supplies can be kept in a plastic storage bin or dedicated drawer for easy access.

If your child needs to use a computer for homework, make sure it has reliable Internet access in an area of your home that can be easily supervised. Remind the child that “chatting,” surfing the web or instant messaging will not be allowed during homework time. Having a printer handy with sufficient ink will also save you from making an unexpected run to the 24-hour copy center.
Limit phone use during homework time – your own and that of your child’s to keep distractions to a minimum. And keep a calendar handy so that you can keep track of long-term projects, reports, tests and papers for easy reference.

When you search for new homes in McKinney, TX, stop by Shiloh Ranch to see the beautiful one and two-story models built by Landon Homes. Featuring huge backyards and a great location – right across the street from the exemplary J.R. Wilmeth Elementary School — the Landon-built homes in Shiloh Ranch are the most energy efficient in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 or click on our Live Chat feature for more information.

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Safety Tips for Using an Outdoor Fireplace

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Are you looking at new homes for sale? Frisco, TX has a lot to offer prospective home owners. This “city with the heart of a town” has ample cultural, business and recreational opportunities, as well as some of the best schools in the state. Another attractive feature of this North Dallas suburb is the climate. The average year-round temperature is 66 degrees – perfect weather to enjoy the outdoors.

One way to enjoy the cool fall and winter months is to host a bon fire for friends and family – cooking hot dogs and roasting marshmallows on an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.

But as appealing as outdoor fireplaces are, there are risks that go along with them. Here are some safety tips for maintaining an outdoor fireplace:

  • Keep safety first. Never leave an outdoor fire unattended, no matter if it’s fueled by wood, gel or gas. The winds can suddenly increase or shift direction, sending sparks into your house. Children or pets can unexpectedly bump into something or fall.
  • Start small. Use a small amount of fuel the first time you use your outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Learn how it draws air, how it responds to changes in wind direction, and how long it burns before you need to add more fuel.
  • Use a fire screen. If the outdoor fireplace or pit doesn’t have a safety screen already, install one and use it. The screen will help control sparks and burning bits of debris so they don’t exit the fire area.
  • Remove overhanging branches and leaves. Trim any nearby branches that could catch fire or be singed by burning embers or hot gases.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Always keep a water supply, sand bucket or fire extinguisher close by when using your outdoor fireplace. Make sure your fire is completely out before leaving the area. Remove the ashes to an ash bucket for added safety.
  • Never leave a fire unattended. This is basic common sense advice for any fireplace, indoor or outdoor. Unsupervised pets or children near a burning fire are recipes for disaster. Don’t stand too close to the flame either. Keep at least 3 feet away for safety’s sake.

Landon Homes offers a wide selection of energy efficient, affordable homes for sale.  Frisco, TX communities featuring homes by Landon include Grayhawk Estates, Austin

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Spring is in the Air!

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Spring is in the air. With the weather warming up, it’s an excellent time to check out the new homes in Little Elm, TX that are for sale. One advantage of home ownership versus apartment living is the ability to decorate the landscape the way that you want. If you’re looking forward to the day when you can plant flowers or grow your own vegetables, here are a few gardening tips to keep in mind.

1. Soil Preparation – Before planting, prepare your soil by mixing in some organic compost. However, don’t prepare the soil while it is wet because it will cause a depletion in oxygen. Once your garden and lawn is well-established, aerate it once a year during the summer.

2. Pest & Weed Control – Keep an eye out for weeds, and pull the young ones before they take root and become harder to remove. Adding a layer of mulch to the soil surface will help manage weeds, and retain moisture once hot weather arrives. Also, keep an eye out for hungry caterpillars and other pests. Use a good pest control aid, such as an insecticidal soap and oil.  Or simply spray water to dislodge some pests like aphids.

3. Water Wisely -  North Central Texas is prone to drought during the summertime. However, if you water every day, you run the risk of fungus infestations such as brown patch. Consider adding a drip irrigation system to your plant beds, to soak the soil for a period of time, rather than hand watering with a hose. This encourages deeper root growth that allows plants to survive during periods of drought.

4. Choose Native Plants – For best landscaping results, choose native plants since they are adapted to your region and are more resistant to local pests and diseases. Native plants also require less water and less maintenance than non-natives. One good choice for North Central Texas is the indigo spires plant, which thrives in full sun and blooms small purple flowers from April to November.

Landon Homes has some of the best prices available on new homes in Little Elm, TX at The Enclave at Lakeview. Located just east of Lake Lewisville, this master-planned community with homes for sale includes four amenity centers, with pools, parks, trails, and more. For more information, visit our website at www.landonhomesusa.com.

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Shopping for New Homes in Frisco Tx

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One factor to consider when shopping for a new home is the quality of education available in the area for your children. If you’re looking at homes for sale in Frisco, TX, you can rest easy when it comes to school quality.  

The Texas Education Agency recently awarded the Frisco School District its highest rating of Exemplary. What’s more, the Frisco ISD received a five-star rating by the State Comptroller’s office for achieving strong academic performance while keeping costs low.  School test scores continue to improve, too, and are well above state and national averages.

Frisco schools are small in size, which allows more students to be involved in activities, and to forge meaningful relationships with their teachers. For instance, the majority of high school students are involved in some school-related activity outside of the classroom.  And about 90% of Frisco graduates plan to further their education.

All Frisco elementary and secondary schools have computer labs and distance learning equipment which allows students to take virtual field trips anywhere in the world, or collaborate with a classroom across town.

The Frisco school district is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified, certified teachers; gifted new teachers; and seasoned, experienced teachers too. Twenty-two percent of the FISD staff hold advanced degrees, and 56 percent of teachers have six or more years experience.  

Not willing to rest on their laurels, the Frisco ISD goals for 2011 include escalating the academic rigor in all classes while still continuing its quest to have every one of our students feel “capable, connected and cared for.”

Landon Homes has a wide selection of better built, affordable new homes for sale in Frisco, TX. With homes priced from the $240s, and a variety of floor plans available, you can rest assured that the Landon home you purchase will be one of lasting quality that is both beautiful and eco-friendly. For more information, contact Tanya Smith at 866-898-3603.

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