Tag Archives: Frisco ISD schools

Green Spring Cleaning

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Spring is an excellent time of year to look at homes for sale in North Dallas, TX, especially if you have children in school. With luck, you can find a home and close on its purchase by the end of the school year, so you can move in over the summer.

Spring is also the time of year when homeowners engage in the rite of “spring cleaning.” But if the thought of dragging out all your cleaning supplies is giving you a headache, you may want to re-think the type of supplies you’re using. If your household cleaners contain harsh chemicals, they may give you a real headache.

There is a way to make your cleaning chores less harmful to you AND your environment. Think green! Choose environmentally friendly cleaning supplies to do the dirty work. You’ll find several brands of “green” household cleaners at your local grocery store these days, such as Seventh Generation and Method that work just as well as traditional cleaners.

You can also choose to make your own cleaning products, using common ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now. Here are a few of the basic supplies you’ll need:

  • Distilled white vinegar 
  • Baking soda
  • Olive oil
  • Borax (found in the supermarket laundry aisle)
  • Liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s brand, found in most natural foods stores)
  • Essential oils (super concentrated natural plant oils found in natural foods stores, usually in the cosmetics section)
  • Microfiber cleaning cloths
  • Newspaper

A mixture of vinegar and water can be used to clean windows and other glass surfaces. Countertops and bathroom tile can be cleaned with a combination of vinegar, baking soda and water. You can find recipes to make your own green cleaning products online.  

If you’re looking at homes for sale in North Dallas, TX, check out the selection of high quality, affordable green homes offered by Landon Homes. Rated as one of the best home builders in North Dallas, Landon delivers uncompromising quality, complete customer satisfaction, and exemplary value in every home it builds. Visit our website for more information.

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Declutter Your Garage

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When you’re looking at McKinney, TX homes for sale, one feature that is important to note is the size of the home’s garage.  If you and your spouse both have cars, then a two-car garage is probably a necessity.  Home builders today are even including three-car garages to accommodate the homeowners’ vehicles, other recreational vehicles, such as an ATV, sports equipment, and tools.

Despite all that space, 50% of homeowners rate the garage as the most disorganized place in the house, according to the National Association of Professional Organizers. Here are some tips to declutter your garage:

1. Take inventory. Look around your garage and determine what you really use, and what’s taking up space. Donate anything that is in good shape to a local charity, and trash the rest.

2. Organize your space.  Choose a layout for your garage that groups similar items together. Sports equipment can be in one area, while outdoor lawn care items and car washing supplies should be in another.  Take advantage of vertical space in your garage to store items up high that you don’t need frequently – whether on a shelf or wall hooks.

3. Shop for supplies. Head to your local IKEA or other home store for organizing supplies like hanging racks for tools, and bins to hold toys, tools or gardening supplies. If you’re handy with tools, you can build your own shelves, drawers or workbench area – or hire someone to do it for you.  Make sure you have any dangerous chemicals or pesticides stored away behind closed doors so children and pets can’t get at them.

4. Keep it clean. Once your garage is organized, make a commitment to keeping it that way. Return items to their designated space when finished.  Every three months or so, give the garage a thorough cleaning. The work you put in will be well worth it – giving you a garage that can actually house your car instead of a bunch of disorganized stuff!

As you’re looking at McKinney, TX homes for sale, consider Landon Homes’ selection of beautiful, eco-friendly homes. The North Dallas home builder respects both the environment and your budget in the top quality homes they build. For more information, visit our website at www.landonhomesusa.com.

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Your Own Spa Relaxation Space

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Have you been spending your time looking at homes for sale in Frisco, TX? Once you purchase a new home and move in, wouldn’t it be nice to unwind at the end of a long work day in your very own spa relaxation space?  You can create a “home spa” by making just a few cosmetic changes to your master bath. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Clear the clutter. A room free of excess clutter helps create a more tranquil feeling to your home spa.

2. Paint the walls. Create that spa feeling by painting the walls with cool, relaxing colors such as sky blue and sea green.

3. Add room accents. Place decorative baskets on the counter to hold hand towels and washcloths. Accent them with decorative soaps, scented lotions, loofahs and other spa tools.

4. Create a relaxing scent. Use essential oils, such as lavender, reed diffusers and candles to make you feel relaxed and comfortable in your home spa.

5. Add simple decorations. Accent the area with items that make you feel relaxed such as fresh flowers, potted plants or photos of the ocean. 

6. Choose appropriate lighting.  Add dimmer switches, recessed lighting and/or wall sconces to create soft, diffuse light that promotes relaxation. To mimic a skylight, add light panels to the wall or ceiling that feature large, partially-opaque rectangles of plastic to cover the light bulbs – diffusing the light for even, soft coverage.

Landon Homes builds high quality, affordable green homes for sale in Frisco, TX in a variety of floor plans to suit your style and taste. Visit our website or contact Tanya Ryan at 866-898-3603 to schedule a model home tour.

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Bonus Rooms are an Added Bonus in New Homes

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Shopping for new homes in Little Elm, TX?  As you’re evaluating homes in the area, find out if they include a bonus room.  These rooms have become very popular in recent years, because they can be used in so many different ways. North Dallas home builder Landon Homes includes bonus rooms in its floor plans so home buyers can design the space to accommodate their particular needs.

Some common uses for a bonus room are a media room, home office, children’s play area, oversized game room, or a craft room.  A media room allows homeowners to feel like they are going to the movies, while still enjoying the comforts of home. Studies or home offices have become popular as more people work from home, but need a separate space that doesn’t interfere with their normal living space.  

A bonus room can be located virtually anywhere in the house. Some builders tuck them behind a covered porch or atop a two- or three-car garage. The goal is to give the home owner options, so they will be satisfied with their purchase.

Here are a few decorating ideas to spruce up your bonus room:

Media room – Dark walls, ceiling, furniture and/or flooring are essential – but that doesn’t mean black! Consider a rich navy blue or chocolate brown color instead. And add patterned carpeting for visual interest.

Office – Use bright lamps, such as a floor fixture to create a nicely lit space.  Wood finishes are appropriate for furniture. You can find stylish desks and chairs that are both functional and comfortable. Add some plants for visual interest. (Studies say they’re good for reducing stress!)

Craft room – Paint the walls with a white or off-white color to provide a neutral background for all of your art supplies, fabrics and paper. Select a table that is counter height and fit it with casters so that you can roll it to the middle of the room when needed.  Store supplies on shelves or in stackable bins.

If you’d like more information about North Dallas new homes for sale, and the types of bonus rooms offered by Landon Homes, visit our website at www.landonhomesusa.com.

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How to Choose the Right Neighborhood Before You Buy

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Before the housing crisis hit, it was a lot easier to tell a good neighborhood from a bad one.  If the houses and yards were well-kept and the nearby schools were good, you’d be in a good shape.

Today, it’s not as easy. Some of the best-looking houses on the block could be in foreclosure. So, how can you determine whether a neighborhood has the features you like, and more importantly, will hold its value until you’re ready to sell?

Here are a few tips to consider in your search for the perfect neighborhood and new home for you and your family.

1. Imagine your dream neighborhood.  Most people have a dream home in mind, but don’t put as much thought into the neighborhood. Spend time thinking about what features are important to you. Do you want to walk to stores? Do you prefer a historic neighborhood or a family-oriented environment? Compile a list to refer to as you begin your search.

2. Examine public services.  Many towns and cities are cutting back on services they offer due to declining property taxes. Take a drive through a potential neighborhood and town to look for clues of financial trouble. Are the streets clean? Are the parks in good shape? Has the local library cut its hours? Read the local paper for clues.

3. Evaluate the schools.  One of the most important decisions a parent makes is what school their child will attend. Even if you don’t have a family, school quality matters because when it comes time to sell, there’s an excellent chance your buyers will have children. Use online sources like GreatSchools.org to research local schools. Or take in a PTA meeting and talk with local parents to get the real scoop on how well or poorly the schools are doing.

4. Watch for clues. Does the neighborhood have a lot of For Sale signs, or cheap apartments for rent? Do you see many vacant store fronts? Those are signs an area might be in decline. Imagine yourself living in the neighborhood. If you run or bike, are the roads safe? Visit the area at different times of the day and night to listen for highway or airport noise. 

5. Talk to the residents.  Take time to meet your potential neighbors. Ask them how they like living there. If they’re not friendly or receptive to your questions, factor that into your decision process. If you buy, you could be living near them for years. You can always make improvements to a house, but you can’t change your neighbors.

Doing research and legwork on a potential neighborhood at the beginning of your new home search will pay off in the long run.  If you’re in the market for new homes in Frisco, Texas check out the affordable, energy efficient models that North Dallas home builder Landon Homes has to offer. Visit the Landon Homes website to see the homes for sale at Greyhawk Estates, the Village at Willow Bay, or Austin Ridge at Lone Star Ranch.

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Decorating Your New Home in Frisco on a Budget

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Want to know a quick way to turn a house into a home? Accessorize it! If you recently purchased a new home in Frisco, you’re in luck. There are lots of great places to shop for home décor in the neighborhood, and you won’t have to worry about busting your budget in the process.

One of the first places to visit on your shopping trip in Frisco should be the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, IKEA. The popular store features a supervised children’s area where your family can play while you leisurely browse through 50 different room settings for décor ideas. 

IKEA is located along what’s called “The New Furniture Row.” This corner of Parkwood Blvd. and State Highway 121 features other leading furniture and home décor retailers including Ashley Furniture, Haverty’s, Rooms to Go and many more.

There are plenty of smaller boutique shops in the area too – from Frisco Square and Main Street to Lebanon Road. At these individually owned and operated stores, you’ll find designer-made home décor items not found anywhere else in Frisco. 

Another popular Frisco destination is Sam Moon Trading Co. This retailer, known for offering the latest handbags and accessories at wholesale prices, recently opened a Home Accessory store right next door. Good deals on home décor can also be found at the Centre at Preston Ridge, which features more than 100 shops and restaurants including Kirklands, Stein Mart and Marshalls.

If you’re interested in buying a new home in Frisco, visit the Landon Homes website at LandonHomesUSA.com for information on the better built, affordable green homes for sale in Austin Ridge, Grayhawk Estates or The Villages at Willow Bay.

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New Homes in Frisco Safe & Secure

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When shopping for a new home, one of the qualities people take into consideration is whether the surrounding neighborhood is safe and secure. You can rest easy about that point if you’re moving to Frisco. This north Dallas suburb recently ranked as the 4th safest city in the nation for cities with populations between 100,000 and 499,000, and 14th safest overall nationwide. 

The ranking is a significant accomplishment considering that Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. It’s also a testament to the hard work put in by the city’s police officers and civilian staff to ensure that Frisco remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. You can also see why the city’s slogan is “Progress in Motion.” 

Frisco is proud of its heritage, too – dating back to the mid 1800s, when settlers first came to the area while traveling the Shawnee Trail. The town was named for Frisco Railroad, which owned the land on which the community was built.  Residents and visitors alike can learn more about the local history at the Frisco Heritage Museum, which features a living village with interactive exhibits. 

Frisco’s highly rated schools, its variety of sports, recreation, shopping and dining options are also why the city is so appealing to new residents. If you’d like to make the move to Frisco, Landon Homes has a wide selection of affordable, green engineered homes for sale at Austin Ridge, Grayhawk Estates and The Villages at Willow Bay. These communities are conveniently located near the North Dallas Tollway, and minutes from the Stonebriar Mall, Frisco Rough Riders and the Dr. Pepper Stars Ice Arena. 

For more information about homes for sale in Frisco or to schedule a model home tour, visit the Landon Homes website or contact Tanya Smith at 866-898-3603.

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Celebrating the Seasons in Frisco

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Dr. Pepper Ball Field Frisco TX

Over the last decade, demand for new homes in Frisco, TX has risen along with the population, making it the fastest growing city in the United States. It’s easy to see why. This North Dallas suburb features excellent schools, arts, entertainment and recreation including Junior League championship hockey, Minor League baseball, Major League soccer, and National Championship cyclist racing. 

Despite its rapid growth, Frisco still retains its small town charm as demonstrated by the seasonal events that take place each year. One of those signature events is Christmas in the Square – a holiday extravaganza featuring one of the largest choreographed holiday light shows in Texas, holiday-themed outdoor movies, carriage rides, model trains, real snow, and of course, Santa Claus! 

Sports take on a big focus in January as Frisco hosts the NCAA Division 1 Football National Championship as well as the Winter Games of Texas, a forum where Texas’ Olympic hopefuls, amateur and recreational athletes compete.  

Art lovers head to Frisco Square in early March for an outdoor gallery displaying original creations by more than 100 of the best national and regional artists. Arts in the Square also offers activities for children of all ages along with live, local entertainment. 

During the summer, the slogan “buy fresh, buy local” is brought to life at the Frisco Farmers Market, where a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, desserts and gourmet items are sold. During the evenings, the whole family can gather on lawn chairs or blankets to watch Frisco’s “Movies in the Square.” 

If you’re interested in new homes in Frisco, visit the communities of Austin Ridge, Grayhawk Estates or The Villages at Willow Bay by Landon Homes. This Frisco home builder is dedicated to constructing homes of lasting quality that are both beautiful and eco-friendly.  For more information or to schedule a model home tour, contact Tanya Smith at 866-898-3603.

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New Homes For Sale at Austin Ridge Grand Opening

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Landon Homes is proud to announce the grand opening of its first model home in Austin Ridge. Located in Lone Star Ranch, a flagship community in the West Frisco corridor, Austin Ridge is situated among rolling hills with hike and bike trails, lakes, fountains, open spaces and thousands of trees.

When you buy a home in Austin Ridge, you’re getting great value for the money in the highly sought-after Frisco School System. Our Premier Series homes are priced from the $250s to the $290s, starting at 2,877 sq. ft. up to 3,802 sq. ft. These homes are available in one or two-story models, offer stone elevations, granite in the kitchen, a rear entry garage, and generous designer upgrade allowances.

Our Executive Series homes are exclusive gems within our community, with oversized home sites of 80’ x 125’ that back up to an extensive greenbelt space. Only 34 of these sites will be available among the 260 homes Landon plans to construct in Austin Ridge, and the first sites have all been purchased. A waiting list of families has been started for the next 3-5 homes that will be released in the Spring of 2011.

Step inside our new model and you’ll be able to see first hand the energy efficient features that Landon Homes is known for. Our “Better Built by Design” philosophy provides state of the art materials in home energy saving features such as 2’ x 6’ exterior wall construction, tankless water heaters, radiant attic barriers and Low-E windows that block a significant amount of the sun’s heat and harmful UV rays.

If that’s not enough to convince you, Lone Star Ranch provides an exceptional amenity center, featuring a three-tiered resort-style swimming pool with waterfalls, a large clubhouse that can be rented for private events, as well as a fitness center loaded with equipment. Located minutes away from Lake Lewisville, there are an array of golf courses and shopping centers, as well as a variety of entertainment options including Dr. Pepper Ball Park, Pizza Hut Soccer/Events Stadium and Stonebriar Mall.  Plus, Cinemark is opening a brand new, state of the art movie theater across from Pizza Hut Stadium, with all of the latest in HD and sound technology.

To schedule a tour of Landon’s new model home in Austin Ridge, visit our website at LandonHomesUSA.com or contact Tanya Smith anytime by phone at 214-707-0347.

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Don’t Take Our Word For It, Ask Our Realtor Partners!

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Originally posted on Activerain.com we were honored to read this post about Landon Homes!

Landon Homes in Frisco, Texas EXPLODING with New Buyers in Austin Ridge

Who is curious about the newest Frisco Homes to hit the Market in DFW?  Not Landon Homes.

The newest builder on the block is absolutely taking the city by storm.  The Austin Ridge Community could be the most sought after community in DFW.  They are selling homes like crazy and are having to take a waiting list on homes on their smaller lots!  What other builder in Frisco has a waiting list? 

I have seen many builders in the area and how they build, and have never been as impressed as I am with Landon Homes.  They have created an unbelievable bar for other builders in energy efficiency as one of the first major builders in DFW that use 2 x 6′s instead of 2 X 4′s.  This helps with the insulation issue by providing up to 60% more insulation than the new home builder standard, and the huge savings being passed on to their customers makes Landon Homes a incredible buy for the price.

John Landon has the experience, beautiful open floorplans that make sense, and has created the ultimate value for the middle of the road buyer, or the buyer that wants one step below custom!

Call me today at (469) 733-2723 to take advantage of the newest builder on the block in DFW, Landon Homes in Austin Ridge, and I promise you will not be disappointed in these Frisco homes! 

Brad Holden

Holden New Homes

http://www.holdennewhomes.com

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