Tag Archives: great school district in Texas

Green Spring Cleaning

Posted on by

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.

Share|

Declutter Your Garage

Posted on by

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.

Share|

Bonus Rooms are an Added Bonus in New Homes

Posted on by

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.

Share|

How to Choose the Right Neighborhood Before You Buy

Posted on by

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.

Share|

Texas Housing Market

Posted on by

Texas remains one of the bright spots in the nation when it comes to housing and the economy. The Texas Association of Realtors reports that nearly 203,000 homes sold last year, down a modest 5% from 2010 levels. However, home prices remained relatively stable. The median sales price rose 1% last year to $147,600.

Analysts say the drop in sales is not necessarily a sign of a trend since federal government incentives for first-time home buyers spurred sales in 2009. TAR chairman Dwight Hale notes that Texas has emerged in a stronger position than almost everywhere else in the country. He adds that, “Our homes are some of the most affordable in the country and we’re seeing job growth substantially greater than national averages, which will continue to fuel the recovery in Texas.”

If you are looking at new homes in North Dallas, Landon Homes has a variety of affordable, green homes available in several premier neighborhoods. For more than 20 years, this visionary Frisco home builder has been creating homes that respect both the environment and your budget. Landon Homes takes care to conserve energy resources and minimize your monthly expenses, while creating a home that is both beautiful and eco-friendly.

To schedule a tour of Landon’s new homes in North Dallas, Frisco, Little Elm or McKinney, contact Tanya Smith toll-free at 866-898-3603.

Share|

How to Cure the Winter Blues

Posted on by

Cold weather got you down? Don’t worry. There is a way to get out of that funk.  You can eat more fruits and vegetables. Go see a funny movie. Or paint away the winter blues by adding a burst of color to a room in your new home.

Before you head to your local paint store to stock up on supplies, decide whether you want to spend the weekend painting an entire room. Or take on a smaller project by painting one wall or certain architectural features.

You can add a bold accent color to just one wall. Or liven up the room with stripes or bands of color. Vary the size and width of the bands to give the room a stylish look. Horizontal stripes will make the room look wider and the ceiling appear lower. Vertical stripes have the opposite effect.

Painting crown moldings or arched window treatments a shade lighter or darker than the corresponding wall will emphasize these features in the room. Make sure you test the color on the area to be painted first to see how it looks in the day and night.  Colors will look differently under incandescent and fluorescent lighting compared to natural sunlight.

Certain colors affect people’s moods. So keep in mind what effect you want to achieve in the room you’re painting and then choose the corresponding color.

 - Red stimulates appetite & conversation

 - Blue & Green calm and soothe

 - Yellow sparks creativity

 - Orange stimulates  

 - Brown adds warmth and comfort

 - White illuminates a space

The shade of color you choose also has an impact on a room. Light colors make small spaces open and airy, while darker shades can set off lighter colored objects in the room and bring them into focus.  

Are you looking at homes for sale in Frisco?  You can find affordable north Dallas new homes that are both beautiful and eco-friendly, built by Landon Homes. To schedule a model home tour, contact Tanya Smith at 866-898-3603 or visit the website at www.landonhomesusa.com.

Share|

Landon Welcomes New Sales Manager at Austin Ridge

Posted on by

Landon Homes welcomes Dean Liter as the new sales manager at Austin Ridge, its brand new home community in southwest Frisco, TX. Austin Ridge is part of Lone Star Ranch, a master planned community featuring rolling hills, hike and bike trails, streams, lakes, fountains, open spaces and thousands of trees.

As a resident of Lone Star Ranch, Liter knows first hand about the terrific amenities that will be available to Austin Ridge residents. The community has a three-tiered, resort-style swimming pool with waterfalls, a large clubhouse that can be rented, and a fitness center loaded with state of the art equipment. Plus, Austin Ridge is close to the North Dallas Tollway and Highway 121, making it convenient for commuting.

Liter has a unique history with Landon Homes and its president, John Landon. Dean built his first home with John, and enjoyed the process so much, that he asked to come to work for Landon.

When asked why someone should buy a Landon home, Liter says no other builder in the area is doing what Landon does in terms of energy efficiency. The homes in Austin Ridge feature the latest energy efficient technologies, including thicker lumber that holds 57% more insulation than traditional homes, a radiant heat barrier to reduce attic temperatures, and air conditioning systems that exceed Energy Star standards. These features help to significantly reduce the monthly utility bills for a Landon homeowner.

The first models in Austin Ridge are expected to be ready in about three months. Until then, visitors are welcome to stop by our sales trailer and view our floorplan designs and under construction inventory.

If you’d like to schedule a tour of Austin Ridge, contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 or visit the website at Landonhomesusa.com for more information.

Share|

New Homes For Sale in McKinney, TX

Posted on by

Landon Homes welcomes Leonard McManaman as the new onsite sales manager for its brand new home community of Shiloh Ranch in McKinney. Shiloh Ranch celebrates its grand opening this week with a new model opening, showcasing its outstanding design.

McManaman says that the homes in Shiloh Ranch are built with quality materials to provide the highest level of energy efficiency. They are the first homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to feature 2 x 6 exterior wall construction in a production building environment. This thicker lumber holds 57% more insulation to reduce unwanted heat loss or gain, decreasing the energy demand on your home.

What makes Shiloh Ranch unique, according to McManaman, is its excellent home site selection. The community offers oversize cul-de-sac home sites with beautiful landscaping, a brick wall enclosure and an impressive stone entrance, providing the best value for the money in the area. There are also many common areas, a pond, and a future planned playground for the kids. Plus, Shiloh Ranch is located right next door to the exemplary rated J.R. Wilmeth Elementary School.  Floor plans range from 2,100 to 3,800 sq ft and are priced from the $180’s.

McManaman says McKinney’s motto is “unique by nature”. And the proof of that is in their policy of requiring businesses to maintain high quality curb appeal, and encouraging neighborhoods to have lots of trees and landscaping. The city of McKinney features rolling hills, lush trees and a historic downtown square and ranked 9th among the top 25 best places to move according to Forbes Magazine.

With more than 10 years new home sales experience, McManaman says he’s happy to be with a company that has a lot of home building experience, knowledge, and works together as a team. The family atmosphere at Landon hits close to home for Leonard. His father, Dan, is the sales manager for Landon’s Grayhawk Estates community.

If you’d like to schedule a tour of the new model home at Shiloh Ranch, contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 or visit the website at LandonHomesUSA.com for more information.

Share|

Landon Opens New Home Community in McKinney, TX

Posted on by

Landon Homes announces the grand opening of its exciting new home community Shiloh Ranch in McKinney.  Shiloh Ranch is a 100 plus acre community situated off Custer Road and Virginia Parkway.   This community offers the customer oversized homesites, easy access to Hwys 121 and 380 and an exemplary onsite elementary school.

Landon Homes has created the ultimate in energy efficiency as the first major builder in DFW using 2 x 6 exterior wall construction in a production building environment. This type of construction offers up to 60% more insulation than industry standard, and the huge savings being passed on to their customers is incredible. With a wealth of experience, attention to detail and amazing design features, Landon Homes has created the ultimate value equation for the customer. 

Shiloh Ranch in McKinney is surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a brick wall enclosure and an impressive stone entrance that gives the feeling of home. It offers many common areas, a future planned playground area for the kids, a pond, cul-de-sac homesites and a new onsite elementary school.  Floor plans range from 2,100 to 3,800 sq ft and are priced from the $170’s.

Continue reading →

Share|

Passion for Selling New Homes in Dallas

Posted on by

If there’s one thing Dan McManaman is passionate about, it’s selling homes. And he’s had plenty of experience doing just that.  He’s been in real estate sales since 1983, and has spent the last 14 years working for John Landon. 

McManaman has sold hundreds of homes during his career, and has won several sales awards recognizing his achievements.  He’s proud of his relationship with Landon Homes, and the fact that president John Landon has been able to hire the top builders in the industry, ensuring that the quality of a Landon home is top-notch.

As Onsite Manager for Grayhawk Estates, Dan strives to make sure home buyers get the best value for the money and are thrilled with the home buying experience.

Continue reading →

Share|