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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why should you buy a quick move-in home versus a resale? There are several reasons. 

1. Builders Warranty – A brand new home comes with a warranty from the home builder, so you have peace of mind should anything break down in the house. With a resale, you’re dependent upon how well the previous owners maintained the property. Even when you have a home inspection performed before the purchase, there’s a chance for problems to be missed.  
2. Upgrades – A move-in ready home often includes options and upgrades that are appealing to new home buyers. Plus, the builder often includes features that have been popular with existing home buyers, so you know the design has been tested by families like yours. 
3. Pricing – Builders typically include large incentives on move-in ready homes, so you could get a better deal on a brand new home than you would on a resale.  
4. Energy Efficiency – A new home includes the most up-to-date energy saving features and construction techniques, enabling buyers to save money on utility bills and insurance premiums compared to an older home.  

If you’d like information on the available move-in ready homes for sale in North Dallas, contact Landon Homes at 866-898-3603. Landon Homes is rated among the best Dallas area home builders. Our better built by design, affordable green homes are ready now in premier neighborhoods.

The state’s unemployment rate is below the national average and job growth is steady at a healthy 2.8 percent rate, the same as it has been over the last two decades. In addition, Texas has one of – if not the strongest – real estate markets in the country. So if you’re in the market for a new home, pay attention to local numbers, not national, and you won’t go wrong.

One area that’s been growing fast is McKinney, site of Landon Homes’ Shiloh Ranch community, and recently rated number 5 in CNN Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. Newcomers are flocking to this Dallas suburb because of McKinney’s great schools, safe streets, low crime and robust employment opportunities. The city also features lovely rolling hills, expansive open spaces, more than 40 miles of hike and bike trails and 2,000 acres of parkland.

The homes in Shiloh Ranch are the most energy efficient in the area, include huge backyards, and some models feature 3-car garages. The community is located just north of Virginia Parkway off Custer Road with the Exemplary J.R Wilmeth Elementary School right across the street. 

For more information about Shiloh Ranch or any of Landon’s other new home communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, contact Tanya Smith anytime at 866-898-3603 or visit our website at www.landonhomesusa.com.

It is important to know where the candidates stand on the issues. So do your homework now, and don’t worry about it again until Election Day when it’s time to make your vote count. Remember that politics is a soap opera that will always involve drama. Waiting for election cycles to be over just delays the enjoyment you could be having in your new home! 

There are some great deals to be had right now in the housing market. Prices are affordable, mortgage rates are at record lows, and the new homes that are built today are much more energy efficient than those built 5-10 years ago. That means you’ll be able to save a good deal of money on utility bills.  Plus, a new home comes with a full builder’s warranty, so you don’t have to worry about making repairs.

At Landon Homes, we keep you in the loop all through the construction phase, so you know how your home is progressing. We offer a pre-construction meeting, a pre-drywall inspection, and a final inspection to ensure your satisfaction during all points of the building process.

With a repertoire of more than 40,000 homes built over the last 20 years, the Landon team offers an unmatched wealth of talent, expertise and enthusiasm. Call us today at  866-898-3603 to schedule a tour of one of our model homes in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.

Landon has come a long way in just two short years.  The company has built and sold more than 250 new energy efficient homes throughout Little Elm, Frisco, McKinney and North Dallas, TX. It’s a significant achievement in two short years, considering that John Landon started this company in the midst of an economic downturn. However, the president of Landon Homes saw the economy as an opportunity, rather than an obstacle.   

Landon realized that lumber, land, and labor prices had fallen considerably, making it more affordable to build homes. And he knew that if people were in a position to buy now, they would have an exciting opportunity to get a lot of high quality at a very good price. Landon says, “If we build the right product, at the right price, in the right location, we’ll do OK, even in this environment.” “We call it our Value Equation.” 

Landon has the experience to back up his beliefs. He created Legacy Homes in 1987, when the economy was in the midst of another recession. “We were profitable in five months,” says Landon. And Legacy Homes eventually grew from a single community in Dallas to become the 12^th largest builder in the nation. 

The Landon team brings an unmatched wealth of talent, expertise and enthusiasm to every home they build. Our energy experts work hand-in-hand with our architects to create a home that is both beautiful and eco-friendly. Our goal is to build homes with lasting value and quality – creating the very best home for you in exceptional neighborhoods with highly acclaimed school systems. 

For more information about Landon Homes’ birthday promotion, visit our website at www.landonshomesusa.com or contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347.