According to the Centers for Disease Control, fires are the third-leading cause of death in United States homes. This agency also reports that over 400 Americans die each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Sadly, these fatalities are usually preventable with the simple use of carbon monoxide and smoke detector equipment.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends placing a smoke detector in strategic areas of the home including the kitchen and each bedroom. A home should have at least one smoke detector on each floor, including the basement. Some other overlooked areas where it could be helpful to have a smoke detector are hallways, attached garages and utility rooms.

Homeowners should check smoke alarms monthly and change batteries if necessary. Smoke detectors should have new batteries placed in them at least twice a year unless a lithium battery powers them, in which case, homeowners should plan to replace the entire smoke detector every eight to 10 years.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends placing carbon monoxide detectors in any area where wood, coal or gas is being burned. Locations where portable generators or gas water heaters are used are also good choices. Homes that burn wood, coal or gas should have carbon monoxide detectors placed in bedrooms and kitchens and on every level of a home so they can alert residents to the presence of this deadly gas.

HomeSafe recommends placing carbon monoxide detectors at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances such as gas stoves or furnaces. Placing them in one of these areas increases the risk of false readings. That’s because a small amount of this gas is emitted by appliances during startup, yet is not necessarily a cause for alarm.

Just as smoke detector batteries need to be changed often, the ones used to power carbon monoxide detectors also require regular replacement. A good rule of thumb to follow is to change the batteries in the spring and fall in conjunction with Daylight Savings Time. If a home has electrically wired equipment, Nicor Home Services recommends checking the backup batteries on a regular basis to ensure they are working properly.

Home improvement stores such as Lowe's or The Home Depot carry fairly inexpensive yet effective smoke detector and carbon monoxide equipment. In some areas, local fire departments may offer them free of charge to residents within their jurisdictions. This equipment is easy to install and maintain, yet can provide an invaluable life-saving service to those who take the time to place them inside their homes.

The arrival of spring means that there are lots of cleaning projects that need attention around the home. Winter weather can really cause property to look dull and weathered both inside and out, which means that homeowners need to be vigilant about home preparation for spring once warmer weather arrives.

Porches and decks can start to show signs of mold and mildew when spring rains arrive.  Power washing them with a special detergent will help remove stains. Smaller stains in between railings and on stairs might require hand scrubbing with a solution that is one part bleach to six parts water.

Exterior windows often show signs of streaking after a harsh winter. Rinsing them with a garden hose, followed by the use of a commercial window cleaning product will shine them up nicely. A long-handled squeegee can remove the excess water and detergent so the windows will be sparkling clean.

Strong winter winds can cause a great deal of tree limbs and leaves to fall in the yard. Homeowners should pick up these limbs before mowing for the first time each season. Using a for this job creates mulch which can be used in landscaping beds or mixed with other yard waste and turned into compost.

Home preparation for spring should include thoroughly cleaning large appliances. Vacuuming refrigerator coils helps to remove dust that has built up on them. Try running an empty cycle through dishwashers and washing machines in order to remove any accumulated dirt from inside them. A solution of dish soap, baking soda and sea salt is ideal for cleaning ovens. Using a special vacuum attachment, homeowners can reach into the vent of a dryer and remove any lint that has built up inside it.

When mud and snow are tracked in on carpets, these rugs can really take a beating, and for this reason, spring is the ideal time for cleaning them . Individuals can either rent a carpet-cleaning machine and complete this task themselves, or hire a professional company to do it for them. Either way, pre-treating stains on the carpet will help it look cleaner and fresher once the project is complete.

Window blinds may accumulate a great deal of dust, especially in homes that have wood stoves in them. To clean, remove these fixtures and place on a tarp outside, spray with a garden hose and then use a solution of mild detergent and water, scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush until clean and then allow them to dry naturally before hanging them up again.

Home preparation for spring takes only a little time to complete, but can make a big difference in the way a home looks. Sprucing up a home can also be good for one’s morale, as it is an instant mood booster to those who perform these projects.

Selling a home in today's market requires a bit of marketing, some sweat and elbow grease, and a touch of luck.  But even in a competitive selling market, it is possible to turn the sign in your front yard from For Sale to Sold so you can move on to your next residence.

First, look at your home as if you were a potential buyer.  Drive up to the driveway or the front curb and park, carefully looking at the home as if for the first time.  Make note of the beautiful aspects of your home, and also areas that could deter potential buyers. The outside of your home is the first image they will see, both in person, and while pre-shopping online. 

One maintenance project to tackle that will really spruce up the exterior of your home is refurbishing the outside woodwork that has been weathered by the sun, rain and snow.  If you have a front porch, wooden window edgings or even a back deck, chances are these areas could benefit from new stain for a refreshed and clean look.

Home decks return about 70 percent of their original cost back to homeowners when a house is sold, according to Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report, but that's only when the decks are kept in top shape.  Flood wood care offers an entire wood care system from prepping materials to stain to give decks and woodwork a beautiful look that will have home buyers and your neighbors impressed. 

In addition to your exterior woodwork, also take a look at your siding and gutters.  Vinyl and aluminum sidings can collect dirt and look dingy after a season or two.  Use a power washer on the siding and gutters to wash away the grime and spider webs and bring some vibrancy back to the outside of your home.  Also consider adding season-appropriate flowers, plants or landscaping or replacing gutter downspouts with decorative chains to give your home an artistic look.

Finally, take a close look at your exterior lights.  Glass-enclosed lights can become filthy from all the elements, so take a quick moment to wipe them clean with glass cleaner.  If your light fixtures are tarnished, or looking run down, purchase a can of spray paint in any complimentary color to the exterior of your home and freshen them up.  It will make your lights appear new in no time at all.

These quick-fix projects will boost the look of your home both for prospective buyers arriving at your front door, and also in the photographs visible online.  With this better exterior appearance, chances are you'll be able to sell your home much quicker.

-Source Fort Worth Star Telegram

Do you know your current credit score?

There are lots of rumors and old wive’s tales on how to raise your credit score. Here are a few tips that will help you on your journey:

• Pay your bills on time.
• If you have missed payments, get current and stay current.
• Be aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your current credit report.
• If you are having trouble making ends meet, contact your creditors or see a legitimate credit counselor.
• Keep balances low on credit cards and other “revolving credit.”
• Pay off debt rather than moving it around.
• Don’t close unused credit cards as a short-term strategy to raise your score.  Keep them open with zero balances.
• Don’t open a number of new credit cards that you don’t need, just to increase your available credit.
• If you have been managing credit for a short time, don’t open a lot of new accounts too rapidly.
• Do your rate shopping for a given loan within a focused period of time.
• Re-establish your credit history if you have had problems.
• It is OK to request and check your own credit report.
• Strive to use less than 30 percent of your available credit.
• Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed.
• Have credit cards, but manage them responsibly.
• Note that closing an account doesn’t make it go away

If you have any questions about your credit score, contact our preferred lender, Beverly Aleman, with Regions Bank at 972-724-1102 or Beverly.aleman@regions.com.

The housing market hit a rough patch the last two years, with a big decline in existing home sales and a record increase in foreclosures.  With the media portraying a bleak outlook, buyers have been skittish, frightened to invest in an unsure future.  The media, though, missed the bigger picture.   There are many reasons why now is a great time to invest in real estate.

Homes are more affordable than ever.  Based on the median mortgage payment as a percentage of the median household income, homes are more affordable than they’ve been in a generation.  At these lower prices, buyers can also get more for their money.  Waiting for the prices to get even lower?  Don’t.  The price indexes show that the market has hit bottom and home prices are appreciating.

Mortgage rates are at a fifty-year low.  In August, mortgage rates dropped to a national average of 4.36 percent.  The rate was 5.19 percent the same time last year.  On a $200,000 home with 10 percent down, that’s a savings of $90 a month on a 30-year loan.  With interest rates this low, now is not only the perfect time to buy a first home.  It’s also a great time to buy a vacation home or investment property.  With lenders back in the game, loans are available now to those with a job.  The professionals predict that mortgage rates will not stay at this all-time low.  Take advantage now.

Sellers are motivated.  With the current housing supply at 12.5 months, supply has exceeded demand.  And with foreclosures and short sales selling at an average 20 percent below market value, buyers now have the upper hand.  They have a lot of choices, and smart sellers are doing what it takes to compete for the business. 

Buying is now more affordable than renting.  Rental rates have decreased slightly, but home values have drastically declined, the gap wider than it’s been in 22 years.  Now is the time to stop renting and invest in your future.

The American dream is closer than ever before.  Most Americans still consider owning a home the American dream.  A home serves as more than a place to live.  It’s a savings account that leads to financial stability and wealth building.  It’s a safe haven for a family; a place for game night, barbecues, birthday parties and holiday gatherings.  It’s a place to create lasting memories.

For these, and so many other reasons, now is a great time to invest in real estate.

Call for more information and look for details for an upcoming informative buying seminar.

by: Ann McLaughlin

Source: Keller Williams Realty - Seven Reason Why Now is a Great Time to Buy

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

The housing market hit a rough patch the last two years, with a big decline in existing home sales and a record increase in foreclosures.  With the media portraying a bleak outlook, buyers have been skittish, frightened to invest in an unsure future.  The media, though, missed the bigger picture.   There are many reasons why now is a great time to invest in real estate.

Homes are more affordable than ever.  Based on the median mortgage payment as a percentage of the median household income, homes are more affordable than they’ve been in a generation.  At these lower prices, buyers can also get more for their money.  Waiting for the prices to get even lower?  Don’t.  The price indexes show that the market has hit bottom and home prices are appreciating.

Mortgage rates are at a fifty-year low.  In August, mortgage rates dropped to a national average of 4.36 percent.  The rate was 5.19 percent the same time last year.  On a $200,000 home with 10 percent down, that’s a savings of $90 a month on a 30-year loan.  With interest rates this low, now is not only the perfect time to buy a first home.  It’s also a great time to buy a vacation home or investment property.  With lenders back in the game, loans are available now to those with a job.  The professionals predict that mortgage rates will not stay at this all-time low.  Take advantage now.

Sellers are motivated.  With the current housing supply at 12.5 months, supply has exceeded demand.  And with foreclosures and short sales selling at an average 20 percent below market value, buyers now have the upper hand.  They have a lot of choices, and smart sellers are doing what it takes to compete for the business. 

Buying is now more affordable than renting.  Rental rates have decreased slightly, but home values have drastically declined, the gap wider than it’s been in 22 years.  Now is the time to stop renting and invest in your future.

The American dream is closer than ever before.  Most Americans still consider owning a home the American dream.  A home serves as more than a place to live.  It’s a savings account that leads to financial stability and wealth building.  It’s a safe haven for a family; a place for game night, barbecues, birthday parties and holiday gatherings.  It’s a place to create lasting memories.

For these, and so many other reasons, now is a great time to invest in real estate.

Call for more information and look for details for an upcoming informative buying seminar.

by: Ann McLaughlin

Source: Keller Williams Realty - Seven Reason Why Now is a Great Time to Buy

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

Did you know?

Interest Rates are at lifetime lows.  Take advantage by acting now to:

• Buy a new home
• Buy an investment property
• Refinance

Call The Minteer Team for your personal consultation today: 817-481-8890

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The Minteer Team and associates from the Keller Williams Southlake office will be at DFW Airport Friday morning July 23^rd to welcome home the troops.  Every day, more than 100 soldiers come through DFW Airport on their way home for two weeks of R&R with family and friends. After long tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, this welcome starts their time home on a high note.  Join us to show these heroes how much their commitment means to us.  It’s a simple way to say thank you.  Please call 972-574-0392 tonight for time and location.  We hope to see you there!  If you can’t make it this week, but would like to go another day, you can find more information at http://affiliates.uso.org/DFW/files/WelcomeHome.pdf

Can’t make it to the airport but still want a way to say thank you to our service men and women?  “The Gratitude Campaign” was started by Scott Truitt, who wanted an easy way for himself and others to say thank you.  You can go to http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/ to learn more about it.

Thank you for supporting our American heroes!

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The Minteer Team and Keller Williams Southlake are holding a canned food drive benefitting GRACE Food Pantry.  They are in need of food, fresh produce and hygiene items.  We are spreading the word, and hope others will help by cleaning out their pantries and delivering needed items to GRACE Food Pantry at 837 East Walnut Street, Grapevine.  Please see the needs list below.  Thank you for supporting GRACE!

GRACE Food Pantry

Current Pantry Needs List (updated 07/01/2010)

Food Items:

Sugar

Cooking Oil

Kids Cereal (Raisin Brand, Fruit Loops, Lucky Charms, Coca Puffs, Trix, etc.)

Canned Fruit (Peaches)

Baking Mix (pancake)

Ramen Noodles

Dry Pasta (elbow, sea shells etc.) (Out of Stock)

Oatmeal

Salt & Pepper (small table top set) (Out of Stock)

Tomato Sauce

Tomato Paste

Canned Meats (Beef Stew, Spam, etc.)

Dry Pinto Beans (2 lbs. Bags)

Mustard

Ketchup

Mayo

Fresh Produce & Fruit:

Tomatoes

Apples

Oranges

Hygiene Items:

Diapers (size 5 - Only) (Out of Stock)

Laundry Soap (Sm. Boxes)

Deodorant

Toilet Paper (4-pack or more) (Low Stock)

Toothpaste

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Preventing Frozen Pipes