Plano Homes finally see some relief from the heat

Plano homes are seeing the first signs of fall this week with a break from the seemingly endless days of 100 degree highs.  Area lakes were below the normal levels until a break in the weather this month brought the rain that was needed to raise the water levels.  With the cooler weather comes an abundance of people getting out to enjoy the community.  Fall is also a great time to bring color to the yard and patio.  Some great suggestions on what to add can be found at Plano home tips for Fall

Plano homes will benefit from preventative maintenence

Now that the weather has turned a little cooler in Plano we need to think about making sure that our biggest investment stays in good condition.  This is a great time of year to do some preventative maintenance around the house.  The list below will provide Plano homeowners with the fundamental items that you can do without hiring a professional.  click here for more information on Plano real estate.

Exterior
-Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
-Pressure-wash wood siding to prevent mold.
-Check the exterior paint for bare spots.
-Inspect and replace exterior caulk.
-Check window and door sills for leaks and caulk where necessary.
-Clean air conditioning unit.
-Check the foundation.
-Trim trees and bushes.
-Check the sprinkler system.
-Check all decks for loose boards, railings, and stairs.
-Inspect the condition of the roof.
-Check window screens.
-Check fences and gates.
-Check the automatic garage door opener.
-Examine the septic system for flooding or unusual odor.
-Check the latches on storm windows.
-Inspect the grading around the house to make sure water drains away from the house on all sides.
-Check outside walls for termite tubes and damaged wood.
Kitchen
-Clean and seal tile and grout.
-Check and fix leaky faucets.
Bathroom
-Clean and seal tile and grout.
-Make sure all toilets are properly secured to the floor.
-Check and fix leaky faucets and toilets.
Attic
-Check the attic for signs of moisture (i.e., water stains on the underside of the roof sheathing).
-Check all wooden materials for mildew and rot.
-Look for indications of a pest infestation.
Miscellaneous Interior
-Clean out ashes from the fireplace.
-Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
-Replace batteries in clocks.
-Clean furnace ducts.
-Change furnace filters.
-Check the main electrical panel for rust and/or water marks.
-Test circuit breakers.
-Inspect fire extinguisher.
-Check walls for condensation and mildew

This list is courtesy of RISmedia.

Plano Homes and home tips for the Kitchen

I saw this on the Lowes site this morning.  Great idea on keeping things clean without all the fancy products.  You can get more great information on Plano homes, just click.
Every mom wants a clean kitchen, but many never stop to consider how pricey the products they're using can be. With this in mind, Danger offers up DIY kitchen-cleaning tips that are not only green, but cost effective:

* Cutting boards are a frequently used kitchen item. To clean them naturally, wipe with vinegar and microwave on high for one minute.
* To combat grimy sponges, soak with white vinegar and microwave on high for one minute.
* Remove stuck-on food from pots and pans by making a paste with water and meat tenderizer to coat the area. Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes, then scrub off and rinse.

Gardens don't have to be a luxury reserved for those with green thumbs and ample space. Follow these tips for creating and maintaining a garden that suites your location and needs:

* For windowsill gardens, the most basic thing to start with is herbs. Choose easy plants that you'll use frequently while cooking, such as basil, oregano and parsley.
* If you have a patio or deck, try container gardening. The portability of the containers allows you to adjust plants to receive their optimal amount of sun exposure.
* Grow plants that are the most expensive to purchase in grocery stores.

Who says gifts have to cost a lot of money? Homemade gifts are a thoughtful way to show you care, without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas:

* Use copies of your favorite handwritten recipe cards to create a personalized cookbook.
* Make a "25 Things I Love About You" book for someone special.
* For kids who love to dress up, fill a large tote with items such as hats, wigs, shoes and accessories that you've purchased from thrift stores and clearance racks.

Plano Real Estate Prices Off Slightly

According to the Case Shiller Study just released, prices for Plano real estate and other surrounding communities have declined slightly from August of 2009.  We have had eight consecutive months of increase and prices are still ahead of June 2010 by about .9 percent.

In the second quarter however prices for Plano real estate increased 2% and the median price of a home in Plano was $217,000.00.  For specific information about Plano homes and Plano real estate information, click the link.

Nationwide prices were up about 3.2 percent, but we need to look at the long term affect of the market to get a clear picture of what is happening locally.  The market here in Plano is very steady.  All of the northern suburbs including Plano, Richardson, Allen, Frisco and McKinney are seeing steady home prices in the lower and medium price points.  We are probably not not going to see the prices of early 2007 for some time but we will see home prices in Plano and other areas improving steadily over the next year.  We invite you to search for Plano real estate and find your next home.