Spring into Mulch-imizing your Curb Appeal ... Dallas and Collin County

HAPPY 1ST DAY of SPRING!!!  

It's time to get our yards back to beautiful, which if you're thinking of SELLING your house is a must to maximize your home's Curb Appeal! One way to do that is to add MULCH to your planters, trees and flower beds. According to Menards Garden Center, the many benefits of MULCH include:

• Completes the look of your yard or flower bed
• Acts as a natural weed control
• Maintains moisture levels in your soil, protecting from over and under watering
• Acts as a barrier to fluctuating temperatures that can cause damage or death to your plants
• Plant-based mulch adds nutrients back into the soil as it decomposes
• Helps cool plant roots 

Speaking of MULCH, did you know the City of Garland's Hinton Regional Landfill and Wood Recycling Facility, offers FREE MULCH to anybody who'd like some?!? You read that right!

The Hinton Landfill has a Recycling Center that does "Wood Recycling" which consists of cut brush and trees that the Residents of the City of Garland & City of Rowlett have picked up from their residence. The Wood Recycling shreds/chips the collected Brush and Trees into MULCH.

So how much MULCH can you get, as much as you want! It's a self-serve area, meaning you need to bring your own tools to collect the MULCH and the container for it, which typically is the bed of a truck.

The MULCH is located at the Recycling Center inside the Hinton Regional Landfill. At the gate, turn right and it's at the end of building sitting in a trailer. 

Now before going all MULCH crazy in your yards, here are a few tips I learned from the Menards Gardening Center ...

• Remove as much of the old layers of MULCH as possible before you add more.
• Your MULCH should never be more than three inches thick in a planting bed.
• You should also apply MULCH in the winter, after the 1st freeze, to keep the ground uniformly cold to keep plants dormant and to keep the soil temperature from fluctuating when we have those random winter warm spells. 

Happy Spring everyone and thank you very MULCH City of Garland Environmental Services!  (Pun intended) 

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Heath, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.

March Clean Up Campaign - Rowlett, TX - 2017

That's right City of Rowlett residents, let your Spring Cleaning begin because the City of Rowlett is providing a FREE drop off location & FREE disposal of your unwanted Residential Non Hazardous Bulky Items and Residential Brush (branches, weeds, grass, bushes, ect)! So start trimming those trees & cleaning out your garage and closets!

The FREE "March Clean Up Campaign" will last the whole month of March. The City of Rowlett will have Dumpsters located on 1904 Castle Dr (just east of Rowlett Rd) and will be open daily from 10a-6pm, unless it's raining. 

*Be sure to bring your Drivers License or a Utility Bill to show proof of residence.

Please do NOT bring ... 

• TV's/Computers ... call IESI (972-475-3600) to schedule a pick up
• Automobile Parts, 
• Batteries, 
• Liquids (paint, motor oil, solvents, ect), 
• Chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, ect), and/or no 
• Freon or Freon Containing Appliances (ac's, freezers, refrigerators, ect). 
• Dirt, 
• Rocks, or 
• Concrete 

AND don't forget City of Rowlett Residents, you are allowed 2 FREE passes per year to dispose of Household Trash, Bulky Items like furniture, Brush or Wood Waste, and Construction/Demolition Debris at the Hinton Landfill(3175 Elm Grove Rd, Garland). 

To obtain your passes, simply take your Drivers License & Water Bill to either the Public Works Department (4310 Industrial St), Business Office in the Annex Building (4004 Main St), or the City Secretary's Office at City Hall (4000 Main St).

*When you're ready to use your FREE Rowlett Resident Hinton Landfill Pass, be sure to take your Drivers License AND your current Water Bill to show proof of residency.

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on simply Email me EMAIL me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form. 

Recycling Around the Lake Ray Hubbard Area - Cities of Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse and Murphy

I am a conscientious RECYCLER though I honestly admit that while I do try my best to recycle in my home & take my own bags to stores, I'm only scratching the surface compared to most people who are diehard recyclers. 

I understand the basic ideas behind recycling ... We need less trash in our dumps & we need to do our part to help in the reduction of natural resources.

In researching the recycling programs that are around Lake Ray Hubbard, I'm happy & am thankfull that the Cities of Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse and Murphy have a recycling programs and understand that having "Curb-Side" pick up for recycling is important to have more of their residents recycle.


The City of Rowlett, City of Rockwall, City of Wylie, and the City of Murphy have recycling pick up ONCE a week & the City of Garland and City of Sachse has it EVERY OTHER week.

• City of Garland http://garlandenvironmentalwaste.com/Home/Departments/Utility+Services/Environmental+Waste+Services/SWD080_Landing.htm

• City of Rowlett http://www.rowlett.com/index.aspx?NID=925

• City of Rockwall http://www.rockwall.com/UtilityBilling/GarbageCollection.asp

• City of Wylie http://www.wylietexas.gov/departments/utility_billing_(water_bill)/recycling.php

• City of Sachse http://www.cityofsachse.com/index.aspx?NID=465

• City of Murphy http://www.murphytx.org/143/Trash-Recycling

If you're in "aGREENment" (as the City of Rockwall says), and want to see cleaner lakes, green trees, & have a less nasty smells from the landfills, click on the following links to find out more about your cities Recycling Program.

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on simply Email me EMAIL me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form. 

Everything Lake Ray Hubbard & Then Some

Did you know that Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the largest lakes in north Texas spanning 22,000 acres and is known as a "recreational lake"?!? Me either! But it is!  Lake Ray Hubbard is a lake that great for all ... you can ski, jet ski, paddle board, all types of boats are allowed & so is fishing. 

Speaking of fishing ... Did you know that Lake Ray Hubbard has a variety of fish species that include white and hybrid striped bass, large-mouth bass, channel and blue catfish, and white crappie?!? Me either! 

But I'll tell you where I learned all this and more ... a website called Lake-Ray-Hubbard.com 

This website has everything you want to know about Lake Ray Hubbard and then some! You can find out where the different Parks / Beaches are along the Lake, where you can find Hiking / Biking Trails, Boat Marinas & Ramps, Rentals for a variety of Recreational activities, where you can Camp, and yes, even where you can get some good Fishing done!

Hands down, Lake Ray Hubbard is a wonderful place to LIVE or VISIT!

Are interested in owning a home on Lake Ray Hubbard? If so, there are 4 amazing cities that border Lake Ray Hubbard ... Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall & Heath. One thing that's not mentioned on this website is one of the greatest things about owning a home in the Lake Ray Hubbard area ... Lake Ray Hubbard is the only lake in the DFW Metro-Plex that you can have your own private Boat Dock on! 

As a Realtor who lives in the Lake Ray Hubbard area, I'd be happy to share more information about these great cities and what makes them each unique to live in. You can also Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search. If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form & a Comparative Market Analysis will be made for you. 

Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

Free Music Concerts at Rockwall Harbor Amphitheater - 2016 Series

Lake Ray Hubbard Life in the Summer has some major advantages.  One of the greatest are the Thursday night concerts by the lake at the Rockwall Harbor Amphitheater, 2074 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032. 

Every Thursday starting at 7:30pm, from May through July, the city of Rockwall offers open air concerts  free of charge.  It’s a family friendly time to spread a blanket, listen to live music, sip a beverage and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views.

People meet new best friends, kids play, random people dance, and every now and then, you might just see a proposal and participate in the general cheering.  Summer memories don’t get any better!

The schedule for this summer runs as follows:

MAY 2016

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May 5	Cover Down (Party Band)
May 12	Railhead (Classic Rock Variety)
May 19	Cold as Ice (Foreigner Tribute)
May 26	Good N' Gone (Nashville Variety)

JUNE 2016

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June 2	Professor D (Dance Party Variety)
June 9	Escape (Journey Tribute)
June 16	Time Machine (Variety)
June 23	Metal Shop (Rock Variety)
June 30	Chinatown (Contemporary Variety)

JULY 2016

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July 7			Texas Flood (Stevie Ray VaughnTribute)
July 14			Blaze of Glory (Bon Jovi Tribute)
July 21			Live 80 (80's Variety)

July 16	Schroomville (Allman Brothers Tribute)
July 23	The Stoneleighs (Rolling Stones Tribute)

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy; simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.  Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

Golf Courses around Lake Ray Hubbard - Rockwall, Rowlett, Garland and Sachse

Are you an avid golf afficionado?  A leisurely weekend player?   Maybe you’re thinking of taking up the sport for relaxation, socializing, networking or simply to upping your Vitamin-D absorption.  Whatever the reason, golf is an amazing sport with immeasurable benefits.  If you’re looking for a golf friendly community, I have four fabulous choices.  Rockwall, Rowlett, Wylie and Garland all boast amazing courses and are surrounded by gorgeous houses with splendid views.
 

The Shores Golf Course in Rockwall offers amazing views of the lake and is easily and quickly accessible.  Tee-times are easy to schedule and the staff is competent and friendly.   Also, if you think with your stomach, like I do, you’ll love knowing that their on site restaurant “Nineteen” is run by the famous Zanata restaurant.  For more golf course information, visit their website at  http://www.rgactx.com/ 
Here is some of what they relate about their facilities: “Our 18-hole golf course, stretching to a challenging 7,281 yards from the back tees, is the main focus at Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club. The rolling fairways have a scenic setting on Lake Ray Hubbard providing an expansive view of the water.
As you wind your way over creeks, ponds and bays, you will be challenged to put your best strategy and skills to work to conquer this traditional style layout. This Ralph Plummer/Jeff Blume designed course offers excitement for every skill level player. With several sets of tees allowing  the junior, ladies, seniors and advanced male players the ultimate in a golf challenge at Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club.”
 

Waterview Golf Club in Rowlett is a fun and peaceful golf course tucked away from traffic and set in pretty rolling greens.  The staff has always been accomodating and knowledgeable.  For more information, visit their website at http://www.waterviewgc.com/

Here is what they have to say: Waterview Golf Club boasts a championship golf course with a challenging level of play for all golfers, from beginners to professionals. What was once pastureland is now a lush, gently rolling, par 72 course featuring 15 acres of lakes and 1,500 trees representing 18 different species. With extensive practice facilities, an on-site bar and grill, and the finest greens in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Waterview Golf Club is the premier destination for championship play.
 

Woodbridge Golf Club in Wylie is a gorgeous golf club with surprisingly low course fees.   They frequently hold fun events like the upcoming Mother’s Day breakfast.  For more information visit their website:  http://www.wbgolfclub.com/index.htm

Here is some of what they say: Welcome to Woodbridge Golf Club, a must play for Texas public golf courses in Dallas ~ Fort Worth, rated four stars by Golf Digest.
Woodbridge Golf Club offers a scenic, yet challenging golf course near Dallas, Texas that is enjoyable for golfers of all levels.
You may book your tee-time online or give us a call to reserve your tee-time at (972) 429-5100 ext 4.
 

Firewheel Golf Park in Garland has to be one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful golf courses around.  It’s been featured in golf magazines and holds a local reputation that is second to none.  For more information visit their website at:  http://www.golffirewheel.com/

Here is just a little of what they have to say: Whether you're an avid golfer ready to play a round or a novice player looking to hit a bucket of balls, you'll experience a day you won't forget at Firewheel Golf Park. Our 63-holes of championship caliber Garland golf, include three regulation courses in designs that both challenge and delight.

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.  Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

Housing Trend eNewsletter - Dec 2015

December 2015 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more. Please click here to view the December 2015 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free evaluation report.

Braddock Place, Wylie TX - Beautiful Homes on Half Acre Lots

Nestled in the vibrant town of Wylie, Braddock Place offers the spacious feel of rural living, while still providing the big city conveniences. Braddock Place is a master-planned community with neighborhoods featuring beautiful homes that are on large 1/2 acre homesites for Pre Existing homes & 1/4 acre on New Build homes, a newly completed Community Pool and a short walk to Watkins Elementary, that is just outside of the community. 

With unparalleled schools in the Wylie ISD, appealing retail and restaurants (Homegoods, TJMaxx, Target, Lowes, Super Kroger, Home Depot, Chiloso, Starbucks, etc.), great parks and community activities, the Braddock Place community is a dream.  Braddock Place is in Collin County which has a favorable tax rate and is also within a quick drive of both Lake Ray Hubbard and Lake Lavon, not to mention Firewheel Mall with it's many restaurants, shops & movie theatre!  




Give me a call to tour a Stunning House in this ideal neighborhood!

Unique Volunteer Opportunities - Lake Lavon / Wylie, TX

Now that all the holidays are done, are you like me & scratching your head as to what to do with the family that would FUN and at the same time, Helpful to others? 

Lake Ray Hubbard & Lake Lavon are surrounded by some wonderful communities with really great volunteer opportunities.  Here are two of choices unique to this area:

In Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center in Wylie, TX

 

 

In Sync Exotics rescues mistreated exotic cats and provides them with a lifetime of excellent care.  They also educate the public and support legislation to outlaw the poaching, abuse and uncontrolled breeding of exotic cats.  -- Ages 13 and up are welcome to volunteer in a variety of ways.  There's also an internship program available.

 

EQUEST  in Wylie, TX

 

Equest is a fun and heartwarming organization that does priceless good in providing equine therapy to children and adults with all types of physical, cognative and emotional disabilities.  They are only able to offer these services through the thousands of volunteer hours that caring  people put in. -- No horse experience is necessary, they teach you everything you need to know and anyone above 14 yrs of age is welcome to volunteer.  This is great for kids who want volunteer hours for school or resumes!

 

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.

Spring Around Lake Ray Hubbard

Goodbye Snow & Ice ... HELLO SPRING!!!  

Are you as ready for Spring as I am?!? One of the reasons is because the Lake Ray Hubbard communities ROCK for outdoor lovers & GARDNERS in particular. 

Did you know the City of Rowlett is currently offering free mulch to residents? and The City of Mesquite offers free mulch AND compost to their residents! 

Speaking of the City of Mesquite, they have one of the best Organic Nurseries in the Dallas Metro-plex, Ron's Organic Dynamic.


Meanwhile, the City of Rowlett is home to the famous Covington’s Nursery which draws patrons from as far as Tyler, TX due to their superior quality and great service for over 40 years! 

The City of Rockwall offers The Discovery Gardens, an educational garden operated under the collaborative effort of the Rockwall Master Gardeners Association and the Rockwall ISD Ag Department.

 
Whether you’re an active Gardener or just an admirer of nature, the communities around Lake Ray Hubbard offer a wealth of resources.  Look around, and find a place to dig in!  (Pun intended)

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Heath, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.

Small Towns North of Dallas Proper are Hidden Gems

Are you looking for a small town feel within an easy commute to Dallas proper?  Let me tell you about some little gems named Rowlett, Wylie, Sachse and Murphy.  These geographically small towns are BIG on atmosphere and family activities. 

 

 

These Cities just East of the newly completed George Bush Toll Way, host annual Christmas in the Park festivals, with marshmallow roasting, craft market, free photos with Santa and live reindeer!  As well as 5k Runs, Parades, Family movie days at the library or parks are held throughout the year & different holiday events!

 

If you’re looking for a community that thrives on family, let me show you around these great towns.

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Heath, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.

Family Fall Activities Around Lake Ray Hubbard (City of Rowlett, Rockwall & Wylie)

It’s that time again.  Fall is in the air, pumpkin fields are popping up everywhere and cities around Lake Ray Hubbard are revving up their outdoor activities. 

 

 

November and December will be featuring all kinds of parades, art festivals, Santa photos, and special events for the kiddos. City of Rowlett Library is hosting the last of the Friday night movies on the lawn.  City of Rockwall is having their Halloween Extravaganza at the Harbor on the 25^th.  City of Wylie is hosting the ever fun Boo on Ballard, with zip lining, foam pit and the works. 

 

It’s a great time to be house hunting in the Lake Ray Hubbard area! 

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.