December Real Estate Showcase 2015 by Denton Media Company

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Inside:

DECEMBER SHOWCASE

Fireplace tips

Holiday entertaining

Sweet gatherings

2 Real Estate

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Advertiser Index

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Denton Record-Chronicle

MEDIA COMPANY

realestate

DECEMBER SHOWCASE

• Access Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • First State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • CRS Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Marla Carrico, REALTOR® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • DATCU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • RE/MAX Cross Country. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Reunion Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Sendera Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Williams & Williams, REALTORS® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Carpets Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Geico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Kevo Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Real Estate Showcase is published by The Denton Publishing Co., a subsidiary of A. H. Belo Corporation. Sales Representatives my be reached at 314 E. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201 (9-5 M-F) 940.566.6823 or classdisplay@dentonrc.com LB

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WILLIAMS WILLIAMS (940) 383-2712 R E A L T O R S , L L C ®

Lone Star Pride

Superstar Service

1-800-6-DENTON (outside TX)

www.williamsandwilliamsrealtors.com We Know Denton County... its people, its land, & its opportunities! Let us put our knowledge & expertise to work for you! Locally owned and managed!

972-922-3968 Cell

Jim Miller

940-594-4000 Cell

Mace Renfro

940-391-2286 Celll

Real Estate

Sandy Staley

214-384-4222 Cell

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Ed Williams

940-566-2712

“Eddie” Williams III

940-368-2043 Cell

Virginia Williams

940-391-2379 Cell

55 ACS, 60 ACS, 115 AC RANCH...TAKE YOUR PICK...

6-ACRE LAKE RAY ROBERTS ESTATE...

MUCH SOUGHT-AFTER NE DENTON...

FM 3002 & Union Grove Rd, Lake Ray Roberts * Across from Johnson Branch State Park * Corner of FM 3002 (Lone Oak Rd) & Union Grove * Road frontage on 3 sides * Surrounded by trees, water, rolling sandy loam pastures * Well * Lake * Motivated seller! * Bring all offers! * MLS# 11976013* SANDY, 214-802-3909

57 Timber Trail, Tioga * OVERLOOKING YOUR OWN PRIVATE LAKE * 4,811+ sf * 5 bedrooms * 3 full baths * 2 half baths * 3-car garage * 2 kitchens * Julia Child’s kitchen * Covered verandas * Great room w/ stone FP * Library * Huge billard/game room * Walk to Lake Ray Roberts * $460s * MLS# 12110899 * VIRGINIA, 940-391-2379

2503 Foxcroft Cir., Denton * 2,032+ SF HIDDEN GEM... Totally updated * 4 bedrooms * 2 baths * Well-equipped kitchen w/stove, DW, refrig, granite cntrtops * 2 living * Handsome hardwood, ceramic tile, & new carpet * Gorgeous landscaped .20-Ac grounds * Walk to Wilson Elementary, TWU * Easy access off Loop 288 * $184,500 * MLS# 13248084 * EDDIE 940-368-2043

35-AC STAR-STUDDED HORSE RANCH...

REDUCED AGAIN!—BRING OFFERS! * CROSSROADS ESTATES...

HURRY! * LAKE LOTS SELLING FAST!...

31377 Hwy 121, Tioga * ONE-OF-A-KIND MILLION $ HORSE RANCH... 3,990+ sf Tuscan villa * 4 bdrms * 2.5 bas * 3-car gar * 4 FPs * Balconies * Verandas * Courtyards * 5 living * 2 dining * Wine rm w/bar * Chef’s kitchen * Cov outdr entertainment area w/kit, bar, pool/ spa * 7- & 8-stall barns * Equip & hay sheds * Workshop * Lighted arena * Loaf sheds * Dog kennels * RV pk * 2 wells * Reduced $500,000 * MLS#13153621 * VIRGINIA, 940-391-2379

173 Las Colinas Trail, Cross Roads * 4,327+ SF * 4 baths * 4-car gar * 4 living * 2 dining * Media room w/wet bar * Well-equipped kitchen * Wood/tile flrs * Minutes to North Dallas Toll Rd and Lake Lewisville * Exemplary Denton schools * Amenities galore! * Sprinklered 1.002 Acres * $465,000* Bring all offers! * MACE, 940-391-2286

Eagle Cove Estates * 151 LUSH ACRE MASTER PLANNED, EXCLUSIVE GATED COMMUNITY... No HOA * Owner financing * Serene lakeside living * All amenities of upscale resort * Secluded estate-size lots w-mature oaks, numerous tanks/stock ponds * 2,500+ sf minimum * Utilities avail * No bldg time limit * Paved roads * Sandy loam soil, riding trails * VIRGINIA, 940-391-2379

CORPORATE OWNED... FORECLOSURE...

TEXAS MUCH A&M DESIGNED SOUGHT-AFTER 204-ACNE WORKING DENTON... RANCH...

1420 Avenue C, Denton * UNIQUE UPDATED BRICK HOME located in south Denton near UNT campus. Enjoy large backyard with in-ground pool and covered patio. Features fireplace, tile floors, large bar in formal dining area, and tiled countertops in kitchen. Enjoy your privacy with large rear-entry garage * $174,900 * MACE, 940-391-2286

TURNKEY... 80 cows * 25 calves * 1 bull * 25 buffalo * 12 feeders * 4 fuel tanks * Silo * 4 loaf sheds * 7 ponds, stocked * 6 pastures * City water * 2 aerobic septics * Fully furnished 2,600+ sf brick main hse * Manager’s home * 8 barns * Shooting range * Working chutes * 4-wheel Mercedes Unimog * Tractors & accessories * All equipment * Everything remains * MLS# 13244090 * VIRGINIA, 940-391-2379

Rick Giddens

LAND, LAND, LAND...

* Decatur, CR 2830. 42.14 Acres * Pilot Point, 56 Horseshoe Nail Road, 56.74 Acres * Sanger, 12 FM 455, 12.21 Acres * Sanger, 18 FM 455, 18.27 Acres * Sanger, 24 FM 455, 24.66 Acres * Tioga, Hall Road, 70.13 Acres * Tioga, Hall Road, WATERFRONT 28 Acres * Valley View, 34 Hemming Road, WATERFRONT 34.99 Acres * Valley View, 5 FM 3002, 5 Acres * Valley View, 60 Union Grove, 60 Acres * Valley View, 55 FM 3002, 55 Acres * Whitesboro, 2825 CR 155, 220.37 Acres LB

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4 Tips to organize your home office Real Estate

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Whether you work full-time from home, or you simply have a space dedicated to paying bills and keeping your life in order, a home office should inspire productivity and happiness. After all, you’ll do your best work if you actually want to spend time in your workspace. Here, four business bloggers share their tips for home office success. Invest a Few Dollars “The easiest way to start feeling more like a professional and less like an imposter is to invest in your home office,” says Cassie Boorn, guest blogger for Handmade Success, and the woman behind Maker Mentors, a free community designed to help creative entrepreneurs build business. “But there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars to create a great workspace. It can be as simple as a quick trip to Staples and done with a budget as small as twenty-five dollars.” Evolve As your business evolves and grows, be willing to make changes to your workspace. “The way I’ve been running my ‘business’ is from the perspective of a hustling freelancer. I was working a lot but there was no method to the madness. I had no structure,” says Vicky Ayala, brand strategist. She recommends creating a workspace both at home and on-the-go that complements what you want your business to be, paying attention to details. In her case, she equipped herself with supplies that fit the way she works -- a binding machine for customer handouts, a tablet and a briefcase that converts into a backpack. “Sometimes it’s the small things that help remind us of the bigger picture.” Keep Goals in Focus “Have your plan in plain sight for constant review and reminders. Without it, it’s too easy to fall back into old routines and unproductive habits,” says Lisa Jacobs, a marketing consultant to small businesses and the blogger behind Marketing Creativity. Jacobs sets and tracks goals religiously by keeping a wall planner mounted in her home office. She used the copy and

print services at Staples to bring her own planner calendar design into reality. The Brass Tacks “One thing that I have learned about myself over the years is that I perform at my best when I have an environment free of clutter. That means no ex-

tra stuff on my desk, on my walls or in my office,” says Andreea Ayers, the entrepreneur behind Launch Grow Joy, a business that helps entrepreneurs elevate sales. To beat the clutter, Ayers advises sticking to your essentials and thinking about multipur-

pose equipment that saves space. Her short list includes a stackable desk tray to sort and contain files, and a laser printer/ scanner/copier that can do it all. For ideas for making your home office more productive, and for time and money-saving business tips, visit www.Staples-

.com and follow the #MakeMoreHappen hashtag on social media. If you are creating a home workspace for the first time or revamping your current office, you can craft your own success by focusing on the details. -StatePoint

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Reduce your carbon footprint at home 5

How They Help Pellet stoves are great for the environment and your wallet in many ways. A few include: • Pellet stoves are already saving 4.5 million tons of carbon emissions, according to the Pellet Fuels Institute. • Each installation of a pellet or wood appliance in a single-

family home in a cool climate can displace between four and seven tons of carbon emissions annually, estimates the Alliance for Green Heat -- about three times the impact of buying a hybrid car, for roughly half the cost. • Biomass fuels are constantly replenished and reforested and absorb nearly as much car-

bon growing as they give off when burned. The result is a virtually invisible carbon footprint. • Pellet stoves cost 64 percent less to operate than heating your home with oil, 47 percent less than propane and 54 percent less than electrical heat. For those thinking long-term, this represents a two to five year pay-

back. What to Know Pellet stoves are available both as a freestanding appliance or an insert in an existing fireplace, making most homes a candidate for this supplemental heating source. New models are environmentally responsible and also easily fit into busy lifestyles. The Harman Absolute43 features an intuitive Easy Touch Control that tells you when to add fuel, perform maintenance, and much more, making heating with pellets easier than ever. To learn more about heating your home with renewable materials, visit www.harmanstoves.com. To reduce your home’s carbon footprint, look to heating alternatives that burn renewable materials rather than precious fossils fuels. With a pellet or wood-burning stove, you will be able to lower your utility budget while adding ambiance to your living spaces. -StatePoint

PE N D IN

When temperatures drop, household use of fossil fuels rises in order to keep homes warm and comfortable. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, more than one million households nationwide already heat with biomass pellet stoves rather than burn more expensive and damaging fossil fuels like oil -- and such stoves can even be retrofitted into existing fireplaces as an insert. If you’re not familiar with pellet products, here’s what you need to know: What’s a Pellet Stove? Pellet stoves burn uniform cylinders of composite biomass fuel to create a steady, warming fire. Pellets are loaded into the stove hopper and automatically fed into the stove burn pot. Pellet composition varies depending on regional resources, but is typically comprised of a mix of sawdust, waste paper, residual forest waste and agricultural by-products.

Marla Carrico, Realtor® Carrico and Associates Realtors 1421 N. Elm Street, Suite 105, Denton, TX

940-387-6800

2612 Hollow Ridge Drive ~ Denton Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath home located in Sundown Ranch. Tile throughout the family room and kitchen. Open kitchen with an island, stainless steel appliances, and a great breakfast bar area for added seating. Formal living and dining rooms. Spacious master with a peaceful view of the backyard, separate tub and shower. Walking distance to the pool and a pond where ducks are permanent residents plus access to the community pool. $219,500

COMMERCIAL $825,000 U

C O N

TR A C

www.marlacarrico.com

3202 Peakview Drive ~ Denton New construction. Elegant, custom-hone finish out. 8 ft. doors, hand-scraped hardwood floors, tall baseboards, crown molding, oil-rubbed bronze finish and fixtures. Granite in kitchen and bathrooms. Gorgeous tile in wet areas. Covered back patio, high-end stainless appliances. Vinyl windows with release clips to clean from the inside. Open floorplan with split bedrooms. Bedrooms are large w/walk-in closets. Sodded backyard has tall fence for privacy. $240,000

1849 Meyerwood Lane ~ Flower Mound

1609 Wayne ~ Denton

Gorgeous 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Flower Mound. Open floor plan with 2 living areas and a formal dining. Slate fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with gas cooktop, granite counters, tile backsplash, a skylight, and all Whirlpool stainless steel appli ances. Charming breakfast area with built-in hutch and French doors leading to the patio. Private backyard with beautiful arbor over the patio. Walking distance to trails leading to parks and ponds. $245,000

Charming 2 bedroom 1 bath home, centrally located in north Denton. Kitchen has a gas range stove, ample cabinets and view of the backyard. Spacious fenced backyard. 2 exterior storage closets. Great investment opportunity! Tenants in a lease until 6.30.2016. $99,500

2532 Louise Street ~ Denton Golden opportunity. Convenience store with full kitchen and furnished dining area. Also upstairs efficiency living space. Store is ripe for a conversion to student-centered convenience store & eatery. Owner does brisk business.

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6 Prep your home for holiday houseguests Real Estate

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most heavily trafficked areas of the home during the holiday season. Before visitors arrive, make sure your space is both functional and stylish. An easy way to make a statement is by updating the bathroom faucet. Choosing one with a variety of configurations, like Moen’s Wynford faucet, will allow a new piece to blend seamlessly with existing décor. It features a high-arc design for easy hand washing, and is kind to the environment, conserving water with a reduced flow rate. Using less water is also good for your wallet, and who wouldn’t want to save a little this time of year? To give overnight guests a truly spa-like experience, install a rainshower showerhead for exceptional water coverage. Did your guests forget shampoo? No room for conditioner in their carry-on? Simply fill a glass container with essentials, such as travel-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner or lotion for visitors to grab and use. Hotel Hospitality Thoroughly clean your guest room, especially in areas you might not pay attention to regularly. Dust base-

boards, drapes and window blinds, and don’t forget the headboard and footboard. Freshen up carpeting and rugs by sprinkling baking soda over the area. Wait 15 minutes and then vacuum. You can also make stale smells disappear with potpourri; make your own by placing holiday scents, such as cinnamon sticks or nutmeg in a bowl. Or, eliminate this step by hiring a professional cleaning crew -- think of it as an early holiday gift to yourself. Ensure guests get VIP treatment with crisp linens, cozy blankets and plush mattress toppers. Make it easy for them to acclimate to the unfamiliar space by adding a night light. It’s an easy way to keep visitors from falling in the middle of night, and provides extra comfort for young ones who may not travel often. Having a plan will help make your holidays stressfree. Focus on these areas ahead of time, so can enjoy the season as much as your guests. -StatePoint

7101 Airport Rd. - Marietta, OK 4/3.5/2 — 3 Acs with large pecans and oaks. Insulated 70x40 shop with living area. Awesome home improvements. $289,900 Sonya Smith 940-366-0315

10666 Tims Rd. - Marietta, OK Custom home built in 2007 on 1.38 acres, 2,740 sq. ft. 3/3/2.5. 2 living areas, bonus room, chef’s delight kitchen, custom cabinets. All the bells and whistles. $293,500 Sonya Smith 940-366-0315

PR IN OD CO UC ME IN G!

PR IN OD CO U C ME IN G!

Nearly 99 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday season, according to AAA. So how do you ensure it’s the most wonderful time of the year for guests and hosts, alike? Don’t wait until the last minute to tidy up. Instead, prepare your home with these helpful tips. Mudroom Makeover It’s the first place guests see when they step inside the house. But it’s also where coats are strewn about, shoes are kicked off and winter gear is hung out to dry. Declutter with a row of hooks to hang items, and a bench to sit down and pull on boots. Donate coats you’re no longer wearing; and temporarily store seldom-used garments in a vacuum sealed bag to make additional space for visitors’ belongings. Or, simply buy an inexpensive coat rack that can be placed near the front door so visitors have a place to hang outerwear. Gorgeous Guest Bathroom The powder room and guest bath are perhaps the

112 E. Pecan St. - Sadler, OK This mobile home park has 7 units for mobile homes and each unit has its own utility meters for gas * electric * and water. Call agent and make appointment today! $85,000 Sonya Smith 940-366-0315

Sonya Smith 940-366-0315 Cell

ssmith@kevoproperties.com

130 Cordell Rd. - Sadler, OK Ag exempt * 28-acre pasture with water meter and electric avail. * adjoining is a 6-unit mobile home park including 2 mobile homes that go with 4 additional units, individual utility meters * storage building with individual storage for each tenant and one for owner maintenance * owner will sell land separate. $260,000 Sonya Smith 940-366-0315

2831 El Dorado Parkway #108 Frisco, TX 75033 469-850-4400/www.kevoproperties.com

LB LB

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Making Your Christmas Dream Home A Reality Is Our Business!

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AFTER

BEFORE

Kitchens Cabinets

Countertops Baths

Shutters Blinds

Fireplaces Texture

Flooring Faux Paints

Locally owned & operated 2303 Colorado Blvd Denton, TX 76205

(940) 382-4340 www.carpetsplustx.com LB

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Fireplaces mean warmth, comfort and ambiance -- and there’s no better time of year to enjoy one than when loved ones are gathered together for the holidays. To make the most of the experience, consider these tips: Safety First With some precautions in mind, the fireplace can be the centerpiece to your festivities. Keep clothing, furniture, draperies and flammable materials at a safe distance. Stockings hung by the chimney with care sound nice, but should be avoided in practice -- there are plenty of safe alternatives for this traditional holiday display, such as the banister or the windows. Don't be shy about using your fireplace while you have holiday visitors. Just be sure guests know that it can be very hot during and after use, and remember that children and pets should always be supervised. Keep the remote control (if your unit has one) out of reach. Factory-provided safety screens, aftermarket freestanding screens, and barriers help reduce burn risk, as they prevent skin from coming into direct contact with

hot glass. You can learn more about fireplace safety and request a safety barrier at heatilator.com/Fireplace-Safety.aspx. What to Know A new fireplace can be the perfect gift you give yourself this season, and smart technologies are making them more versatile than ever before. Different needs will guide your choice. Do you want a fireplace that’s more decorative, or are you interested in high heat output? How do you want to start a fire -with a wall switch, a log, a remote control or a thermostat? Do your research before making any decisions. Free online resources, available at heatilator.com, can help you determine what fuel choice and style is right for your home -- whether you are looking for a modern or traditional design in a woodburning, gas, or electric fireplace. Deck the Mantel The fireplace can be one of the top areas of the home to showcase your decorating skills -- especially during the holiday season. Save your most treasured trimmings for the mantel. Display frames filled with holiday photos of family and friends, scented candles, garlands with dried ber-

We are a full service law firm that provides quality representation in the areas of Real Estate Title and Litigation, Divorce, Child Custody & Support, Business Formation & Litigation, Probate, Wills & Powers of Attorney, Guardianship and Criminal Law. If you are unsure whether we can help with your particular problem please feel free to contact us for a free initial consultation.

Adams, Bennett, Duncan & Henley 2745 Wind River Ln • Denton, Texas 76210

940-566-6221 Fax 940-566-4977

ries, flowers and festive ribbons and bowls of seasonal fruit. White, silver, and gold color schemes are beautiful and appropriate for the season too. Just be sure all decorations are safely away from heat

and flame. Make your holidays a little bit merrier by getting your fireplace prepped for the season. -StatePoint

Buying? Selling? Refinancing? You can choose your Title Company... Call us today! Rebecca Arnold

Michelle Neely

Legal Assistant/Escrow Officer

Branch Mgr/Escrow Officer

940-382-3030 2745 Wind River Dr., Denton, TX 76210

Certified Residential

8 Fireplace tips to warm the holidays

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9 Real Estate

Certified Residential Specialists

12 2 15 Kaki K ki L Lybbert, bb t

Kaye Spence,

Mariella Cudd,

CRS, ABR, SRES

CRS

CRS, GRI, CDRS, SRES

940/391-2780 Century 21 Judge Fite

O: 940/591-6609 H: 940/387-8690 Keller Williams Realty

O: 940/484-0036 H: 940/595-5540 Keller Williams Realty

Virginia A. Williams,

Wanda L. Perry,

ABR, CCIM, CIPS, CRB, CRP, CRS, GRI, LTG, RRC, SRES

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CRS, GRI

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O: 940/594-6466 Keller Williams Realty

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CRS, ABR

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D: 940/591-0616 O: 940/484-9411 Keller Williams Realty

O: 940/383-2712 M: 940/391-2379 Williams & Williams, REALTOR速

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Certified Residential Specialists offer unique expertise due to advanced study and a proven record of experience.

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10 Real Estate

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Great holiday gifts for DIY-ers The holiday season is the perfect time to ensure the handy guys and gals in your life are well-equipped for all their planned projects in the coming year -- whether that is building shelves, making home improvements or fixing up the car. Every DIY-er needs an up-todate, comprehensive toolbox, as damaged or dull gear can pose a safety hazard, and the wrong implement for the job can slow down work and even be dangerous to the user and anyone nearby. When doing your gift shopping, consider opting for a few high quality tools. It can be tempting to try to save a few dollars when holiday budgets are tight, as well as add heft to a gift basket with more items, but you will be doing your gift recipient a bigger favor by investing in fewer tools that will out-perform and out-last their flimsier alternatives. With this top of mind, here

are a few gift ideas to consider: • A durable, strong set of screwdrivers will be designed to handle the rigors of everyday use. Consider a 10-piece set from CHANNELLOCK, which recently introduced their American-made professional screwdrivers. Round out the gift with the brand’s six-in-one multi-bit

screwdriver. Each is designed with a four-sided acetate handle that delivers great torque and is impact-resistant, and its blasted tips can be used in electronic applications. • Give the gift of versatility with an adjustable wrench. Look for one with slim jaws for extra reach and maximum ac-

cessibility, but great jaw capacity to support larger nuts and bolts. • Every home and garage needs a high-quality straight jaw tongue and groove plier. For one that will last long enough to pass down to the kids, consider CHANNELLOCK’s, which can be purchased solo or as part of a two-piece gift set that also in-

cludes a diagonal cutting plier. Treated to grip better, last longer and prevent rust, these tools will prove useful for years to come. • For those whose handy projects take them places or if they spend a lot of time on different home projects indoors and outside, consider a transportable toolbox that is lightweight in structure but durable, waterproof, and lockable. Don’t know what’s needed? Get a gift card to a hardware retailer so your gift recipient can make the right purchase. Highquality items and sets are available at such retailers as Home Depot, Lowes, Do It Best, True Value, Ace and at www.Channellock.com, a family-owned plier and hand tool manufacturer. Practical and useful tools make excellent gifts that keep on giving. With extra attention paid to making quality purchases, you can ensure they last for many years. -StatePoint

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Holiday entertaining without the hassle 11 Rather than worry about the hassle of hosting this holiday season, prepare for visitors and entertaining with these tips and tricks. Get a Fresh Start Trying to prepare everything at the last minute when guests are knocking at your door creates unwanted stress. Instead, clean and prep the house a few days in advance. Quickly turn chores to checks on your to-do list. For example, use a dab of glue to fix the pesky towel rod in the powder room that keeps coming loose, or to repair broken handles on drawers and cabinets. While you’re making home improvements here and there, get organized for holiday guests by relocating your own coats from the hall closets, leaving room for your visitors’ winter gear. If your guests are bringing appetizers or cocktails, clean out the fridge in advance to have ample storage space. Don’t Buy It, DIY It Tired of hanging the same wreath on your door year after year? Create a new, modern focal point that can be used for multiple occasions. Spray paint a wooden wreath form and mini clothespins silver and gold. Once dry, adhere the clothespins to the wreath form in varying layers. Use an adhesive that dries instantly and won’t leave you with messy glue gun strands, such as Krazy Glue’s Maximum Bond No-Run Gel, which will give you time to dec-

orate the rest of your home, rather than cleaning up your crafting space.

By flipping a few of the clothespins around on the outside, you can attach pictures of

friends and family or holiday cards to create an eye-catching display.

Make a Game Plan Seemingly daunting tasks can be fun if you’re strategic and give yourself time to do them right. When it comes to shopping for your main course, avoid weekend crowds. The day of your event, set the table in the morning so that unforeseen events or last minute stops won’t throw you off course. Deck the Dinner Table Rather than spending time and money shopping for expensive décor for each upcoming party, create your own one-of-akind centerpieces and place settings. Add flair to your tablescape by affixing decorative gems or outdoor sprigs onto napkin rings and handwritten name cards. A glue pen designed for delicate tasks, such as Krazy Glue’s Precision Control Pen, is easy to hold and dries instantly. Guests will appreciate the personal touches, which will be sure to spark some dinner conversation. Wrap it Up Chances are you'll need some last-minute gifts for unannounced guests. Stock up on a few items with universal appeal. Jars of locally made preserves, decorative candles, wrapped soaps or bottles of wine are good to have on hand to make everyone feel welcome this holiday season. ‘Tis the season to be festive, not frazzled. Keep guests -- and yourself -- happy with simple tips and tricks, and have time to relax and enjoy your get-together. -StatePoint

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K Y M User: dennisjackson@dentonrc.com Time: 11-30-2015 19:12 Product: DRC_Tab PubDate: 12-02-2015 Zone: RES Edition: 1 Page: DRES_R12 Color: C

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Lake Dallas ~ GORGEOUS ONE-STORY!

Corinth ~ TOTALLY UPDATED!

Denton ~ PRIVATE NEIGHBORHOOD!

3/2/2 complete with two living areas. Very light and bright, open floorplan, large kitchen with island, counter bar, walk-in pantry and lots of cabinets. Den offers fireplace and wall of windows looking over backyard. Second living room can be office, playroom, dining room or media room. Huge backyard, fenced, oversized patio and walking distance to the lake, parks and trails. $209,900 Call Lisa 214-384-1940

New appliances in kitchen with additional pantry in mudroom. Large living area with vaulted ceiling, second living area with tile, skylight and access to back patio. Recent carpet in 3 bedrooms, 4th bedroom with wood flooring. Laundry room with large mudroom. Large backyard. $239,900 Call Ron Morris 972-317-9400

Beautiful one-owner DR Horton home boasts room for a large family. Four bedroom, 2 bath on premium wide lot. Backyard features wood deck, sparkling pool w/water feature, storage building with room left to enjoy the beautiful outdoors! $248,500 Call Shelley Aleksic 214-598-7726

www.YourPreferredTeam.com

www.RonMorris.com

www.ForeverDFW.com

Highland Village ~ HUGE CORNER LOT!

Plano ~ NICE CUL-DE-SAC LOT!

Flower Mound ~ BEAUTIFUL 5-BEDROOM HOME!

Loads of trees! Walking distance to Highland Village Elementary School. Pool bathroom off the utility room. Backyard has additional fence to separate pool area from covered patio treed area. Galley kitchen has been opened up to make a breakfast area and open concept floorplan. $248,000 Call Tracey Clifton 469-358-3008

Gorgeous view of the water on Pitman Creek! One-story with 3 bdrms, 2 baths, pool, covered patio, updated with granite c-tops in kitchen, breathtaking view of pool, water & trees from kitchen, family & entryway. 50-year metal roof. $274,900 Call Roxa Maynard 214-734-2011

Located in Glenwick Estates. Three-car garage, large open kitchen with island, 3 living rooms, 2 dining areas and custom wood trim. Abundant storage throughout. Beautiful greenbelt lot in highly desired area with great schools! $339,000 Call Raisa Wilfong 817-371-3946

www.TraceyClifton.com

www.HomesByRoxa.com

www.RaisaWilfong.com

Flower Mound ~ SOARING 2-STORY!

Fort Worth ~ LAKEFRONT!

McKinney ~ COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST!

Located on wooded lot adjoining greenbelt! Gracious entry, large island kitchen that opens to family room. Spacious master w/luxurious bath. Wonderful backyard with large wood deck and towering tree. Lovely private setting! $439,900 Call Eva Bradley 469-323-8733

Beach contiguous to the backyard. Master upstairs w/deck access to watch the sunrise & sunset! 2nd master up w/private access directly from the courtyard. Outdoor kitchen on back deck downstairs w/ room for pool. Boat slip w/lift at marina included. $495,000 Call Sherry Griffin 214-794-6045

www.EvaBradleyHomes.com

Gorgeous custom home on 12+ acres with open floorplan & upgrades galore is located in Prosper ISD. Stunning family room has soaring ceilings & Austin Stone FP. Gourmet kitchen with island, bkfst bar & safe room (2nd pantry). Master suite boasts sitting area & fireplace. All bedrooms have full baths. Custom reinforced foundation & SF well. $929,900 Call Robin St. John 940-300-5709

www.SherryGriffinRealtor.com

www.RobinStJohn.com

GREG ATWELL * First Time Home Buyers * Buyers / Sellers * Builders / New Construction * Lakefront Properties * Acreage / Estate Properties

Bartonville ~ GENTLEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RANCH W/STUNNING HOME & POOL! Exquisite ranch on over 13 acres w/luxurious finish-outs. Stucco/stone exterior. One-of-a-kind pool & outdoor living! Entry w/Italian marble flr. Main living w/hardwood flrs & see-thru FP. HUGE gourmet kitchen. Opulent master BR & bath. 4-stall barn w/tack & feed rms. 2 ponds. $1,500,000 Call Gary 972-317-9401

www.GaryKuhatschek.com

FRED PLACKE My strong quality is personal service & involvement with my customers since 1979. Flower Mound Rotary and Chamber of Commerce member as well as Flower Mound Citizen of the Year (2004). Call me for all your Real Estate needs!

Call Greg Atwell 817-874-7404

Fred Placke 214-232-8597

www.GregAtwellRealtor.com

www.FredPlacke.com

K Y M User: dennisjackson@dentonrc.com Time: 11-30-2015 19:12 Product: DRC_Tab PubDate: 12-02-2015 Zone: RES Edition: 1 Page: DRES_R13 Color: C

Don’t delay energy-saving home upgrades 13 Think you missed this year’s season to make energy efficient exterior upgrades? Many homeowners are reluctant to start exterior remodeling improvements in the cooler months because they worry about the potential to let in a draft during the installation process. In reality, this is one of the times of year you will most feel the impact of an upgrade to energy-efficient windows, doors and insulated siding, and the remodeling can be done with minimal impact on the comfort of your home. Here are a few reasons not to delay: Timing Winter can be an ideal time to initiate upgrades. By taking care of your project now, you avoid the busier spring season. Plus, the sooner you make enhancements that increase efficiency and comfort, the sooner you can reap those benefits. Why let another winter pass you by feeling chilly in your home and paying for wasted energy?

Installation Process Innovations in home remodeling are making year-round upgrades easier than ever. For example, Window World, America’s largest exterior remodeler, can use one-to-one window and door installation methods, meaning one unit is replaced at a time. By fully sealing the perimeter inside and out using caulk designed to withstand temperature extremes, installation professionals can minimize a home’s exposure to the elements during the replacement process. Superior Products The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that nearly 50 percent of a household’s annual energy consumption goes to heating and cooling. The right exterior updates can offer curb appeal while also keeping your home comfortable. Today’s highly efficient window systems can provide substantial savings for your home. Check out new technologies,

Is a new home on

such as SolarZone Low-E Glass, which uses a microscopic, metallic coating on the interior surface of an insulating glass unit. This coating keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Such glass packages also include features like Argon gas between the glass lites, which has a low thermal conductivity and high density, making it an ideal insulating agent. Another efficient enhancement you shouldn’t delay is insulated siding. It provides a thermal barrier between you and the outside elements, helping to lower energy bills throughout the year. In addition, the insulative backing improves durability, minimizing the appearance of common dings. Lastly, entry doors can be beautiful, durable and high performing. For example, the fiberglass doors offered by Window World provide considerable insulating improvement over wood. While maintaining the

YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST?

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aesthetic appeal of traditional doors, the long-lasting materials stand up to severe conditions to create an exceptional barrier to the outdoor elements. Don’t wait until the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming to improve home comfort. Enjoy your home in

winter and summer alike, with an environment that’s as comfortable and efficient as it is beautiful. To learn more about energy efficiency and high-quality exterior products, visit www.WindowWorld.com. -StatePoint

There’s no more guessing game when you sign up for

MORTGAGE RATE WATCH.

We’ll email the most current rates right to you! Visit our Mortgage Center at www.F-S-B.com for more information

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14 ‘Tis the season to sweeten holiday gatherings Real Estate

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Hosting holiday celebrations can mean a lot of preparation and pressure to impress. To help, See’s Candies has partnered with entertaining expert, Alexandra Hedin, to develop some easy-to-execute ideas that are sure to make this year’s festivities memorably sweet and delicious. Prepare Before Guests Arrive Plan seating arrangements ahead of time to ensure friends and family mix and mingle. You never know who will become new best friends! Combining classic treats into your holiday décor will add an innovative twist to your celebrations, taking them to the next level. Place unexpected pops of seasonal color throughout the house by using festive candy pieces as decorative accents. See’s Foil Covered Milk Chocolate Balls make for a nice burst of color when added to glass jars, planted pots or tea lights. Give Guests a Warm Welcome Kick off the party on a festive note by offering a signature cocktail, such as a Peppermint Martini. To wow guests as they enter, line a Lucite tray with candy canes and top with a piece of Plexiglas to create a holidaythemed tray that hints to the cocktail’s contents. Don’t forget the kids! Serve them a signature drink of steamed milk with a See’s Candies Cinnamon Lollypop to stir in the delicious cinnamon flavor. Invite friends and family to get comfortable at the table with a centerpiece of candies and cakes that they can snack on throughout the party. Remember to keep in mind that not everyone has the same tastes, so offer guests an assortment of milk and dark chocolates, eggnog truffles, gourmet lollypops, and peppermint patties. Always make sure to serve candy and chocolates made with high-quality ingredients. American-made delicious, See’s Candies is one of the few remaining candy makers that ages its chocolate -- a process that imparts a smoother, mellower flavor and elevates the overall taste experience. It’s a must-have for hosts this holiday season.

Keep Guests Entertained To keep guests entertained, play a fun game of tic-tac-toe. It’s a game people of all ages enjoy, especially if you use festive holiday truffles as the game pieces! To keep little ones busy at the children’s table, have them make a candy cane ornament out of felt, Ric Rac, jewels, and candy

canes. It’s easy and fun, and makes a great gift for grandparents. End the Festivities on a Sweet Note As guests head home, make sure they don’t go empty-handed! Wrap treats in a festive box and place them near the door – it’s the perfect way to end the fes-

tivities on a sweet note. See’s Candies offers treats in a variety of sizes and price ranges that are sure to fit within your entertaining budget and satisfy each of your guests. You can find See’s at holiday gift center locations in major malls nationwide or at www.Sees.com. For more gifting

and entertaining tips, visit @SeesCandies on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter or www.sees.com/HolidayEntertaining. With a little planning and some simple festive touches, you can make this year’s holiday celebrations a whole lot sweeter. -StatePoint

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An estimated 94.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home for the holidays, according to AAA. To help ensure holiday cheer, the travel experts at Extended Stay America have partnered with the ultimate holiday traveler, Santa Claus. Who better than the “Official Hotel of Santa” to offer some great holiday traveler tips? Picture Perfect Packing Not everyone has the luxury of a reindeer powered sleigh and a magical satchel to effortlessly transport gifts. Here are some foolproof packing tips. • Make a list and check it twice. Separate your essentials from your desirables, and be realistic with luggage limitations. • For travelers that belong to a frequent flyer program, take advantage of perks like free first checked bags or discounted early boarding rates. Use pro-

gram discounts to transport multiple gifts at a flat rate or to ensure that more expensive items that you’d prefer to carry on have ample space in the airplane’s overhead bin. • Save gift-wrapping for once you’ve reached your destination to avoid extra TSA scrutiny. ‘Home’ for the Holidays Avoid overstaying your welcome at relatives by lodging at a home-like space of your own. An extended-stay style hotel with affordable nightly rates means family fun instead of family feud. Unwind in a spacious guest room and enjoy upgraded amenities, including free in-room Wi-Fi to stay connected to those far away and flat-screen televisions with premium channels to watch holiday favorites. On-site laundry centers allow for light packing on long trips and fully-equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators provide the option to dine in or reheat left-

overs. Bring us a Figgy Pudding Don’t let being away from home limit you to store-bought dishes for holiday potlucks. If you’re staying at an extended-stay style hotel, take advantage of an in-room kitchen to whip up a savory course or nobake sweet treats, like drop cookies, fudges and cereal bars. Seasonal Savings Santa enlists the support of helpers to ensure his big travel day is stress-free. Holiday travelers should do the same. Consider the help of rewards programs to relieve budget stress. Many point-based loyalty programs require significant time and investment before you see any benefit. For valuable savings, enroll in one offering instant rewards, coupons and discounts at national retailers, rental car companies, restaurants and more.

Avoid Cabin Fever Budget-friendly activities keep holiday spirits high. Enjoy winter festivals, ice skating, caroling, a friendly game of your favorite sport, or a car ride through the area’s most festive neighborhoods. ‘Tis the Season for Giving Spread a little charitable cheer to those less fortunate. This time of year lends itself to many service opportunities, so identify an organization or give back on your own with a special project. Simple gestures to spread goodwill include anonymous gifts, over-tipping for services or packing stockings for the homeless. More holiday travel tips and information can be found at ExtendedStayAmerica.com. Don’t let holiday travel be a source of stress. With smart strategies, an affordable and joyous holiday travel experience is possible. -StatePoint

S EN D ERA

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T IT L E

Our knowledgeable escrow officers are here to provide you with excellent service!

Naomi Hampton Branch Manager/Escrow Officer

Aubrey Office 958 Hwy 377 South Ste. 100, Aubrey, TX 76227

Phone 940-440-0201 Fax 940-440-0901 Serving the Surrounding Areas GA