YourHome January / February 2016
FEATURED PROPERTY
T H E H E A R T L A N D ’ S L E A D I N G R E A L E S TAT E & H O M E LI V I N G M A G A Z I N E
custom built home Four bedroom, three and a half bath on 20 acres. Travertine tile and Italian granite. Three car garage. LEARN MORE, PAGE 8
Wallpaper INSIDE THIS MONTH’S EDITION: n Bad Credit? You may still be able to buy a home, 2 n Have a Seat! Creative kitchen seating, 5 n Door to the Future! 7
wonders
Dazzling ways to dress up your home
See article on page 10
C H E C K O U T L I S T I N G S & I N F O R M AT I O N F R O M T H E S E G R E AT A D V E R T I S E R S : M C C L U S K E Y & A S S O C I AT E S , T E X A S B A N K , T E X A S R E A LT Y, M I L L S C O U N T Y S TAT E B A N K , T E X A S G O L D S TA R R E A L E S TAT E , T O O T I E K E L LY R E A L E S TAT E , A C M E B R I C K & T I L E
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Table of Contents REAL ESTATE McCluskey & Associates Texas Goldstar Real Estate Texas Realty Tootie Kelly Real Estate
6 8 4 12
LENDING INSTITUTIONS Mills County State Bank TexasBank
2 9
MISC SERVICES ACME Brick & Tile
10 A publication of the
Brownwood BULLETIn Your Community u Your Story u Delivered Your Way
Serving the Heart of Texas Since 1886
Notice All Rental and Real Estate Ads are subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or family status or national origin.
It is Really Coming Down Out There!
3.99
%
APR*
10 Year
FIXED RATE MORTGAGE
Take Advantage of this Limited Time Offer to: Enjoy one low fixed rate Get mortgage-free faster
Pay less interest Build equity quicker
Mills County State Bank M Where Service Makes the Difference C S B 1-800-285-2216 Goldthwaite 325-648-2216
BR-00013284
NMLS# 442123
Early 325-646-0313
Brownwood 325-646-1798
Hamilton 254-386-4461
Hico 254-796-4221
www.mcsbtexas.com
Member FDIC
*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) offer subject to change without notice and based on a first lien for an owner-occupied, single-family residence, maximum combined loan to value of 80%, a credit score of 700 or higher, and automatic payments from a checking account with MCSB. For a $100,000 loan at an interest rate of 3.899% (3.99% APR), the estimated monthly payment would be $1,007.90 for 120 months. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums and the actual total payment obligation may be greater. Subject to program qualifications and standard underwriting guidelines.
Can you buy a home if you have bad credit? Try taking these five steps
There are many variables that come into play when you decide to purchase a house. You may save for a while toward a downpayment and determine what kind of mortgage payment would work best for your budget. But is your credit situation holding you back? Buying a home with less than stellar credit is possible. Here are five steps to take to get started: Know your credit score. No matter what you think your credit situation is, knowing your credit score serves as a good starting point when beginning your home search. You’ll be able to see if you need to improve your situation before applying for a home loan, plus it will help you determine if you are getting a fair shake from lenders. Find a Texas REALTOR®. Choose a Texas Realtor who can help you overcome credit challenges. Interview several Realtors before choosing one, and ask for referrals. Once you have referrals in hand, call them. You need to make sure that you feel comfortable with your choice and that your Realtor can serve your special needs. Explain your credit situation. Sit down with your Realtor and draft a thorough letter explaining your credit situation. If you have poor credit, your lender may ask you for an explanation. If your letter simply states that you couldn’t afford payments, you are more likely to have your loan application denied. But if there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to your financial situation, include those in your letter. Some lenders will consider one-time occurrences as acceptable reasons for inadequate credit, including divorce or a medical emergency. There are two important items to include in your letter to the lender: the reason for your credit situation and why your days of poor credit are behind you. Convince the lender that the circumstances surrounding your
impaired credit score are in the past. In addition, you should write a paragraph highlighting anything that may help the lender see you as a desirable client, including low debt-to-income ratio (particularly good if you filed bankruptcy), a big downpayment or job stability. Talk to a lender. Find a mortgage broker or direct lender experienced in subprime lending. If you are credit challenged, you may find that working with a broker is your best option. Brokers work with multiple lenders and loan products, giving you a greater chance of success. If you have a low credit score, some lenders will require a higher downpayment. If you don’t have money for a downpayment, sit down with your Texas Realtor and discuss what closing-cost and down payment-assistance programs you might qualify for. Be prepared for some rejections. You may have to talk to a number of brokers or lenders before you find one willing to take on a riskier loan. If your credit score is very low and no lenders seem interested, you will likely need to spend the next 12 months boosting your creditworthiness. Your Texas Realtor might be able to recommend programs or professionals who can help you determine what it would take to improve your credit score. If you are credit challenged, following these steps can put you on the path to homeownership. If you don’t think you qualify today, spend some time improving your credit. It may put you in a better negotiating position later. For more information on the home buying process, visit TexasRealEstate.com. Distributed by the Texas Association of Realtors & Heartland AoR
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Heartland Your Home
R P OP E S E O P
A
garbage disposal is a useful appliance that makes kitchen tasks and cleanup easier, but homeowners know they can clog up and break down. “Garbage disposals are very resilient and require no maintenance, but like any appliance, they work better if you use them properly,” said Leah Kondes, spokeswoman for InSinkErator, a manufacturer of garbage disposals. The typical lifespan of a food waste grinder (that’s the proper name) is about three to five years, said master plumber Glenn Gallas, Mr. Rooter franchise owner in Arkansas. “At the end of the day, it’s not a matter of if it will break, but when it will break,” Gallas said. While many people believe a disposal works like a blender, in reality a “disposer works more like a cheese grater ... and shreds/grinds food waste rather than cutting. It does not slice/cut like a blender or food processor,” said Kondes. “When food waste is placed in a disposer, it lands on a turntable spinning at high speed. Centrifugal force and the impellers (or lugs) attached to the turntable push the food waste against a stationary shredder ring. The food
DO
TIPS FOR
GARBAGE DISPOSAL USE AND CARE
If you have a modern disposer with multiple stages of grind, your garbage disposal can handle most any food waste.” — Leah Kondes
• Run disposer along with a moderate flow of cold water and gradually feed in the food waste. Continue to run cold water for a few seconds after grinding is complete. • Throw some citrus peels down the disposal to add a fresh fragrance. You can even use a whole lemon. • Use moderation. A household garbage disposal is not an industrial appliance. If you put too much waste down it, it will likely clog your home’s pipes. • Run the disposal regularly to avoid rust buildup and corrosion. • Cut large food items into smaller pieces and feed them into disposal one at a time. • Hit the reset button. If the disposal isn’t working, check to be sure the electrical breaker is on and hit the reset button. It may save you a call to the plumber.
GRAHIC: CREATIVECOMMONSPIXABAY.COM
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HOME&GARDEN SPRING 2015 17
KITCHEN
Y RL
By Melissa Erickson
DIS
Sunday, January 17, 2016
DON’T
is ground into small particles so that, when mixed with water, it can safely flow through your plumbing and into your wastewater system or septic tank,” she said. Problems occur when the disposal starts acting more like a blender. It appears to be working — it makes noise and moves the food down the drain — but the food isn’t being chopped up. Instead, it’s becoming a pasty substance that clogs the drain, Gallas said. “If you have a modern disposer with multiple stages of grind, your garbage disposal can handle most any food waste,” Kondes said. “If you have a standard disposer with only one grind stage, we recommend you avoid grinding large amounts of vegetable peels at one time and avoid grinding hard materials like bones and fruit pits.” How about putting ice cubes down the disposal? “Some people think putting ice cubes down a disposer sharpens the blades, but the fact is there are no blades in a disposer,” Kondes said. If you treat your garbage disposal correctly, it will serve you well for years. Below are a few do’s and don’t’s regarding your garbage disposal.
• Never put your hand into a garbage disposal. To remove something that has fallen in, unplug it or disconnect the power. Locate the “jam buster.” It looks like an offset Allen wrench and should have come with the disposal. Insert the jam buster into the hole in the bottom of the disposal and work it back and forth until blades can move freely. Then use a pair of tongs or a wet vacuum to remove. • Don’t use warm water, which softens and emulsifies food, which can then stick to the blades. • Don’t put foods that are high in fiber down the disposal. Avoid starchy foods like celery, corn husks, artichokes, peas, potatoes and their peels. These foods turn into a starchy paste that will clog the disposal. • Don’t put foods like rice and noodles in the disposal. Pasta and noodles expand and can cause clogs. • Never put grease or fat into the disposal or drain. • Don’t grind glass, metal, paper or cigarette butts. • Don’t put coffee grounds down the disposal because they can accumulate and cause clogs. • Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners, which can damage drains and pipes.
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, January 17, 2016
hAVe A SeAt hAVe A SeAt hAVe A SeAt
kitchen upgrades kitchen Kitchen upgrades seating
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Heartland Your Home 5 is getting creative Kitchen seating Kitchen is gettingseating creative is getting creative
freeimageS.COm
By melissa erickson more Content Now
By melissa erickson
a common quanmore Contentt’s Now
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more Contentkitchen Now seating.
t’s a common quanSure, got dary: notyou’ve enough t’s a common quanenough seats for your family kitchen seating. to dary: not enough eat together, but it you’ve may not be in Sure, got kitchen seating. the kitchen. What happens when enough seats for your family to Sure, got you’re entertaining or friends eat together, but it you’ve may not be in enough seats for your family to drop by? the kitchen. What happens when eat together, but it may not be Trends in kitchenor design you’re entertaining friends in the kitchen. What happens when are dropmoving by? away from eat-in you’re entertaining friends kitchens, said Kathyor Cremone, Trends in kitchen design drop by? a kitchen designer with Carole are moving away from eat-in Trends in kitchen design Kitchen and Bath Design, Wokitchens, said Kathy Cremone, are moving away from eat-in burn, Massachusetts. a kitchen designer with Carole kitchens, said Kathy Cremone, “For that reason, you really Kitchen and Bath Design, Woa kitchen designer with have to plan your seating options burn, Massachusetts. Carole Kitchen andbecause Bath Design, Woin “For advance you really can’t just that reason, you burn, Massachusetts. drag in chairs from other rooms. have to plan your seating options that reason, Dining room chairsyou mayreally not be in “For advance because you can’t just have to plan your seating the right height,” Cremone said. drag in chairs from other options rooms. in advance because you can’t just “What I see the most Dining room chairs mayright not be drag in chairs from other rooms. now are large islands with eating the right height,” Cremone said. Dining room chairs may not be areas built into them. Inright some “What I see the most the height,” Cremone said. cases, thelarge eating area is raised nowright are islands with eating “What I see the most right higher than the countertop, reareas built into them. In some now are large islands with eating quiring the user to sit on a bar cases, the eating area is raised areas In some higherbuilt thaninto thethem. countertop, recases, the eating area is quiring the user to sit onraised a bar higher than the countertop, re-
stool,” said John Petrie, owner of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry, stool,” Mechanicsburg, said John Petrie,Pennowner of sylvania, and 2014 president of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabistool,” said John Petrie, owner the National Kitchen & Bath netry, Mechanicsburg, Penn- of Mother Custom CabiAssociation. sylvania,Hubbard’s and 2014 president of netry, Mechanicsburg, “In most cases, however, I see the National Kitchen &PennBath sylvania, president of the eatingand area2014 being all the same Association. the National Kitchen & Bath height as the countertop, which “In most cases, however, I see Association. gives individuals moreallroom to the eating area being the same “In most cases, however, I see spread out. When the seating height as the countertop, which the eating area being allroom theitsame area isindividuals all the same height, also gives more to height as the countertop, which gives the chef morethe preparation spread out. When seating gives more room to area cook the seating area to isindividuals all thewhen same height, it also spread out. When the seating areas aren’t being used.” gives the chef more preparation area is all the same height, it also area toown cook when the seating Your island gives the chef more preparation areas aren’t being used.” area to cookseating when the seating Another trend is eating Your ownbeing island areas aren’t designed in used.” such a way as to Another allow forseating face-to-face contact, is eating Your own islandtrend rather than everybody all lined areas designed in such a way as Another seating trend is eating up in a row, he added. to allow for face-to-face contact, areas designed in such aextended way as Kitchen withall rather thanislands everybody lined to forallow face-to-face contact, overhangs for seating to upallow in a row, he added. rather thanunderneath, everybody all lined beKitchen hidden Cremone islands with extended up in a row,allow he added. said. overhangs for seating to Kitchen islands extended “You don’t wantwith anything inbe hidden underneath, Cremone overhangs allow for seating to terfering with the travel space,” said. be hidden underneath, Cremone she added. “You don’t want anything insaid. Stools that can be tucked terfering with the travel space,” “You don’t want anything inshe added. terfering withcan thebe travel space,” Stools that tucked she added.
away with “no backs allow them to slide nicely underneath the counter,” said.allow “However, away withPetrie “no backs them these types of stools may to slide nicely underneathnot thebe away withcomfortable “no backs the most to sitthem at for counter,” Petrie said.allow “However, to slide nicely underneath the long periods of time. One very these types of stools may not be counter,” Petrie said.bar “However, clever waycomfortable I’ve seen the most tostools sit at for these types of stools may built-in into the island is not suslong periods of time. One verybe the most comfortable to sit at the for pended from, or mounted to, clever way I’ve seen bar stools long periods of time. One very island cabinetry itself, not touchbuilt-in into the island is susclever I’veor seen bar stools ing theway floor. pended from, mounted to, the built-in into the island is sus“I’ve also designed seat for island cabinetry itself,a not touchpended from, or mounted to, the the cookfloor. at the island, to help the ing island cabinetry itself, touchwith her bad back during “I’ve also designed a not seatlong for ing periods ofatmeal preparation. the the cookfloor. the island, to helpThe “I’ve also designed a seat for stool was hidden along pocket with her bad backbehind during the cook at the island, to help door in the cabinetry, allowing periods of meal preparation. The with her backthe during the to open dooralong and stoolcook wasbad hidden behind pocket periods of meal preparation. The slide out the stool when needed. door in the cabinetry, allowing stool was hidden behind a pocket Otherwise, it was neatly tucked the cook to open the door and door ininvisible the allowing away, to everybody, but slide out thecabinetry, stool when needed. the cook to open the door and lurking right where it needed to Otherwise, it was neatly tucked slide out stool when needed. be when the cook required it.” away, invisible to everybody, but Otherwise, it where was neatly tucked Islands are being designed lurking right it needed to away, invisible to everybody, in all sorts of shapes to allow as be when the cook required it.”but lurking right it needed much seating as possible, Cre-to Islands are where being designed be when the cook required it.”as mone said.of She recently designed in all sorts shapes to allow Islands are designed one almost inbeing thepossible, shape ofCrea much seating as in all sorts of shapes to allow as question mark. mone said. She recently designed much seating as possible, Creone in the shape of a foralmost small rooms mone said. She recently designed question mark. one almost in the shape of a question mark. for small rooms
For kitchens thatfreeimageS.COm are tight on space, Cremone suggests a confreeimageS.COm cealed countertop thaton can For kitchens thatisland are tight lift up and swing into place, and space, Cremone suggests a conFordown kitchens that are drop when not intight use. cealed countertop island thaton can space, Cremone suggests a conBuilt-in furniture may appear lift up and swing into place, and cealed countertop island that incan to be down bulkier but can provide drop when not in use. lift up and swing into place, and creased seating. Built-in furniture may appear drop not in use. arecan making a into “Banquettes be down bulkierwhen but provide Built-in furniture may appear comeback, especially built-ins creased seating. to be extra bulkier but provide with storage,” Cremone “Banquettes arecan making a increased seating. said. “They can seat more people. comeback, especially built-ins making If “Banquettes youextra havestorage,” twoare chairs onlyatwo with Cremone comeback, especially built-ins people can sit, the same said. “They canbut seatinmore people. with extra storage,” Cremone amount of space a banquette can If you have two chairs only two said. “They can seat more people. fit three people,” she said. people can sit, but in the same If you have two chairs two Having extra seatonly in the amount ofan space a banquette can people can sit, but in the same kitchen can make cooking more fit three people,” she said. amount ofan space a banquette enjoyable, too. Having extra seat in the can fit three people,” she said. “There needs to be a space for kitchen can make cooking more Having an extra seat in the someone to sit down and have a enjoyable, too. kitchen can make cooking more glass of wine and a conversation “There needs to be a space for enjoyable, with the cook,” Cremone someone totoo. sit down and said, have a “There needs to be a space “or for when a neighbor stopsfor glass of wine and a conversation someone toa sit and said, have by to the have cupdown of coffee. The a with cook,” Cremone glass of wine and a conversation kitchen is theameeting “or for when neighborplace stopsof with the cook,” Cremone said, the home, so seating has be a by to have a cup of coffee.to The “or for when a neighbor stops consideration.” kitchen is the meeting place of by have so a cup of coffee. theto home, seating has toThe be a kitchen is the meeting place of consideration.” the home, so seating has to be a consideration.” home&GArden Summer 2014 15
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Luann McCluskey, GRI, Broker/Owner
325-642-2310
1515 Austin Ave., Brownwood, Tx 76801
325-643-3200 www.brownwoodproperties.com
REALTOR ®
Service with Integrity since 1999
7525 FM 2125 —$390,000
300 FT. WATERFRONT ON LAKE BROWNWOOD—4BD DOUBLEWIDE ON 16 ACRES— Lots of deer & dove, 4bay carport, heated and cooled 30'x40' shop with office & RV parking; also 19'x35' shop. Rock outhouses built by the Civilian Conservation Corps still remain on property.
102 AUTUMN $129,900-EARLY
Taylor Isom,
Vicki Brelsford ,
817-933-2153
214-552-1299
Marc Followwell 325-200-2581
Great curb appeal! Spacious home with den great for gameroom or 4th BD. Updated kitchen has granite countertops & tile backsplash, workshop, pretty park-lot setting.
REALTOR ®
510 LONGHORN $169,900-EARLY
Built in 2014, this home has walk-in tiled shower, granite counter tops, newer appliances….much more. Must see this one to appreciate!
REALTOR ®
1405 AVE. A $45,000
2BD on large corner lot. Walking distance to Coggin Elementary & Brownwood Intermediate School.
REDUCED $5000!
Mason Ellis ,
REALTOR ®
325-642-0972 1814 11th$74,500
3BD/2BTH on large corner lot! Double CP, storage building. Living room w/ high ceilings & fireplace. Tree-covered lot!
Owner will consider owner finance or trade.
9601 HWY. 279—$224,000
HOME ON 10 ACRES WITH BARN
Very spacious 3BD/2BTH country home on 10 acres near Lake Brownwood with 2300+SF. Beautiful updated kitchen with black silestone countertops & large laundry room right off kitchen with pantry storage. Living room has WBFP with blower. Den has office nook with storage & also wood pellet FP with electric starter to keep you toasty on those chilly nights! Home sits secluded back off highway so very private! 1450 sq. ft. metal barn on concrete slab with electricity is definitely a plus! Great place for your livestock or 4-H projects.
Congratulations Marc Followwell
Multi-million dollar producer for 2015!!
110 WALNUT—9 AC.
$213,999
1600 2ND-$59,900
3BD/2BTH with lots of charm!!! This home has original hardwood floors, CH&A, alley entrance for additional parking, carport, located across from East Elementary!!
2619 VINE-$74,900
2406 14th-$104,900 Remodeled home features large open concept, huge master walk-in closet, new appliances, new carpet, new counter-tops, fresh paint.
440 Bluebonnet -
681 CR 611—
101 LAKEBRIDGE-
2 LAKE HOUSES ON 3 LOTS CAN BE SOLD AS PACKAGE DEAL…OR CAN BE SOLD SEPARATELY
CASON COVE AREA Unique rock home with over 2200 sq.ft. Backyard features 3 decks overlooking lake. Shop sits on .37 acre totally fenced across the road.
$134,900
Sits on 3 consecutive lake lots. 0.775 acres with 2 separate houses! These lots come with 4 RV hook ups.
RUSTY ANCHOR RESTAURANT -$80,000
3071 HARBOR DRIVE LAKE BROWNWOOD
Our lake is full...great time to buy. Complete with building, land & inventory…..just step in & take over! Sits on approximately .5 acre.
3BD/1-1/2BTH brick, CH&A ,laminate flooring. Open floorplan. Across from Section Hand Restaurant.
Cute 3 bd cottage with original hardwood floors, CH&A, formal
dining room with built-ins, spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets and breakfast area. Detached double garage. Tree-covered corner lot!! Beautifully remodeled rock home, park-like setting w/huge pecan trees, alongside a creek. Open floorplan w/ over 2300 sq.ft., new wood laminate flooring, fp, granite countertops, walnut cabinetry, stained concrete floors, custom tiled walk-in shower, new stainless appliances!
4446 WESTRIDGE $89,900
$372,000
$219,000
LAKEHOUSE
WITH DOCK + GUESTHOUSE
Double-decker boatdock plus 2-jet ski lift. Guest house & workshop behind main house. All furniture including appliances convey. Great place for family & friends.
Door Door to the to the future future
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Garage Garagedoors, doors,openers openerscan can do dosome somepretty prettycool coolthings things
garage
Heartland Your Home
7
freeimageS.COm
freeimageS.COm
By melissa erickson
president/owner of Cybernetix, the quietest, which is especially more Content Now By melissa erickson president/owner of Cybernetix, the quietest, which is especially which manufactures MyDoorOimportant when living spaces more Content Now pener. are in proximity the garage,” which manufactures MyDoorOimportanttowhen living spaces f you want the best Since weather doesn’t always Accardo pener. aresaid. in proximity to the garage,” garage door on the cooperate, the tech-savvy gaf you want the best Since weather doesn’t always Accardo said. block, go for the bells rage door opener “should come garage door on the cooperate, the tech-savvy gaand whistles, because equipped with a battery backup, block,it’s go all forabout the bells ragethey’ll door opener “should come with garage doors, meaning work during the accessories. and whistles, because power outages, with so you can al- backup, equipped a battery “Look for a garage opener waysmeaning get into your home,” with garage doors,door it’s all about they’ll workAcduring with connectivity, that you can cardopower said. outages, so you can al-testing, 1 ... 2 ... the accessories. monitor and control with your Convenience is important, but the garage door is the biggest “Look for asaid garage opener ways get into your home,” Ac-and heaviest moving part of a smartphone,” Pauldoor Accardo, security matters. Homeowners with connectivity, thatLiftMasyou can cardo said. marketing manager for home, but people tend to take it should “look for openers with monitor and control withopenyour ter. With MyQ, LiftMaster for Chrisdoor long, Convenience is important, butgranted, the latest safety features like thesaid garage isedithe biggest tor of Door & Operator industry, ers allow homeowners to open Security+ 2.0 from LiftMaster. smartphone,” said Paul Accardo, security matters. Homeowners and heaviest moving part of a magazine. ormarketing close theirmanager garage doors from Withshould every click a new code is withan industry for LiftMashome, but people tend to take it “look for openers all garage doors manufactured anywhere in the world and monisent to the garage door opener ter. With MyQ, LiftMaster openfor granted, saidtoChris the latest safety features like after 1992 are required havelong, editor the door, so no more wonderso that the door opens only for tor of Door & Operator ersifallow homeowners sensors that if triggered will re- industry, Security+ 2.0 from LiftMaster. ing you left the door up.to open you,” Accardo said. verse a closing door. to be sure an industry magazine. or their doorsapps from With every a newhas code is A close number of garage smartphone Because almostclick everyone your garage door is safe, liftmasall garage doors manufactured can do the same such anywhere in thething, world andasmoniforgotten closegarage the garage sent to the door opener ter offers the1992 following garage to have the latest version of GarageMate, after are required door at least once in their life, tor the door, so no more wonder- Garagemate Setup so that the door opens only for door safety test. which with today’s garage doorssaid. often come sensors that if will reing ifworks you left theiPhones door up.and you,” Accardo 1. Check the sides oftriggered the garage Androids and will be available equipped with timers. They verse a closing door. to be sure door for properly installed photo numbersaid of smartphone Because almost thisA summer, Lou Prado, appswhen they entered.” “remember to close youreveryone garage has your garage door is safe, liftmaseyes (black sensors), mounted no can do of the same thing, such as closebythe garage One $49.95 receiver is needed door forgotten founder BlueMate. Garagewhen you to forget autohigher than 6 inches the floor. ter offers the off following garage the latest version ofinstall GarageMate, Mate has “the fastest time. per garage, and up to eight iPdoorclosing at leastthe once in after their life, 2. Block matically door the photo eye with an door safety test. Garagemate Setup You onlyworks need to connect twoand hones and Androids can be con- a pre-programmed of come which with iPhones today’s garagenumber doors often object over 6 inches tall — like a 1. Check the sides of the garage nected to one receiver. One app wires and will bewill done under minutes,” Accardo towels, and press the Androids and beinavailable equipped withsaid. timers. They roll of paper door properly installed can control multiple garages. five minutes,” Prado said. “An A groaning, squeaking garage garage door for opener’s close but- photo when they entered.” this summer, said Lou Prado, “remember to close your garage More than just an opener, optional wireless door sensor eyes (black sensors), mounted no door is a sign you need to call ton. the door should not close. receiver is needed founder of BlueMate. Garagedoor whenwhich you forget apps$49.95 can control multiple and can automatically close your theseOne a professional, meansby it auto- 3. lay an object is at least higher thanthat 6 inches off the floor. per garage, andlike up “a to lamp, eight iP-may matically Mate when has “the fastest time.household the door devices garage it has beeninstall open for be time forclosing an upgrade. For after 1.5 inches2.higher the ground Blockon the photo eye with an fireplace or just about too long, and an activity log can hones and Androids can be conYou only need to connect two a gas in the door’s presstall the— like a the quietest garage door, “look a pre-programmed number of objectpath, overand 6 inches canreceiver. be relay- One app be enabled you monitor close button. the door should refor belt drive models. These are nectedthat to one wires andso will becan done in under anything minutes,” Accardo said. roll of object. paper towels, and press the verse off this controlled,” said Yan Avery, who entered your garage and can control multiple garages. five minutes,” Prado said. “An
I
I
testing, 1 ... 2 ...
optional wireless door sensor and can automatically close your garage when it has been open for too long, and an activity log can be enabled so you can monitor who entered your garage and
More than just an opener, these apps can control multiple household devices like “a lamp, a gas fireplace or just about anything that can be relaycontrolled,” said Yan Avery,
A groaning, squeaking garage door is a sign you need to call a professional, which means it may be time for an upgrade. For the quietest garage door, “look for belt drive models. These are
garage door opener’s close button. the door should not2014 close. home&GArden Summer 19 3. lay an object that is at least 1.5 inches higher on the ground in the door’s path, and press the close button. the door should reverse off this object.
home&GArden Summer 2014
19
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Sunday, January 17, 2016
How to improve indoor
Homes tend to be stuffier in autumn and winter. As temperatures outside dip, windows are closed and air quality inside homes can suffer. Poor indoor air quality can not only be uncomfortable, causing residents to experience headaches, dry eyes and nasal congestion, but also can be unhealthy. According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer and chronic lung diseases, such as asthma. Though it’s not feasible or healthy to open windows when temperatures outside dip to near or below freezing, there are steps everyone can take to improve the indoor air quality in their homes. • Add to your décor with plants. Plants provide both aesthetic and practical appeal to a home’s interior. Houseplants can clean and purify the air in a home, helping to remove formaldehyde, benzene and other toxins that can make indoor air unhealthy to breathe. Benzene is an irritant that can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and blurred vision, among other side effects. Formaldehyde, which is often found in homes thanks to its widespread use in a range of products, can cause watery eyes, nausea and wheezing. • Watch what you are lighting up. Many homeowners know that smoking indoors drastically reduces indoor air quality, putting even nonsmokers at heightened risk of developing various respiratory ailments. Homeowners concerned about the indoor air quality in their homes should ban smoking inside, no matter how low temperatures dip outside. In addition, homeowners with wood-burning stoves and fireplaces should be especially diligent maintaining these features,
air quality
as they can release harmful soot and smoke if they are not taken care of. Some people may also be allergic to incense and scented candles, so keep a watchful eye on residents and guests whenever you light candles or sticks of incense. If any symptoms of allergies appear, avoid lighting any more candles or incense, waiting until you can open the windows if you want to light any again. • Purchase an air purifier. Air purifiers are beneficial year-round, helping to remove allergens and particles from a home. High-efficiency particulate air filters, known as HEPA filters, are extremely effective at removing airborne particulates from the air inside your home. • Pay attention to pets. Like their owners, pets tend to spend more time indoors during the winter. That means more fur and pet dander, the skin flakes in an animal’s fur or hair that can trigger allergic reactions, is likely in your home during the winter than in the summer. To combat this, bathe your pets regularly in the winter, making sure to wash the animal’s bedding in hot water on a weekly basis as well. • Open the windows when possible. Winter does not typically provide many opportunities to open the windows, but you might get a few chances to let some fresh air in through the windows during winter. Make the most of these opportunities, and when possible crack the windows when you’re cleaning so dust and other particles that kick up have a path outside of your home. Clean interior air should be a yearround priority, but homeowners may have to go the extra mile to keep their homes’ interior air clean when winter arrives. - Metro Creative Connection
Did you know? Homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects should prioritize dust removal to avoid the potentially negative side effects of exposure to lead dust. When undergoing a renovation, homes built before 1978, the year the use of lead paint was banned, are likely to produce lead dust, which occurs when lead paint is sanded or chipped. That dust can be especially harmful to children, pregnant women and pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead dust that is as small as a grain of sand is enough to poison children, who may suffer brain damage, hearing loss, nervous system and kidney damage, and decreased muscle and bone growth after exposure to lead dust. When pregnant women are exposed to lead dust, that exposure may affect the baby’s cognitive development while increasing the mother’s blood pressure. Household pets exposed to lead dust may suffer from a series of side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and possibly death. When making renovations to their homes, homeowners can open windows and wear protective gear such as masks and safety goggles to avoid direct exposure to lead dust.
Heartland Your Home
These plants can improve indoor air quality Indoor air quality is not often an issue in the warmer months, when many homeowners open their windows to let the fresh air of the great outdoors enter their homes in abundance. But once the temperatures begin to dip and windows start to close, indoor air quality can suffer. Musty air is not only uncomfortable, it’s also unhealthy. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, can build up inside a home, especially when windows are kept shut for long stretches of time, which is often the case in winter. Indoor plants can counter such stale air, in some cases filtering out VOCs to make the air inside a home more breathable and healthy. The following are a handful of houseplants that can improve indoor air quality. * Aloe: Many of us know aloe for its restorative properties with regard to treating burns and cuts, but aloe also improves indoor air quality by helping to clear a home of the byproducts, including formaldehyde, of chemical-based household cleaners. Aloe loves the sun, so if you hope to keep an aloe plant healthy through the winter, be sure to place the plant in a window that gets lots of sun exposure throughout the day. * Gerber daisy: Like aloe, a gerber daisy needs ample sunlight, and tends to only withstand winters in warmer climates. But homeowners who live in such climates may still keep their windows closed in winter, and those that do can use these colorful, lowmaintenance flowers to remove trichloroethylene, a chemical that clothes may be exposed to during the dry cleaning process. * Golden pothos: The golden pothos can
survive a winter, but homeowners should be careful not to let the plant dry out, which can happen if they are directly exposed to sunlight. A golden pothos vine will grow quickly, so a hanging basket is a great way to keep one inside a home, where the plant can help fight formaldehyde. * Ficus benjamina: Also known as a weeping fig, the ficus benjamina can be difficult to overwinter. But that does not mean your ficus benjamina, which can filter pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from a home, won’t make it through the winter. You just need to figure out the right watering and light conditions for the plant. Such conditions can be discussed with a gardening professional. * Warneck dracaena: The warneck dracaena, or dracaena deremensis, fights pollutants created by varnishes and oils. The warneck dracaena is a sturdy houseplant that is difficult to kill, but it still thrives in temperatures that are between 70 F and 80 F. - Metro Creative Connection
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Wallpaper wonders By Laura Firszt Networx
W
allpaper is a fantastically versatile home improvement tool. It packs a triple design punch, adding color, pattern, and texture to your walls and all kinds of other surfaces in your home. It’s also handy for covering up ... er ... beautifying flaws. Whether you use a little or a lot, installing lovely wallpaper is a great way to give your home a whole new look. TIPS: It’s no
simple task to hang wallpaper — the right way. For large areas like walls and ceilings, a professional will achieve the best results. And do be sure never to adhere wallpaper to bare drywall. Begin with a layer of primer to make wallpaper removal at some future date so much more simple. Create an accent wall. If you tend to be the shy, subdued type, now’s your chance to play with wild wallpaper. Wallpapering a single wall in a bold print is much less overwhelming than covering the whole room. PS. Millennials prefer the term “feature wall” to — shades of the 70s! — accent wall.
Decorate out of the box by wallpapering an accent ceiling. This
will be equally appealing in a child’s bedroom (think a soothing night sky) or in your own, especially when you coordinate it with a decorative overhead light fixture. Separate spaces. Open plan homes may be all the rage right now, but sometimes you might like to make a visual separation between one space to the next (example: dividing an elegant
bigstock/flickr photos
Dazzling ways to dress up your home
dining nook from the less formal family living area when you’re hosting the boss for dinner). Alternatively, you can use an actual room divider — embellished with wallpaper, of course — to temporarily partition off some private space. Cover just one part of a wall.
Complement stylish carpentry work, such as wainscoting, by applying wallpaper just up to (or above) the level of the trim. Or frame and hang large panels of striking paper on solid colored surfaces for instant oversized wall art. Cheer up a workaday part of the house. Choose bright and cheer-
ful wallpaper for your laundry room— guaranteed to make humdrum tasks like sorting whites and colors or searching for lost socks a lot more fun than they used to be. When is a garage not a garage? When your workbench or crafting table faces a garage wall that’s been glamorized with wallpaper. Transform open shelving. Line the back of a bookcase, china hutch, or display case with wallpaper. This will show off your prized collection of antique volumes or
mid-century figurines to its best advantage. Hack flat pack or thrifted furniture.
When you didn’t spend much for them in the first place, you can feel free to experiment with the fronts of dressers or seats of chairs. Stick on an easy-clean vinyl-coated paper to add a little pizzazz ... or to cover up any dents or cracks. Small is beautiful. Yes, it’s hard to make a design statement with a foyer or powder room that’s no bigger than the size of a minute. But you can give these rooms a dose of oomph with a mini expanse of ooh-la-la wallpaper. The same goes for the inside of your walk-in closet. You’ll smile every time you see that dash of bright color. It’s all in the details. Even
smaller spots in your home can benefit brilliantly from a wallpaper-y facelift. Line your kitchen cabinets (use a paper that is easy to reposition or remove), cover storage boxes, or accentuate each riser of a staircase. Laura Firszt writes for networx. com.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Heartland Your Home
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Amazing transformations Budget-wise decor ideas By DailyParent.com
our home is your castle, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a king’s ransom to breathe new life into a tired decor. Try these easy and inexpensive do-ityourself ideas to transform a room in an afternoon or weekend.
Y
Fast facelifts n Update a lamp by changing its shade for $10 to $30. When shopping for a lampshade, take the base with you to see which cover looks best. Make sure the shade covers the bulb, electrical socket and on-off switch, and is in proportion to the base. n For a quick fix in a bathroom, add a new shower curtain, rug and towels to give a color boost for less than $85. n Declutter the family room and
rearrange the furniture. For about $50, you can add a houseplant in the corner to soften the room’s hard edges. n Replace a ho-hum kitchen light fixture with a stylish new one for $30 to $100. You’ll be surprised at its impact.
Weekend wonders n Remove an old varnish finish from a small table or chair to allow the wood grain to shine through. Brush on a liquid or gel varnish remover, then remove the old finish with fine steel wool. Use mineral spirits to wash away any residue. Let it dry and wipe on tung oil for a fine topcoat finish. You’ll spend about $35. n If you like the existing wall color but want to add some pizzazz, stencil a border near the ceiling or at chair rail height. Use a precut plastic stencil pattern sheet, available at craft stores and home centers. Stenciling
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is easy: After securing the stencil sheet on the wall with masking tape or spray adhesive, dab a stencil brush in paint and apply it in the stencil holes, then reposition the sheet on the wall, repeating until the design is completed. For a 12-footby-15-foot room, this project will cost about $30 for the stencil, brush and two colors of acrylic paint. n If you’re not an artist but want a whimsical way to decorate a kid’s room, try a paint-by-number mural from www.elephantsonthewall.com, an extensive online source of murals. For about $35 to $95, you can purchase a mural kit that includes a pattern, transfer paper, color guide and instructions; mural themes include nursery rhymes, Noah’s Ark, sports and animals. n To give a custom touch to a window blind, shade or drapery, add a fabric-covered cornice topper.
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Choose material that complements your furnishings, assemble the cornice and upholster it with batting and fabric using a staple gun. At www.diydecorator.com you’ll find cornice frame kits for about $45. n Cover up an ugly floor with carpet tiles to make a room appear larger and more unified. This modular flooring solution has 18- and 24-inch square tiles, and doesn’t require adhesive. A pad is attached to each tile. Tiles cost about $1 to $2 per square foot at home centers and websites such as www.icarpettiles.com. HOME&GARDEN FALL 2014
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, January 17, 2016
WAterfront
$55,000 4281 Lake Shore May
Lloyd VanZandt Realtor
325-200-1908
Four bedroom, 2 bath. Double wide mobile home. Great remodel project home with oak trees and lake view. Sits on a corner lot. Has two septic tanks, one is an aerobatic system. Has small storage building in back. MLS LV13233652
$189,950 Turner Ranch Brownwood
Beautiful restricted building sites located on Lake Brownwood. These lots offer great views of Brownwood lake with plenty of oak trees for shade and deep water and easy access to Brownwood TX. With incredible hill side views. Located in a gated restricted area. A must see. MLS LV13204279
$470,000 fM 2273 May
$79,500 4100 CR 192 Bangs
$89,000 CR 448 Rochelle
160 ACRES WITH double wide MOBILE HOME. Large shop with roll up doors,1240 sq ft, large barn 1550 sq ft. 70% of brush cover, three tanks, nice creek, good elevation. Lots of wildlife, 40 acre wheat fields excellent source for feed plots. This is some of the prime hunting land in Brown County. MLS LV13276650
Very nice double wide trailer 3 BR, 2Bath. With covered front porch that has a handicap ramp also. With a storage container out back. Also has another house on the property that would make an excellent hobby room or man cave. Has a large covered area that could be made into a shop. Has a small chicken house in back. Tree covering and very private and peaceful area. MLS LV13285261
This 21.42 acres has three shops, one is a nice large shop with roll up doors and all metal and concrete floors. About 1250 sq ft. Second one about 1,000 sq ft, concrete floors. Third one is about 600 sq ft. Has older single wide home, not much value. With a little bit of TLC this could be a real nice place. MLS LV13285271
WAterfront
$95,000 17 Private Road 908 Rochelle, Texas
$239,500 108 Parkside Dr Brownwood ***WaTeRfRonT***
Carolyn Kelly Realtor
325-642-3596
Must see to appreciate 3b 2b home, 1629 sq ft lots of updates. Wood burning rock fp, ch&a, ss appliances. Sun room, jetted tub in master bath, multiple decks, boat dock with boat lift. Dock is up to code-new encapsulated foam, with 2 jet ski lifts. Seller says depth under dock at spillway is 14’. All furniture (except master BR furniture) & appliances convey with acceptable offer. MLS CK13276991
Country living 2b 1b frame home sitting on 17.22 wooded acres with small tank lots of deer. 2 window units, electric fireplace conveys. 2 car carport. Need some notice, has tenants. MLS CK13178858
***CoMMeRCIaL*** $465,000 Hwy 377 Brownwood
$275,000 111 B early Blvd. early, Tx ***CoMMeRCIaL***
$225,000 217 avolyne Dr. Brownwood
3b 2b brick home in quite neighborhood by the Lake Brownwood bridge. Fireplace, ch&a, ceramic tile floors, fresh paint throughout. Covered RV parking, 2 car garage & 2 car carport. Enclosed sun room over looking lake. New boat dock. 224 sq ft shop. Nice storage building. All appliances convey. Water under dock at spillway level approx. 9-10 ft. MLS CK13276103
price reduced
WAterfront
$339,000 101 Mountain View Lake Brownwood *WaTeRfRonT*
Adorable octagon lakefront home in nice Mt. View area, 4b, 3b, 2730 sq ft, two story with awesome view of lake on .91 acre. Lots of windows! Large boat dock & lift, jet ski lifts. 22 ft deep water. 2 rock fireplaces. Two nice decks to enjoy. 4 car carport, 2 storage buildings and a hobby building. Has its own boat ramp. MLS CK13169089
price reduced
$169,900 2300 1st Brownwood
$243,500 9010 Mesa View Rd Lake Brownwood
3 acres of prime commercial property located in high traffic area with 228.52 ft of Hwy 377 frontage. Great location for cafe or car wash. More land available. Motivated seller - bring offers! Owner financing available. Property is next to Allsups Convenience Store. MLS LV11879438
Great property on busy Hwy. High traffic count, up to 21,000 cars daily. 2,500 sq. ft. total with part of building being used as Real Estate office; other part being used as meat market. Building was remodeled and brought up to city codes in 2007. Building has 2 central heat and air units, bathroom and storage building. Seller is a licensed Real Estate Broker. MLS TK13067107
Beautiful 3-2 in a well established neighborhood a couple of blocks from Coggin Park. Features vaulted ceilings with hardwood floors and granite counter tops. Kitchen is open with tile flooring and bathrooms the same. Back yard is very big and has privacy fencing. Come see this amazing colonial style home, call for a private tour. MLS TK13208953
commerciAl
hunters dreAm
WAterfront
$3,200 Per acre CR 115 BWD
$94,340 7420 eagle Point Dr. Brownwood
$588,000 Hwy 765 Richland Springs
Beautiful waterfront lot with breathtaking views of the lake. Has lots of trees. Access to Featherbay Golf Course club house. 0.60 ac lot. Would make a great home site. MLS LV13198651
Amazing hunting property, 196 plus acres to be determined. With two tanks, heavy brush cover, creeks, two hunting cabins, pipe working pens, metal barn, and road frontage on three sides of the property. Truly a sportsman paradise. MLS LV13285278
$140,000 508 Garmon Dr. early
3,912 sq. ft. metal shop building now being used as a Plumbing Business. 672 sq.ft. of building is heated & cooled for office use. At the rear of the building there is a 1,272 sq.ft. canopy for parking, equipment, and vehicles. This all sits on 1.32 acres & lot is totally fenced. Great location & plenty of room to grow. MLS TK13264474
986.594 ac. with approx. 6192.30 ft. Pecan Bayou river frontage. Rolling hill country with large tress & large Pecan trees on river. Property has a mountain in interior with scenic views from top. Seller has built new fence around most of the property and has put new cross fences in the interior property & an abundance of deer, turkey, hogs, quail, dove & excellent fishing, with 5 tanks. MLS TK13033490
WAterfront
$89,900 7082 Killarney Dr. Brownwood
Adorable waterfront 2b, 2b home with boat dock & lift with new black encapsulated foam. Remolded inside with rustic decor, tiled floors and bathroom. Wood burning stove. All appliances including washer & dryer convey. Property has 2 lots = 105x167 with boat ramp. Metal roof. Priced to sell!!! MLS CK13288578
$165,000 4310 fM 3021 Brownwood
Nice country feel 2b 2b lake house sitting on .98 acre,1818 sq ft, ch&a. Large master bedroom & bay window. House sleeps plenty of people even though it’s 2b. Nice sun room & deck. Small fish & swim dock. Fireplace is a great source of heat, has blower & thermostat. Enjoy 6ft of water under dock at spillway. Property is very close to the Hideout Golf course & new club house. MLS CK13235634
Lakeview home with 4b and 3.1b and open floor plan. Great for a vacation or family home. Ceramic tile, laminate flooring and granite counter tops. Fairly new appliances; baths have been remodeled with tiled tubs and showers. Bottom floor has gameroom and wet bar that leads out to a covered patio. Bedrooms on both levels. Motivated sellers! Bring offers! MLS TK13267053
$75,000 103 e. Spencer Bangs
3b 2b, possibly 4th bedroom or office room with 1724 sqft. New privacy fence on one side of back yard. Open patio deck for BBQ’s or patio furniture. Remodeled kitchen with tile counter tops, electric cooktop. Oven and refrigerator convey. Workshop attached to back of house along with 2 car carport. Spacious living area and master bath has been updated with tiled walls. Motivated sellers, bring offers! MLS TK13234586
$30,000 #863 Pitchpole Circle Brownwood Nice interior golf course lot on the 11th hole of Hideout Golf Course. Membership comes with 48 rounds of golf a year and seller is throwing in a brand new full set of clubs for buyer. Lake is full and now is the time to buy. MLS TK13222740
price reduced
$425,000 9022 Wildwood Trail Lake Brownwood
Nice 3b 2b home, ch&a, brick, double garage and double carport, fireplace, cathedral ceiling in living room. Built-in microwave, dishwasher, 2 stall boat dock with 2 jet ski lifts, storage, pool table and all bedroom and living room furniture and dining room suite will convey. Lot and .5 across street and 2 BBQ pits to convey. Sprinkler and alarm system. MLS TK13067638
$35,900 206 S. 3rd St. Bangs Cute little 2b 1b cottage for couple or single person all fresh paint inside and out, new flooring, dishwasher and cabinets. Tree covered back yard. MLS CK13251056
motivAted seller
$249,950 5850 fM 2125 n BWD
Secluded 3 BR, 2B brick home with beautiful park setting. Sits on almost 10 acres, oak trees, vaulted ceiling, walk in pantry, brick fp, closed in back porch. Sun lights, fenced in back yard. 3 out buildings - one has AC. All 3 buildings have new roofs. Paved driveway. Updates on the house include new windows and roof. Nice peaceful area you can see deer in the back yard. A must see. MLS LV13219585
$118,9000 8056 CR 564 Brownwood
Super nice 3 Br, 1 1/2 Ba, 1,440 sq ft. Move in ready. Newly remodeled custom kitchen cabinets, new aerobic septic system. New electrical upgrade, new hot water heater, new central H/A unit. 18X18 metal shop with electricity and wood floors. 20X30 covered car port. MLS LV13198639
$89,500 #9 Cindy Cove Brownwood 3b, 1 & .5 bath, 1,227 sq. ft. CH & AC, car garage, 192 sq. ft. covered porch, large fenced back yard, yard goes past fence in back of house to creek. New paint, new carpet, flooring and new screens. Nice neighborhood!! MLS TK13274849
$129,500 2204 Indian Creek Brownwood
3 Bd, 1 & three fourth bath, 1801 sq. ft. Fenced back yard, all new flooring, totally repainted on inside, and new ceiling fans. Has 720 sq. ft. metal shop with roll up doors and a double carport. House is in great shape. Seller is a licensed broker. MLS TK13274820
$55,000 7060 Killarney Dr. Brownwood Great lake view 2b 1b frame home siting on hill top 2 lots. With detached partially enclosed 2 car carport, storage & washer & dyer hookups. Small shop. Screened in porch overlooking lake. Seller will install ch&a for asking sale price. Owner finance possible. Cash to seller price $49,500. MLS CK13287779