Real Estate – Ebby Halliday – Ebby Halliday Blog

September 23, 2019

Prep Your Home for Fall

Cool breezes and colder months call for necessary upkeep. Now is a good time to be proactive about protecting your home against cooler temperatures. Follow these steps to prepare your home for fall.

Exterior

Roof – Inspect for missing, loose or damaged shingles. Make necessary repairs to keep cold air and precipitation out.

Gutters and Downspouts – Clear leaves and debris. Check alignment to ensure water can flow through and drains away from your home and foundation.

Plumbing – If you’ve noticed issues or leaks, get them checked. Winterize pipes that are exposed outdoors.

Trees – Inspect your property for damaged branches, and trim limbs at least 2 feet from your roofline.

Interior

Heat – Inspect furnace, water heater and air ducts. Fix any issues and replace air filters.

Windows – Check for cracks, gaps, damaged trim and broken glass. Caulk, weather strip and repair as needed; the same goes for doors.

Detectors – Test and replace batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that keep you safe.

Fire Extinguisher – Test your fire extinguisher and replace or recharge if necessary.

Backup – Have working flashlights and spare batteries for potential outages.

Attic – Check for moisture or leaks and repair immediately; same for basements, where necessary.

September 13, 2019

13 Must-See Open Houses This Weekend

If you’re in the market for a home in North Texas, you’ve come to the right place. Enjoy your weekend with Ebby Halliday Realtors at these exceptional properties.

6614 Brookshire Drive | Preston Hollow | $2,199,000

2717 Rosedale Avenue | University Park | $1,550,000

6339 Lavendale Avenue | North Dallas | $1,525,000

3893 Mashpee Street | Frisco | $899,000

7012 Clayton Avenue | Lakewood | $630,000

6144 Annapolis Lane | Dallas | $625,000

901 Gentle Wind Drive | Keller | $619,900

1406 Luckenbach Drive | Allen | $599,900

3310 Fairmount Street, 15E | Uptown | $585,000

3715 Wycliff Avenue | Oak Lawn | $475,000

5349 Balmoral Drive | Frisco | $425,000

2705 Prairie Creek Court | Plano | $405,000

770 N. Plano Road, No. 103 | Richardson | $398,000

To view all the wonderful homes open this weekend and discover dates and times, visit EbbyOpenHouses.com.

August 7, 2019

Plan Your Tax-Free Weekend Shopping

Tax-free weekend is days away, and just in time for back-to-school shopping. Are you ready?

This year’s Sales Tax Holiday will happen Friday, August 9, through midnight Sunday, August 11. But remember, the tax exemption is only available on certain items under $100. Computers and software are not tax-exempt.

Tax-free items include:

• School supplies
• Art supplies
• School instructional materials
• Clothing and footwear less than $100 per item
• Backpacks

The best ways to save money on tax-free weekend:

• Planning ahead
• Making a list of items you need
• Looking for the best sales in your area
• Checking for coupons (printable or online)
• Maximizing price match programs where available.

Good luck and happy shopping!

July 24, 2019

Farmers Markets Offer Fresh Local Fare

Summer is in full swing, and so are local farmers markets. Whether you’re shopping for fresh and locally grown veggies, sweet treats, specialty foods or homemade goodies, these North Texas farmers markets have it all.

Carrollton

Carrollton Farmers Market
2722 N. Josey Lane
Sundays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Year-round

Highlights: Handmade crafts and homegrown produce

Coppell

Coppell Farmers Market
768 W. Main Street
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to noon
April through November; December (Winter Market)

Highlights: Fresh berry custard pie, pickled jalapeños, fresh ginger beer

Dallas

Dallas Farmers Market
1010 S. Pearl Expressway
Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Hours vary by season)
Year-round

Highlights: The Market – a fully renovated indoor space featuring local merchants, artisanal food vendors and restaurants

White Rock Local Market
9150 Garland Road
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March through December

Highlights: Wine samples, JJ&B jams and butters, local craft artists

Denton

Denton Community Market
317 W. Mulberry Street
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to noon (summer hours)
April through November

Highlights: Live music, local farms and artists, food trucks

Fort Worth

Cowtown Farmers Market
3821 Southwest Boulevard
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to noon
Year-round

Highlights: Fiddle-and-guitar jam sessions, pastured chicken

Frisco

Frisco Farmers Market
8821 4th Street
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to noon
April through October

Highlights: Homemade traditional Greek desserts and meals from Greek Mama’s Bites

Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie Farmers Market
120 W. Main Street
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March through December

Highlights: Plethora of crafts, Christmas in July

Grapevine

Grapevine Farmers Market
520 South Main Street, No. 203
Mondays-Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April through October

Highlights: Homemade fried pies, cajun cheddar kettle popcorn, gourmet tamales

Mansfield

Mansfield Farmers Market
703 E. Broad Street
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to noon
April through October

Highlights: Homemade fudge, refreshing lemonade, allergy-free baked goods

McKinney

McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square
315 S. Chestnut Street
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to noon
April through November

Highlights: Baked goods, craft items, artisanal and speciality foods

Mesquite

The Marketplace DFW
150 W. Main Street
Second and fourth Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April through October

Highlights: Locally grown honey, mustard pickles, handcrafted goods

Richardson

Richardson Farmers Market
101 S. Coit Road
Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (summer hours)
Year-round

Highlights: European-style market that mimics the popular village markets throughout Europe

Rockwall

Rockwall Farmers Market
101 Rusk Street
Saturdays; 8 a.m. to noon
May through September

Highlights: Just Pie’s award-winning, buttermilk Pap’s Texas Pecan

Sherman

Sherman Farmers Market
115 N. Travis Street
Saturdays; 9 a.m. to noon
May through October

Highlights: Pasture-raised meats, kombucha, handmade soaps

April 8, 2019

How to Create a Greener Home

There are many different ways to go green at home. Even if you do just one or two of the below five things, you can make a big difference for our environment — and you’ll see the results on your bills.

Monitor your temperature

Nearly half of a home’s energy usage goes toward heating and cooling. Keep filters clean, consider a new/more efficient furnace, and make good use of ceiling fans.

Upgrade outdated appliances

It’s estimated that almost 20 percent of the typical home’s energy bill can be attributed to appliance use. By upgrading to newer appliances, you’ll consume significantly less energy.

Save water

Putting an aerator on faucets can cut your annual consumption by half. Consider installing low-flow toilets, which use just over half the normal amount per flush.

Let the sun shine

The cheapest and most environmentally sound heat and light source is just outside your window. Open blinds, drapes, and shutters to let solar energy warm and brighten your home naturally.

Use greener cleaners

There’s an abundance of green cleaning products available these days. A simple online search will reveal which products are gentler to the environment than others.

November 21, 2018

7 Thanksgiving-Ready Island Kitchens

As Thanksgiving prep begins, you may be dreaming of a kitchen that can do it all. Whether you’re an expert chef or only cook on Turkey Day, these seven island kitchens currently on the market are the perfect place to prepare your next meal.

2221 King Fisher Drive | Westlake | $3,250,000

2321 Silver Table Drive | Lewisville | $2,199,000

6634 Aberdeen Avenue | Preston Hollow | $2,100,000

5209 Limestone Court | Richardson | $1,180,000

7736 Goforth Circle | Lake Highlands | $1,049,000

218 Wimberly Street | Fort Worth | $425,000

702 Wildgrove Drive | Garland | $329,000

To see more homes for sale, visit the award-winning, mobile-friendly Ebby.com.

May 25, 2018

Love This Listing: True Mid-Century Modern

Built in 1954 by architect Robert Perry as his personal residence, this Mid-Century modern home has been updated with careful attention to preserving its original architecture, while adding Santa Barbara flair. Amenities include a lush entry courtyard, stunning designer finishes, a Zen library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a sparkling waterfall pool. You’ll enjoy a spacious master suite with dual walk-in closets, while guests delight in a private suite with a fireplace and full bath. Watch the video to learn more about why we love this listing.