When taking trips to other places, vacationers make the most of their time and visit everything they can. Whisking themselves away from their home and workplace, they’re not sidetracked by everyday activities. However, sometimes traveling elsewhere isn’t possible. But many gems exist right in your backyard. And it’s easy to overlook them in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A staycation can be an unforgettable experience especially since you won’t have the expense of a hotel, transportation, or gas. These ideas for taking a vacation right in your hometown aren’t just for Memorial Day. You can use them in the summer, spring break, and long weekends.

Museums

Most cities have a few museums that everyone visits. They also tend to have smaller, little known museums. Even if you’ve been to the museum, you may have missed cool side shows like the planetarium or observatory. Most museums have temporary exhibits worth exploring.

Zoos and aquariums

Weather-wise, Memorial Day is usually a great time of year to go to the zoo. It’s not as hot and muggy as summer and it’s not as chilly as it could be during spring break. And if the weather is frightful, the indoor aquarium makes a great Plan B.

Water parks and community swimming pools

This can be hit or miss as it depends on the weather. Some kids prefer it to be at least 90 degrees before they’ll dip in the water. If that’s the case, you may have a rec center with an indoor pool. Some now have water park-like features such as fancy water slides and a rock climbing wall in the pool that keep families entertained.

Sporting events and stadium tours

By Memorial Day, Major League Baseball is in high gear. If you don’t have an MLB park near you, look into minor league teams. They can be a lot of fun as they’re smaller and tend to have more activities. For example, a Texas minor league team has a lazy river around the ballpark.

Also, ask about stadium tours as they can be a memorable experience. A NFL team has a stadium tour that ends with photos on the field. You might sign up for a 1-mile fun run, 5k, or 10k race as usually there’s one for just about every holiday. Races include more than just the run. They have live music and entertainment throughout the course and at the end.

Music and theater

Think beyond movie theaters and rock concerts to ballets, operas, musicals, and symphonies. They’re very different from the typical music on playlists. You can find many music concerts beyond the large ones with well-known singers and bands. Try the smaller venues. Need laughs? Head to a comedy club.

Special Events and Festivals

There are lots of fun annual festivals such as Oktoberfest, Mayfest, Artsfest, Wine, and more. Do a search for your city to find a calendar of events.

Escape rooms

Escape rooms have been popping up everywhere. These rooms contain puzzles that you must solve to move on to the next puzzle and the next, until you break out. It’s a fun way to get the kids to use the little grey cells.

Gardens and farms

Discover the beauty of nature at botanical gardens, arboretums, and farms. Some farms sell things made on the farm and let you pick from the crops. A Texas lavender farm opens its door to visitors who can pick lavender. The farm also has animals, a store, and a restaurant serving dishes with lavender as an ingredient. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Farmers markets also make a great little trip as they often sell more than just fruits and vegetables.

Lakes

The lake can be a great spot for fishing. Before you go, check the rules at some don’t allow fishing. It may provide rentals where you can rent a boat, water skis, canoes, and paddle boards. For adults, some places may have sunset cruises with dinner.

Wineries

Many wineries offer wine tasting and tours. They may have special events and live music. Search for your local winery to see what they offer.

Tours

Speaking of wine tours, you may have access to other types of tours. Look up fire stations, police stations, movie theaters, movie studios, TV stations, radio stations, newspaper facilities, historic homes and places, and government facilities. A honeybee farm provides behind-the-scenes tours a few times a year.

Camping

Leave the electronics at home (or in the car) and just commune with nature. Make s’mores, cook hot dogs over the fire, go fishing, take a hike, or identify the stars in the sky. Or you can go simple and camp right in your backyard.

Indoor and outdoor fun centers

Don’t forget the fun centers that may have miniature golf, go karts, laser tag, bowling, ziplining, video games, and rock climbing, or a mix.

A successful vacation at home means relaxing and enjoying the time away from your daily lives. Give yourself permission to pass on the chores and skip worrying about work. Let go of everyday distractions and allow yourself time to rest and recharge! You’ll return to your everyday life feeling refreshed.

Need more ideas or names of places to visit? Contact the office closest to you. They’ll be happy to make suggestions.

• Atlanta
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• Dallas
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• Little Rock
• Nashville
• St. Louis

Here are the other mortgage lender locations available or you can call toll free 866-912-7511 for the location nearest you.

Considering this is DFW, you’ve probably turned on your air conditioning by now. Here’s hoping it worked and didn’t give you any trouble. Of course, air conditioning tends to break when it needs to be cranking to keep your home cool with outside temps above 90 degrees.

A well-maintained home will run into fewer problems. You go to the doctor for an annual physical exam or take your car in for inspection once a year to make sure everything remains in working order and to fix problems before they spiral.

Summer home maintenance can help prevent things from going wrong especially at the worst time possible. Here are six tips from DFW home builder Sandlin Homes to ensure your home is summer-ready for the lazy days of summer.

1. Tune up your air conditioner

This is the most important one as it’ll reduce the chances of your AC going wonky when it’s 90-plus degrees outside. Not only does maintenance keep your air conditioning running, but also it prevents your electric bill from going up. Considering summer already does a number on your electricity bill, you don’t want AC issues to drive it up higher.

Homeowners may have a maintenance agreement with an air conditioning and heating business. Typically, it includes two maintenance sessions: one in the spring when you’re about to turn on the AC and one in the fall before you turn on the heater.

Also replace your air filter on your AC. This is best done every one to three months to help it run more efficiently.

2. Inspect the roof

You don’t want your home caught off guard when the next big rain hits. By summer time, Dallas-Fort Worth will have already had heavy rain and hail. Weather isn’t the only thing that can damage a roof. The sun’s ultraviolet rays and winter can too.

Every year, you’ll want to inspect your roof shingles to see if any are damaged, loose, or missing. Replacing a few roof shingles costs less time and money than leaving them unrepaired. If a roof doesn’t get shingles replaced, then it leads to leaks which leads to bigger, more expensive problems.

The roof also needs to be inspected for cracked caulk, masses of moss and lichen worn rubber boots, and rust spots on flashing.

3. Clean gutters and downspouts

Clogged gutters could cause leaks and water in the basement or crawl space. Downspouts need to drain away from the foundation and not have any debris. The general recommendation is to clean them twice a year. One during late spring or early summer to clear any blown-off flowers and seeds. And again in the late fall or early winter for fallen leaves.

4. Check seals and stripping on windows and doors

Any leaks in the windows and doors bring the outside temperatures in. And that’ll cause your AC or heater to work overtime. Check the sealants on both the inside and outside. Caulk open areas and replace weather-stripping if needed.

5. Refresh the exterior

Chipped and peeling paint can expose wood, which leads to rotting. Use a pressure wash on the exterior and look for paint problems. Before pressure washing, cover plants, windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Scrape off chipped and peeling paint. Once done, add touchup paint to exposed surfaces.

6. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

The rule of thumb is to check your detectors when daylight saving time begins and ends. Ensure the detectors have fresh batteries, remain free of dust and debris, and test the alarm. Even if you have hardwired detectors that don’t need battery replacements, you’ll want to test them and verify the backup battery still works.

Summer home maintenance can stave off future headaches and pricey repairs. They’ll take a day or two to complete. In the long run, any action you take can prevent your utility bills from climbing. If you need help, professionals can take on some of these activities for you.

Here are other tips from Sandlin Homes, a DFW home builder, that you might find useful:

• 5 tips to keep your yard green in the summer
• How to save for a house down payment
• 5 smart home gadgets to make life easier

Valentine’s Day. That stirs up feelings of romance, unforgettable food, and most important of all, amazing company. It’s the time of year when you might be thinking about Valentine’s Day dinner. Where should you go? Italian? Sushi? Considering this is DFW Texas, Tex-Mex and BBQ often tops the list. You quickly rule out BBQ because it’s too messy.

Valentine’s Dinner at Home Vs. Dining Out

Then reality sets in. Some places won’t take reservations. Most places will be filled wall-to-wall. The waiter may pressure you to hurry because he needs the table for the next customers. It may be too loud that you can’t hear your Valentine’s thoughts. Or the music may not be your cup of tea.

Guess what? It turns out that 90 percent of respondents in an Omaha Steaks survey say they wish their date would surprise them with a romantic dinner at home. They prefer to stay home to save money, duck the crowds, enjoy a quieter meal, and skip reservations.

Bet you have a song that’s special to the two of you. Why not celebrate at home? Play the music you want. Create a meal consisting of your loved one’s favorites and yours. We’ve heard some amazing stories of couples who created a special Valentine’s Day dinner in the comfort of their Sandlin Homes.

Dinner Options for DFW Texas Homeowners

Should you not feel up to cooking, you have delectable options. Eatzi’s, Whole Foods, Central Markets, and other DFW markets offer many dishes that make it a snap to serve. Just turn on the oven and pop it in. Is there a dish, appetizer, or dessert from someplace that you or your dinner date adores? Plan ahead and call the place to order it for pick up.

If you’re up to the challenge to cook, the Internet overflows with romantic Valentine’s Day dinner ideas for two. Here are a few that stood out:

• Sparking Sour Cherry Apertivo: Start the meal with a splash of red
• Conversation Heart Bark: Colorful treat that will use up the leftover Valentine’s candy
• Slow-cooker Red Wine Beef Stew: You can’t beat a power couple of wine and a slow-cooker
• Make-It-Together Valentine’s Menu: An easy menu you can cook with your Valentine
• Heart-Shaped Foods: What’s Valentine’s Day without lots of hearts?

Creating a Romantic Setting

People who live in Sandlin Homes get many options in our customizable floor plans. So you can design an adaptable dining room to set the right mood for romantic dinners and support plenty of company. Or perhaps you’d like to dine by the fireplace. You can request the fireplace space to be designed for both sitting in chairs or on the floor.

Be sure to think about the lighting. You can explore ways to dim the lights or to make it brighter depending on the occasion and time of day. Then top it all off with flowers and candles in the room or on the table.

Create a playlist that includes yours and your Valentine’s favorite songs. Here are a diversity of ideas to extend the playlist:

• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
• “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe”
• “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
• “Crazy in Love”
• “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
• “Endless Love”
• “Greatest Love of All”
• “I Just Called to Say I Love You”
• “I Will Always Love You”
• “It Had to Be You”
• “Just the Way You Are”
• “Love Is Here to Say”
• “The Rose”
• “Stand By Me”
• “Truly, Madly, Deeply”
• “Unchained Melody”
• “Unforgettable”
• “Up Where We Belong”
• “Wonderful Tonight”
• “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything:
• “Your Song”

No matter which Sandlin Homes DFW Texas neighborhood you consider, you can count on finding everything you need from nearby stores and top-notch markets and restaurants to put together a romantic night at home.

There are plenty of good reasons to choose a home that’s close to a school district. Some of these reasons are fairly obvious, while others will probably require a more discerning eye.

Let’s start with the obvious. Living near a school district is preferable for families who have young children. Whether the parents want to send their child to a private school or public school, all of them have only one goal in mind: to give their little one the very best education that they can.

It is generally agreed that the quality of a school district is strongly related to the quality of schools within that area. On the other hand, the quality of a particular school is strongly related to the overall performance of its students. In other words, if you want to gauge how good a school district is, you’ll have to consider the overall performance of the students that go there. Another factor to keep in mind is the budget allocated for each school. The larger the budget that a school has for its students, the more likely it will be that it has high-quality teachers, classrooms and equipment.

Aside from the potential benefits to education and convenience, living near a school district can also affect the resale value of your home. Because of this, homes near school districts can also be very attractive to house hunters in general. Single individuals and couples without children may want to invest in the future by purchasing one of these prime lots. Even if they ultimately remain childless, the consistent demand and limited supply of real estate within these areas will definitely make the purchase worthwhile. So, if you plan on moving in the future, you can set a better price for your home, if you decide to sell it.

Moreover, better resale value also means better stability. You can’t consider buying a house in a run-down neighborhood as a step forward to giving your family a stable home. And if it’s not a step forward, then can you really call it a good investment? Of course not! That’s exactly why you should invest in stable neighborhoods like those near a school district if you want a stable home and safe investment.

But there is one potential downside that you may want to take into account: property taxes. If you live in a place with quality public schools nearby, property taxes also tend to be higher. While this can easily be offset by the increased resale value of your home, it’s definitely one of the factors that you need to consider before making such a big investment.

With all that said, it should now be crystal clear as to why you should consider investing in a home near a school district. Your bank account may take a significant hit, but it definitely makes up for it by giving you easy access to quality education, better resale value and superior stability.

 

Nowadays, energy-efficient homes seem to be the next big thing. Many are readily adapting a more energy-efficient lifestyle and most agree that the concept definitely has its perks. Being energy efficient not only means saving the environment, it also means cutting down on your electric bill.

But with all that said, let’s now ask ourselves the real question: How do you make your home more energy-efficient? To help you out, here are a few factors that you might want to consider.

Insulation

Insulating your home helps ensure that no energy goes to waste. By sealing your home and keeping air inside, you’ll be able to regulate temperature better, thus reducing the need for costly heating or air conditioning. It’s important to stress though that this measure will only reduce the need, not totally eliminate it. To enjoy maximum benefits, it’s highly recommended that you invest in an energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system that works well with your insulation.

Better Appliances

Older appliances tend to consume more energy. This is mostly due to natural wear and tear. Because of their deteriorated condition, they’ll often have to work much harder just to keep up with your needs. In relation to this, it’s important to keep in mind that most of today’s manufacturers are becoming more conscious about energy efficiency, so it’s highly recommended that you buy new appliances and equipment every few years, especially when more energy-efficient ones are introduced to the market.

Lighting

Incandescent bulbs tend to use up more energy. That’s why people have been using fluorescent bulbs, since they conserve more power. However, an even better option you can try is LED. According to experts, quality LED bulbs can potentially reduce your electric bill by around 50 percent.

Trees

Planting trees has got to be the most obvious way to help the environment. However, the benefits don’t stop there! Having plenty of trees around your home can provide you with much needed shade and cool air during warm months, as well as some natural heat insulation during cold months.

Better Windows

Windows play a vital role in energy consumption. Weather-proof windows that seal off elements can help you conserve a significant amount of power every month. But before you go shopping for new windows, do note that it’s going to be quite costly to modify or replace your current setup. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you plan on which windows you want to use while your home is still being constructed.

Considering the sheer number of green products on the market, as well as the ever-increasing popularity of eco-friendly lifestyles, building an energy-efficient home has never been easier. All you need is a genuine desire to help Mother Earth (and reduce your electric bill)!

Texas is the second largest state in the US. It boasts a booming economy that could probably stand on its own and the cost of living there is lower than most other states. With that said, it’s really no great surprise that Texas is often considered an ideal retirement destination.

While some may dream about retiring at a beachfront somewhere in California, Texas actually has so much to offer retirees. The state doesn’t impose income tax on residents, has generally warm weather throughout the year, and allows access to facilities and institutions that make life easier for any retiree. Texas may as well be your retirement haven when the time finally comes.

Aside from modern, sprawling metropolises, Texas’s vast land area welcomes the development of resorts, golf courses, and premier real estate, which is actually more affordable than the national average. Thinking of buying a house in California? Then you’ll probably have to spend around $440,000. In Texas, the average price of a single-family home is currently at an average of $177,000—which is still cheaper than the average American abode that’s worth $180,000.

Texas is also a cultural destination. With its massive size, the Lone Star State is home to different cultural groups. This cultural diversity is often considered as something unique about Texas when compared to the rest of the US. It is also by far one of the most historically significant states in the country, which traces its roots back to the Old West. Cities in Texas, such as Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, are as lively as ever, but you’ll find that there is a charming allure in its small towns, which are also growing fast.

What about taxes on Social Security and pension? Texas imposes nothing of that sort. Retirement account withdrawals are also non-taxable. You do, however, need to worry about property and sales taxes, but considering all the other perks you get from retiring in Texas, they’re definitely worth the hassle and expense.

Texas also has numerous options when it comes to retirement housing. However, if you just want to live comfortably at some fancy residence in an alluring location, then the state makes it easy for you to do so, considering the cost of living and current real estate prices. Many rural and suburban communities even have different amenities that appeal to retirees, such as golf courses and hiking trails.

As the state continues to grow, you’ll definitely find that it has something for everyone. In fact, Texas may easily be one of the best states to spend your retirement years in.
Sandlin Homes builds in 15 communities throughout the DFW area from $190s to the $500s, as well as a comprehensive Build on Your Lot Program. For more information, feel free to contact us.

With around 200 people moving to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) each and every day, it’s no great surprise that there’s currently a shortage of residential housing in the area. Newcomers just can’t find a place to live since the supply of homes can’t keep up with the demand. Moreover, there are no signs of an end to the shortage. As long as the local economy and job market stays strong, chances are that the housing market will also stay sizzling hot.

What’s even more interesting is the fact that DFW has been able to maintain its strong housing market despite last year’s oil price crash. While the event was expected to considerably affect the construction industry in most of the Lone Star State, DFW fared exceptionally well under the circumstances. In fact, DFW actually welcomed over $17 billion-worth in new projects in 2015 — that’s about 19 percent more than the new projects in 2014! In other words, the DFW housing market not only weathered the oil crash, it even improved despite of it. How did DFW accomplish this? Experts generally agree that DFW’s upswing can be attributed to its diverse local economy. While other cities greatly rely on the oil industry for their economy, the oil industry in DFW only accounts for around 10 percent of the economic pie.

According to the US Census Bureau, DFW had the second-highest residential construction total in the US market. But despite this building boom, studies still suggest that the total number of homes listed by North Texas realtors is only equivalent to a 2-month supply — that is around one-third of a normal market’s supply. There are several reasons for this current supply shortage, such as the lack of affordable construction sites and the rising costs of labor and construction materials. Considering that, it’s highly unlikely that the DFW housing market will be able to build its way out of the predicament any time soon.

What does the shortage mean for house hunters and existing homeowners in DFW? Well, basic economic principles tell us that when supply is low and demand is high, then prices will be on the rise. Bidding wars will probably ensue, where interested buyers will compete with each other for the most popular properties on the market. While Texas has traditionally been known for its affordable housing, studies have shown that the median home price in DFW has slowly caught up to the national average. To put that into perspective, the median home price in DFW in the first quarter of 2016 has been pegged at $210,100 or about 4 percent short of the national average.