Simple Fixes for 3 Common Household Problems

Problem #1: Leaky Faucets- Most leaky faucets can be fixed with a rubber washer/seal or "O-ring".  These cost a couple of dollars at the hardware store and take 10 minutes to fix.  Saving you expensive trip charges for a plumber.

Problem #2: Nail Pops on Walls-   These are generally caused by the house settling.  This process is not hard, but is lengthy because one 4x8 drywall piece can have up to 32 nails in it.  First, hammer all the nails in, flush with the wall. Then, directly above the nail, screw in a drywall screw.  Finally, cover each of the holes and screws with Spackle and paint.  Hardware stores also sell nail pop kits to make it quicker and easier.

Problem #3: Oil Stains on Garage Floors- Sprinkle cat liter over the stain to soak up excess oil.  Sweep away the cat liter.  Make a mixture of hot water and laundry detergent.  Using a stiff bristle scrub brush or Brillo pad, scrub the area with the paste.  A second option is to spray the area with oven cleaner--use sparingly, a little goes a long way.

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Memorial Day Celebrations in Allen

Summer Sounds Concert Series by Allen Parks & Recreation

• Patriotic Memorial Day Music
• Allen Philharmonic Symphony
• May 31st, 7-9 PM
• Joe Farmer Rec. Center

Pecan Grove Memorial Service
• McKinney, TX
• May 31, 2010

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Bob Woodruff Park- Tree Climbing Competition

Plano Parks will be hosting a Tree Climbing Competition at Bob Woodruff Park beginning today and throughout this weekend, May 21-22.  This traditionally childhood activity, has been taken over by the adults. 27 climbers from around the state and country will compete for the best climber award.

www.janusREGroup.com * Heather Anderson * 972-765-3773

7212 Sugarplum - $1695

Gorgeous Spacious Garden Home!  

Boasts hardwood floors, ceiling fans, cast stone fireplace, entertainment nook. 2 inch blinds, Recessed lights.

Granite counter tops, Gas cook top. Built in microwave and oven. Maple cabinets.Large island in kitchen.

Jetted garden tub and separate shower stall in master bath.

Located minutes from DART Station, 75, Ross, Best Buy, WalMart and CostCo.   

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Twin Creeks - Somerset

Beautiful Twin Creeks-Somerset.  

Master Planned Golf Course Community with winding, tree lined streets.  Top Notch amenities include 2 swim clubs, basketball courts, ball fields, playgrounds, and more than three miles of hike-and-bike trails. 

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

1841 San Leanna Drive - Twin Creeks - $437,700

Toll Bros Home in Twin Creeks Master planned community in Allen ISD.  Amenities include: golf course, swimming pool, and tennis courts.

Elegant curved staircase, wrought iron balusters.

Master suite plus guestroom on main; hand-scraped hardwood floors. Plantation shutters.

This house comes with loads of bonus features: Media room, game room, 2 large bedrooms, Jack & Jill, Study, 3-car tandem garage.

Gourmet kitchen plus Stainless Steel appliances.  5-burner gas cook top, double ovens, maple cabinets.

Backyard screened in porch, cedar arbor, flagstone patio.

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Texas Property Tax Appeal Deadline

Reminder: The deadline to file an appeal on Property Taxes is May 31, 2010.

Collin County Property Tax FAQ

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

1416 Snowberry Drive Allen, TX - $1650

Immaculate 4 bedroom, 3 bath Home with Allen Charm. Fireplace, open kitchen with island, Washer, dryer, and refrigerator included! Private balcony off the Large master suite. Walk-In-Closets, Separate shower, and garden tub in the master suite. Large Fenced in yard. Located in Allen ISD!

Minutes from Villages of Allen, Watter's Creek, 121 and 75. Renter MUST provide 1 year payment of Renter's Insurance before move in.

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

"Get Rich Quick with Real Estate" Infomercials on late night TV--Fact or Fiction

Many people wonder about the infomercials on late at night with people proclaiming they made thousands of dollars overnight with only investing a few hundred dollars.  The people in the commercials on late at night make a lot of money--but not in real estate. Their job is selling: from a how to book to motivational seminars and step by step plans. Remember, most of the people in infomercials are actors, not real estate gurus.

Real estate has great investment potential, but it requires a lot of effort and time.  Real estate is generally not a get rich overnight scheme.  While there are those that are in the right place at the right time and the market turns in your favor at the perfect time--this is not the standard case.  Real estate takes time to see a return. 

Janus RE Group * Heather Anderson * 972-765-3773

Spring Home Maintenance

Each season brings with it a list of general maintenance to keep your house in the best possible condition.  Now that Spring is in full swing, here are a few key points to check:

• Clean and inspect your chimney--be sure to remove all leftover ashes to prevent moisture from building up, leading to costly repairs.
• Inspect the exterior of your home for loose siding, cracks, or leaks.
• Wash and treat/paint wood decks
• Have your air conditioning system inspected before temperatures reach 80 degrees
• Treat for any ants/pests before they get our of control during the summer

Janus RE Group * Heather Anderson * 972-765-3773

1179 Landon Lane - $1450

Stunning 2 bedroom plus loft town home in Twin Creeks-The Villas

Low maintenance living. 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus Loft. Walk in Kitchen with breakfast bar and black appliances.

End unit with lots of windows for natural light!  Located on a cul-de-sac.

Tenent also has access to Twin Creek Amenities, including: Swimming Pool, Basketball court, baseball field, volleyball court, Hiking and Biking Trails.

Twin Creek- The Villas are located near Hwy 75, 121, Allen Premium Outlets, and Watters Creek.

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Staging Your Space

When you go out shopping for your next home, there are the homes that you immediately cross off the list because you feel claustrophobic or unwelcomed by the amount of stuff from the current residents.  Don’t let yourself fall into this trap. Here are a few of my favorite staging tips:

·         Less is more! Fewer pieces of furniture open up every room , making your house feel bigger

·         Floating furniture—pull furniture away from the walls to add originality and give a sense of direction to the room

·         Make over your catch all closet or room—turn it into a place with a purpose—i.e. a crafts room

·         Open the blinds—lighting changes every rooms atmosphere

·         Rearrange art—when art is in a typical placement, it is overlooked. Try surprising designs to draw attention to it: i.e. pictures tiered

·         Don’t forget the yard and porch, this is the first impression—clean it up, and liven it up with a colorful potted flower.

Janus RE Group * Heather Anderson * 972-765-3773

Twin Creeks - The Villas

Twin Creek - The Villas in Allen, Texas

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773