Trend Feature: Perk Up Your Walls with Plates

From your great-grandmother’s finest china to discount dishes snagged at the flea market, your plates are gorgeous décor pieces, begging to be put on display. Collect your favorites, then take cues from our composition ideas and learn how to easily mount them to your walls.

How to Hang Your Plates
Before you begin your project, examine your plates and determine what kind of hanger will work best. There are lots to choose from at your craft or hardware store—spring-activated hangers clamp easily around most plates to provide a sturdy hold. But for more delicate, vintage items, consider a V-shaped wire hanger that won’t put pressure on the dish’s rim.

MATERIALS
Plate
Craft paper
Pencil
Scissors
Blue painter’s tape
Plate hanger
Hammer

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Plan your plate composition by creating paper templates of your dishes. Place each dish upside down on your craft paper and trace its shape with a pencil. Cut out the template with scissors.
2. Arrange your templates on the floor, playing with the composition (see our inspiration ideas below), until you achieve a look you love. Recreate your arrangement on the wall, hanging each template with painter’s tape.
3. Use a ruler to locate the center of each template, then lightly mark the spot directly on your wall in pencil.
4. Hammer your hanging hook into the pencil mark on the wall. Following your plate hanger’s instructions, attach the hanger to the plate, then attach the plate to the hook.

Composition Ideas

• Straight Line: Keep things traditional with a linear look—a trio of plates running straight up and down is the perfect way to fill space between two bathroom mirrors or two doors. Try hanging four or five horizontally above a long piece of furniture, like a buffet table or even your bathtub.
• Abstract Cluster: Create an artistic, imperfect shape using dishes in lots of different shapes, sizes and colors. Begin by spacing out the larger plates, then fill in with smaller dishes and saucers to create a fluid shape.
Tip: We love creating a colorful cluster of plates that wraps around a furniture fixture. For example, hang a series of plates so that they follow the curve of a large armchair in your room.
• Simple Shape: Make a bold statement by hanging many plates in a simple square or circle shape on a large wall. It’s beautiful above a sofa or mantle, or in lieu of a bed headboard.
Tip: Dishes are stunning on their own as artwork, but feel free to intermix them with framed art, photographs or small mirrors to create a one-of-a-kind collection on your wall.

Please visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 

In case you weren't aware...Houston Issues Mandatory Water Restrictions

                                                                                       
HOUSTON - It’s no longer voluntary. Starting now, you WILL have to limit some of your water use.

Mayor Annise Parker ordered mandatory water conservation measures for the city of Houston Monday afternoon.

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According to Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures, you’re ordered to do the following:

-- Repair all detectable leaks within 72 hours 
-- Limit outdoor irrigation use between 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. on no more than 2 days a week

Residents on even-numbered street addresses are scheduled for Sundays and Thursdays. Odd-numbered addresses are scheduled for Saturdays and Wednesdays.

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The city is not going to slap your wrist right now. Because this order just came down, residents will be informed and likely given warnings later on.

The city hopes residents will “voluntarily comply” with the order, according to a statement.

That said, they city will not suffer repeat offenders. They will be issuing citations for those who “insist on not being good neighbors.”

== Why Us? Why Now? ==

The announcement was long expected given record-high temperatures and the severe drought.

Galveston and League City had already enacted water conservation measures last week, banning outdoor use. League City shut down a municipal pool in compliance with the order.

The city will be transferring water from Lake Conroe to Lake Houston in order to maintain proper water levels in Houston’s water treatment plant.

The city says water levels in Lake Houston have steadily dropped in the month of August, according to a statement.

== Want to Help? ==

In addition to the mandatory restrictions, the city is hoping you’ll do a little more in the effort to conserve water.

It’s all voluntary and will require some sacrifice, but the following tips could be good for the city and your water bill:

-- Keep showers under five minutes 
-- Turn water off while brushing your teeth 
-- Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes 
-- Replace older model showerheads and faucet aerators with new low-flow models and install low water use toilets 
-- Inspect toilets for silent leaks by putting food coloring in the toilet tank. If colored water leaks into the toilet bowl before flushing, water is being lost due to a worn flapper 
-- Refrain from washing any vehicle or motorbike unless the dirt poses a driving hazard 
-- Refrain from washing down any sidewalk, walkway, driveway, parking lot or any other hard-surfaced area 
-- Refrain from filling, refilling or adding water to any indoor or outdoor swimming pool, spa or whirlpool.

For more information about Houston and water conservation, follow the links below:

http://www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/utilities/conservation.html

http://dwsm.publicworks.houstontx.gov/watergauges/

For up to date information on Hurricane Irene, check out this website. Please, in light of all that's been happening...BE PREPARED for anything!

                                                                 

Whether you live in Houston TX, California or New York...always be prepared! It doesn't matter what meteorologists "predict." You should always have food, gasoline, flashlights, batteries, extra medicines, etc. ready for ANY emergency! Look what happened with the earthquake that hit the East coast yesterday and the one that hit Colorado on the same day... did anyone expect that? No. Be prepared for any emergency because when it happens, if you're not, you will not have time to purchase critical items! Check out this website.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/205314.shtml?tswind120#contents

Thank you... now make a list, check it twice and get out there and make those critical purchases today!

www.davidthelocator.com

Quick Clean: Window Treatments

When the sun is pouring through your windows, dust and dirt on window treatments can become more apparent. If you’re in the process of selling your house, you really want to keep your windows, blinds, drapes, etc. as clean as possible. Dirty windows are a sight for sore eyes! Give your blinds and curtains a quick yet thorough clean with these easy step-by-step tips.

                                Quick Clean: All Window Treatments:

• Washable Curtains: Some fabric window treatments, like cotton curtain panels, are machine washable. Many, however, like fabric shades or custom-made drapes are not. First, check the tag for care instructions. If they’re washable, you can wash and re-hang them.

• Non-Washable Drapes: For styles or fabric types you can’t easily launder, start by removing dust and hair with a vacuum tool or lint roller. If the curtains aren’t difficult to detach, you can even take them outside and shake them like a rug.
  
• Brilliant Blinds: For blinds, we use Swiffer 360° Dusters. It's flexible and made to squeeze perfectly into the grooves and crevices of slats in blinds. And it won’t spread around the dust and allergens like feather dusters can, which is great for family members with seasonal allergies. Simply run the 360° Dusters horizontally in rows along the front and back of each set of blinds.
• To Deep Clean: Blinds: If dirt and grime have been building up on your blinds all winter, it may be time to give them a deep clean. Pick a day with good weather and enjoy some sunshine while you follow these simple steps for cleaning metal and plastic blinds outside.

MATERIALS
Dusting tool ( like Swiffer 360° Dusters)
All-purpose cleaner ( like Mr. Clean or your personal preference)
Bucket of warm water
Sponge
Large bath towel

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove loose dust and dirt first, using the dusting method of your choice.
2. Close and remove your blinds. To remove, simply pull up the tabs on each end and slide the blinds out. Lay them flat out in an open area, such as your driveway or patio. Avoid grassy areas so bits of grass and dirt don’t get stuck to your freshly cleaned blinds.
3. Lay the bath towel under the blinds. Spray generously with the cleaner and let sit for several minutes.
4. Dampen the sponge. Wipe the slats in a horizontal motion until all the dust and dirt buildup is wiped clean. Wipe with clean water or spray with a garden hose.
5. Reverse the slats and repeat.
6. Allow the blinds to dry for at least an hour before re-hanging. Use this time to enjoy the nice weather with family or friends!

What cleaning shortcuts do you use for keeping your home light and airy all summer long? Share your secrets in the commenting section below. 


Please visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com for all of your real estate needs! 

With over 100 degree weather... are you getting competitive electricity rates???

                                              

Boy is it HOT these days in Houston! Triple digits here in Texas for how long now? A/C running constantly just to stay alive! Every month when our electric bill comes in, my wife and I cringe at the thought of opening it :)  But really, have you checked with your electric provider to see how much they are charging you for electricity? If you don't know what you're paying then you're probably paying too much. Last year I don't even want to tell you how high our electric bills were! But there are many choices out there now and when it's over 100 degrees everyday and your A/C is constantly running... every penny counts!

So check your bill and shop around.  As part of our services at DavidTheLocator, we have preferred providers from contractors, home warranty companies to electricity companies, etc. that we trust because either we have used them in the past (or a trusted client has) and they have very competitive rates. We make no money from referring them. On our website under the drop-down menu we have a category called "Turn on Lights."  (I also will provide the direct link below) This is the company that we use and are very satisfied with and we highly recommend them so check them out... you'll be surprised at how much money you will save.

http://www.davidthelocator.com/turnonlights.html

Good luck and stay cool!
Please visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com for all of your real estate and apartment locating needs. You can call us direct at: 281-326-HOME.

Houston makes top 10 best college towns for real estate investors!

                          Investing across America

                                                                      

There are many reasons a city can be seen as a quality location for investment, and today in the spirit of school starting, here is a  list of the Top 10 Best Back to School Real Estate Investment Cities, and Houston makes the cut of course!

Investors will soon outnumber traditional buyers

According to the recent Move, Inc. investor survey, “In the next two years, real estate investors are expected to outnumber traditional homebuyers in their local markets by three to one, and 56.5 percent plan to put their investments to work as rental properties.”

Local markets with universities or colleges can be an attractive option for many local real estate investors. Housing demand in college towns is generally high and vacancy rates are usually low. Combine the supply and demand ratio with rising admissions and the five percent rise in rental rates expected by the end of the year, and rental property in college towns can be a smart option for the right investor.

Please visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com for all of your real estate needs. We are here to assist you in any way we can!

Keep your home safe while squeezing in your last minute vacations..

                                                    


It's almost back to school time here in Houston and many of you are squeezing in your last minute vacations. Be smart, nothing could be worse to returning to a home that's been broken into!

Over the last few days, I've seen a ton of posts from my "friends" about their upcoming vacations. Things like: "2 days to Florida...can't wait", "Entire family headed to the airport---1 week of fun in the sun".

Remember, your posts are not as private as you think and telling the whole world that your home will be empty is an invitation for trouble. In the spirit of security, we wanted to share a few tips to make sure your home is safe and secure.


1. Make Sure All Doors and Windows Are Locked. - Yes, I realize this is pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people rush out the door without checking every single entrance to their home. Some locks stick, especially in older homes, so be sure to check everything before leaving.

2. Cancel Your Newspaper. - Nothing screams vacant home better than newspapers piling up in your driveway.

3. Keep Lights On With A Timer. - My grandparents always used timers and I thought they were silly, but actually make a lot of sense if your home is empty.

4. Tell Your Neighbors. -Whether living in a house or apartment let your neighbors ( provided that you like and trust them of course ) know of your plans so they can be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.

5. Have A Friend Check On Your Home- Having someone stop by to make sure things are ok is a smart idea. I actually have a friend who has someone pull into and out of his garage when there is a snowfall (obviously not here in Houston), so that anyone driving by will see the new tracks, giving the appearance that someone is home. A little paranoid perhaps, but not a bad idea.

Oh, and a another suggestion, please don't post while you are actually on vacation, because this is just as bad. Share the pictures of you on the beach after you get home.

Enjoy your vacation, just be smart.
Visit us at www.davidthelocator.com

Looking for a home? Selling your home? Here are some great tips!

Are you looking for a home? Selling your home? We can help you! 

Marisol Quijano- Moore                      David J. Moore, ABR, GRI  

You know you should clean everything and get rid of clutter. But aside from that, how do you broaden the appeal of your house? In an economy where some homes are just not selling, it's critical that you get your home in tip-top seller shape! Here are some great tips to help you do that...

Here are a few tips:
---Walk through the house and prioritize things that, if changed, would increase the value of your home. For example, repainting a child's bubble-gum pink bedroom may attract more buyers than something not as apparent, such as replacing an old dishwasher.
---You can direct a potential buyer's eye away from something negative or toward something positive. Use artwork or a room's own features, such as a fireplace, to capture a buyers attention. However, there is a fine line. You want buyers to be able to appreciate the room and not just focus on the items in the room.
---Remove any furniture that tightens spaces. If a couch or chair makes you turn your body as you walk by or just makes a passage look small, get rid of it. Everybody wants more space.
---Rid the house of personal effects, and don't forget simple things like magnets on the refrigerator. Small distractions to the buyers' eyes will disturb their thinking, preventing them from picturing the house as their own. And while you want the rooms to look well-decorated and spacious, avoid turning the house into a perfect home. Try to balance the brand-new look with some of its lived-in warmth.
---Potential buyers often feel uncomfortable in bedrooms and bathrooms because they are, by definition, personal and private places. To counter this reaction, make bedrooms and bathrooms look like a model home (toss the lived-in feel out the bathroom window). Clear off all surfaces of the bathroom---remove even simple things like toothpaste and soap. Put out nice, fresh towels instead. The goal is to make these rooms comfortable for buyers. When they're comfortable, they'll linger and picture themselves in the house.
---Consider hiring a professional to improve your home's visual appeal. The fee charged by a "stager" can be worth it if the changes bring a quicker offer or a higher sales price.

Please visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com for all of your real estate news and needs. To contact us call 281-326-HOME. We are a full service real estate and apartment locating company in Houston, we have been relocating clients for over 13 years in the Houston Metropolitan area, have lived in Houston for 45 years and we care about where you live!

Have a great day!
Marisol

Now that S&P has downgraded the United States from a AAA to AA+... what will this mean if you're buying a home?

Now that S&P has downgraded the United States from a AAA to AA+, there will be ramifications for all of us. For now cash is king so you will want to start using cash instead of credit wherever possible.

Interest rates are sure to go up for home and credit card purchases. If you are currently in the process of looking for a home, I would try to lock in a rate with your lender ASAP, especially if you just put a house under contract but have not locked in yet. Timing is critical now and the window is small if you want to benefit from the historically low interest rate environment we have enjoyed for the past decade. The party is over for now !

Of course, you may always consult with me if you have any questions concerning the real estate market. We are here to serve you !

David J. Moore ABR, GRI
Realtor & Relocation Consultant
www.davidthelocator.com