Smart Homeowners
Daily tips and resources to help you improve, care for and protect your home.
I will give you something every day so you can live smarter. With my team of experts, we’ll cover what matters to you: security, energy efficiency, maintenance, home improvement, finance and insurance.
🥬 No more soggy lettuce!
SAVRpak is an innovative product that extends the time your produce will stay fresh in the fridge. Why it matters: Condensation on food causes premature spoiling which leads to 50% of produce being wasted. 🔬 Zoom in: The SAVRpak absorbs moisture — the condensation that forms on your lettuce, berries, etc. — and keeps them fresh […]
💡 3 prices of a light bulb
Every energy using device we have has 3 price tags: first cost, cost to operate and time to replacement. Why it matters: We have been conditioned to focus on first cost without thinking enough about total cost. 🖼️ The big picture: On a 6 bulb chandelier, total cost for incandescent bulbs is 7x higher than LEDs. […]
🚰 Did your garden hoses survive?
The start of the outdoor season is a good time to make sure your outdoor tools are serving you well. Why it matters: Weather extremes can damage hose bibs and garden hoses. 💡 Before you’re in the middle of a task, lay your hoses out completely and turn on the water. 👉 Leak under hose bib hande? […]
💂 🌳 Protecting trees during construction
Valuable trees die every year due to lack of prep before construction projects. Why it matters: If your remodel project involves heavy equipment, an arborist can help you plan to protect your trees. 📝 Here are some of Tim’s tips: 📣 Post construction: Have the yard aerated to allow soil around drip line to breathe better. ✅ For […]
🌺 Planting for max enjoyment
I overheard a fun conversation at the nursery this weekend. Ted: Is this a good plant for the front of my house? Susan: How much sun does the area get? Ted: I don’t know. I guess it’s pretty sunny. Susan: Are you planting in the ground or in a pot? 🤔 The conversation continued, but you […]
🦟 Mosquitoes, gutters and you
Mosquitoes are looking for places to reproduce and your gutters are looking really good right now! Why it matters: Treating for mosquitoes is a waste of money IF you don’t address the places on your property where they breed. 🥊 Reality check: Don’t assume your gutters are clear just because you have gutter screens. ✅ For […]
😲 How much is my insurance going up?!!
Homeowner’s insurance rates are rising and rates in Texas are increasing at twice the national average. Why it matters: Shopping rates can be good for your budget as long as you’re not sacrificing coverage for a lower cost. 🖼️ The big picture: Not all insurance policies are created equal. 🤔 Keep these things in mind while shopping: […]
🪴 Caring for your indoor plants
Spring is a growth season for indoor as well as outdoor plants. Why it matters: Plants make our lives better by boosting mood, reducing stress and cleaning the air we breathe. ✋ Transplant time — If a plant has outgrown its container, this is a good time of year to move it to a larger one. […]
⌚ Time for some spring lawn care
As grass starts greening, we have a chance to prep the lawn for a healthy season. Why it matters: Doing the right things now will help you have a beautiful lawn all summer long. 🔬 Zoom in: 4 keys to a healthy start (focusing on St. Augustine, our most common grass in DFW): 👉 De-thatch — Using […]
🌬️ Cooking with your range hood on?
Your range hood removes harmful moisture and contaminates from your living space. Why it matters: Cooking is often the number one cause of air pollution inside our homes. 😱 The bottom line: Run your range hood on high every time you cook and for a few minutes after to improve your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). […]