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, weโll cover what matters to you: security, energy efficiency, maintenance, home improvement, finance and insurance.
๐ฅฌย 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. ๐ฌ Zoom in: The SAVRpak absorbs moisture โ the condensation that forms on your lettuce, berries, etc. โ and keeps them fresh […]
๐กย 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. ๐ผ๏ธ The big picture: On a 6 bulb chandelier, total cost for incandescent bulbs is 7x higher than LEDs. […]
๐ฐย 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. ๐ก Before youโre in the middle of a task, lay your hoses out completely and turn on the water. ๐ Leak under hose bib hande? […]
๐ ๐ณย 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. ๐ Here are some of Timโs tips: ๐ฃ Post construction: Have the yard aerated to allow soil around drip line to breathe better. โ For […]
๐บย 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 donโt know. I guess itโs pretty sunny. Susan: Are you planting in the ground or in a pot? ๐ค The conversation continued, but you […]
๐ฆย 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 donโt address the places on your property where they breed. ๐ฅ Reality check: Donโt assume your gutters are clear just because you have gutter screens. โ For […]
๐ฒย How much is my insurance going up?!!
Homeownerโs 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 youโre not sacrificing coverage for a lower cost. ๐ผ๏ธ The big picture: Not all insurance policies are created equal. ๐ค Keep these things in mind while shopping: […]
๐ชดย 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. โ Transplant time โ If a plant has outgrown its container, this is a good time of year to move it to a larger one. […]
โย 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. ๐ฌ Zoom in: 4 keys to a healthy start (focusing on St. Augustine, our most common grass in DFW): ๐ De-thatch โ Using […]
๐ฌ๏ธย 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. ๐ฑ 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). […]