Ring in the New Year in Arlington

Haven’t decided how to ring in 2015 yet?  Here are some options to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Arlington:

Family Friendly

Alley Cats has two options for celebrating the new year.  The Family Party from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm and The Countdown Party from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am.  Parties include bowling, billiards, laser tag, rock climbing, food, drinks, giveaways and more!  The Family Party is $37.50 for adults/$32.50 for kids and the Countdown Party is $19.99 per person.  Or attend both for a discounted price.

AMF Spare Time Lanes is also getting in on the NYE fun.  Their Ball Drop Package includes unlimited bowing and shoe rental, gourmet buffet, unlimited soft drinks, midnight champagne toast with party favors and midnight countdown.  Party runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  $42.99 per person or $229.99 per lane (up to 6 guests per lane).

Arlington Skatium is another place for a fun-filled family night.  The New Year’s Eve All Night Skate will run from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.  Event includes a balloon drop at midnight with prizes inside. $20 per person.

Comedy

If you are looking for comedy, the Arlington Improv will feature the comedic stylings of Bruce Bruce.  Shows start at 7:00 pm & 10:00 pm.  Show will include party favors and a champagne toast to welcome in 2014. Tickets range from $60-$70.

Zingerz Comedy Club at Fox & Hound will celebrate New Year’s Eve with their Laff Party starring Patrick DeGuire.  Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm.  Tickets are $40 per person in advance or $50 at the door.

Night Life

Bar Louie in the Arlington Highlands has a New Year’s Eve package that includes
live entertainment, a champagne toast and breakfast buffet.  Party starts at 8:00 pm and ends at 2:00 am.  Tickets are $50 per person.

Also in the Arlington Highlands, Dave & Busters will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration beginning at 9:00 pm.  Three party packages are available with include food, drinks and an entertainment card.  Cost is 39.99, $52.99 or $65.99 per person.

Hooligan’s Pub’s NEY 2014 will include a DJ, food truck, cash balloon drop and free champagne toast at midnight.  The admission is free.  Party runs fro 4:00 pm to 2:30 am.

South Street Patio will host a New Year’s Eve Bash which includes live music and a champagne toast at midnight.  Party from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. $10 per person.

Revelers at Zuri Lounge can enjoy a complimentary buffet (8:00 – 9:30), live music, cash balloon drop and free champagne toast at midnight.  Cost is $10 per person before 9:00 pm; $15 per person or $25 per couple after 9:00 pm.

Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub in Lincoln Square will have party favors, a midnight champagne toast and live music by The Mullet Boyz!

Stumpy’s Blues Bar will feature classic rock from the Xes Whiskey band, appetizers, drinks, and a champagne toast at midnight.  $10 admission.

Fine Dining

Olenjack’s Grille is featuring a special three course meal.  First Course is a choice of  Black Eyed Pea Soup with Greens or Baby Bibb Lettuce, Crispy Red Onions, Bacon, Creamy Gorgonzola Cheese Dressing. Second course is Texas Cioppino Seafood Stew w/ Spicy Broth ($53 per person) or Blue Cheese Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Cipollini Jam, Grilled Lobster Mashed Potatoes ($65 per person). Third course is Sticky Toffee Cake with Blackberry Caramel, Spiced Pecans & Crème Anglaise or Black Forest Truffle Tart with a Shiraz Cherry Coulis.
4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Cacharel’s New Year’s Eve Dinner consists of a three-course meal includes entree choices like beef wellington, sliced duck, sea bass, salmon or rack of lamb.  Cost is $79 per person.  5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Restaurant506 at Sanford Spa will feature several menu options including crab bisque, lobster & scallops plus dessert.  Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. but reservations are required.  Call 817-801-5541 to reserve your spot.
Cost is $85.

The Melting Pot is a great place for a romantic New Year’s Eve dinner.  They have two packages available.  Both include a $20 dip certificate good on your next visit.  Dinner hours are 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  Cost is $120 or $140 depending on the package.

 

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City of Arlington Holiday Closings

In case you’re wondering what will and won’t be open over the next few days, the City of Arlington has published a list to help you out  Here are the highlights:

All City of Arlington municipal offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25.  

Regular office hours and service schedules will resume Friday, December 26.

CHRISTMAS EVE - Wednesday, December 24, 2014

What’s Open:

• All municipal golf courses
• Cliff Nelson Recreation Center – 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Dottie Lynn Recreation Center – 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Hugh Smith Recreation Center – 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
• Elzie Odom Athletic Center –  6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Eunice Activity Center – closes at 3:00 p.m.
• Curbside garbage and recycling collection will occur as scheduled.

CHRISTMAS DAY - Thursday, December 25, 2014

All city offices and recreation centers are closed.  There will be no trash or recycling pickup.   There will be a makeup recycling collection day on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, however, there will be no makeup day for trash pickup.

Friday, December 26, 2015

Most city offices and recreation centers resume normal business hours.  Only the Senior Recreation Center on New York Ave. will be closed.

For more Arlington, Texas news and tips, visit our website.

 

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Senior Cohousing–New Options for Retirement Living

A new option for seniors who wish to “age in place” is Senior Cohousing.  Cohousing usually consists of developments of smaller homes clustered together around a shared community space.

In these communities, residents have their own private home but can also enjoy the benefits of a common house which can include things like community gardens, libraries, guest rooms for visitors, laundry facilities, kitchens for common meals and room for get-togethers.  Some also have fitness facilities, media rooms, office space or workshops.

Social interaction is a great benefit – residents always have a buddy for walks, shopping excursions or a visit to the movie theater – but they still have the option of their own private space when they want time to themselves.

While these communities are geared toward the senior population, many “boomers” have chosen the cohousing life as well.  Some are opting to move into these communities while they are still in good health, planning ahead for times when they might need more assistance from their neighbors and friends. 

Cohousing is a growing trend, but is not yet available everywhere.  For more information about cohousing options in your area, visit The Cohousing Association of the United States.

Find more great senior tips and information on our website.

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Avoid Tech Support Phone Scams

If you receive a phone call from a Microsoft security 'expert' offering to fix your PC - it's a scam.  Even if they know your name and happen to guess what Windows operating system you are using, don’t be fooled.  Microsoft never makes unsolicited calls to their customers.  Here are some tips to help you avoid tech support phone scams:

• Do not trust unsolicited calls. Do not provide any personal information.
• Do not purchase any software or services.
• Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the "service." If there is, hang up.
• Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
• Take the caller's information down and immediately report it to your local authorities.
• Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.
• Don’t give out your user name or password or install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information are vulnerable.

What to do if you think you have been a victim of a scam

If you suspect that you've been a victim of a phishing scam with personal or financial information, here are some things you can do to minimize the damage:

• Change your computer password as well as the passwords or PINs on all your online accounts that might have been compromised including your email and financial accounts.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Check with your bank or financial advisor if you're not sure how to do this.
• Contact your bank or online merchants directly. Do not follow email links as they could be fraudulent.
• Routinely review your bank and credit card statements monthly for unexplained charges.  If your accounts have been compromised, cancel them immediately.
• Scan your computer with a reliable virus scan software.  There are many free options available including Microsoft Safety Scanner, Avast, Malware Bytes and AVG.

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Arlington Will Waive Animal Adoption Fees for Seniors

Age-Friendly Arlington reports that Arlington Animal Shelter Manager Chris Huff  has said finances would not stand in the way of seniors who want to adopt a companion from the shelter. Arlington will waive animal adoption fees for seniors and offer other help as well. 

Mr. Huff said Arlington Animal Services will assist older adults with pet deposits required by local landlords if they cannot afford to pay it, provide free or low-cost veterinary care, and even provide free pet food and kitty litter from the shelter's food pantry.

If you are a senior and would like a pet for companionship but are not able to pay, contact Mr. Huff by phone (817) 459-6269 or email chris.huff@arlingtontx.gov to discuss your options.

You can view the shelter’s available pets by visiting http://www.arlington-tx.gov/animals.

For more great information and tips, visit our website.

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Stay Healthy During the Holidays

The Holidays are a time for gatherings with family and friends.  Unfortunately, this time of the year is also the time for colds and flu, injuries from slips and falls, and the “winter blues.”  Here a few tips to help you stay healthy this holiday season:

Wash Your Hands Often – Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the germs that cause colds and flu.  Use soap and clean running water, rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds.

Cover Your Nose and Mouth When You Sneeze – Avoid using your hands.  Use a tissue when available or cough/sneeze into your elbow or shoulder.

Get Health Checkups and Vaccinations – Schedule a visit with your physician and discuss what vaccinations they would recommend for you based on your age, health, and travel plans.

Eat Healthy and Be Active – We all tend to overindulge during the holidays.  To stay healthy, try to limit fats, salt, and sugary foods. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

Handle and Prepare Food Safely - Wash your hands and kitchen surfaces often. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods.

Manage Stress – Balance your responsibilities and keep your finances in check as best you can and make sure you get plenty of sleep to keep your stress levels down.

Stay Warm – Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. According to the CDC, more than half of hypothermia-related deaths were of people over the age of 65. If you will be outside, wear warm socks, a heavy coat, a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. In very cold temperatures, cover all exposed skin. Use a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs. If you’re staying in, don’t let your house get too cold.

Travel Safely – When traveling by car, always wear your seat belt and travel at safe speeds.  Don’t drink and drive and don’t let others drink and drive.  Get your car serviced before wintertime hits -- or ask a family member to bring it to a garage for you. Checking things like the oil, tires, battery and wipers can make a big difference on winter roads.  Best of all – avoid driving on ice and snow if at all possible.

Avoid Slipping on Ice - Falls are a common occurrence for senior citizens, especially during the winter months. Major injuries such as hip and wrist fractures, head trauma and major lacerations can occur.  To avoid a fall, wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles, and stay inside if at all possible. Replace a worn cane tip to making walking easier. Take your shoes off when you go back inside to avoid slipping on water tracked from melted ice or snow on the soles of your shoes.

Fight Wintertime Depression  -  Depression is an issue for seniors since it can be more difficult for them to get around.  They may feel lonely or isolated.  Family members should check in on them as often as possible – even a phone call can make a difference if you don’t have time to visit in person. 

Prepare for Power Outages - Winter storms can lead to power outages. Make sure you have easy access to flashlights and a battery-powered radio. Know where you store your warm blankets. Keep non-perishable foods and bottled water on hand. If the power goes out, wear several layers of clothing, including a hat. Move around a lot to raise your body temperature.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home and test them once a month.  Replace the batteries twice a year – a good rule is to do it when the time change happens.

For more great information and tips, check out our website.

Technorati Tags: Holiday Safety Tips,Health,Safety,Seniors,Christmas

Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Project

It’s time once again for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree project.  Their goal this holiday season is to collect around 300,000 gifts to distribute to an estimated 58,000 individuals. 

You might not realize that the Angel Tree is not just for kids.  Gift recipients also include senior citizens, veterans and disabled or special needs adults of any age who might otherwise miss out on the joys of Christmas.  Please consider adding one of these individuals  to your list as they are often overlooked. 

Angels can be adopted at DFWAngelTree.org or at any of these local malls:

NorthPark Center
Collin Creek Mall
Galleria Dallas
Ridgmar Mall
Town East Mall
North East Mall
Grapevine Mills Mall
Hulen Mall
Golden Triangle Mall
Parks at Arlington

The last date to return unwrapped gifts to each mall is Wednesday, December 10.

For more helpful information and tips, visit our website.

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November is American Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes affects about 30 million children and adults in the United States.  It is estimated that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes by the year 2050.  November is designated as American Diabetes Awareness Month. 

Facts about diabetes:

• People with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for a heart attack or stroke.
• Diabetes causes nearly 50% of all cases of kidney failure.
• More than half of all amputations in adults occur in people with diabetes.
• More than half a million American adults have advanced diabetic retinopathy, greatly increasing their risk for severe vision loss.
• About 60-70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction and other nerve problems.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry - even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss - even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.  Early detection and treatment are the keys to prevent complications of diabetes.  More information on symptoms, treatments and living with diabetes are available from the American Diabetes Association.

For more great tips, visit our website.

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Vial of Life Provides Vital Information to Emergency Responders

The Vial of Life is a free program that helps put vital health information into the hands of emergency responders when seconds count.  Vial of Life programs are commonly used by Senior Citizens but this life saving program can be used by anyone in need.

Inside the kit is a form to fill out which includes the patients’ name, pertinent medical history and emergency contact information.  Once completed the form will be put into an oversized “pill capsule” then stored on the top shelf of your refrigerator door. A magnet and sticker are provided with the kit.  The magnet should be placed on your refrigerator door and the sticker should be placed near the front door to notify emergency responders to check for the Vial of Life in your refrigerator.

Update your information when you have major changes in your health history or if your medications change.  A good rule is to verify that your information is correct twice a year when you change the batteries in your smoke detector.

The Arlington Fire Department along with Texas Health Resources offer the Vial of Life kits free of charge.  You can also download the forms and request a kit from VialofLife.com.

For more great tips for Seniors, visit our website.

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Medicare Open Enrollment Runs October 15 through December 7

Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7.  During this enrollment period, Medicare members have the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to their Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage for the following year. 

The changes that can be made during the Open Enrollment period include:

• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage.
• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
• Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
• Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.
  

If you aren’t sure whether you have the best plan to fit your needs, Medicare.gov offers a Plan Finder tool that can help you decide.  Make sure you have a list of your medications ready so you can personalize the search and have the Plan Finder estimate the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for you.  The Plan Finder will also let you compare plans, and provide links so you can go directly to the plan you choose and enroll.

If you need help using the Plan Finder, Medicare has provided a tutorial that will guide you through the process.

For more great tips for Seniors, visit our website.

 

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Early Voting by Mail for Seniors in Texas

It’s no secret we have a big election coming up on November 4, 2014.  If you plan to vote absentee, or what Texas calls "early voting by mail," then you need to get your application done ASAP.  Early voting for this election runs October 20 – October 31.

You may vote absentee in Texas if you are:

• 65 years or older;
• disabled;
• going to be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or
• confined in jail, but otherwise eligible

You can start applying for an early voting ballot up to 60 days before the election. The last day to apply for this election is October 24.  You can download and complete the Texas application for an absentee ballot and then mail, fax, or hand-deliver your completed application to your County Clerk. If you opt to hand-deliver your application, it must be delivered before the start of the early voting period (prior to October 20 in this case).  Once early voting has started, absentee ballot applications will only be accepted by mail, common or contract carrier, or by fax.

If you are unsure if your voter registration is in or

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der, you can verify your information here.  You can search by your driver’s license number, your unique voter identification number or your first and last name. If you find you need to register, you can do so on that site as well.

Let your voice be heard!  Vote by mail, vote early, or vote on November 4.

For more great tips, visit our website.

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Keep Your Mind Sharp With Brain-Stimulating Exercise

A new book by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona suggests that brain stimulating exercises such as puzzles and crosswords might be a key to preventing memory loss.

In Canyon Ranch 30 Days to a Better Brain, Carmona explains the anatomy of the brain and gives advice on how to keep the mind agile and sharp. Some of the strategies Dr. Carmona recommends for combatting the effects of aging on the mind include adequate sleep, good nutrition, exercise and brain-stimulating exercises.

In a recent interview, Dr. Carmona equated brain-stimulating exercise to physical exercise.  “As we get older, if we don’t exercise our biceps, they atrophy. And if you don’t continue to stimulate the mind, it does tend to undergo atrophy, too. MRI images show the brain shrinks if you don’t use it. It requires that you develop the neural network. It’s not clear whether a crossword puzzle is better than a video game. But generally, challenging and stimulating the brain with new things is good.”

So break out that crossword puzzle, play that online puzzle game, or work that jigsaw--It might be just what your brain needs.

For additional tips for seniors, visit our website.

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3 Must Knows About Successfully Selling Your Home

Sometimes the hardest part of selling a home is making the decision to sell it. Our homes give us roots, provide sanctuary, house memories and, hopefully, give us some financial security. It's a huge decision to sell a home. Once made, however, additional decisions will come fast and furious, so take some time now, before the frenzy, to understand these 3 Must Knows About Successfully Selling Your Home in today's real estate marketplace.

 

What is Market Value?
One of the most challenging aspects of selling a home is determining the list price. Many homeowners will go online to find homes nearby that are for sale and base their price assumption on those that are most similar.

The list price of a home, however, is a fantasy. It represents an amount of money the seller thinks, or hopes the home will bring. Until the home sells, he may be right or he may be wrong.

Buyers set market value for homes. What a knowledgeable, willing, and unpressured buyer pays for a home is the home's true market value. Therefore, when pricing a home for the market, one must always look at the sold prices of similar homes nearby.

This is the method both real estate agents and appraisers use when determining a home's market value.

First Impressions Matter
Think back to when you were house hunting. Were there houses that you arrived at that you just couldn't bear to get out of the car to look at? Chipped or peeling paint, sagging window and door screens, and overgrown or dead landscaping do not make a good first impression.

Before you do anything else, clean your house, inside and out. Make cosmetic repairs, especially outdoors where the house makes its first impression. Even if it's merely a new coat of paint on the front door, shiny new house numbers and some fresh mulch in the planting beds, it may help folks want to see more.

Don't neglect the interior either. If you don't know where to start, take a look at some websites with ideas on how to declutter and stage the home.

Since 95% of home buyers are finding their home on the internet, you want to make a good impression on real estate websites as well.  That’s why the Sullivan & Sullivan real estate team has every home that they list and sell professionally staged and photographed by a professional photographer.  See our Ultimate 55 Point Home Selling Plan

Don't Attempt This on Your Own
I know what you're thinking: Of course a real estate agent is going to tell me not to take the for-sale-by-owner route. So, I won't ask you to take just my word for it. Let's look at the cold, hard numbers.

First, only 9 percent of homeowners attempt to sell their homes without the aid of an agent, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Of those, almost half said they took this route because they were selling their home to someone they knew.

The next most commonly stated reason that a homeowner gave for not using an agent was that he or she didn't want to pay the real estate commission. That's understandable when one isn't sure exactly what an agent does to get a home sold. Once you get a look at that list, you'll understand that you definitely get what you pay for.

You should also take into consideration the fact that a home that is for sale by the owner is considered a bargain to most homebuyers. Many will walk in expecting you to kick back some of that money you're saving by not using an agent. This is why, according to NAR, homes sold by agents sell for 16 percent more than those sold by owner.

Selling a home is a big deal and, thankfully, something we don't often do. When it's time to sell yours, start with the basics, as outlined above, and you'll be ready to list your home before you know it.  Contact the Sullivan & Sullivan real estate team to see how we sell homes in an average of 18 days for 99% of list price!

Technorati Tags: home selling tips,home seller,real estate sales,home sales,home value,staging

Can Pets Hurt a Home Sale?

Homeowners often wonder, Can pets hurt a home sale? Here’s a story that will help answer that question. 
Dogs do the darndest things when they're bored. Take Squishy, for instance. Lauren came home late one night from her job as a nurse to find that Squishy –her usually well-mannered dog – had torn her sofa to shreds, right down to the woody skeleton. Squishy had enough time to not only disassemble the sofa but also to chew up the living room baseboards. While a ruined sofa won't impact a home's value, gnarled-on baseboards most definitely will. 

Americans Love Their Pets
Over 43 million American households own a dog, and over 36 million own at least one cat, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. It's unclear how many of these households are owner-occupied and how many rented, but since 65.5 percent of Americans own their homes, it's probably safe to say that many pet owners are also homeowners.

The various dog-shaming websites prove that pets behaving badly is sometimes funny – especially if it's someone else's pet acting up. When it's your cat or a neighbor's pooch committing the atrocities, though, you may pay dearly with a lowered resale value on your home.

Impact on Home Value
Time business and money writer Brad Tuttle claims that pets "can potentially do pretty much the same thing to your home's value that some pets do on the rug." He goes on to credit a New England real estate agent for determining that owning a pet may have a negative impact on your home's resale value.

As evidence, the agent cited a cat owner's condo that sold for up to $30,000 less than it should have because of damage caused by the pets.

Then, there's the noise factor. Whining, barking dogs in a neighborhood can bring down resale home values by between 5 to 10 percent, Appraisal Institute's Richard L. Borges tells Business Insider.

There isn't much you can do about a neighbor's dog, but there is plenty you can do about your own.

De-Pet Your Home
Just as you'll need to clean and declutter your home before it goes on the market, you'll also need to de-pet it. This involves getting rid of not only any damage the pet has caused, but also the hair, stains and, most of all, odors.

Start by getting rid of the hair. You'll need a heavy-duty vacuum for the job. Consider having the upholstered furniture dry-cleaned, launder or dry-clean the drapes, and shampoo the carpets.

Carpet: The Stink Magnet
Cat urine in the carpet is one of the hardest odors to get rid of, according to Neeraj Gupta, director of product research and development at ServiceMaster Clean. "Oftentimes," he tells MSN's Marcie Geffner, "you have to remove the carpet, remove the pad and seal the floor, and then replace the carpet and the pad."

If you think you can fix the problem by shampooing the carpet, you may want to pay close attention to those areas your pet chooses to use as a restroom.

First, though, you'll need to find those spots. Christopher Solomon of MSN Real Estate says that not all of the spots will be visible to the naked eye. He suggests that you consider purchasing a battery-powered ultraviolet light – also known as a black light. They are inexpensive and, used in a totally dark room, can pinpoint every bodily fluid that has landed on the carpet.

Other Flooring
If you have a hard-surface floor, you may think you've squeaked by the pet-odor problem. Think again. Even some hard surfaces can absorb urine. You'll need a chemical deodorizer and cleaner to rid the floor of the odor. If it lingers, you may need to strip and repaint, varnish or otherwise seal the floor.

Walls
If you own a dog, you are probably familiar with how they seem to love rubbing against the walls. Walk through your home with your eyes cast on walls and interior doors at doggy height and you'll no doubt notice discolored areas. Sometimes a Magic Eraser will remove the marks. If you've lived in the home for a long time, you may need to repaint to remove the doggy odor.

Cats like walls too – especially male cats, who tend to spray vertical surfaces, such as the backs of chairs and walls, according to the experts at Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Ask your veterinarian what she recommends to clean and deodorize the walls.

Showings
Your real estate agent will suggest that you not be home during showings. There are a number of reasons for this, but the most significant is that buyers are more relaxed if the homeowner isn't hanging around.

The National Association of Realtors® suggests removing the pet from the home during showings as well. If you'll be home, this is easy, just take the dog for a walk or drive.

If you will be working during showings, you'll need to come up with an alternative for your pet. Here are a few places to take your dog during showings:

Doggie Daycare – This one is ideal. The dog gets a day of socializing and playing, and potential buyers get to tour the home in solitude.

Groomer – An obvious win-win.

Veterinarian – Use the opportunity to get the dog or cat a checkup and shots.

Professional Dog Walker – Hire a dog walker to remove the dog from the home during showings.

Life is chaotic and full of unexpected events when your house is on the market. It's important to remain flexible and accommodate last-minute showings if you want to get the home sold. While pets may be members of the family, they are distractions to buyers, so it's important to decide beforehand how you'll deal with them while the home is for sale.

If you have any questions about selling a home or any other real estate questions for the Sullivan & Sullivan team, please contact us here.

Technorati Tags: Home Value,Home Sales,homeowner tips,Pets,Dog,Cat

How to Avoid Buying a Money Pit

There's an old saying that a boat is nothing more than a hole in the water that you pour your money into. Boats are expensive – from the purchase to the ongoing maintenance – and boat owners throw a lot of money into that hole. If that's true, then it's easy to imagine a house being a hole in the ground, ready to swallow a fortune. Sadly, many of them are just that, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you're house hunting, it's easy to be swayed by design features and miss the red flags that signal the home may just be a money pit. So, how do you avoid buying a money pit?

Evidence of Deferred Maintenance
Ah, real estate lingo. Get ready to learn a whole new language as you go through the real estate transaction. One of the terms you may frequently hear, especially from your agent and home inspector, is "deferred maintenance."

Deferred maintenance is, simply, the putting off of routine home maintenance. Whether because of procrastination or lack of funds, many homeowners fail to perform the tasks that a house requires to remain in good condition.

For instance, failing to replace a cracked or broken wax ring on a toilet can lead to huge repair bills. Caught early, it's a relatively inexpensive fix. If not attended to, however, moisture will seep from the toilet, intruding into the flooring and even the subfloor. Mold may form. Before you know it, you're looking at not only fixing the toilet but replacing the flooring as well.

Let's take a look at some signs that a homeowner has put off performing routine but critical maintenance:

Cracks in the walls – Although this may be just a result of natural home shifting, a crack in the wall may be a symptom of a larger problem. Vertical cracks are typically harmless. Horizontal cracks, or jagged cracks that run at an angle, on the other hand, deserve closer inspection. These may indicate foundation shifting or water damage.

Ceiling stains – Stains on the ceiling are common and indicate a problem somewhere above the stain. The problem may be a roof leak or defective chimney flashing, allowing rain and snow to seep through.

Ceiling stains may also indicate condensation. If the stain is near the bathroom's exhaust fan, condensation is most likely the culprit, and an uninsulated duct in the attic may be the cause.

Then, there is the obvious plumbing leak. If an upstairs bathroom is located above the stain there may be a leak in the tub, toilet or sink. Press your toes around the floor along the edge of the toilet's base. If it feels spongy, the toilet may be leaking. A home inspector has a tool to test a stain to determine if it is wet or dry. A dry stain means that the problem no longer exists while a wet stain means the problem persists.

Firewood piles – If you live in a region where wood-destroying pests are a problem, such as California, the Pacific Northwest and Michigan, a pile of firewood acts as a magnet for them. If that wood pile is stacked against the side of a house, there is a chance that the home may be infested with termites. A pest inspector is your best resource if you suspect there may be wood-destroying pest damage in a home.

Musty odors – Many houses contain hidden health hazards, and one of the biggest is indoor air pollution. Some pollutants, such as radon gas, are impossible to detect by smell and require the help of a professional. Others, such as mold, are sometimes either visually evident or you can smell them. Mold is one of the most common indoor air pollutants, and we inhale the spores every time we take a breath. If the air smells musty, there is most likely mold somewhere in the home. Hire a certified mold inspector to go through the home before signing on the dotted line.

Sticking doors and windows – Open and close all interior windows and doors in the house. If they stick and aren't painted shut, it may be an indication of the foundation shifting. Look at the top of the sticking doors for a gap. This is another indication of the same problem.

While you can never completely eliminate risk when you buy a home, you can reduce it by exercising "due diligence," another of those terms you'll hear bandied about during the home-buying process. Due diligence simply describes your duty to investigate the condition of the property before you buy it. Many homebuyers rely on professional home inspectors to fulfill this aspect of their investigation, and there is nothing wrong with that. By knowing what to look for, however, you can guide your home inspector to those areas of the home that you think require extra scrutiny.

One final note: Certain types of deferred maintenance may sabotage your mortgage loan during the appraisal. Something as simple as broken or cracked windows can hold up an FHA-backed loan, and signs of larger problems, such as water damage and suspected mold infestations may cause a lender to demand further investigation and even repairs prior to closing.

If you are a buyer looking for a home and want a professional that can help you avoid a Money Pit, contact the Sullivan Team for some solid home buying advice. Also if want to sell your home and avoid being labeled as a Money Pit, contact the Sullivan Team for some solid home selling advice.

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Dallas Fort Worth Home Sales in 2014

The mid year numbers are in for Dallas Fort Worth home sales in 2014.  Pre-owned home sales for North Texas were up a 7% in June,  the largest year over year monthly gain this year.

The median sales price in DFW was a record $199,900 up 10% from a year ago.

There were 9,841 home sales last month which was more than any single month in the last decade.

Average Days on Market to sell a house was 44 days, the shortest average time on record in the Dallas Fort Worth – North Texas area!

Watch this short video to find out what home sales are doing in specific areas of DFW.

DFW Metro Homes Sales in 2014

If you would like more information about home sales in your neighborhood or zip code, contact the Sullivan & Sullivan team, Your Real Estate Professionals in the DFW area.

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This Home Has Aluminum Wiring, Should I Be Worried?

Many times when working with home buyers we are asked, “This home has aluminum wiring, should I be worried?” The answer is, not necessarily.

Many home buyers while looking for a home are scared off from considering a nice home because the home has aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring doesn’t necessarily mean a home is unsafe, an older home with aluminum wiring might just need some minor updates to the home wiring.

Aluminum wire has been used in houses, power grids, and airplanes. Actually, aluminum provides a better conductivity to weight ratio than copper, and that is why it is used in power wiring of some aircraft. Most people didn’t know that utility companies have used aluminum wire for electrical transmission in power grids since the early 1900s. Because it has cost and weight advantages over copper wires, aluminum wire is the preferred material in transmission and distribution applications.

When the price of copper spiked in the mid-1960s, aluminum wire was manufactured in sizes small enough to use in homes to save on building cost. Aluminum wire requires a larger wire gauge than copper to carry the same current.

When aluminum wiring was first used in homes , it was installed the same way as copper. Typical connections from electrical wire to electrical devices, are usually made by wrapping the wire around screw terminals and tightening the screw. Over time, many of these terminations to aluminum wire began to fail due to improper connection techniques and dissimilar metals having different resistances. These connection failures generated heat under electrical load and caused overheated connections.

In the late 1960s, a device specification were revised several time for aluminum wiring. A new specification called CO/ALR (meaning copper-aluminum, revised) was created. CO/ALR applies only to standard light switches and receptacles; CU/AL is the standard marking for circuit breakers and larger equipment.

Upgrading or Repairing Aluminum Wiring in Homes
There are several upgrade or repair options that can be used in pre-1974 homes with aluminum wiring.
- The most expensive option is completely rewiring the house with copper wires.
- "Pigtailing" is a less expensive option that involves splicing a short length of copper wire (pigtail) to the original aluminum wire, and then attaching the copper wire to the existing electrical device. The splice of the copper pigtail to the existing aluminum wire uses special wire nuts, special crimp connectors, or special miniature lug-type connectors.

Aluminum wiring in a home shouldn’t scare a home buyer off from purchasing a home. Many times a home owner who is selling the home has already performed the recommended safety upgrades to the home wiring. Check out this article for more information on aluminum wiring.

Contact the Sullivan and Sullivan team if you would like to talk about purchasing a home with aluminum wiring or be referred to an electrician who can assess and make updates to homes with aluminum wiring.

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Move-in Ready 2400 Sq Ft, 4 Bedroom Home in a Desirable Pantego Neighborhood

You don't want to miss this Move-in Ready 2400 Sq Ft, 4 Bedroom Home in a Desirable Pantego Neighborhood. Situated on a corner lot this lovely home has a side entry 3 car garage and parking for a RV or boat. The master bedroom has a separate sunny sitting area. There is a large kitchen with an island that has a breakfast area connecting to a sun room. There are 2 bay windows one in a living area and the other graces the formal dining room. This Pantego property is close to shopping, good schools and easy access to freeways. The interior of the home has been completely repainted with tasteful colors. For more information on this great home follow this link.

To schedule a showing please contact the Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Realty

Technorati Tags: home for Sale,Pantego TX,3315 Peachtree Ln,4 Bedrooms

Beautiful Home and Best deal in Robson Ranch

One of the nicest Active 55 Communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is Robson Ranch in Denton.  If you are looking for a  Beautiful Home and Best deal in Robson Ranch, look no further.  This home is 1818 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a study.  The home has designer colors, crown molding, extended covered patio and a spacious master bedroom.
For more information 9504 Ravenwood Drive in Robson Ranch click on this link.
Watch this video of the property

Robson Ranch Home for Sale 9504 Ravenwood Dr. Denton, TX

If you have any questions about downsizing, buying and selling homes please contact the Sullivan & Sullivan team, we are happy to answer your questions.

Technorati Tags: 9504 Ravenwood Dr,Denton TX,Home for Sale,Robson Ranch

A Team of Professionals Can Help Make Senior Downsizing Stress Free

Moving can be a stressful experience for anyone. For Seniors, Moving and Downsizing can be extremely stressful with all that is involved. Working with a team of professionals can help make Senior Downsizing stress free. Seniors usually have a life time of possessions to deal with and the stress of what to do with all of their stuff can be overwhelming. The Sullivan & Sullivan team have surrounded themselves with professionals who have a passion in working with senior clients. We help our clients organize their possessions and determine what to do with everything. Our packers and movers help the client determine what will fit in their new home, move them, unpack and get the clients new home set-up and organized. Our Estate Sale team can help clients sell possessions that they are not keeping or giving to family. Sometimes a client needs to do some repairs to the home they are moving from so that they can get the maximum return from their home investment. We have trusted home repair experts who can help make repairs reasonably and reliably. Our goal is to help clients have a downsizing experience that is as stress free as possible, so that they can start enjoying their new lifestyle.

Recently we help our client, Doris Woodard with the downsizing process and below is an interview with Doris regarding her experience.

Senior Downsizing Experience

Here are a couple more articles on downsizing:

Senior Downsizing a 5 Step Plan

How Do You Know It's Time to Downsize

Please click this link to contact the Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team if you have any additional questions about Senior Downsizing.

Technorati Tags: Estate Sale,Movers,Packers,Senior Downsizing

The Importance of Senior Estate Planning

Because our business is centered on helping Senior’s Downsize in addition to being children of aging parents, we have come to realize the importance of  Senior Estate Planning for seniors and their children.

According to Guy Garner, Arlington Elder Law Attorney, “The term “estate planning” has been defined as the art of designing a plan for the effective
enjoyment, management, and disposition of property at the minimum possible legal and tax cost.”  Mr. Garner’s client, defined estate planning in this manner:
“We want to control our property while we are alive and well, care for ourselves
and our loved ones if we become disabled, and be able to give what we have, to
whom we want, the way we want, and when we want, and, if we can, we want to
save every last tax dollar, attorney fee, and court cost possible.”
Garner believes there are six basic, essential estate planning tools that should be used, or at least strongly considered, for every adult living in the state of Texas.

TOOL NUMBER ONE – WILLS/LIVING TRUSTS

TOOL NUMBER 2 – A DURABLE GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
(Someone to watch over my daily business affairs)

TOOL NUMBER 3 – MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
(Someone to watch over me in a medical emergency)

TOOL NUMBER 4 – DECLARATION OF GUARDIAN
(Someone to watch over me if I become incompetent)

TOOL NUMBER 5 – THE LIVING WILL/DIRECTIVE TO PHYSICIANS
(My instructions for care if I am terminally ill or have an incurable disease)

TOOL NUMBER 6 – THE HIPAA RELEASE DOCUMENT

Mr. Garner has a very informative and more extensive article called “The Texas Six and it can be found by clicking on this link.”  We have used Mr. Garner for our parent’s estate planning and would highly recommend him for his expertise and caring manner.

Other estate planning resources that you may want to consider:

AARP - Legal Documents You Need Now!

Texas Your Lawyers Association - Seniors and the Law

As always the Sullivan & Sullivan team are available to help you with your Senior Downsizing needs.  Feel free to contact us by clicking here.

Technorati Tags: Seniors,Downsizing,Estate Planning,Living Will,Living Trust,Power of Attorney,Medical Power of Attorney

Safety Tips for Tornados and Severe Weather

It’s that time of year in the Dallas Fort Worth and North Texas area when Severe Weather disrupts our lives. Here are some Safety Tips for Tornados and Severe Weather. More tornadoes occur in the United States than any other country in the world, and more tornadoes occur in Texas than any other state.

Tornados

• When you faced with a tornado warning Below-ground shelters, and reinforced "safe rooms" provide the best protection against tornadic winds.
• Basements are rare in North Texas but if you happen to have a basement, seek shelter in the Northeast corner of a basement.
• If a basement is not available, go to the smallest, most-interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Cover yourself to protect your body from flying debris.
• In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers, go to the smallest, most-interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head. Sometimes in restaurants or grocery stores people seek refuge in walk-in cooler.
• In high rise buildings, go to the smallest, most-interior rooms or hallways. Stay away from exterior walls and windows. In some buildings like a banks people commonly seek shelter in vaults.
• In cars or mobile homes, abandon them immediately!! Cars and mobile homes provide no protection from tornadic winds. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter. Do not attempt to seek shelter beneath an overpass or bridge.  They provide little or no shelter and have proved to be deadly options.
• If caught in the open, lie flat in a culvert, ditch or depression and cover your head.

Lightning

Lightning is a threat anywhere thunderstorms occur.  If you hear thunder, it is time to take shelter. 

• When inside:
  - Avoid using the telephone, or other electrical appliances.
  - Do not take a bath or shower, or stand near plumbing.
• If caught outdoors:
  - Seek shelter in a sturdy building.  A hard-top automobile can also offer protection.
  - If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water and move to a safe shelter on land.
  - If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees.
  - If you feel your hair standing on end, squat with your head between your knees. Do not lie flat!
  - Avoid isolated trees or other tall objects, water, fences, convertible cars, tractors and motorcycles.

Flash Floods
Flash Floods develop quickly.  They can occur anywhere, along rivers or creeks, in low water crossings or in a dry stream bed. They can occur during any month and at any time during the day. In fact, flash floods often occur at night when it is difficult to find an escape route.  Flash floods can be deceptive. Flood waters are likely deeper and moving faster than you think.

• When driving:
  - Avoid low water crossings.
  - Use alternate routes to avoid flood prone areas.
  - Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls in flood waters.
  - Move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
  - Most cars and light trucks will begin to float in as little as 12 inches of water.
  - Act quickly, rising waters make vehicle doors difficult to open.
• If you are outside:
  - Everyone, especially children, should stay away from flooded creeks, streams or drainage ditches.
  - Swiftly flowing water can quickly sweep away even the strongest swimmers.
  - Soggy banks can collapse, dumping you into flood waters.

Hail

• In a car: Stop driving. If you can see a safe place close-by to drive to (like inside a garage or under a service station awning), do so as soon as you can. Make sure you pull completely off the highway. Do not stop under bridges or overpasses!
• Do NOT leave the vehicle until it stops hailing. Your car will furnish reasonable protection. Stay away from car windows. Cover your eyes with something (Carry a blanket in your car or use a piece of clothing). If possible, get onto the floor face down, or lay down on the seat with your back to the windows. Put very small children under you, and cover their eyes.
• In a building: seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building. Stay inside until the hail stops. Stay away from skylights and windows, especially windows that are being struck by hail.
• If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you can’t find something to protect your entire body, at least find something to protect your head. Stay out of culverts and lowland areas that might fill suddenly with water. Trees are a last resort. It is common during severe storms for trees to lose branches. Also, large isolated trees attract lightning.

After a severe weather event if you are faced with roof or other damage that needs to be repaired and need a recommendation for a good roofing company or construction contractor who can help you with home repairs, contact the Sullivan & Sullivan team, Your Real Estate Professionals.

Technorati Tags: Severe Weather,North Texas,Safety Tips,Dallas Fort Worth,Tornados,Lightning,Hail,Flood

How Do You Know It’s Time to Downsize?

Is it time to move to a smaller home or downsize? Do you live in a large home with stairs to climb, too many rooms to heat and cool and too much on-going maintenance? Maybe you could use some of the equity you’ve built up in your current home. As our lives change so do our housing needs. That too big home may have been perfect when raising kids, it offered plenty of room and was close to good schools, and was in a great neighborhood. Now the kids have moved on, the neighborhood has changed, and so have your housing needs. So, how do you know it’s time to downsize?

• Do You Need the Equity From Your Current Home?
  In 2010 the median home equity for those between the ages of 55 and 64 was $100,000, according to Reuters. Americans aged 65 and over did even better; they typically claimed $135,000 in home equity. This built up equity may be your main retirement savings. Sometimes selling a home and converting that equity to cash will help you move to a retirement community or smaller maintenance free home.
• Do You Have Too Much House?
  Are you paying taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance for a home that is too large for your current lifestyle? Would moving to a smaller, lower priced home, condo or apartment be easier to manage and save you resources?
• Does Your Home Work With Your Current Physical Ability?
  Do you have stairs that are now too much or unsafe for you to climb? Is there too much upkeep and maintenance for you to manage in your current home? Do you need more access ability for a walker or wheelchair?
• Do You Want To Be Closer to Family, Friends or Doctors?
  Would you like to move closer to family so that you can spend more time with your kids and grandchildren? Maybe your doctors or stores where you like to shop are not convenient. Are there good friend or relatives that you would like to live closer to?
• Would A Move Improve Your Lifestyle?
  Maybe you’ve always wanted to travel and would like to live in a small home that you could lock and leave so that you can visit those destinations on your wish list. Have you always wanted to live by a golf course, a beach or the mountains? Maybe you would like to live in a senior community that offers low maintenance living, social activities, bridge clubs, great meals, or health and wellness programs. Here are some of AARPs Best Places to Live lists.

As you can see there are a number of considerations when deciding to downsize. Downsizing can be for financial, health, family or lifestyle reasons. Consider the reasons, talk it over with your family and seek advice from financial, legal and real estate professionals. Careful planning and sound advice are crucial to a successful move.
We would love to assist you with planning for your downsize. 
The Sullivan & Sullivan real estate team specializes in helping older adults with the sometimes daunting downsize journey.   One of the resources we offer our clients is a complimentary “Downsizing Made Easy Guide.”  Click here to contact us for more information.

Technorati Tags: Senior,Adult,Downsize,Real Estate,Selling a home,AARP,Moving

The Wimbledon Neighborhood in Arlington, TX

The Wimbledon neighborhood in Arlington, TX  is a 2-square-mile area just south of I-20. Some of the residents still live in the first houses built, since they were built in the late 1970s and early ’80s. There are residents who grew up in Wimbledon, left then came back with their own children. Newcomers are attracted to the upscale houses with large yards and mature trees and landscaping.  The tennis-theme neighborhood name and street names pay homage to a popular racket club that anchored the neighborhood which burned in 1991 and was not replaced.

The homeowners association covers 177 lots in the original neighborhood, bounded by Bowen Road on the west, Bardin Road on the north, Old Mansfield Road on the east and Wimbledon Drive on the south. Home prices range from $220,000 to $600,000. The Wimbledon neighborhood is serviced by both the Arlington and Mansfield school districts.

Newer developments within Wimbledon have grown around the original neighborhood include: Wimbledon on the Creek, The Estates Above Wimbledon, Deerwood Park, Ouro Verde, and Buckingham Estates.

The Wimbledon Garden Club was formed in 1980 and is the principal organization of the neighborhoods. The Garden club has been beautifying the neighborhood since its inception doing chores like planting flowers and trees, pulling weeds, and spreading mulch. Click here for more information on the Wimbledon Garden Club found on the City of Arlington website.

The Garden Club was instrumental in getting the neighborhood’s main feature, the 
1,592-acre Wimbledon Park, built in 1985 at 2300 Wimbledon Drive. A major highlight of Wimbledon Park, on Wimbledon Drive is a fitness course that includes three fitness areas. There is a 1.1 mile trail with numerous curves and hills, great for runners and walkers.

Wimbledon is conveniently located close to shopping at the Parks Mall, Arlington Highlands and The Village at Sports Center shopping plaza which is located right at the corner of South Cooper and Wimbledon Drive. The neighborhood offers easy access to I-20 for commuting around the metro area.

Click here to see homes for sale in the Wimbledon neighborhood.

Technorati Tags: Wimbledon,Arlington Texas,Wimbledon neighborhoods,Homes for Sale in Wimbledon,Deerwood Park,Wimbledon on the Creek,Buckingham Estates,The Estates Above Wimbledon,Wimbledon Park

Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team Aims to Empower Seniors to be Proactive about Late-in-Life Choices

Ingrid and John Sullivan are passionate about helping Seniors make the transition from a larger home to a more manageable living situation.  By focusing on helping Seniors, the Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team aims to empower Seniors to be proactive about Late-in-Life choices. 

As real estate professionals who have managed late-in-life moves for a number of clients, including their own parents  – the Sullivan's are  thoroughly aware of how emotional, complicated and stressful the process can be for seniors and their families. Their message to seniors and their families: "You’re Not Alone."

That’s why the Sullivan's have stepped up to the role of Arlington’s top advocates for a proactive, positive approach to where and how to spend one’s later years. During their hour-and -a-half presentation entitled, "Downsize Your Home to Upsize Your Lifestyle," Ingrid & John present seniors with a framework for getting started on a plan, and urges attendees to look at all of the options available for a new chapter of life that calls for less maintenance and allows for more freedom and fun.

For more information about their downsizing seminars and upcoming dates for the next seminars, see this press release.

Technorati Tags: Seniors,downsizing,Arlington,Downsizing Seminar,Sullivan and Sullivan,Senior Downsizing

Town Village is the Premier Independent Living Community in Arlington, TX

 If you are looking for an Independent Living Community in Arlington, you’ll like what you see at Town Village. Brookdale’s Town Village is the Premier Independent Living Community in Arlington, TX. Town Village Arlington is an exceptional Independent Living Community option for seniors.

As you enter the community you are greeted by gorgeous landscaping and a cozy wrap-around covered porch with seating areas. Once you enter the front doors you will enjoy the tastefully decorated living and meeting areas.

Town Village offers 215 apartments with full kitchens. There are studio, one bedroom, and two bedrooms apartments with several different floor plans to accommodate resident’s needs.

Residents dine in the beautiful dining room and can choose from a number of delicious meal choices at each meal. The healthy meals are prepared by trained chefs and served by an attentive wait staff. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday, on Sundays and Holidays there is a wonderful brunch and various breakfast choices are served daily.

Some of the areas enjoyed by residents are the library, billiard room, fitness facilities, and an arts and craft room. There are a number of public living areas where residents enjoy other activities like dominos, card games, puzzles, and visiting. Services that set Town Village apart from other Senior Communities are the very accommodating transportation services with 4 vehicles and 5 drivers, Call Pendants with GPS tracking, Exercise and Wellness programs, and Housekeeping, all of which are included in the monthly rent. Additional services offered by Town Village Arlington include: On-site therapy, Beauty Salon, Pet Walking, Laundry, and Medication Reminders.

Residents at Town Village range in age from 62 to 100 years old. There are a few residents who have lived at Town Village since it was built about 13 years ago. The friendliness of the residents and staff is what residents say they love about living at Town Village. Favorite activities of the residents include: Bingo, Visits to local museums, Outings to the Symphony and Plays, and monthly trips to the Casino. Click here to see the monthly calendar of activities at Town Village Arlington. Watch this video to see what residents and families have to say about Town Village.

Stop by Town Village at 1250 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX or contact them at 817-226-0500

 

Technorati Tags: Town Village,Arlington TX,Senior Living,Independent Senior Living Community