6 Steps for Hiring a Reliable Contractor

If you’re thinking about upgrades or repairs to your home, it is important to do your homework before hiring someone to do the work.  The last thing you want is to be stuck with Here are 6 steps for hiring a reliable contractor:

1.  Get multiple bids.  Get estimates from at least 3 companies.  Make sure they give you a full description – in writing - of what will be done and what materials will be used.  It is also good to know the permit requirements and make sure the contractor will be obtaining the appropriate permits.  Beware of anyone who asks you to obtain the permit on their behalf.  The permit requester will be held responsible for work that does not meet city code.

2.  Find out if the contractor is insured.  It is good practice to ask for current certificates of insurance.  Not only do you want your property to be protected if they damage it, you also want to make sure their workers are insured.  If not, you could be held liable for any injuries that happen on your property.  You also want to make sure that contractors are licensed when necessary.

3.  Check references.  Ask for a list of at least 3 references for projects similar to yours.  Call each reference and find out how long ago the contractor worked for them, what their experience was like and if the project was completed in a timely manner.  Check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if there is a history of complaints, advertising issues or licensing issues.  Look for online customer reviews.

4.  Read the contract thoroughly.  Make sure you understand everything.  Ask questions if something isn’t clear.  Make sure everything you have discussed is included in the contract.  Do not sign it until you are satisfied that everything is included.  Never sign a contract with blanks.  Make sure they give you a copy of everything you sign.

5.  Never pay cash.  Always use a credit card or check.  Ask about payment options.  While many contractors require a down payment, don’t pay large upfront fees.  Never pay your final payment until the project is completed to your satisfaction.

6.  Ask about warranties.  Find out if the company guarantees their work.  Make sure any warranty is included in your contract and the terms and conditions are clearly stated.

If you’re looking for recommendations for trustworthy contractors, give us a call at (817) 330-9235.  We have a list of vetted professionals that we can recommend to help you get started.

Technorati Tags: home,repair,contractor,reliable,house,upgrades,renovations

Things to Do This Weekend in Arlington – June 19-21

There are a number of things going on in Arlington this weekend.  Treat your dad this Father’s Day weekend with one of these fun outings:

What: Toulouse-Lautrec & La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910
Where: Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St.
When: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm through August 16
Cost: $8 for adults; $5 for students; free for kids 12 & under
Info: Toulouse-Lautrec and The Post Impressionists contains almost 200 pieces from avant-garde Post-Impressionist artists working in a new French “modern” style. Built around the work of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, painter of scenes and artists from the famed Paris theatre, the Moulin Rouge, this expansive exhibit will explore the anti-establishment movement among artists seeking alternative means to bring their art to a broad public and break out of the traditional molds.  www.arlingtonmuseum.org

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What: Fantasy in Sand
Where: Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way
When: Daily through August 23, 10 am to 8 pm (schedule varies on Rangers game days)
Cost: $10 online through June 30
Info: Wil B and Kev Marcus are classically trained viola and violin players who first met playing in the high school orchestra in Florida. Their music blends classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music.  www.fantasyinsand.com

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What: Great American Scrapbook Convention
Where: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way
When: June 18 –20 (10 am – 6 pm Thursday, 9 am – 6pm Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday)
Cost: Adults & Children over 10 – $12, Seniors - $10, Children 9 & under – Free, 2 & 3 days passes also available at the door
Info: The ultimate weekend for scrapbookers!  Shopping, scrapping & learning  Visit http://www.ckscrapbookevents.com/GreatAmerican/GASCArlington.aspx for details.

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What: Comedian Tony Woods
Where: Arlington Improv in the Highlands, 309 Curtis Mathes Way, #147
When: June 19 - 21
Cost:  $17 – $30
Info: Tony Woods is a one-of-a-kind comic who's always in control of his audience. His playful and cool demeanor, combined with sharp and mischievous subject matter, create a show that is unmistakably entertaining at every level. Tony is an entertainer that understands an audience and encourages them to become part of his strange world. http://www.improvarlington.com/

10 Tips to Keep Seniors Healthy and Safe This Summer

The rains have kept North Texans from enjoying the outdoors as much as we might have liked this spring.  With summer just around the corner, many of us will be venturing out for some sunshine and fresh air.  Here are 10 tips to keep seniors safe and healthy this summer:

1. Stay Hydrated:  Try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. By the time you start to feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. The feeling of thirst decreases as we age, so seniors must consciously increase water intake during periods of prolonged physical activity. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can contribute to dehydration. If you know you’ll be outside for a long period, plan ahead and pack water to take with you.
2. Dress Appropriately.  Remember the 5 L’s – Layered, Loose, Lightweight, Light-colored, Long sleeves.  Layers allow you to go from the cooler mornings and evenings to the warmer part of the day.  Loose and  lightweight clothing allows your skin to breath better than tight fitting, heavier garments.  Light colors reflect the sun and are therefore cooler.  Long sleeves protect your skin from harmful UV rays.  A wide brimmed hat is also important for protecting your face, ears and neck.
3. Protect Your Eyes.  Vision problems are common among seniors and too much exposure to the sun can irritate eyes and cause further damage. Glasses or sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays can help reduce the cumulative effect the sun can have on cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
4. Wear sunscreen.  Look for a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Be sure to apply it 15-30 minutes before you will be exposed to the sun. If you’re enjoying water activities, be sure to reapply your sunscreen frequently - even if it says it is “waterproof”.
5. Know the signs of heat stroke. Symptoms of hyperthermia, or heat stroke, include body temperature of 104+, confusion, disorientation, agitation, dry, flushed skin, headache, lethargy, nausea and vomiting, rapid pulse, and fainting. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
6. Plan activities for morning or evening. Try to limit your outdoor activity to the times of day when the temperatures are lower and the sun isn’t beating down on you.
7. Turn on your air conditioning. A closed up home without air conditioning can be a dangerous place in the heat of the summer.  Many seniors don’t want to run up their electric bill so they avoid running their air.  Consider spending the hottest part or the day with friends or family who have air conditioning or at a shopping mall, senior center, or movie theater. If you need assistance with your utility bills, there are many state and local programs that can help.  Check with your electric company or city government to find out what is available to you and what the requirements are.
8. Check on Friends and Family. Get to know your neighbors so you can look out for one another.  Check on friends and relatives, especially those who do not have air conditioning. Plan outings together in places that have air conditioning.
9. Know Your Medications: If you take daily medications, review the potential side effects. Some medications can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you are unsure, call your doctor or pharmacist with any questions.
10. Know Who to Call.  Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and place them in an easy to access area.  If you aren’t feeling well or need help, don’t be afraid to call for help.

Technorati Tags: Summer,Safety,Seniors,Health

How to Protest Your Property Tax Appraisal Value

In the Arlington, Dallas and Fort Worth areas new property tax appraisal values for the current year are established in May. Property value notices are sent out to property owners on the 1st or 2nd of May.  You can also look online at the appraised value set by your tax appraisal district by visiting their websites:  Tarrant County Appraisal District & Dallas County Appraisal District

You may protest the value on your property in the following situations:

• the value the appraisal district placed on your property is too high
• your property is unequally appraised
• the appraisal district denied a special appraisal, such as open-space land, or incorrectly denied your exemption application
• the appraisal district failed to provide you required notices
• other matters prescribed by Tax Code Section 41.41(a)

Many districts will informally review your concerns and may try to resolve our objections without a formal hearing.  It is important, even if you think you may resolve your concerns at the informal meeting, to preserve your right to protest by filing your Notice of Protest before the May 31st deadline. 

Once your protest is received, the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) will notify you at least 15 days in advance of the date, time and place of your hearing.  You can appear in person, by affidavit or through an agent.  If you fail to appear, you may lose the right to be heard by the ARB on the protest and the right to appeal.

Be on time for your hearing and come prepared.  Present your information in a simple and organized manner.  Photographs and other documents may be helpful.  Take an appropriate number of copies so that each member of the ARB will receive one. 

After the hearing, the ARB will send their decision to you via certified mail.  If you disagree with the ARB’s decision, you have the right to appeal.  More information about the appeals process can be found at http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/proptax/protests.html.

Here is a chart that outlines the steps to protest your property value:

 

If you need help determining your property value, call Ingrid or John Sullivan at 817-330-9235 for a complimentary comparative market analysis.

More helpful links:

Tarrant County Appraisal District Review Board Hearing Procedures
Tarrant County Appraisal Review Board Notice of Protest
Dallas County Appraisal District Protest Information

Technorati Tags: Dallas,Fort Worth,Arlington,Property Tax,Protest

Things to do in Arlington This Weekend–May 1-3

Looking for something fun to do in Arlington this weekend?  Here are some ideas:

What: Quilter’s Guild of Arlington Festival of Quilts
Where: Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Arlington, TX 76014
When:  Friday, May 1, 2015; 10am – 5pm
Cost: $8 cash only, free parking
Info:  www.qgoa.org
Quilters' Guild of Arlington presents the 2015 Festival of Quilts - "Joyful Reflections."  200 judged fabric art and quilt entries; a miniature quilt silent auction, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure; an AQS certified quilt appraiser; Scissor Guy will be available for scissors & knife sharpening; Vendors; "Friendship Garden" Donation Quilt will be on display and tickets will be available for purchase (a portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit Safe Haven).

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What:  Texas History Day
Where:  Six Flags; 2201 Rd to Six Flags Arlington, TX 76011
When: Friday, May 1, 2015; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: Special rates are available and groups that order in advance will receive one free chaperone ticket for every 20 tickets purchased
Info: www.sixflags.com
Visit with characters straight out of Texas history. Performers provide a unique first-person perspective of life on the Texas frontier so you can truly grasp the essence of Texas' rich history. Learn about the park's history and how Six Flags Over Texas was developed. Special rates are available and groups that order in advance will receive one free chaperone ticket for every 20 tickets purchased!

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What:  Urinetown: The Musical
Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 West Main Street Arlington, TX 76010
When:  Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from May 1 thru May 24
Cost: $17.50 – $22
Info: Theatre Arlington
In an attempt to regulate water consumption, Urinetown (a mythical bad place) has outlawed the use of private toilets.  By Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis.

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What:  Texas Rangers vs Oakland Athletics
Where: Globe Life Park
When:  May 1 – 3 (7:05 Fri & Sat; 2:05 Sun)
Cost: $13 – $50
Info: Texas Rangers
Cheer on the home team as they take on the Oakland A’s in a three game series this weekend.

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What:  Cowboys Carnival
Where: AT&T Stadium
When:  May 2 11:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Info: Dallas Cowboys
Appearances by Dallas Cowboys players and Cheerleaders. Photo opportunities, autographs, carnival rides and games, live music and more. Miller Lite West Plaza.

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Technorati Tags: Six Flags,Texas Rangers,Dallas Cowboys,Arlington

5 Reasons More Older Adults are Choosing to Rent

According to a recent study, baby boomers (the generation born between 1945 and the early 1960s) now account for about 29% of renters.  Let’s look at 5 reasons more older adults are choosing to rent vs. own their home:

1.  Convenience.  After years of homeownership, one of the biggest perks of renting is that the maintenance is no longer their responsibility.  If the air conditioner isn’t working or the sink is clogged, they can simply call the landlord.  This can be a huge relief for older adults. 

2.  Savings.  A large home can be a great expense.  Mortgage payments, property taxes, upkeep and utilities can take a toll on finances.  A smaller place with less maintenance can mean big savings for those looking to make their retirement dollars last as long as possible

3.  Less wasted space.  As empty-nesters, there is no need to have all of the extra rooms to clean and maintain (or heat and cool).  Downsizing is the answer for many seniors.  There are options to fit any lifestyle - smaller houses, apartments or independent senior living communities. 

4.  Flexibility.  There are no long-term commitments, which is nice for those who aren’t quite sure where they want to settle or who may need to make a change in the future for health reasons. 

5. The sale is done.  Selling a home can be very stressful, and even more so when there are health or other issues at play and decisions have to be made for you.  By selling while healthy, older adults avoid the extra stress on themselves and their families.

If you’re interested in finding out more about downsizing, download our free guide, “5 Easy Steps to a Successful Move” or give us a call at (817) 330-9235 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

 

Technorati Tags: seniors,downsizing,boomers,rent

Late-in-Life Moves Present Challenges to Seniors and Their Families

Senior Downsizing Experts Offer Solutions for a Smooth Transition

As senior adults and their families begin to face the challenges of “downsizing" -- a move for the elder from a larger family home into a smaller home, apartment, or senior living community -- they can feel overwhelmed. Many don't know where to start or what their options are.

To help Dallas/Fort Worth seniors and their families to better deal with the complexities involved in late-life moves, Senior Downsizing Experts Ingrid and John Sullivan have put together a casual and interactive workshop entitled “Downsizing Made Easy." The next free events are as follows:

April 9 at Brookdale Arlington (formerly Town Village) from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

April 18 at the Lake Arlington Branch of the Arlington Public Library from 10:30 am to noon

April 22 at Atria at Hometown in North Richland Hills from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

During their hour-and-a-half presentation, the Sullivans discuss questions to consider before making a move, senior living options in the DFW area, questions for touring senior living communities, tips for hiring various professionals related to the moving process, guidance on estate sales, and more. They urge attendees to look at all of the options available for a new chapter of life that requires less maintenance and allows for more freedom and fun.

"In many cases home ownership proves to be a financial burden and a source of isolation for seniors. While remaining in the home may have been a goal earlier in life, by the time home ownership starts to feel unmanageable, the prospect of evaluating other options and actually moving, can be completely overwhelming," says Ingrid. “As a DFW Realtor specializing in the 55+ real estate market, it is my goal to insure that older adults and their families are adequately equipped and aware of all the senior living options and resources available to them. This part of my job is a great joy. Seniors and their families often don't know which way to turn when making these important decisions and we are happy to be here to help."

For more information, or to register for one of the free seminars, please visit www.seniordownsizingexperts.com or call 817-635-1043.

About The Sullivans:

The Sullivan & Sullivan Team of Keller Williams Arlington have made it their mission to help older adults navigate the obstacles they face as they begin thinking about downsizing and selling their home. The Sullivans have completed extensive training and are both certified Senior Real Estate Specialist® by the National Association of Realtors. Ingrid has also achieved the more in-depth Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP®) designation through the Seniors Real Estate Institute. The Sullivans have managed late-in-life moves for hundreds of clients - including their own parents - and are aware of how emotional and complicated the process can be. Their message to seniors and their families: "You Are Not Alone."

 

Technorati Tags: seniors,downsizing,arlington,north richland hills,free,seminar