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Sun-Soaked Splendor: Boosting Your Curb Appeal in the Texas Summer Heat

As we brace ourselves for the scorching Texan summer, not only does the heat intensify but so do buyers' expectations. They envision homes that exude brilliance both inside and out. Raises hand This is where your trusty realtor (yours truly) steps in to assist. So, let's talk about the star of today's show: curb appeal.

Sprucing Up: Simple Yet Effective Ways

On a budget and crunched for time? Here are some essential tips to help your home stand out:

  1. Clean and Prune: Remove weeds, trim the landscape, and layer fresh mulch. This instantly tidies your yard, showcasing your home's inherent beauty.
  2. Power Wash: Rent or buy a power washer to clean sidewalks, porches, patio furniture, and more.

Level Up: Going the Extra Mile

Have more time and resources? Consider the following:

1. Native Plants: Choose low-maintenance plants that can withstand the summer heat and are native to the area. This guarantees an attractive garden with resilient plants. Need a list? Check this wonderful resource for native plants to the Dallas area. Some of my favorites include:

  • Gaura
  • Texas Sage
  • Red Yucca
  • Black-Eyed Susan
  • Bluebonnet
  • Lantana
  • Rock Rose

2. Refurbish: Paint the front door, change the lighting, add new house numbers, introduce planters, and swap out the mailbox. Even these minor changes can create a major impact.

The Wow Factor: Big Budget Ideas

If money is no object and you're seeking lasting beauty, consider adding a water feature, creating a seating area, or expanding the front porch or gardens. Hire a landscape architect or designer for professional insights on maximizing your space.

Inspirational Walks

Take advantage of your early morning or late evening strolls (the only bearable times to walk during a Texas summer!). Look around and draw inspiration from the neighborhoods.

Minimalist or Maximalist?

Regardless of your style, the key to an inviting home is tidiness and warmth. Ensure your home is always ready to welcome you and your guests.

Looking for more on curb appeal? Here's a great article from Domino Magazine, that explains its importance even further.


Lastly, as you brave the summer heat, don't forget to slather on the sunscreen!


Best,

Jillian

Use Some Common “Scents”: How to Nail the Perfect Home Atmosphere

September 20, 2023
Hello, Dallas homeowners and future homeowners! Jillian Ihloff here, bringing you yet another invaluable piece of advice to make your home buying or selling experience exceptional. You know me for my expert insights on staging, curb appeal, and market trends, but today I'm diving into something often overlooked yet incredibly crucial—home scenting.

Labor Day: Heat, Treats, and Backyard Feats!

August 30, 2023
Hello everyone! Can you believe Labor Day is just around the corner? Whether you're staying at home or planning to soak up the sun elsewhere, I've got some fabulous suggestions for making the most out of this holiday. So let's dive in!

A Recipe Close to My Heart: Jillian's Family Crepes

August 23, 2023
Hey everyone! Today I'm shifting gears from real estate and design to share something that is uber important in any home—the kitchen magic! I want to give you a super special recipe that’s close to my heart: our family crepes. This is the kind of meal that evokes nostalgia, is incredibly versatile, and best of all, puts smiles on faces (which is an actual ingredient, by the way).

YOLO: Working Mom Travel - A Guide for the Ultimate Trip of a Lifetime

August 23, 2023
Almost a year ago I began preparing myself mentally for a milestone birthday. Having three kiddos and also working, I knew this would take epic planning and the timing would have to be absolutely perfect to make take it from a dream to a reality. Last week I am excited (and sad) to report that I arrived back from the location of a lifetime! Rome, Florence, Venice, Slovenia and then Croatia. I was blessed to spend three incredible weeks in six different hotels very specifically chosen with who I am in mind. It was very important to me to stay at smaller boutique hotels and visit restaurants that someone who lives in that location would take their grandmother for a meal (because we all know how brutally honest grandparents can be).

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Oklahoma: My Feature in the Dallas Morning News

July 18, 2023
Hello, dear readers! I am thrilled to share with you an exciting feature that recently appeared in the Dallas Morning News. The article, penned by the talented Mitchell Parton, shines a spotlight on a unique real estate development project that I am proud to be a part of. As a Tulsa native who recently moved to Dallas, I am excited to be the listing agent for a project that is transforming a 2,000-acre ranch in Fort Towson, Oklahoma, into a private haven for those seeking solitude and tranquility. The Hollow Point Ranch , as it is known, is a mere two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Dallas and is poised to become a sanctuary for those desiring a quiet second property. We are selling 50 parcels of land, each spanning 5 acres and listed for $495,000. These parcels are not just for individuals looking to build homes; investors are also welcome to participate. The community is being designed as a "place of refuge" with modern amenities such as fiber internet, an on-site water tower, and well water. As I put it in the article, "If everything hits the fan, you're going to be able to have a place to go. They can have a place to just breathe."

Everlasting Home Style Trends vs. Temporary Fads

June 15, 2023
Just as with fashion, there are fleeting trends and timeless classics in the realm of interior design and décor. Candles shaped like busts or cats might be all the rage today, but their popularity will likely wane. Chinoiserie, on the other hand, has an enduring appeal. The golden rule? Stay true to your style and create a space that fills you with joy each time you enter it. That said, if you're in the process of selling your home, exercise a bit more restraint with personal touches that might not appeal to every prospective buyer.

Design Enthusiast's Guide: Five Dos and Don'ts of Staging Your Space

By Rob Stofer • June 12, 2023
When preparing your home for listing or simply making your space more welcoming for guests, certain rules should guide your approach. And fear not, rule-breakers, there are times to go against the grain too! Each 'do' has its opposite in a 'don't'. Here are the Dos paired with their Don't counterparts. Ready to dive in? Let's get the party started...

Bringing Summer Indoors

By Rob Stofer • June 12, 2023
Summer is synonymous with sunshine, vacations, cherished memories, and relaxation. Longing for the feel of summer throughout the year, or just looking to freshen up for the season? Here are some ideas:
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