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Top 3 New Year's Resolutions


Tonight, everyone will be celebrating the end of 2012 and look forward to 2013. For many people, the new year means a fresh start and a new outlook. For a majority of people, a new year means new resolutions: pledges to make a change in the upcoming year for a better life. We’ve narrowed down a list of the three most common New Year’s resolutions and included some tips on how to help you stay focused in 2013.

1. Get In Shape
There’s no doubt that Get In Shape/Get Fit/Lose Weight/Get Healthy is one of the top New Year’s resolution on many people’s list. Why not let your home help you keep your resolution? Losing weight starts with being more active! Use the bonus room in your new Ball Home to put a treadmill or weight machine. Take advantage of the many walking trails and parks around your subdivision, like Chilesburg or Notting Hill. Getting out and getting active around your community is a step in the right direction to leading a healthier life!
2. Get Organized
Many of our popular floor plans offer sizable closet spaces, attic areas, and storage options; make the most of them! Install space saving shelving in your garage so that everything has a place. Use large plastic bins to store holiday decorations, sports equipment, and out of season clothing items. Reorganize your bedroom closet to make sure you aren’t keeping clothing you never wear. If you haven’t worn an item in the last 6 months, chances are you probably don’t need it. For tips on how to organize your kitchen, read our previous blog post.
3. Save More/Get out of Debt
Saving more money throughout the year starts with changing small habits, and the best place to start is by cutting energy use in your home. To save on your utility bills, lower your thermostat before you leave for work. Install compact florescent bulbs in your lamps. Switch off your electronics and lights when they aren’t in use. Utilize your fireplace instead of turning up the heat a few degrees. If you really want to take a big chunk out of your debt this year, why not look into refinancing your home? With mortgage rates at historic lows, now is the time to refinance and save money on your mortgage payment. Contact a loan officer at Walden Mortgage for more information on your refinancing options.

From all of us at Ball Homes, we wish you a very happy New Year and we look forward to what 2013 has in store!

Fireplace Safety Tips


Nothing says Fall and Winter like snuggling up next to a warm, cozy fire in your Ball home. While it may be tempting to grab some firewood and make a fire the minute cooler weather sets in, it’s important to make sure your fireplace is fire-ready. 


According to the United States Fire Administration,
heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys. Instead of making your home a part of these statistics, follow these steps to make sure your fireplace is ready for action.


Keep Your Fireplace Clean

Before you start up that first fire of the season, make sure your fireplace and chimney are cleaned by a licensed professional. Keep the area clear of any debris, decorations, or flammable materials.


Know How to Burn

If you have glass doors on your fireplace, keep them open when burning a fire. Leaving the doors open allows for enough air to reach the fire, and will also burn off any creosote buildup. Use the mesh screen to keep embers and debris from escaping out of the hearth.


Fuel the Fire

Use only seasoned hardwood for your fire starter. Do not use flammable liquids to start your fire.  Do not burn cardboard boxes, trash, or debris. Do not leave your fire unattended. Extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving the house. Allow the ashes to cool before disposing of them. Place the ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from your home.


Following these few simple fireplace safety tips will help you prepare your fireplace and safely operate a fire in your Ball home this season.