FAQ – Dirt2Doorbell

Saginaw Springs: Around Town

Saginaw Springs is a great community for families who love the outdoors. William Houston Park is a short walk away where you’ll find a great playground area and two soccer fields. Willow Creek Park is a bit further away, but easy to bike to. It is home to a jogging path with exercise stations, basketball courts, a softball field, an entire disc golf course, tennis and volleyball courts, and multiple playgrounds. The city as a whole also fosters a great environment for other outdoor group activities like the North Tarrant Cycling Club.

If you’re looking for bigger outdoor adventures, they’re just around the corner from Saginaw Springs. Eagle Mountain Lake as well as Lake Worth are both nearby and are home to great state parks. The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is 11.5 miles away and home to all kinds of adventures! Find out about the hiking trails, guided tours, and wildlife here. When indoor entertainment is calling you, TCC is there to answer. With a variety of theater programs throughout the year, you will have plenty to enjoy. If the most recent theater production doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can always head down 287 into the Stockyards or Downtown Fort Worth.

Every school that your child will be a part of within Saginaw Springs has met or exceeded all Texas State Requirements. For this district, though, that’s not enough. EMISD is part of a select few districts participating in the Liink project to help grow and learn at the highest standards. This district has its eye on the future, and will take your child there.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a community that cares for you like Saginaw does. What I really love about the town is the balance of historical character and modern amenities like bike lanes and public transit. They have a city recreation center that will more than fit any workout needs, and has the most competitive pricing I’ve found. The community even puts on a kid’s night during the school year called ‘Planet Kidz’ geared toward providing age-appropriate entertainment to children ages 8-14 years old.

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

13 Things to Do in DFW Before the Summer Ends

As the summer draws to the close, it can begin to feel like you have done all the things there are to do! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite summer activities around the area, and hopefully they will help you make it through the final stretch of summer heat.

Sunrise Sunflowers lighten

Berry Picking

Nothing says ‘summer’ like fresh berries. They’re easy enough to find wherever you get groceries, but there’s something special about picking them yourself. Fortunately, the entire Metroplex is surrounded by farms dedicated to providing just such an experience. Click here for a list of farms by city.

Museums

Taking your children (or just yourself) to a museum provides many benefits. You’re generally out of the heat, you’re physically active, and you’re being inspired! Schools are great, but there’s no substitute for the look in a child’s eyes when their curiosity is sparked. Treat yourself and the kiddos to these awesome free museums in the area, and watch the magic of learning happen!

Animal Encounters

If you and your children are aching for a more outdoorsy learning activity, the DFW area offers a several venues for interacting with and learning about animals. For a more common experience, visit either of the acclaimed zoos in Fort Worth or Dallas. If you’re looking for something more hands-on, try the Dallas World Aquarium (try to go during the week, when it’s less crowded) or Fossil Rim (beware the ostrich).

Six Flags

The dedicated children’s park makes this ideal for outings with kids of all ages. There are adventures to be had for all, and enough souvenir shops to make the hottest day more bearable. If you go early, you can hit several rides before it gets too hot. Then you have plenty of time to shop and ride one of their water features! Plan your trip here.

Water park

If the adventure of Six Flags sounds great but you’re looking for something a little more ‘watery’, the Metroplex has an abundance of options for you. If you’re looking for the big rides, you can go across the street to Hurricane Harbor (protip: if you buy a season pass at Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor is included). For a list of the top 13 parks, look here.

Ranger’s Game

There’s a special joy that comes from hanging out in the nosebleeds at Globe Life Park. It’s shaded with the best breeze in the whole stadium, and I love being able to see everything going on from the vantage point. Our Rangers have had tough few weeks, but it feels like they’re getting their groove back! There’s no better time to catch a game! Buy tickets here.

Kayak

Something about growing up in North Texas breeds a love for being on the water. We have plenty of lakes that are great for boats and skiing, but my favorite way to enjoy the water is from a kayak. Texas State Parks have recently introduced ‘Paddling Trails’ and we have more info here. If you’re looking for a more urban experience, you can look at Panther Island in Fort Worth or White Rock Lake in Dallas.

Drive-in Movies

Feeling nostalgic? DFW is home to a growing number of Drive-In theaters! Most offer new releases with the occasional throwback. My family loves to pile up our truck with blankets and pillows and head out around 6! More information on theaters and what they offer here.

Food Trucks

Food truck are one of the best ways to sample the artistic creations of talented chefs, and the best atmosphere to experience them is definitely at a food truck park. These parks are the best place to meet up with other foodies, and let the kids play while expanding their culinary horizons.

Stargazing

‘The stars at night/Are big and bright’ and this is, indeed, the heart of Texas. If you and your kids are night owls, this could be one of the more exciting things you do this summer! Whether you drive out to one of the stargazing tours at a state park or visit one of the planetariums in the area, the stars are sure to leave you and your kids in awe. Information on great spots here.

Gardens

If you’re not into picking fruit, you can still enjoy the fruit of the earth at one of these fantastic North Texas gardens! Fort Worth and Dallas compete for best gardens, so there is plenty to enjoy. The seasonal flora and fauna are top notch at each of these locations around the Metroplex.

Pokémon Go

Sometimes, we can get too carried away with our devices, but Pokémon Go has done more than its fair share to make our smart phones good for us. Bring your kids out to one of these great spots or events. Take some time walking about and enjoying the scenery as your hatch virtual eggs and catch virtual Pokémon.

Library – Dallas, Ft. Worth and Arlington Library events

With all the adventures to be had in the Metroplex, there are a few things that you just can’t do, unless you have a book. The story times and other events at the Fort Worth, Dallas, and other Metro libraries are sure to awaken the imagination and take your kids on grand adventures (without leaving the a/c!)

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

Best Eats!

This week, we’re featuring 1 or 2 great places to eat near each of our awesome communities!

Fannin Farms – Istanbul Grill

If you’re ever in the neighborhood, Istanbul Grill is THE place for Mediterranean Cuisine! This family-run diamond in the rough offers Mediterranean favorites like kebobs and gyros. With a BYOB option, this is a great spot to sit and relax with friends when they have the space! Find them here.

Selection Studio – Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery

If you are visiting our design studio, there is no better place around to gather your thoughts. Their specialty drinks and delicious food will replenish your spirit while the beautiful atmosphere inspires your mind. Find them here.

Meadow Creek Estates – Moni’s Pasta & Pizza

Moni learned his trade working at a restaurant in Italia as a younger man. He has passed on everything he knows to his son, who has owned and operated this particular location for the last 9 years. Everything about this BYOB Italian restaurant is authentic from the pasta to the delivery! Find them here.

Settler’s Glen – Catfish Plantation

Don’t let the ghost stories keep you away! All of the spirits there are friendly, and the delicious catfish is more than worth it! Located near historic downtown Waxahachie, the Catfish Plantation is the very definition of good food, great service, and a beautiful location. Find them here.

Settler’s Glen – Lonestar Burger Bar

Texans love our burgers, and Lonestar Burger Bar is the best place to grab one near Settler’s Glen! Their Black Angus burgers are dressed up with everything from bacon and BBQ sauce to peanut butter. If it’s too early for a burger, they have great breakfast options! Find them here.

The Cove at North Grove – The Dove’s Nest

‘It’s Worth Flying South’ according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, and certainly worth the short drive from The Cove at North Grove. This charming eatery serves New Southern Cuisine and delicious desserts! Nestled in historic downtown Waxahachie, eating at this acclaimed restaurant is both relaxing and invigorating. Find them here.

Matador Ranch – Antonio’s Homestyle Cooking

This family-owned Mexican food restaurant works hard to make every customer feel at home. From made-at-your-table guacamole to fresh flan, it’s hard to find a more authentic Mexican eating experience. Find them here.

Summer Creek South – Bonnell’s

Dedicated to working with local farmers and right off the Chisholm Trail Toll Road, Bonnell’s is both convenient and delicious. Opened in 2001 by Chef Bonnell, this restaurant combines Southwestern, Creole and Mexican flavors to create a taste that is authentically Texan. Find them here.

Summer Creek South – The Woodshed

This delicious smoke house is conveniently located just off of the Trinity Trails and the Chisholm Trail Toll Road. The ever-changing menu is a thing that must be experienced to believe. Chef Tim Love loves to bring in creative meats that can be enjoyed indoors or on the patio overlooking the river. Find them here.

Ashford Park – Bella Vita II Italian Restaurant

The second location for this family-owned Italian restaurant, this is a great option for dinner in the Burleson area. The service is excellent, and the fresh food is constantly being updated by their innovative chefs. When you walk through that door, they’ll make you feel like family. Find them here.

Chisholm Trail Ranch – Press Café

Located at the new trail head, Press Café is easily accessed from the Trinity Trails, and from Chisholm Trail Toll Road. Whether you bike, run or drive to this fantastic location, you will be treated to some of the best healthy food in the area. Their modern bar serves alcohol and coffee. You can’t go wrong relaxing and enjoying the view. Find them here.

Saginaw Springs – Boo-Ray’s

Cajun food is widely loved, and not always done well. With Boo-Ray’s zesty recipes and daily fresh fish, they do right by the owner’s Cajun heritage. Along with authentic flavor, Scott Marks brings the New Orleans atmosphere to Eagle Mountain Lake. Find them here.

Saginaw Springs – Ginger Brown’s

If you’re looking for something in Saginaw that’s a bit less spicy, Ginger Brown’s is the place for you. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Ginger brings delicious, home-style cookin’ to your table. This laid-back bakery and diner keeps its cinnamon rolls and customers at its center. Find them here.

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

Can I change the Floor Plan?

Yes, but there are limits based on the price of the home. In the first time or first time move up homes, the limits are more restrictive to keep the price low and the construction time and delivery date fixed. In custom and higher priced homes, there are sometime no limits because the price includes the right to make large changes and there are very few limits as to the time or delivery schedule. Make sure to ask the sales person as to what is allowed or not allowed.

-Ron Formby

This is a very frequent topic of conversation in our sales offices. One of the items we will never change is the elevation–the look of the front of the home–which includes not only brick placement and front porches but also the roof lines. Something that would seem very simple like adding or removing a window can have a huge ripple effect in the materials needed for the roof line, the framing and the load of the home. One other thing in a home we will not change is the plumbing. When looking at a floor plan in one of our brochures, you might see a perfect place to bump a bathroom back into an adjoining bedroom or closet and move the sinks or showers around. Our value pricing is based on building the same home the same way every time. Plumbing is a major expense in a home and it runs throughout the slab. To change the plumbing in a home, we have to re-engineer the layout of the plumbing in the slab and this is expensive. We will, however, exchange a tub for a shower if you choose, since that plumbing is already there. We do have a few framing changes as options on a few of our plans. These typically involve changing a bedroom or formal dining room into an office with double doors. Sometimes our buyers want something a little different that is not requested as often. These framing changes that we do allow inside the home are called non-standard options. These items will be discussed with your salesperson and your change requests will be submitted with a signed contract.

Ask the Expert!

As a home building company we have a high volume of experts in our offices. All of our construction managers are Certified Graduate Builders through the National Association of Builders. They have taken the courses and passed their exams and are certified experts! Or maybe just certified 😉 Our Principals are Certified Graduate Builders as well and the icing on the cake is that the owner of our company, Ron Formby is a Certified Master Builder. He’s had more classes and exams than anyone! We are going to feature an “Ask the Expert” topic in our Homebuilding 101 section. Since we have so many experts, we should have lots of good answers to your frequently asked questions! Send us your questions at [email protected] and maybe yours will be the next featured question.

When is it a good time to make an investment in your future?

So, I have made an appointment to meet with Bryan and Nikole on Sunday evening. Thankfully they aren’t picky eaters like my husband since I am cooking dinner for them. I hope they like food with some spice in it! I have been deprived of onions and garlic for the longest time (my husband hates even the smell of them) and I can’t wait to cook something with those ingredients in it. Anyway, they live in our Ashford Park neighborhood which we just closed out a couple of months ago. They just might be the youngest buyers we have ever had. Both of them were under 21 when they went on contract in April of this year. The burning question that makes them interesting as buyers to me is “when is it a good time to make an investment in your future?” These two are waaaaayyyy ahead of the curve. I told them this as they sat in my sales office. I thought of myself and wondered how my life would be different today if I had bought a home earlier in my life. I often meet people who have ridiculously low mortgage payments or have paid off their homes because they bought 15 years ago. Since I am well over 15 years older than them, that secure home owner could be me…if I had just bought a home when I was their age. So, I guess even though it is never too late to become a home owner, the reverse is also true: It is never too early to become a home owner.