Monday, February 28, 2011

Spotlight on Star Rewardz Member: Brandon Buesing


StarFloors offers the ultimate win-win referral program for our loyal realtor partners. Brandon Buesing is one of the latest Realtors to reap the benefits of this program.

StarFloors had the opportunity to speak with Brandon and his experience with StarFloors and the Star Rewardz program. Here's what he had to say:

StarFloors: Why did you choose to participate in the Star Rewardz Program?

Brandon Buesing: After hearing of the Rewardz program in a Keller Williams Realty meeting, I made the decision to sign up. I thought it was a great idea to help those who help you.

SF: How would you describe your experience working with StarFloors?

BB: Although my experience with StarFloors is relatively limited, I have been impressed and my clients have been as well.

SF: How do you implement the Star Rewardz program into your business?

BB: As of right now, I have not set up a strategy of officially implementing the Rewardz program into my business. However, I do pass along recommendations of all kinds to my client for all types of work and will continue to do so.

SF: Would you continue to recommend and refer StarFloors to your friends and clients?

BB: Yes, I would continue to recommend and refer StarFlooors!

For more information on StarFloors go to our website at http://www.starfloors.com
or find us on facebook, twitter, and YouTube.


Bio of Brandon Buesing:

Brandon Buesing created BCB Property Group, a real estate entity that specializes in helping clients with the buying and selling of homes and investment properties. Brandon has put together a team of talented individuals who are dedicated to providing superior service to their clients by continuously putting the needs of their clients first in order to meet their goals.

Brandon Buesing received his Bachelor of Business degree in Management Information Systems from Texas Tech University in 2001. After graduation, Brandon was employed in Dallas, TX by a leading technology-based solutions company for the financial services industry.

In 2007, Brandon became a Realtor® and began his career with Keller Williams. In 2008, he received top honors when he was presented with the coveted “Career Launch” award from Keller Williams International.

Keller Williams Regional Director DeeDee Trosclair stated that “The year that Brandon Buesing became the recipient of our Career Launch Award, it was highly competitive, and many of our newer associates reached over $3.5 million in sales. Brandon topped the list, which was especially meaningful as we had some of our best talent to date join our company during that time.”

Since receiving the Career Launch Award, Brandon has consistently been the top individual producer in the Keller Williams Northwest Market Center.

Brandon has dedicated countless hours researching the various areas of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex so that he can truly be an expert in the real estate market. By providing a superior level of service to each and every one of his clients, Brandon has been able to create lasting relationships, and build a successful client referral based business.

Over the years, Brandon has served on several professional committees and has helped raise money for the Special Olympics of Texas, KW Cares, John Hopkins Charities and more. He currently serves a member of the Keller Williams Northwest Agent Leadership Council and is the Vice President of his neighborhood HOA. Brandon and his wife Erika, have a daughter named Kate and a son named Miles.

Contact Information: BCB Property Group

Brandon Buesing

214-403-3381
brandonbuesing@kw.com

Featured Property
6017 Cypress Cove in The Colony. 
4 bedroom 3 1/2 Bath- $399,900






Contact Brandon for more information on this property:

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Buy Your Flooring Now Before Prices Rise!

We always hate to see prices rise, BUT rising gas and oil prices affect every industry, and since most carpeting is made of nylon which is made from petrochemicals, it only makes sense that carpet prices would go up too.


Don’t panic! Take advantage of StarFloors and their fantastic line of products! We work round the clock to make sure that you have the most competitive prices and the finest quality of products.

Carpet prices are due to rise anywhere from 10-12% on March 1st. Take advantage of our one-price no stress deals by contacting a StarFloors Flooring Specialist in your area.

Call toll free - (866) 503-STAR (7827)

or request a quote online in less than 5 minutes here.

If you have rental property, you can freshen up the interior with affordable flooring before new tenants move in. Consider new carpet for the living area and vinyl for the kitchen or bathrooms.

With 4 generations of expertise, StarFloors is your trusted flooring provider.
Feel free to ask us any questions on our new Community Questions Application on our blog. We would be happy to answer any question- even if you are working with another flooring company!


Friday, February 18, 2011

We Want Your Input!

Make Star Rewardz the Referral Rewards Program For You!
To All Our Fantastic Realtor Friends: We need your input on our referral rewards program. We are revising the rewards you receive. Would you prefer to receive $50 for each referral OR earn points to shop in a rewards catalog? Vote Now! Have a better idea? PLEASE, LET US KNOW!

Post a comment, or find us on facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter...
or email our Marketing Manager by clicking here.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Smart Strand Kiosk video

Mohawk Human Habitat: Thousands Walk Across Floors

Carpet 101

How To Maintain Your Carpet's Beauty!

Maintaining carpet through regular vacuuming, deep cleaning, and stain removal has many benefits:

Extending the life of the carpet (ground in soil particles weaken carpet fibers)

Providing a fresh, clean look to a room

Making a room smell better

Helping allergy and asthma sufferers by removing germs and dust

NOTE: Carpet runners and mats help prevent soil from being tracked inside. Pads under desk chairs can prevent ground-in soil.

Vacuuming
Dirt and grit damage carpet by rubbing against carpet fibers. Carpet sweepers and rakes can remove surface dirt, but regular vacuuming (as often as possible-some manufacturers recommend one day per week per person in the household) prevents the deep abrasion that ruins carpet. Remember to empty the vacuum or change the disposable bags often.

GoVacuum has a large inventory of vacuum cleaners, bags, belts, and parts with free shipping, secure ordering, and friendly service.
Choose a vacuum with:

Dual motors (one motor provides suction while the other powers a beater bar that loosens dirt)

Good filtration

Correct brush height adjustment for your type of carpet

A beater bar or rotating brush which loosens the dirt and grit better than a canister vacuum

A top-loading bag instead of a bottom-loading bag

NOTE: Vacuum brushes can damage some thick loop pile carpets (such as Berbers). Follow the carpet manufacturer's recommendations or use a suction-only vacuum for these carpets.

TIP: Sprinkling salt an hour before vacuuming brightens carpet.


TIP: Hold a steam iron over flattened carpet to pull the fiber up. Be sure not to touch the carpet with the iron.


TIP: Allow an ice cube to melt in indentations left by furniture for the carpet fibers to rise again.


Deep Cleaning

Carpet should be deep cleaned with hot water extraction (steam cleaning) every 12 to 24 months. Steam cleaning involves spraying a high-pressure solution of water and detergent and vacuuming the dirty solution. Refer to the manufacturer's warranty for the recommended deep cleaning method.

Many grocery stores and rental stores, rent steam cleaning equipment. You may also purchase deep cleaning equipment. If you choose to have a professional clean your carpet, do your homework:

Determine what services you want (i.e. stair cleaning, furniture moving, special treatments such as stain proofing, etc.)

Ask for recommendations from friends and family

Remember that StarFloors offers carpet cleaning: 866- 503- STAR
Before the cleaner arrives, make sure to clean up and vacuum the carpet. Hide all valuables and make sure that nothing is hanging over the carpet (e.g. curtains). When the cleaner arrives, point out stains and describe all of the past carpet cleanings. Make sure to review the written guarantee and service agreement. Amend the service agreement if needed.

After the cleaning:

Inspect the carpet

Ask about drying instructions (i.e. expected time and ventilation requirements)

Make sure not to cover the carpet until it dries

Keep moisture shields or carpet protectors under all furniture until the carpet dries

Vacuum the carpet when it dries

Call the cleaner if the carpet is still damp or any spots remain after 24 hours.

Click here to find a carpet cleaner in your area.


Stain Removal
There are many commercial products such as Quick 10, 409 Carpet, spot removal kits, and dry cleaning fluids. In addition, many fiber manufacturers provide toll-free telephone help for stains (consult your warranty). Since stains can be better cleaned right after they happen, if you do not have one of these commercial products consider using a homemade solution:

Club soda

Nail polish remover made of Amyl Acetate (do not use polish remover on acetate fiber)

1 cup of lukewarm water and 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid laundry detergent (non-bleach and non-lanolin such as Woolite)

2 tablespoons household ammonia and 1 cup water (apply the ammonia solution before the vinegar solution)

1 cup white vinegar and 2 cups water (apply the ammonia solution before the vinegar solution)

NOTE: Test all cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area.

Pick a cleaning solution and follow these steps:

Remove excess wet stains by blotting with a clean absorbent cloth (use a wet/dry vacuum for large stains) and dry stains by scraping with a dull edge. Always blot or sponge stains, scrubbing can spread stains and damage carpet fibers.

Apply cleaning solution to a clean absorbent cloth or paper towel. Do not soak the carpet. Working from the edges of the stain (to prevent spreading), blot until no more stain is absorbed. If necessary, use your fingertips to work the solution to the base of the stain. Always blot or sponge stains, scrubbing can spread stains and damage carpet fibers.

Wait 3 minutes for the solution to work

Apply clean water to another cloth or paper towel. Blot to remove any residue.

Carpet fibers may later absorb deep stains. More cleaning may be necessary.

Allow the carpet to dry (or use a towel or a hair-dryer at medium setting), vacuum or brush the carpet to restore its texture.

Contact a professional cleaner if the stain cannot be cleaned

Other cleaning tips:

Sponge red wine stains with club soda or white wine.

Club soda works on most stains.

 

Absorb grease with cornmeal or baking soda. Leave overnight and vacuum.

On a high pile carpet, shave off burn marks.

See Interactive Stain Removal Guide at a2zcarpet for more cleaning tips for all types of stains.

If you are in need of new carpet, or any new flooring including: tile, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, natural stone and more check out StarFloors at http://www.starfloors.com/ or on facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and more!

Friday, February 11, 2011

STARFLOORS Showcase

Our New StarFloors Showcase Video is up! Take a look at the spectacular work we do at StarFloors!
You can get in contact with a flooring specialist by calling (866) 503 -STAR


Thursday, February 10, 2011

Getting the Best Return on Your Home Improvements

Getting the Best Return on Your Home Improvements

First Up: FLOORING!
Quick fixes before selling a home always pay off, but which repairs bring the biggest return? Specific answers to this often-asked question largely depend on a variety of factors such as:
•Time of year
•Location of the home
•Market temperature
•Competing inventory

There is no hard and fast rule. But there are general guidelines that apply to most homes. For example, the National Association of Realtors publishes each year the Cost vs. Value Report with Remodeling Magazine, which features various home project costs and returns in four regions, including a national average.
 Click the picture for a StarFloors Flooring Specialist

Flooring Fixes

In my neighborhood, most of the homes were built in the late 1940s, which means the floors are original, hardwood oak. Wood floors are a hot item today, but preferences over the years have changed. Carpeting became popular -- like with lots of consumer products -- after somebody figured out how to get the government to pay for it. When vets returned home from WWII, housing was at a shortage. Homes were sold with newly installed carpeting because the cost for the carpeting could be rolled into government-insured (VA) loans.

Then carpeting became vogue in the 1960s. Some homes today, sadly, still sport '60's shag carpeting. The final movement away from hardwood happened when installing hardwood floors became too expensive. Plywood was easier to obtain and faster to install. Plus choices in carpeting were plenty. It's still relatively inexpensive to install carpeting.

•Hardwood Floors
If your home has hardwood floors, that's what buyers want, and it would pay to have the carpeting removed and the floors refinished.

•Carpeting
If your sub-floor is plywood, then replace the carpeting with light tan. Neutral carpeting is your best bet for resale.

•Ceramic
Replace chipped or cracked tiles. Clean or replace the grout. But don't install ceramic (it's too expensive) unless it's for aesthetic reasons in an entry way.

Talk to your realtor about what is best for your house. Remember that flooring is one of the top 3, if not the most important renovation you can make when selling your home.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Floor To Your Door Service

We are happy to be blogging! STARFLOORS is unique becuase we bring our store to your door. Our flooring specialists are the most educated and customer service centered individuals in the business. A STARFLOORS experience is like no other flooring experience in the nation. From the time you see our signature STARFLOORS' suburban pull up to your house, you will see the difference. Take a look at our website for more information. Don't forget to follow us facebook, twitter, and LinkedIn.