Winter Is Here: Steps You Can Still Take to Protect Your Home

January 4, 2024

It’s already feeling pretty wintery, but if you haven’t yet prepared for the season, don’t despair. You can still take steps to protect your home.


Check Electrical Plates for Cold Air

Even though they are small, light switches and electrical outlets may be letting in drafts. Because they are placed throughout your home, if they let in just a bit of cold air, you may have dozens of cold spots. That’s why it is smart to choose a cold day to go around your house and hold your hand close to the switch plate or outlet for a few moments. If it feels colder than the surrounding air, you should insulate it. Insulating switches and outlets is a quick and easy process. Check local hardware stores. They should have a variety of inexpensive insulated plates and insulation kits for switch and outlet plates to solve this issue.


Run Ceiling Fans in Reverse

If you have ceiling fans, you can use them to help you circulate winter warmth more effectively. While most people associate ceiling fans with the cooling breezes of summer, most ceiling units allow you to reverse the direction of the blades. Heat rises, and by running your fans clockwise, you’ll enable them to push heat down from the ceiling back into the living space. Some estimates say this simple procedure can reduce your home heating bill by up to 10%.


Block Drafty Doors and Windows

As a homeowner, you know that drafty doors and windows can get chilly. But did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the drafts from your doors and windows can waste 5 to 30 percent of your energy use? So, if you’re still feeling drafts from your doors or window, it might be time to start using draft snakes. These simple cloth tubes are filled with insulation or dried beans and are easy to buy or make yourself. Place them on window sashes or under doors to block chilly drafts.


Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

Small drops in water temperature can make a big difference in your energy bill. Some water heaters are set at 140 degrees by the manufacturer or installer. Lowering it to 120 degrees is recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and 120 degrees is a safer temperature for homes with small children. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (or lower) not only prevents scalding incidents but it can also reduce your water heating costs by up to 10 percent.


Quick, DIY Window Insulation

If you find your windows are drafty, you have a few quick and easy options. Try picking up an inexpensive window insulation kit. They use a big plastic sheet similar to plastic wrap that can stretch over the window. Once applied, you use a blow dryer to tighten up the seal, and the plastic becomes taut. When properly installed, window plastic reduces drafts and is almost invisible.


Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This one is easy to overlook but takes only a couple of seconds: hit the "test" button on your smoke/carbon monoxide detector. If the alarm sounds - you're good to go. If not, replace the batteries and test again. Replace your smoke detector if fresh batteries don’t result in a proper test.


Wrap or Empty the Pipes and Sprinkler

Make sure your pipes are properly protected. Disconnect your water hoses and make sure you drain any water out of them before freezing temperatures bust them open.


Let's make this winter warm, safe, and energy-efficient! Share these tips with friends and family to spread the warmth.

Exciting Promotion Announcement: Ashlyn Smith Named Transaction Coordinator

April 14, 2025
We’re thrilled to announce a well-deserved promotion within the PH Companies family — Ashlyn Smith has officially stepped into the role of Transaction Coordinator! Ashlyn joined PH Companies as Office Manager in August 2023, and since day one, she has brought unmatched organization, dedication, and a true team-first spirit to everything she does. Whether managing operations or stepping in to support agents and clients, Ashlyn has been the steady hand behind many of our smoothest transactions. As PH Companies evolves — especially with our recent transition from an independent brokerage to a powered-by-EXP real estate team — the demand for a full-time, dedicated Transaction Coordinator has never been greater. With more agents, more listings, and more moving parts, we need someone who knows our systems, understands our culture, and can hit the ground running. There is simply no one better for this role than Ashlyn. Her deep understanding of our processes, her proactive communication style, and her attention to detail make her the ideal person to support our growing agent roster and ensure every transaction is handled with care and efficiency. We’re confident that with Ashlyn in this key role, our clients and agents alike will benefit from an even more seamless, high-touch experience. Please join us in congratulating Ashlyn Smith on her promotion. We’re excited for what’s ahead — and incredibly grateful to have her leading the way! 

Celebrating Love: Ashlyn Rybiski Becomes Mrs. Smith

April 10, 2025
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news from the PH Companies family—our amazing Office Manager, Ashlyn Rybiski, is now Mrs. Ashlyn Smith ! On March 15, 2025, Ashlyn tied the knot with her partner, Sebron Smith, in a beautiful celebration of love, joy, and new beginnings. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple said “I do” in a ceremony that was as thoughtful and genuine as the bride herself. Ashlyn has been the heart of our operations at PH Companies—keeping us organized, connected, and on track with her signature warmth and professionalism. Now, we’re overjoyed to see her start this exciting new chapter of life with Sebron by her side. Please join us in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Smith! May your journey together be filled with laughter, adventure, and endless love. From all of us at PH Companies—cheers to a lifetime of happiness, Ashlyn and Sebron!

Texarkana vs. Texas: How Our Local Housing Market Stacked Up in 2024

By Brigette Waits-Garcia • April 10, 2025
The 2024 Texas Real Estate Year in Review report released by Texas REALTORS® last month reveals that while the Texas housing market remained steady statewide, Texarkana emerged as a standout with stronger price appreciation and increased housing inventory, signaling a healthy shift toward market balance. Statewide, Texas saw small but stable growth with home sales increasing by 0.7% and median prices rising by 1.2%, bringing the statewide median home price to $339,000. The number of active listings and days on market rose significantly, providing more choices for buyers across many regions. In contrast, Texarkana experienced a 5.7% decrease in home sales, reflecting a measured cooldown in buyer activity following years of rapid market acceleration. However, the local market also saw a 7% increase in median home price, bringing the median in Texarkana to $200,000—well above the statewide appreciation rate. The price per square foot in Texarkana rose by 3.5%, compared to a 0.7% increase across Texas. Texarkana also saw a notable 32.2% increase in active listings, slightly higher than the 30.5% increase seen statewide. The average days on market locally extended from 58 to 72, while months of inventory—a key measure of supply—rose from 2.9 to 5.1 months, indicating a shift toward a more balanced housing environment. “We’re seeing a healthier, more sustainable market emerge here in Texarkana,” said Lauren Callaway , Team Leader of PH Realty Team . “The increase in inventory gives buyers more options and flexibility, while sellers are still benefiting from solid price growth. It’s a great moment for both sides of the market, as long as you’re working with professionals who know how to strategize in this evolving landscape.” This market transition offers new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Buyers benefit from reduced competition and increased selection, while sellers can still capitalize on rising home values—particularly with strategic pricing and expert representation. 

Summer Gerrald Adds Texas and Louisiana Licenses

April 7, 2025
PH Realty Team proudly announces that Summer Gerrald has expanded her reach, now officially licensed in Texas and Louisiana, adding to her existing Arkansas license. With this milestone, Summer continues to build momentum as one of the region’s most driven new agents. Since launching her real estate career in December 2024, Summer has wasted no time making her mark. With three closings projected this month, her results speak to her unmatched work ethic and commitment to delivering for her clients. Summer is also currently working toward obtaining her Oklahoma license, which will make her the first agent in the Texarkana area licensed in all four surrounding states — Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. “Summer’s growth is no accident — she’s driven, focused, and doesn’t settle for average,” said Lauren Callaway, Team Leader of PH Realty Team. “She’s on the fast track to becoming a top-producing, multi-state agent.” With big goals and even bigger results, Summer Gerrald is proving there’s no such thing as limits when it comes to her real estate journey. Contact: Summer Gerrald PH Realty Team, Brokered by eXp Realty (903) 418-4246 summer@phrealtyteam.org https://www.phrealty.org/summer-gerrald

PH Companies Quarterly Newsletter – Q2 2025

April 1, 2025
PH Companies Quarterly Newsletter Your one stop shop for: BUYING | SELLING | DESIGNING | LEASEING | INVESTING Dear Clients, Partners, and Friends, As we step into a new quarter, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum we've built together across PH Realty Team, PH Design Firm, PH Property Management, and Principle Home Buyer. We’re thrilled to announce that construction on our new PH Companies headquarters is well underway—and on track for completion by May! This new space will serve as the central hub for all our teams and reflect the growth and momentum we've experienced across every division. It’s more than just a building—it’s a symbol of how far we’ve come and the vision we’re building toward, together. Even more exciting? We’re now official members of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce! To celebrate both milestones, we’ll be hosting an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Chamber. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invite—we can’t wait to welcome you to our new home and celebrate this next chapter with you. This quarter’s newsletter highlights the progress, people, and partnerships that continue to move us forward. From exciting new hires and community events to strategic growth across every branch, there’s so much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and building something truly exceptional—together. Lauren Callaway CEO, PH Companies

PH Design Firm Shines at Texarkana Home & Garden Show

April 1, 2025
PH Design Firm is excited to share the incredible success we experienced as a vendor at the 2025 Texarkana Home & Garden Show, held on March 22 at the iconic Crossties Event Venue in downtown Texarkana. This annual event—presented by the Texarkana Home Builders Association (THBA)—was free to the public and brought together the best in home design, construction, landscaping, and remodeling. As a participating vendor, we had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with homeowners, local builders, and industry experts. The energy at the show was electric, and the genuine interest in innovative, tailored design solutions was truly inspiring. We loved discussing new ideas, sharing our creative process, and helping attendees envision the possibilities for their spaces. The overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the community affirmed why we love doing what we do We’re grateful to the THBA for organizing such a successful and well-orchestrated event, and to everyone who stopped by our booth to chat, dream, and share their ideas. We’re excited for the future and can’t wait to contribute even more to Texarkana’s vibrant and growing home design community. 

How to Save on Property Taxes with the Homestead Exemption in Arkansas and Texas

April 1, 2025
As a homeowner, you deserve every opportunity to maximize your investment—and that includes taking advantage of available property tax savings. If you live in Arkansas or Texas , the Homestead Exemption is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your annual property tax bill. Here’s what you need to know, how it works in your state, and how to make sure you don’t miss the deadline. What Is the Homestead Exemption? The Homestead Exemption is a property tax benefit that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. By lowering the assessed value used to calculate your property taxes, it helps you keep more money in your pocket—year after year. Each state sets its own rules, exemption amounts, and eligibility requirements. In both Arkansas and Texas, the exemption can lead to significant annual savings, especially if you're a senior, veteran, or have a disability.  State-by-State Breakdown

PH Companies Joins the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce

March 15, 2025
We are thrilled to announce that PH Companies has officially joined the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce! As the parent company of a growing family of businesses—including PH Realty Team, PH Design Firm, PH Property Management, and Principle Home Buyer—this milestone marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to serving the Texarkana community and surrounding regions with excellence, integrity, and innovation. Joining the Chamber of Commerce aligns with our mission to stay actively engaged with local businesses, support economic development, and build meaningful relationships with community partners. Through this membership, we look forward to participating in Chamber events, collaborating on initiatives that promote local growth, and contributing to the shared vision of a vibrant, thriving Texarkana. At PH Companies, we’re more than just a group of businesses—we’re a team dedicated to guiding people through life’s biggest decisions, whether that’s buying a home, designing a space, managing a property, or making strategic real estate investments. Being part of the Chamber strengthens our ability to connect with the people and organizations that make our region a great place to live and work. We’re honored to stand alongside so many inspiring businesses and leaders in the Texarkana area and can’t wait to get involved in the incredible work happening through the Chamber. Stay tuned as we share more about upcoming collaborations, events, and community involvement!

PH Realty Team Joins Forces with Reside Platform

February 10, 2025
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Introducing Antoine Potts

February 3, 2025
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