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MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE
MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE
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STAFF
What’s Inside
Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com
Content
Editor
Chuck Ballaro, Maurizio Esposito, Dan Miles, Lee County Solid Waste, LCEC, Associated Press, Statepoint, Brandpoint
Chris Strine
news@breezenewspapers.com
Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com
cstrine@breezenewspapers.com
Cover Design
Advertising Director
Jennifer Pelegrino
Laurie Ragle
jpelegrino@breezenewspapers.com
lragle@breezenewspapers.com
Local manufactured home market continues to soar
— Page 6
Lee County’s annual ‘Donated not Wasted’ campaign to begin — Page 10 Tips to help reduce your energy costs while your home is vacant — Page 12 Separating A/C myths from facts — Page 16 Spring cleaning: Is your ‘junk’ worth a fortune? — Page 19 Pandemic-era design solution from the past: The Murphy bed — Page 21 Smart and simple bathroom updates for aging in place — Page 23 For choices to create a more eco-friendly kitchen — Page 24
2510 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33904 Phone: 239-574-1110 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. capecoralbreeze.com
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What’s in, what’s out: Paint colors to sell a home
— Page 26
Growth of technology makes it even more important to use a Realtor when buying or selling — Page 28 The true cost of an outage: How home standby generators add safety and savings — Page 29
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Local manufactured home market continues to soar By CHUCK BALLARO
news@breezenewspapers.com
There isn’t much stopping the market for manufactured homes these days. Homes continue to come off the market as fast as they come on, and prices continue to skyrocket as buyers compete for the few homes available. And according to those in the know, the end of the market boom, while inevitable, is still nowhere in sight. Manufactured homes, usually found in the 55+ retirement communities across Southwest Florida, are coming off the sales websites within hours, if they even get there at all. Denise Riley, sales specialist at Bayshore Village, said the market is doing extremely well, with homes selling at prices not seen in years. “Homes are going for more
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than the three years I’ve been here. We have two homes in the $70s and one home in the $90s and that one is going under contract after listing it last Wednesday,” Riley said. “We have homes that don’t even go online. I don’t get a chance to advertise them.” Out of the 264 homes, only two homes at Bayshore Village are currently for sale, with just two empty lots. Riley said there is a waiting list for people wanting to buy homes. Riley said if she has something available and thinks a family would be best for it, she will contact them. Mike Smith, at Old Bridge Village, said it’s certainly a seller’s market. Many homes have been getting sold through word of mouth. Of the 725 homes at Old Bridge, none are on the market.
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Pine Lakes in North Fort Myers is another community where sales have been brisk in recent months. And those that are on the mar- than a day. We’re one of the ket don’t stay for long. few places that has buildable “Anything that goes on the See MARKET, page 8 market doesn’t stay for more
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Market From page 6 lots remaining,” Smith said. “We have some homes going for around $240,000 and older homes on the water under agreement for around $500,000.” As for those who construct manufactured homes, the demand has been nothing short of ridiculous. Prestige Home Centers, based out of Ocala, with an office in Punta Gorda, said on its home webpage, “Across the country, the construction industry and particularly the home building industry is experiencing unprecedented supply and demand issues. Labor and materials are in short supply and being priced higher and higher. This is causing reduced production, unanticipated delays, and unpredictable pricing of materials and homes.” The company notice also noted that the price of homes is likely to increase between now and the time the home is completed.
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CHRIS STRINE
The clubhouse at the Lake Myers. “I have two brand new houses coming in and I have people now who don’t want to pay full price. It’s good for us, but the problem is we can’t get new homes fast enough,” Smith said. “It takes a house up to a year to show up here because the factories are so backed up.” Riley said she doesn’t
Fairways manufactured home community in North Fort expect the market to retreat any time soon, since people are still looking despite the soaring prices and the fact she has a waiting list. Smith said it could depend on the economy and how the state can continue to grow at the rate it is, but that more people are wanting to live in the
warmer climate and get away from the more expensive northern states. “I don’t see how it could sustain the growth it has had and the demand. But during the pandemic people were leaving the restrictive, high-tax states up north and coming to Florida,” Smith said.
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Lee County’s annual ‘Donated not Wasted’ campaign to begin Collection centers for canned foods and dry goods located throughout the county Lee County Solid Waste’s annual “Donated not Wasted” Lee County Food Rescue campaign encourages seasonal residents and visitors to donate unopened pantry items before returning north. People can drop off unopened canned or dry goods from Monday, March 22, until Monday, April 5, at local a number of local libraries or Lee County Parks & Recreation Centers.
Recreation Centers Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero, FL 33928 ● North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers, FL 33903 ●
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● Veterans Park Recreation Center, 55 Homestead Road South, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936 ● Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Library Locations Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 ● Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33914 ●
● Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva, FL 33924 ● Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Public Library, 3095 Blount St., Fort Myers, FL 33916 ● East County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 ● Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901 ● Fort Myers Beach Public Library, 2755 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 ● Johann Fust Community Library, 1040 W. 10th St., Boca Grande, FL 33921 ● Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
See ‘DONATED NOT WASTED’, page 14
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Tips to help reduce your energy costs while your home is vacant (The following “Energy Saving Tip” came from the Lee County Electric Cooperative.) Many homeowners in Southwest Florida reside elsewhere during the summer. Even if they are not operating appliances and consuming power, the house itself has ongoing energy needs. Circumstances may require extra humidity control, with a dehumidifier or a moistureabsorbing product such as Damp Rid. When using any of these measures, be sure to provide for drainage by setting them in a bathtub, basin or sink.
ing no power unless used for a specific task. Other appliances, such as refrigerators and pool pumps, are automatic and will continue to use power as long as they are plugged in. A refrigerator uses far more electricity than most appliances. In fact, the high heat levels in an empty home will usually cause refrigerators to use more energy than they would in an active household. Significant savings can be generated by unplugging reAppliances frigerators in vacant homes; Some appliances, such as however, older units can someovens and clothes dryers, are times fail in storage. If the unit selective-use devices, consum- is on, the freezer should be
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filled with ice containers and the thermostats set to their warmest possible settings (without compromising the food-storage integrity). This provides for the lowest possible cost, while at the same time safeguarding the continued operation of the refrigerator.
Air Conditioning Many unoccupied homes need a small amount of air conditioning every day throughout the summer for humidity control. Without daily air conditioning, high summer humidity can accumulate indoors and give rise to mold or mildew.
Mold and mildew can grow nearly anywhere if the relative humidity is consistently 70 percent or higher. Most homeowners use one of the following techniques to guard against mildew problems. Install a timer on the A/C system, and set it to cycle the A/C for two hours every day. This provides the highest level of security against mildew growth. Install a humidistat on the A/C, and set it to cycle the A/C whenever indoor humidity exceeds 65 percent. This technique uses the least power. Please note that on new highefficiency systems, a humidistat may be incorporated with the thermostat control system. See ENERGY COSTS, page 14
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‘Donated not Wasted’ From page 10 ● North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903 ● Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd., North, Cape Coral, FL 33993 ● Pine Island Public Library, 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia, FL 33922 ● Riverdale Branch Library, 2421 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905 ● Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 ● South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928
Additional Sites Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33966 ● Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex, 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers, FL 33966 ●
For additional information, please visit www.leegov. com/solidwaste/donated-notwasted
Reduced costs From page 12 Set your regular thermostat to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the least efficient method and is recommended only for short or infrequent summer trips.
Humidistats Humidistats, also known as dehumidistats, can be wired either parallel to or in series with the thermostat. These different wiring configurations call for slightly different humidistat set-up instructions. To determine your humidistat wiring Part-time residents should turn off configuration, take power, and gas, to stoves when the the following house is vacant. FILE PHOTO steps: Set humidistat wired parallel to the thermoto off. stat. If the A/C does not cycle, Set thermostat mode switch your humidistat is wired in to cool and set fan switch to series to the thermostat. auto. Lower thermostat setting at (For more tips, please visit least 10 degrees below room the LCEC website at temperature. If your A/C www.lcec.net.) cycles on, the humidistat is 14 Spring 2022
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Separating A/C myths from facts By MAURIZIO ESPOSITO
ditioning systems that failed to reach their projected lifespan. Below are the four most Homeownership is a good investment that offers inde- common A/C myths and an pendence and a sense of pride. explanation of the facts: However, it comes at a price, and that total is far SEER Ratings beyond the dollar amount listMyth: SEER ratings are just ed on a mortgage statement. a way to get customers to buy Upkeep and maintenance can a more expensive product. quickly put a strain on any The Seasonal Energy family budget. Efficiency Rating (SEER) One of the largest out-ofmeasures air conditioning and pocket expenses that homeheat pump cooling efficiency. owners face in Southwest It’s calculated by the cooling Florida is an air conditioning output for a typical cooling system replacement. Few people budget for it, and the cost season divided by the total often is the equivalent of a electric energy input during year’s worth of car payments, the same period. To become a governmentor more. certified ENERGY STAR That’s why it is so imporproduct, an A/C system needs tant to distinguish between A/C myths and A/C facts. a SEER rating of 14.5 or betMisconceptions or lack of ter. However, even the most understanding about how A/C systems function can translate efficient systems on the marinto thousands of dollars spent ket can be inefficient if repairing or replacing air con- improperly installed. A certiSpecial to The Breeze
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Maurizio Esposito
fied, experienced technician can make sure an A/C system is hooked up based on manufacturer specifications. Top systems also must be properly maintained to ensure their performance meets industry standards. Fact: SEER ratings allow consumers to know if they have an energy-efficient A/C system.
mer. An A/C system’s size is expressed as tonnage. The Florida Building Code requires the size of air conditioners match the size and conditions of a home. A 2-ton unit, for example, would be ideal for a 1,200-square-foot single-family home. Meanwhile, a 4-ton unit is well-suited for a 2,400square-foot property. Tonnage has no effect on an A/C system’s efficiency. In fact, a unit that is too large for a home may perform worse. That’s because it would start and stop more often, and those quick cycles burn energy. Fact: Certified installers will calculate the size of an A/C unit that is appropriate for each residence.
Unit Size Myth: A bigger A/C unit ensures your house or business will stay cool during the sum-
See MYTHS FROM FACTS, page 18
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http://www.northfortmyersneighbor.com
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Myths from facts From page 16 Maintenance Myth: Preventative maintenance isn’t really necessary; A/C companies make more money by scheduling service calls. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That saying has been around for years. However, it’s counterproductive for mechanical equipment. When it comes to air conditioning systems, there is a different saying: If it ain’t wellmaintained, it will break. Preventative maintenance is a necessity for A/C systems. In fact, the lack of regular maintenance might invalidate a manufacturer’s warranty. A semi-annual maintenance program is the best way to keep systems working efficiently, which saves on monthly energy costs. Experienced technicians will calibrate systems, clean coils and fans, check temperature readings and complete other tune-ups.
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Regular maintenance also extends the life of an A/C system. Well-maintained systems can last 15 to 20 years. Poorly maintained systems might last eight to 10 years. That could mean spending twice as much money on A/C system replacements. F a c t : Preventative maintenance is a cost-efficient way to keep A/C systems running smoothly for many years.
A/C Myth: Money Myth: It’s a waste of money to replace an A/C system that is still working. A new A/C system for a single-family home can easily cost $5,000 or more to
replace. Naturally, many people put off that expense. So long as the A/C is still blowing cool air, they are satisfied. Unfortu-nately, A/C systems on their last leg are not operating near maximum efficiency. They can struggle to keep rooms cool, adding $30 or more to monthly energy bills. Over one year, that’s at least $360 wasted. Tell-tale signs that it might be time to replace your A/C unit include: Skyrocketing energy bills Visible corrosion Frequent leaks Odd sounds or loud noises Drastic increase in dust
Inability to achieve a comfortable, consistent temperature A good rule of thumb is the 50% rule. If repairs cost more than 50% of the replacement cost, then it’s best to purchase a new system. Florida summers are unbearable without air conditioning. It’s best to replace an A/C system before you’re stuck for days – or longer – without cool air. Fact: Purchasing a new A/C system can save money on future energy bills. Maurizio Esposito is an HVAC technician at Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air, which serves residential and commercial customers in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Esposito has over 20 years of experience diagnosing, repairing and maintaining commercial and residential HVAC systems. For more information, please visit PTPflorida.com.
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Spring cleaning: Is your ‘junk’ worth a fortune? (StatePoint) If your family is like most, you have “junk” in your basement, garage or attic, such as sports cards, memorabilia and toys. Before you toss them out during spring cleaning, consider that the prices of sports cards, games and other ephemera are skyrocketing. How can you determine if your stuff is valuable and, if it is, how can you sell it? A widely accepted rule for sports cards, memorabilia and toys is that older items are worth more. However, these days even more recent items are also commanding high prices. “Vintage sports cards from the early periods of a sport are almost always highly collectible, especially of Hall of Famers,” says Al Crisafulli, Auction Director at Love of the
able. Modern cards of such stars as Tom Brady, Mike Trout, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter and others can sell for lots of money.“ He is offering tips to help determine if your belongings are valuable:
Older Sports Cards Cards from the 1960s and earlier are collectible, and those from before the 1940s can be extremely valuable. Big-name Hall of Famers like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Honus STATEPOINT Wagner, Mickey Mantle and Before throwing out the old “junk” you have collected others bring high prices. With old cards from the over the years, take a closer look to see if it might be 1880s and early 1900s, look valuable. for tobacco and candy brands, Game Auctions, an internet lectibles. “But don’t assume sports and memorabilia auction sports cards or other memorathat helps families sell col- bilia have to be old to be valuSee ‘JUNK,’ page 20
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Junk From page 19 such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal or American Caramel. Really old sports memorabilia from the 19th and early 20th century, such as photographs, postcards, bats, gloves and balls are also collectible. When opting to sell sports items, consider a specialty auction, such as Love of the Game, which has the expertise to professionally research sports items and maintains lists of bidders specializing in this area, to get top dollar. More information is available at loveofthegameauctions.com.
sharp corners and a well-centered image command highest prices. Additionally, unopened packs and boxes from almost any year can be valuable.
Memorabilia
FILE PHOTO
Modern Cards Prices on recent baseball, basketball and football cards have risen rapidly. The three keys are condition, star power and cards from early in player careers. Do you have major current stars, like Mike Trout, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and
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Old books, Bibles, advertising posters, signs, store displays, games, toys, Walt Disney characters and a host of other items could be valuable. LeBron James? Or do you have greats from the recent past, like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Derek Jeter or Joe Montana? Check if your cards are
denoted as Rookie, Prospect, Draft Pick or other indicators they’re from a player’s first season. And condition is king, as cards that look pack fresh with
Do you have old advertising posters depicting sports stars or famous entertainment personalities together with food, tobacco or sporting goods brands. Many original signs, store displays and promotional items are collectible, especially those dating from the early 1900s into the 1960s. But low-quality reproductions aren’t. Look for memorabilia spotlighting sports heroes, superheroes, early Walt Disney characters and Star Wars subjects. So, while you’re spring cleaning that attic, basement or garage, don’t rush to the garbage. Before throwing out old “junk,” determine if it’s valuable!
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Pandemic-era design solution from the past: The Murphy bed By MELISSA RAYWORTH Associated Press
When the vast majority of your life is happening within the four walls of your home, every square foot counts. So the past two years have inspired some serious, space-saving creativity. “Everybody all of a sudden was just surrounded by their environment, just sort of thinking, “If I'm going to be spending this much time here, I really want it to be great quality space,” says interior designer and HGTV host Vern Yip. Oddly enough, one popular strategy for creating multipurpose spaces at home in 2022 is an innovation born more than a century ago: the Murphy bed, a fully made bed emerging from a wall to instantly transform a living room into a bedroom.
Whether elderly relatives are moving in or adult children are returning home, many people are puzzling over how to add extra sleeping space to existing rooms. Depending on the circumstances, a Murphy bed can be the solution. New Jersey-based interior designer Karen Topjian remembers seeing Murphy beds in old black-and-white Hollywood movies and thinking they looked wonderfully glamorous. It seemed almost magical, she thought. Unlike a sofabed that requires moving cushions and some degree of assembly, Murphy beds have the superpower of transforming a space with just a single motion. Of course, the spring-loaded metal bed that nearly destroyed Charlie Chaplin in his 1916
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short film “One A.M.” appeared pretty uncomfortable. Even the World War II-era models probably weren't especially cozy, Topjian says, no matter how chic they looked in the movies. But technology has improved dramatically. Today, she says, high-quality Murphy beds open easily and can be outfitted with high-end mattresses and lush bedding. So when a client with a New York studio apartment challenged her to create a space where he could eat, sleep, live and work, Topjian designed a
Murphy bed built into custom hardwood shelving, giving the compact living space plenty of storage and flexibility. And the appeal of Murphy beds is moving beyond those who live in apartments. As the pandemic lingers, even people with larger homes are facing “small-space living issues,” says Heather Higgins, another New Jersey interior designer. Whether elderly relatives are moving in or adult children are returning home, many people are puzzling over how to add extra sleeping space to existing rooms. Depending on the circumstances, a Murphy bed can be the solution. Among its best uses: See MURPHY BED, page 20
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Murphy bed From page 21 Making guests at home -- without sacrificing a room Interior designer Gonzalo Bueno has a meticulously planned home office in Dallas. Behind his desk, a dramatic black-and-white painting extends from floor to ceiling, flanked on both sides by builtin shelving. For 90% of the year, he says, his office is laid out in exactly this way. But when relatives visit from Mexico, his desk is moved forward and that painting is pulled down to reveal a Murphy bed. Its a better option than even the highest quality sofabed, he says: “This is a queen-size bed — a real bed. So it's heaven” for visitors. “But for my 90% of the year, it just looks like a beautiful built-in with an art piece.” Bueno created a similar design for clients who needed a playroom for their children and
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a guest room for visiting grandparents. They didn't want older relatives sleeping on a sofa bed, but also didn't want to lose an entire room to a queen-size bed. One end of their playroom now houses a Murphy bed concealed within built-in storage. Murphy beds can also be practical for single parents whose children don't live with them full-time. Bueno has a client who uses a spare bedroom primarily as a meditation space. But when his child lives with him, a Murphy bed is kept open and the room feels entirely like a bedroom.
Topjian recommends mapping out the room with the bed open to make sure it won't feel too crowded. Make sure any furniture you'll need to shift out of the way isn't too heavy or awkward. If you'll be using a Murphy bed as your primary sleeping space and opening it frequently, it helps to choose a lightweight memory foam mattress rather than a conventional model. And look for a goodquality one that lowers slowly and “makes a soft landing,” Topjian says. Make sure your Murphy bed comes from a reliable manufacturer, the designers emphasized. The name was once Hybrid homes trademarked, but has been used Higgins says the pandemic by a wide range of retailers is inspiring some city dwellers since 1989. to shift to a smaller apartment so they can afford a second Home office in space outside the city. In cases a spare bedroom like this, a Murphy bed can For those who have convertmake the city space more maned a spare bedroom into a ageable.
work-from-home office, it can be challenging to create a space that looks professional on video calls while still keeping a bed there. “People are paying a lot of attention to what their background is” on video calls, Yip says. “That little portion of your living environment that you're sharing now with the rest of the world -- what does it say?” A Murphy bed can offer the elegant appearance of wooden doors, rather than a view of a bed laden with pillows and blankets. Beyond creating a workfriendly Zoom background, that can also help you concentrate. “You wouldn't want to be working all day seeing a bed next to you,” Bueno says. “It will just be too too tempting.”
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Smart and simple bathroom updates for aging in place (BPT) - Many changes come with age, but one thing most people agree they don't want to change is where they live. Aging in place is important to many people, and fortunately, some updates to frequently used rooms such as the bathroom can make a big difference in helping people stay safe and secure. Data shows that 77% of adults 50 and older want to stay in their homes long term, according to the AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey. This number has been consistent for over a decade, showing that adults prefer to age in place. When updating a home for aging in place, the bathroom is one of the most important spaces to focus on. Because so many activities happen in this room, it needs to be updated to be safe, secure and functional for people with varying physical abilities. The most important bathroom updates for aging in place include:
Non-slip flooring Fall prevention is essential in the bathroom, and a good place to start is by looking at the floors. Tile is popular in bathrooms but can be slippery. Eliminate rugs and mats that may be a tripping hazard. Then assess current flooring and consider adding non-slip mats or
other non-slip features inside and outside the bath or shower. Finally, if flooring is too slippery, updating to a slip-resistant linoleum or other option might make sense.
Taller toilet As you age, it becomes more difficult to sit down and get back up. A taller toilet can help make using the bathroom easier. For example, the Highline Tall Toilet is Kohler's tallest toilet to provide ultimate accessibility and ease of use. Additionally, it has a clean, simple design and efficient performance featuring an innovative 1.28-gallon flush setting. If you'd prefer not to replace your existing toilet, swap out your current seat for the Hyten Toilet Seat that adds 3 inches of height to your toilet bowl and looks just like a normal toilet seat, only taller.
Good lighting Proper lighting enhances the functionality of any bathroom and is especially important for older adults with vision impairment. Overhead lighting as well as task lighting by vanities is important for all grooming activities. Make sure to use LED bulbs that tend to be brighter and more energy effiSee AGING IN PLACE, page 28
Non-slip flooring, good lighting and grab bars are among the things that can make a bathroom safer. BRANDPOINT MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE
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Four choices to create a more eco-friendly kitchen (BPT) - Environmental protection is always capturing headlines, but you might wonder what you can do as an individual to make a difference at home. Do your small efforts even matter in the big picture of a greener world? The truth is every eco-minded effort counts, no matter how small it may seem. One of the best places to start is at home in your very own kitchen. Some of the simplest, most costeffective changes can have the biggest cumulative impact in the new year. Looking for ideas? These simple, everyday habits will help you create a greener kitchen and eco-friendly household:
use less plastic than leading competitors* without sacrificing performance. Glad's ForceFlexPlus Recovered Materials Bag is the brand's most sustainable bag. They have the same trusted Glad strength you can depend on but are made with 50% recovered plastic - 20% recycled plastic, 30% reclaimed plastic - and are made with 100% renewable energy (in Glad's North American plants) and come in 100% recyclable packaging (in Glad's North American plants). Learn more at Glad.com/Sustainability. *Ranges from 7% to 22% less plastic vs. top 10 competitors
Opt for the dishwasher Prevent food waste Food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the food supply in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
BRANDPOINT
New habits will help you create a greener kitchen and more eco-friendly house. Billions of pounds of food is spoilage, which is why preservwasted every year, often due to ing food properly is essential. Dry goods should be sealed air tight and out of sunlight, ideally in a cool and dry location. Fresh foods can spoil, so it's important to store produce properly. Look for storage options created specifically for fresh foods to keep the proper air and moisture ratio for optimum freshness. Most produce should be stored in the fridge, but some items like bananas, pears, avocado, melons and tomatoes last longer when not refrigerated. When it comes to food waste, consider composting at home or through a curbside program, which creates a trickle-down effect that can benefit you as well as the environment. When in doubt, do your research to understand the different options.
Get trash bags made with less plastic While reducing waste is important, you probably will still need to use trash bags in the kitchen. Research options and find a greener bag. Glad's drawstring kitchen trash bags 24 Spring 2022
If you wash dishes by hand instead of in the dishwasher thinking you're saving water, you may be mistaken. This is particularly true if you're like most people and run the hot water for rinsing continuously as you do dishes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, newer EnergyStar dishwasher models use 6 gallons or less per wash cycle, plus save on electricity. You can maximize savings further by only running the dishwasher when it's full.
Recycle Last but not least, prioritize recycling throughout your day. Know what can be recycled in your area and be sure to place those items as indicated in the recycling bin rather than the trash. Unsoiled paper products can typically be recycled, as well as many glass containers, metal lids and plastic containers that have been rinsed well. Whether you live in an urban setting or far out in the country - or one of the many places in between - Mother Nature serves an important role in your life. These simple steps that you can do in your very own kitchen make a big difference.
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What’s in, what’s out: Paint colors to sell a home By DAN MILES
brown, black, red and forest green can fit into many color schemes. High-quality exterior paint typically lasts up to 10 years or more. Its lifespan can be cut short, however, based on many factors, including direct exposure to the sun, frequent moisture from rainwater and stains from mold growth or dirt. High-pressure hoses also can cause colors to prematurely fade and even chip away at the paint.
Special to The Breeze
Florida’s real estate market is hot. Within days of listing a property, many sellers are receiving multiple offers, oftentimes above asking price. However, buyers are not entering bidding wars on just any old property. The same features that have attracted buyers for generations – prime location, stainless steel appliances, updated cabinetry and lots of natural light – still help generate offers today. So how do you get potential buyers through the front door to see everything your house has to offer? Curb appeal. First impressions are everything in real estate. If you’re preparing to cash out equity while the real estate market sizzles, focus on color. A new coat of exterior and interior paint offers a tremendous return on investment for a relatively low out-of-pocket cost. Below are paint color tips that sellers can use to capitalize on real estate trends:
Interior Paint Colors
Exterior Paint Colors The Arch Digest, a publication for architects, interior designers and DIYers, notes that “gray is continuously gaining popularity” as an exterior color in Florida because it makes homes look “modern and sleek.” Gray also comes in many hues, making it easy to mix and match. For a home’s exterior, light gray is a trendy dominant shade when paired with medium gray and dark gray trim around doors, windows, handrails and decorative features. Similarly, a home painted in a medium gray shade looks best with white, light gray or dark gray trim. Gray mixtures also are pop26 Spring 2022
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According to Arch Digest, gray is gaining in popularity as a color for homes. ular colors, with gray-blue and ers might consider it a maintegray-green leading the way. nance challenge given frequent They are distinctive, but not rain and high humidity in too different to draw negative Florida that can lead to mold reactions. Light yellow, ivory, growth and surface stains. beige, taupe and cream remain Rainwater falling from the safe bets. roofline can splash dirt and On the other hand, dark grass clippings onto a strucbrown, dark gray and black are ture, and that’s especially not as popular for dominant noticeable on a white home. shades in Florida. They don’t The front door is essentially reflect sunlight well and can the centerpiece of a home’s fade under Florida’s intense, façade and is an ideal space to year-round sunshine. showcase creativity and perAlthough white does not sonality. Bold paint colors like seem objectionable, some buy- navy blue, maroon, dark
Inside a home, wall colors are just as important in creating the indoor equivalent of curb appeal. When potential buyers open the front door, they’ll immediately pan the room to soak in the atmosphere. TV host and designer Joanna Gaines is among those who have touted “greige” as a trendy dominant color. It’s a mix between gray, a cooler shade, with beige, a warmer tone, to create the ultimate neutral color. Greige is versatile, elegant and timeless, as well as complementary to nearly all colors of furniture, artwork, home décor and linens. Gray with a hint of light green or light blue can create a warm, comfortable feeling as a dominant color. Beige, tan and off-white remain safe choices for commons areas like the living room, kitchen, dining room and hallways. Bedrooms can feature more color while still calming the senses. Blue-gray and green-gray help create a retreat-like ambiance. Avoid bright or bold color schemes that can overpower the senses, See WHAT’S IN, WHAT’S OUT, page 27
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What’s in, what’s out From page 26 like orange, red, hot pink, purple and royal blue. Trim colors can complement or contrast a room’s dominant color. White has been the safe choice for generations, but safe isn’t the only color that sells. A dark gray border around a window can help direct potential buyers to the view outside. Consider a bold accent wall to contrast neutral colors and call attention to artwork or a unique piece of furniture. Dark accent walls make a wall appear to recede, thus creating the feel of a larger space. That’s especially important in a room or home with limited square footage. When painting to stage a home, use an eggshell, matte or flat finish on walls to help hide any imperfections while also absorbing light. A fresh coat of white paint on doors, basePHOTO PROVIDED boards and door casings enhances elements that often Choosing the right colors of paint is key to creating are the most weathered parts of your home design.
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a home. Before putting a home on the market, sellers should have three primary goals: (1) Generate multiple offers, (2) Attract buyers willing to pay above the listing price, and (3) Sell the home quickly. In 2021, Zillow research found that potential home buyers were willing to make offers 1.6% higher based on color alone. Given the hot real estate market, that could put thousands of additional dollars into a seller’s pocket, so choose wisely. Dan Miles is the commercial paint division manager at Sunshine Ace Hardware, which serves commercial and DIY paint customers in stores along Florida’s west coast. For more information or to find the nearest location, please visit SunshineAce.com.
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Growth of technology makes it even more important to use a Realtor when buying or selling (BPT) - In one sense, technology has made real estate more accessible for both buyers and sellers. And yet, while everyone can see detailed property records on their phones or computer within seconds, not everyone can be a negotiator, price setter or resource. Home buyers and sellers can have difficulty navigating the expanse of information available, leaving many unsure how best to use this data to their respective advantage. “Technology will continue to improve and, in some cases, automate some aspects of the search and transaction,” NAR CEO Bob Goldberg said. "However, the widespread proliferation of real-estate technology, resources and information often leaves consumers feeling overloaded and overwhelmed." Bringing in an expert with a deep knowledge of the home buying process and marketplace is the most effective way for a
homebuyer to ensure, for example, they can win a bidding war without overpaying for a home. In a 2020 study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 50% of buyers said agents helped them collect more valuable information from online listings than buyers could have uncovered on their own - saving time, money and stress. According to NAR, 87% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker, a share that has steadily increased from 69% in 2001. Similarly, home sellers can benefit from an agent's support in effectively pricing and marketing their homes. And while the human element will always be an important part of real estate, that doesn't mean tech isn't changing how that relationship works. “Real estate is local and, in most cases, hyper-local,” Goldberg said. “While buyers and
sellers may have some understanding of the market, Realtors bring the experience, expertise and market intelligence that cannot be found from online sources.” There's substantial opportunity to integrate new technology into the buying and selling process, and real estate agents embrace these trends. Sellers and their agents now have the option to give up the traditional office environment and go fully virtual when they meet to discuss marketing strategies and review paperwork. Drone photography now provides an added glimpse into a home. And virtual tours give prospective buyers from all over the world a chance to view a property. One example of how technology is making the buying and selling process easier is through the use of electronic signatures. For 20 years, NAR
has supported efforts to legalize eSignature broadly and in particular for the real estate industry. Today, DocuSign is one of the most well-known eSignature tools and empowers agents to better serve buyers and sellers by getting transactions done quicker and easier. Technology today has provided consumers with access to more information than ever before, and for real estate agents, access to technology products and services enable a higher level of customer service. And in the process, consumers get the best of both worlds: Technology at their fingertips to get them started and real estate agents making sense of all that information and other technology to help people make the right choice about where to start a family, raise their children and build lifelong community.
Aging in place From page 23 cient. Additionally, consider lights that make it easy to navigate to the bathroom at night, such as motion lights and nightlights.
Shower safety Bathing is an important self-care task but can be challenging for aging adults. To make these tasks simpler, consider adding a shower seat and detachable shower head to showers for easier cleaning. That way you can sit while you hold the sprayer in your hands which helps prevent slips. Very low or zero entry showers are also good because they reduce the chance of tripping.
Grab bars Being able to securely hold yourself steady while navigating the bathroom helps prevent falls and other accidents. That's why grab bars are essential for aging in place, and are especially useful by the toilet and 28 Spring 2022
around the shower and bath. Not only are Kohler Bathroom Grab Bars sturdy and durable, they come in a vast array of styles and finishes to fit seamlessly into any design. There are even styles that match faucet collections, creating a cohesive look.
Lever faucets Dexterity can be an issue for aging adults, making it difficult to twist faucet knobs. A bathroom faucet with a lever eliminates the need for twisting by featuring a single lever that is easy to move to adjust the water temperature and pressure. Plus, a single lever is often easier to clean, which is a good thing for people who desire to age in place. Being able to stay in your home where you feel comfortable is important as you age. With these smart bathroom updates, you can feel safer and more secure.
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The true cost of an outage: How home standby generators add safety and savings (BPT) - If you've experienced a power outage, you know how inconvenient it is. While a couple of hours without electricity may be a nuisance, any longer can become costly in many ways -- and the level of impact depends on the length of the outage, which is completely out of your control. From the aging power grid to severe weather events, power outages lasting over an hour or two are increasing, no matter where you live: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity customers experienced an average of eight hours of power outages in 2020, causing many to seek solutions like home standby generators. “While storms have historically played a big part in the demand for home standby generators, things like aging grids, rolling brown-outs and the work-from-home trend are just a few of the reasons that we continue to see significant sales growth in standby generators in recent years, and this growth is expected to continue,” said Michelle Gross, Senior Director Marketing of Energy Solutions at Briggs & Stratton. During longer outages, what might have been merely inconvenient can become a real hazard. Virtually everything in a home today relies on electricity. Beyond the lights, HVAC and refrigerator, homes may also employ smart home technologies, security systems and electric water pumps -- all of which depend on electricity. If you don't have a home generator to keep your power on during an outage, what consequences could you face?
How a power outage can impact your pocketbook Losing power creates problems you may not anticipate. This can include communitywide issues like disruptions to communication, transportation and business as well as individ-
BRANDPOINT
Loss of power creates problems you may anticipate, and some you may not. Here are three steps to take so you'll be ready for severe weather or other emergencies that could lead to a power outage: 1. Create a home emergency kit Preparedness experts recommend using a waterproof container to store clean drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, a first aid kit and more to be prepared for any emergency. See recommendations at Ready.gov/Kit. 2. Assemble a 'go bag' In some emergencies, evacuation is recommended or even required, so have a bag ready with items you'd need if you had to leave in a hurry. Some things will be similar to your emergency kit, plus personal hygiene items that you might need for staying in a shelter or hotel. It should be small enough that you can carry it. 3. Protect your home with a How you can prepare standby generator Home standby generators for an outage differ from portable generators. Being proactive can help Portable generators are designed restore your peace of mind. for portable power needs,
ual household issues that are a major inconvenience to your family. An extended power outage could result in: ● Food spoilage including meats, dairy and eggs ● No lights, heating, air conditioning, running water or sewage pumps ● Repairs due to flooding/ frozen pipes ● Mold and necessary removal ● Risk of intrusion if your security system is inoperable ● Interruptions to work/study ● Cost of hotel stays for comfort and safety As an outage extends on from hour to hour, so does the strain on a family's time, comfort and finances. However, solutions exist to help you and your family mitigate - and even avoid - the impacts of a home outage.
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require manual set-up, do not turn on automatically and must be monitored for refueling every few hours. A standby generator, however, is permanently installed outside your home and connected to a natural gas or liquid propane fuel source. Unlike portable generators used for camping or tailgating, home standby generators are designed to supply power for your entire home. They include an automatic transfer switch that seamlessly shifts your electrical circuits and appliances to the standby generator - within seconds of an outage. With home standby generators, you don't need to go outside or do anything to get it started. You don't even have to be present, making them ideal for vacation homes or for those who travel frequently. They are set up to work automatically, day or night. Learn how a home standby generator can save money and time while providing peace of mind at BriggsAndStratton.com. Spring 2022 29
Warnky Serving SWFL
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