IN DECEMBER’S ISSUE EXPERT ADVICE ON SELLING YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS PROTECT YOUR HOME WHILE YOU’RE AWAY ON HOLIDAY 5 HOT TIPS TO HELP LOWER YOUR HEATING BILL
D E C E MB E R
2021
FEATURE
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
IN YOUR CORNER
LIVING LARGE
IN YOUR CORNER 5 HOT TIPS TO HELP LOWER YOUR HEATING BILL
COMMUNITY PROPERTY PROTECT YOUR HOME WHILE YOU ARE AWAY ON HOLIDAY
FEATURE STORY EXPERT ADVICE ON SELLING YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS
LIVING LARGE HOLIDAY PRESENCE
MARKET UPDATE CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
The cover image was photographed by JESSICA JOHNSTON. ©2021 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo and “We Never Stop Moving” are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Tips to Help Lower Your
Insulation
Bill A
It seems that once the temperature drops, everyone tries to balance staying warm with keeping their heating bill costs at a plateau (no easy feat). However, there are certainly ways to help keep the temperatures outside and the money inside your pocket, where it belongs. For those of you from the North, thinking we live in Florida, there is no winter- we locals who are freezing in 45-degree weather disagree. Try implementing a couple of these tips into your routine and see how making such minor tweaks can add up to significant results!
The following is a guest post by LINDSAY LISTANSKI originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
This, of course, is a top factor in determining your home’s temperature year-round. Think of insulation like wearing outerwear: a light windbreaker isn’t going to keep you warm and snuggly in the winter’s temperatures. But a high-quality parka will keep you better prepared to weather any condition. Consider having your insulation looked at by a professional and replaced if need be. This will save you on your winter heat bill and the sweltering summer bills too! B
Utilize Ceiling Fans Fans aren’t just for staying cool in the summer months. If you live in Florida, you probably have a ceiling fan in every room. Consider adjusting them to rotate clockwise if they are not already. The clockwise rotation will pull cold air up and trap heat in the room.
Turn Down the Thermostat Lowering your thermostat 10-15 degrees before leaving for work can help to save 10 percent by year-end on your heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. No sense keeping the house nice and toasty if no one is in it! Now, don’t go too crazy with that amount you drop that thermostat. You don’t want your heater to have to work twice as hard to get the temperature back up to the temperature you prefer when you get home.
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Swap Out Your Décor Windows are known to release massive amounts of heat. But it’s not their fault; they are technically holes in the wall—combat window drafts by switching up your interior design. You most likely favor thin, barely-there curtains that really just diffuse the light. Switch things up by selecting thick and heavy drapes in the winter; consider ones that match your holiday décor. Transitioning your curtain fabrics is a tried-and-true way to keep the warmth in your home from escaping.
Bedding A few years back, a friend of mine recommended that I try out a heated mattress cover or a heated blanket. She said they were relatively inexpensive and would totally keep me warm throughout the night. I took her up on the suggestion and ever since have coveted the moments I get to spend in my toasty bed. It’s a great way to stay warm without having to turn up the heat in the entire house. Alternatively, consider swapping out your thin linens for a heavier weight sheet and a cozy down comforter. Down is considered by many to be the most effective insulator. You can decide the fill power you need, or if you are morally opposed, you can choose a down alternative. The alternative may not have the same insulation power, but we live in Florida, so we don’t really have the freezing temperatures other places have to fend off. E
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance, Jessica Johnston(A), Erik McLean(B), Zac Gudakov(C), and Sidekix Mix(D), Chastity Cortijo(E), and Dan Lefebvre(F).
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Protect Your
Home Holiday
Away On
While You’re
A
The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
The holiday season has arrived and may look different for each one of us. Whether you are going to visit friends, family or prefer spending your Holiday following your wanderlust, traveling will likely be in your near future in some form. Considering how stressful travel can be in post COVID times and how some of us inherently worry about our homes while away, consider planning ahead with these tips for a more carefree holiday this year.
Check Those Locks Twice The easiest and simplest thing you can do to put your mind at ease before going on holiday is to double-check your locks. It seems almost too simple, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to double-check.
Be Aware of Your Digital Footprint Everyone is on social media, and why wouldn’t you want to share your holiday pics with your friends and followers? Well, resist the urge to post and instead log your selfies and then enjoy the moment instead of posting while you are away. It’s not the worst idea to hold off until you make it home. There are a number of options for criminals and ill-intentioned acquaintances on social media to take advantage of your oversharing. Please don’t make it easy for them. Avoid posting or sharing your location while you are away.
Weather & Fire Proof Your House We have all heard the stories of the nightmare scenarios, you leave your home and get a call in the middle of the night, your house has flooded, or gone up in flames due to a freak accident. The likelihood of that happening may be slim, but you can reduce the risk and the worry by taking action before you lock your doors. Take the time to unplug all unnecessary appliances. Yes, your fridge is a necessary appliance, don’t unplug it. But on a more serious note, there are many items we use every day that we leave plugged in for convenience that needs our attention before a trip—things like TVs, lamps, chargers, anything sucking electricity that could potentially short out. The same goes for water; double-check those washing machines and toilets before you go. It also doesn’t hurt to prep those pipes in case there are cold temperatures at night. Water damage is not a cheap fix.
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Lights A Glow You’ve heard the expression the lights are on but nobody’s home. This 1980s expression usually applies to the not-so-bright portion of the population, but in this case, let’s apply it to your house as well. There is the idea that a fully lit house will keep burglars away, which makes sense. However, keeping all the lights on 24-7 when you normally use natural sunlight during the day and turning all of the lights off by ten would probably draw attention. Instead of saying everyone’s home, it becomes a glowing sign that, hey, nobody’s home. Consider putting your lights on a timer between the reasonable hours you would have them on. If you have a Smart System, you could even adjust the timing slightly, so they aren’t going on and off at the exact time every day. That may only be for the Home Alone fans out there, but why not use it if you C already have the tech?
I’ll Be Seeing You Speaking of Smart Systems, you might also have a doorbell system that monitors the front porch. If you like most of us, the neighborhood can get hit by Amazon nappers – you know those gems who try and steal your Amazon order before you get home. Well, holiday season can be like shooting fish in a barrel for these criminals. Use your Smart systems to your advantage and keep your porch monitored while you are away. Speaking to visitors, having footage, and getting notifications when motion is detected are all pluses to having these devices. Don’t have a Smart system? Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle Agent. They can provide you with the seven “smart” home devices that could pay off if you D ever decide to sell your house.
Phone a Friend When you have done everything else, it doesn’t hurt to also have a friend know that you are out of town. Catch up with a friendly neighbor or a friend that lives nearby and ask them to keep an eye out. It never hurts to have an extra set of eyes, just in case. Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Collov Home Design (A), Christian Bowen (B), Matthew Bennett (C), Steven Van Elk (D), and Logan Weaver (E).
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BLUE MATTER
Expert Advice on Selling
Your Home During the
Holidays
A
The following is a guest post by LINDSAY LISTANKSI originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
Selling a home during the holidays can feel like a challenge. From winter weather to deciding whether to decorate or not, there are certainly some obstacles. Here is excellent advice from the experts from our global network of Coldwell Banker agents, brokers, and offices.
Keep It Classic “Should I decorate for the holidays?” This is an extremely common question for home sellers. It may be a family tradition to “deck the halls” across every square inch of your house, but it may be better to scale back if you are trying to sell your home. When selling a home, it’s essential to present it in a way that others can see themselves living in. “We encourage sellers to still decorate (if that’s their thing), but not Griswold style decorating…. keep it simple and classy. Mostly keep the walks clear and maybe add a spot for shoe removal just inside.” –Coldwell Banker Terre Haute B
Use the holidays to create warmth in your home. “I think lights and color can warm anyone’s heart,” says Heather Ostrom, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Sun Ridge Real Estate in Roseville, CA. With the right touch, holiday decorations can create an emotional attraction for a buyer to your home. A cold, undecorated house can’t compete with one that has the fireplace roaring, the smell of fresh-baked cookies, and elegant yet festive décor.
Less Is More
The holidays can be hectic, meaning time normally spent cleaning may be spent at the mall and holiday gatherings. It is important to stay on top of keeping your house clean and tidy, especially if you decide to decorate. Andrea Geller, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Chicago, says she loves holiday decorations, but to a point. “However you decorate, don’t distract prospective buyers from the space,” she advises, explaining that holiday decorations can cause clutter, which could potentially make a room or space look smaller. “Be sure to hide wires from holiday lights. Stick with decorations that aren’t covered in glitter and decorate with intention” -Andrea Geller Since we live in Florida, we luckily don’t have to deal with snow. However, our winter can still be a wet season. It is a good idea to consider asking visitors to remove their shoes or put covers on, so you don’t have slippery floors and stained carpets. Create an adorable or chic spot for shoes with a seasonal mat. Your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent will handle the showings and let other agents know to respect your request. C
Stay in Season One area where you likely won’t want to display holiday decorations: your listing photos. Jessica Edwards, an agent with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage in Wilmington, N.C., says holiday decorations can unintentionally date a photo, especially if the house is still on the market after New Year’s passes. “Keep it very classic and neutral, and if you put a tree where a chair or table typically goes and then jam the table or chair elsewhere in your house for a few weeks, you should ask a neighbor or friend to stick it in their house, so you don’t have extra furniture cluttering spaces or taking up more space” –Jessica Edwards
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While experts advise against decor in listing pictures, open houses are a totally different game. Open houses are the perfect time to create an experience for your visitors. Work with your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent to help your guest enjoy a day in your holiday life. The right ambiance can allow any buyer to visualize themselves in the home with their own families. “[Listing] photos should NOT have decor because that could date them. Open houses MUST have holiday decor!” –Brenna Lee Roth-Miller
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Libby Penner (A), Spacejoy (B), Eugene Zhyvchik (C), Todd Trapani (D), Genevieve (E), Spacejoy (F), and Johnson Johnson(G).
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle’s Video Tour While pictures of a property are great, a slideshow of pictures does not make a video tour. Most companies rely on photos alone, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agents know the impact and need in the market for a real Walk-Thru Video Tour. The number of homes sold sight-unseen from digital listings has drastically increased. Make sure if you are selling your home, you are partnering with a Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent who has a 90-second walk-thru tour of the entire property provided on all qualifying listings. Although you are creating a digital experience for potential buyers, stick with the expert advice for photos and apply it to your video tour too. Suppose there is any possibility your property won’t be sold by January. In that case, you don’t want to have to redo photography and video because the festive stockings and tree have become a red flag for buyers that your house isn’t selling. If you’re considering selling your house this season, you should do two things. First, keep those decorations in the box the day after Thanksgiving. Second, call your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent today, so they can get your listing process started!
www.cbvhomesearch.com G
BLUE MATTER
A
Holiday
Guest Post written by Tracy Ellison and Jennifer McGuire originally posted on the Coldwell Banker blog, Blue Matter. Jennifer McGuire is National Director of Creative Content at The Studio. Tracy Ellison is a creative content writer for The Studio, providing insightful information and ideas to enhance the art of living, with a background as an advertising photo stylist, designer, artist and copywriter.
‘Tis the season to deck your halls and ring in the holidays with festive sophistication – and not necessarily with all the bells and whistles that come with it. There are subtle ways to sing the season’s praises and embrace its beauty while still maintaining an air of elegance and decorative flair.
A Hue or Two. Begin by choosing a color theme and keeping it to one or two hues for a consistent, overall holiday presentation. Complement your current interior design color choice for a decidedly defined ambiance. And keep decorations to an impressive few, instead of filling up every open space with a multitude of festive accents – sometimes more can be less of a good thing.
Elements of Surprise. Let everyday items
take a holiday and welcome in seasonal magic by swapping out regular items like welcome mats, door wreaths, pillows, and throws for festive ones. But beware, holiday kitsch can run amuck at the height of the season. Sure, novelties can be fun, but they’re best reserved as a single conversation starter or in rooms where the kiddos tend to hang out. Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Shche Team (A), Spacejoy (B), Spacejoy(C), Camylla Battani (D), Olena Sergienko (E), and Eclectic Louise de Mirande (F).
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Twinkle in Their Eyes. Draw attention
with a dazzling display of monotone lights both inside and out for maximum impact and a cohesive look to your holiday décor. Remember that lighting is a mood maker and can create an inviting experience. Whether you add warmth to a room with wick-burning or battery-powered candles or low-watt amber glass and vintage Edison bulbs, thoughtful lighting adds the perfect touch when celebrating the coziness of the season. C
Tie It All Together. For a professional, polished
look, keep your theme consistent by repeating key elements of your holiday décor in all the rooms of your home. If you’re planning on wrapping gifts that will be on display, match the wrapping paper to your decorations. Weave the same color or patterned gift ribbon throughout your home, from packages and wreaths to centerpieces. Indulge your olfactory sense – introduce a favorite scent that will linger from room to room and further enhance the allure of the season through fragrant candles, infused oils, or even the earthy essence of cinnamon sticks simmering in a pot of boiling water. D
As the song says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, so share in the enchantment of the season. Make your home just as magical. Sprinkle in a bit of your own fairy dust to make an intriguing statement with a nod to your traditions but in your own inimitable style. E
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The Villages® community, FL 32163
The Villages® community, FL 32162
Market Update October 2021
Lady Lake, FL 32159 What does this mean for BUYERS?
Inventory has dwindled as we head towards the holiday season, and many buyers who are being priced out have decided to put a hold on their home search. This may work in your favor if you aren’t priced out of the market and have flexibility with your budget. Your best bet is to work with a Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent to help guide you through the process.
Want the latest market data in your neighboorhood? Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent for the latest market information today!
What does this mean for SELLERS?
Although the market has started to cool, with no bust in sight, it continues to be a Seller’s Market. Speak with your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent about your real estate goals today. Data Source: Stellar MLS. Statistics calculated September 08, 2021.
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YOU HOME Since 1906
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle Realty 510 County Road 466 Suite 201 Office #H Lady Lake, Fl 32159 www.CBVHomesearch.com