IN FEBRUARY’S ISSUE HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKUP FLORIDA INNOVATORS 4 WAYS TO REVAMP YOUR LONG-FORGOTTEN GARAGE
FE BRU A R Y
2022
FEATURE
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
IN YOUR CORNER
IN YOUR CORNER 5 THINGS THAT MIGHT MAKE YOUR HOME INSURANCE NULL & VOID
FLORIDA FINDS FLORIDA INNOVATORS
LIVING LARGE
FEATURE STORY HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKUP
LIVING LARGE 4 WAYS TO REVAMP YOUR LONG-FORGOTTEN GARAGE
MARKET UPDATE CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
KID’S CORNER VALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITIES THE KIDS WILL LOVE
CBV CARES LEADING THE WAY IN OUR COMMUNITIES
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Things That Might Make Your Homeowners Insurance
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The following is a post by Ryan Hanley, he is the Vice President of Marketing at TrustedChoice.com and the Managing Editor of Agency Nation. The post was originally published on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. It was edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
Home insurance is essential, regardless of your house’s size or location. However, even if you have homeowners coverage in place, there are many reasons why your home insurance policy may become null and void. Here are a few to watch out for.
1. Keep Receipts of Your Belongings
What good is home insurance if you can’t get the coverage you need for all of your possessions? Ultimately, you’ll need receipts to verify property ownership—along with when you purchased a property and how much you paid for it—to your home insurance provider. If you file a home insurance claim for a lost, stolen, or damaged item and cannot verify property ownership, your policy could be voided. Typically, a home insurance policy offers coverage for a wide range of properties. But it is important to note that coverage limitations may be in place. This means you probably won’t get the full value for an original Van Gogh painting, 5-carat round cut ring, or other expensive or rare property stored in your house based on the coverage limitations in a “standard” homeowners policy. If you keep artwork, jewelry, or other high-priced items in your house, you should get these belongings appraised. By doing so, you’ll have receipts that verify that you own these items and can get full compensation for them if they are stolen, damaged, or destroyed. It often pays to keep an inventory of your belongings, too. This inventory can be updated periodically based on a property that you buy or sell. Furthermore, if you’re ever uncertain about whether to add or subtract items from your home insurance policy, you can reach out to an independent insurance agent for assistance. The home insurance expert can provide insight into what it takes to fully insure all of your belongings at all times. A B
2. Avoid Submitting an Excessive Number of Claims
Most homeowners are unlikely to submit a home insurance claim in a given year, which is reflected in recent data from the Insurance Information Institute (III). In fact, about 5.1 percent of all homeowners submitted a home insurance claim in 2019, according to the III. Among these claims, property damage accounted for 97 percent. On the other hand, a hurricane, tornado, or other natural disasters can strike without notice. If one of these natural disasters occurs, a homeowner will probably need to submit a home insurance claim as quickly as possible. When it comes to home insurance, you should only submit a claim when it is absolutely necessary to do so. A home insurance company reserves the right to void a homeowner’s coverage if a policyholder submits an excessive number of claims over the life of his or her policy. If you submit an unusually high number of claims within a given time frame, your home insurance provider may view you as a “risky” homeowner and void your coverage.
3. Report Major Home Renovations
Do you want to add a new bedroom to your house? Or maybe you plan to install a swimming pool in your backyard? If you complete home renovations and fail to notify your home insurance provider, you may put your homeowners coverage in danger. Property changes may impact the home insurance coverage that you need, as well as your home insurance premiums. In some situations, property changes may cause your insurer to void your policy. There are many “major” home renovations that you should tell your insurer about, and these include:
· Alarm System: An alarm system may require an upfront investment. But over time, this system may help you lower your home insurance premiums as well as increase your home security. · Roof: A home insurance company is unlikely to cover the costs of upgrading your current roof or installing a new one. On the other hand, an improved roof helps lower the risk of weather-related and structural damage to your house, thereby reducing the risk of a potential home insurance claim down the line. · Swimming Pool: Swimming pools create liability risks, and in some cases, an insurance company may require you to purchase additional coverage for your swimming pool; alternatively, your insurance company may drop your policy. When in doubt about whether a home renovation project is a “major” endeavor, it always is better to err on the side of caution. If you plan to embark on a major home renovation project, you should reach out to your insurance company in advance. That way, you can guarantee your home and personal belongings are fully covered before, during, and after the renovation project is completed.
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4. Be Proactive When Traveling
Leaving a home vacant for more than a few days can be risky. For example, consider what might happen if you embark on a two-week winter vacation. You may leave your home empty for the duration of your vacation. Meanwhile, if a pipe freezes and bursts while you’re away, the associated property damage could be significant. In the aforementioned scenario, you probably won’t know about the property damage associated with the burst pipe until you return home. As a result, your home insurance company may view you as a “negligent” homeowner and is unlikely to cover the full costs of your property damage. If you plan to take an extended vacation, you should contact your home insurance provider ahead of time. A home insurance policy usually has limits about how long you can leave your residence unoccupied and still be protected by homeowners coverage. Additionally, most insurance companies have policies in place about the steps that you need to follow if your house is going to be vacant for 30 days or more. Lastly, don’t forget to contact a friend or family member to keep an eye on your house during your trip. With extra help from a friend or family member, you can further reduce the risk of burglaries and other potential home issues while your house is vacant.
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5. Avoid Deliberate Property Damage
Let’s face it – no one wants to pay the steep costs associated with home improvement or maintenance projects. In some instances, homeowners might consider causing property damage in the hopes that their home insurer will cover their property replacement or repair costs. Yet deliberate property damage is not covered under a homeowners policy. Deliberate property damage is a form of insurance fraud—a serious problem for home insurance providers and homeowners alike. Consider the following statistics from the Insurance Information Institute (III): Most insurance companies use anti-fraud technology, and 76 percent of insurers said detecting claims fraud is the primary use of their anti-fraud technology. 90 percent of insurance companies that leverage anti-fraud technology use automated red flags or business rules to detect fraud, and more than half employ predictive modeling. New anti-fraud technology makes it increasingly likely that a homeowner who tries to beat the system will get caught. Plus, the penalties associated with deliberate property damage and other forms of home insurance fraud are substantial. Many states classify home insurance fraud as a felony, and those who are convicted of fraud may face financial and legal consequences as well. Home insurance is a tricky subject, particularly for those who are uncertain about what types of coverage they need. Fortunately, independent insurance agents are available to teach you about home insurance. An independent insurance agent possesses comprehensive home insurance expertise and is happy to explain different home insurance coverage. Connect with your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent today. They can connect you with a trusted insurance agent to help you purchase and maintain the right homeowners coverage. Photography provided by the following in order of appearance: Sharon McCutcheon(A), Chastity Cortijo(B), Annie Gray(C), Sidkix Media(D), Stil(E), and Krakenimages(F).
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Florida
Innovators The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
Florida is home to rich African American history from the establishment of the oldest city in the world, soldiers fighting in each war within the state, and groundbreaking civil rights moments in our cities. Each February we honor those names that we all learned in history class who did great things like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, George Washington Carver, to name a few. While remembering and honoring those greats, let’s also take a moment this year to honor some of our own great leaders and innovators from the great state of Florida.
Alfred Hair, a Fort Pierce artist, was the prolific painter who helped form and led the collective of African American artists known as the Florida Highwaymen. Alfred’s high school art teacher saw his artistic potential and introduced him to A.E. Backus. In his own right, A.E. Backus, a famed Florida landscape painter, began teaching Hair to paint at just 14 years old. After working with Backus, Hair decided to become a working artist selling his works door-to-door and out of the trunk of his car rather than continuing his education. Hair went on to encourage and teach the other 26 artists who would make up the Florida Highwaymen collective. Although they were not allowed to show or sell their work in the segregated galleries of Ft. Pierce, the collective instead made a living selling their fine art along the Florida highways. The prolific painters focused on creating vibrant impressionistic paintings of Florida’s wildlife and landscapes. Hair was known to take up to 20 canvas to paint en Plein air in a single sitting, quickly capturing elements of a sunset on each canvases one after the next. Although he tragically died at 29, his innovation and resourcefulness empowered the Floriday Highwayman and created a powerful legacy. Augusta Savage was a sculptor from Green Cove Springs who became known during the Harlem Renaissance. She moved to Harlem and cleaned houses while going to school at The Cooper Union School of Art. Although she would later earn a scholarship to Paris to study, it was rescinded when it became known that she was African American. That didn’t stop Savage from getting to Paris; she moved there and went on to study, work, and exhibit there before returning to Harlem. When she returned, she continued to work as a sculptor and started to teach art classes from her studio for free. She made a strong impression during the 1939 World’s Fair with her sculpture, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” based on another Florida innovator James Weldon Johnson’s song. The sculpture was so powerful that it was the most photographed work at the entire fair, which featured art from around the globe. The piece was renamed “Harp” by the World’s Fair committee and was sadly destroyed after the fair because Savage was unable to afford to have the piece moved or cast in bronze. Her work was exhibited amongst greats like Salvador Dali and William de Kooning, cementing her as one of the most talented American artists.
Daniel “Chappie” James was born in Pensacola and started his military career in World War II after graduating from Tuskegee Institute. He trained pilots for the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the air forces’ first all African American flying unit. James saw combat during the Korean Conflict in which he flew over a hundred combat missions and received a Distinguished Flying Cross award in 1950 for his air support. By June of 1967, James had become Colonel James and served as Vice Wing Commander of the Eighth Tactical Fighter Wing during the Vietnam War. He was nominated as Brigadier General in 1970 for his successful handling of the Muammar Khadafy’s coup in 1969. His moral fiber, work ethic, and talent as a pilot lead to his fellow pilots and admirers affectionately calling him “Black Eagle.” Gates was awarded the George Washington Freedom Foundation Medal in 1967 and again in 1968, as well as the Arnold Air Society Eugene M. Zuckart Award in 1970 for his contributions to the US Air Force. As a general, he began to work with Public Affairs. In 1975 he was promoted to a four-star general when he was given the Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command assignment making him the first African American to do so.
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was originally from South Carolina but made her mark as an innovator and educator in Daytona and Jacksonville. She became one of the most prominent African American educators and civil rights leaders in Florida’s history. She started her education with the intention of becoming a missionary, but after school, she was unable to find a church willing to sponsor her and became a teacher instead. After her marriage fell apart in Palatka, Bethune was determined to provide for her son as a single mom. She opened the Daytona Beach Literary and Industrial School for Training Negro Girls in 1904. In a few years, it grew from four students to a school of 250 and grew into a college by the 1920s. She also opened the Mary McLeod Hospital and Training School for Nurses after seeing the need for proper medical treatment in the African American communities. Bethune eventually merged her school with the first higher education institute for African American men in Florida, the Cookman Institute; the schools became the Bethune-Cookman College in 1923. Bethune went on to lead civil rights organizations, including being Vice President of the NAACP, and counseled presidents including Roosevelt and Truman. Her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt led to the creation of the 99th Pursuit Squadron and the pilot training program Daniel James was a part of.
Dr. Sylvester James Gates Jr. grew up in the Orlando area and found an interest in physics in an 11th-grade class at Jones High School. With his father’s encouragement, he applied and was accepted to MIT, where he received his BS and Ph.D. Gates went on to become a theoretical physicist known for helping the world better understand the universe. His work with supersymmetry, supergravity, and superstring theory allowed us to look at the universe in new and exciting ways. Instead of thinking of the universe as a mass of individual particles, we should think of everything being connected on very tiny pieces of string, vibrating back and forth. Gates has taught, conducted research, and worked with foundations at the finest universities in the country, including Howard, the University of Maryland, Brown, and Harvard. He was awarded the National Medal of Science and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences the same year. He was the first African American theoretical physicist to be selected in its 150-year history. Gates returns to Jones High School in Orlando every year to award a scholarship and an award of excellence in math and science to a student encouraging future generations. Photography provided by the the State Library and Archives of Florida, floridamemory.com or are public domain.
Annual Home Maintenance Checkup The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
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New year, new home goals? Whether you have just bought your first home, are considering putting your home on the market, or are happy in your forever home, you want to make sure you take care of it. Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty recommends having a game plan for the year to keep your home happy and healthy inside and out. Although we don’t have the same winter wear and tear other climates experience with snowstorms, it is still important to approach a springtime checklist with this same vigor as a Northern would. Think of it as a yearly checkup for your home.
Check All of Your Systems and Vents
HVAC, water heaters, electric, and plumbing are all vital to making your home run. Proper maintenance on all of them can help ensure you don’t experience constant costly repairs throughout the year. Clean out all of your air vents bi-annually to ensure they work as efficiently as possible in both the summer and winter. Dryer vents should be cleaned annually. In addition to working efficiently, you reduce the risk of fire which, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s research, dryer vent fires cause $238 million in direct property damage each year. Don’t forget your kitchen hood vent filter. Those of us who cook most of our meals at home need to replace or clean that filter more often. HVAC: You should be changing your HVAC’s air filter every one to two months, depending on the amount of debris your home builds up. If you have kids and furry friends, it’s best to do it every month to keep the air filters as clean as possible. Once a year, you should have the HVAC serviced to ensure everything is working properly and is ready to go into overdrive during our sweltering summers. Having zero air conditioning for even a day is a no-go between May and September for ninety percent of Floridians. Electrical: Check your outlets for any shorts, especially those near water sources. That includes bathrooms, exterior walls, laundry rooms, and kitchens. If they are warm to the touch or discolored, you might have an issue and should hire a trained professional. If you have an older home, electrical might be something to consider updating this year if it hasn’t been replaced or updated. While you are inspecting outlets, inside and out, make sure you’re paying attention to light bulbs too, and replace any that have burnt out. Most light bulbs will only last a year however those that are rarely used might have a longer life. Water Heater: Whether you have a tankless water heater or the old-fashioned massive tank in a closet or garage, you need to get it serviced. Old-fashioned water heaters need to be drained a few times a year, and their pressure needs to be monitored to detect any leaks. You can do both of those things yourself throughout the year but have a professional check once a year to ensure there are no leaks or repair any issues you might have found. If you have gone tankless, you’ll want a yearly inspection since you live in an area with hard water. In general, Florida’s water is considered somewhere in the range of hard and extremely hard, according to experts, so don’t skip the annual check-up. Plumbing: Since your plumbing requires the same hard water as your water heater, make sure you are checking in with your plumbing, too. The minerals and chemicals in the water can cause buildups in your appliances, drains, jets, and more complex connections. This can cause your house to run less efficiently and damage the plumbing and appliances long term. In addition to assessing your regular plumbing, make sure you are maintaining your water softener as well if you have one. If you have the time and patience, you can certainly clean and maintain your system on your own. You should have your softener professionally serviced annually to maintain a system that is high-functioning and ensure the system has a long life.
Check Entryways and Points of Entry for Pests.
Kill two birds with one stone here. Ensure all of your doors and windows are sealed properly. This keeps pests out and allows your home to run as efficiently as possible. Having trouble determining if you actually have a drafty spot? Consider using an incense stick, and before you envision yourself surrounded by a puff of smoke that smells and will make your house stink, there are numerous incense options available. A pleasant lavender, jasmine, or even mint incense sticks are available to purchase that won’t overwhelm your senses and will help you detect drafts. Simply walk around with the lit stick, and if the smoke blows around instead of merely rising up, you have a problem.
Additionally, you want to check points of entry for pests that haven’t been created or exposed throughout the year. Keeping your home clean and not leaving out food is a no-brainer, but in Florida, there are pests (mosquitos, waterbugs, squirrels, etc.) that are attracted inside for other reasons, including hidden water damage. Make sure you inspect your house for cracks in your walls, baseboards, trim, doors, and window frames. Most of the areas you find can easily be fixed with caulking. Still, you can always follow up with a pest control service or handyman service to eliminate and prevent pests’ opportunities for entry. They will also often be able to tell if there are more severe issues causing those points of entry beyond just normal wear and tear that need to be addressed.
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Clean the Gutters and Inspect the Roof We not only have spring showers but intense summer storms. In fact, if you’re new to Florida, you’ll quickly realize we can have a thunderstorm on a Tuesday afternoon that often seems more intense than the hurricane/ tropical storm that caused mandatory evacuations a month later. With that in mind, now is the perfect time to inspect the roof and maintain those gutters to make sure you are ready for the impending weather. Remove all debris from the roof and gutters and check for any worn or warped shingles. If you notice any abnormalities in the shingles, leaks, or holes, make sure you have a trained professional look at your roof. Worried you’re just being sold a new roof when someone is being sent to your home? The easiest way to tell is if the salesman never steps foot on your roof or looks in the attic. If you have requested a roof inspection, a seasoned roofer will do both and provide images of any damage they see. You want to ensure your roof is in the best condition possible before storm season hits. There are also insurance benefits to having a good roof, be sure to notify your insurance company when you update your roof. Now, if you have recently installed a new roof but notice something, make sure you ask about your roof’s warranty or check the warranty and contract provided to you at the time of purchase. Sometimes the products used on the roof, the shingles themselves, for example, have their own warranties that come into play if you find a new roof already has issues. The key is that you are proactive. If you are clearing debris and inspecting your roof every season or more often, you can catch things you might otherwise miss.
Exterior Refresh
After you have walked around your home and made sure there are no leaks or damage found, give your home a good bath. Just as you feel clean and refreshed after a shower, a power wash can do wonders for your home’s exterior. Don’t forget the sidewalks, driveway, and deck to increase your home’s curb appeal. In addition to giving your house a bath, make sure you clean up the yard too. This time of year is a great time to prune if you haven’t already. Inspect your water irrigation systems and have any repairs made. It’s also a great time to touch base with your lawn service about any adjustments you want made from what they did in 2021.
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Pool Maintenance
If you are one of the many homeowners who have a pool, maintaining a pool is probably already like clockwork for you. Either you have a pool person, or you handle it yourself. If you drained it for the winter or covered it tightly, you can make plans to reopen as you see fit. Ensure you monitor the rainwater levels, remove any debris buildup on your covering or in the pool itself, and make sure the chemical balance is on point to avoid any unwanted algae growth. When you reopen the pool or if you still have it open, take some time to inspect the pool and ensure there are no cracks or leaks that might need to be repaired. Additionally, ensure the filtration system is properly maintained and if there are any issues, call a trained professional to make necessary repairs.
Make an Emergency Plan
You might already have this in place as a Floridian who is prepared for Hurricane season. If not, the beginning of the year is a great time to take stock and make a plan. Consider all of the things you need to be prepared for emergencies. The more prepared you are, the better your family can handle situations as they arise. This includes having important papers in a safe, dry container. Prepare any accommodations for family members that might have disabilities, special needs, dietary requirements, or are too young to take care of themselves. Don’t forget your pets. They are family too, and you need to plan for them too. Prepare a plan; whether you are going to store enough food for a week and purchase a generator or have an evacuation plan, put it on paper and create a survival/disaster kit accordingly. Now is the time to review your insurance, everything it covers, and if you want any adjustments made to the policy. Do you have flood insurance? What is your deductible if you were to make a claim? Have you documented all of the upgrades and additional items you have added to your home? Don’t wait until a hurricane or fire destroys your home. Make sure you understand all of those aspects and are prepared to handle the worst-case scenario as it is happening.
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Don't Forget Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Who knew you could actually hit the test button and replace the batteries instead of waiting for the detector to go off randomly in the middle of the night when the last of the batteries’ juice goes out? We all know it, but get busy and forget. It happens, but there is a test button, and you should err on the side of caution when it comes to these devices since they could save your life. Check them monthly, and you should replace them before their 10th birthday. Being a homeowner has a lot of responsibilities, and you could add a number of items to your personal maintenance checklist. You can be as meticulous as you like with your home. Wondering who the professionals are you should trust when it comes to maintaining your humble abode? Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard agent, and they will be able to give you a list of trusted professionals who will get the job done right. We recommend those that uphold the same quality and experience we bring to helping our customers buy and sell real estate.
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Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Zac Gudakov(A), Greg Rosenke(B), Zac Gudakov(C), Point3D(D), CDC(E), Thomas Ehling(F), Point3D(G).
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Ways to
REVAMP
Your Long-forgotten
GARAGE
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The following is a guest post by Tom Brialey originally published on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. Tom Brialey is the Founder and Director of Action Storage, which adopts his philosophy that, in addition to the highest quality products, you must also provide the highest standard of service to your customers in order to succeed.
Has your garage been left abandoned and unloved for far too long? You’re not alone. A home organization study from Moen found that the garage was the most cluttered space in homes. And, with the American Housing Survey reporting 80% of all US homes have a garage, we think it’s time something changed. So join us in exploring four tried and tested methods you can use to show your long-forgotten garage some much-needed TLC, revamping your cluttered space into one fit for function.
Reconsider your storage
When was the last time you saw your garage floor? Garages far too often serve as a dumping ground – a place to keep those countless boxes full of sentimental keepsakes and, let’s be honest, junk you can’t bring yourself to throw out! Luckily, revitalizing your garage space doesn’t mean you have to begin a clearout and start planning your next yard sale. Instead, reconsider your storage solutions to achieve a more optimized and efficient means of storage. The best way to do this? Utilize vertical space! Purpose-built garage shelving units are your best bet here. They’ll clear up valuable floor space and enable you to implement a logical organization plan. Regardless of whether your garage is merely practical or purpose-built for a specific use, increasing your storage capability is a must – trust us, you’ll thank us later! B
Get decorative
One of the biggest appeals of a garage is that the possibilities really are endless. From workshops to games rooms, the purpose of your garage is completely up to you. But of course, in order to revamp it successfully, you’re going to want to breathe a new lease of life into the space. So, it’s time to get creative! Your options here are twofold:
Option A
Option A entails decorating based on purpose. For example, no game room is complete without arcade machines, pool tables, and the likes, but don’t forget about trendy extras like beanbags, mini-fridges, and gadgets. Ultimately, it’s all about decorating the space with you in mind.
Option B
Alternatively, a general interior update will be equally as effective in revamping your garage space and is often a great way of boosting your property’s value in the process. Never underestimate the power of a new lick of paint. Opt for clean and crisp colors to make the space look polished and better organized, being sure to consider interior cohesion by matching your aesthetic with any features and appliances you may have on display. As a potentially damp space, to ensure functionality in the process, we recommend using moistureblocking paint.
BLUE MATTER Evaluate your lighting
What use is a trendy new garage interior if it’s hidden by dingy garage lighting? Look to reevaluate your garage lighting to bring a little extra shine, both figuratively and literally, to your garage interior. Again, there’s a whole range of options at your disposal, and picking the right one will depend on how you intend to utilize your space. As a rule of thumb, lighting should always be bright, efficient, and easily accessible – particularly if your space is functional and prone to hazards. Think about more than simply overhead lighting. Lighting above doors, on walls, and beneath storage systems can be an effective way of ensuring practicality and style. If your space is being used for entertainment, consider bringing an extra dimension to your space through snazzy features such as voice-activated colored lighting. Not only will this do wonders for your garage’s aesthetics, but it’s also sure to become the envy of any friend who comes to visit! Alternatively, functional garage owners should focus more on their lighting’s practical properties. For example, opt for lighting fixtures with electronic ballasts to ensure a more reliable performance than traditional fluorescent lighting, which often becomes temperamental in conditions below 50 degrees.
Strengthen your security
A slick new garage interior deserves protection – particularly if it’s housing valuable items, whether that be in monetary or sentimental value. An automatic garage door with remote sensors is a good place to start, providing you with both convenience and peace of mind. For added reassurance, pair with a CCTV system – there are plenty on the market right now at costeffective prices. What’s more, contemporary systems are even compatible with smartphones, allowing you to stream the feed directly to your phone through an app. Again, convenience and peace of mind are guaranteed. Revitalizing your garage interior might sound like the mammoth task you’ve been putting off for years, but with the right know-how, it’s not as tough as it sounds. We hope the above tips give you the inspiration you need to turn your garage into the space you’ve always wanted.
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Jackob Rosen (A), and Ben Ashby (B).
Market Update December 2021
December 2021
$323,990
December 2020
$268,900
Want the latest market data when it’s available? Ask your agent if they are a part of the MLS MARKET UPDATE program.
According to the most recent NEFAR press release, “In Northeast Florida, sales prices reached new heights, inventory scraped rock bottom, and homes sold in record time, often for well above the asking price.” “December capped off an exceptional real estate market year in Northeast Florida. Sales of all property types were brisk throughout the year clocking in at nearly 38,000 properties sold for 2021,” said NEFAR President Mark Rosener.
What does this mean for BUYERS?
If you are in the market to purchase, you can continue to expect to pay more than you would last month, with the prices continuing to rise. You can also expect your options to be limited although you should expect inventory to increase slightly since the holiday season is over.
What does this mean for SELLERS?
If you are looking to sell, you too should reach out to your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent and discuss your 2022 real estate goals. They can ensure your return on investments(ROIs) reach their fullest potential in this historic market.
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Valentine’ sActivities
Kids
Your
The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
Will
Love
The month of February is a great time to celebrate your family’s love and enjoy some time together. Here are some fun activities your kids will love, whether you want a mother-daughter, father-daughter, or a parents’ night out this February.
Conversation Heart Cake Make & Take
Fri, Feb 11, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM If your kiddo loves to cook or decorate, they will love this Jax Cooking Studio’s cooking class. You’ll learn to create a heart-shaped cake based on that iconic candy we all love. Enjoy the class with your little one and make a mini-cake for the ones you love. jaxcookingstudio.com/class/conversation-heart-cake-make-and-take/ A
I Heart Science Art Lab B
Sat, February 12, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM MOCA Kids Art Lab is hosting an event for young artists interested in connections with Science, Technology, Art, and Math. Kids will enjoy exploring the galleries to see artists who were inspired by STEM topics. Then create their own art that they can take home. eventbrite.com/e/kids-art-lab-i-heart-science-tickets-214777293667
Valentine’ s Daddy Daughter Dance
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Fri, February 18, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dad’s grab your daughter and head to the Link for their 1st annual daddy-daughter dance. Let your little girl put on her fanciest dress and walk the red carpet with you. There will be a DJ, photo ops, and sweet treats for you to enjoy as you dance the night away. eventbrite.com/e/daddy-daughter-dance-tickets-233925356037?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Valentine’ s Parent’ s s Night Out
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Sat, February 19, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM If your little one loves gymnastics, pizza, and games, and you want a night to spend with someone special or to pamper yourself, this might be the event for your family. Drop your kiddos off at WGV Gymnastics with some water and let them have some good supervised fun! eventbrite.com/e/valentines-parents-night-out-hosted-by-wgv-gymnastics-tickets215944073537?aff=ebdiayyoutube
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance: American Heritage Chocolate(A), Anna Kolosyuk(B), Lauren Lulu Taylor(C), and Gabriel Rodrigues(D).
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” -H. Jackson Brown Jr. 2021 flew by, and our Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty agents made it a year of giving to CBV Cares and local charities. They were able to volunteer, fundraise, and donate to over 70 different charities in Northeast Florida. They are happy to help and are looking to give more in 2022. This past month, the Beaches Office presented a $500 donation to the Betty Griffin Center representatives. The Betty Griffin Center helps victims who have been domestically or sexually abused in St. Johns County. In addition to providing shelter, the center offers confidential counseling and legal support. In December, Fleming Island/Oakleaf Office held their annual 12 Days of Christmas. Local charities were entered into a drawing for $250. Each day, December 1st through the 12th, a drawing was made, and as a result, 12 deserving organizations were the recipients of $250 each:
The ARK Wildlife Care & Sanctuary FL Vietnam Veterans Association Island Theater Westjax Outreach Healing Hearts Project Waste Not Want Not Trinity Fitness Gianna’s Path of Love Clay County Safe Animal Shelter The Foster Closet Astrobot STEM Non-Profit Grace Episcopal Day School The Mandarin Office gave $500 to WithLove to support their Christmas Wrapped WithLove event. WithLove’s mission is to not only bring awareness but inspire and give children with cancer the opportunity to be kids. To nominate a favorite charity or organization that is near and dear to your heart, contact your CBV agent for more information. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800) 435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. The State of Florida registration number for CBV Cares, Inc. is CH61481.
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Since 1906
Closing Bear is a fast-paced title company that offers title insurance and closings for anyone buying or selling real estate. Simply put, Closing Bear does all the paperwork when someone buys or sells property...but they do it better than anyone else.
OUR PROMISE We will take the stress out of your transaction and your closing will be a celebration, not a relief. We will add education to each customer so that you leave your transaction knowing every detail, and not asking “what did I just sign?” We will communicate with every party in the transaction in real time, clearly, and effectively. We will work harder than any title company you’ve ever seen.
ABOUT US “Closing Bear launched in June, 2019, and has quickly become the fastest growing title company in Jacksonville. By infusing modern technology and practices into an age-old industry, Closing Bear has positioned itself as the most innovative company in its market.” —Innovate Jacksonville
Chip Lynn, CEO/Managing Attorney • Chip@ClosingBear.com • (904) 738-1672 • www.closingbear.com