IN JANUARY’S ISSUE 10 MUST-DOS TO SELL A HOUSE—REGARDLESS OF THE MARKET FLORIDA’S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH 5 DESIGN STYLES PERFECT FOR FLORIDA LIVING AND A NEW YEAR REFRESH
JA NU AR Y
2022
FEATURE
IN YOUR CORNER
LIVING LARGE
IN YOUR CORNER HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR SUNROOM
FEATURE STORY 10 MUST-DOS BEFORE YOU SELL A HOUSE —REGARDLESS OF THE MARKET
LIVING LARGE 5 DESIGN STYLES PERFECT FOR FLORIDA LIVING AND A NEW YEAR REFRESH
FLORIDA FINDS FLORIDA’S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
MARKET UPDATE CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
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How To Your
Winterize
Sunroom
Guest post by Lea Schneider, originally posted on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius. Lea Schneider is a professional organizer who spends her spare time rehabbing her 1950s ranch. Lea writes for The Home Depot and provides advice on topics ranging from organizing your closet to updating your patio with furniture and accessories.
BLUE MATTER
Sunrooms, or Florida rooms as we like to call them, are a must for many of us. If you have a sunroom, take advantage of all the light coming into your house and transform it into a winter-ready haven. After plenty of use from a busy summer, fall, and a cooler December, why not start your 2022 off on the right foot by refreshing your Florida room. Now is the best time to give your room a deep cleaning, set it up to use during the coldest season we have, and turn it into a winter retreat.
Clean & Bright Make the space welcoming with a good scrub. With the windows closed for the winter, you can easily do some deep cleaning without breezes blowing dust around. · Start by decluttering. Pack away warm-weather decor like flip-flops and outdoor toys for use next summer. You can also relocate your summer and fall plants that are now dormant. · Use the top-down cleaning method—start by cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures with a microfiber duster or your vacuum dust attachment. A window cleaner makes short work of any grime left on glass light covers. Dust the walls with your microfiber duster and polish the windows with window cleaner—lastly, vacuum baseboards, floors, chair cushions, and rugs.
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Get Comfortable In the summer, you may throw yourself on a mesh chaise lounge or Adirondack chair and let the breeze blow through the chair. In the cold months, cushions are a must. Find comfortable cushions for your outdoor furniture that you want to snuggle up in all winter. If you’re in the market for new items, choose furniture that’s cozy enough for winter indoor use but can stand up to moisture and wind during the summer months when it’s used as an indoor-outdoor space. All-weather wicker, teak, and aluminum are inviting choices that work well with coastal, Hamptons, and other common Florida interior design styles.
When it comes to choosing an aesthetic, think of your sunroom as an extension of your home decor. · Select pieces that align with the styles you love in your main living areas so that your design flows from your other rooms into your sunroom. · Arrange pieces to create comfortable conversation and easy flow in and out of the space. · Find a focal point. In this case, take advantage of the sun streaming through the windows and showcase your view. The combination of water (whether it’s the ocean, river, or even a retention pond) and giant live oaks or palm trees against the sky is beautiful. Add a rocking chair or even a hammock if you have the space so you can relax and enjoy the view.
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Go for Cozy
The sun should bring in some heat during the day, but you’ll want to include other things that make you feel warmer. · Install a space heater or electric fireplace if your sunroom is perpetually chilly.
· Layer the floor to block the cold. Put down a rug pad followed by an indoor-outdoor rug that you’ll be able to use all year long. · Add throw pillows made with outdoor-grade fabric that can be used during winter and summer. · Place plush throws over the back of the sofa and chairs so that they are easy to grab. · Bring in winter decor. Small potted Norfolk pines, a tray of scented candles, a basket of pine cones, and a stack of books make the room feel welcoming. · Finish your space with lighting. Place string lights around the room, then add a table and floor lamp to make it easy to enjoy the space on gloomier days. Don’t neglect your sunroom during winter. When the days get shorter and colder, take time to transform your home’s bright spaces into a relaxing winter escape. Photography provided by the following in order of appearance, Deconovo (A), Jordan Bigelow (B), Ostap Senyuk(C), Bri RTP(D), and Arash Asghari (E)
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Florida’s
Fountain of Youth The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
After a record year in real estate in 2021, let’s celebrate by going into the new year with fresh eyes and rejuvenated spirits about what is to come in 2022. What better way to do this than looking for the Fountain of Youth? This mysterious natural wonder may be right in your Florida backyard. After reading this article or visiting the beautiful spot yourself, you can choose how much stock to put into the De León Springs being the real Fountain of Youth. The legends of the Fountain of Youth and the fascination with finding a natural spring that allows anyone who swims or drinks from it the ability to maintain their youth have been tantalizing civilizations around the world since Ancient Rome. Some legends even speak of a spring that allows the drinker to reverse their aging and remain young forever. The Fountain of Youth became particularly popular in the 16th century when Juan Ponce de León was said to be searching for the mythical wonder. If that name rings a bell for you, it should, since he was the Spanish explorer who “discovered” and named Florida— settling in what is now St. Augustine on the opposite side of the Village of Seloy, the Timucua people’s village located along the springs.
Now the claim that Juan Ponce de León actually discovered the Fountain of Youth in Florida is not an accepted one, especially considering the literature and his interest in exploring areas other than Florida. In particular, there was the emphasis and romanticization of the Fountain of Youth being in the Bahamas. Others point to Puerto Rico, and even the Yucatan. Those who lived and invested in the Fountain of Youth in North Florida are far more apt to point to their attraction. Although Juan Ponce de León’s notoriety for his search lends a connection, it might be a stretch to declare any location he is related to the Fountain of Youth. That didn’t stop there being a “Fountain of Youth” plaque in the Gulf of Honduras in the Bahamas near the South Bimini Airport and obviously the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park in north Florida. One thing that is undisputed is that there is no written record from the expedition logs or in Juan Ponce de León’s private documents that mention the discovery of the Fountain of Youth. Its hard to imagine he would have just not mentioned it, considering his general bravado and acclaim associated with each land he claimed for Spain. After he established the Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, it was the descendants and other settlers who fueled the legends of the Fountain of Youth being in De León Springs. By 1587 the first Catholic mission created its flagship in north Florida near the springs. Henry Williams would eventually purchase the land in the late 19th
century, selling it at the turn of the 20th century to Dr. Luella Day MacConnell. Dr. MacConnell had a gold fortune from mining the Yukon. Some say Mrs. MacConnell, known as Diamond Lil, got her nickname from her time in the Yukon, while other sources say it was because she and her husband paid for the Fountain of Youth with gold and raw diamonds. Diamond Lil became the marketing expert of their Fountain of Youth, utilizing its connection to Juan Ponce de León and possibly embellishing the facts regarding De León Springs when marketing to Northern tourists. However, it was Walter B. Fraser, who purchased the Fountain of Youth from MacConnell’s son in 1927, who is credited with making it an attraction and creating its place in American history. He transitioned the area near the spring from a natural wonder to a full-fledged amusement park. According to the State Library and Archives of Florida, his advertising and development of the area with a zoo, jungle cruise, and even waterskiing elephants cemented the spot as a hotspot and historical landmark between the 1930s and 1960s. As tourism declined in the late 70s, the focus became more on the natural beauty of the springs and refreshing qualities rather than the Fountain of Youth myth. The De León Springs and the majority of Walter B. Fraser’s property became a part of the Florida State Parks in 1982 and is now known as the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. Make sure next time you’re in the area or you feel like a dip in the refreshing, possibly revitalizing (wink) swim visit the beautiful waters of De León Springs and decide for yourself whether it is the Fountain of Youth or just a natural wonder.
Photography provided by the the State Library and Archives of Florida, floridamemory.com.
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You Sell A House R e ga r d l e s s
Sellers don’t always have all the details, and they can sometimes get it wrong. Especially when basing decisions on sales they heard about that are the exception, not the rule, and using those sales as reasoning for not lifting a finger before the home hits the market. These unrealistic seller preparation expectations based on what your friends have told you can set you up for disappointment because the market sets the price and is ever-changing. All markets change in a matter of weeks or every couple of months with each new batch of closed sales. What a home down the street commanded two months ago might not be the same today. Proper sale prep is the best way to motivate buyers and receive a return on your investment. It will quickly translate to higher selling prices, shorter marketing times, and multiple-offer potential.
Another great way to secure these benefits of pre-sale prep is to trust your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent. They will not only give you a free of the Market up-to-date market analysis but can advise you on where to put your The following is a guest post by CARA AMEER originally money and time before your listing goes on the market. With real estate published on Inman News. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius. prices significantly up in Florida, buyers are stretching their budgets more than ever at all price points. And they are more apt to respond to well-maintained and spotless homes with enthusiasm. Simply put, the better the house looks, the more interest and potential for offers and bidding wars you will receive. Here are 10 things that sellers should do — regardless of market conditions — and why they matter to buyers right now!
1. Paint
Painting is one of the easiest ways to freshen up the look of a home, both inside and out. A fresh, neutral paint color will have broader appeal because buyers will be able to envision themselves in the space. Having the exterior painted or touched up can amp up the home’s curb appeal, which is critically important, especially as the property hits the market as a new listing. The home will pop in photos and video and bring those buyers running right through your front door. A professional paint job will clean up the nicks and dents of everyday living, and that freshly painted smell creates an inviting environment for a new homeowner.
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Some people want the whole package, and if they don’t like what they see on the outside, they won’t want to check out the inside — no matter how low inventory is. Today buyers begin their search online (and exterior pictures are usually the first images on that online listing), creating strong curb appeal is where it’s at. Overgrown bushes, jungle-like clusters of long-neglected plants, and unkempt view-obstructing trees don’t exactly motivate buyers to get their checkbooks out. That’s why paying attention to the home’s exterior before putting it up for sale is key. Cut back overgrown landscaping, remove plants that block the view of the house, and give trees a good trimming. Given the widespread use of drone photography and video, ensuring that a property’s landscaping looks good creates the warm welcome you want potential buyers to connect with online. Those driving by and the showings will maintain the warm welcome since the home will match its online presence.
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3. Appliance Refresh
Why should a seller even bother? Well, new appliances can update the look of even the most dated kitchens. If timing permits, having these in place before putting the home up for sale will be well received by buyers. There’s a massive demand for appliances right now, which is causing delays in delivery times. Buyers will be relieved not to deal with those challenges, and they’ll be grateful for the convenience of having everything in place once it’s time for them to move in.
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4. New Countertops & Sink Haven’t done much to your kitchen? Consider updating the counters to what’s on-trend right now—like marble-style quartz that will do well to freshen up the space. A new large rectangular or farmhouse-style sink will help complete the look. This will also offset any further updates that might otherwise make a buyer hesitate to pull the trigger on their offer.
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5. Flooring Update
If you have dated or worn carpet, replace the carpet or install luxe vinyl flooring instead. Buyers typically don’t want to inherit a seller’s worn carpet, and it is one of the first things they often ditch before they move in. Luxe vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has been a huge hit with buyers. Its durability with everyday living and stylish appearance makes LVP perfect for families whether you have kiddos or fur babies. New flooring goes a long way in conveying value with buyers since they won’t have to worry about coordinating installation during move-in time, or worse after all their things are moved in.
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6. Roof
If your roof is nearing the end of its life, it is going to be difficult to get away with not replacing it when preparing to sell. No matter how a home is priced to offset that repair, the new challenge is that insurance is becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain. It’s also quite costly, particularly in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. Buyers getting a mortgage are required to have insurance, so trying to buy a home with an old roof is going to be a next-to-impossible feat. A cash buyer will also have the same concerns, as they need insurance as well. Honestly, a home with an older roof is a big turnoff for buyers. It’s expensive to replace, and not to mention, securing costly insurance is stressful (even if they were to replace the roof within 30 to 60 days of closing). A sale will go so much smoother if a seller is willing to replace an old roof before putting the property
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on the market or before closing. Coordinating with contractors to time a roof replacement with a closing date can often be a difficult task, and it can lead to stressful delays for everyone involved, which is why it is better to have the roof replaced before putting the home up for sale.
7. Heating and AC (HVAC)
At the very least, sellers should have their HVAC serviced and cleaned before putting their home on the market. HVACs are commonly flagged on inspection reports. If the air-conditioning system is at the end of its life, sellers should strongly consider replacing it before putting their house on the market. Old AC systems can cause buyer hesitation, and they can often become a renegotiating point once the house is under contract, which will just eat up precious time. Furthermore, if the buyer is getting a loan, the uncertainty of an appraisal often looms in the background, and that result is typically not known before inspections are done. Sellers may end up granting a substantial concession to the buyer for an old or poorly functioning HVAC, but they may also get hit with the property not appraising subsequently thereafter. There are no guarantees that the buyers would be willing to pay the difference or agree to that upfront, especially going into a negotiation where they may know the HVAC is old. While this can be a costly expense to replace, it will help you command stronger offers from buyers willing to buy with confidence.
8. Handyman Fix-its
Updating old plumbing fixtures in bathrooms and the kitchen, along with changing to brighter light bulbs, updating light fixtures in the kitchen, and replacing old ceiling fans will help give your home a newer, more stylish look. Have those gaps in countertops caulked, along with areas around showers and sinks. Consider regrouting the bathroom tile if needed. Another update buyers will surely appreciate? Changing old-school toggle light switches to rocker-style switches and adding dimmers for new chandeliers or pendant lighting. J
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9. Deep-cleaning, Decluttering, & Organizing If sellers do nothing else, they should invest in a professional cleaning crew’s good deep cleaning of their house. No matter the market, buyers still expect a clean and sparkling home — even if the home doesn’t have a lot of updates. Now is the time to have every nook and cranny scrubbed, dusted, and mopped. Don’t forget to clean dusty vents along with the dryer vent where years of clogged lint may have built up. This is also a great time to clean furniture like couches and chairs, making sure to vacuum between the cushions and steam-clean to make everything look crisp and well-maintained. Ditto for bedspreads and comforters, especially if you haven’t washed those in a while. The same goes for any window treatments. Curtains and drapes, along with blinds, can easily be professionally cleaned. Consider replacing if they are as old and out of date as that old kitchen. Steam-cleaning tile floors and professionally cleaning the carpets can help eliminate dirt and odors that have been building up for years. And don’t forget the outside — pressure-washing the driveway, walkways, and pool deck will help give the house a glowing, fresh appearance that says you are serious about selling— decluttering and organizing never go out of style. Buyers are buying a space to live — not other people’s clutter. Now is the time to get rid of unnecessary stuff in closets, the garage, and the attic. A seller is going to have to deal with it before closing anyway, so it is best to get a head start.
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10. Windows
When was the last time you had your windows cleaned — both inside and out? I’m also talking about the tracks that often build up with dirt and dead bugs over the years. No one likes to lift the blinds or open the curtains to find dirty windows. Having these professionally cleaned will make the house truly shine. If there are any fogged window panes, consider having those replaced before the home hits the market. This is often a checklist item that buyers want to have addressed post-inspection, and depending on the timing of glass orders, it can interfere with the ability to close on time. Properly preparing a home for sale instills trust and confidence in buyers. When buyers feel those two things when viewing a home, they are less likely to hesitate about making an offer. When they do make an offer, it is more likely to be strong and decisive with less chance of it falling apart due to the condition of the house, which is something that sellers are always in control of.
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Visual Stories Michelle(A), Roselyn Tirado(B), Gus Ruballo(C), Naomi Hebert(D), Chasity Cortijo(E), Callum Hill(F), Glen Ardi(G), Sidekix Media(H), Grass America(I), Zoe van Poetsprins(J), Annie Spratt(K), CDC(L), and Sidek Media(M).
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One of the great things about going through the selling process in any market is that your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent will be right by your side to guide you. From recommending which of these tips are must-dos for your home to top-of-the-line marketing and finding the perfect buyer for your home. No matter the market, you can always count on that to be true!
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5
Design Styles
perfect for A
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The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
We have all chosen Florida as our home for many reasons. Florida is great with its sunny weather, beaches, lakes, rivers, or springs (take your pick), and indoor-outdoor living. You can take your pick as far as what you wish to surround your home with, and your interior design inside the home is just as customizable. If you are new to Florida, just want to update that very traditional home, or if you’re ready to elevate your style from hand-me-down furniture and a massive loan flatscreen on the wall, consider a New Year refresh. Here are five subtly different interior design styles that are perfect for Florida living.
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Modern coastal interior design has many subsets and is often confused with Hamptons, nautical, and even Mediterranean design styles. Modern coastal is for the person who wants their home to feel like a relaxing coastal oasis, an escape from your daily grind. It combines that minimal luxury elegance with comfy and cozy elements. A mix of layered neutrals and pops of vibrant blues, teals, and seafoam greens are married together with a lot of natural lighting. Furnitures include lots of comfy linens, jute, lighter woods, and modern beach house or more sophisticated resort styles. If you saw it in a spa or a luxury island hotel and adored it, and want to couple it with the driftwood you found on the beach, this is a great style for you.
Nautical interior design is the most kitsch of all of these styles. If you love all things nautical, this is probably the style for you. Everything top to bottom is related to the sea, beach, and boats; think lots of anchors, boats, fish, and seashells. Your color palette tends to include some neutrals and all three primary colors. Furniture tends to be whicker, wood, and clean simple lines. The level of kitsch is really up to you. You can have a more traditional, elegant nautical style with navy blues and pops of coral, antique nautical maps, and rich woods throughout the home. You could also throw subtilty out the window and mount that taxidermized reel big fish right in the living room next to your Lily Pulitzer home décor. Both can be fantastic and whimsical in their own rights.
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Hamptons interior design is a style for a Floridian with an err for the traditional or international, think French and chinoiserie (Chinese and other East Asian influenced pieces). Someone who isn’t into modern sliding glass doors and minimalism would be much more drawn to the French doors, mixed patterns, dark flooring, banquet seating, and wainscotting typical of Hampton’s design. You can layer your neutrals and textures of wool, cotton, and leather with stone. Accent pillows and décor can often display paisleys, coral, chevrons, or rich brocades. Classic cabinetry is a staple for all of the rooms in your home. If your home has a common shaker style cabinet you can keep it modern but bring in your Hampton’s style with highly stylized hardware. If you want a house that is relaxing and feels tailor-made, Hampton’s style might be for you.
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Mediterranean interior design draws from those various areasNorthern Africa, Southern Europe, and Middle Eastern countries that engulf the sea. Gorgeous patterns, rich textiles, wrought iron, stone, rich exposed beams, and antiquities with aquatic touches throughout encompass the Mediterranean style. In terms of furniture think intricate inlaid exotic woods that might be handcrafted, tufted sofas, and ornate accent chairs. The wonderful thing about this style is that it is timeless and each country has its own color palette, your possibilities are endless. Floors and walls bring in texture with materials from rich woods, natural stones, to terracotta or mosaic tiles. If you enjoy a coastal, breezy, home with rich textures and love displaying your art and antiquities from your travels this might be the style for you.
Tropical interior design is all about what you feel in a tropical environment—warm, easy, and welcoming. Bringing in elements of the tropical rain forest from lush vegetation to flowing fountains with lots of natural light are all ways to bring a tropical style to your home. A lot of people who want to create a stress reducing and positive environment above all else in their home tend to lean towards this design style. In terms of furniture the natural elements continue with dark woods (like walnut or mahogany), bamboo, rattan, and some ornate fruits or foliage in the design. Color palettes resemble the tropical environment, so rich burnt oranges, yellows, greens, browns and various shades of blue. You can play with color more boldly and make sure to balance a room with vibrant colors with more minimal design elements. If you select a vibrant palm wallpaper moment, keep the rest of the room more texturally rich rather than other aggressive prints. If you want your home to be a tropical oasis and end each day with a fruity drink under your palm leaf ceiling fan, then tropical design might be for you.
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L Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Lance Asper (A), Collov Home (B, C), Annie Spratt (D), Bryony Elena (E), Devon Janse van Rensburg (F), Collov Home (F), Lasee Moller (G), Orlova Maria (H), BCKFWD (I), Jared Rice (J), Kara Eads (K), and Jonathan Borba (L).
Market Update October 2021
Want the latest market data when it’s available? Ask your agent if they are a part of the MLS MARKET UPDATE program.
Rising prices and lagging affordability continued to plague home buyers as the year 2021 heads toward its end. In November, the median sales price of single-family homes hit $299,000, a 1.4% increase from a month ago and a 19.6% increase from November 2020. Meanwhile as we wrap up this historic year in real estate, the inventory shortages continue to stay low. This has allowed to percentage of properties achieveing the original list price or beyond staying high at 97.7%.
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 slim pickings, especially through the New Year, with many sellers holding off until their holiday festivities are over. Your best bet is to work with a Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent to help set your real estate goals for 2022.
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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