IN JULY’S ISSUE 10 Easy Fixes for That Nearly Perfect House You Want to Buy Patriot Cruise & Salute 3 Simple DIY Tips to Tackle This Summer
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
LIVING LARGE
IN YOUR CORNER
FEATURE
IN YOUR CORNER
J U LY 2 0 2 1
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR HURRICANE SEASON
COMMUNITY PROPERTY PATRIOT CRUISE & SALUTE
FEATURE STORY 10 EASY FIXES FOR THAT NEARLY PERFECT HOUSE YOU WANT TO BUY
LIVING LARGE 3 SIMPLE DIY PROJECTS TO TACKLE THIS SUMMER
MARKET UPDATE CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
©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.
The cover image was photographed by CAMERON WATKINS.
How to Prepare
Your Home
for
HurricaneSeason
The following is a guest post by David Baur, Product Manager, Grace Residential Building Materials posted by LINDSAY LISTANSKI originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog.
The Atlantic hurricane season takes place each year from June1st to November 30th, with maximum activity in September. Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surges, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. It is imperative for families, businesses, and communities alike to have a plan that addresses all of these hazards. So, how do homeowners residing in vulnerable areas best prepare their homes to seal out hurricane damage this season? The first piece of good news is that building supply companies are on top of it, continuing to innovate and manufacture new products that can help keep people and their homes safe during a hurricane. The second piece of good news is that there are simple steps you can take to reduce your home’s risk of damage before a hurricane or any intense storm hits. First off, as a homeowner, it is essential that you take action before a storm, not after. Here are five things to help you prepare your home for a hurricane.
Understand Your Roof & its Warranty Read your roof ’s construction and warranty paperwork. Understanding how your roof has been constructed is the first step to evaluate its current condition and determine if repairs or upgrades are required. Understanding the terms and conditions of your warranties may prevent you from making changes that will void the warranty.
Inspect Look for potential problems on the roof. Loose or curled shingles, broken or missing tiles all warrant repair. Also inspect the flashing, drainage system, and accessories such as vents and skylights. Ask a trained roofing professional if additional reinforcements to the roof structure such as additional fasteners or hurricane clips are required. Beyond the roof, a home’s doors and windows can also become major leak zones. Most commonly this is due to breakage of windows due to flying debris. However, even if the windows and doors are well shuttered, wind-driven rain can be blown into the house at these points, especially if they have not been properly flashed and weatherproofed. The following are some signs of water damage: •Chipped or cracked stucco finishes.
•Missing, cracked, or blistered paint inside the home.
•Discolored plasterboard.
•Peeling wallpaper.
•Leaks or breaks in seams around window trim & sills.
•Uneven doorframes.
•Mold, mildew, or rot in the walls, insulation, & electrical systems.
Use the right products If repairs are needed, don’t skimp on quality to save a few cents. Much of the damage associated with hurricanes and other serious storms results from water entering the home when roof coverings or siding is blown off. This is why it is imperative that you have a secondary layer of waterproofing protection underneath the shingles and siding. If proper protection measures are not taken, the resulting leaks are the main cause of interior damage, as well as potential causes of rot and mold. Rot and mold can lead to major structural damage and even potential health problems for homeowners. Roof: FEMA has published recommendations for the use of fully-adhered roofing underlayments, such as Grace Ice & Water Shield®, as an enhanced secondary water barrier for homes in both coastal and inland hurricane-prone areas. In the event roof coverings are blown off or water manages to get underneath your shingles, these underlayments are the key to preventing water infiltration. Windows, Doors and More: Flexible flashings can be used to seal the most vulnerable spots, including windows, doors, corner boards, and other non-roof detail areas. Highly conformable, selfadhering waterproofing membranes form a weather-tight barrier around unwanted openings in the wall sheathing system.
Use A Pro Identify reliable, knowledgeable professionals that can perform work safely. It’s usually best that all inspections, maintenance and repairs are completed by trained and experienced people. You should demand that they use high quality materials. The amount of money you can save by selecting less expensive lower quality products is insignificant compared to the damage caused by water infiltration. You should find a trusted building professional to repair your storm damage so that you have a strong roof over your head, protecting your wallet and home from future storm damage.
BE Proactive Identify potential debris and dangers in your landscaping. Have a professional tree trimmer inspect and diagnose any older trees, especially those gorgeous old oaks we love. Tree services can be expensive but not having a tree limb or trunk fall through a window or straight through the roof on your family make it well worth the cost.
Patriot Cruise & & Salute The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
This past year has been challenging and taught us all how much we have to be thankful for, not the least of which is we live in one of the greatest free countries in the world. Although we might take it for granted, it would be impossible without the brave soldiers who fought and continue to fight for our freedom. In recognition of their sacrifice and in celebration of our Independence Day, we would like to spotlight a Mount Dora organization that was formed to honor, with recreational boating events, wounded, ill and injured veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. The Mount Dora Patriot Cruise & Salute is an expansion inspired by the Washington, D.C. area organization. The organization got its start on Memorial Day in 2007 when two retired military officers, Colonel Ed Mason and his wife Christine, decided to offer wounded warriors “a day of respite.” Colonel Mason was previously chosen to successfully create the Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline (WSFH) through a Secretary of Army initiative. B Seeing the hotline through to fruition made Christine and Ed decide they wanted to take WSFH further. On Memorial Day in 2007, the Masons chartered their American Spirit with eight veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The day was the start of more than a tradition. It was cultivated by the Masons and hundreds of volunteers to become Patriot Cruise & Salute. This non-profit has expanded to give many veterans and their families a
day they will never forget. On July 4, 2012, Rozann Abato saw a story on the news about the Mason’s Patriot Cruise & Salute, and was moved by the idea. Rozann & her husband, Carroll Jaskulski, contacted Colonel Ed Mason about bringing Patriot Cruise & Salute to the courageous veterans living in the Mount Dora area. Having already grown in the D.C. area, the expansion to Mount Dora was definitely possible. Rozann & Carroll utilized the many patriotic civilians who call Lake County their home C to ensure the success of their first event. Friends, businesses, and the town of Mount Dora enthusiastically responded tenfold to Rozann and Carroll’s call for help. Abato told the City of Mount Dora, after the first event on Veteran’s Day 2012, “It simply touched my soul. There are a lot of patriots in this town, and they care, so I knew we could pull enough people together to make a Patriot Cruise & Salute event happen in Mount Dora.” After the first successful Mount Dora Patriot Cruise & Salute event in 2012, Mount Dora Mayor, Bob
A
D
Thielhelm, asked Rozann & Carroll if this could be an annual event. Making the event annual was a no brainer for Rozann & Carroll, and they responded with a momentous, “Yes!” By the 6th Annual Mount Dora Patriot Cruise & Salute in 2017, the event was able to honor twenty-seven Veterans, including one 100-year-old World War II veteran. In many years, the MDPD Honor Guard honored the oldest Veterans with a folded flag. This beautiful tribute was a complete surprise for the Veterans and there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd according to Abato. After 8 years, 187 veterans had been honored. There were plans in 2020 for Rozann & Carroll to take a step back from planning and executing the event. Instead, they wanted to hand it over to the capable hands of seasoned volunteers who helped make past events so successful. Unfortunately, like many events of 2020, the pandemic hit, and due to COVID, the 9th Annual Mount Dora Patriot Cruise & Salute was cancelled. According to their website, there are no plans for the annual event to continue at this time. They are very appreciative to the town of Mount Dora and all of the companies and individuals who helped their dream of giving a day of respite to wounded, ill and injured veterans come true for eight successful years. Let us hope, as the Masons inspired Rozann, another Mount Dora resident will be inspired to continue her & Carroll’s legacy. It’s a wonderful way to let Veterans know their sacrifices are appreciated. As the Mount Dora Patriot Cruise & Salute’s Motto says, “Freedom is not free!”
Photography provided by the following: Rozann Abato, administrator and organizer of Mount Dora Patriot Cruise & Salute (A, B, C, E, & F), and Jon Tyson(D).
E F
10
Easy Fixes
t c e f r e P Buy for that Nearly
House You Want to
The following is a guest post by Laura Gaskill, Houzz contributor posted by VICTORIA KEICHINGER originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
The Sellers Market is here for the foreseeable future and for Homebuyers the possibility of making concessions is becoming less of a possibility and in most cases a certainty. From price and location to the physical structure itself, the list of things to keep in mind when shopping for a house can seem endless. But some problems you encounter don’t need to affect your final decision. Although easy is a relative term, accomplishing these 10 fixes that follow is generally pretty straightforward. In this market these are things that can make a house your perfect home. Happy house hunting!
1
Easy fix: Repaint or reface existing cabinetry. If the interior structure of the cabinetry is still sound, refinishing, repainting or refacing (replacing the cabinet fronts) can be a more cost-effective way to refresh a dated kitchen. You can also replace the hardware to make your cabinets feel more contemporary or more your style. If the cabinet doors are in poor condition or you want to change the style, consider refacing. This approach is far less expensive than a brand new kitchen.
2
Easy fix: New appliances. Swapping out old appliances for shiny new models is one of the biggest-impactful ways to make over your kitchen without getting bogged down in a full remodel. And because the cost of appliances and installation is pretty straightforward, it’s easier to plan and budget for this upgrade than projects that might expand beyond your original scope.
Not-so-easy fix: New kitchen layout.
A
Replacing what’s already in your kitchen is one thing, but when you start to move the plumbing and electrical around, costs can rise quickly. If possible, go for a house with a kitchen that has a layout you’re happy with — you can always tweak the details.
3
B
4
C
5 D
Easy fix: Fresh carpeting. Stained, worn-out carpeting is a real bummer, and it can be hard to see past it when viewing a potential home. But ripping out old carpeting and putting in something new — especially something as fresh and fun as the colorful carpet tiles — can make a huge difference in how a space looks and feels.
Easy fix: New paint color. It’s amazing the effect color can have on us — remind yourself of this fact the next time you tour an open house with some (ahem) unusual color choices. You can easily (and cheaply) replace any wall color with a beautiful hue, like the lovely silvery blue shown above.
Easy fix: Replace light fixtures. Swapping out dated light fixtures with new ones you love is a quick and easy fix an electrician or DIY-savvy homeowner can accomplish in relatively little time. From contemporary pendants (like the luxurius version shown here) to Edison-bulb chandeliers, there’s a light for every style and taste.
Not-so-easy fix: Extensive electrical work.
E
Exchanging one light fixture for another in the same spot is simple; updating old or unsafe systems is another matter entirely. Electrical work should definitely be left to the pros, and electrical repairs in an older home can cost a pretty penny, so be sure to get a thorough inspection and review it in detail.
F
G
6
Easy fix: Repurpose a room. Just because a room is shown as a messy kids’ room or workout space doesn’t mean that’s what will make the most sense for you. As you tour potential new homes, think creatively about the spaces you see and try to imagine your own furniture in them. One person’s overstuffed home office could be your perfect sun room.
Not-so-easy fix: Adding on. Remodeling costs get a whole lot bigger whenever you talk about changing the footprint of a home, so try not to be seduced by talk of how “easy” it would be to tack a room on to the back of the house. Although there are always exceptions, your best bet is usually to find a house with a footprint you can work with.
7 8
Easy fix: Remove or cover up popcorn ceilings. Not much dates a house like the lumpy, bumpy texture of a popcorn ceiling. Thankfully, fixing it isn’t too complicated, and you’ll soon have a nice, smooth ceiling. The most common method is simply scraping it off, but if there’s any chance that lead and-or asbestos might be present in the paint or the popcorn material itself, you’ll need to cover it up with drywall instead.
Easy fix: Add architectural interest. If you love the look of older homes with lots of original architectural details but haven’t been able to find the right one at the right price, it’s still possible to get some of the detail you crave, even in a newer build. Crown molding, baseboards, picture rails and even built-in features like bookcases and bench seating can be added by a carpenter to give a boxy new build added character. It’s an extra cost, but it’s not especially difficult, and it can make a big difference in how you experience a home.
9
Easy fix: Refinish floors.
H
If you’re lucky enough to spot a house with real wood floors, don’t let a dull finish turn you off. While engineered hardwood can usually be refinished only a few times during its life (the number depends on how thick the veneer is) solid hardwoods can take a lot more, so you can have gorgeous, glossy floors (or artfully beat-up floors if you desire) for years to come.
10
Easy fix: Add landscaping. Yard looking a little bare? Adding landscaping, whether a simple DIY job or a landscaping pro’s design and installation, is something that can make a huge impact on curb appeal and, more important, how you feel when you come home each day.
www.CBVHomesearch.com
Ready to make a move? Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor to start your home search. There are many advantages to using your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor to find the home of your dreams. They guide you through the home buying process, making it quick, easy, and virtually stress-free. They understand the market and how to navigate it best for you. Reach out to them today to find your dream home! Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Sidekix Media (A), Francesca Tosolini (B), Aaron Huber (C), CollovHomeDesign(D),SidekixMedia(E,F),HuyNguyen (G), Watermark Designs (H), and Huy Nguyen (I).
I
3Simple DIY Projects to Tackle this
The following is a guest post by KATE SPEARS originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, even if just in your own backyard. Does your yard or patio need a little sprucing up? Perhaps you’re dreaming of hosting a summer party but your outdoor space isn’t quite guest-ready. Don’t worry, we’ve got some simple and affordable DIY projects that might help you inject a little curb appeal and make your home the place to be this summer.
Freshen Things Up with a Coat of Paint Florida is a great place to live because it’s sunny year round, but that sun and our summer showers can wreak havoc on outdoor furniture. One of our favorite DIY projects to freshen up patio furniture involves simple paint. You will want to thoroughly clean your furniture first to remove any dust or debris. If older layers of paint are chipping off, a wire brush might come in handy to smooth the surfaces. Anytime you are removing old layers of paint, take precaution by wearing a dust mask or ventilator (available at your local hardware store). This is one of those DIY projects that allows you to get really creative and let your style shine through. There are so many shades and textures of paint to select from, with options for painting nearly every type of surface. This includes fabric paints for outdoor fabrics (also available at your local hardware store). Bright cheerful colors are sure to pop on your summer patio while peaceful neutrals and trendy metallics can create a more lush, sophisticated result. A
Assemble a Portable Summer Party Kit One great way to make sure you are ready for every possible impromptu summer gathering is by assembling a summer party kit. Your DIY party kit might include things like disposable plates, cups, and napkins as well as fun decorative items such as a piñata or strings of colorful lights. You could also include sunscreen or battery-powered, handheld misting fans for your guests. And don’t forget skewers for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows for s’mores. An old wooden crate or a plastic bin makes a great container for your party kit. This is one of those DIY projects that requires a little work on the front end but makes things much easier later on. Having all your essential party supplies gathered together will make organizing your next outdoor summer party easier and less stressful.
Create a Multi-Purpose Container Herb Garden Another great way to add some life to your backyard or patio space is by planting a container herb garden. Not only are they fairly easy to create, but container herb gardens are also one of those DIY projects that serve many purposes. First, fresh herbs add lots of flavor to your cooking, which will come in handy as you plan a menu for your next summer party. Next, you can choose colorful containers or pots that complement your patio style for lots of visual impact. Finally, certain herbs are known to repel insects, including those pesky mosquitoes that love to crash outdoor gatherings. Basil, lavender, and mint are three great multipurpose herbs to grow.
These are just a few simple DIY projects you might want to tackle this summer around your home. Get your outdoor space or patio ready and your next impromptu party will sure to be memorable for your guests!
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Theme Photos (A).
Market Update April 2021
Want the latest market data when its available? Ask your agent if they are a part of the MLS MARKET UPDATE program.
What does this mean for BUYERS?
The competition for buyers is heating up. Your agent needs to be a fierce negotiator, and you need to be prepared for a bidding war and paying above list price.
What does this mean for SELLERS?
Seller’s Market is here to stay, and you are the winner in this market. Prices in Florida are skyrocketing, and with life getting back to normal after the pandemic, expect prices to continue to stay high for the foreseeable future. If you’ve been considering selling, this might be the time to contact your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor today.
www.CBVHomesearch.com
GUIDING
YOU HOME Since 1906
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty 1898 N Donnelly St Mount Dora, FL 32757 www.CBVHomesearch.com