IN JULY’S ISSUE FLORIDA HOMETOWN HEROES CAMP ROOSEVELT HOME GENERATOR: WHAT EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW
FEATURE FLORIDA FINDS
IN YOUR CORNER
IN YOUR CORNER HOME GENERATOR: WHAT EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW
FLORIDA FINDS
LIVING LARGE
CAMP ROOSEVELT
FEATURE STORY FLORIDA HOMETOWN HEROES
LIVING LARGE 6 OUTDOOR PROJECTS TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE BACKYARD
MARKET UPDATE CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
KID’S CORNER FAMILY, FIREWORKS, & THE 4TH OF JULY
CBV CARES LEADING THE WAY IN OUR COMMUNITIES
The cover is an image from photographs by MIKE GATTORNA & TIM MOSSHOLDER.
Home Generator: What Every Should Know
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BLUE MATTER
The following is a guest post by CHARITY KOUNTZ on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. Edited by CHELSEA CORNELIUS.
In Florida, there are numerous times throughout the year when you could experience a power outage. Hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, the occasional tornado, and even high winds can cause a power outage; peak demand restrictions can also affect your power. If you're a homeowner in Florida, here's what you need to know about using a home generator during a power outage.
A portable home generator is a temporary power solution and runs on unleaded gasoline. These will use between 8–12 gallons of fuel a day. Because of their portable nature, they're handy during weather emergencies like hurricanes, severe storms, or short-term emergencies. This is also a less expensive option than an installed generator. A 1,000-watt portable generator can cost as little as $150. However, don't wait until the next emergency to buy a portable generator. Take the time to prepare before the next disaster strikes.
An increasingly popular solution is to install a permanent generator next to your home using natural gas or liquid propane. This solution can allow your home to have power for longer and without you having to haul heavy equipment. Typically, these units come prewired and ready to install on a mounting pad in your yard. In addition to being a convenience, it is a necessity for households with someone on dialysis who can't go without their medical machines. You also won't have to deal with the carbon-monoxide emissions or the noise the portable generators create while in use. An authorized dealer and technician will work with you to assess your needs and install the equipment for you. You can choose additional features, such as technology that allows you to control the generator with your phone or other devices. There are also auto-start functions, a transfer switch, and maintenance features such as automatic weekly system tests to ensure the engine is properly primed. Installing a permanent generator is a long-term investment, which can also increase your property's value.
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When considering which generator to choose, look at the type of usage needed. Will you run your whole house off the generator or only critical items like the refrigerator and freezer? Are you comfortable starting and maintaining a generator, or would you prefer more automation? What's your budget? What space do you have available for a generator?
Whether you choose a portable generator or an installed permanent generator, it's important to use it safely.
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· Be sure never to overfill a portable generator. Always leave about a half-inch of open space in the fuel tank for expansion. Make sure that you plan ahead for the amount of gasoline you will need during a power outage. Floridians are often encouraged to plan for at least seven days of supplies. · Calculate your usage carefully. There are several different online calculators, including ones from Generac and Consumer Reports. Speak with an installation expert to make sure you have calculated your wattage needs correctly and properly anticipated your supply needs. · Don't plan to use 100 percent of the generator's capacity. This will prevent overtaxing the startup, tripping the generator's circuit breaker, or overheating your appliances. · Be careful regarding carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless, and potentially lethal. One portable generator can create more than 100 times the amount of carbon monoxide as a running car. The US Fire Administration and FEMA offer safety tips regarding carbon monoxide. Keep the generator a safe distance away from your home, taking into account open windows or intakes; be aware of wind conditions that can change the direction of exhaust; and never run a generator indoors, even in an open garage. Use carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home to alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide. When choosing the right generator for your home, you'll always be prepared to keep your lights and appliances running, no matter the situation.
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. James Graham (A), and Amanda Smith (B).
camp The following is by Chelsea Cornelius.
In celebrating our nation's 246th birthday, let's explore a president consistently in the top 5 presidents of all time and his impact on Florida. President Franklin D. Roosevelt took on a nation in the midst of a depression. He was ambitious with projects to transform the nation for the better, from infrastructure to the economy, to restore the prosperity of our great nation. In Florida, he combined his efforts to stabilize the economy with an infrastructure project that had been tossed around since the first conquistadors started to explore Florida. This project was a shortcut to link the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and became known as The Cross Florida Barge Canal. The Cross Florida Barge Canal would bring thousands of jobs to Floridians and surrounding states in the middle of the great depression and would be a saving grace for young families. Additionally, it would save ships three days of travel time which it would ordinarily take to get all the way around our peninsula. This would also save on the overhead costs of transportation for companies too. With all of these benefits in mind, FDR was zealous about pushing this project forward, and in September of 1935, the construction of Camp Roosevelt in Ocala was underway. A thousand workers arrived to construct the camp, and a week later, two thousand more workers were hired to take on the task of clearing the area for the canal project. By November, Camp Roosevelt included a headquarters, mess hall, warehouse, two dormitories, four office buildings, and 76 small homes. In addition to the buildings, sewage, and electrical systems were installed and roads were given names of famous canals around the world.
The problem, however, lay in the fact that the plan to build a 12-foot-deep canal from Jacksonville to Yankeetown hadn't actually received funding from the Senate. In fact, it was actually rejected after its proposal of the canal and three other WPA projects for $70 million in 1936. FDR was resourceful, however, and the government had given him funding for the NEW Deal to create jobs throughout the nation, so he allocated $5 Million in funding for the project with hopes of gaining more funding for the overall project in time. The intensity at which the project started quickly fizzled and was put on hold during World War II. The clearing of the land and right-of-way easement options continued well into the 1970s, but with a lot of opposition from conservationists and small towns being wiped off the map in some places, Nixon nixed the project for good. In the end, the project was less than 28% complete and cost the government over $75 million. Camp Roosevelt wasn't an unsuccessful project like the Cross Florida Barge Canal. On the contrary, a lot of other projects created by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) were successful in Ocala and around Florida. The WPA trained thousands of workers to do various jobs there, including the Federal Writer's Project, which created opportunities in the arts for writers, editors, historians, librarians, and artists alike. They took on projects to document and tell the story of American culture and history.
The WPA also implemented additional projects with workers they trained. This included roads, schools, and government buildings which were erected across the state, and many of which are great examples of architecture still in use today. Structures include the Coral Gables Museum, Daytona Beach Bandshell Oceanfront Park Complex, and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind dormitory. Camp Roosevelt was also used as a training facility for the National Youth Administration, a Vocational School and Flight School after the WPA left the location in 1939. This was another New Deal government organization that focused on training the youth to enter the workforce. During this time Camp Roosevelt became a community with a mix of airplane pilots, woodworkers, weavers, welders, artisans, and more. The 76 small homes also went to good use after World War II ended in 1945. Returning servicemen were offered homes here, and those GIs would later become prominent leaders in Ocala and become integral to the small town's history. The legacy of Camp Roosevelt was not a project unfulfilled but the Floridians it trained who created great things and the Floridians it sheltered who too did great things for their small Florida town. It is that spirit of helping others work towards achieving their American or, in our case, Floridian dreams that FDR created Camp Roosevelt. This July, we can embrace that patriotic spirit and look forward to celebrating all the many great things about our country this Independence Day.
Photography provided by the the State Library and Archives of Florida, floridamemory.com or are public domain.
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Florida
Ho m e t o w n HEROES
The following is by Chelsea Cornelius.
We have been in a historic seller’s market with consistently soaring housing prices, multiple offer scenarios, and investors or out-of-state buyers bringing cash to the table. The reality is many middle-class Floridians have been priced out when it comes to buying a home. Add to the increased budgets with inflated down payment amounts, rising interest rates, and stricter loan qualification requirements— the American dream became out of reach for Floridians across the state. In effect, Florida lawmakers recognized this creating a housing crisis and felt compelled to relieve some of the pressure the market has created for many Floridians. They are not just restoring the possibility of Floridian dreams of owning a home but allowing it to become a reality. Much like FDR’s New Deal housing FHA programs, the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program offers loans and incentives to help Floridians who serve the community buy their first home. Launched in June of this year, this program focuses on helping frontline heroes who commit their lives to improving our communities with the home buying process. The program sponsor, Senator Ed Hooper, and Christina Pappas, the Florida Realtors President, proposed the program during a February 2022 Legislative session to allow those “Hometown Heroes” to qualify for lower interest loans for their down payments and closing costs. Additionally, the program would help in lowering their mortgage loan rates and requirements. Let’s dive a bit deeper into what the DeSantis-approved program entails, who is eligible, and how Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty is embracing the program for its valued customers. B
According to the Florida Housing official website, the program allows eligible heroes to gain access to lower-than-market rates for the various types of mortgage loans, as well as assistance with closing costs and down payments. These lower-than-market interest rates apply to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, RD, and VA loans. The program also helps with eliminating the origination point requirements or helps create discount points. In terms of down payment assistance, heroes can receive up to 5% of the total mortgage loan amount (up to $25,000) for the down payment and closing costs. The down payment loan is given D to borrowers as an 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage that is non-amortized. Your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Agent can give you more insight into how this could be beneficial to you if you qualify as a hero.
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But who does qualify as a Hometown Hero? Well, Florida lawmakers have selected fifty different occupations that are considered eligible as frontline community workers. These include veterans and active military, educators, firefighters, policemen, childcare employees, and healthcare professionals. The website includes a link to the full list of professions and the requirements/ documentation needed to apply for the program. For the most part, it is a copy of your license and proof of employment. For those looking for a loop whole, be aware that you must be working full-time and be employed in a position that uses the license you are applying with. In addition to becoming eligible as a Hometown Hero, there are also requirements as far as income and E purchase limits. Essentially, income-wise, if a hero has hit slightly over the six-figure mark, they are no longer eligible for the program in most counties. Most income limits start at $118,950- including Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, and Sumter counties. The limits for FHA and VA loans vary by county but are more than fair based on the average and median sold prices in all areas, with all exceeding $400,000. For more details on limitations in your area, ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent so that you can start your home search cofindently today. F G
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Now that you know the details behind this exciting new program, how will that impact Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Agents and their customers? The truth is, we have had nothing but positive responses from this new program being launched thus far. Many of our agents in Florida work closely with Veterans and first-time home buyers. The Florida Hometown Heroes program is another tool agents can utilize to help get their customers into the home of their dreams. We asked Daemon Fields, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Mount Dora & Lifestyle Office Manager, what he thought about the program, and here is what he had to say, “I could not be more excited about the Hometown Heroes program that is being funded and rolled out by the State of Florida. Usually, government-backed homeowner incentive programs tend to sound really good on the news but rarely lives up to the hype. Hometown Heroes not only lives up to the hype, it has exceeded all of our expectations! It seems all of the good ideas that formed the foundation of the program made it into the phenomenal program we have today. It provides down payment and closing cost assistance to a wide variety of “Heroes” with a surprisingly simple application process. The program is funded with $100 million to assist a wide variety of “Heroes” including military, first responders, educators, medical professionals and others with up to $25,000. This will be a huge help for those who make our lives better every day!” We also asked Fleming Island Office Director of Agent Services and Realtor Julie Dukes for her opinion since she herself served the community before joining the Coldwell Banker Vanguard team. “As a former teacher and head of household, I am familiar with the struggle to provide housing for my family. This program can serve a large segment of our population with all of the many frontline professions that qualify. This is a huge win for Florida residents and first-time homeowners!”
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We are looking forward to helping all the Florida residents who serve our communities achieve their win by closing on their next home. The program has already become effective as of June 1st, so Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty customers can find out if they are eligible today. Many first-time home buyers and those in lower-income brackets who qualify are back in the home search game. With more inventory hitting the market this month, it is the perfect time for many Floridians to consider buying. If you serve the community and want to start your home search today, reach out to your trusted Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Agent or visit cbvhomesearch.com. We can help you achieve the American dream in the communities we love that you serve every day.
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Patty Biro(A), Surface(B), Andrew Mead(C), Bruno Rodrigues(D), Logan Weaver(E), LinedIn Sales Solutions(F), Steven Ungermann(G) Jacques Bopp(H), Edgar Moran(I), Micah Carlson(J), and Idonothingbutlove(K).
www.CBVHomesearch.com
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6 Projects to Create the A
A The following is a guest post by GINNIE LEEMING on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
Is your piece of the great outdoors feeling a little blah? It’s time to add more fun to your backyard. We’ve rounded up 6 summer projects to help you design the ultimate backyard for your Florida home!
Create Shade
It’s undeniable . . . Florida summers are hot! Don’t hide inside. Make your backyard more pleasant by creating shade. Install a patio awning, build a shaded pergola, or add umbrellas for instant shade. Is it still too hot? Generate an instant breeze with outdoor cooling fans. Or consider a mister system. If you want to spend a little more you can have a misting system put in by professionals, too. Depending on the area, sophistication, etc. these systems can run into the thousands. If that is out of your budget or you want to try it out before you commit to something like that consider going the Amazon route and order some for under $60 to place around your outdoor space.
Al Fresco Dining Room
BLUE MATTER
If you love entertaining, creating an outdoor dining room should be at the top of your summer projects list! Start by investing in a table or cleaning up the one your already have. Add color with outdoor cushions and pillows, and use a rug to anchor the space. Set the table with fun and inexpensive plastic dishes and pretty linens that will last this summer and beyond. Don’t forget candles, décor, and flowers to set the mood.
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Arrange Ample Seating Choosing the right seating is a high priority for any outdoor space. For large spaces, break your backyard into distinct areas. Set up separate spaces for eating, cooking, and relaxing. Create an outdoor living room to relax at the day’s end, add a couple chairs in a quiet corner, hang a hammock, or place a bench in your garden. For small backyards, a cafe table and chairs are charming and compact. Add comfort with chair cushions. D
Add Character with Lights Make the most of breezy summer nights with a well-lit backyard. Just like you would inside your home, layer lighting to create functionality and ambiance. Start by adding wall lights or lanterns to brighten the whole space. Next, add task lighting, such as mounted lights by the grill or an outdoor lamp next to your favorite chair. Finally, accent your space with strings of globe lights, candles, or spotlights on landscaping.
Arrange an Outdoor Bar
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Create the ultimate outdoor entertaining space by setting up a bar. A bar cart is the perfect place to store your favorite drinks during parties and lazy afternoons. Repurpose a vintage table or make your potting bench do double duty by clearing the top. Install hooks to hold towels and bar tools, add plenty of ice, and top the cart with a large tray to make transporting drinks and glassware easier.
Create a Grilling Station Love grilling? Then, creating your very own grilling station is a must! Sure, you’ll need a grill, but add a cart for holding serving plates and tools, too. Use the cart to store your favorite spices, clean towels, and other grilling accessories. Additionally outdoor kitchens are perfect for Florida living, whether it is a full kitchen complete with a pizza oven or a more modest setup that makes prep and grilling easier, think about adding this option to your space. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen when everyone else is outside. Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Murat Demicran(A), Aldo Terrazas(B), Randy Fath(C) David Saw Dawg Guarino(D), Jonathan Cooper(E), Sven(F), and Oswaldo DelgadoG).
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Market Update May 2022
MAY 2022
$360,000 MAY 2021
$288,990
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, although prices continued to rise in May, Northeast Florida’s housing market began to show continued signs of a moderating trend that should make both buyers and sellers rejoice. Northeast Florida is still firmly rooted in a sellers’ market with the median price of single-family homes in May registering at a historic high of $392,000. Approximately 42% of sellers received more than their asking price, with 100.9% as the average amount they received of that asking price. In the condominium and townhouse market, the median sales price rose 2% to $267,500, with 38.4% of sellers receiving more than the listing price and the average amount they received being 101.2% of that listing price. With rising home prices, the First Coast region is continuing to become increasingly less affordable. The home affordability index for single-family homes dropped 3.7% from 82 in April to 79 in May. An index of 79 means that median household income was only 79% of what is necessary to qualify for a median-priced home under prevailing mortgage interest rates. Higher numbers mean greater affordability.
What does this mean for BUYERS?
Contact your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Agent to find out who the experts are you need to talk to and for help finding out what you need to get into your next home. They can also let you know what programs you might qualify for to ease the burden of higher interest rates and soaring home prices.
What does this mean for SELLERS?
Inventory is still low, and you will be in the driver's seat. Raising interest rates are affecting who is able to get a home loan, so make sure your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent handles your selling process. They protect their customers and bring you the best offers that ensure the sale goes through with due diligence and care.
www.CBVHomesearch.com
Family,
FIREWORKS,
& THE 4TH OF JULY The following is by Chelsea Cornelius.
Floridians love the sun, America, and having a good time. Everyone at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty wishes you a wonderful and safe Independence Day this year! Here are some great events around Northeast Florida you can add to your family filled weekend.
4TH OF JULY HOMETOWN CELEBRATION Along Fernandina’s downtown riverfront, you can enjoy an Independence Day celebration from 6-10PM. There will be a DJ playing music, food trucks, and plenty of vendors to explore while you wait for the fireworks that will go off at 9PM sharp!
ameliaislandliving.com/fernandinabeach
AMERICAN PRIDE 4TH OF JULY If you’re near Clay County on the 4th of July, stop by Moosehaven at 6PM to celebrate with the Town of Orange Park. There will be food trucks, entertainment, live music, and more. Celebrate your American Pride in your most patriotic outfit and enjoy the spectacular fireworks display that will be over the St. Johns River at dusk.
moosehaven.org/american-pride-4th-of-july/
CELEBRATION 5K & WATERMELON FESTIVAL Kick off your 4th of July with the whole family by enjoying a Celebration Run in Mandarin. There will be a 5K at 7:30AM and a 1 mile run at 8:30AM. After the family completes the race, you can stick around for a watermelon festival. There will be lots of watermelon to eat, electrolyte popsicles, and more, including drawings for prizes. Additionally, every age-group winner will take home their own watermelon with the rest of their awards.
1stplacesports.com/races/celebration5k/
JUMBO SHRIMP FIREWORKS & CELEBRATION Spend July 3rd with the Jumbo Shrimp to celebrate Independence Day with nothing less than an American baseball movie and Fireworks. Head to the stadium for the 7:30PM showing of the movie on the HD video board, and then enjoy the fireworks show at 9:15PM. There are VIP tickets that include options of unlimited popcorn or chips and much more. The Jumbo Shrimp also have a game scheduled on the 4th, so you can enjoy an American past-time and celebrate the holiday with your kiddos too!
milb.com/news/jumbo-shrimp-independenceday-fireworks-celebration-set-for-july-3
NOCATEE 4TH OF JULY GOLF CART PARADE & PARTY Starting at 8:30AM, residents can line up their carts at Nocatee Station Field. All the carts will be decked out in red, white, and blue, and all of your patriotic spirit. The parade will start at 9AM and circle around the Splash Waterpark and Town Center Communities. There will also be a party from 6-9PM at Nocatee Station Field with live music and food trucks. Residents can bring plenty of bug spray, blankets, and chairs to get ready for the special event happening at the end of the night.
pontevedrarecorder.com/stories/4th-of-july-events-calendar,13059 Photography provided by the following in order of appearance: Jose Losadae(A), Elena Rabkina(B), Randy Fath(C), and CDC(D).
“You
cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall Summer is here, and with it that Florida heat. Our agents are working to stay cool while helping their customers buy and sell real estate. They are also working hard to help CBV Cares and Northeast Florida charities by planning events, volunteering, and hosting events this past month. The Fleming Island/Oakleaf Office donated funds to over seven different deserving organizations throughout the month of May.
The ARK Wildlife and Sanctuary, Creation Education Resources, The Derek Hatcher Foundation, Healing Hearts Project, Helping Hounds Project, River Christian Preschool, and the Safe Animal Shelter of Clay County were all able to benefit from the fundraising efforts the Fleming Island /Oakleaf Offices have been working on the past couple months. The Safe Animal Shelter of Clay County is a nonprofit that works to reduce the number of cats and dogs that are euthanized in shelters each year. They do this by rescuing abandoned pets, providing love, shelter, attention, and medical care they might need while at the shelter. They also seek to find loving families to take home the spayed or neutered pets. The Mandarin Office loved hosting their 2nd quarterly Dinner & Game Night June 14th. They played Left-Right-Center and had a 50/50 drawing. It was another successful evening to raise funds that will benefit CBV Cares and Northeast Florida Charities. 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.
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