IN NOVEMBER’S ISSUE THE GREAT RESHUFFLE: A BUYER’S CHECKLIST THE REAL 1st THANKSGIVING SHAKE UP YOUR TURKEY-FEATHER FESTIVITIES
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10 yr
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1 yr
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Forecast
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NO V EMBER
2021
IN YOUR CORNER 5 THINGS TO DO TO YOUR GRASS THIS FALL
COMMUNITY PROPERTY THE REAL 1 st THANKSGIVING
FEATURE STORY THE GREAT RESHUFFLE: A BUYER’S CHECKLIST
LIVING LARGE SHAKE UP YOUR TURKEY-FEATHER FESTIVITIES
MARKET UPDATE CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
KID’S CORNER THANKSGIVING FUN
CBV CARES LEADING THE WAY IN OUR COMMUNITIES
The cover image was photographed by JAMES BALENSIENFEN.
©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.
Things to Do
A
to Your Grass this
The following is a guest post by Bill Campbell, a landscaper and gardener, posted by Sam Shalom originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
By the time fall comes along, and you’ve tended to your grass every single week, pleasant springtime memories of that freshly-mown grass smell have long passed. Still, you must get the yard grass ready for winter, especially if you’re planning to put the house up for sale next spring. Fall is the best time for lawn care, so when it comes to planning your autumn projects, add these to the list. One of the great things about living in Florida is that we have more time than most to get our autumn list done with our fall(ish) weather starting in late October or even November.
When cutting the grass in late October or early November, set the mowing blades a bit shorter than usual. Lower the blade to the shortest recommended height for your variety of grass. That will help keep grass from matting underneath leaves, but the turf will be high enough for the roots to stay firmly planted in the soil. Preventing thatch and matting allows leaf-covered grass to remain healthy, and leads to a thick, full lawn in March, April, and May.
The leaves are changing, and that means it’s time to fertilize the grass. If you haven’t done it this year, test the soil to determine its acidic balance; this lets you know what type of fertilizer to use. The pH scale is from 0 to 14; anything less than 7.0 is acidic, and anything above 7.0 is considered alkaline. Whether you choose soil amendments, organic, or chemical fertilizers, they must be the proper types for the grass in your yard. Buy a soil testing kit or contact your local cooperative extension service.
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Speaking of soil, it needs to breathe. Soil compaction occurs in areas where kids are playing, dogs are running, riding lawn mowers are sitting — you get the idea. Compacted soil stops air and water from reaching the roots. (Even those squirmy earthworms can’t get very far!) Fertilizer won’t soak in very well. In short, compacted soil is bad for grass.
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Aerating the lawn provides air that lets grassroots thrive. You can do it yourself by hand, but really, the best way to aerate the yard, especially a large one, is to hire a landscaper with the right kind of equipment. Hundreds to thousands of small, cork-like plugs of dirt are removed from the ground, allowing the grass to spread, thicken and breathe.
The type of grass and condition it’s in determine reseeding requirements, but in any case, this project is better for autumn than in spring. September is ideal for overseeding cool-season and warm-season grasses. For warmer climates, reseeding the dead and bare patches should bring a nice green carpet, come springtime.
BLUE MATTER
The first thing to remember is that weeds will never completely go away, so don’t make yourself crazy over it. But you can control the first outset in spring by applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall. It can give you a head start on next spring’s weed-reducing efforts. Follow directions carefully.
As if this weren’t enough, here are a couple more autumn yard projects for you. Rake and remove fallen leaves so they won’t create a thick mat that will suffocate your lawn over the winter. Continue to water the lawn if you’re not seeing enough rainfall — if it hasn’t entered dormancy, grass should get an inch of water per week. One thing to note: If you start a project too late in the season, your efforts are wasted.The grassroots will need time to absorb the nutrients from fertilizer. Tender plant seedlings from reseeding won’t survive the cooler temperatures. For a healthy lawn in spring, develop a fall schedule, and stick to it.
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Photography provided by the following in order of appearance, Zac Gudakov(A), Jared Muller(B), Lux Production(C), and Dylan Nolte(D).
l a e R The
1
st
Thanksgiving
The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
From kindergarten to adulthood, we learned and retold the story of how the first Thanksgiving in America’s history was at Plymouth Rock in 1621. The Plymouth Colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans sat down and shared a feast to celebrate the autumn harvest. As Floridians, we need to set the record straight. Like several other keynotes we learned in history class, this story is not quite right. The first Thanksgiving in American history was actually over fifty years earlier and in St. Augustine, Florida.
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That’s right, Northeast Florida was home to the first Thanksgiving in 1565. The Florida Museum of Natural History and several archaeologists and historians have confirmed the real first Thanksgiving. According to experts, the Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés led the first event. His 800 colonists joined the Timucua people for an extravagant feast and a Mass of Thanksgiving along the Matanzas River. In addition to not being in Plymouth, the dinner menu was also different from what we think of Thanksgiving. There was most likely no Turkey-Feathers, and definitely no pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce. On the contrary, it would have been a mixture of Spanish staples, goods collected by the conquistadors along their journey trade routes, fresh fish, and The Timucua’s cultivated beans, corn, and squash. There were Spanish wines, salted meats, sea biscuits, olives, and garbanzo beans (most of us call them chickpeas today). Although we can still enjoy our Thanksgiving favorites, what a great nod to our Florida forefathers it could be to add a charcuterie board filled with some of these foods and add it to our tables this year.
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Departing from Plymouth’s story, yet again, the purpose of the real Thanksgiving was not the autumn harvest. The Spanish colonists departed for the Americas with eight ships and hopes of starting prosporous lives in the new world. After more than two months, only four ships completed the arduous journey. That being said, the Spanish were grateful to both be alive and safe on dry land when they landed on the St. Augustine shores. The Mass of Thanksgiving and the feast that followed were traditions most sailors would do to honor surviving their journey. In fact, their Thanksgiving day was the first act Menéndez executed in Florida. Menéndez invited the Timucua people out of curiosity and as an initial introduction. It would have undoubtedly been quite an introduction with the soldiers in full armor, an abundance of food and wine, and their first Anglican religious experience, all in one day. Sadly, the first real Thanksgiving was not the start of a tradition in St. Augustine. The Spanish settlers would continue to grow and prosper in the new world for almost a century before the Mayflower made its journey. Still, it was Thanksgiving in 1621 and the annual tradition of giving thanks for the autumn harvest that led to the holiday we celebrate today. Although it is great to give thanks for all we are thankful for every year, it is also wonderful to know more about our American and Florida history.
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Photography provided by the following in order of appearance, Meritt Thomas(A), MyFloridaMemory Archives(B), and Filipp Romanovski(C).
The Great Reshuffle:
A Buyer’s Checklist The following is a guest post by Laura McHolm who is a home organization, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. Posted by Gustavo Gonzalez originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
BLUE MATTER
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The pandemic stay-at-home protocols forced us to reevaluate our homes and where we live. Questions about our home size, needing a home office long term and thoughts of relocation to more affordable cities or closer to family were on the minds of many during the last year. Whether due to a life change or a change brought about by the pandemic, millions of people are moving and creating the “Great Reshuffling.” This record rise in Americans moving, coupled with large numbers coming to Florida and a shortage of workers, has created the perfect storm. Moving companies are incredibly busy and are working hard to hire the qualified help they need. Moving is challenging enough without scrambling to find a reputable moving company. So, what does this mean for those planning to move this year? Plan ahead! Make your moving reservations as early as possible to beat the surge and put your organizational skills in overdrive. If possible, give yourself eight weeks to handle the moving to-dos in an orderly, low-stress manner. Use the steps below in this two-month moving calendar to keep you calm and prepared. Simply follow these steps and check them off one-by-one:
8 Weeks to Go: • Start the process of selecting a mover. Check a mover’s record with the Better Business Bureau in your state and social review sites. A great reputation is the best way to choose a mover, consider our preferred movers Move Bright Van Lines or
Ocean Movers.
• Book your mover. • Start to inventory and divide up your belongings: Decide who gets what, which items to donate, recycle, pack and which items (if any) need to go into short-term or long-term storage. B
4 Weeks to Go: Mail change of address cards or change your information online at the following: • Post office • DMV (license, registration, voter registration) • Social security • Insurance companies • Credit card companies, Credit Bureau, and/or other creditors • Employer (to forward W2s) • Broker • Mail order accounts like food, magazines, etc. • Friends and relatives • Gather personal records (medical, dental, etc.). Don’t forget your furry friends either. Gather all pet’s vet records and make sure all pets are microchipped and chip corresponds to a cell number that goes with you on your move. Order new tags and licenses with new address and your cell phone number. • Arrange to transfer children’s school records and they are registered for their new school. • Check homeowner’s insurance policies to see if moving is covered. Be sure your new home is protected by transferring fire, theft and other personal-property insurance • START TO PACK
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3 Weeks to Go: Make arrangements to discontinue current utilities and schedule the start-up of new utilities: • Landline telephone service • Cable TV & Internet • Electricity, Gas, & Water (check for refund) • Fuel oil • House cleaners • Babysitters • Dog walkers • Gardeners • Pool Service • Have appliances serviced for shipment.
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2 Weeks to Go: • Ask doctors, dentists, and veterinarians for medical records • Cancel newspaper delivery • Refill all prescriptions or get your prescriptions transferred to a new pharmacy closer to the new home • Make arrangements for moving day for children and pets, if you have them. Do you need a babysitter for a day or two? A pet sitter? • Houseplants, usually, cannot be moved by a mover, especially on long distance or out of state moves, so make arrangements accordingly. • Start to disassemble any shelving, closet systems, etc. that you plan to take or arrange with the mover that they will be doing this on the day of the move • If you need one, hire a cleaning crew to come clean your empty place to get your deposit back. Will your new place need a cleaning before you move in too?
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1 Week to Go: Pack in separate boxes the items necessary for first days in the new home: Label “LOAD LAST.” And label where to put each of those boxes in your new home: • Medicine (always keep prescriptions on you) • Comfortable clothes • Linens and towels • Toothbrushes and toiletries • Paper goods • Disposable plates and silverware • Foil and wax paper • Plastic containers • Microwave • Vacuum cleaner • Garbage bags • Tool kit • Step ladder • Extension cords • Light bulbs • Cleaning items (mop and pail, broom and dust pan, etc.) • Each member of the family should also pack a suitcase with what they need for a few days while you’re getting settled into your new place. Don’t forget cell phone chargers, medications, and favorite teddy bears • If the movers are packing all or part of your belongings, call to schedule and confirm the details. Make sure your mover knows how much packing you expect to do yourself and how much you expect them to do • Plan to use up most food items before the move. If you have any leftover food on moving day, donate it to Move For Hunger.
2 Days to Go: • Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers to be moved • Gather valuables and important documents from jewelry cases, safe deposit box, etc. to take with you in the car. Do not pack these items with your other belongings.
Moving Day: YOU MADE IT! Congratulations, you conquered “The Great Reshuffling!” Not only did you move during a very unique time, you stayed organized and, hopefully, the entire process was much more stress-free. As the winner of this moving marathon, you now get to slowly unpack and peacefully settle into your new and improved lifestyle.
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Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Erda Estremera(A), Estee Jassens(B), Magnet Me(C), Move Bright Van Lines (D), Ocean Movers(E), Austin Kehemier(F), and Becca Tapert(G).
The great thing about having a Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent in addition to them being able to guide you through the home buying process, they can provide you with our preferred vendors. These are vendors like movers, roofers, home insurance providers and more that we trust to take care of your home owner needs! Ask you Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent who they can recommend to you today!
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Shake UP
Your
Turkey-Feather
Festivities
The following is a guest post by Tracy Ellison who is a creative content writer for The Studio, originally published BY GUSTAVO GONZALEZ on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog. Edited by Chelsea Cornelius.
Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time to gather, give thanks and share in the joy of family and friends, so make it a memorable occasion by putting your own signature style on the event. Surprise your guests with unique touches you bring to your food and table that will make them feel extra special and make them sigh with contentment. Set a perfectly appointed table. This is the time to channel your inner-most Emily Post. Follow the proper etiquette for utensils and glassware placement and bring out the fine China. Pick one main color and sprinkle it throughout your table setting – in the napkins, table runner, and serving platters. Tie the whole look together with petite, colorful bouquets in the same themed hue and set them in front of each guest in individual bistro glasses for rows of beautiful, cohesive color. Consider gorgeous fall flowers like Mums, Dianthus, Marigolds, or Sunflowers to bring color to your table, if you prefer to keep the rest of your table crisper and more neutral.
BLUE MATTER
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Don’t forget the kiddos. Kick up the fun at the kids’ table and keep them amused while waiting to dig into dinner. Get them to eat their vegetables by placing a dollop of yummy dip inside a small cup along with colorful, dunked veggie spears that are ready to munch on. And strategically keep the peace by using place cards tucked on top of Tom Turkey cupcakes (for after dinner). Seat older children next to younger ones that need a little help passing and serving family-style. Lastly, spare your fine linens and lay down a tablecloth of craft paper. Butcher paper is perfect for a rustic but clean look that won’t clash with the rest of your décor. Arm each child with a bundle of colored crayons or set up your lazy Susan with colored pencils and crayons and let them have at it. What’s better than scold-free table drawings? Not to mention we can all appreciate the quick clean-up after the kiddos leave the table! Best wishes and thank you notes. For most of us, the typical kind of way we give thanks is before we eat. Want to break with tradition or spread thankfulness throughout the meal? Consider new and unique ways to share what you are thankful for at the Thanksgiving table. Break the ice with the person seated next to you by having some fun with handmade napkin rings made of raffia twine and breakable novelty wishbones. For deeper bonding, put your two cents of thankfulness on a note. Then put it into a gratefulness jar that gets passed around the table. Let each guest pick out a note of thanks and read it aloud to emphasize the true meaning of the day. Bring out the best of the holiday and spread a table of good cheer, great food, and an abundance of love and kindness. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Isaac Quesada (A), Trend (B), Anne Nygard (C), Zsofi Perganczky (D), Trend (E), Collov Home Design (F), and Alexandre Gornago(G).
Market Update September 2021
Want the latest market data when it’s available? Ask your agent if they are a part of the MLS MARKET UPDATE program.
Missi Howell, president of the Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS®, said in a recent press release, “This is not the beginning of a bust, nor is one expected, but perhaps a pause where we may be able to expect a leveling off of demand until consumers see a better picture of their incomes versus overall inflation and where their budgets will allow them to go.”
What does this mean for BUYERS?
Inventory has dwindled as we head towards the holiday season and many buyers who are being priced out are decided to put a hold on their home search. This may work in your favor if you aren’t priced out of the market and have flexibility with your budget. Your best bet is to work with a Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent to help guide you through the process.
What does this mean for SELLERS?
Although the market has started to cool, with no bust in sight, it continues to be a Seller’s Market. Speak with your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent about your real estate goals today.
www.CBVHomesearch.com
g n i v i g s k
n a h T
FUN
Thanksgiving is a day filled with food, family, and fun. With the kiddos home from school and so much to do before your guest arrive, having a few activities planned for the day can be a good idea. Consider any of these activities to keep your little ones occupied. Operation Gratitute Thanksgiving is a time to remember what we are thankful for, and many of us have served or have family who has served in the military. Let your kids share their gratitude to soldiers with Operation Gratitude. They accept letters to Veterans, something homemade like a quilt, or survival bracelets—three fun individual activities or one creative extravaganza. Create a unique craft to be in Operation Gratitude’s care packages. You can check their website (www.operationgratitude.com) for exactly what they are looking for in that category. Kids not into crafts? The handwritten letter might be a better option for them. They can express what they are thankful for in their own lives and how the soldiers protecting our Freedom make it possible.
Let them cook with you! Cooking and chopping might be out of the questions for the tiny ones, but there are plenty of ways kids can help in the kitchen. Smashing mashed potatoes, rolling up pigs in a blanket, decorating yummy cookies, any of these are an excellent option for kids of any age. Apron them up and include them in the cooking fun. They can proudly share that they helped create this dish or that one. If you prefer to do the heavy lifting, consider letting them top the dishes off. Putting marshmallows on the sweet potatoes(if that is your style), cheese on top of the salad or mac n’ cheese, crumble on top of the cobbler, whatever you choose, most of the little ones will be ecstatic you included them.
Mini Pumpkin Hunt The highlight for some kids on Easter is the hunt. Why not bring that fun to Thanksgiving? Hide your mini gourds throughout the yard and challenge the kiddos to find them all! This can be a great before-dinner activity to distract them from how long it actually takes a Turkey to cook. You can put on the hunt during halftime or after dinner when the adults are stuffed, and the kiddos need to burn off some extra energy.
Dinner Theatre! We all know Thanksgiving can be a production, but why not let your theatrical kids make it a full-blown dinner theatre? Let your little stars tell the story of Thanksgiving or their own version since we all know now the first real Thanksgiving was in St. Augustine. The kids can spend the day creating their own story, costumes, and rehearsing, allowing you to focus on getting everything cooked, clean, and ready for your guests. Their performance will no doubt be a highlight of the family fun.
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Nikhita Singhal(A), Samto Vedri(B), Daniel Irmler(C), Brooke Lark(D), Sigmund(E), and Isabella & Zsa Fischer(F).
“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” -Alfred North Whitehead
There is so much to be thankful for this time of year. Here at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty we are very blessed and our agents show their gratitude to our communities with CBV Cares. They hosted fundraisers, planned events, and provided grants to charities throughout Northeast Florida. The Beaches Office presented a donation to The Mission House on October 1st to help their work in housing the homeless and the Mission House’s Mission Possible: A Community Unites, a virtual fundraiser held October 9th. The goal of the fundraiser was to secure 20 households in 2022 for families or individuals suffering from homelessness. The Fleming Island, Keystone, and Oakleaf Offices held a September Fleming Island Bingo Night at the Fleming Island Town Hall Event Center. There was catering by Brew Bakers and a generous donation from Republic National Distributing Company. The event was successful in raising over $3,500 for local charities! The St. Johns Office gave a grant of $950 to the First Tee of North Florida at their Palencia Golf Club event held on September 27th. First Tee of North Florida is a non-profit that utilizes golf to help teach children life skills including inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. 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.
GUIDING
YOU HOME 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