IN NOVEMBER’S ISSUE THE GREAT RESHUFFLE: A BUYER’S CHECKLIST LADY IN LADY LAKE SHAKE UP YOUR TURKEY-FEATHER FESTIVITIES
NO V EMBER
2021
FEATURE
IN YOUR CORNER
LIVING LARGE
IN YOUR CORNER 5 THINGS TO DO TO YOUR GRASS THIS FALL
COMMUNITY PROPERTY LADY IN LADY LAKE
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!
The cover image was photographed by JAMES BALENSIENFEN.
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
©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
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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).
Lady
Lady Lake in
The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
Lady Lake is one of the most picturesque towns in Central Florida. The quaint small town has an alluring name that comes from a town legend that its residents fought to keep throughout the years. In honor of our first Lady Lake magazine issue, we want to look at the origins of the name of this charming small town that some consider the birthplace of the Villages community.
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Although the Villages community is the Disneyland for retirees, Lady Lake has its own identity separate from The Villages® community. The “Home of Lakes and Sunshine” was first settled by Seminole Native Americans but was later settled in the 19th century by homesteaders who utilized the chain of Lakes to get all of their modern commodities. In the 1880s, the Tropical Railroad started construction to run from Ocala to Leesburg, straight through Lady Lake. At this point in time, the Railroads were naming or renaming towns along their path for convenience with little care for the town’s actual name. The town of Lady Lake was set to take on the name Cooper. Cooper was a contractor working on the line’s construction, and the Railroad executives were naming the town after him. The early settlers created an uproar when the Railroad told them of the name change. They came accustomed to the name and were not about to swap their namesake for some random railroad contractor. The settlers’ noise was heard by the Railroad executives. They conceded to the townspeople and decided the town would be allowed to keep the name Lady Lake.
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Where did the name that made the residents so passionate actually come from? Some say it comes from the profile of Lady Lake, while others find the origins of the town are more intriguing than simple geography. Many names in the South were either named after the founders or a borrowed native American name. Often times settlers would simply keep Native American names for either various reasons, from lack of wanting a change or an inability to think of a new name. In this case, the lyrical Lady Lake was the latter. The Legend of Lady Lake was created by the Seminole Native Americans who lived in the area before the settlers arrived. During the beginning of the settlers creating homesteads in the area, many of the husbands would leave home for long periods of time. In this particular case, one of the homesteader’s wives became lonely and decided to take her own life in the lake just east of town. The Seminole men found the white woman floating in the warm waters. And so, the town was named Lady Lake.
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Although the name came from a romantic tragedy, the town has thrived since the 19th century. Several of its residents were committed throughout the years to creating a beautiful town and strong community. The gorgeous live oaks that engulf East Lady Lake Boulevard were planted by two such townspeopleLoveard Lee and Dr. Newton Stevens. When Harold Schwartz started developing his retirement community, Lady Lake had an awakening but still maintained its small-town atmosphere even to this day. Whether you are a Lady Laker or a Villages transplant, you can appreciate the beauty in the name, and the appeal this quintessential Americana town has to all of us. D
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance, Meritt Thomas(A), FloridaMemory.com State Library & Archives of Florida(B & D), 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 asking your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent who they recommend. • 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).
The Villages® community, FL 32163
The Villages® community, FL 32162
Market Update August 2021
Lady Lake, FL 32159 What does this mean for BUYERS?
Inventory has dwindled as we head towards the holiday season, and many buyers who are being priced out have 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.
Want the latest market data in your neighboorhood? Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent for the latest market information today!
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. Data Source: Stellar MLS. Statistics calculated September 08, 2021.
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GUIDING
YOU HOME Since 1906
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty 1898 N Donnelly St Mount Dora, FL 32757 www.CBVHomesearch.com