Lifestyle November at Home with CBV Life

WHAT IS AN HOA?

FLORIDA FINDS COWBOY ROOTS

IN YOUR CORNER FEATURE STORY

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUYING A HOME WITH CASH?

LIVING LARGE DECORATING YOUR PAD JUST IN TIME FOR THANKSGIVING CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!

MARKET UPDATE

WHAT IS AN

HOA? HOA?

When looking for a house, many buyers tend to take into account costs associated with owning a home, such as insurance, utilities, and taxes. One thing buyers may not think to consider is whether the house is in a neighborhood with an HOA, what the dues are, and how the association is run. Many buyers may be aware of association dues and regulations in multi-family developments such as condos or townhomes. But, it’s becoming a new normal to find HOAs in developments with single-family homes.

WHAT IS AN HOA?

There are different definitions out there for a Homeowners’ Association, and many operate differently from one another. A Homeowners’ Association, or HOA, is an association that works to maintain and oversee the common areas of a neighborhood or property complex. It’s fairly common to find them in neighborhoods that offer amenities such as a community pool, gated access, a playground, tennis courts, etc. The HOA is typically a volunteer-based board made up of homeowners living in the neighborhood. Many HOAs have committees that coordinate neighborhood events, review proposed changes homeowners wish to make to their property, enforce the covenants, and more.

GET TO KNOW THE RULES

The covenants, conditions, and restrictions are different for every HOA. Some rules commonly seen in HOAs are in regard to the overall appearance and aesthetics of the neighborhood, such as the exterior of houses and lawn maintenance. Some also have restrictions regarding street parking or where residents can park their boats and RVs. Others may deal more with coordinating neighborhood crime watches and events.

When considering a house, it’s a good idea to ask for a copy of the HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions to get a better idea of what is allowed and not allowed in the neighborhood. It’s becoming more common for HOAs to have a website or social media page, which is a great place to learn more about the community. For example, some mandate there can be no cars parked in the yard of any house in the neighborhood. If a homeowner wants to paint the house a new color, change the landscaping, or add onto the property, the owner has to submit the proposed changes to the HOA for review and approval. The committee will review the proposed changes to ensure they fall in line with the covenants of theA

The following is a guest post by AMY POE on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. Edited by CHELSEA CORNELIUS.

neighborhood. While this may seem rather burdensome or trivial, the HOA was designed to help maintain home values, safety, and the overall aesthetics of a neighborhood.

HOW ARE HOAS FUNDED?

Many HOAs require annual dues. Those dues will vary based on the size of the neighborhood and amenities. Dues are used for a number of things, including maintenance of common spaces such as neighborhood entrances, playgrounds, pools, etc. In gated neighborhoods, many of the items that the city or parish would usually maintain must be maintained by the HOA. These items may include roads, sidewalks, and street lighting, to name a few. Some HOAs will hire a property management company to oversee the collection of dues and coordinate maintenance issues. It’s important to pay the dues on time. Depending on the bylaws, late fees and interest could be tacked on to the bill, and the HOA could place a lien on the property if the dues are not paid. The HOA could also foreclose on the property for nonpayment of dues.

AFTER THE CLOSING

BLUE MATTER

Contacting the HOA should be a priority on the Post Move-in List as it is important to provide contact information to the HOA. It’s also a great time to get more information regarding upcoming neighborhood events or other ways to get involved. The HOA cannot operate without residents who are willing to give up their time. It’s also a great idea to attend neighborhood events such as an ice cream social, an Independence Day parade, Halloween trick-or-treating, and a Christmas party. These events can serve as a great way to meet neighbors and build relationships. It’s important to remember that the volunteers who serve on the HOA are your neighbors and friends. Like you, they want what’s best for the community. Every homeowner benefits from a well-cared-for neighborhood.

Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. DEX EZEKIEL(A), AMANDA SMITH(B), and E MENS(C).

COWBOY

When you think of a state built by cowboys and herds of cattle, your mind immediately goes to Texas. Well, sorry Texas, Florida did it first. In fact, numerous towns were built by Florida cowboys, and although many have been renamed, several settlers had such a strong ranch and cattle culture their towns put cows in their names. Let’s take some time to explore Florida’s cowboy roots.

Like most Florida history, it has Spanish roots, even when it comes to cows. In the 16th century, the Spanish brought Andalusian cows to the southern part of Florida for their growing settlement. Although they were forced to retreat all the way back to Cuba, some say their cattle survived and lived in the wild. Meanwhile, the Spanish also brought their herd to St. Augustine and expanded their grazing into the northern Florida Atlantic Coast. These Andalusian cows first belonged to the missions and expanded to wealthy landowners throughout the area. Since the cows roamed freely, cowboys were needed to round them up at various times throughout the year.

As the Spanish lost control over Florida throughout the 18th century, the free-range cows started to be herded by a new generation of cowboys, including Native Americans. The Seminoles bought or acquired the Andalusian, which became more commonly known as scrub or Cracker cows. These cows strengthened the Seminoles herds but during the 19th century, as the Seminoles were pushed to the South, the herds again changed hands. As the Cracker cows began to be herded by Northern settlers who pushed both the Spanish and Native Americans out, the nickname “Cracker Cowboys” began to be used. Some point to the name of the cows for the nickname, while other experts say it was because of the “crack” of their whips as they moved the herd around their ranches.

Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. LEON EPHRAIM(A) and the State Library and Archives of Florida, floridamemory.com (B, C, and D).

The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius. Source: Florida Memory. "Spanish Cattle in Florida." Floridiana, 2014, https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/295223. Accessed October 24, 2022.

The Cracker Cowboys established a strong cattle industry within Florida. And as previously mentioned, the importance of this industry influenced the names of towns in the past. Jacksonville, for example, was originally called Cowford, and the town was renamed Jacksonville in 1822 when settlers decided it needed to become a “proper” town. Kissimmee is another town that took on a popular cow nickname, “Cowtown.” Kissimmee Kowtown was developed by pioneer families building ranches filled with cowboys and, unlike other areas, continued to blossom throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The farms and ranches near Kissimmee prospered in the early 20th century, and the town even became known as Florida’s “Cow Capitol.”

As Disney World purchased the land from several of Kissimmee’s original Cracker Cowboy families, the landscape of the area and the presence of the Cowboys began to change forever. Inflation and the increase of tourism in Orlando’s economy meant more and more of the ranches were being sold. Although the economy changed, Kissimmee still holds strong to its cowboy roots. The community has a birthday celebration every year, a Kowtown Festival, and the Cracker Cowboy traditions stay alive through the Silver Spurs Rodeo, which boasts they are the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi. In fact, rodeos throughout the state pay homage to Florida’s over 500 years of cowboy history every year.

What Are the Benefits of

Buying

A Home With CA $ H?

Most people try to avoid getting into debt; it's a much wiser financial decision. Unfortunately, it's not always possible. On big-ticket items such as higher education, purchasing a car, and buying a house, loans are a common occurrence. But if you can buy a house with cash, should you do it? What are the benefits of making a cash offer on a home or accepting a cash offer for your home? Even better, what are options for those of us who think we are not cash buyers? And one final question, are there alternative cash offer options to those online instant cash offers for sellers?

Benefits of Buying a House with Cash

If you have the means to be a cash buyer, then you're in a great position. According to the National Association of Realtors, roughly 30% of U.S. homebuyers are making their home purchases completely in cash, and it makes sense. There are many reasons why paying cash for a home is better than getting a loan, even when it comes to the effect of a cash offer on house closing costs.

The following is a guest post by SHARON LEE, orignally posted on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. Edited By Chelsea Cornelius.

No Mortgage Payments:

If you purchase your new home outright, you won't have to worry about what type of interest rate you get or how much your monthly payments will be. Instead, you can enjoy financial freedom without a mortgage. This also means that you'll be saving money on interest. You paid for the house in full, so you don't have to worry about thousands of extra dollars over the years in interest payments

Lower Purchase Price:

In most cases, sellers love cash home buyers. It makes everything easier on the seller's end, which means that you can probably negotiate a better price. The seller will know that you won't back out at the last minute due to loan issues so you can haggle a little more.

Fewer Closing Costs:

You might be surprised by the impact of a cash offer on a house's closing costs. Many typical closing costs have to do with a mortgage, but if you're paying in cash, you can avoid various loan fees, including:

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appraisal fees

fees

mortgage insurance

report fees

Quicker Closing:

With a mortgage, closing a home requires you to wait 30 to 45 days on average. Paying in cash, you can finish the purchase transaction in one to three weeks.

Quality Investment:

If you have a large sum of money in cash, it won't be earning you any extra sitting in the bank or a CD. On the other hand, real estate investment is a great idea, even when the market may not be ideal. If you're willing to hang on to your property for a few years, you'll get more out than you put in on a cash deal.

BLUE MATTER

Benefits of Selling a House for Cash

What about when it comes to selling your home? Should you sell a home for cash, or is it better to go the conventional route? Beyond the fact that there may be negotiating for a lower selling price for a cash offer, there are many benefits to accepting a cash deal.

Fewer Deals Fall Through:

If you've ever tried to sell a house, you understand that it can be risky. Too often, buyers lose loan backings or don't qualify for enough to complete the purchase. With a cash offer, you don't have to worry about this as much.

Faster Closing:

If you need to get out of your home quickly, a cash offer is a great way to do this. Normal closing times are four to seven weeks. A cash offer can cut that time down to one to three weeks.

Fewer Fees:

Typically, a cash offer means that you'll be able to avoid many annoying closing costs, so you keep more of your sale money.

Cash offers in real estate can be a great idea if you know what you're doing. At Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle Realty, we suggest talking to a financial expert, as well as our experienced real estate agents, to help you decide the best option for you.

Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Tima Miroshnichenko(A), Jenn Buxton(B), Andrea Piacquadio(C), and Sosey Interiors(D).

Since cash is often king, no matter the market, consider the benefits of becoming an "all cash offer" buyer without having the cash on hand. Maybe that sounds impossible but don't sell yourself short. Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle Realty has a great program available called Oracle which provides modern solutions for today's real estate. Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle Realty Agent about the opportunites Oracle can provide you today.

Since Oracle provides modern solutions for today's real estate, we must mention the opportunity it provides Sellers when it comes to cash offers too. Oracle, exclusively offered by Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle Realty, has the ability to generate instant cash offers for your home. This is not your average run-of-the-mill, massively below-market-value offer that is working the angle of convenience over integrity. Don't forget those gargantuan fees added on top, either! Oracle offers are presented to you by trusted advisors you already know. More than that, they live and work in your community, so they are not only market experts and can pinpoint what your house is worth. They have a stake in keeping the community they love in good hands. Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle Realty Agent about the opportunites Oracle can provide you today.

Become a Cash Offer Buyer even when you're not.

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your coldwell banker Vanguard Lifestyle realty agent what other solutions oracle offers, today!

JUST IN TIME FOR your padDECORATING

We really try not to boast, but it’s really hard not to gloat about the fabulousness that is Thanksgiving. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the frenetic and joyous electricity in the air at holiday time with family and friends gathered around, Florida really knows how to throw a turkey — or Tofurky — party. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, you’ll want to make sure that your home is ready. Whether this is your first-time hosting for the holidays or you’ve done it a million times, the info below will make sure that the turkey won’t be the only thing dressed for the holidays.

If you describe your decorating style as: “Absolutely no scarecrow centerpieces allowed!”

Do you tsk-tsk under your breath if someone uses the wrong type of egg cup? Would you cancel a dinner party if you ran low on salad forks? In other words, you like to keep your decorations tasteful. Here are some tips for making your Thanksgiving decor as elegant as possible.

BLUE MATTER

• Autumn Tones: Dress your public rooms in hues, colors, and tones that will remind anyone who walks into your home that fall is here, and it’s the season of bounty and harvest. Gorgeous, soft white drapes lined with linings boasting shimmery gold highlights, wine-colored table linens, russet-orange throw pillows, and warm throws draped over your sofa will help people feel cozy and excited about the season all at once.

•Accessorize with Natural Textures: An aged wooded wine crate filled with fall produce would make a beautifully rustic and autumnal centerpiece. A wide glass vase filled with walnuts, colorful squashes, succulents, pine cones, or deep-red and rust-colored blooms will add a cozy pop to your home. Stores like Pier 1 Imports are filled with beautiful holiday decor.

•Hang Seasonal Wall Art: Paintings or photographs of oak leaves tumbling from branches or the city at dusk are surefire fall scenes that will appeal to even the most curmudgeonly warm-weather lover.

The following is a guest post by KRISTINA SMITH on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. Edited by CHELSEA CORNELIUS.

If you describe your decorating style as: “Hey! Don’t forget the scarecrow centerpieces!”

Your holiday style ethos can be summed up in four words: The kitschier, the better. For you, it’s not Thanksgiving until there’s a turkey piñata hanging somewhere in the house. Fun is a must, and kids are welcome to join in creating the decor for the space. If this sounds like your style, here are some ideas for you:

• Plaster Your Walls with Festive Art: Frame Thanksgiving themed prints inside simple black frames or picture boxes. This way you get an effect that’s both fun and refined — you want a look that’s thanky, not janky.

• Make a T-Day Tree: Who said holiday trees are only for Christmas? Make a Thanksgiving tree that will charm the pants off everyone who sees it. It doesn’t have to — and shouldn’t — look like a Christmas tree. One great idea is to get a tree (or create a tree-like centerpiece) with branches that have lost their leaves, which evokes a prepping-for-winter theme.

• Sweet Treats: That turkey piñata that you know you’re going to get? Fill it with all sorts of yummy fall-themed sweets, including candy corn and some of those special-edition pumpkin flavored chocolates and candies that pop up every year around this time.

Ready to celebrate Thanksgiving? Whether you have a spacious home or a tiny studio condo, you can still host the perfect holiday soiree.

Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. HATICE NOĞMAN(A), KAYLEE GARRETT(B), RONDAE PRODUCTIONS(C, E, F), and CODY PAIGE(D).

Market Update September

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