BEFORE YOU FALL HEAD OVER HEELS FOR AN OLD HOME WHEN MONEY GREW ON FL TREES 5 END - OFMUSTMAINTENANCESUMMERDOS IN SEPTEMBER’S ISSUE
IN CORNERYOUR LARGELIVINGFEATUREFLORIDAFINDS
BEFORE YOU FALL HEAD OVER HEELS FOR AN OLD HOME IN YOUR KID’SCBVMUSTMAINTENANCE5WE’VEWHAT’SCURIOUSOUTDOOR5LIVINGMARKETFEATURECORNERSTORYUPDATELARGETIPSFORANAWESOMEMOVIENIGHTIFPRICESAREUP?THEMARKETDOING?GOTANSWERS!END-OF-SUMMERDOSCARESLEADINGTHEWAYINOURCOMMUNITIESCORNERFALLINLOVEWITHTHESEFUNKIDSACTIVITIESFLORIDAFINDSWHENMONEYGREWONFLTREES The cover is an image from photographs by Chastity CortijoSEPTEMBER
When the end of summer approaches, your outside spaces may be screaming for special attention. Yard maintenance can seem like a hassle when you just want to sit and savor the backyard oasis you’ve enjoyed all summer for just a little bit longer. But to draw out your enjoyment through the fall and even into winter, the time to perform important maintenance is now. Here are five must-do projects to tackle now for your Florida home, before summer’s just a distant memory.
MAINTENANCE MUST DOS
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While your perennial plants may still be blooming or are patiently hibernating to come back up next year, your spring and summer season annuals may be fading quickly. To keep your yard looking tidy through the fall, consider some beautiful annuals that come out to play as the weather starts to cool. Mums, Sage, Pansies, Blue Fescue, or Ornamental Cabbage are great options for you to add to your garden this year.
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The following is a guest post by TIFFANY ALLER on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog. Edited by CHELSEA CORNELIUS.
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POOL CLEAN UP
Whether you have a permanent pool or one that gets put up and down each year, it will need some end-of-summer maintenance. Begin by checking out any of the pool’s mechanical components. If wear and tear are evident, it’s better to address it now than to wait while further issues may arise from sitting too long over the winter. Once your mechanical parts are addressed, you’ll next want to carefully clean both the outside and inside of your pool or any pool surroundings you may have. Number three on your pool yard maintenance must-do list is addressing structural issues cleaning may have revealed. Finally, tear down and carefully stow non-permanent pools, or prepare your pool cover that covers your permanent pool and ensure your water and filter systems are set to run below certain temperatures, so your pool doesn’t experience freezing and cracking.
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Irina Iriser(A), Lucia Ricciardi[edited(B)], Jelleke Vanooteghem(C), Zachary Keimig(D), Markus Spiske(E), Ciel(F).
Whether or not you have children, you probably have toys in your yard — special lanterns used during the summer, movable misters, decorative tchotchkes, or actual toys and sports equipment. Cleaning them up as part of your end-of-summer yard maintenance means more than tossing them in a bin or bag until next year. First, determine which are actually still in good enough condition to last until next summer — some summer fun items are really only meant for one season of use, like non-refillable tiki torches. Next, drain, clean, polish, or otherwise spruce up your equipment— leaving things covered with grime may lead to wintertime erosion. Next, edit what remains. Now is the time to decide if it is something to donate or hold onto for continual use. The great thing about Florida is that we can often keep things around most of the year, which means we never edit things down and can end up with too much stuff. Finally, store according to each item’s needs, whether that includes wrapping the item carefully in paper or bubble wrap and placing it in a temperature-controlled area or simply putting it aside safely until it’s needed again.
Get Ready for Fall
Fall in Florida doesn’t mean your outdoor time has to end. Your end-of-summer yard maintenance projects are just to help make your fall and winter more carefree. Consider making your last project a fun one by preparing a fire pit or fireplace to use through the cooler weather. Whether you simply install a bought fixture or roll up your sleeves and build your own, you’ll be setting up your yard for another season of fun.
SURVEY TOYS
Pavers and Patios and Paths, Oh My!
The bricks and concrete pieces that comprise your outside gathering and walking areas may have gotten tons of use this summer, leading to cracked pieces, missing pavers, and disintegrating paths. The time to fix is now. If a company has installed these areas, check to see if your warranty may cover issues that are beyond normal wear and tear. If not, big box retailers may have great end-of-summer yard maintenance sales that allow you to fix up your space to enjoy through the fall and into next summer.
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When MONEy MONEY GrewOn TREES TREES Florida
Florida wouldn’t be Florida without its beautiful oak and cypress trees. Moreover, those picturesque trees would look awfully naked without their hanging curtains of Spanish moss blowing gently in the breeze. It’s an image that has been evoked a thousand times or more in art, song, novels, and poetry. The moss even has its own legend, which countless tourists have sent home on postcards for friends and loved ones to read.
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But let’s get a few things straight about Spanish moss, as it is a most peculiar species. For starters, it isn’t Spanish. It’s native to North America as far north as Virginia, so the Spanish can hardly lay claim to it. To be fair, they didn’t actually mean to give their name to the moss; that was the work of their colonial rivals, the French, during the 16th and 17th centuries. French explorers jokingly called the moss “Spanish beard,” while their Spanish counterparts responded in kind by calling it “French hair.” In those days, you clearly had to get your entertainment where you could find it. Spanish moss is also not actually a moss. In fact, as a bromeliad, it has a closer relationship to the pineapple than to moss. Finally, contrary to popular belief, Spanish moss will not kill a tree if left unchecked, although it may produce enough shade to stunt its growth.
Picturesque as it may be, Spanish moss has long been known for more than just its good looks. Once its outer bark has been removed, and the strong fibers inside have been allowed to dry, the resulting material is surprisingly strong yet also soft enough to use for cushioning. Native Americans reportedly weaved dried moss into clothing, and early white settlers braided it into ropes and netting. As early as 1773, the roving naturalist William Bartram remarked during his tour of the Southeast that Spanish moss was “particularly adapted to the purpose of stuffing mattresses, chairs, saddles, collars, etc.; and for these purposes, nothing yet known equals it.” It also served as a popular curiosity and souvenir for Northern visitors. Tourists would take boxes of Spanish moss back home and hang it in their own trees, giving them a bit of Florida to enjoy until winter arrived and killed it off.
The following is a post originally published on FLORIDA MEMORY, "When Money Grew On Trees." Floridiana, 2018. Editedhttps://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/341940.byChelseaCornelius.
These days, inner-spring mattresses have replaced moss-stuffed ones, and synthetic materials cushion our furniture and car seats. The moss factories that once hummed with activity from Pensacola to Gainesville to Leesburg and Apopka are no more. That’s not such a bad thing, of course. The silver lining–or gray, if you please–is that now we have more beautiful Spanish moss to enjoy in the trees where nature originally put it!
It didn’t take the enterprising people of Florida long to figure out that this natural bounty could be harvested and sold for a profit. As early as 1834, a New Englander visiting Jacksonville commented on the growing moss industry in that area. The poet Sidney Lanier, who visited Florida in the 1870s, noted a similar factory just up the St. Johns River in Tocoi. The Census Bureau listed a moss processing plant at Pensacola in a supplement to the 1880 federal census, and there was a large moss factory in Gainesville as of 1882. These businesses made their money by collecting moss from local forests, curing and ginning it, and then selling it to manufacturers up north, who used the material for cushions and mattresses and other products.
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Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Tim Mossholder(A) and Ashley Knedler(B).
Cured moss was worth about 4 to 5 cents per pound as of the late 1950s, depending on how well it had been cleaned. The unit value of the finished product is tough to determine since government figures often combine moss with other upholstery stuffing materials. State agriculture officials in the 1950s, however, estimated the overall value of the Florida moss crop to be about $500,000 per year.
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YOUBEFOREFALL
An inspection for lead-based paint is more in-depth than a screening. During an inspection, samples are collected from all painted areas of the home. Samples are taken from both the interior and exterior of the home. The inspection might include furniture if it is a built-in part of the house, such as a painted kitchen cabinet or painted built-in bookcase. According to the EPA, the average lead removal project costs about $10,000, so if the home tests are positive, you need to consider that in your overall budget.
The following is utilizes guest posts by SHARON LEE and AMY FREEMAN, orignally posted on Blue Matter, the Coldwell Banker Blog.
Some homeowners want a brand new, never lived in, new-construction home that takes a year to be built, at a minimum. Others fall in love with the craftsman details, romantic Victorians, or the clean lines and unexpected designs of mid-century moderns. No matter your taste, the appeal of buying a home with its own story and writing your family's next chapter there can be undeniable once you walk through the front door. Before you cross that threshold if you're considering buying an older home or looking at fixer-uppers to make brand new, be aware of these important issues to consider while starting your home search. The combination of having these items in mind and a Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent by your side through the home buying process will ensure you can fall head over heels with the perfect property.
1. THE DREADED LEAD
Approximately 87% of homes built before 1940 contain lead-based paint, according to the U.S. EPA. The toxic substance, known to cause a variety of health problems, especially in young children, was frequently used in household paint prior to 1978 when its use was banned by the federal government. Even if the home you're considering has newer paint, it's highly possible lead could still be hidden beneath the fresh paint layers.
The good news is that if the paint is in good repair, the lead usually doesn't pose a risk. The hazard comes when lead-based paint starts breaking down, peeling, or chipping. If that's the case, or you have particular concerns about lead exposure, there are at-home lead-testing kits and hazard screening options for those looking for less pricey ways to check the older home before buying. However, experts recommend hiring a certified inspector to test for lead as the best course of action.
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Edited By Chelsea Cornelius for an old home
2. ASBESTOS & RADON
One of the great things about older homes is that they aren't all as cookie cutter as some of the newer homes. Those fabulous quirks, unique nooks, and crannies could contain harmful and dangerous materials. Asbestos and Radon are often found in older homes and are definitely something to test and be prepared for when exploring homes built in the last century.
BLUE MATTER
According to floridahealth.gov, one in five homes show elevated radon levels when tested. Radon is a tasteless, odorless gas that can cause lung cancer. This is a gas that can leak into the house from the soil, through the foundation, or through space between those original hardwoods.
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Asbestos is not something you want to mess around with. If released into the air and inhaled by people, the tiny fibers can cause respiratory problems such as asbestosis and lung cancer. The material was commonly used in homes built before the late 1970s, including homes in Florida. In many cases, you are better off leaving well enough alone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the material is usually not a problem if left undisturbed. One common use for the material is as insulation. The material has also been used in floor tiles made of linoleum and vinyl, the glue used to attach the tiles to the floor, roofing materials, drywall, window siding, and concrete siding. Materials containing the mineral were most commonly used in houses built between 1940 and the 1970s.
Charm may not be the only thing oozing from those lovely double-hung 19th-century windows, old steam radiators, or original faucets. While charming windows, mechanicals, and fixtures might match the style of an older home, they also tend to be inefficient in their energy use. That means you could be facing some surprisingly steep energy bills after you move into the home. The same can be said for a mid-century whose designs often include lots of gorgeous, expansive windows. As long as you keep the slim window profiles but replace that uninsulated glass with energy-efficient options, you will preserve the sleek mid-century design. If possible, before purchasing, ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent to find out about the previous owners' average monthly gas or electricity costs to get a sense of what to expect.
4. Structural struggles
3. Energy (In)efficiency
You'll also likely want to plan and budget for those energy-efficient replacements from windows to roofs as well as appliances. Using old appliances can be just as much of a water waster and energy suck as an old AC or water heater. Consider smart home products like smart thermostats and tankless water heaters that can help save you time and money.
If you identify issues, you'll want to bring in an expert, such as a structural engineer, to better assess the problem and provide an estimate for fixing the damage. A few hundred dollars may remedy small exterior cracks, while extensive repairs to the foundation could run tens of thousands of dollars.
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Even the most well-built homes fall prey to the ails of time, meaning foundations sink, structures shift, and moisture can find its way into pilings and foundation supports. You should keep a close eye out for signs of trouble in the form of wall cracks, sloping floors, stuck windows, and doors that refuse to close. If you see any signs of trouble, have your inspector take a look to provide a second opinion (ask them to pay particular attention as well).
In addition to planning to take on the budget and tasks for these repairs, your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent will keep these items in mind when it comes to negotiations. Find out the age of major mechanicals, price out the cost of new units, and make a schedule for replacing them based on when they'll reach the end of their useful life. Six months ago, the possibility of a repair or a price cut due to an inspection was not even a possibility. Today, markets are shifting, and as inventory continues to rise, negotiations and wiggle room are starting to return to the market. After the home is yours, make sure you leave some wiggle room for unexpected discoveries, too, like replacing a leaky toilet or faucet.
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The cause for concern comes when electrical, plumbing, or walls are concerned. If a wall has been removed or altered, ensuring they are structurally sound is very important. The same can be said about electrical and plumbing which are all ultimately factors in getting homeowners insurance required for mortgages. Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent for their best recommendations of inspectors. These inspections are completed during the inspection period to ensure corners weren't cut during any renovations, professional or DIY, before you close.
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Debby Hudson(A), Jordyn B(B), Jon Tyson(C), Vincent moon(D), Ksenia Chernaya(E), Jon Tyson(F), and R Architecture(G).
Sometimes an older home has remained relatively untouched or tastefully and professionally updated over the years. In other instances, previous owners may have attempted renovations that didn't go so well. If there are clearly apparent additions (like a basement bedroom) or major renovations, it's a good idea to confirm the work was permitted by the city. If it wasn't, you might want to dig a little deeper to ensure the work was completed with a high level of quality and meets legal requirements for the space, especially when it relates to electrical systems and structural changes or additions. Also, beware of partially-completed renovations. It could mean the work was a DIY project and not performed by a professional or that the person doing the work discovered a larger issue and abandoned the problem rather than fixing it.
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In addition to helping you go into your home purchase with eyes wide open, your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent pays attention to the contracts being presented to you before you sign. Over the last couple of years and with some savvy home sellers before, there has been a trend to include sections of the contract which prohibit homeowners from backing out of sales due to specific reasons. Some of those items above can often be deal breakers for buyers. Imagine being blindsided, thinking you could back out of a house with too many compounding issues to find out you can't without losing money, for instance. Buying an older home can be a very rewarding experience, but it's especially important to be aware of potential issues to avoid unexpected problems in the future. Talk to your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Agent about finding the right home for you.
5. Careless renovations
There's something magical about watching a movie with friends on a warm fall night under the stars. If you're not close to one of the few drive-in theaters still in existence, no worries – you can easily transform your backyard into an outdoor home theater. Here are five tips for turning your backyard into a pop-up movie theater.
MOVIE night tips for An Awesome 5
If you want to capture the essence of the drive-in theater, there's no substitute for a good projector. An outdoor projector should be at least 1,200 lumens, a measurement of how much light a device emits. Another must-have feature is an HDMI port to connect items such as Blu-ray DVD players or gaming consoles. The best option is to opt for a projector that is already equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can find devices for less than $100 with USB ports. Willing to get the projector but not ready to invest in the fancy screen? Pick a blank wall on your exterior or hang up a white sheet in the back yard. Another option, bring your TV and DVD player outside. Consider making it a permanent fixture if you have a covered deck or patio. It's perfect for an impromptu movie night or a backyard fall football night, too.
Provide your guests with a range of comfortable seating options, including patio furniture, lounge chairs, blankets, and outdoor pillows. Just a one-night event? Consider bringing your indoor furniture out for an Alice in Wonderland mismatched, fun, and fabulous setting. Or if you have a pool, even better. Host a raft-up party and invite guests to bring their own pool float to relax on while the movie plays. Dipping your toes in the cool water is perfect for a warm Florida night. There are also great floating "trays" you can order on Amazon for less than $20 bucks to let your drinks and snacks float around with you.
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Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Alex Litvin(A), Luis Villafranca(B), Corina Rainer(C) and M From Faraway(D).
De- bugging
Pesky mosquitos or nats can sometimes be the enemy of backyard fun. If you want to bring out the big guns, spray the backyard before guests arrive, or, if your backyard isn't generally buggy, offer them insect repellent. There is quite an array of natural bug-repelling options available to keep the swatting to a minimum.
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Hosting a backyard film fest isn't as challenging as you might think. With just a little planning ahead and some creativity, you can bring the drive-in movie theater experience to your backyard… possibly even better.
While your yard needs to be dark enough to see the movie, you also will need a little light, so guests don't trip over each other on the way to the snack bar. String lights and luminaries are a nice inexpensive option, casting a glow over your yard without distracting from the movie. You could also consider some bug repelling candles to kill two birds with one stone.
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SNACKAGE
Step up your movie night by creating a popcorn and snack bar for guests. Fill small decorative bags with popcorn and offer an assortment of candy treats, marshmallows, and other sweet mix-ins. And, of course, a movie night wouldn't be complete without offering some classic movie-theater candy like Raisinets, Jujubes, and the perennial favorite – Junior Mints! Don't be afraid to work outside the go-to movie theatre snacks and consider ones that work perfectly with the movie you are watching or opt for fall favorite flavors like pumpkin or apple.
Market Update July 2022
Want the latest market data when it’s available? Ask your agent if they are a part of the MLS MARKET UPDATE program.
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.
Central Florida’s housing market has a “new normal,” which has taken effect over the last couple of months. Experts say in contrast to the rapidly rising prices experienced over the past 18 months, we have seen the average sale price throughout the region decrease by 3% in the past 60 days. And as the average price of homes in Central Florida dropped to $447,675 in July, closed sales and pending sales also took a sharp decline. From June to July 2022, listings sold dropped 16% to 15,049, and pending sales dropped 6% to 18,882. Although we are settling into a “new normal” in Central Florida, the good news is that the active listings saw an increase of 19%, which means sellers are still confident in getting their homes sold with the right realtor.
What does this mean for BUYERS?
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What does this mean for SELLERS?
Inventory is still relatively low, and you will be in the driver's seat. Rising 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.
Visit www.CBVHomesearch.com today!
1898 N Donnelly St Mount Dora, FL 32757 Coldwell Banker Vanguard www.CBVHomesearch.comRealty
