IN SEPTEMBER’S ISSUE 5 New Construction GOTCHAS to Watch Out For NOW! Need a Mental Brake? A Bike Fest Might Help You Regain Your Balance Autumn Nights Outdoors: How to Enjoy Your Outdoor Space This Fall
SEPTEMBER
2021
FEATURE
IN YOUR CORNER
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
IN YOUR CORNER MAINTENANCE TIPS TO AVOID COSTLY A/C REPAIRS
COMMUNITY PROPERTY NEED A MENTAL BRAKE? A BIKE FEST MIGHT HELP YOU REGAIN YOUR BALANCE
FEATURE STORY 5 NEW CONSTRUCTION GOTCHAS TO WATCH OUT FOR NOW
LIVING LARGE
LIVING LARGE AUTUMN NIGHTS OUTDOORS: HOW TO ENJOY YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE THIS FALL
MARKET UPDATE CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
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The cover image was photographed by TABITHA TURNER.
Maintenance Tips to Avoid CO$TLY A/C Repairs
The following is a guest post by David Baur, Product Manager, Grace Residential Building Materials posted by LINDSAY LISTANSKI originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog.
A good air conditioner is an important appliance in hot, humid Florida. Nobody wants the A/C to break down in the middle of a warm day, luckily, just a few minor maintenance steps can prevent costly A/C repair later on. Here are some tips to keep your air conditioner running:
Filters There are two main components of A/C maintenance that homeowners can control — filter changes and drain lines. The first one to take care of is your filter. A/C filters catch a lot of dust, dander, and lint floating around your home. Unfortunately, even filters that are working properly can cause problems in the long run. As debris builds up over time it can cause your air conditioner to actually work harder. This can make it overheat and become terribly inefficient. Simply changing the filter and cleaning the grate can help you avoid A/C repairs by keeping your unit working more efficiently.
Drain Lines The drain line leading to the outside of your home is frequently overlooked, but homeowners can actually maintain it themselves. An A/C, be it a small window unit or a large centralized one, is nothing more than a big dehumidifier. Air in the room is drawn in through the filter and intake, then blown across coils filled with coolant and returned back into your home. Condensation collects on the coils as warm air passes over them, and this condensation drips down into a pan beneath your unit. The water is then funneled out of your home to the yard through a small PVC pipe (usually an inch in diameter). This pipe can become clogged with yard waste, dirt, mold, and mildew. This usually occurs at the opening of the pipe outside, but that gunk can travel up into the pipe.
To make sure your drain line is clean, you should go outside of your home to locate the line. You usually will find a one-inch pipe near the outside A/C unit. Sometimes this line can be covered up with dirt or mulch during new home construction. Clear the area to make sure the water flows out — it’s usually just a trickle, but over time the water can get backed up. Spray straight bleach into the end of the pipe to kill the mold and mildew. From the inside, under the air handler unit, find the drip pan (a large, thin, aluminum pan). The pan will usually be tilted in one direction, and at the corner of that tilt area, you can find the top of the drain pipe. Pour two capfuls of straight bleach down the line. If there are any right-angle joints down the air handler line, mold and mildew can accumulate in those areas as well. The bleach will sit in those areas and kill the mold. If you do not adequately maintain this drain line, water can get backed up in the drain pan, where it will overflow and ultimately cause water damage to the surrounding areas. This turns a small problem into a costly A/C repair. For homes or condominiums with an air handler that is on the second story or higher, this overflowing water can damage ceilings and walls underneath.
What Now? With these simple how-to tips, you can keep your air conditioner running at optimal performance and avoid paying for A/C repair. Be sure to check your unit regularly and take the necessary precautions to avoid having to shell out big bucks later.
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The city of festivals will be hosting the Bicycle Festival for the 46th year in a row this October. The quaint town is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque nature trails that have attracted thousands of cyclists from around the world to take part in the festival. The first week of October, expect the town to be flooded with those selected to take part in the event and the bicycle enthusiasts who will join in the spectacle. Everyone from the expert riders to complete novices are welcome at the Mount Dora Bicycle Festival. They are even offering shorter, kid-friendly rides on Saturday and Sunday, which means the whole family can get in on the fun. In addition to offering rides the kiddos can handle, they made the event FREE for all kids 15 and under. There are over 18 different rides scheduled throughout the festival from a night mountain bike trail on the first
night to a novice and kid ice cream bike ride on the last day. The festival organizers advise that, although they do provide guides for several of the trails, you need to choose your speed group wisely. The intensity of some of the trails are for the experts and not the faint of heart. They do offer numerous breaks, free water refills, and snacks along the way as you wind around the Mount Dora scenery. In addition to the beautiful lake and the rolling hills, you will find a wide range of wildlife and plant life for riders to enjoy on the trails. The wonderful thing about Mount Dora being more remote is that it is surrounded by wildlife, from alligators to squirrels and even coyotes. The area is also a hotspot for birdwatchers, they even have, you guessed it, a North Shore Birding Festival in December that invites people to explore the area. There are almost 370 different species of birds for you to see along the trails. If you choose to explore the trails solo or in a pack of experienced bike riders, that is entirely up to you. The Mount Dora Bicycle Festival is offering a range of options for riders this year. Including breakfast and lunch packages for those who don’t want to miss any second of the festival weekend. The event is presented by Adrenaline Bikeworks, a local, all things bikes shop located at the former Mount Dora Museum of Speed building. Whether you are new to the area or a local you can still explore and enjoy everything in your own backyard.
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5
NEW
Construction To Watch Out For
S a h c t o G NOW!
The following is a post by Chelsea Cornelius.
Looking to buy a home is an intense process in today’s market with climbing prices, low inventory of resales, and a vast sea of buyers. The idea of not overpaying for a fixer-upper and opting for picture-perfect new construction is appealing to many buyers. Builders, who have their own hurdles with limited materials and rising material costs, are taking full advantage of the market and your desire for a brand-new home. Here are five things to watch out for when starting the new construction buying process.
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Models for Your Viewing Pleasure We are always looking for instant gratification in today’s world. The enticing idea of driving by a builder’s site and popping into a shiny customized model is exactly what builders and their onsite agents are hoping you will do. They could offer a quick, easy, and agent-free scenario for you that includes the promise of massive savings. Although we want to save all we can right now, this can hurt you in the long run. Once you’re hooked and select a house, it’s often the accouterments that get you since the model home is not the standard home design you get. The number of upgrades that are available to you can be never-ending from herringbone-patterned wood floors and custom countertops to emmaculate fixtures. Oftentimes, you are walked through this process with the builder’s trustee agent that knows exactly what is in right now and what will look the most pristine. Conveniently, having the gorgeous model home handy for you to see and feel firsthand. Resist the urge for instant gratification with your drive-by and call your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor. They will set up a proper appointment and know exactly which questions to ask, and guide you through the registration and viewing process. Having their guiding hand will help you identify the optimal site, price, and terms with the builder you need.
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Waitlists & Price Inflation Florida’s new construction is seeing steady growth this year despite other areas of the country having extreme shortages in materials and shutdown construction delays. However, waitlists and price gouging are still a reality in new construction that many new buyers aren’t prepared for and don’t understand. Waitlists for the development or even future developments, as inventory becomes lower, are increasing in size. When builders have availability, they will call you and as many as a hundred other names sitting on their waitlist. Your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor will be on top of the process. They won’t just wait for the call but follow the site’s pricing progression, which in today’s market can be different from one week to the next. As well as continue constant communication to ensure your timing works with the builder’s timelines and you don’t miss out. Buyers who weren’t ready to commit at the beginning of the year or even a month ago could be in for some major sticker shock when they are finally ready to buy, and that is if the home or the homesite are even still available. Since it is a Seller’s Market, builders can raise prices as such, and as discussed later, they won’t box themselves into a set price either. The market today is ensuring that you won’t be paying the list price. Ask your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor to do a market analysis to determine how much over-list price buyers have to pay for those new construction sites you find most appealing.
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Contracts, Reading that Fine Print Builders are fully aware of the market and how long the building process can take. There has been an increasing trend for builders to put in addendums that allow them to no longer commit to a market value at the time of the contract. They don’t want to lose out on any profits, so builders are instead able to determine market value for your home based on the completion of the project. Your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor is prepared to recognize the hidden verbiage. Builders won’t freely discuss this with you if you’re touring a model, and even savvy buyers might miss this in the signing process unless they are well versed in real estate contracts.
Warranties Builders will have two types of warranties, implied and express. According to the National Association of Home Builders, implied warranties include defects in the craftsmanship of your new home. These defects must affect habitability, livability, or safety and are often based on building codes. Although there is often a 10-year liability period, the wording of these warranties can often be vague to allow the builder flexibility in timeframe and quality when it actually comes to fixing the problems. The other type of warranty is express, and builders sometimes offer an express warranty through a third party. Express warranties are far more precise, addressing exactly what is covered and timelines for each part of the home. According to the National Association of Home Builders, this type of warranty gives you and the builder the best understanding to avoid any embarrassing disputes that would end in legal battles. The current market dynamics mean the warranty process varies for each builder. Given that you will pay above list price, your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor can tell you upfront the builder’s warranties. This way, you don’t feel disappointed when something aesthetically bothers you, but the builder says it’s not their problem.
read the FINE PRINT
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Getting Burned for Cancelling Timing is everything, especially in real estate. Sometimes delays and other unexpected scenarios happen, and you are forced to find another place to call home. Things happen, and frankly, you could hear that often from your builder when your house timeline is pushed back over and over. However, when roles are reversed, builders are much less understanding. “Excessive builder delays are not grounds for a buyer’s deposit to be refunded, so impatient buyers need to beware,” Cara Ameer, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor, warns. According to her, you need to understand, “the builder would simply increase the home price based on the going rate at the time of cancellation and keep the buyer’s deposit to boot.” Once you commit to a home and put down that deposit, understand that you won’t see that money again if your circumstances change and prepare financially to cover that loss.
Now that you know these five gotchas hidden in the glamour of new construction, you are more prepared for the process. Buying a new home is an exciting process; with your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor, you can fully enjoy it. You can trust they will help you and your builder create the house you will be happy to call home. Contact your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor to start building your dream home today!
www.cbvhomesearch.com
AutumnNights
utdoors:
How to Enjoy Your Outdoor Space The following is a guest post by ANGIE ERICKSON originally published BY SHARON LEE on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog.
As we welcome cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, many homeowners might be tempted to pack up the outdoor furniture for the year. Not so fast, we say, especially here in Florida. Extend the life of your porch or patio by transforming your favorite summer spot into a cozy retreat that’s perfect for enjoying autumn nights outdoors.
Keep It Cozy When the temperatures begin to drop, consider putting away the umbrella for the season. You’ll not only invite more sunlight to your space during the day, but you’ll also clear the view for stargazing during alfresco dinner parties. To bring more warmth to the area once the sun sets, circle a few outdoor chairs around a firepit. Make sure you keep the sparks at bay by picking a fireplace with a mesh lid.
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To make things even cozier, layer on comfort with outdoor pillows. Swap out summer’s tropical hues for classic fall colors. Orange, wine, and dark green instantly make the space feel autumn-ready. Make sure to complement the pillows with plenty of soft throw blankets. Chunky knit options are ideal for snuggling up on the outdoor sofa on chilly nights. If you’re entertaining a large crowd, consider bringing a sharable-sized quilt outside.
Get Creative with Lighting As the sun starts setting earlier and earlier, it’s important to have enough light on your porch for dark nights. A simple porch light does the trick, but creative lighting is a great way to add ambiance to your space. For instance, outdoor string lights bring an enchanting look to the porch or patio. For a soft glow around the perimeter of your yard, wrap a few long strings of white lights around the trees, shrubs, or fence posts. Shorter ones are a gorgeous addition to the tabletop. Simply place them over your runner with an autumn leaf garland for ambient lighting during moonlit meals.
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If you need more lighting, nothing creates a more romantic glow than candlelight. To give your outdoor table a fall feel, opt for pillar candles in seasonal colors—orange, red and ivory candles in clear glass holders play up the colors of changing leaves. To diffuse the light, go for white candles in textured glass or metal hurricanes. Lanterns look lovely scattered around the porch. Fill a few with birch candles and others with fall botanicals such as pinecones and acorns. Looking for something unexpected? Try decoratively carved pumpkins. While the quintessential smiling jack-o’-lantern works well in October, but other designs can add ambiance to the porch way before Halloween. Carve the shapes of acorns, autumn leaves, or abstract patterns into gourds, and place a tea light inside of them to show off your handiwork. The fun doesn’t stop with the carving. Rather than tossing the seeds, roast them on a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, or cinnamon for a delicious treat.
Indulge in Fall Flavors To take the bite off of chilly fall breezes, warm up with hot drinks. Hot apple cider is a fall favorite. Make your own with fresh apples from your local orchard, and simmer in a stockpot with sugar and spices. Serve in glass mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick and add your choice of liquor, if desired. If you’re short on time, simply keep bottles of hard cider and ice in a beverage tub, and provide pint glasses. For kid-friendly beverages on family night, serve hot chocolate in ceramic mugs by the firepit. For dinner, make the most out of the grill before winter sets in. Tailgate with hot dogs and burgers for casual meals during football season. If you want a more formal dinner party, grill steak or salmon accompanied by hearty sides made with seasonal ingredients such as squash or sweet potatoes. Plate on leaf-decorated or autumn-toned dishes that coordinate with your outdoor decor. For dessert, make things more interactive with a build-your-own caramel apple station. Provide bowls of warm caramel or chocolate for coating, with plates of chopped nuts and candy for easy rolling. If you’re hosting a bonfire, s’mores are a must. Provide skewers alongside serving bowls full of large marshmallows, and let your guests roast their own. As a twist on the classic, consider setting out cookies as an alternative to graham crackers.
With just a few changes to your porch, you can continue to entertain outdoors well into autumn. Think about inviting everyone to the backyard for a small soiree, post-football game dinner, or a weekend bonfire before winter arrives.
Photography provided by the following in order of appearance. Joanna Kosinska (A), Randy Fath (B), Shawn Montero (C), Brook Lark (D), and Luisa Brimble (E).
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Market Update June 2021
Want the latest market data when its available? Ask your agent if they are a part of the MLS MARKET UPDATE program.
According to market experts the demand for homes continues to stay strong and the market values are increasing pushing first time home buyers and even sellers to be cautious to list for fear of what will be available to them once their home is sold.
What does this mean for BUYERS?
Patiences continues to be a virtue required of all buyers. The increase of home values and lack of inventory will make your decisions and budgets more challenging than this time last year.
What does this mean for SELLERS?
If you have multiple properties, it might be time to consider selling but patience will be important for you too. Rather than jumping the gun and going at it alone, contact your Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realtor to help you navigate the market and increase your odds for better success.
www.CBVHomesearch.com
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty 1898 N Donnelly St Mount Dora, FL 32757 www.CBVHomesearch.com