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In Your Corner
Community Property
5 SECRETS TO CUTTING COSTS ON YOUR NEXT DIY HOME DESIGN OVERHAUL
5 WAYS TO SOAK UP SUMMER IN JACKSONVILLE
Market Update
CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
Feature Story
COST DOES NOT EQUAL VALUE Those $10,000 custom blinds do not mean your home’s asking price automatically goes up $10,000. It’s all in the value to your buyer.
Living Large
8 KEY ELEMENTS FOR A PRODUCTIVE WORKSPACE
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5 Secrets to Cutting Costs on Your Next D I With many of us confined to staying at home during the current global pandemic, now could be the ideal time to embark on a DIY home design overhaul. Of course, transforming a tired living space into one that’s timelessly stylish and effortlessly practical comes with a number of cumulative costs, but there are plenty of ways to save money along the way.
The following is a guest post from Alex Jones, originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s blog. Alex Jones is a content creator for Trendy Floors, the home of discount flooring products with all the hallmarks of luxury – from affordable luxury vinyl tile to engineered parquet. With many of us confined to staying at home during the current global pandemic, now could be the ideal time to embark on a DIY home design overhaul. Of course, transforming a tired living space into one that’s timelessly stylish and effortlessly practical comes with a number of cumulative costs, but there are plenty of ways to save money along the way. In this post, our friends over at Trendy Floors will be sharing some savvy secrets on how to keep costs down during renovations while still achieving your desired look. 1. Refresh areas with a new feature wall Giving any area of your home a fresh coat of paint is a quick, affordable and satisfying way to make tired spaces feel brand new with minimal effort. However, you can make this transformation even simpler by focusing on just one wall and making it the stand-out feature. Feature walls are a tried and tested interior design trick to instantly add interest and character to almost any room of the house – and by focusing your efforts on just one wall, you’ll also be keeping the costs down. Whether you paint one wall in a bright hue, add some funky wallpaper or get creative with artwork and old picture frames to create an eye-catching gallery wall, putting your efforts into updating just one surface will save you time and dollars. 2. Upcycle fittings and furniture rather than replacing Upcycling has been a popular interior trend for some time now and for good reason. For one, it helps reduce the amount of discarded furniture and fittings needlessly ending up in landfill. Secondly, it also offers the chance to create truly unique home furnishings while also helping to declutter your home – a win for you and the planet! With the right mindset and the help of some video tutorials or Pinterest, you can create new pieces from old things you were planning to throw away in no time at all. This could be as simple as
I Y Home Design Overhaul fixing that wobbly table leg and repainting it, using silverware to reinvent old light fittings into quirky lampshades or spray-painting a time-worn bike and hanging it on your wall as a piece of art – the possibilities are limitless. 3. Create the illusion of space with mirrors If you’re looking to make your home feel bigger, but don’t have the budget to extend its physical blueprint, then mirrors are a trusty accessory to have up your sleeve. When hung in the right position, mirrors have the ability to reflect light around the room, add depth and give the illusion of space when there actually isn’t any. With the added benefit of being readily available to buy in a vast array of designs, sizes and price points, incorporating mirrors into your interior decor is an effective and budget-friendly tactic for making even the coziest spaces feel grand. For the best results, hang mirrors opposite or adjacent to windows or an artificial light source to maximize the light bouncing around the room – leaving you with a room that feels spacious and bright. You could even get creative and use multiple mirrors hung on the same wall in different designs and sizes to deliver a striking feature wall that serves to enlarge the area. 4. Opt for multifunctional furniture Splashing out on new furniture for your home is a sure-fire way to give outdated interiors a muchneeded new look, but this can be an expensive undertaking if you’re buying numerous furniture items that each serve a single purpose. Instead, make your money stretch that little bit further and invest in multifunctional pieces that can double up as extra storage space or additional seating. Think ottoman beds with storage space below for stowing away extra cushions, bed linen and more, blanket boxes that double up as extra seating and storage units, nesting tables that can be split up to give extra surface space when you need it or even floor lamps with built-in shelves. By making the most of multifunctional furniture in your home you can still achieve your desired aesthetic, while saving on space and money. 5. Get wooden floors for less If you long for hardwood floors in your home but don’t have the capital to spend on the real deal, you don’t need to abandon that dream. Opting for alternatives like luxury vinyl tile flooring or clickand-lock laminate will give you an authentic, luxury looking wooden floor at a far lower price point. Choosing wood-look alternatives like LVT flooring also come with a raft of practical benefits. They’re waterproof, easy to clean, durable and low maintenance, meaning they’ll stay looking pristine for years without the need to reapply varnish periodically. Whatever grand plans you have for giving your home a makeover, we hope the above gives you plenty of ideas on how to make the right changes without breaking the bank.
Water Sportin’: 5 Ways to Soak Up Summer in Jacksonville
There is no doubt that the best ways to experience the wonders of Jax is via the water. From swimming, surfing and wakeboarding to SUP yoga and sunset sails, there’s no better way to beat the heat than getting wet. By Megan Eileen McDonough These water sports represent classic Jacksonville fun under the Florida sun, and will keep you cool all year long. Surfing They call it the River City, but Jacksonville is home to some of the best beaches and surf spots in Florida, so grab a board and get out there. Experienced surfers will find the biggest swells during the fall and spring seasons, while summers are the best time for beginners to learn the basics. Book a private lesson with Saltwater Cowgirls or Jax Surf & Paddle. For rentals, swing by Jax Beach Surf Shop, where you can rent by the hour or day. The Jacksonville Beach pier has excellent surfing conditions year-round, making it a popular spot to catch a wave. Another go-to spot for advanced surfers is The Poles, located inside Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Keep your eyes peeled peeled for dolphins, as they’re never far from view. Jet Skiing and Wakeboarding Need some adrenaline in your life? Speed along the Atlantic on a jet ski and feel the rush as you carve up the water with wind whipping through your hair. Rentals usually last two hours, giving you plenty of time to get in a serious run. Thrill seekers will also get a rush from wakeboarding. The sport blends snowboarding and skateboarding with surfing, where the rider’s legs are planted on a board while holding onto a cable attached to a speedboat or a jet ski. Grab a rental at Nice Wake All Wet Sports, a premier wakeboard, wakeskate and wakesurf shop. Sailing One of Florida’s top boating destinations, there’s nothing but smooth sailing in Jacksonville. For one, Jacksonville is the gateway to the St. Johns River, which is Florida’s major interior waterway. As such, world-class marinas, like the one at Ortega Landing, are top-notch sailing spots. Ever wanted to steer the boat yourself? Companies like Southern Sailing offer lessons on the St. Johns River as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean, but the same skills learned still apply to both. Hop on the St. Johns River Taxi at Friendship Park along the Southbank and cruise to the Northbank;
you can even bypass traffic during Jags games by taking the taxi across the river to Met Park, which runs up to three hours after the game. The company offers a range of sunset tours, eco tours and neighborhood tours. Or charter the taxi for private groups and events. Now and Zen Sailing Charters offers day sails on the St. Johns River, too. Either sail under Buckman Bridge or head farther south toward Green Cove Springs and Doctors Lake. Kayaking Cruising the waters sans a wipeout is easy on the St. Johns River. Kayak Amelia offers eco-friendly kayaking classes and challenging stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) yoga. SUP might look easy from afar, but it most definitely warrants a full-body workout. Take the SUP intro class if you’re new to the sport or just want to brush up on the basics. For the full fitness experience, opt for the Paddleboard High Intensity Training class; otherwise, take in the view on the classic SUP Eco Tour. Ready to find your Zen? Choose between a Kayak Yoga class and a Meditation Paddle and instantly feel at peace in the water. Adventure Kayak Florida has a tour for every interest, whether it’s their full moon paddle, half-day tour, or one of their overnight adventures. Beginners are recommended to start at Hanna Park, which spans 60 acres of freshwater and also a prime bird spotting locale. Navigate the lake in a single or double-seat kayak, or a canoe for the entire family. Fishing Fishing is in season no matter the time of year, and when inshore fishing is at its peak, there’s no better fish to catch and eat. There are plenty of lookout spots along the vast stretch of the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway and the inlets. In particular, the Mayport Jetties are where you’ll reel in big saltwater fish. Rent a Sportfishing Charter for the day for inshore and offshore fishing. From sea bass, tuna, wahoo and barracuda to speckled trout and flounder, the Jetties are swimming with big fish ready to hook. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park is another fishing hot spot where whiting, jack, drum and tarpon are abundant. Bonus: Camping After a day in or on the water it only makes sense to continue to commune with nature for the night! Jacksonville is a primo camping and hiking destination that has plenty of beachside camping spots and hiking trails. Huguenot Memorial Park is a popular campsite, and for good reason. Spanning 250 acres, the horseshoe peninsula is in the perfect location. The Fort George Inlet, the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean surround the park, making it a surefire place to capture Florida’s natural marine beauty. With 70 campsites in the area, many of them waterfront, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had. Take a sunset stroll, bird watch along the Great Florida Birding Trail and sleep under the stars. Besides Huguenot Memorial Park, there are three other prime beachside camping spots to check out as well. Little Talbot Island State Park has beaches on one side (about a five-minute bike or hike away) and salt marshes and maritime forests on the other. Big Talbot Island State Park is a diverse natural preserve and also birdwatcher’s paradise boasting amazing hiking trails. Then there’s Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, ideal for fishing at the lake or paddleboating, not to mention beach access. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, consider glamping things up at Flamingo Lake RV Resort. Stay at one of their furnished cabins or yurts, or rent your own RV and rest along the lakefront for the night. There’s also a floating Family Fun Zone that sits in the middle of the lake; perfect for kids who wish to spend time in the water.
AVERAGE DA ON THE MA
JUNE 20
70 NEW LISTINGS
Single Family
68
3,515 Pending Sales
3,626
3,021
Closed Sales
AVERAGE SALE
$310,82
$
Data Source: Northeast Florida Association of Realtors
$280,933 June 2018
J
$
AYS ARKET
020
0
14%
$149,999 or less
11%
$150,000 - $199,999
27%
$200,000 - $299,999
28%
$300,000 - $499,999
7,545 Single Family: 82%
Condo/ Townhouse
62
18%: Condo/Twnhse 15% 5%
$500,000 - $900,999
Pre-Owned: 79% 21%: New Construction
$1,000,000 and up
INVENTORY OF HOMES ON THE MARKET
PRICE $
22
June 2019
$297,614
MARKET UPDATE JUNE 2020
Cost Does Not Equal Value
One of the simplest rules of real estate is that cost does not equal value with home improvements. The same can be said about cars, fashion items and good wine. “Value” is subjective- with different definitions and different opinions on what people are willing to pay. Sellers often confuse what was paid for an item or upgrading a room or feature as a dollar for dollar improvement that can be recouped through the sale of the home. Spending an additional $7,000 for high-end lighting fixtures does not mean that the value of the home increased $7,000. Does it make the home more interesting, trendier and possibly more appealing to home buyers? Yes, but a dollar for dollar return on that investment isn’t guaranteed. Buying new construction is a great example of how upgrades are more about how you feel about a home – and that’s different for everyone. When buying new construction, base homes start at a certain price. But does anyone actually pay ONLY that base price? Rarely. So, you choose your upgrades and embellishments that tack on extra dollars (think granite countertops, hardwood flooring and stonework). You’re thrilled with your home, you love every detail painstakingly chosen by your family, yet when it comes time to sell, it’s a stretch to believe you’ll recover every dollar spent on the initial spend. Also not factored into the sale of a home with upgrades and improvements is the labor required to make those things happen. As the home owner, you value the improvements, the look, the functionality – and indirectly, the labor and resources that were necessary to make those things happen. You were willing to spend the money – though a buyer is not necessarily going to value it in an identical way. Remember, cost does not equal value, and homes are worth what a buyer is willing to pay at a particular moment in time. If a market is experiencing low inventory (like the First Coast is now), it’s possible you may recover more of your upgrade hard costs solely due to market conditions, however it’s not something to count on. Value is also intrinsic in the usage of the home’s features. Homes with pools or that are waterfront that go on the market during warmer months
may see an increase in showings and offers – because potential buyers can actually see the features being used. The buyer’s current needs factor heavily into the decision-making process. Your custom outdoor kitchen may suit your family since you love to entertain your teenagers’ friends and extended family, but a first-time home buyer who’s looking for a starter home may not see the same value as you do. Pools are a great example of this concept. Home owners should put in a pool because they want a pool, their family would enjoy the pool and they will cherish the memories made in the home that has a pool, but not for the investment of it. Will it add value to the home on the resale? Sure, for someone who is looking for a pool home; it adds value to make them choose a similar home without a pool. Will they pay more for the pool home over the other? Most likely, but definitely not the cost it took to put in the pool designed by the owner who wanted that particular pool at the time it was installed. Sellers may also believe that prep work done before putting a home on the market also should correlate to a price increase – when in fact, those are value adds. Painting the house inside or out, replacing old carpet, servicing the HVAC, landscaping, pressure washing, etc. will make the home more appealing and desirable, meaning it is more desirable and likely to quicker and at the top of the price range. Your professional real estate agent will help identify what the fair market price range is and give advice how to sell the home at the higher end. Every home buyer and home seller has an opinion on value versus cost, and ultimately, it’s all about what the buyer is looking for and how it best fits his/her lifestyle at the time they are in the market for a new home.
8 Key Elements for a Productive Workspace Here are 8 essential elements to integrate into your workspace at home to set the foundation for a great year.
Guest post by Michelle Lee, Houzz A common New Year’s resolution that almost everyone aims for is to increase productivity in their career, personal craft or both. You’re nearly a month into 2018, so it’s time to get started on your quest for success. Here are eight essential elements to integrate into your workspace to set the foundation for a great year. Choose Your Location Wisely Having the right setting for a home office can make or break your progress. Dedicating a full room to work is a great setup, preferably away from the main hustle and bustle of the house to cut down on noise pollution and distractions. For those with smaller spaces, you can integrate a workspace into the bedroom, walk-in closet or basement.
Photo by Vesta Luxury Home Staging – More home office ideas
Look to the Light After you find a location for your office, draft your ideal layout. Start by situating the desk in front of an expansive window or door to the outside if possible. Basking in the limited daylight or watching the rain or snowfall outdoors can provide a non-invasive, relaxing break for your eyes when you’re feeling overwhelmed or worn out. When the sun goes down, make sure you have adequate lighting to reduce eye strain. Desk lamps, floor lamps Photo by blazemakoidarchitecture – Search bedroom pictures and wall-mounted sconces all provide great task lighting. Use a blue-tinted bulb, since it has been shown to increase alertness. Customize Your Storage Setup Another popular resolution is to cut clutter and a home office is a great place to organize first. Install floating shelves above the desk to free up valuable space, use file cabinets to hold papers and keep pens and pencils handy with clear glass jars. If space allows, add a refreshments station nearby to limit the number of times you have to get up and wander about. Photo by The Container Store – Browse home office ideas
Switch to a Laptop Some professions require the use of a large monitor, but if you can do without, go for it. Laptops are great spacesaving tools for small offices and pack a punch of power and reliability for whatever you’re working on. They also allow you to move around instead of being kept stationary at your desk and give you the satisfaction of symbolically closing the book at the end of a long workday. Photo by Chase Dowell Interior Design – Search home office design ideas
Sit Pretty With typical work days of eight hours, your choice of seating can make a big difference for your well-being. Prioritize comfort over style and invest in a sturdy ergonomic office chair that will last for years to come. Alternatively, add a detachable back or headrest to your existing setup or repurpose a plush armchair to use at your desk instead.
Photo by Corben Architects – Discover home office design inspiration
Create Visual Interest Having something to occupy a wandering eye can be beneficial to your productivity. Patterns have been shown to promote creative stimulation at work, so look to wallpaper or artwork for interesting designs. Hang paintings at a comfortable eye level above the desk or mount them on peripheral side walls to reduce possible distractions. For a simplified look, paint an accent wall or the ceiling in your favorite hue.
Photo by celia welch interiors – Look for home office design inspiration
Keep Inspiration Nearby You’re likely all-too-familiar with battling writer’s block at some point and it’s important to learn how to overcome it in the future. Use an oversized bulletin board to pin inspiring photos, jot down fleeting ideas in a journal and assemble a folder of your previous work to look back on when your bank of ideas is running dry. Seeing what you’ve achieved and done so far can be just the boost you need. Photo by Isabelle McAllister – Discover home office design inspiration
Shake up Your Routine Break yourself out of creative ruts and jumpstart your success by adopting a new hobby this year. If you’re prone to procrastination, set a timer to work less overall but smarter. With less time, you may be motivated to work harder, faster and generally better. You can also try switching your scenery to collaborate with a friend or at a coworking cafe. When you need a break from your screen, take a brisk walk around the block or exercise indoors to give your brain a much-needed reset. Photo by Liquid Interiors Limited – Browse home office photos
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