OcalaStyle
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO HOMES, FARMS AND LAND FOR SALE IN MARION COUNTY
MAGAZINE November 2015
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
Golden Acres
3/3 Home – 3-car garage – Gated Community –Incredible setting and unique amenities - $649,500
Overlooks Park
Majestic 6 bedroom 5.5 bath including large game room - Just Reduced to $675,000
Woodbridge Estate – Great in town location!
Custom 4/4 home on 1 acre with gazebo and great outdoor setting - $985,000
For this and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and more choices. Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates, and land available which are not advertised.
Joan Pletcher L I CE N SE D R E A L E S TATE BROK ER
352.347.1777 | Cell: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | www.joanpletcher.com joanpletcher@aol.com
GIVING BACK—IT’S WHAT WE DO
G
iving back to our community is a way of life for local Realtors®. Many of the organizations and charities we support are near and dear to our hearts. We live here, work here and “give” here. Our committees get involved in many organizations to give back every year. Last month, OMCAR members donated goods, supplies and monetary donations and helped our Community Awareness Committee “Stuff the Bus” for Marion County Public Schools. Each year, the Community Awareness Committee also receives many grant requests from local teachers. This year, the committee will be granting $6,000 to local Marion County Public School teachers. Our Realtor®/Affiliate Committee, comprised of OMCAR Realtor® members and strategic business partners of our association, recently held the 7th Annual Chair-ity Event at the College of Central Florida. The attendance and money raised went beyond our
expectations, with over 300 in attendance and $31,000 raised to benefit Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) and Kids Central, Inc. In April, our Young Professionals Network got the community involved in raising funds for a young boy who was dying of cancer to help his parents pay medical bills. YPN raised $1,800 for the Hajal Family at its Bowling Charity Event. The Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors® takes an active role in supporting our community. Our members and strategic business partners work hard on our committees to volunteer for charity fundraising, events and community volunteer work. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” — Winston Churchill —DONNA DUNAWAY, PRESIDENT
Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors
Country Club of Ocala
Elegant Custom 3 bedroom 4.5 bath home built for entertaining - $699,000
Golden Ocala – Elegant Lakefront Estate
3 Bedroom/2.5 Villa – Impressive floor plan with luxury upgrades - $775,000
Own. Live. Ocala Splendor.
Joan Pletcher L I CE N SE D R E A L E S TATE B RO K E R
352.347.1777 | Cell: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | www.joanpletcher.com joanpletcher@aol.com
2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
Carolyn ROBERTS
115 NE 8th Ave 16910 S. Hwy 441, Ste. 204 Ocala, FL 352-351-0011 Summerfield, FL 352-245-3388
BROKER/REALTOR ®
ckr@robertsflorida.com www.robertsflorida.com | mail@robertsflorida.com
EXQUISITE TRADITIONAL HOME • • • •
4 bedrooms 4 full bathrooms 5.99+/- acres Gracious, open living areas • Master bedrooms up & downstairs
• Stunning swimming pool • Detached guest quarters • True hardwood floors • Shoenbeck crystal chandelier • Reverse Osmosysis all water system
ELEGANCE AND SOPHISTICATION • 4 bedrooms • Refreshing pool & • 3.5 bathrooms outdoor living space • Open & split plan with • Master with walk-in soaring ceilings closets, fireplace, and • Chef’s kitchen with sitting area breakfast bar $539,900. ML# 431554
$749,900. ML# 431925
GOLDEN OCALA GOLF & EQUESTRIAN CLUB • 4 bedroom • 3.5 baths • Located in prestigious/desirable gated community • Well designed with custom interior • Cooks kitchen with SS appliances
• Heated salt pool, spa and summer kitchen • Covered patio and screened porch • Whole house generator • Additional amenities available
$1,099,000. ML# 430380
COUNTRY CLUB OF OCALA
SOUTHERN BEAUTY 4 bedroom 4.5 bath home w/views of the 14th fairway in Country Club of Ocala. Gourmet kitchen w/custom cabinets, granite, center island and breakfast room. Family room has fireplace & views of sparkling pool w/covered patio. Master suite has closet w/built ins, bath w/double vanity & walk in shower. Upstairs balcony leads to 3 bedrooms, each w/own WIC & bath. Detached 2.5 car garage has separate living quarters. $1,050,000. ML#425192
BE THE FIRST TO ENJOY Brand new construction in the Country Club of Ocala with a nice view of #13 tee. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath w/study has a custom kitchen with wood cabinets, granite countertops & breakfast nook, which opens to spacious family room w/fireplace, hardwood flooring, crown molding & coffered ceilings. Master suite has 2 walk in closets & bath w/garden tub, double vanities and separate walk in shower. Formal dining & master bedroom also have hardwood flooring and crown molding. Just completed & ready for new owner. $599,000. ML#432561
BEAUTIFUL SETTING Enjoy picturesque views of the 14th hole at Country Club of Ocala from this 4/3 home w/2car garage. Family rm w/high ceilings has fpl and opens to kitchen and sun rm. Master has WIC and bath has a double vanity and separate tub & shower. Other 3 bedrooms all have WIC. Beautiful & well maintained landscaping can be enjoyed from slate patio with peaceful views of nearby pond. $425,000. ML#425814
DETECT, DESTROY MOLD FOR BETTER HEALTH Photo courtesy of Getty Images
M
OLD IN YOUR HOME IS A SERIOUS MATTER THAT CAN CAUSE NOT ONLY SUBSTANTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE, BUT ALSO SIGNIFICANT HARM TO YOUR HEALTH.
IDENTIFYING A MOLD PROBLEM
HOW MOLD AFFECTS HEALTH According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold exposure can affect people in a range of ways, from nasal stuffiness and eye irritation to wheezing and skin irritation. For those who are especially sensitive or who have a mold allergy, the reactions can be more severe. Mold can also pose a higher health concern for those with asthma and other illnesses or compromised immune systems. Some research, including a 2004 study by the Institute of Medicine, also suggests that mold can cause respiratory illnesses in otherwise healthy people.
Mold can vary in appearance, but, often, you can readily recognize its white to greenish or black spotty appearance. You may also notice a damp, musty odor in areas where mold is growing. However, if you’re not aware of any mold in your home, you can do some additional investigating yourself. A simple DIY kit such as the Healthful Home 5-Minute Mold Test Kit can detect mold spores accumulating in household dust, including the types most associated with water damage and health issues. The leading mold test sold on Amazon.com, this test can be conducted on-site and provides results in as little as five minutes, bypassing delays for lab testing associated with many at-home kits. The test has been validated in an Environmental Protection Agency-licensed lab as the most sensitive and accurate rapid test available.
A DOSE OF PREVENTION Depending on the degree and type of mold you discover, you may be able to clean it up and eradicate the problem yourself. If the growth is extensive, you will require the assistance of trained professionals. Once the mold has been safely removed, you can take some steps to prevent chances of a reoccurrence: • To help trap airborne mold spores and other allergens, be sure the filter you are using is correctly rated for your HVAC system. A filter that is too restrictive for your air blower may overstress and burn out the motor. • A humidity level of more than 65 percent invites mold growth. An inexpensive electronic humidity meter can monitor your rooms and identify areas that need better ventilation or dehumidification. • If your attic or crawl space has high humidity, have it checked by a professional for possible solutions before mold takes over. • Vent appliances properly, and install exhaust fans in rooms that see high levels of moisture, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. • Identify any sources of moisture or leaks throughout the home, including faucets and around windows and doors, and take steps to correct them.
For more information about protecting your home and health from mold, visit myhealthfulhome.com or look for tools such as the Healthful Home 5-Minute Mold Test Kit at your local hardware and Home Improvement stores.
ld o S e m o H r You
D E E T N A R * A U G ! t I y u
B l l ’ e Or W To discuss the sale of your home, call Luis & Elisha Lopez
se ou 0% h r 0 ou or 1 s!” d f l y so ace da l 8 m ea h P in z T 156t rice e op W g p e L 5 S skin h “T 843 ur a at of o
@ 352-427-0026... and start packing!*
“We listed our house with another broker for three weeks and only had one showing. We were very concerned with the lack of activity, so we decided to cancel the listing. The Lopez Team comes highly recommended so I decided to contact them. Within a week of putting the home on the market, I received multiple offers and ended up selling for 100% of the asking price thanks to their city wide buyer network and buyers in waiting that they have in their database. If you are looking to sell look no further. The Lopez Team is the team with the buyers. I finally SOLD my house for 100% of the asking price in 8 days.” —Elaine C., VIP Home Seller Client
MLS #431520
$224,900
MLS #431508
$599,000
MLS #431499
$339,950
Move up to one of our homes and we’ll buy yours for cash!* *Conditions apply.
APPLY ONLINE: lisamariebrannon.com
COST-CONSCIOUS HOME UPGRADES
Adding function, such as a generator, to your home can be just as important as aesthetic improvements.
Subtle changes, such as a coat of paint or new hardware, can give your kitchen a fresh, new look and feel.
REVITALIZE WORN WOODWORK. Nothing ages
a home’s appearance faster than tired, weathered woodwork on the front porch or back deck. A fresh coat of stain or paint is a minimal investment to bring fresh life back into your entryway or backyard living space.
PULL OUT A NEW KITCHEN LOOK. If changing out
the cabinets isn’t an option, you can still create a new look with a minimal investment. Wipe down cabinets thoroughly and apply a coat of paint to make them look their very best; then look for subtle changes that bring a wow factor, such as new hardware. Clear away clutter, and add some fresh accessories for a whole new look.
PUNCH UP THE POWER. For extended power
outages, a generator can even save money, preventing unexpected costs from spoiled
food or hotel stays. Hooked up to a home’s existing propane or natural gas line, a standby generator system, often called a home generator, switches on by itself when power fails. Models such as Briggs & Stratton’s newly redesigned 12 kilowatt standby generator provide whole-house power in a small footprint that maintains curb appeal. Plus, the price point of standby generator systems is continuing to drop because power management systems like Symphony® II continue to get smarter. Symphony II power management, which can be included with all Briggs & Stratton generators, automatically balances the power needs of a home’s electrical loads—including high-wattage items. Therefore families get uninterrupted, whole-house power with a smaller—and, thus, more affordable—standby generator. For more information about the entire line
Replacing carpet with a more durable option, such as wood, can add a new dimension to any room.
of Briggs & Stratton standby generator systems, visit powernow.com.
LOOK AT NEW LIGHTING. Changing up the
lighting can completely transform a space. Use window treatments such as drapes and blinds to control natural light and lend a stylish addition to the room. Floor and table lamps are ideal for more subtle task lighting, while overhead fixtures can make a stronger statement.
EXPLORE A NEW FLOOR. Replacing heavily worn carpet in high traffic areas with a more durable option such as wood or tile may not only improve the look but also prove a smart investment as it wears better in the future. If you still enjoy the look of your tile, consider removing and replacing the grout, then sealing it to protect the finish.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images (kitchen and living room)
I
F YOU’RE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME BUT DON’T HAVE THE BUDGET FOR A FULL-SCALE RENOVATION, LOOK AT UPGRADES THAT ADD INSTANT VALUE WITH A SMALLER INVESTMENT.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
5
TIPS FOR TACKLING HOME F IMPROVEMENT
ROM AESTHETIC UPGRADES (LIKE REPLACING THE LAMINATE FLOORS IN THE KITCHEN WITH PATTERNED TILE) TO PRACTICAL NECESSITIES (LIKE REMOVING THE TREE ROOTS FROM THE SEWAGE PIPES), THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF PROJECTS FOR HOMEOWNERS TO TACKLE. With so much to do, home-improvement
projects can feel overwhelming. Rely on research tools such as YP.com and these five tips from home blogger and author Justina Blakeney to help you get started.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING. Prioritize projects by needs, not wants. Blakeney advises making sure important projects like functioning air-conditioning are set before tackling less crucial ones like popcorn ceilings. Create a list of all of the things on your wish list. Then start with the most timely matters and work your way down the list. Be realistic with your goals, and always factor in 20 percent more money and time than you think the project will take. DIY OR HIRE AN EXPERT? Honestly assess your own level of expertise, permit requirements and local regulations, your budget, your timeline and ultimate goals before deciding whether to DIY or hire an expert. Whether you need a personal organizer or a painter, a foundation specialist or a handyman, if you decide an expert is the way to go, ask friends for referrals and then head online to check business information and dig a little deeper before getting a project bid. GET ORGANIZED. Doing your homework before starting a project
stores you will source materials from. You’ll have all of the info in one place for followups, and it’s easy to share the info with friends once they start asking for recommendations. Also get a clear breakdown of all elements involved in each project, how much each step will cost and deadlines for each step along the way.
GET SAVVY. One of the best ways to save time and money is to find things second hand. Thrift shops, salvage shops and flea markets are great places to find furniture, appliances and hardware on the cheap. Or, repurpose items you already own by moving them to a different room or by painting them different colors. Explore all of your options and resources before spending that hard-earned cash. JUST GET STARTED. It’s OK to start small. Swap out the old hardware on your kitchen cabinets or fix the broken brick on your patio. Just start somewhere, and build your way up to the larger stuff.
can help speed things up later on. Create a “mybook®” collection at YP.com of professionals you will be working with and all the To begin researching a project for your home, visit YP.com or look for the YPSM app in the App Store for iPhone and through Google Play for Android.
Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club is the pinnacle of luxury living. Our exquisite community is home to the Coates Golf Championship, staged on our magnificent 18-hole golf course showcasing eight tribute holes. Golden Ocala also features one of the area’s top competitive tennis programs; the Equestrian Center includes 6.5 miles of picturesque private riding trails and brand new private Equestrian Suites.
8141 NW 26TH LANE ROAD
3272 NW 77TH AVENUE
• This two-story single family home is an estate villa featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a 2-car garage. • Styled with tray ceilings and extra lighting along with classic, high-quality finishes. • Featuring both water and golf course views.
• Features a split and open floor plan with a huge screened lanai and a spectacular summer kitchen. • Massive gas fireplace in the great room will make chilly weather disappear and add both warmth and ambiance. • This home is superb for entertaining! From tray ceilings to exquisite crown molding, there’s plenty to love.
Floorplan: Majestic Eagle Neighborhood: Eagles Landing Price: $499,900
Contact our Sales Center for details! 352.369.6969 | GoldenOcala.com/Living
Floorplan: The Langdon Neighborhood: Brittany Estates Price: $999,698
5
FREEZER HACKS THAT SAVE TIME & MONEY
A
S MUCH AS 30 TO 40 PERCENT OF ALL FOOD IN NORTH AMERICA IS WASTED, ACCORDING TO THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME. THAT’S ABOUT 20 POUNDS PER PERSON EVERY MONTH! IN TERMS OF MONEY, THAT’S AN ALARMING $165 BILLION IN WASTED FOOD ANNUALLY, ACCORDING TO THE NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL.
you plan to eat later in the week can be placed in storage containers and frozen until use. After some practice, you’ll be able to work efficiently and prep meals that work best for your family.
PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED. Let’s face it, things happen: Storms roll
A smarter freezer storage plan, coupled with buying in bulk, saves time, money, decreases waste and makes for a more organized home. You can maximize the value of your freezer and ensure your hard-earned dollars don’t go to waste with these five easy tips to help keep your family and freezer organized.
in and the power goes out. Your freezer can be your biggest ally to combat food and money loss due to unexpected and uncontrollable events. To protect the investment you just made to your family’s meal plan, arm yourself with the new Frigidaire Gallery Freezer, a first-of-its-kind upright with ArcticLock™ Technology that offers thicker walls than traditional freezers to keep foods frozen for over two days during a power outage. It’s also garage-ready and built to handle extreme hot and cold weather.
MAKE ROOM TO SAVE MORE. Consumers annually save $750 on their
FIND A BULK BUDDY. While you may not need a 10-pound bag of cheese,
food bill when buying in bulk. A freezer provides additional storage space, giving you the flexibility to store larger quantities of food out of the way while you keep items for immediate use close by. A great option is the Frigidaire freezer, which boasts ample storage capacity, superior organization and peace of mind. Plus, it’s ENERGY STAR qualified and 22 percent more energy efficient than standard freezers.
DESIGNATE A MEAL PREP DAY. You can ensure you always have healthy, home-cooked meals on hand by taking a few hours once a week to prep and cook your meals. Meals that you’ll eat early in the week can be kept in the fridge until mealtime. Dishes
you probably have a friend or neighbor who would split the cost with you. Make it a date; buy in bulk together then split the goods with the proper food storage containers.
END FREEZER BURN. Reduce excess air in storage bags or containers, which toughens textures and worsens flavors. Note, however, that you’ll need to leave space in containers that hold soup or sauce as liquid expands when frozen and could potentially crack your storage containers.
To find out how you can save more with a secondary freezer, visit frigidaire.com.
LEADING WITH THE BEST IN THE SOUTHWEST
SUMMERGLEN: Home of Distinction welcomes you to view this beauty…Spacious Vaulted Ceilings, 3/2/2 with expanded garage. Built-in surround-Master bath w/zero entry shower. Most wantMartha ed spacious closets! Upgraded appliances, Community RV resident Maclinparking. Touch of class amenities with heated pool. Lowest of HOA Reynolds MLS#419289 (352) 362-1399 fees. Near enough to everything. Asking $193,900.
Lindsay Paolillo
(352) 509-1063
BEVERLY HILLS: 3 bedroom, 4 bath, 2 car garage home is great for entertaining! 3150 sq. ft. living area includes a den/office. Pool has a beach area on the 5.8 acres. Horses allowed. Property next to the community’s 28 miles of horse trails. $439,700 MLS#431319
OCALA PALMS: Custom model with pool on a lushly landscaped lot. Formal dining room, den, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Beautiful kitchen boasts Silestone counters, pendant lighting, large master bedBunny room has sliders to the Lanai. Enjoy the pool year round with solar Cooney (352) 361-8575 heat. Two car garage, plus golf cart garage. $282,000 MLS#428739
OAK RUN: Popular Tahiti mode in prestigious Eagles Point. Eat-inkitchen with granite counters, maple cabinets and breakfast bar. ForPaul Valois mal dining room plus den, large great room, split bedroom plan. Cov(352) 895-1020 ered screened lanai and fenced back yard. $180,450 MLS#423802
Carol VanWagner
WESTGATE: Custom 4/3/2 nested on heavily wooded 6.14 acres. Japanese Zen mediation garden 41x25 labyrinth with river stone enhancement, generator for house. Laminate floors, sunny eat-in-kitchen with solid surface counters, double oven full size double oven, freezer, center island. Step ceiling in formal dining room, 9’ ceiling, 14’ ceiling in family room, double sided fireplace, oversized 2 car 25x33 garage. MLS#429565
Jim Head
SPRUCE CREEK PRESERVE: Home in gated golf community featuring club house, pool, recreation center and more. This beautiful 2/2/2 has been expertly maintained! Home has it all with a screened lanai, stone patio and tasteful landscaping. Many extras and a home warranty included! Must see! $118,500 MLS#425671
(352) 572-4259
352-615-8234
Kathy Van
(352) 789-0031
The Brooks/ Kampf Team (352) 989-3162 (352) 812-0557
PALM CAY: This 2/2/2 home in gated 55+ community is clean as a whistle! Features include living room plus den, Large lanai. Very well maintained. Asking $83,900. MLS#432706
ON TOP OF THE WORLD: Popular Hanover Model, 2/2/2 in one of the most desirable 55 plus communities. Eat-in-kitchen with snack bar. Great room/dining room, combined for entertaining, leads to a glassed lanai. Master Bedroom with his/her closet. Tiled Master Bath with double sink vanity. Guest room with bay window. An office/den. A must see! Marvin Brooks (352) 989-3162 Lynne Kampf (352) 812-0557 $158,700 MLS#429273
SW HWY 200 OFFICE | 8721 SW HWY 200, OCALA FL | (352) 479-0123 OFFICE
On Top of the World- Spacious golf course 2/2/2 home w/tiled foyer, 9’4” ceilings throughout. M/B Suite w/2 walk-in closets, soaker tub, step-in shower and skylight in bathroom. Guest B/R w/bath, Conrad & Library w/French doors, Living room w/dining area w/Amer.Hickory Dania Melancon hardwood flooring, sliders to screened lanai. Large eat-in Kitchen w/ (352) 208-4924 pantry, morning room leading to a private courtyard. Crown molding, large inside laundry and much more. Asking $189,900 MLS#432695
Unbelievable value in a great location! Executive Style Custom Home with 3-4 Bedrms & 3 Baths. Living, Dining & Family Audrey Johns Rms, Large Open Concept Kitchen. 10-12 Ft Clgs throughout Screen Lanai with Summer Kitchen. Situated on .71 of Acre (352) 812-6767 on Cul-de-sac, with Lush Landscaping, Fruit Tree’s, & Privacy. Convenient to SE & SW Ocala. Offered at $249,900 MLS#415355
Stone Creek Upon entering the Graymist, you are greeted to dining & living areas all open to each other w/18” Diagonal tile flooring, enclosed Florida room, windowed breakfast nook in kitchen, pantry, granite prep Julia McPherson areas and plenty of cabinetry. M/suite w/private bath and generous walk (352) 895-0722 in closet. Two guest bedrooms, laundry closet, garage door screen. Many upgrades. Yard maintenance included. Asking $191,500 MLS#431843
Charming, well cared for 3/2/2 home in one of Ocala’s Premier SW Communities. This home features a family room w/gas fireplace. Living room and formal Dining room which opens to a 12 X 19 patio. Kitchen offers separate Julia McPherson dining area, appliances, oak cabinetry and a walk-in pantry. Spacious M/ (352) 895-0722 Bedroom w/walk-in closet- Bath offers a garden tub, shower and a marble vanity. Fenced backyard with utility shed. Asking $171,500 MLS#432833
Price reduced on this terrific, well laid out farm. Farm is cross fenced, 12 X 15 matted stalls, 120 X 30 equipment barn w/four additional matted stalls, open bay, 4 car garage, apartment over barn, close Bridget Williamson to HITS - Equipment and Furniture negotiable. New Price: $268,900
One Owner custom built 3/2/2 Summerglen home. Formal D/R w/trey ceiling. Family Room opens to screened Lanai. Kitchen w/corian counters, ample cabinets, crown molding and two pantries. M/Bath offers a walk-in showSandy er, double sinks and dressing vanities with walk-in closet. Office w/French Dingler (352) 427-6044 door entry. Newer appliances. Inside Laundry. Oversized garage. Newly painted inside & out. Many Extras. Asking $237,000 MLS#428559
Move in ready 3/2 Quail Meadow home. Home features neutral colors, double door to third bedroom/office. Tray ceiling and double Donna Knox sinks in master suite, separate shower and soaker tub. Fenced back(352) 216-5495 yard, covered birdcage. Make your appt. today. Offered at $149,900.
NEW LISTING. NOT YOUR TYPICAL COOKIE CUTTER HOME. Enter this beautiful 3/2 home through the welcoming foyer. Home features an open floor plan, great room w/custom cabinets and wood flooring, spacious eat in kitchen w/gas range, and large pantry. Master suite bath has a double sink vanity, soaking tub and separate shower. There is an enclosed lanai and built in generator. Offered at $169,900. MLS#432582
(352) 817-1312
Summerfield/ The Villages (352) 307-0304 Office Sheila McKathan
Donna Eastman
(352) 843-1542
The Boulevard Office
Lady Lake/ The Villages
SW Hwy. 200 Office
(352) 732-3344 Office
(352) 750-5110 Office
(352) 479-0123 Office
615 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Gene Boone
126 N Hwy. 27, Lady Lake Paul Ressler
8721 SW Hwy. 200, Ocala Naomi Furbush
Email or Call Broker/Owner Gene Boone directly at Boone@FoxfireRealty.com • 352-732-3344