The Real Estate Book of North Florida

Florida Waterfront Restaurant, selected as one of 25 Old Florida waterfront restaurants to visit by Florida-Backroads-travel magazine, Salt Creek Restaurant is a family seafood, steaks and more restaurant seating 150 inside with additional outside overlooking Salt Creek hosting a full liquor license. Established in 1980. Fronting Salt Creek & Hwy 349 in the quaint town of Suwannee, Florida, which is also where the Suwannee River meets the Gulf of Mexico making this a fishing mecca. Except for the 4 outside walls, the restaurant was enlarged and totally rebuilt in 2015. There is a large deck and covered Tiki bar outside overlooking Salt Creek’s gorgeous sunsets, loading docks, boat ramp and includes another building to rent or for another venture. Very profitable business. Owners are ready to retire and let someone else continue with this great venue. Call for further details. MLS#116631. $1,500,000.00. Chuck Davis 386-365-1699

With freezing temperatures on the way in most parts of the country, you’re probably bracing yourself for the cold and the inevitable hit to your wallet. You’re already bundling up to help keep warm, but what else can you do besides crank up the heat? Try the following tips to help keep your home heated efficiently and affordably:

Turn the thermostat down.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your winter thermostat to 68 degrees while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. You can save up to 10 percent a year on heating (and cooling) costs by simply turning your thermostat back anywhere from 7-10 degrees for approximately eight hours a day – like those times you’re at work or asleep. As a bonus, you also sleep better when the temperature is colder. So, dial the thermostat back and get those deep zzz’s.

Use your fan.

While ceiling fans are excellent tools for staying cool in the summer, they can also be adjusted to help you stay warm in the winter. Many fan models have a switch that allows the blades to spin clockwise, which will push warm air that rose to the ceiling back down into the room.

Keep your chimney closed.

If your home has a fireplace, remember to keep the damper closed when it’s not in use. Consider a chimney balloon – an inflatable device that goes in the chimney – to further keep the cold air out and the warm air from escaping.

Change your filters regularly.

Dirty air filters restrict airflow and increase your energy use. Changing the filters on your furnace or heating unit at least every three months can save you anywhere from 4-6 percent a year on heating and cooling costs. If you have pets, your filters are probably even dirtier – changing them once a month is recommended.

Changing filters regularly will not only save you money but will also likely prolong the life of your furnace. Be sure to have your local heating and air company come and regularly service your unit as well.

Seal cracks and ducts.

Windows and doors account for a large amount of heat loss in homes; in fact, installing weather-stripping or caulking leaky doors and windows can save you up to 10 percent on heating costs. Ducts are another culprit of heat loss – leaking ductwork accounts for 25-30 percent of heating costs in the average home. Consider hiring a contractor before freezing temperatures really hit to evaluate the tightness of your ducts and repair any leaks or restrictions.

By following these tips this winter you’ll keep the warm air inside your home and money inside your wallet.

LIVE OAK. 2.03 acres on the Suwannee River! Located just outside the town of Dowling Park and a short drive to Live Oak. Recently mowed- easily walkable to the river. Beautiful large trees. Campers allowed. Public boat ramp is located about a mile up river. MLS# 118093 $99,000

JASPER. 3 bedroom 2 bath country home on 16 acres located on a paved road just outside of Jasper. Approx 5 acres cleared,11 acres planted in 26 yr old slash pines (current value est. @$21K). Outside is a gardeners dream- many fruit trees/bushes,Camellia bushes & Japanese Magnolias this yard has been well maintained. Large irrigated area for a garden & pond for fishing anytime! 3 sheds for storage. Inside you'll find beautiful hardwood floors in the formal living room. Large updated master bath w/ laundry area inside the bathroom! MLS# 118211 $385,000

LIVE OAK. Horse ready 19.44 acres with a 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile home. Beautiful fenced acreage with a pond that's ready for your animals. 8 stall horse barn. Multiple outbuildings for all your storage needs. Home has metal roof, den as well as an additional family room with fireplace. Large master bedroom with attached bath. Screened in back porch with utility sink. Front porch overlooks acreage and fields for as far as you can see. This farm is beautiful. MLS# 118082. $325,000

Smith

Associates Inc.

YES, YOU CAN SELL YOUR HOME IN THE WINTER

YES, YOU CAN SELL YOUR HOME IN THE WINTER

Chances are, you’ve heard that the best time to list your home for sale is the spring. And while there is a lot to be said about selling your home in the spring (or even summer or fall), there are many benefits to selling your home right now – in the winter! Believe it or not, this could actually be the right time for you to sell.

If you choose to do so, follow these ideas for making the most out of your winter listing.

Price it right.

There might be a smaller pool of prospective buyers in the winter, but you’ll find that the pool is extremely motivated to buy. Someone looking to buy a home during the holidays or middle of winter has a compelling reason to do so and will be ready to move quickly. This makes your pricing strategy critical. Discuss a strategy with your real estate agent to arrive at a price that factors in and attracts fewer, but more serious, buyers. Make accessibility a priority.

If snow and ice is a factor for you in winter, you will need to be diligent about removal. Make sure driveways and walkways are always clear of treacherous ice. Invest in a plow service and stay stocked up on sidewalk salt.

Keep things warm.

Nothing will turn buyers off faster in winter than walking into a cold house, so make sure your heating system is operating at full capacity. And make sure that’s the case for every room in the house. If there’s one bedroom that tends to be drafty, now’s the time to find out the cause and resolve the issue.

Provide visuals of your home in summer.

One major thing a buyer might not be able to get an accurate picture of in winter is your outdoor space. Provide photos online and in person to prospective buyers that include shots of your backyard, patio, pool, garden, yard, etc., all looking their best in the summer. Your agent could also prepare a slideshow to play at an open house. Doing so gives a buyer a better idea of the home in all seasons and could really seal the deal for wintertime buyers.

Pay attention to holiday decor.

A few tasteful and neutral holiday decorations such as glowing white lights, fragrant evergreens and elegant metallic touches can really make your home glow and sparkle. But remember that less is always more – you don’t want to try and sell your home while it’s part of a Tacky Light Tour. And be sure to pack up those decorations as soon as the holidays have passed. Marketing your home with holiday lights on in the middle of January will not play in your favor.

With the help of these tips and your trusted real estate agent, the market for your house will be hot, unlike the weather outside.

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR YARD THIS Winter

As many extend the amount of time they’re spending at home, they’re extending the use of their outdoor living space as well, despite a drop in temperatures. Getting outside, and breathing in fresh air, even when it’s chilly, is good for our mental and physical well-being. That’s why features like fire pits, outdoor heaters and enhanced lighting are on the rise as homeowners look to add warmth and ambience in winter.

In addition to crafting a cold-weather friendly outdoor space, it’s important to tend to your yard this winter as well. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute offers these tips to keep your yard in top shape for winter use:

Stop trimming your lawn once it freezes. Cutting your grass too short can leave it dry and exposes it to the elements, as well as insects and disease. Trim your grass to the height recommended for your lawn variety before it freezes.

Add a thin layer of mulch to your lawn. A thin layer of mulch can protect your grass roots from snow and frost. It can even prevent deeper layers of soil from freezing, making it easier for your lawn to bounce back in the spring.

Check your trees for dead or damaged limbs. Removing dead or damaged limbs before inclement weather arrives, is one way to protect your shrubs and yard from damage (not to mention people and pets!). Snow and ice can weigh heavily on dead branches and make them snap and fall. Remove any dead branches carefully with clippers, a chainsaw or pole pruner, following safety precautions. Consult an arborist for problematic trees.

Mark pathways to clear and beds to avoid. Mark the areas that you will need to clear of snow and ice, as well as areas you want to avoid, like flower beds, with stakes or sticks. This way, when it’s time to run your snow thrower, you won’t accidentally cut a path through the lawn. Always follow manufacturer’s safety procedures and never put your hand inside the snow thrower. Always use a clean out tool or stick to clear a clog.

Keep new (and old) plantings well-hydrated. Many people enhance their yard with trees and shrubs during the pandemic. Caring for them in the winter is important, as plants and trees that are well-hydrated are more likely to survive a hard freeze. Newly planted trees can only survive about two weeks in the winter without water, so be sure to water any new trees you’ve added to your landscape if they aren’t getting water naturally from rain or snow. If your outside hose is already shut off for the winter, then use a bucket and add five gallons to the area around the tree.

Continue watering plants and trees. Older plants and trees should enter winter well-hydrated, so continue watering even after the leaves have dropped. Even in the wintertime, hardy evergreen plants continue to lose moisture through their needles and if it’s a dry winter they need supplemental water too.

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Ring in the New Year With New Flooring Ring in the New Year With New Flooring Ring in the New Year With New Flooring

One of your home’s most noticeable design elements is actually right under your feet. Whether you realize or not, your choice for flooring has a critical impact on the entire look and feel of every room in the house. And with the new year on the way, it’s time for you to look at your flooring and see if a new style would be right for you.

Unlike a lot of other home projects, you can put in new flooring during the colder months. Refresh your floor style with some of these ideas:

Go with a lighter hardwood. Wood floors will never go out of style, but lighter-toned hardwoods with smooth, matte finishes are becoming more popular. 4-5-inch widths are also popular.

Choose a natural finish. Natural finishes for wood floors are also rising in popularity over stained wood floors. To achieve the natural look, the wood is oxidized with minerals that react with tannins in the wood to create color.

Gray is here to stay. Gray is a popular color in home décor, and gray wood flooring is no exception. Shades of gray run the gamut, from light gray, to driftwood to darker rustic hues. Gray wood floors look great in a kitchen, especially when paired with white cabinetry.

Hardwood in bathrooms. Many homeowners are also opting for hardwood floors in bathrooms, especially a distressed or antique

look that adds a unique warmth. If opting for hardwood in the bathroom, it’s a good idea to finish floor areas where puddles may form –such as outside of the shower or tub – with tile.

Blend with dark carpeting. Dark colors are popular in carpeting – colors such as black, charcoal, or jewel tones like ruby red or emerald green. These rich colors play well with warm woods when used for stair runners or area rugs in bedrooms and living spaces. Opt for low-profile, patterned carpets over thicker, shag varieties.

So, while you’re spending time indoors this winter, focus on the flooring and play with some of these style ideas in your head. Consider refreshing your flooring in the new year to give your home a style boost and contact your home contractor or local flooring company for samples and more great ideas.

TIPS FOR A HASSLE-FREE MOVING DAY

But the big day will arrive sooner than you think and you’ll want it to go as smoothly as possible. Moving professionals offer five tips for ensuring that it does:

of the country,

they

3

List last-minute chores. You’ve spent weeks sorting, packing and preparing for your move, but certain tasks cannot be accomplished in advance, like emptying and/or cleaning out the fridge and freezer, getting kids or pets to scheduled sitters, or taking out the last of the trash. Making a list will make it easier for you to check off lastminute needs.

1

Leave out basic cleaning supplies. You’ve likely done a thorough house cleaning by now, but once the furniture and packed cartons are gone, you may see dirty areas you didn’t notice earlier. Keep rags or paper towels and a few basic cleansers handy for tackling dust bunnies behind the now-gone sofa, or grime where the fridge once stood.

4

Prepare a go-bag. Pack a box or suitcase with stuff you’ll need on moving day or the day after, as well as documents and valuables you don’t want to load onto the moving truck, such as phone chargers, toiletries, medications and an extra set of clothes for each family member. For a long journey, you may also want to fill a small cooler with water and healthy snacks or pre-made sandwiches.

2

Do one last walk-through. Anything left behind may be difficult to retrieve later, so open all kitchen and bathroom drawers and cabinets, bedroom closets, coat closets and any other built-in areas where items may have escaped notice.

Have some cash on hand. While a credit card can cover unexpected stops for lunch or other purchases, you may want to have cash to tip your professional movers. Such tips are not mandatory, but if they’ve done a good job, consider tipping $20 per helper.

5

Moving vans are criss-crossing the nation in great numbers these days, as consumers take advantage of historically low mortgage rates to upgrade their living space and grab their piece of the American Dream.

The New York Times reported recently that moving companies are so busy,

are turning people away, and in most areas

movers need to be booked way in advance of your moving day.