The Real Estate Book of St. Augustine / St. Johns County by Graphic Designs

St. Augustine - St. Johns County, FL HOME & LIFESTYLE GUIDE Volume 29, Issue 4

North St.Augustine

POOL HOME

RealEstateBook.com

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Cover presented by: Nancy Ashe The St Johns Realty Group 904-669-4272 nashevb@msn.com www.nancyashe.com

6/28/17 10:29 AM

We have the

keys to the beach JUST LISTED

R MINUTES TO THE BEACH

POOL HOME STEPS TO BEACH

Two patios; 3rd room can be used as a bedroom! 2BR/2BA | $269,000 [C-212] | TEXT: P547440

Outdoor bar and shower; open plan, fully-furnished. 3BR/2BA | $485,000 [O-123] | TEXT: R406975

RENOVATED: CLOSE TO TOWN

NEW BUILD: WALK TO BEACH

New roof, plumbing electrical, flooring, and more! 2BR/2BA | $99,900 [S-364] | TEXT: R274725

Beautiful plan, quiet area: Still time to pick your colors! 3BR/2.5BA | $372,400 [M-135] | TEXT: R310385

RIVERFRONT: 2.2 ACRES

DOWNTOWN VINTAGE

Park-like setting with commanding views; 18x18 dock. + AS-IS HOME | $359,000 [R-92] | TEXT: R182123

Preserved original charm with modern upgrades. 4BR/2BA | $349,000 [R-88] | TEXT: R245919

DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY This concrete block building is located in a sought-after area, at a busy intersection of Riberia and Bridge. It is conveniently located to the distillery, winery, restaurants and within walking distance to downtown. TEXT: R149674

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ANNE BRADNER

TOLL FREE: 1.800.471.3401

REVAMPED

904.347.6415

CAROL SULLIVAN

904.814.6915

COLLEEN SULLIVAN

904.477.4280

JOSE CRESPO

904.806.3660

JUDY GARBUTT

904.495.1061

KAREN LINDSEY

904.669.6917

MARGIE LINDSEY

386.931.7172

MARY KRYZWICK

904.347.4024

SHERRIE MARLOWE

904.891.4447

REFRESHED $99,900 [S-364]

2 2

1 2 3

AMONG WHAT’S NEW Roof Flooring Kitchen Landscaping

$299,000 [M-134]

AMONG WHAT’S NEW Roof Plumbing Electric Flooring Bathrooms

$279,000 [S-366]

rs!

AMONG WHAT’S NEW

$219,900 [D-54]

Kitchen Bathrooms Landscaping Flooring

AMONG WHAT’S NEW Flooring Kitchen Bathrooms Fencing

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Going Above And Beyond

That’s The Sign Of A Re/Max Agent. Buying Or Selling, You’ll Have A Trusted Pro Guiding You Every Step Of The Way.

DIANE VESPUCCI

904-347-3957 • DIANEVESPUCCI@GMAIL.COM HISTORIC DISTRICT $524,900 Renovated 2 story 2BR/2BA carriage home with a lovely garden. The kitchen, complete with two pantries and an island are open and blend seamlessly with the outside patio and gardens. Enjoy the small balcony that overlooks historic Charlotte street. MLS:168367

MATTHEW SHAFFER

904-806-5020 • MATTHEW.SHAFFER.MBA@GMAIL.COM MARINERS WATCH $185,000 3 Story 2BR/2BA townhousestyle condo across the street from the beach. 2 Large balconies and a shaded patio/yard space. Andersen windows & sliding doors, updated guest bath, and lots of storage. Best Value in Vilano Beach. MLS:171332

BERTA ODOM

904-466-0114 • PROPERTYBYBERTA@AOL.COM OSPREY LANDING $240,000 Open Floor plan 3BR/2BA including an office, block construction home. Built in 2011 and features cathedral ceilings and a spacious master suite. Lots of privacy with a fenced yard, situated on a preserve, and a pond at the rear of the property. MLS:170359

REMAX.COM

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TERRIE RUEN

904-484-4731 • TRRUEN@YAHOO.COM

ISLAND COTTAGES $436,000 Key West style 3BR/3BA home less than one mile to the ocean. First floor master suite with upstairs private porch. Current 6 month tenant at $2000 a month. Newer A/C (2015). Enjoy the community amenities including a pool. MLS:169803

MATTHEW SHAFFER

904-806-5020 • MATTHEW.SHAFFER.MBA@GMAIL.COM MOVE IN READY $219,900 Bright and open 3BR/2BA on almost a half acre with no HOA. Covered front porch; huge fenced yard. Easy walk to Crookshank Elementary School and just over 2 miles from downtown St. Augustine. MLS:171479

BERTA ODOM

904-466-0114 • PROPERTYBYBERTA@AOL.COM LOTS AND LAND $169,000 Looking for privacy, land and water? Look no further. This tranquil setting of 1.9 Acres is ready to build a Single Family Home on the East side of the St. Johns River W 105' of River Frontage. Excellent width to depth ratio. MLS:169592

RE/MAX 100 REALTY • 2798 US 1 SOUTH, SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL 32086

6/29/17 8:56 AM

ON THE COVER

Life is Living at the Beach!

20 Atlantic Avenue. $559,000 - North St Augustine 5BR/2.5BA screened pool home on over 1+ acre with lots of trees. Completely renovated 2014. Upgraded kitchen with granite counter and stainless steel appliances. Eat in kitchen and separate Dining room. Open living room with fireplace. Wooded fence yard and screened porch on 1.42 Acres that backs to pond/creek. This is a must see!

www.nancyashe.com

Nancy Ashe

The St. Johns Realty Group

904-669-4272 nashevb@msn.com

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For advertising information in The Real Estate Book of St. Augustine, FL contact:

Suzie Adams

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(386) 338-4110 TREBcoastal@gmail.com

6/29/17 8:56 AM

Every homeowner wants their house to be unique inside and out, to reflect their own personal styles and stand apart from their neighbors. And while it’s easier to control the inside of your home, with furniture, artwork, decorations, etc., outdoor improvements can be made too to have your home stand out. A lot of homeowners are saying no to cookie cutter curb appeal and instead saying yes to landscapes that help them stand out, according to findings from the 2017 U.S. Landscaping Trends Survey recently released by Houzz. Thirty-three percent— the majority—of those surveyed reported personalization as their motivation for completing an outdoor improvement. “Home renovation activity is benefiting from the significant increase in home sales in 2015 and 2016, which is reflected in our findings on motivations for starting a landscape project,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz, in a release about the survey. Forty-one percent of those surveyed are aiming for a landscape that is “extremely” or “very” different. A sheer 6 percent of those surveyed who are completing or have completed outdoor improvements have landscapes that are “identical” to those of their neighbors—36 percent had landscapes similar to those of their neighbors before completing their improvements. A distinct landscape, oddly, can make its owner more likely to interact with his or her neighbors,

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despite their differing tastes. Eighteen percent of those surveyed interacted more with their neighbors following completion of an outdoor improvement. Being out in the yard working makes it easier to stop and have a chat with a neighbor out doing the same, walking the dog or washing the car. Who knows, maybe you’ll even meet a new friend to enjoy the fruits of your labor with in the backyard. How are homeowners making their landscapes stand out? “Attractant” plants, low maintenance plants and native plants are all popular add-ons, in the form of beds or borders, perennials and/or shrubs, according to the survey. “Since housing inventory has remained low, recent homebuyers likely consider their homes less than ideal, leading them to prioritize upgrades like outdoor projects more than ever, with emphasis on low maintenance,” Sitchinava said. Some homeowners are dead set on separating their landscapes from those of their neighbors—in some cases with no lawn at all. Twenty-six percent of those surveyed are removing or have removed their front lawn, and 5 percent are replacing or have replaced it with a synthetic alternative. What goes into differentiating your landscape? According to the survey, an outdoor improvement can take three to six months to plan and three to fiveand-a-half months to execute—and 63 percent of those surveyed are planning to hire a professional to help make the improvement.

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Trademark Template.qxp_Layout 1 8/31/16 1:00 PM Page 1 Trademark Template.qxp_Layout 1 8/31/16 1:00 PM Page 1

Steve Thomas

Bruce Garrison

Broker/Owner Cell:

Realtor®/Owner

386.503.8171

Cell:

SteveThomasRealtor@gmail.com

386.931.4620

BruceLGarrison@gmail.com BruceGarrisonSells.com

FlaglerCoastRealEstate.com

Excellence is our Trademark Office: 386.447.6889 889 • 416 SS. Central Av A Ave. e • FFlagler lagler Beach Beach, FL 321 32136 • 101 Palm Harbor Pkwy., European Village, Unit 120B • Palm Coast, FL 32137 $449,000

$429,000

$335,000

LAKE FRONT 3BR/2.5BA home that you can STILL CUSTOMIZE YOUR INTERIOR. Mediterranean style with architectural detail. Gourmet kitchen and more. Gated Community with resort amenities. Text R211328 to 52187

COUNTRY LIVING 4BR/3BA Pool home situated on one acre. Freshly painted, new flooring, fireplace, and more. Formal living/dining combo, gourmet kitchen, and breakfast nook make perfect for entertaining. Text R222569 to 52187

GATED COMMUNITY Spacious 4BR/2.5BA POOL Home. Beautifully landscaped yard, side entry garage, great sized rooms, fireplace, and a huge kitchen with an island. Large screened in pool & lanai. Fenced yard and more! Text R380369 to 52187

$334,900

$257,000

$245,000

BEAUTIFUL 4BR/2.5 POOL home located in a golf course community. Move in ready! Perfect floor plan for entertaining. Entertain all summer long in your outdoor oasis complete with a pool bath. Text R323101 to 52187

COUNTRY LIVING Truly unique property, 2BR/2BA with an open spacious layout with lots of storage. Situated on over two acres with plenty of room for growth. This property also includes adjacent lot East of the home. Text R262985 to 52187

POOL HOME Beautiful 3BR/2BA Move in Ready! Freshly painted and new flooring. The kitchen features new appliances and granite. Entertain in the large screened lanai pool area. Text R432252 to 52187

$219,900

$169,400

GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY 3BR/2BA home. New Roof, New A/C Unit, newer water heater- MOVE IN READY! Entertain outdoors on your screen covered lanai and enjoy your refreshing pool. Text R327580 to 52187

FOOTSTEPS TO OCEAN & ICW Water views from this 2BR/2BA furnished unit. Spacious and well maintained 2nd floor unit with great condo amenities. Tile flooring and plush carpet and plenty of storage. Text R411018 to 52187

BEACH CONDO Flagler Beach 2BR/2BA Condo with attached garage. Great investment income potential with great tenants willing to stay or live out your simple salt life dream yourself. Text R189578 to 52187

$159,900

$159,000

$154,000

MOVE IN READY! Open split plan 3BR/2BA with vaulted ceilings and a eat in kitchen. Ceramic tile in all the wet areas and carpet in the bedrooms. Nice sized screened lanai overlooking the large back yard. Text R344239 to 52187

SPACIOUS 3BR/2BA with a formal living room, dining room and family room with built in storage. Enjoy the privacy of the large Florida room overlooking the partially fenced yard. Great investment opportunity. Text R387433 to 52187

NEWLY REMODELED Spacious 3BR/2BA featuring a family room, living room and dining room, great for entertaining. Upgraded kitchen with new s/s appliances. Plenty of room for a future pool. Text R368574 to 52187

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O P PORTUNI TIES TO MAK E A HOM E “GREEN” E X I ST ON A SP ECTRUM When thinking about “green” homes, consumers often think first about new home construction and the opportunity to build a fully sustainable home from the ground up. However, there are also vast unrealized opportunities to increase the resource efficiency of existing homes. In the recent major revision of coursework for the National Association of Realtor’s Green Designation, the content was revised to amplify the focus on existing homes.

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he opportunities to increase a home’s efficiency occur on a spectrum, from energy surveys – a systematic review of how energy is used within your house - to major remodeling and retrofitting, and finally to new home construction. We will discuss each of these opportunities here briefly, but urge all interested readers to obtain additional education on the topic with Green Designation coursework through NAR, either in the classroom or online.

surge protector easily accessible, so that at night or when not in use, you can turn everything off with the flick of one switch. This helps prevent “ghosting”, or the draining of electricity by electronics even when they are turned off.

In each of these phases, smart home devices and technology may be installed as needed or desired. Smart home installations have applications across the entire spectrum.

RENOVATIONS Opportunities for resource-efficiency retrofitting are enormous during major renovations. Deep energy retrofits are on the extreme end of cost and effort when it comes to making homes more energy-efficient, but can achieve dramatic energy savings.

ENERGY SURVEY The simplest and quickest approach to increasing your home’s efficiency is to do a walk-through energy survey of your house. An energy survey is sometimes called a clipboard audit, simple assessment, screening or preliminary audit. The walk-through survey usually doesn’t include any diagnostic testing, but it might. The evaluator may look for symptoms that indicate a problem, or concentrate on a particular problem like comfort or health issues. A home energy survey takes about an hour to complete. After the survey, you can implement suggested improvements immediately, or over time. RESOURCE EFFICIENCY After performing your energy survey, the opportunity is to increase a home’s resource-efficiency as part of routine or major maintenance projects. These can include replacement of major appliances, heating/cooling systems, windows, entryways, security systems, ventilation, plumbing, and so on. Upgrade projects like these enhance or maintain a home’s value when compared with new and upgraded homes in the market area. A quick and easy fix is replacing your old incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs with more energy efficient LED light bulbs. Not only do these LED bulbs save energy, which in turn saves you money, they last longer than traditional bulbs, sometimes lasting years depending on how often you use them. And as the technology has improved, the price of LED bulbs has dropped dramatically over the years, making their use a no-brainer.

Further, consider installing new fixtures like water-saving faucet aerators in the bathroom or kitchen. Pipe wraps around your pipes will also help save energy.

The process typically involves resealing the building envelope, super-insulating, upgrading systems including HVAC, and installing energy generation capacity like solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. If a homeowner plans to do major renovations such as replacing a roof or siding, it may be an opportunity for a whole-house deep energy retrofit. The first step is a thorough, professional energy assessment to determine which actions will produce the most benefit. NEW HOME Finally, a new home, especially a custom home, provides the opportunity to make a myriad of choices to achieve all the benefits of a resource-efficient home. From high-efficiency systems to innovative materials, and more, the opportunities for upgrades are vast. The real estate professional can play a valuable role in guiding a client to authoritative sources of information and helping put together the design-and-build team who will transform the client’s vision of a new, resource-efficient home into a reality. Some real estate professionals who have made sustainability a major focus of their businesses find that clients and customers turn to them as a source of information about greening homes. Expanding your network to include green vendors, energy assessors, builders, designers, and other service providers benefits your clients and customers and enhances your reputation, credibility, and appeal.

Also use surge protectors for entertainment systems or other high-energy drawing electronics. Make the

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Debbie SOLD 146 Homes Last Year… Shouldn't Yours Be Next?

904-288-6236

EQUESTRIAN ESTATE Custom estate with guest house, 4+ acres MLS# 888055 $1,275,000

MANDARIN WATERFRONT Brick, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, 1.69 acres, dock MLS# 839439 $1,275,000

PALENCIA ESTATE JL Linder custom home with pool, over 5200 SF MLS# 825580 $1,245,000

PALENCIA ESTATE Exquisite estate with guest house and pool MLS# 886210 $985,000

PLANTATION ESTATES Brick beauty with bonus room, & study MLS# 868063 $575,000

WATERFRONT TOWNHOME Completely remodeled on the river MLS# 874923 $489,000

CUNNINGHAM HIDEAWAY 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, pool, plus bonus room MLS# 879350 $464,900

CIMARRONE Nicely appointed on conservation lot MLS# 868942 $394,900

DURBIN CROSSING 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, bonus room, large rear yard MLS# 885040 $349,900

DURBIN CROSSING Nicely upgraded former model home MLS# 885632 $349,900

MANDARIN Upgraded brick home on private cul-de-sac street MLS# 869005 $345,999

WHISPERING PINES/JCP 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, cul-de-sac lot MLS# 887651 $345.000

SOUTH HAMPTON 4 bedrooms, 3 baths on cul-de-sac street MLS# 887129 $335,000

SAWMILL POINT/JCP 4 bedrooms, 3 baths with office nook MLS# 886185 $305,000

BELLE OAKS 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths on riverfront street MLS# 850401 $289,900

PLANTATION GROVE/JCP Fantastic 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with bonus room MLS# 886541 $279,000

OXFORD CHASE Corner unit town home with lake view & office MLS# 886154 $265,000

SEVILLA Nice water view, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, + bonus room MLS# 886169 $249,900

Watson Realty Corp. • 12710 San Jose Blvd • Jacksonville, Fl. 32223

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Spectacular Intracoastal Views! ISLE OF

New Model Now Open • Championship Golf Resort Style Amenities • St. Johns County Schools Don't Miss Our Best Deals On These Move-In Ready Homes!

HOLLY

Lot 13 / 3 Bed + Bonus / 3 Bath / 3 Car / 3,121 Sq. Ft.+ MLS# 869514 / 162550 Oversized Main Level Bonus Room!

$629,027* SALE PRICE $579,990*

CLARE

Lot 20 / 5 Bed / 4 Bath / 3 Car / 3,161 Sq. Ft.+ MLS# 835272 / 164133 Huge Great Room Plan - Storage Space Galore!

$590,074* SALE PRICE $549,990*

DARLINGTON II

Lot 17 / 5 Bed / 4 Bath / 3 Car / 3,372 Sq. Ft.+ MLS# 849124 / 165910 Marsh View Homesite - Second Floor Bonus Room

$614,465* SALE PRICE $575,990* For more information please visit or call (904) 679-4676 Model Home Hours: Wed – Sat 10 am – 6:00 pm • Sun 12 pm – 6:00 pm Monday & Tuesday By Appointment Only

a D.R. Horton Company

Directions: From US-1 just north of International Golf Pkwy, turn onto Las Calinas Blvd and travel approximately 1.5 miles, continue through the roundabout, then turn left onto Pantano Vista Way. Continue ahead then turn left onto Rio del Norte Rd. Model home will be just ahead on the right. *Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. See your new home consultant for details. +All square foot dimensions are approximate. Pictures, elevations, features, sizes and colors are approximate for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. CBC058997 ©2017 D.R. Horton, Inc. d/b/a Emerald Homes. All rights reserved. JUN 2017

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HIDDEN HARBOUR $289,000

REDUCED! Ocean Views!

ANASTASIA CONDO $364,000

•2 Bedroom|2 Bath|1,250 SF •7th Floor|Amazing Ocean Views •Heated Pool|Gated Complex MLS:161722 Text P627899 to 52187

Sherno Broker - Associate 904-501-1989 Rob@CoastalRealtyFl.com

3942 A1A South St. Augustine, FL 32

TO VIEW LISTING ON SMART PHONE, TEX 21904.29.4.012.indd 2

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OCEAN VILLAGE CLUB MULTIPLE UNITS AVAILABLE

POINT MATANZAS $295,000 •2Bedroom|2Bath|1,045SF •Light and Bright|Tile Flooring •Screened Lanai|Amazing Views MLS:171004 Text R379433 to 52187

an oceanfront resort condo community seven miles from historic St.Augustine. Relax and enjoy the sugar-sand beach, two pools (heated/ unheated), tennis, clubhouse, fitness center, hot tub, and more!

ST.AUGUSITNE BEACH & TENNIS RESORT $234,900 • 2Bedroom|2.5Bath|1,296SF • Fully Furnished|Screened Lani • Spacious Floor Plan|Steps to Beach MLS:170748 Text R362743 to 52187

•1BR/1BA MLS:170893 $165,000 Furnished - Turn Key •1BR/1BA MLS:169655 $169,900 Top Floor - End Unit •2BR/2BA MLS:161468 $234,900 Furnished - 3rd Floor •2BR/2BA MLS:162451 $247,900 Furnished - Elevator Building

WINDING CREEK $196,900 • 3Bedroom|2Bath|1,680SF • Largest Floor Plan|2 Story • Attached Garage|Lake Views MLS:169486 Text R288746 to 52187

Huston-Robshaw Sales Associate REALTOR® (904) 806-2696 Kay.Huston@coastalrealtyfl.com

tine, FL 32080 Office: 904-471-9344

ONE, TEXT 85377 AND ENTER TEXT CODE 21904.29.4.012.indd 3

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Home Security Systems: What to Know Before Buying

Everyone wants to protect their home, their property, and, most of all, their families. In fact, market research suggests the home security business is growing at a rate of about 9 percent a year. Home security systems are not all alike, however. Some systems can not only warn you of intruders, but can also notify authorities, monitor smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and/or include video surveillance. Mot security alarm installers can provide services that include equipment plus installation and monitoring service. If you are thinking about buying a home security system, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests that you: » Get references from friends, neighbors or relatives; » Check out companies online and check the Better Business Bureau for complaints; » Verify that the contractor’s license is in good standing via the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies; » Get written estimates from several companies; » Read the fine print regarding costs, installation timeline, warranty, and an explanation of your right to cancel within three days of signing a contract; and » Ask lots of questions: 1.

Who will perform the installation and monitor the system? Some companies subcontract this work to a third party.

2. What is the contract period for monitoring? One year? More? Are there penalties for early termination? What happens if you move before the contract term is up? 3. How much does the monitoring cost? How often will you be billed?

4. Does the company call you before notifying the police? 5. How soon after the alarm sounds will you be notified? 6. What happens if the alarm company can’t reach you when the alarm is sounding? Is the alarm reset? Are the police called? Are alternate numbers called? 7.

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What happens if the power goes out? Is there a back-up battery system?

8. What does the warranty cover, and for how long? Is it from the manufacturer or their installer? 9. Who is responsible for repairs or upgrades to the system? 10. Does the company offer interactive services like smoke and fire detection, remote control, video surveillance, email notifications and special apps for smart phones?

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Buying a New House? 5 T HI NGS TO C H EC K BEFO RE MOV ING IN BY K A RA M A ST E R SON

Buying a new house is an exciting process that marks a new chapter in life. For many people, it’s fun to shop around and tour different properties. When you’re serious about purchasing a home, there are a few important parts of the property to check before you move in. 1. The Neighborhood

4. The Roof

You should feel comfortable with the quality of the neighborhood, which will influence the value of your home. Look at the condition of the other homes and check to see if people are loitering at different times of the day. The house should also be in proximity to your job, or nearby schools if you have children. Some individuals who don’t have a family may want to purchase a home in a good school district due to the impact that it’ll have on the value of the property.

The roof is one of the more costly features of the home and protects the interior setting from damage due to environmental elements. Hire a professional roofer to determine the lifespan of the roofing material and if it needs any repairs. The tiles or shingles should be secure on the roof deck, and there shouldn’t be any leaks present.

2. Storage Space The storage space that is available in the home influences how much clutter will be left out in the open. Look for plenty of storage space that is available in the bedroom closets or in the kitchen to ensure that you can comfortably fit everything that you own without feeling cramped. 3. Plumbing System Run the faucets to inspect the water pressure and ask the owners if the pipes are insulated. Hire professionals to check if the radiators are working and if the hot water tank needs to be replaced soon.

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5. Sufficient Drainage Many buyers make the mistake of overlooking the drainage on the property, but it can cause issues if not in good shape. Insufficient drainage can lead to severe structural problems in the home. Although it can be easy to fall in love with a house, there are several areas to check before making an offer to ensure that you won’t run into problems down the road. By taking the time to inspect each part of the property, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re making a good investment.

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Planting Pro:

Tips for a Healthy, Happy Tree Planting flowers such as annuals or bulbs, bushes and other plants are a great and fairly easy way to brighten up your yard and add curb appeal. And with the softer ground and warm weather, spring and summer are a perfect time to get outside and plant. But one landscaping tactic is often overlooked or not considered because of perceived difficulty: planting a tree. While planting a tree in your yard may seem intimidating, all it takes is a little muscle and some good know-how. Get your money’s worth from the new tree in your life by first planting it correctly and then caring for it while it grows.

Follow these guidelines from the expert arborists at the Tree Care Industry Association: •

Measure the height and diameter of the root ball or root spread.

•

Dig the hole just deep enough to allow the first structural root to be at level grade. The diameter of the hole should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball or root spread. Digging a proper hole is the key to proper, timely growth of your new tree.

•

Set the tree on undisturbed solid ground in the center of the hole. The tree should be planted so that the root flare, the base of the tree trunk where the roots begin to “flare-out,” will be visible above grade.

•

Backfill with soil from the planting hole, using water to pack or settle the soil around the root ball. Do not tamp soil by stepping on it.

•

Stake and/or protect the trunk of the tree if there is a real potential for wind damage or lawn-mower injury. Remove the supportive wires and materials when the staking is no longer needed or the tree could be injured or even killed. Prune to develop a good branch structure once the tree has become established

in its new home, usually 1 - 3 years after planting. Never remove more than 25 percent of total foliage in one year. •

Fertilizing is not recommended at the time of planting.

If you need help, a professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best care for your trees. Contact the Tree Care Industry Association at www.tcia.org.

• Mulch the planting area with 2 to 4 inches of organic, composted mulch such as wood chips. Do not mulch up to or against the trunk. Start the mulch six inches away from the tree trunk. •

Trees should be pruned after planting to remove broken, damaged, diseased or dead branches.

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DID YOU KNOW...

95%

UNDER 25 READ MAGAZINES 93% of consumers under age 35 read magazine media, while 95% of those under age 25 read magazine media.

1.75 Billion Magazine Media’s total audience grew to 1.75 billion in 2015, resulting in an increase of 6.2%.

The average reader spends over 51 minutes reading each print issue.

The print industry is still strong and effective, according to research in the 2016/17 Magazine Media Factbook. In addition to its number one ranking in reaching affluent influential consumers, print magazines are also the most trusted, inspiring and motivating form of media.

10 Magazines have a long shelf life, reaching 80% of the audience over a 10 week period.

With thousands of quality magazines distributed every month to your community, The Real Estate Book®’s hyper-local advertising reaches buyers and sellers in their world and introduces them to your personal brand. Are you ready to extend your exposure to the most qualified home shoppers?

To advertise or for more information, enter your zip code online at Store.RealEstateBook.com or contact your local market representative.

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5 KEY STEPS TO PROTECTING YOUR SMART HOME

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Smart homes open the doors to new technological potential, but they can also open the virtual door to intruders and hackers. As smart home technology grows, so do the risks of being hacked, which can stop some customers from adopting these amazing technologies for their homes. However, protection can make a home incredibly safe from hackers. Here are five ways to keep your smart home safe.

USE STRONG PASSWORDS We’ve all heard it countless times, but having a strong password really is the first step against hackers and is enough to keep the majority of hackers out of your devices. However, many people prioritize creating passwords that are easy to remember (or that don’t change) over their home’s security. The best passwords are a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. As a rule of thumb, change your passwords every time you add a new device to the network, or at least every few months. There are also reliable password management systems that can keep passwords rotating and safe for all your devices.

BE SELECTIVE WITH SMART HOME DEVICES The growth of smart home technology means that not every product is created equally. Before bringing something into your home that could put your privacy and safety at risk, be sure to do your research. In general, use products from brands you are familiar with— bigger brands typically have more updates and better customer service just in case hacking does occur. You’ll also want to get feedback from other people who have used the devices by reading reviews from experts and customers online. If you are unsure about a device’s safety, talk to a cybersecurity or smart home professional.

UPDATE APPS & FIRMWARE Most people generally remember to update their smartphone apps, but updating the apps and firmware in smart devices around the house can be a different story. Just like mobile apps, smart devices are constantly being updated and often come out with updates to increase performance, remove bugs, or improve safety. Using an old version of a device’s firmware makes it easier for hackers to attack because the firmware is vulnerable and not running at its full potential. Firmware and app updates are a great way to stay one step ahead of hackers and can be incredibly powerful—a 2016 update by Apple helped prevent computers and iPhones from being accessed by hackers to use as spy devices. In

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many cases, you’ll have to seek out updates by going into the app for each smart device. Making this a part of your regular home maintenance schedule and checking for updates once a month helps keep devices up to date and continually improves their safety measures.

WATCH THE WIFI NETWORK Putting smart home devices on a public wireless internet network makes them much easier to hack and makes them more visible to hackers. Instead, opt for a private home network that has a strong password and network protection. To be even safer, security experts recommend putting your smart home devices on a separate wireless network from your home computer, which greatly reduces the risk of hacking across devices. Essentially, if hackers somehow get into devices on one network, they will still have to work hard to get into the other devices.

TURN OFF UNUSED DEVICES It can be tempting to always leave every device plugged in and turned on, but doing that just gives hackers more opportunities to find a way in. Even though it can seem like a hassle, powering down your home router and computer server when they aren’t in use at night can keep your home network much more secure. Some smart home devices like thermostats and refrigerators will most likely always be plugged in, but devices used less often like TVs or wireless printers can serve as more access points for hackers if they are plugged in but not in use. You’ll save energy and keep your home safer by turning them off or unplugging them—a win-win situation. Smart home devices are powerful tools, but they must be used carefully and safely to keep digital intruders out of your home.

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LUXURY SYNDICATION AT ITS FINEST

Luxury syndication with The Real Estate Book has global reach. Luxury listings are posted daily to these great luxury brands including: *

***

International editions of The Wall Street Journal, including Asia, Europe, India, China and Latin America. Mansion Global English, Spanish and Chinese.

# Listings $450,000 and above, * Listings $500,000 and above, ** Listings $750,000 and above, *** Listings $1,000,000 and above

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WHY RENT? When You Can Buy At These Prices!

4BR • 2BA Garage Starting at $189,000

3 BR • 2 BA Starting at $150,000 Several Models On Various Lot Locations To Choose From. We Can Also Build On Your Lot!

Awesome Real Estate Inc. 21904.29.4.021.indd 12

2800 North Sixth Street, Suite 2 St Augustine, FL 32084 Office:904-429-0600 www.awesomerealestateonline.com

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Text R406978 to 85377

2,353 SF 3BD/2BA brick beauty on amazing tip lot with over half acre. Spacious home with formal living area, formal dining and large family room with fireplace. Kitchen has dual wall ovens, large pantry and breakfast room. Interior laundry room and private out of the way office. Florida room and Screened Porch overlook the large fenced back yard! $339,900 R174TM

Text P506196 to 85377

2,871 SF 3BD/2BA in quiet neighborhood on just under an acre. New flooring, fresh paint and recently updated baths. Upstairs master suite with loft and two balconies. All new kitchen with beautiful quartz countertops, 42 in cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Half sized Basketball court and 454 sf studio. Reduced to $383,900 C440TM

Text P306374 to 85377

Ground floor 3BD/2BA oceanfront unit on the south end corner! Each room offers comfortable space, fully furnished and turnkey ready to rent as much or as little as you want. Complex is in great repair and offers 2 oceanfront pools and beach walkover. $429,900 O212TM Handicapped friendly with wide halls, large master bath shower etc. Split floor plan with large rooms & closets. New carpet throughout. Re-plumbed in 2016 includes 5 year warranty. Fenced back yard with shed. New siding and exterior paint. $237,500 T160TM

Text P309620 to 85377 1,700 SF mobile home is in need of some TLC, but sits on a 1.9 acre lot off SR 16. Home offers two living areas and a fireplace. Large open kitchen with Island and large pantry. Lot located at the end of the road and is nice and private. $79,900 G95TM

Text P306378 to 85377

Teresa Mercurio, Broker/Owner | OfďŹ ce: 904-825-2700, Cell: 904-377-0 21904.29.4.022.indd 9

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904-825-2700 • 904-461-9500

Text R410930 to 85377

This Oceanview lot is in a gated subdivision near Crescent Beach. Area of beautiful homes, you can build to suit your current needs! Desirable Anastasia Island lot with community pool and walkover to beautiful St. Augustine Beach. $739,900 S546TM

Text P274058 to 85377

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Great 1,556 SF 3BD/2BA home in St. Augustine South offers a full wall, stone fireplace, dining room and open kitchen. Large master bedroom with a den off of it for home office or extra living space. Partially fenced with mature trees. $226,900 S545TM

Text P267026 to 85377

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3BD/2BA Patio Home with peaceful lake view! Gated Community has beach access, dock, clubhouse, exercise room, heated and unheated pools, RV/boat parking and tennis. Large open floor plan with fireplace and Skylights. Affordable Beach Living at just $289,900 V82TM

You must see this to believe it! Single wide with an amazing addition for large living space. Single wide is 2BD/2BA with kitchen and large dining room. Two decks off home and 2 sheds all on over 1 acre of land in the World Golf village area! $159,900 P282TM

Text P306376 to 85377 Have an investment property that you would like to rent but don’t want the headache of doing it yourself?

Contact Elsie today! Elsie Evans, Property Manager, RE/MAX 100 Realty • 904-825-2700 rentals@remax100realty.com

We have tenants requesting rentals daily and are looking to expand our inventory. Let us minimize the stress and make renting your property a pleasant and profitable experience.

4-377-0974 | teresamercurio@hotmail.com | www.buystaugustine.com 21904.29.4.022.indd 10

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904.219.9818

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Realtor Associate

Text P306236 to 85377

CASH COW! 9 UNIT MOBILE HOME PARK W/ 4 STORAGE SHED!- Well Maintained and Generating Impressive Income. Easy Rental. The Numbers Work!! $685,000

Text P789731 to 85377

OCEAN HIBISCUS UNIT W/ FANTASTIC VIEW! Offered fully furnished and turn key, this second ï¬&#x201A;oor unit has a great rental history. Well maintained complex. $298,000

Text P307295 to 85377

SPACIOUS 2/2 IN GATED COMMUNITY! Adorable home with Porch Converted To An Enclosed, Heated & Cooled Sun Room. Small Fenced Area Off Of The Side of house. $210,000

Text P789727 to 85377

DOWNTOWN COTTAGE W/ LOTS OF UPGRADES! This 1924 3 Bdrm, 1 Bath Home Has Had Lots Of Updates Over The Years And Is In Great Condition. Detached Garage. A Must See! $271,500

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ERIC BEARDSLEY

Realtor Associate

904.599.3644

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M ATTHEWCOLEREALTY @ GMAIL . COM

101 Orange St. St. Augustine, Fl 32084

BRANDON PARSONS

ERICBEARDSLEYREALTY @ GMAIL . COM

Broker/Owner 904-540-7760 Text: JaniceBrown To: 85377 to view all properties available

BRANDONPARSONSREALTY@GMAIL.COM

JANICE BROWN

Text P1130641 to 85377

TWO STORY VICTORIAN IN THE HEART OF HISTORY! Currently set up as a duplex w/ 3 bdrm and 1 bath per unit. Off street parking in rear. Great rental history! $329,000

Text P334284 to 85377

HISTORIC LINCOLNVILLE BEAUTY! 4 Bdrm Upstairs, Balcony in Rear, Huge Front Porch, Sun Room, and Original Wood Floors. Well maintained & Beautifully landscaped. $363,000

Text P318485 to 85377

Realtor Associate

904.400.1414

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MATT COLE

Text P789729 to 85377

FANTASTIC BUILDING LOT IN ST AUGUSTINE BEACH! Located Within A Few Blocks Of The Beach,This Property Offers Plenty Of Room To Build Your Home W/ A Nice Sized Yard. $140,000

Text R203828 to 85377

LINCOLNVILLE COTTAGE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO DOWNTOWN! Built In 1900 and Sitting High Above The Street Level, W/ Over 1400 Sq Ft and So Much Potential To Update. $220,000

Text P306236 to 85377

AMAZING MARSH VIEWS! This North city cottage is a truly unique offering, 2 bdrm cottage on a deep lot that backs up to a tidal creek & marsh. Unlimited possibilities! $176,500

KEY WEST STYLE COTTAGE IN ST AUGUSTINE BEACH! 4BR/1.5BA W/ Lots of upgrades and beautiful tropical landscaping. Desirable coastal community. Short walk to beach. $335,000

LETS TALK DIRT! Downtown building lots starting @ $79,900. Other lots available staring @ $1,900

LAKEFRONT VACATION RENTAL WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO OLDE TOWN! Four luxury suites available. For information about this listing visit www.vrbo.com #823472

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