5 Fall Tips for Outdoor Lighting

  As we transition into the fall months here on the Emerald Coast, we may not experience the same cooler temperatures and changing colors as our friends up north, but we do share one common characteristic: shorter days. That's right, the sun rises later and sets earlier, which means limited daylight. So, if you're planning to list your home this fall, it's crucial to consider your exterior lighting to ensure a warm and inviting atmosphere even during those darker hours. Plus, let's not forget that proper lighting can also serve as a theft deterrent. Let's dive into some fantastic fall outdoor lighting tips to enhance your home's appeal:   1. Embrace Solar LightingSolar lighting is a smart and sustainable way to showcase your yard's landscape and illuminate paths and walkways. Just remember to position your solar lights in areas that receive abundant sunlight during the day, so they'll have ample energy to shine bright when the sun goes down.   2. Highlight Your Patios and DecksIf you're fortunate enough to have a patio, deck, or gathering space separate from your home, don't miss out on the chance to create a stunning border with lights. You can string lights along the railings or even consider lights that fit within your patio umbrella. These umbrella solar light sets, available at your local hardware store, add a charming touch and provide delightful accent lighting, even if the umbrella won't be staying with the house.   3. Avoid Window GlareTo ensure your home looks its best, avoid shining lights directly on the windows. Glare can be distracting and hinder your home's overall appearance. Instead, strive for well-balanced lighting that complements the architectural features without causing clashes between different light sources.   4. Get Creative with UplightingUplighting is a clever technique that involves positioning lights at an upward angle to make your home appear larger and draw attention to its unique architectural elements. For the best effect, try uplighting from both sides of the house, creating a captivating and balanced look.   5. Prioritize SafetyDon't forget to incorporate lighting that promotes safety on your property. Make sure any steps or inclines are well lit to avoid potential accidents or injuries. By strategically arranging lights for safety, you'll provide peace of mind to potential buyers and showcase your commitment to a secure living environment.     By following these tips, you'll enhance your home's curb appeal and create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the fall season. But why stop there? We're here to support you every step of the way on your journey to selling your home. Contact Us today for more personalized and expert advice on how to make your home stand out in the market. Let us share additional strategies and insights to help you achieve a successful sale. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your home shine brighter than ever before. Reach out to us now and let's make your selling experience a breeze!

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Lacking Curb Appeal? Try These 5 Budget-Friendly Tips For Sprucing Up Your Exterior

You probably already know this, but we are trending towards a buyer's when it comes to real estate.  While the inventory of available homes for sale is still lower than historical averages, it has been steadily on the rise.  This means that buyers have more choices and can be selective in their search process.   Fear not however, there is still a huge amount of demand in the marketplace and properties are selling for strong prices every day.  The bottom line is, if you have been considering selling your home, now is still a great time to do so. But something to think about before putting your home on the market is how it appeals to potential buyers. Doing a little refresh to make your home more attractive can pay off in the long run, and while the interior is usually what leads to getting an offer, it's important to consider the exterior too. You always want potential buyers' first impression to be a good one, so it makes sense that would start with the outside.  So here are five budget-friendly and simple ways to up the anty on your home's curb appeal:   Since the front door is usually the first thing someone sees when they are viewing your home, going for a bolder color can help it stand out above the rest. But make sure when you are choosing your color that you pick one to compliment the exisiting exterior features, not one that clashes with them.    Any siding, especially light colored siding, gets dirty after a while. It can also bleed color onto any adjacent brick. However a little pressure washing will give your siding and brick a fresh new look. If you haven't pressure washed the house in some time, you might be surprised how good it looks when you're finished! Don't own a pressure washer? No problem! Check out your local hardware store where you can typically rent one for under $50!   Has your mailbox seen better days? Maybe it's a little rusted, has a few dents, or maybe it just doesn't go with the overall look of your house anymore. Replacing it may feel like a big project but believe it or not, you can buy a new one, post and all for under $100.    If your front porch is in need of some color then try adding flower boxes. Pick out some flowers that are eye catching and add tasteful pops of color to your exterior. You can put them in your windows or along the edge of the porch for a little added oomph.    It's important that your house number is on display where people can readily see it. This not only helps potenial buyers to find your home, but when you do it right it can compliment and enhance your exterior. The options are endless when it comes to number styles and finishes so make sure to keep in mind your overall look when making your selections.    Well, there you have it, five budget-friendly ways to enhance your curb appeal and keep you in the forefront of the house selling competition. If you are looking for more personalized tips on how you can help boost your home's appeal to potential buyers or have just begun thinking about selling your home, we would love to help. Contact us today for more tips! 

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Rebuilding Costs: A Fresh Perspective on How Much Homeowners Insurance You Really Need

When it comes to buying a home, there are many financial and planning responsibilities. Unfortunately, many of us lack the expertise when it comes to home repairs and insurance coverage, and that's where things can get tricky. Think about it, being a teacher, first responder, investment banker, or office staffer doesn't automatically make you an insurance expert or a construction guru. Yet, as homeowners, we're expected to carry a certain level of insurance coverage without truly understanding what it entails. Often, we end up settling for insurance that merely covers the purchase price or blindly follow someone else's advice. But those approaches could leave you in a tight spot when disaster strikes. Total Replacement CostsThere's a significant difference between your home's purchase price, assessed value, and the total cost to rebuild it from scratch. Take a moment to let that sink in. What you paid for your home and its assessed value have absolutely nothing to do with what it would actually cost to rebuild in the event of a total loss.  Construction costs are determined by market prices, including building materials and labor expenses, which can vary from one region to another. Add to that the unpredictability of material shortages and shifting wages, and you've got a recipe for potential headaches. National averages for home construction range from $117 to $125 per square foot, but keep in mind that these figures are ever-changing. When you're rebuilding a home after a catastrophic event like a hurricane, tornado, flood, or fire, it's not just about the construction costs. There are other factors to consider. The damaged property needs to be cleared, and that comes at a cost. You might need to obtain building permits and licenses, which means additional expenses. And let's not forget about securing architectural blueprints and designs—another expense on your plate. Then there is the challenging permitting process, which might force you to find temporary accommodation while your home is being rebuilt. As you can see, there are plenty of unforeseen expenses. Consider "Specialty Buidling" CostsIf you happen to own an older home with high-quality materials that are considered specialty items today, you can bet that replacing them will be pricier than using common building materials. Think about those elegant rounded archways or charming plank-board floors—they add character but can come with a hefty price tag. It's crucial to take these factors into account when determining your insurance coverage.How Do You Recalculate Homeowners Insurance?It's time to roll up your sleeves and get down to some number crunching. Calculate the square footage of your home and compare it with average construction costs in your area. Don't forget to factor in those specialty items, permitting expenses, clearing and removal costs, and any other hidden surprises that might arise. As a rule of thumb, add an extra 10-20 percent to be safe. Surprisingly, insurance experts estimate that the average home is underinsured by as much as 22 percent! Imagine having to cover those overages out of your own pocket once the coverage limit is reached. To avoid that scenario, don't hesitate to consult reputable home builders or insurance experts who can guide you through this process.   Remember, full coverage means accurately accounting for all the rebuilding costs. Your home deserves the protection it needs, and you deserve the peace of mind that comes with it. So, if you're curious about finding reliable home builders or insurance providers who can help you navigate these complexities, don't hesitate to Contact Us. We're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your home and your financial future are safeguarded. *Sources:  https://www.insurance.com/home-and-renters-insurance/coverage/how-to-calculate-home-replacement-cost-value https://www.fixr.com/costs/build-single-family-house 

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