Whats Up St. Augustine?

What are your plans for this weekend? Need ideas of fun things to do? Here you will find a few things each week that you can do in or around St. Augustine. All events are FREE unless otherwise noted. If you would like to have your event added, please send me the like to the event.



Friday, 2/23
5:00-10:30 pm - Opening of the 33rd Annual Cathedral Festival. (paid admission)  
                         http://thecathedralfestival.com/
8:30-12:30 pm - Denny Blue at Ann O'Malley's.

Saturday, 2/248:30-12:30 pm - St. Augustine Amphitheater Farmers Market.  https://goo.gl/a6N4df
10:00-4:00 pm - Ancient City Cat Show - 1300 Duval St., St. Augustine - Over 125 pedigreed cats and kittens will be judged!!
12:00-2:00 pm - Public Threat Defense Event- Know what to do and how to react in a critical situation. ATA Karate America, 3440 US 1 South., Behind old City Subs. FREE!!
5:00-7:00 pm  - Keto Mixer @ Florida Get Fit. https://goo.gl/rqnCVX Come check out Keto lifestyle by Prüvit that puts you into ketosis in less than an hour!!!! So many benefits!
7:00-11:00 pm - Ray Cutters DANCE Party @ Florida Get Fit. https://goo.gl/nfrGP9 Join the St. Augustine Rug Cutters at Florida Get Fit on Saturday, February 24 for a lesson and open social dancing. No partner necessary! We can play just about anything with our Spotify system, so bring your song requests, too.



ON GOING

Old City Tours: St. Augustine Tours on the Water 2018

Dolphin Safari $29
Happy Hour Cruise $29
Ghost Boat $29

Get 50% off with this code: OLDCITY, Book here www.oldcitytours.us

 
MORE TO COME soon!
UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, 2/27
5:30-7:00 pm - Home Ownership Social. Don't forget this event! Especially if you are curious about how to go about buying instead of renting! RSVP with me today! 904-806-1401 for more information. https://goo.gl/aAd8gd


Saturday, 3/3 11:00-1:00 pm - OPEN HOUSE -  World Golf Village https://goo.gl/2NqH3E

How to Stay Focused While House Hunting

House hunting can be an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are our top tips for staying focused while on the hunt for a new home.

Know Your Non-Negotiables

It is important to understand what you would like in a home versus what you need. When searching for a home, you should be clear on the things that are non-negotiable deal-breakers.

As the name suggests, this should be a list of features that are absolutely required. If you have your heart set on a walk-in pantry or wrap-around porch, but can live without them, then leave them off of this list.

Non-negotiable lists typically encompass maximum price, minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms, general square footage, and type of home (e.g. condo, single family). If you require a certain part of town due to school districts or commute concerns, then put it on the list as well. 

Know Your Preferences

While searching for a new home, it is important to keep an open mind and remain flexible. However, it is still advisable to have a clear sense of what you want. So, after you know your deal-breaker items, you can then create a list of what you would prefer in a home. For example, do you desire a fireplace, or hardwood floors? Would you prefer dual sinks in the master bedroom, or a daylight basement that could be converted to a rental down the road? Do you plan on doing any renovations, and if so, what is your budget? Would you prefer turn-key, or are you prepared to put some work into the home?

Figure out how important each of these features are to you, and what you would be willing to compromise on. 

Take Notes

We suggest taking notes while you continue your house hunt as a helpful to keep track of what you have seen while house hunting.Your notes should help you recall details of each home you have seen, without features blurring together or being forgotten entirely.

So, what should you write in your notes? Some ideas include how you feel when you walk into the house, what you love, what you dislike, what repairs are needed, any hidden expenses or maintenance costs, and any other features that stand out to you. Don’t forget that you can (and should) take pictures, too!

Whatever your style, just be sure to take notes and track your experiences with each house so that you can recall with more accuracy later.

Pro tip: Organize your non-negotiables and home preferences (from tips 1 and 2) into a spreadsheet or checklist you can use for each property you visit. This gives you an objective, consistent way to compare each home and stay organized.

Review Your Notes

What good is taking notes if you aren’t going to review them? Be sure to review your notes regularly, analyze the information you have obtained, and revise your list of preferences. Over the course of house hunting you may realize that your preferences aren’t realistic for your price point, or that you really don’t have your heart set on vaulted ceilings afterall. By continually reviewing and revising your priorities, you will be more focused and efficient.

—

Finding the right home takes time, and there are dozens of factors to consider. However, these tips should provide some help with keeping focused while house hunting so that you can make the most informed decision.
website: http://dreamcasa.org/

3 Tips to Keep in Mind on Your First Home Purchase

If it’s your first time buying a house, you’re going to get a lot of tips and tricks from your friends and family who have gone through the process of home-buying– but which ones will work for you? As you begin to look for a home for the first time, keep these basic tips in your back pocket so that you’re well equipped and ready to handle anything that comes your way.

Only bite off as much as you can chew.

Let’s be real, buying a house costs a lot– so unless you have a lot of cash saved up, you’ll need to get a home loan. To get an idea of how much you can afford, real estate experts suggest that your monthly house expenses (such as: mortgage and maintenance) shouldn’t be more than 28% of your gross monthly income.  To get a more detailed analysis, consider asking a lender for a mortgage pre-approval. A mortgage pre-approval factors in how much of a loan you can afford if you happen to qualify for one.

Know what you want and when to compromise.

When you begin house hunting, knowing what your deal breakers are for the home that you want to settle in will help narrow down your home search.  Reasonable deal breakers include price, size, and location. Most home buyers will be lucky to have all three deal breakers. If you find a home that you absolutely love, but happens to be a bit off on your deal breaking list (due to the price or some minor details) it’s in your best interest to still consider the home as an option; you would have to definitely assess your financial and personal circumstances in this situation. The key is to also allow for some flexibility, but think long and hard about what you’re willing to compromise.

If there are things about the home that you feel must be fixed before you move in, your contract will lay out contingencies– in other words, needs that must be met before you close.  The seller then decides if they are willing to move forward with these guidelines, and both parties will move forward accordingly. While it’s important you find a home you love, remember that it’s hard to find one that’s 100% perfect.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Between the contracts, real estate lingo, and financial planning– there’s a lot that goes into a real estate transaction.  If you feel overwhelmed or confused, it’s completely normal.  Don’t ever feel embarrassed to ask questions– it would be worse to get yourself into a bad situation simply because you didn’t have the nerve to do so.  A good real estate agent makes it their business to help you understand the entire process and to make sure you’re comfortable with everything going down.  However, don’t rely so heavily on having a real estate agent that you fail to read important paperwork.  For example, neglecting to read an important contract can cause you stress down the line when you learn you signed off on a plan that increases your HOA fees every month.  Bottom line, it’s always wise to take your time learning the process and to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable.

website: http://dreamcasa.org/

Meet Three New Neighborhoods Located in World Golf Village St. Augustine

Windward Ranch

               If you’re looking for a single-family home in a neighborhood community, look no farther. This new community has a beautiful resort style swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness center and playground perfect for a growing family. It’s located down the road from I-95, the St. Augustine Outlets and Premium Outlets, and only a 15-minute ride to the beach. Public Schools: Mills Creek Elementary School, R.J. Murray Middle School, and St. Augustine High school.

TrailMark

               Want to live in a neighborhood but also want the secluded nature feel? TrailMark is the place to be. This new community has oak tree hammocks, nature trails, and even a kayak launch located on Six Mile Creek. With a fitness center, lagoon style pool, and a pavilion you’ll never run out of activities to explore. Not only does the neighborhood have all these awesome amenities but it is also conveniently located to I-95 and just minutes away from downtown historical St. Augustine and the beach. Public Schools: Mills Creek Elementary School, Pacetti Bay Middle School, and Allen D. Nease High school. 

Park Place

               With no CDD fees and alluring views, Park Place is an excellent place to call home. Every home either backs up to a peaceful pond or a natural preserve. Its easy access to I-95, beaches, and the local schools making it a perfect community for you and your family. Public Schools: Mills Creek Elementary School, Pacetti Bay Middle School, and Allen D. Nease High school. 

5 DIY Bathroom Improvements You Can Tackle in Just One Weekend

Aside from the kitchen, an updated bathroom is something almost all buyers sniff out when shopping for a home. But a complete bathroom renovation can prove to be quite costly and time consuming. Don’t stress! Below are some incredibly easy and inexpensive DIY fixes to help you add some serious value to your home.

Change up the lighting.
Outdated light fixtures can make a bathroom look ugly and dingy. By replacing just one light fixture, you can really bring life back into the bathroom. Depending on what kind of lights are in your bathroom, there are a handful of designs you can choose from. If you have vanity lighting above the mirror over your sink, consider putting in some stylish sconces or hanging lamp fixtures. If you have a light that is hanging from the middle of the ceiling, find a modern, industrial fixture or a more creative lantern shade. If you aren’t sure what style you want, take a stroll down the light fixture isle at a home improvement store– you’ll find more than a few options.

Get creative with storage.
Boring towel hooks and over the toilet shelving are total snooze-fest to buyers. Help your home stand out to buyers by installing fun, untraditional shelving like hanging baskets on the wall or a free standing ladder to hang neatly folded towels over. Instead of plain towel hooks, find a cool re-purposed coat hook and mount it on the wall. While it’s important to get creative with your designs, make sure you aren’t going too wacky with your storage designs– you still want the room to appeal to a wide demographic of buyers.

Install a towel warmer.
Nothing says luxurious living like stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a fresh, warm towel. Believe it or not, you don’t have to live in a fancy mansion to enjoy such luxuries. Towel warmers are fairly inexpensive and easy to install. Buyers will be thrilled to find a new towel warmer in the bathroom and will assume the bathroom is new and updated. Other inexpensive things you can add to your bathroom to make it more luxurious? Invest in some fluffy, expensive- looking towels or a pretty soap dispenser. These little touches can help buyers imagine how luxurious the bathroom will be when they use it every day.

Frame the mirror.
This is probably one of the simplest things you can do to give your bathroom the style it needs to appeal to buyers. Unless the mirror in your bathroom is cracked or damaged, there’s no need to spend the money on a brand new one. Just take the mirror’s measurements and buy appropriately sized wood pieces to frame it with. With so many styles and finishes, you can really get creative with the wooden frame. A framed mirror can help a boring bathroom look clean and refined.

Upgrade knobs and handles.
Worn down, outdated handles and faucets can really put a damper on a bathroom. Even if your appliances aren’t necessarily new (replacing old cabinets and sinks can be quite costly), updated fixtures can make them appear new and appealing. Consider replacing sink faucets and shower heads with updated, more styled fixtures. If buying new handles and faucets really aren’t in your budget, you can paint your already existing ones! Painting fixtures with a darker, matte chrome finish can give your bathroom the boost it needs to stand out to buyers. Don’t forget to paint handles, and any metal pieces that may be framing your shower or sink.

Would you consider upgrading your bathroom yourself? Tell us what you think in the comment section below. If you’re thinking about remodeling your home check out this article on smart ways to modeling your home on a budget

website: http://dreamcasa.org/

Tags: DIY Home Designs, Selling Home Tips

Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze With These 5 Easy Tips

Some people look forward to Spring cleaning all year long. They’re ready to tackle all the clutter that’s built up in their garage, basement or anywhere else. Warm weather also means you can finally go around the house and comfortably give your home a good cleaning both inside and out.

Does this sound like you or are you one of those people who dread Spring cleaning? If so, it’s probably because you’re doing things the hard way. Before you take on this year’s spring cleaning, consider these tips for your annual routine. We’re confident they’ll help you not only do a better job but you’ll do it so quick and easy that you’ll have a good time as well.

1. Store your winter clothes the right way

The high temperatures are coming, which means goodbye to all your big jackets, thick socks, and other clothes that kept you warm all winter. Instead of just tossing it all in bags or boxes, consider using large plastic storage containers. We’re talking about the ones with snap-on lids that you can find at Target, Wal-Mart, and just about any department store.

We recommend plastic containers because they’re the best way to keep your stores clothes from collecting dust. The bigger containers can also keep plenty of clothing inside if you store them the right way— rolling. Doing so (instead of folding) saves more space while reducing the amount of wrinkles and creases the clothes will have when you take them out again later this year.

2. Equip yourself with a cleaning kit

A lot of people set themselves up for a hectic Spring cleaning experience right from the get go. If only they knew that with a little preparation they could significantly reduce the amount of running around the house they do while cleaning. To avoid this, whip up a cleaning kit that you can carry around with you from room to room.

While this tip sounds like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised by how many of us spend our cleaning time going around looking for the cleaning spray downstairs, the dusters inside the garage, etc. Make things easier for you by tossing together a carriable kit with brushes, sponges, sprays, and everything else you’ll need to get the next task done.

3. Throw a yard/garage sale

Have you ever watched one of those hoarding shows on TV? The ones where people with excessive hoarding problems receive treatment and help. One of the reasons they’re so popular is because deep down inside we find seeing a junk-stuffed house getting cleaned up very satisfying.

Your place is probably nowhere near as crazy as people who suffer from compulsive hoarding disorder. Of course, most people approach springtime with way more things than they need thanks to the holidays. Instead of stressing over where you’ll keep all your old stuff, consider selling some of it in a yard sale. You’d be surprised by how much extra cash you can make by selling stuff you don’t need to people who do.

4. Focus on one room at a time

One way to overwhelm yourself while spring cleaning is by trying to clean everything at once. Whether you have a big house or small home, you’re more likely to tire yourself out and leave unfinished jobs if you go from one side to the other instead of taking on one room at a time.

By staying in one room at a time you’re reducing the chances of getting distracted. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself with a half-finished bathroom all because you couldn’t resist giving the microwave a good cleaning. And since you were already in the kitchen, you went ahead and scrubbed the tile counters as well. Focusing on one room at a time also lets you separate your spring cleaning into different days instead of trying to do it all at once.

5. Listen to your favorites while you clean

Let’s face it: not everyone is counting down the days until their spring cleaning session with joy. The thought of scrubbing, sweeping, and wiping your entire place doesn’t sound nearly as fun as going out or relaxing in front of the TV. But since it’s something that has to be done, you may as well do things to make it go faster.

The age-old tip is to listen to some of your favorite music while tackling those dirty toilets and tubs. With today’s technology you can even set up your smartphone or tablet to play your favorite shows or movies for you to listen to (not watch!) while you work. You’d be surprised by how much quicker the cleaning process goes when you’re listening to a good podcast or Youtube channel.

—

Want to learn more tips to help out your Spring cleaning this year? Check out how to Spring clean your home the environmental responsible way.

website: http://dreamcasa.org/ 

Tags: Home Improvements, House Maintenance

What You Should Think About If You’re a Millenial Buying Your First Home

While much of the world perceives millennials (also known as, “Generation Y” or “Gen Y”) to be fun seeking, tech-savvy, and an experimental bunch; many of you are starting to settle down and giving more serious thought about the future. As the older members of Gen Y are entering into your thirties, it’s only natural that many of you are shopping for a first home for your young families. According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2015, 30% of home-buyers were millennials with the median age being 30 years old. In a world where millennials are used to receiving instant gratification, buying a home is in no way a “quick-buy”. So a friendly word of advice to all you millennials reading this, you must take your time and seriously consider whether or not you’re financially fit for such a purchase.

Think about loan programs you can take advantage of as a first time home buyer.

With so many millennials up to their necks in student loan debt, it can be hard to even fathom being able to afford a home, let alone qualify for an FHA loan. If you’re one of the many millennials questioning whether you can afford a home in this day and age, then you will be pleasantly pleased to know that you may qualify for an FHA First Time Home-Buyer’s Loan. If you’re not familiar with the home buying process, here’s a bit of clarification: in order to buy a home, the buyers have to be prepared to provide a down payment. The exact amount of the down payment can vary, but more often than not, it ends up being 20% of the home’s selling price. When applying for an FHA loan (first time buyer or not), it’s very important that the potential buyer is in tune with his or her current financial standing. Lenders look at a buyers’ paper trail; in other words, the buyers’ credit score, current income, and on-going monthly bills. While an FHA First Time Buyer’s Loan may make it possible to put less than 20% down on a house, it may not always be the smartest choice financially; the lower the down payment, the higher the mortgage rate can be– not to mentioned you would also have to pay for a private mortgage insurance (PMI). While some of you millennials would be able to budget for such a mortgage, it may prove to be too overwhelming for others.

Think about affordable locations you can buy a home in.

Typically, urban areas are known to house the more socially outgoing and younger generations as it offers an active nightlife and faster paced lifestyle. Yet, as metropolitan areas become more and more expensive to live in, if you’re a millennial trying to search for a home, you’ll find that the only way to afford to buy a home is away from the city and into suburban neighborhoods. At first, this may not seem ideal to you, but you’ll find that it is probably the financially smart move– especially with gas prices being lower, commuting to the city is a lot more affordable than it has been in the past. Moreover, as more and more millennials search for homes to buy and filling up suburban neighborhoods, more independent shops, cafes, and other small businesses are popping up too. So if you’re in the market to buy a house, don’t let the expensive home prices in the city stop you from finding your perfect home. Do check in suburban areas that are on the rise, because you may just find everything that you’re looking for.

Are you a millennial looking to buy a home for the first time? Tell us about it in a comment below.
website:http://dreamcasa.org/

Tags: First Time Home Buyer, Mortgages, Real Estate