Curb Appeal for the Holidays

Beautifying those overgrown exterior spaces is not just for the holidays, but the right kind of improvements can be for year-round curb appeal.  Just as important as revamping your interiors because they are the first to greet friends and family as they arrive to your house, it's as important to have the outside of your home ready for company.  Ensure that you make a fabulous first impression by combining lush vegetation, elegant paving materials and unique decorative accents to create a single fabulous design.  

Use potted plants to add festive holiday color, and simply remove them after the holidays! 

The Marketplace Now Demands Your Home Listing Year-Round

To many homeowners, selling a home during the holidays sounds like a stressful, unproductive experience. 

Real estate trends have changed and the way consumers buy homes has shifted dramatically in recent years. There are a lot of significant reasons today to have your home listed for sale during the holidays. Here are a few reasons the Holidays won't stop the housing market. 

International Buyers Growing Stronger

The number of homebuyers from foreign nations has dramatically increased as the real estate market in the United States has improved over the past few years. These buyers won't observe the same calendar of events as most Americans. We’ve seen significant upticks in buyer showings and home sales around holiday periods that traditionally were unofficial vacation periods for the real estate industry. When the foreign buyer comes to house hunt, American holidays are often not part of the scheduling process.

American Homeowner Mobility is Increasing

Americans are far more mobile in their lifestyles than they used to be. Occupations change at a higher rate. Companies relocate more often. The many changes in technology create boom scenarios that make one region flush with jobs after another.

Homebuyers employed in these business sectors are called to move across the country at any point in the year. Their employers often reimburse them through a relocation package to sell their home and buy a new one. When they arrive in a new city, it doesn’t matter if it’s January or July. They’re going to buy a home fairly quickly.

Seller Competition Is Lighter During the Holidays

While these new crops of international and mobile American homebuyers are searching for homes at odd times of the year, home sellers are often still reluctant to list their homes during the holidays. This creates a shortage of inventory and a strong seller’s market in many cases. The home seller who is on the market in an area with very few comparable homes can often stick strongly to the price they’re hoping to get. Without a reasonable number of similar, competitive listings for buyers to visit, the seller is in a unique position of power because of the scarcity of comparable homes.

Holiday Home Shoppers Tend to be More Motivated

Take the average American homebuyer who isn’t relocating: they’d just like to buy a home in the town they live in. Those who aren’t particularly motivated by time will often take a break from searching during the holidays and start again in the spring.

Those homebuyers who remain active in their searches, however, are the extremely motivated buyers. They’re willing to alter their holiday schedules and brave bad weather to get into a home. These are the kinds of buyers that home sellers dream about. They want to move right away and are willing to spend significant money to relieve their anxiousness about getting on with the home buying process as quickly as possible.

Internet Searches During the Holidays Surge

Many new homebuyers devote a larger portion of their house hunting time during the holidays to searching online - as opposed to seeing homes in person. The added convenience of whittling down a list of preferred homes from the warmth of the buyer’s home during bad weather makes real estate website traffic kick up significantly when the overall market sales might be slowing down.

To have your home discovered during this timeframe, it must be on the market. Word-of-mouth, drive-by sightings, and other forms of direct-contact marketing diminish significantly in effectiveness during bad weather periods. Homes advertised correctly online during this time get significantly more exposure than the average home, and those sellers that are taking a break from being on the market are as good as non-existent to the online buyer.

Tips for Moving During the Holiday Season

Even if we try to plan almost every step of our life, sometimes things happen all of a sudden; life does have it’s little surprises.

Relocating is an important event that is often stressful and annoying, especially if you are moving during holidays. Moving during the holiday season can be a challenge. You may not have much choice in the timing, but if you are organized things will run smoothly.

Consolidate the Disorder

Already feeling the heat of the moment and need to get started on the packing process? If leaving most of the work till the last minute isn’t in the picture, designate one room or area as the packing station and don’t let it overflow across the rest of the living space. Try to consolidate the disorder into one spot.

Prioritize

Prioritizing when packing for a move can be a great way of keeping the home together in time for the holidays. For instance, start by going from room to room getting rid of trash and other things you know won’t be going to the new place. Then do another round making plans for belongings you may want to donate such as books, clothing, or furniture.

In the end the goal should be to keep in place sentimental possessions or belongings that make you feel at home like family pictures and other valuables, the guitar, teddy bear, and perhaps that favorite mug. Whatever it is which enriches your holiday spirit, that’s what needs to be left for last.

How Rooms/Features are Expected to Change in 2015

The great room (kitchen-family room-living room) is the most likely room to be included in the average, new single-family detached home of 2015, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Using the scale from 1 to 5 (where 1=not at all likely and 5=very likely), the great room topped the list of “very likely” rooms/features, with an average rating of 4.6, followed by walk-in closet in master bedroom (4.5), laundry room (4.2), ceiling fan (4.1), master bedroom on 1st floor of 2-story home (4.1), and a 2-car garage (4.0) (Figure 4).

A home office, 9’+ ceilings in the first floor (both with average ratings of 3.9), an indoor fireplace (3.4) and bolder colors on interior walls (3.2) were designated only as “somewhat likely” to be included in the average new single-family home of 2015. Some of the “least likely” features to be present: two master bedroom suites, a sunroom, and a hobbies room (all with average ratings of 2.2), a media room (2.4) and the living room (2.5).

Keep Toasty this Winter with Designer Towel Warmers

It can get extremely cold in the winter, even in Florida, but a great way to start your day with warmth is a designer heated towel warmer! Here are some styles that give both function and style.

How Living Rooms Are Expected to Change in 2015

An overwhelming majority of respondents do not expect the living room to stay in its current form, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Instead, more than half are expecting the living room to merge with other spaces in the home, while 30 percent expect it to vanish to save on square footage. Another 13 percent expect it will become a parlor/retreat/library or music room (Figure 3).

Kitchen Design Trend - Keep it Modern

Leading lines in kitchen cabinetry continue to be simple, straight and clean, while shelving continues to take risks. There are a mixed message of strong texture and warmth which serves to hold the aesthetics back from an uber sleek look. For traditional styles, we continue to see a simple elegance – less is more, especially in small kitchens. ​ Cabinetry clearly has more of a furniture connotation whether modern or traditional, due to the desire for an open floorplan.​ Concealed work stations are trending more than in previous years.

Donations for Project Thank You - Green Screen Photo Shoot

Project Thank You

Green Screen Photo Shoot

Landon Homes would like to thank the amazing generosity of our REALTOR Community with the many donations for Project Thank You.  This is an ongoing project and will continue to collect warm clothing and blankets for our needy St. Augustine Veterans.  

During our three hour kick-off event a steady stream of Agents dropped in to have a professional Green Screen photo shoot with Photographic Artist Chuck W. Hooper.We are excited to see how these photos will be used in their marketing.

Thank you to all that attended - the Winners of our Drawings are:

Diane Ward - Century 21 St. Augustine Properties
Nick Hadjis  - Coldwell Banker Premier Properties
Congratulations!!  We will drop your baskets at your office.

Please keep Moses Creek Estates in mind for all your buyers interested in New homes on large homesites that have room for a pool!  Home prices from the $270's.

Visit Landon-Homes.net/Moses-Creek-Estates for more information or contact Marjorie Taylor (904) 217-7402 MTaylor@Landon-Homes.net

How Average Homes will Change in 2015

The current housing market has affected the way we are building new homes. All things are being affected, the characteristics, features, and size are the main points to experience the effects of the economy. The "new home" is expected to evolve over the next few years and those changes are expected to remain, even after the economy bounces back. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the main changes to the design and structure of a newly-built home are to include: 

• The average, new single-family home will be smaller and have more green features
• The living room will either vanish or merge with other spaces in the home
• The “Great Room” is the likeliest room to be included in the average new home
• Low-e windows and engineered wood products are the likeliest green features
• A double sink, recessed lighting, and table space for eating are very likely in kitchens

The Main Broad Trends

Building professionals were asked to rank the following trends from least to most probable to occur by 2015, in order to measure which of five broad trends would be more prevalent in the next five years, the average single-family home will get smaller, it will have more green features, it will have more technology features, it will have more universal features, and it will have more outdoor living features.

Average Home Size Decreasing

Respondents expect the average, new single-family detached home in 2015 to be about 2,152 square feet, 10 percent smaller than the average size of single-family homes started in the first three quarters of 2010. Overall, 63 percent of respondents expect the average size of new homes in 2015 to be somewhere between 2,000 square feet and 2,399 square feet, 22 percent expect it to be between 2,400 square feet and 2,999 square feet, while 13 percent expect it to only be 1,600 square feet to 1,999 square feet (Figure 2).

Moving Into Newly Built Home? Follow these tips!

Moving into a newly built home is such an exciting time for any home buyer. You’ve put your stamp on it with all of the design choices and you’ve followed the building progress from day one.

But the weeks leading up to your actual move-in date can turn stressful as you face dealing with closing on your new home, while trying to sell the old one or coming up on the end of a lease. But, there are several steps you can take to help lower your stress level during this hectic time. Here are some tips for moving into a newly built home:

Ask questions during the building process.

“It’s an exciting time, but there’s a lot happening and a lot to remember,” says Beverly Bradley, a sales consultant with David Weekley Homes in Houston. “We tell clients, ‘We’re here. Call with any questions.’”

As someone who’s built a new home, I can attest to Bradley’s advice. Don’t be shy about asking your sales manager or field manager questions about what to expect. Hopefully, you’ve been keeping track of the building process. That’s a major part of the fun of building your own home and many builders update clients by phone or online (or both).

In Bradley’s case, she and other David Weekley sales managers call their clients on a weekly basis. “Communication is huge during the building process,” she says. “We take pictures of a client’s home throughout the process and post them to the buyer’s website and keep them updated on the stages of construction.”

Take notes during the final walk-through.

Usually about a week before your scheduled closing, you’ll do a pre-occupancy orientation with your builder. If you want to get a third-party inspection for an extra set of eyes on your nearly finished home, it’s best to arrange one just prior to the pre-occupancy orientation so you can go over the list with your builder. (Our New Home Guide articles, Is a Home Inspector Right for You?, has advice on what you should know about using a third-party inspector in your new home.)

During my orientation, my builder pointed out small items that still needed attention — paint touchups, adding a railing on my back patio, flipping hinges on cabinet doors, etc. These items should be provided in writing as well, since you’ll sign off on them just prior to closing. You should also receive a detailed tour of your soon-to-be home, where you learn about the home’s water cutoffs, both inside and out; dryer vents; HVAC system; etc.

It’s important to take notes (and ask questions) during this orientation as you’ll cover a lot of material, including warranty information. At David Weekley, this walk-through can take about two hours, says Bradley. “We want to make sure things are 100 percent complete.”

Be prepared for closing.

For most new home buyers — well, maybe, for most homebuyers period — closing is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the process. You cross your fingers and hope nothing goes wrong with the loan. The best thing you can do is to make sure your loan documents are in order ahead of time, as well as have a cashier’s check ready for the amount you owe at closing. If you are working with a real estate agent, he or she can help you navigate the paperwork and terminology, as well as accompany you at your closing.

Allow some deadline flexibility.

“If homebuyers can allow some flexibility with moving into their new home, then they don’t feel so under the gun if something goes awry,” Bradley says.

I was fortunate that the lease on my apartment didn’t end until a couple of weeks after my scheduled closing date. I liked having that little cushion just in case something occurred to delay the home’s completion or the closing.

Keep a checklist.

Moving to a new home brings with it an entire litany of little tasks to keep track of before, during and after the move. Using a checklist is a great way to stay on top of your move and hopefully reduce some stress along the way.

I kept a checklist that included hiring/confirming a mover and making changes of address for the post office, insurance, driver’s license, credit cards, banks, doctor’s offices, magazines and newspapers and so on. If you have children, you’ll need to arrange for school transfers, learn new bus routes or drop off/pick up times, etc. Check with your sales manager or real estate agent for a checklist if you don’t have time to create your own.

Don’t forget your utilities.

You also will have to deal with switching over or turning on the utilities at your new home, including electric, water and wastewater, garbage, cable, phone, Internet and a security system. If you have any questions on when you need to have the electric service switched to your name, check with your sales manager or field manager.

Take care of your pets.

Moving into a new home isn’t stressful just for the human occupants. Your pets feel the stress of entering a new environment, too, so make sure you have a plan for taking care of your pets during the actual move, such as having friends watch them for a few hours. Bradley advises taking your pets over to visit the new home prior to moving in, if you can, to help them get acquainted with their new territory.

Get to know the neighborhood.

When you build or buy a home in a new neighborhood, you have a great opportunity to create a sense of community with your new neighbors. “I try to encourage clients to come in and meet their new neighbors before moving in,” Bradley says. “It can give new homeowners comfort, so they feel like they’re not moving into a strange place.”

Your homeowners’ association may have various committees that you can join, such as a social or landscaping committee, to help you and your neighbors get to know each other better and to help keep an eye on each other’s properties. Or you can take a walk around the neighborhood while visiting your home to better learn the area and say “hi” to other new homeowners.

Get those keys!

It’s time to move in to your new home! Depending on your builder or your lender, you may receive your keys at closing. Otherwise, you may have to stop by your builder’s sales office to pick them up. Either way, once you have those keys, it’s time to step into your brand new home and revel in the experience of making it completely yours.

Step Outside for New Trends in New Home Building

One of the most apparent trends in home design is happening outdoors. Courtyards — both interior and front entry — are in big demand. Courtyards are a simple but elegant way for home owners to make a great first impression.

Outdoor kitchen areas have been added to the basic barbecue grill. With refrigerators, wine coolers, sinks and ample counter space, there's rarely a reason to leave company to go indoors.

Featuring "The Vilano" Floorplan, Adams Lake in Jacksonville has move-in ready homes!

Vilano Elev D with Stone Lot 21 PH 3

11403 Carson Lake Dr. SQ FT : 2123 4 Beds 2 Baths 3 Car Garage

$203,990

Adams Lake is a Deed Restricted Community located on the Westside of Jacksonville, Florida. It offers homeowners the best of both worlds. Located off Normandy Boulevard between SR23 and Chaffee Road, Adams Lake is just minutes away from restaurants and shopping and just two miles from I-10.

Adams Lake has a beautiful nature preserve and lake lots available to choose from to build your new home.