Florida Home Maintenance Checklist: 10 Essential Tasks to Protect Your Investment As a Florida homeowner, you’re likely diligent about mowing the lawn, pressure-washing your driveway, and keeping up with basic upkeep. But what about the critical home maintenance tasks you don’t see every day—the ones that can prevent major repair bills down the road? Research shows that 60% of homeowners postpone...

5 Roadblocks to Affordable Homeownership (And Ways to Move Past Them) Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.1 According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, home prices have risen around 32% since the pandemic, and elevated mortgage rates have caused...

Ask any homeowner about what they would like to change about their home, and most will say, “How much time do you have? Home improvements (cue Tim Allen) or home remodeling projects can stem from a variety of motivations, like preparing your home to put on the market, adding space for a growing family, addressing outdated features or aesthetics, or fixing structural/functional issues with the...

In greater Jacksonville, selling your home quickly and at the right price takes more than just listing it online. To draw in potential buyers and secure top offers, your home needs to stand out. That’s where home staging may come in, in some cases. By strategically preparing your home—through redecorating, repairing, and making it look its best—you can make a lasting impression and significantly...

7 Weekend Projects to Boost Your Property Value Whether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. But you don't have to embark on a major remode l to make a significant improvement. Even minor updates can have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic, and certain renovations can even boost its future sale price. From curb...

Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far this year.2 While elevated...

The Ultimate Relocation Guide: From Finding a House to Feeling at Home in Florida The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September.1 And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to relocate remains strong.2,3 In fact, Architectural Digest recently declared “Americans are restless” after a...

Wildfires, floods, and hurricanes in the past few years have brought a historic number of devastating climate and weather events to the United States. In 2023 alone, there were 28 individual weather-related disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damages each.1 These events triggered a huge influx of home insurance claims, and analysts expect the increase in both catastrophes and claims to...

When you’ve lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space. Take it from the downsizers who’ve been there: Although living small might require some adjustments, it can also be...

One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a farmhouse aesthetic, your home is your canvas. Even so, it’s always smart to think about the long-term impact those decisions might have on your home’s value. Choosing over-personalized or unpopular materials...