The Real Estate Book of North Central Florida

JASPER

JASPER

Cover Home

traditional Southern Estate with an inviting front porch overlooks gorgeous rolling acreage! 4 bedroom, 3 baths plus 2 half baths. Large first floor master retreat with sitting area and large bath. Thermador appliances in the light, bright kitchen with breakfast room. Enormous fireplace in the family room. Whole house generator. Heated & cooled salt water pool. Irrigation system. 4000 square foot shop/garage with 1 bedroom apartment. It’s all here waiting for your family at the top of the hill! This home would also make a charming Air-BNB or Bed & Breakfast that guests will absolutely love! Another perk... this home is just mere minutes to the beautiful local springs and rivers, including Head Springs! MLS#116498. $1,100,000

READY FOR YOU

a

new kitchen

NEW flooring, NEW appliances, stone

a cozy feel and many more

this home,

the

own private pond

Oak

Lake

This remodeled 5 bed 2.5 bath home boast engineered wood floors, new cabinets, new roof, new paint, tape and textured walls, and much more. All this on a paved road under majestic oaks. South of Lake city but easy drive to Gainesville

HOUSE HUNTING doesn’t have to be this di icult.

FALL HOME PROJECTS

1 2

Home improvement projects may not be the first things on your to-do list this fall, but you may want to add a few items to that list (maybe after “book holiday travel” but before “buy new soccer cleats for the kids”) to help prepare your home for the chillier months approaching.

If you’re relatively handy, you can handle many these check-ups yourself; if not, have a trusted home repair pro (ask neighbors for their recommendations) come out and take a look. The process should be quick and easy, and if any repairs are needed, you can start coordinating those ASAP.

CHECK YOUR ROOF

The summer’s sun exposure – plus general wear and tear since the last time you had your roof checked – can cause roof and siding materials to warp, chip and more. Look for any cracks or other damage; it will be much easier to fix these issues now than in the midst of winter if it starts to leak or is otherwise damaged.

SWEEP THE CHIMNEY

If you plan to use the fireplace this fall and winter, make sure the chimney is clean and in good shape. (And make sure no squirrels or other critters have taken up residence inside!) A blockage in the chimney can cause a fire or other hazards and be an inconvenient mess. Get ahead of any smoke- or ash-related issues by giving the whole set-up a good cleaning.

CLEAN THE GUTTERS

Yes, fall will drop a ton of freshly fallen leaves into your gutters no matter what you do, but getting ahead of that can prevent water damage and other high-cost repairs. Take some time (or, better yet, have a handyman come by) to check your home’s gutters for dead leaves and other potential blockages. If there are any, have them cleared them out so water can properly drain.

LOOK AT THE WEATHERPROOFING

Doors and windows should be sealed against the elements with weather stripping and/or caulking. These protective materials keep nasty weather out and the heat in – cracked, chipping or otherwise damaged seals can cause much higher energy bills as you lose heat to the outdoors. Also check that doors and windows are properly attached to their frames, with no gaps or cracks.

EXAMINE YOUR FLOORS

Summer’s heat and moisture (thanks, humidity) can cause signs of wear and tear in floors, especially if you have real hardwood flooring. Scratched, dull or damaged floors can be sanded down and refinished; more substantial damage, such as loose floorboards or deep scratches, may call for replacement boards.

Jackie

Lake City,

of

parks,

welcomes visitors inside. The home is being

for everyone including a home office.

Taylor McCrary

FORT

PROVIDENCE

Candice

LIVE OAK. Spacious home on acreage! Take a look at this 5 bedroom 3 bath home on 19.8 acres! Located minutes from downtown Live Oak. This 2021 home has 2368 sq ft. and looks brand new! Bonus room could be additional 2 bedrooms (making it 7 bedrooms!), office space, kids playroom or additional family room. Large bedrooms and closets. Acreage is fenced with some cross fencing in place for animals. Beautiful wrought iron automatic gate and gravel driveway. Not all sheds convey. No flood zone. Farming allowed. MLS#117318. $430,000

LIVE OAK. Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath on 4 fenced acres with 26 producing pecan trees that are approx 100 years old! Hardwood floors, a family room PLUS living room with wood burning fireplace. Off the family room you'll find a Florida room currently used as game room. Covered front and back porches are the perfect spot to enjoy the view and relax by the pool! 2 car garage, multiple outbuildings with power providing space for camper, boat, lawnmower & tools. RV hookup with concrete pad water/sewer hookups & 50amp service. MLS# 117379. $325,000

gorgeous

fully

transfer

upcoming

next

already been secured! This will bring approx. $12K. At current rental rates this home

a

year payoff. Deer and turkeys regularly visit these 5 stunning acres. There is a bonfire pit with permanent benches and the possibility of adding additional camp sites for more rental income. MLS#117208.

Text

Text RBJGRJK to 52187

Chani

GIVE YOUR HOUSE FALL CURB APPEAL

The blaze of red, gold and orange is Mother Nature’s note that fall is here. Make your home one that says “welcome” to all with some fall touches that also add great curb appeal. The best part is that most of the elements are ones you can gather around the house and near where you live. And if your home has a for sale sign out front, nothing is as captivating to a buyer’s eye as a home with the warmth of fall colors.

LEAVES AND LAWN

An emerald lawn is never as beautiful as it is with a smattering yellow and red leaves, but there can be too much of a good thing. Keep up the maintenance on your lawn by keeping it trimmed and leaves raked from the grass and blown from the sidewalks and driveway. Be sure to keep up with edging, and trim up any dead limbs or branches from trees and shrubs so the yard looks tidy and attractive.

In your planting beds, add a mix of fall flowers. Even just of few inexpensive and abundant mums planted near the porch entry will perk up the house and the landscape. Give your mailbox some attention with a garland of fall leaves and a pot of mums at the base.

GUTTERS AND FIXTURES

Keep the roof and gutters neat with frequent cleanings. Doing so will make your home look better and also help prevent damage from backed up gutters over the winter. Give your home’s lamppost and light fixtures a wash and polish. Outdoor fixtures that sparkle are always a part of wonderful curb appeal. You may also want to add a decorative element, wrapping a light pole with dried corn and fall florals.

FRONT DOOR/STOOP

More than any other place on your home, your front door conveys a message of welcome. If it needs a paint touchup, grab the paintbrush before the cool temps settle in and while you still have a warm afternoon or two left to get the job done. Add a new doormat and a grouping of fall accents to draw the eyes of passersby. A seasonal wreath on the door will add a nice touch, as will some pumpkins, a lantern with a candle, and urns or a pot with a mix of fall plants.

Create your own fall planters using the landscaping design credo of fill, thrill and spill. Try an urn with some tall fall grasses, a mum or colorful proton or decorative cabbage and a plant like creeping jenny or English ivy to spill out of the container. A punch of green, like the chartreuse potato plant, will bring a spark to your planters and your door.

EXTRAS

Add some inexpensive burlap pillows to chairs or porch swing. For the adventurous, carve out pumpkins and fill in with mums and fall plants to create a fun fall grouping.

LIVE OAK (SUWANNEE COUNTY)

MAYO (LAFAYETTE COUNTY)

WELLBORN (SUWANNEE COUNTY)

LAKE CITY (COLUMBIA

On the fence about selling?

Unsure how to begin the home selling process? Get your home sold fast by enlisting a professional real estate agent found in The Real Estate Book.

Reasons Why Your Home

WON’T SELL

covered in a home warranty?

There are several home existing home warranties. have purchased (or

By Ilyce R. Glink & Samuel J. Tamkin

By Ilyce R. Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin

1It looks drab in photos. Since the vast majority of home

polished. Remember, the closer your house looks to the homes featured on HGTV and Bravo, the more likely you’ll be to attract an offer.

If you don’t want or can’t to spend the money on a professional stager, consider watching a few staging videos online. You’ll find out that you need to clear out the clutter, clean off the countertops, clean out closets, get rid of things you don’t need or use, and make your home clean looking, spacious and attractive. I have posted several before/after staging videos at ExpertRealEstateTips.net that you

and most of the companies Home warranties are replacement of a home's The basic plan typically plumbing and heating with many appliances. items from the list of things sure that you buy the right However, most home warranty add coverage for additional

Some warranties will of a specific period of and you pay for a service days later, you won't have same problem.

For example, if you pick may include additional freezers, pools and spas, appliances and home systems. specific costs for each additional plan. You may also encounter platinum, gold or silver)

Be sure to read the fine specifically under each

No one knows it’s there. These days, your property needs the widest possible exposure in order to sell. Online marketing should include a Web site that has the property’s address as the URL (you can sell it to the buyer as part of the house deal) and as many photos, floor plans and video

Keep in mind that home year and you'll pay around plan. But the home warranty working order on the date agreed to). They won't broken) at closing. So, if machine is on its very last buy a home warranty plan machine the week after

Interestingly, for those plans now cover the cost locks. With this rekey benefit home will have new keys warranty from day one.

Offline marketing needs to be topnotch as well. You’ll want to spread the word in the neighborhood, at the office, at your children’s schools and through friends and colleagues. This isn’t the time to be shy.

Your house won’t pass

If your house looks great, but the faucets leak, the windows don’t lock, the ceilings have water stains, and the furnace is on its last legs, buyers may decide to make an offer on the next house. If you are lucky enough to secure an offer, failing a professional home inspection is one way to lose the only offer you may get.

Before you whip out reviews about these companies, them online, check out long they have been in that do business in your minimum, their registrations should be current. When pay close attention to negative a pattern indicating potential

If you're looking for your favorite internet search warranty companies." You'll comparisons of various

R. Glink and Samuel

taking your home off the market until the economy improves.

3There’s no “Wow!” factor inside. Once you get buyers inside the house, you need them to be wowed by what they see. Hiring a professional stager can work wonders, turning a “blah” interior into one that looks sleek and

Hire a professional home inspector to give your home a thorough inspection before you list it. That way, you’ll know in advance where the trouble spots are, and can take care of them before the first buyer crosses your threshold.

If you know what your home’s problems are, you should try to fix those issues well before listing the home for sale.

©2022

Samuel J. Tamkin. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency,

Very nice 4 bedroom, 2 bath home located on paved road in peaceful neighborhood. MLS#117162 -$115,000

ASHLEY HINGSON - 386-590-0348

Lovely brick home on 2.5 acres with new shingle roof put on in August, lots of flowers and fruit trees. MLS#116036 - $249,000

NELDA HATCHER - 386-688-8067

Stunning property! This 4 bedroom, 3 bath gem is completely remodeled. 0.51 Acre lot.

MLS#117036. $299,900

NICOLE STUBENRAUCH - 386-688-4924

ANITA

Ranch style home on 14.86 acres, with beautiful Live Oak trees through out property.

$499,995

ASHLEY HINGSON - 386-590-0348

78.5 acres minutes from Live Oak with paved road frontage. Beautiful cypress pond on the north side.

$550,000

KELLIE SHIRAH - 386-208-3847

Unique 3 bdrm, 3.5 bath ranch home on 15 acres. Please see MLS#117388 for additional land. MLS#117387. $625,000

NICOLE STUBENRAUCH - 386-688-4924

AIR-BNB OR BED & BREADKFAST

excellent location

and cooled salt water pool. Also

apartment. 2 master suites, one

springs

IF YOU’RE PLANNING A NEW GARAGE, GO BIG

the home three years before, and Dr. Larsen and his wife trusted me. Little did they know, I had no clue how to build the three simple walls needed for the small new bathroom.

By Tim Carter

Do you want to build a new wall inside your home?

I’ve built several garages for myself, my daughter and clients that have gotten pretty close to the dream level. It’s not hard to do, but it does require a little more space than you might realize.

Perhaps you're trying to create a new small space for a home office or hobby room, or maybe you have a bigger appetite and are transforming a dank basement into a finished living space. But you have no idea where to start. I've been there. I've experienced your anxiety.

To solve any planning problem, you must start from the inside and work out toward the outer walls. You can do this with simple 1/4-inch graph paper. A simple sheet that’s 8.5 inches by 11 inches will accommodate your perfect garage. Each block can represent one foot in your plan.

I survived with the help of a few phone calls to my boss. It was a humbling experience as I discovered you don't know what

You can't always do this in an existing home, especially if the ceilings in the room are finished with drywall or plaster. As you tilt the wall up, it binds against the ceiling. If you're challenged by a finished ceiling, you'll most likely have to install your top and bottom plates, making sure the plates are

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor.

how cramped it is between the side of your car and whatever is stored along the wall.

above

alignment

pipes and ducts

It's vital spaced so your center of a minimize the of drywall off so you can Sixteen inches standard for Don't fret opening for you just need My recommendation your new pre-hung it at your rough opening measurements

Measure of the door where the attached to the door. Add measurement.

I suggest we solve the garage width issue first. The biggest thing that goes in most garages is a car or truck. My neighbor once tried to get his powerboat and trailer in his garage at an angle and got frustrated in a hurry. He was fuming, but that’s a story for another day.

Every now and then it's interesting to go back in time. I clearly remember having to build my first partition wall inside a house. I was a soaking wet-behind-theears carpenter working for a small remodeling company. One of my college professors, Dr. Larsen, had asked me to install a half bathroom in his home. I had no idea what to do, so I told him that my boss could do the job.

Once the simple plans were drawn and the contract signed, I was sent to my professor's house to start the job. I had painted the outside of

Cars are bigger than you think. My 1969 VW Beetle was over 13 feet long. My current pickup truck is almost 21 feet long. My truck width with the side-view mirrors out is almost 9 feet. My car’s width is close to 7 feet 6 inches. Most car and truck doors swing out about 3 feet. Do you see where this is headed?

You’d be wise to incorporate 10-foot-wide garage doors that are 8 feet tall for starters. If you’re going to have two doors, make sure there’s 4 feet of space minimum between the two openings. This allows you to open the car doors and not bang them into the one in the other bay.

Let’s talk about the sidewalls of the garage. You already know you need 3 feet of space to open a door, but now you need to think about what’s stored on the wall. Garbage cans can be 30 or 36 inches deep or in diameter. Go into your existing garage and see

you don't know. Keep in mind this was decades before the Internet and YouTube. You have no idea what an advantage you now have when you have to educate yourself about how to repair and build things around your home. Count your blessings!

Consider a narrow 6-foot-wide overhead garage door for the rear wall to give you easy access for lawn equipment going in and out.

You’ll quickly come to the conclusion that you need at least 5 feet of space from the garage door opening to the inside surface of the sidewall. You may get by with 4 feet, but you’ll eventually shake your head at not going for the 5 feet. Add all these numbers up and you’ll discover that your garage foundation should probably be 36 feet wide.

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor. Once all the studs are nailed to the bottom and top plates, we tilt the wall up and secure it so it doesn't fall over.

The depth of your dream garage is simple. Once you do some math, you’ll see that it should be no less than 30 feet deep. This gives you lots of space for a workbench, bikes, garden tools, etc. A garage 34 or 36 feet deep approaches dream dimensions.

Here’s a list of other things that will make your garage one that friends and neighbors will salivate over. Install radiant floor heat. You can create the needed hot water with a simple water heater in almost all cases. Be sure the ceiling height is no less than 10 feet. This allows you to put in a small storage loft that hangs out over the hoods of your vehicles.

Consider a narrow 6-foot-wide

plumb in the same plane. You'll then cut each wall stud to fit snugly between the plates and toenail them in place. Drill angled pilot holes in the ends of the wall studs for the nails. Use no less than 3-inch-long 16d sinker nails to connect the wall studs to the plates.

overhead garage door for the rear wall to give you easy access for lawn equipment going in and out. Install floor drains under each vehicle and slope the concrete floor so snow melt runs into the drain and doesn’t pool against the garage doors. You’d be surprised how many building inspectors will permit these floor drains. Install on the house wall a hose hydrant with both hot and cold water so you can hose things off with warm water and wash your car indoors in the winter.

If there is no ceiling, you can tilt the wall up so long as you orient the wall in the same direction as the floor joists above. You simply make sure the top of the wall rises up in between two parallel floor joists. Once the wall is vertical, you can then slide it into position under

Don’t let the space above the garage go to waste. Build the roof using full attic trusses. These create a massive room above the garage. With creative planning, you can easily incorporate a full regular staircase leading up to this room rather than the steep pulldown staircases. This is where you’ll put all those things you’re storing offsite.

Don’t skimp on electric outlets, for goodness sake! Think about where you’ll have a workbench and provide for plenty of power there. Be sure to put an outlet on the wall in between the two front garage doors. This outlet will come in handy when you’re working on something in the driveway. Think about 240-volt outlets in case you like to weld or have other heavy-duty electric needs.

©2022 Tim Carter. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

of your rough much the frame hang the door. In be trimming when you you want just between the the top of your You can height of the just one-quarter the factory Trust me, the install over drywall will gap between and the bottom ©2021 Tim Carter. Content Agency,

HOW TO FIND A HOME REPAIR SERVICE

Ahome is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make. Protect your investment by taking care of repairs quickly and properly. When you have a routine maintenance problem that you don’t have the time or skills to tackle, a home-repair or handyman service can help. These services are generally less expensive and faster than general contractors, who often focus on topdollar gigs like home building and remodeling.

It can be scary to invite a person or crew into your home to do work, especially if you won’t always be around to keep a watchful eye. It’s important to find a home repair service you can trust to provide prompt and quality work. Whether your project is as small as painting one room or as big as rewiring your whole home, follow these steps before hiring anyone.

Get written estimates.

Finally, get written estimates (these should be free) from a few companies before choosing one. Be sure the companies are bidding the same specs for the project so you can compare apples to apples. While reasonable pricing is important, going with the lowest price isn’t always the best bet. A poor repair job will cost twice as much when you must pay to fix mistakes. When working with a new-to-you repair person, particularly someone who doesn’t come with recommendations from people you know well, you might want to give him or her a test run on a small project.

Talk to friends and neighbors.

First, ask neighbors and friends for recommendations, preferably for someone with whom they have a positive, ongoing relationship. If that doesn’t net results, check peer-review sites, such as Yelp or Angi, or do an online search for “home repair” or “handyman services.” Make a list of at least three companies, and call the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against any of them.

Ask for references.

Next, ask the candidates for references. Ask these customers if they felt the service provider was prompt, courteous, professional, affordable, fair and trustworthy. Ask to see photos so you can judge the quality of the work. It’s best to interview customers who hired the contractor for a project similar to the work you need.

Outline your agreement clearly.

Hire only a repair service or handyman who is insured, bonded and licensed or knowledgeable in the type of repairs you need. Before they begin even a small job, get a written contract that outlines the terms of your agreement, including timeline, fees and warranties. Without this step, you’ll have a much harder time recovering your expenses if the handyman doesn’t deliver as promised.

Annette

Realtor

LAKE CITY

JASPER