Spring Listing Prep

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Organize that junk drawer!

Are you planning to list your home this spring? March 21 isn’t that far away! For homeowners getting ready to sell, now is the time to start prepping. Check out the quick tips below:

  • Straighten up your home! Put things away, organize the junk drawer, declutter the closets, and more.
  • Complete any home repairs. Include everything, big or small. Do a walkthrough and make notes of what needs to be fixed; some things can be DIY but others will require a professional hire.
  • Time to decide on a realtor! Research agents in your area, make a list of possible agents, and arrange meetings.
  • Boost curb appeal! Clean up outside clutter, repaint the fence, add some native plants to the yard, fix the roof, power wash the driveway, clean your outdoor AND indoor windows, repaint doors, or consider upgrading the mailbox. 

Valentine’s Day 2024

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Happy Valentine’s Day! Try one of these jokes to get your Valentine laughing today!

What’s Cupid’s favorite band? Kiss!

What did one watermelon say to the other on Valentine’s Day? “You’re one in a melon!”

How did the telephone propose to his girlfriend? He gave her a ring!

What Valentine’s message can you find in a honeycomb? “Bee mine.”

Why are artichokes so beloved? They’re known for their hearts.

New Listing in Marianna

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There’s a new listing in Marianna! 2815 Wynn Street is a brand new construction built in 2024. Centrally located to all of Marianna’s amenities, the home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a garage. The final construct will also have privacy fencing. There’s a lot to love about this house: beautiful stonework out front, a step-in tiled shower in the Master bath, wood laminate, and gorgeous oak trees around your home (to name a few).

Click here to visit the listing or contact Debbie at (850) 209-8039 to schedule a showing. 

Strawberry Festival 2024

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Lake City’s fourth annual Strawberry Festival takes place February 24-25th at the renowned Suwannee County Fairgrounds. The fest features just-picked strawberries in shortcakes, shakes, and more. The two-day event is family-friendly; there will be entertainment and activities for all ages. The fun never ends with live music, axe throwing, Frisbee dog shows, Monster Truck rides, kids’ games, pie contests, arts and crafts vendors, and so much more. Learn more by visiting the Festival website.

Love At First Sight: Let’s Talk Dream Homes

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It’s the month of love and falling for a house is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ loves that homeowners’ are searching for. Yet, buying the first house you look at is kind of like marrying the first person you ever go on a date with – not necessarily a good idea. Most professionals in the housing market agree that potential homebuyers view at least three houses, no matter how much you liked the first one you saw. What should you look for when it comes to searching for your dream home? 

  1. POTENTIAL: the house you see is just a house. It’s what you bring to it that makes it a home. Maybe you don’t love the color or the mock layout (why is there 4 bedrooms when you could have a home gym and an office instead?) but those are things you can change. Let your imagination run wild when doing walk-throughs.
  2. FEATURES: identify the home features that keep you coming back. Maybe you absolutely adore the wrap-around porch but everything else feels meh. Put that porch on your list – your realtor might be able to find another listing nearby with a lower asking price or with other features you want. 
  3. RED FLAGS: the first walk-through can feel exhilarating and fast. Maybe there was a bedroom ‘off-limits’ or you didn’t thoroughly inspect the house foundations. Allowing yourself to take some time between the first viewing and your offer means you’re less likely to miss something serious or end up falling for a false ‘love at first sight’ feeling.  

 

Barkus Parade & Festival

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The Mardi Gras Barkus Parade and Festival is coming soon to Riverfront Park! Since 2010, Apalachicola’s Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers has hosted this annual fundraiser parade to support the local Humane Society AND the Florida Wild Mammal Association. Did you know approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year? Events like the Barkus Parade help raise desperately needed funds to home those animals in need; animal shelters not only offer housing for anywhere from a few days to a few years but also feed, entertain, and provide health care for the animals in their care. 

So come out to this family fun event and support the wonderful pets of Apalachicola! This year’s theme is Wild West; Git Along Little Doggies. Come dressed in a matching cowboy hat and boots with your precious pup. The parade culminates in two adoptable dogs from the local shelter being crowned the parade’s king and queen. There is also a Fais Do-Do public party after the parade; it includes live music, Cajun food, local seafood, and arts and crafts vendors. The event will take place on February 24th from 11am-4pm. Learn more by visiting the event website.

Field Day Music Festival

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The Field Day Music Festival is coming soon! This annual event is a chill music festival held at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Come to Tallahassee on February 25th for a relaxing afternoon of great music, food trucks, field games, and more. Live music will be presented by The Lil Smokies, Sugarcane Jane, and Revival. There will also be a Beer Tent featuring pours from Lake Tribe Brewing. Additionally, there is an opportunity for you to enjoy the festival as a VIP; the VIP tent includes a full dinner, bar, and covered seating areas. Learn more by visiting the festival website here.

Mardi Gras at Little Village & FINNS

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Little Village & FINNS is hosting a Mardi Gras 2024 Party! Come out all weekend long (February 2-4) to enjoy live music, Mardi Gras food specials, and more. The waterfront property features indoor seating, a side deck, and a front-covered pavilion. See the live music schedule below:

  • Friday, Feb. 2nd – WOODS THE BAND 6-9pm
  • Saturday, Feb. 3rd – ANTHONY PEEBLES TRIO 10:30am-1:30pm + VOODOO J3LLY (TYLER JAMES TRIO) 4pm-7pm
  • Sunday, Feb. 4th – LEANA CARTER 1pm-4pm

FHA Home Repairs

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When it comes to securing a loan to purchase a home, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a popular option. They offer increased flexibility for homebuyers. However, homes must meet the FHA guidelines to pass HUD inspections. Click on the image to enlarge and learn more. 

Pensacola Mardi Gras Celebrations

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There are three big opportunities to celebrate Mardi Gras in Pensacola next weekend! 

On February 9th, the Krewe of Lafitte is hosting the Illuminated Parade. The largest all-male Krewe in the Panhandle, Lafitte features 300 “gentleman” pirates and 12 floats. The Illuminated Parade is the only after-dark parade in Pensacola. Learn more by visiting the Krewe’s website. 

On February 10th, come out to the city’s largest parade. The Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Parade includes more than 6,000 participants. It features local Krewes, marching bands, organizations, and Scout groups. It attracts over 100,000 in-person spectators and is also broadcast live on local TV stations. Learn more by visiting the Pensacola Mardi Gras website. 

And on February 11th, there will be a beachside parade. The Krewe of Wrecks will host its annual Mardi Gras Parade from Via de Luna to the Gulfside Pavilion. The daytime event is family-friendly. Learn more by visiting the parade website.