5 Holiday Splurges to Avoid If You Hope to Sell Your Home Next Year
The holidays are officially here—and while merrymaking and gift shopping are likely top of mind, you may have to keep some of those celebratory urges in check if you're planning to sell your home next year. Why? Because many holiday season activities can come back to haunt you when your house is on the market, even if it's months later.
Don't believe us? Here are five holiday splurges to avoid if you hope to have a smooth home-selling process next year. It's our gift to you! (You'll thank us later.)
1. Don't do decorations that could damage your home
Yes, we know you want to display your holiday spirit. But avoid any decor that could leave behind damage you'll have to repair later—holes in the walls, marks on the floor, screws that mar the side of the house. If you have a live Christmas tree, be careful not to let spilled water sit on hardwood or laminate flooring, which can warp and stain. And it should go without saying that you don't want to paint walls dramatic colors; save the winter wonderland mural for another year.
Think about curb appeal, too. "Avoid blow-up animals and reindeer in the yard," advises Flor Blanchett, a Realtor® atthe Keyes Company in Florida. "When you take those things out, especially in the South, they leave spots on the grass that are totally dead for months afterward."
2. Don't clutter your home with huge holiday gifts
The mantra of anyone trying to sell a home? "Declutter, declutter, declutter," says Blanchett. Don't buy a bunch of gifts that are going to have to be hidden away after the new year.
"If you have young children with toys all over the place, I advise packing it all away in a container under the stairs or somewhere people won't see it," she says.
The basic organizational rule is that you don't want your closets to appear bursting at the seams, which will give the impression there's not enough storage.
Obviously, nobody is saying that Santa has to skip your house this year, but consider forgoing the bulky play kitchen or drivable toy car in lieu of smaller action figures or electronics.
Remember: You're going to have to move all that stuff after you sell the house. You'll thank yourself at packing time if you spring for a gift certificate or jewelry instead of sports equipment or kitchen gadgets.
3. Don't buy appliances or furniture that may not fit your future home
It's another prime gift-giving no-no. Avoid shelling out for appliances, furniture, or anything that's specific to your current home's layout. Unless you already know where you're moving, that gorgeous (and large) new couch might not fit correctly in your new digs. And that sparkling new washer-dryer set is probably going to be a gift for the buyers, since appliances usually stay with the home. Grills, sheds, anything bulky—you're going to either gift it to your buyers in a few months or pay someone to move it. Save the heavy stuff for next year.
4. Don't take on too much holiday-related debt
This is not the year to live out your "new car with a giant bow on it" fantasies. Taking on debt, whether it's credit card debt or a car or boat loan, can hurt your chances of getting approved for a mortgage when you're ready to buy your next home. So, don't go out and buy expensive things; a lender will take note and it could work against you. When in doubt, ask first.
"Speak with your lender if making a real estate purchase after the sale on how much you can spend on big-ticket items," says Dillar Schwartz, a Realtor in Austin, TX.
5. Don't surprise the family with a new pet
The holidays are a common time for families to get a new furry friend—there are even adoption drives based around getting a holiday pet. However, right before you're ready to sell your house is not a terrific time to be housetraining a puppy or teaching a cat not to scratch the couch.
Showing a house with a pet can be challenging enough even when it's not a new pet, and then they're going to have to go through the wildly pet-unfriendly process of moving. However much you're longing for a cat, pup, or capybara, it just makes sense to wait until after the move. Especially the capybara.
The Flagler area does not dissapoint when it comes to Holiday Events! With Thanksgiving approaching, it's time to decorate, drink hot cocoa and embrace the season! Check out some fun events going on in and around the Flagler Palm Coast area!
During this year’s holiday season, the “World Center of Racing,” the largest lighted sports facility in North America, will transform into a holiday wonderland with the Magic of Lights™.
Daytona International Speedway is among seven cities that will host the all-new 1.5-mile long Magic of Lights holiday experience. Beginning Nov. 17 and running every day through Dec. 31st from 5 to 10 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy this new holiday drive-through tradition at Daytona International Speedway. A portion of the proceeds from the Magic of Lights will benefit Florida Hospital Foundation. Click here for tickets.
Carolers - Magical tree lighting - FREE Photo with Santa 6-8PM - Unveiling of Santa's Wonderland® - FREE cookies and McSteven's hot chocolate - FREE Craft! Decorate a Santa stocking! 6-8PM - Santa will be giving away a $25 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card to 1 lucky winner every half-hour! 5:30-7:30PM
Kick off the holiday season at the City of Palm Coast's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – which is also the first night of Fantasy Lights around the lake – at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast. The event is free. Join Santa Claus, the Palm Coast City Council and the Rotary Club of Flagler County in the countdown to the lighting of a beautiful tree, being decorated this year with sparkling lights and nautical-themed ornaments. Santa will arrive on a Palm Coast Fire Engine!
Jazz singer Linda Cole will perform holiday favorites, and children can visit with Santa. Parents should bring their own cameras for photos with Santa. Children can also do crafts and write Letters to Santa. Unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items will be collected for Toys for Tots and a local food pantry.
9 Uniondale Place and 13 Uniondale Place are for Sale - together or separately - Both are Great Duplex Lots which are located close to Town Center and Flagler Beach. Build a Duplex or Single Family Home. . Located 30 Minutes from St. Augustine or Daytona Beach, Florida. Jacksonville is 1 hour away and Orlando and Disney approximately 1 hour and a half.
Between crisp, cool mornings and chilly evenings, the start of winter presents a new set of challenges for home maintenance. The following tips will help make planning your winter home maintenance checklist a cinch!
We’re here to help you keep your house in top shape as the temps begin to drop – inside and outside.
Prepare Your Backyard Pool
While you don’t exactly need to “winterize” your backyard pool in Florida, there are important steps you can take to keep your pool healthy during the offseason. For example, vacuum the bottom, empty filters, and remove any surface debris. Take adequate precautions against algae, which can still bloom during winter months.
Inspect and Insulate Doors and Windows
As much as 7 percent to 12 percent of a home’s heating loss occurs around windows and doors. Brrr! Before winter arrives, inspect your home’s openings to ensure that they are properly sealed, and replace worn weather stripping to prevent warm air from escaping.
Prepare Pipes for Freezing Water
Frozen pipes are the second leading cause of home insurance claims in the U.S., according to the Insurance Information Institute. If you live in those parts of Florida that experience colder weather, consider insulating exposed pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting.
Foam: Insulate outdoor pipes that are exposed to cold drafts.
Dome: Install an insulating dome or cover on outdoor faucets and spigots to help prevent water inside the pipes from freezing or expanding.
Drip: On those infrequent cold days, let your faucets drip to reduce the buildup of water pressure in the pipe.
Clear Dead Leaves and Brush
Considering we’ve had a more active than usual storm season, chances are your yard and gutters are due for a cleaning. Dedicate a Saturday afternoon to clear dead leaves or brush that have accumulated around the yard, in your gutters, and on your roof. For guidance about how to properly clean your gutters, check out our step-by-step gutter maintenance guide.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Save up to 15 percent on your annual heating costs by reversing your ceiling fans to push warm air down during colder months. To do this, set your fan to spin clockwise at a low speed. Warm air near the ceiling will circulate throughout your home, reducing the need to use your thermostat.
Replace Air Filters
A dirty HVAC filter can cause your heating and cooling system to run inefficiently and drive up utility expenses. Prevent the buildup of dirt and dust and save money by inspecting air filters once a month and replacing them every three months, if not more frequently. Additionally, changing your HVAC filters will help improve the air quality inside your home.
Inspect the Attic
Do a close inspection of your attic for signs of water damage,infestation, or insulation problems that could cause serious damage to your home if left unfixed. It’s important to catch any potential issues early to prevent them from becoming a widespread problem.
By following this winter home maintenance checklist, you will be ready for a safe and festive winter.
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For 13 years, the annual Creekside Festival has invited Flagler County residents and guests to gather under the majestic oaks at Princess Place Preserve for a local tradition that celebrates the natural beauty of Northeast Florida.
Held on the shores of Pellicer Creek, the Creekside Festival has become one of the most popular festivals around, attracting more than 10,000 visitors each year. The draw? A two-day festival with family friendly activities including live bluegrass and folk music on two stages, historical demonstrations and exhibits, arts & crafts vendors, a scarecrow-decorating contest, beer garden, a kids' zone, hay rides, a train ride, pony rides, amazing food vendors and much more, all in a picturesque natural setting.
Admission is $7 per carload per day.
Hours are Sat 11/11 from 10am-5pm, Sun 11/12 from 10am-4pm.
With 436 people holding hundreds of American flags, Flagler County has established a record for the largest number of people waving an American flag in one place. The American Flag Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was established in November 2014 by Palm Coast residents Nikki and Larry White, with the mission “to hand out one million flags a year in America,” Larry White said.
The event was held at the conclusion of the Freedom Fest, a two-day event at the airport. For more information, visit theamericanflagproject.org.
Zumbathon Raises $1,000+ for Breast Cancer Research
Hosted by MPower Fitness and Crazy Sock Divas, the Party in Pink Zumbathon charity event was held on Sunday, Oct. 29, at Flagler Palm Coast High School.
The event raised $1,125 to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation for breast cancer research and prevention. Eight Zumba instructors led two hours of dancing with over 75 people.
Source: Palm Coast Observer
High and Dry Saltwater Canal Home! Completely renovated inside and out! This home is located on a wide canal, plenty of turning room for larger boats. Quick access to the intracoastal waterway. New Roof, freshly painted inside and out, new Hardie board siding accents. Crown molding throughout, 18 inch tile in living areas, brand new carpet in bedrooms. Bathrooms renovated, granite kitchen with upgraded cabinets and new stainless steel Samsung appliances. Knock down ceiling finish, new interior doors and hardware. All new lighting and ceiling fan fixtures.Tongue and Groove pine exterior ceilings, new patio screen enclosure, over sized lot with 100 feet of waterfront, mature tropical landscaping with irrigation. Ultra crete drive way and front entry, painted garage floor.
This is a great open floor plan to take advantage of the saltwater lifestyle, close to shopping and restaurants. Schedule your appointment today! Call Donna Tofal at 386.569.8000 or Jay Pivnick at 561.373.1207
This week you'll find our Executives at Food Truck Tuesday, Celebrating Veteran's Day, Welcoming Santa and more! There are plenty of things to do in Palm Coast this November!
As we prepare for colder weather, the City would like to invite you to the final Food Truck Tuesday of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 21! Come out and enjoy the delicious food, family-fun activities and warm weather while it lasts.
Food Truck Tuesday will be from 5-8 p.m. along Park Street next to Central Park in Town Center. The address of Central Park is 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast. Each Food Truck Tuesday, presented by the City of Palm Coast, features free entertainment, fun activities for children and a variety of food trucks. DJ Vern will be the live entertainment for the evening. This month's Food Truck Tuesday will benefit the City of Palm Coasts Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund. This fund was created to help low income children participate in summer camps.
Veteran's Day
November 10 & 11
Flagler County’s Veteran’s Day ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 10 will feature Army National Guard Brigadier General Mike Canzoneri. The event will be held at the flagpole of the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell.
The City of Palm Coast will honor America’s Heroes on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, during a ceremony at 8 a.m. at Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Pkwy. NW, Palm Coast (1/2 mile west of the Flagler County Library). Speakers for the event will be U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, who represents District 6; Col. Jack Howell of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 808; Edward Beier of American Legion Post 115; and Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland.
The National Park System includes more than 84 million acres and is comprised of 413 sites including national parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national battlefields, and national seashores. There is at least one national park in every state. During the fee free days, all National Park Service sites will waive their entrance fees for all visitors. Usually, 124 of the 413 national parks charge entrance fees that range from $3 to $30. The other 289 sites do not have entrance fees. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.
Santa's Arrival at Bass Pro Shops
November 11th 5 - 8 p.m.
Carolers - Magical tree lighting - FREE Photo with Santa 6-8PM - Unveiling of Santa's Wonderland® - FREE cookies and McSteven's hot chocolate - FREE Craft! Decorate a Santa stocking! 6-8PM - Santa will be giving away a $25 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card to 1 lucky winner every half-hour! 5:30-7:30PM
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Palm Coast Fire Department will be offering a free Car Seat Safety Check event at Palm Coast Fire Station 25, 1250 Belle Terre Pkwy. No appointment is necessary.
Firefighters who are trained as car seat technicians will check to make sure car seats are installed properly and to the manufacturer and vehicle specifications. Bring the car seat manual and vehicle owner's manual, if available.
For those who are unable to attend the event, but would like to arrange a free Car Seat Safety Check on a different date, please call the Fire Department at 386-986-2300 to schedule an appointment. These checks can be done at any of the City's five fire stations.
Students in kindergarten through sixth grade will enjoy Thanksgiving holiday fun at Palm Coast Parks & Recreation's Fall Fun Camp from Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 20-22. The program will be offered 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at Frieda Zamba Pool classroom, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast. The cost is $25 per day, and extended afternoon hours are available for an additional charge. Sign up for as many days as you'd like! Registration is now open at www.palmcoastgov.com/camps or in person at the pool office. Students will enjoy fun-filled themed activities such as arts and crafts, stories, and recreational games. Campers bring their own lunch and snack.
Food Truck Tuesday 
