It's chilly out and you're going to want your hot water heater to be working properly. Draining your hot water heater annually offers several benefits for its health and performance, but there's some debate about its necessity. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons, along with a guide to the steps involved: Benefits: Prevents sediment buildup: Over time, minerals in your water settle at the...
Hold onto your swimsuits and sunglasses, Daytona Beach, because Buc-ee's is about to make a splash that's bigger than a Daytona 500 victory celebration! The beloved Texas-sized travel center giant is revving up for the grand opening of Florida's largest Buc-ee's Car Wash, and let's just say, it's gonna be a sudsy spectacle you won't want to miss. Get ready to say goodbye to dull paint jobs and hello to a...
Orlando is at the forefront of an exciting transportation innovation: highways that charge electric vehicles (EVs) as they drive. This EV highway project and it's groundbreaking technology promises to revolutionize road travel, making it smoother, greener, and more convenient for EV owners. The pilot project is supposed to take place on the Lake/Orange Expressway (SR 516). This new toll road will...
Christmas Came Early!!! Interest rates are at 6.82%! My oh my! The housing market has undergone a significant transformation since the beginning of 2021. A period of remarkable growth, fueled by historically low interest rates, peaked in October 2022 with a 27% increase in median sales price (FRED data). However, the tide began to turn as the Federal Reserve responded to rising inflation and prices by...
As a realtor, I'm fortunate to encounter many wonderful stories and heartwarming moments. But the recent sale of 6807 Vintage Lane holds a special place in my heart. This beautiful Port Orange home wasn't just another listing; it represented a chapter closing for my dear neighbor, Georgia, and a new beginning for her family. Georgia is a retired and moving back to Maryland to spend time with her two...
The idea of buying a fixer-upper can be both exciting and daunting. You see the potential for a beautiful home at a great price, but you also worry about hidden costs and unexpected problems. So, is buying a fixer-upper right for you? The Pros: Lower Purchase Price: Fixer-uppers are typically priced significantly lower than move-in ready homes. This can be a great way to get into a desirable...
If you've followed my blog posts, you'll understand that I'm always honest about the state of the housing market. Today, I have some great news for home buyers: now is the time to buy! Why do I say that? For the past two months, mortgage rates have begun to decline. They were in the low 8% range in September/October, but today they are in the low 7% range. This means that buying a home is becoming more...
In the realm of homeownership, a 4-point inspection report often holds significant importance. This specialized assessment delves into the crucial components of a residence, providing valuable insights for both homeowners and insurance providers. Let's delve into the intricacies of 4-point inspections and their role in safeguarding your investment. The Purpose of a 4-Point Inspection A 4-point inspection...
Daytona Beach tourism is down for a number of reasons. According to Volusia County, Bed Tax Collections decreased by 5.7% percent in the county. These are fees the county collects every time someone stays in a hotel, motel, or lodging in the area. This first and biggest reason is that the pandemic-fueled tourism boom is over. During the pandemic, many people were looking for an open and affordable...
The Economist Intelligence Report was just released this year. They measure the highest cost of living and determine the most expensive cities to live in every year. The cost of living survey prices rose by 7.4% year on year in local-currency terms. This is down from the 8.1% increase reported in last year's survey, but it is still significantly above the trend in 2017-2021. Singapore maintained its...