Fickling of Florida Blog

Citizen’s property insurance insures Florida homes against wind storm damage.  In an effort to lower insurance premiums throughout the state, the 2009 Florida legislature passed a law addressing what types of homes Citizen’s could insure.  The biggest change to homeowner’s on St. George Island, Apalachicola, Eastpoint and Carrabelle is that any home valued at more than $750,000 and located in a wind-borne debris region must have opening protection on all openings.  This protection can be hurricane shutters, impact resistant glass conforming to hurricane code, or plywood that has been precut and predrilled for quick installation.

These notices will be sent out to all Citizen’s homeowners six months prior to their policy renewal date.  It has become a point of attention when shopping for St. George Island real estate as many homes are valued at more than $750,000 and do NOT have hurricane shutters or other protection.  Hurricane shutters can be electric or manual and can be quite costly to install.  If you are making an offer on a home that will be required to have shutters before you can insure the home (and if you are financing the home, your bank will require insurance), then you need to factor in the cost of shutters when considering your offering price.   

Aren’t we all always looking for a way to lower our power bills in Apalachicola and St. George Island? Living in Florida is not for the faint of heart, um, I mean heat. This week actually, Apalachicola and St. George Island had some fantastic days with lows at night in the mid 60’s - pull out the sweaters! It’s been a great opportunity to turn off the AC and thumb our noses at dear old Progress Energy. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t live (in Florida) without air conditioning, and I love the convenience of power in my home, and I love to see that big Progress Energy truck come down my street after even 20 minutes without electricity, BUT! They have raised their rates, again, and have me wishing we’d sprayed the attic with that new fancy insulation. In the meantime – here are some immediate things you can do to lower your power bill. I know most people already know a lot of these but it can’t hurt to remind us!

• Reserve heat-generating activities such as cooking, washing or drying clothes, and running the dishwasher until late evening or early morning, when it is cooler outside.
• Install mini-blinds or solar film on your windows to cut down on the heat from the sun.
• Switch over to compact fluorescent light bulbs - not only do they use less energy, but they produce very little heat.
• Set the thermostat a few degrees higher - most people can be comfortable with a setting of 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit; plus, you'll save 7 to 10 percent of your cooling costs for each degree above 78!

· Try using a ceiling fan or portable fan to supplement your air conditioning. A fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler and only costs pennies per hour to operate.

Don’t forget to spend as much time as you can outside and in the water. Kayak Owl Creek in the Apalachicola Forest, jump in the Gulf of Mexico at St. George Island, or borrow a friend’s pool!

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Get an appraisal. In these changing economic times you can save yourself time on the market if you do this in advance. Most buyers will be financing the purchase of your home and their bank will require an appraisal. A buyer’s lender may decide not to finance the property if the appraisal is less than contract price.

3. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

4. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

5. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

6. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

Copyright 2009, National Association of Realtors