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 Has your A/C worked hard this summer? Have you found yourself checking the A/C breaker because your home is suddenly too warm and find that it needs to be flipped(or is it tripped?)? There are some things that you as a homeowner can do to maintain your unit and keep it in excellent working condition.

1. Make sure that the exterior unit is free, meaning that there is not a cover on it and that there isn’t anything obstructing it from pulling in air to cool for  your home.
2. Check your filters – dirty filters are less likely to push through cold air than clean filters.
3. Confirm that your thermostat is set on “Cooling” mode versus “Heating” mode.
4. If your freon level is, check to see if there is a leak.
5. Annual check-ups are not a bad idea. These check-ups can find small problems and fix them before they become big and expensive.

It’s summer time! And the best word coupled with summer is “vacation”. If you have planned a trip that will last longer than two or three days, you will want to make sure that your home is safe and secure. Here are some tips that will help you out:

• Make sure that all of your electrical equipment, such as TVs and computers,  are unplugged. This conserves energy (and your electric bill).
• Unplug the water hoses to your washing machine – if these break while you are away, the water damage would be tremendous.
• Turn your water heater to a low setting.
• Disconnect to garage door so that it cannot be accessed from the outside
• If you have pets that need to be taken care of while you are gone, make sure that you give the pet-sitter a key versus leaving it under a door mat or in a flower pot.
• Remove perishable foods from the refrigerator.
• Ask a neighbor to put out your garbage on garbage day.
• Don’t close up the house all the way. While you are gone, you don’t want people to think that your house is vacant. So, instead of shutting your blinds tight, leave them open a crack. Or you can leave a car in your drive way, or ask a neighbor to park his or her car in your drive way while you are gone. You might also want to consider leaving a radio on. These things make it seem like someone is still in the house while you are away, which will shy intruders away more than a house that definitely looks vacant.
• And finally, make sure to lock all of your doors.

Have a great summer!

As a Seller, you want your home sold as soon as possible. But what can you do to sell your home fast? The answer is to Stage it. Home Staging brings in experts to fill an empty home and make it look beautiful and inviting. (Staged homes have Home managers that live in the home and keep it fresh and clean while it is on the Market.)  Staging a home is a great way to show buyers the potential of the house. In fact, according to statistics, Staged homes sell faster than comparable vacant homes that are on the market. If you want to try something that could sell your home fast, take a look into Home Staging, it doesn’t hurt to try.

 Fourth of July is Around the Corner!

July Fourth is almost here! And that means lots of events and fireworks. Here is a list of local  events being held this Sunday July 4, 2010.

• American Pie 4th of July: This event is held in Orange Park at the Mossehaven Retirement Community  and includes a pie baking contest, food, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and a fireworks show
• Family Freedom Festival: This event, held from 11 AM to 4 PM includes food, music, dance performances, and  multiple family activities including Tug-Of-War.
• Fernandina 4th and Families Festival: Held in downtown Fernandina Beach, this event has everything from pie contests to kid’s activities to music, and a firework show.
• Fourth of July Celebration: Held in Middleburg, Ritz Carlton, and St. Augustine, this celebration’s highlight are the firework shows.
• Freedom, Fanfare, and Fireworks: In downtown Jacksonville at the Metropolitan Park. It has the largest firework show and plenty of food and music.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!

How would you like to Pick Your Next Neighbor!    

We have recently Listed the home located at 685 Porta Rosa Cirlce  in Murabella at World Golf Village.    We are writing to you to ask for your help in locating a Buyer for this Beautiful Home!   In other words, you can help us find your new neighbor.  This immaculate home is not a Short Sale and offers 4 Bedrooms and 3 1/2 Baths,   over 2285 square feet of living space.   This home offers a spacious floor plan with the Owner™s Suite downstairs.   Pride of ownership through out the home, featuring plantation shutters, fans and neutral colors.   A large lot with a 25×20 screened lanai and tile flooring not including in the square feet of the home!   An amazing Resident™s Center with tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, volley ball, and a fitness center.   The amenities also include a full size lap pool, kids pool area and water slide.   There are plenty of restaurants and shopping with the new Publix and Outlet Centers close by.   The elementary, middle school and high school are Grade œA schools.  As you know living in the World Golf Village community there is a lot to offer residents.  This is an Immaculate Home that is priced right and anyone you suggest would be thankful for your recommendation.  You can also see the Virtual Tour at www.Obeo.com/609387 or on our website at www.SeeStarner.com.  Please contact us if you can suggest any friends or acquaintances that might want to be your neighbor.   You may reach us at (904) 436-1432 or CStarner@TopProducer.com.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!  

Sincerely,  

The Starner Team  

 Hurricane Season is here!

Hurricane season  officially started June 1st. But what does that actually mean? It means strong winds, heavy rains, and major flooding. So what can you do to be safe and prepared?

1. Be aware: Most major hurricane disasters occur because of lack of awareness.

2. There are different Hurricane Hazards: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. The best way to be safe is to have a plan that incorporates each of these hazards.

       a. Storm Surge: Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. Storm surge also affects rivers and inland lakes. Coastal communities are most at risk for this type of hazard.

       b. High Winds: There are 2 types of winds: Tropical Storm force and Hurricane force. Tropical storm-force winds are strong enough to be dangerous to those caught in them. Hurricane-force winds can easily destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.

       c. Tornadoes: Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes that add to the storm’s destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.   However, they are also often found  elsewhere embedded in the rainbands, well away from the center of the hurricane.

               Tornado Facts

• When associated with hurricanes, tornadoes are not usually accompanied by hail or a lot of lightning, clues that citizens in other parts of the country watch for.

• Tornado production can occur for days after landfall when the tropical cyclone remnants maintain an identifiable low pressure circulation.

• They can also develop at any time of the day or night during landfall. However, by 12 hours after landfall, tornadoes tend to occur mainly during daytime hours.

       d. Flooding: When it comes to hurricanes, wind speeds do not tell the whole story. Hurricanes produce storm surges, tornadoes, and often the most deadly of all – inland flooding. Inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of miles from the coast as intense rain falls from these huge tropical air masses.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       What can you do?

• When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding.
• Determine whether you live in a potential flood zone.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Keep  aware of road conditions through the news media.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
• Do not attempt to cross flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Develop a flood emergency action plan.
• Have flood insurance. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.   Do not make assumptions.   Check your policy.

Also,  one  of the most important things you can use is your  common sense.

Have you ever heard of the  American Lifestyle magazine?

This  bi-monthly, 50 page  magazine is truly a treasure. The pictures are bold, crisp, and inviting.  The articles inside will intrigue anyone. For example, there are articles about where sound effects came from, a family who lived it’s dream, and an easy way to refresh your furniture without breaking the bank. And, the best bonus are the recipe cards that are included with every issue!

If you are interested in receiving these captivating magazines, please give us a call!

 The weather is warming up, the grass is getting green again, and flowers are sprouting. Do you know what that means? Spring is here! Here’s some tips on “Springing” up your home.

• Open your windows: The weather is nice enough and the spring breezes will refresh your home from the musty winter smell.
• Have a Garage Sale:  Again, the weather is beautiful, and it’s a great opportunity to sift through some of the stuff you’ve been meaning to clean up.  
• Simple Decorations: Stores like Michael’s and even Wal-Mart and Target have some really great spring time decorations, whether it’s faux flowers or a sign to set in your front yard.
• Spring Cleaning: Now is the time to get down and dirty because we hibernated in the winter Get outside and clean up the garden. Or if you don’t have a garden, now is a great time to start one. If you don’t want to work outside, inside projects are always good, such as some hard-core dusting or even those improvements that you’ve been waiting to do.

Now, of course there’s a ton of things to do to “Spring” up your home, these are just a few to get you started. And, who knows, you might be inspired to do more.

10 Things to do in Your Own Backyard!

1. Shop at the Outlet malls in St. Augustine – The Prime and Premium Outlets have a wide variety of stores for all kinds of shoppers.
2. IMAX Theater at World Golf Village - Get ready for the  movie experience of your life!  
3. Adventure Landing - Right next to the Premium Outlet mall in St. Augustine. If you don’t feel like shopping, stop in for a wide variety of arcade games,  Mini-Golf, Go-Karts, and more!
4. St. Augustine Ghost Tours - Ever wonder if ghosts still roam St. Augustine? Well, you can find out with the various Ghost Tours offered in Downtown St. Augustine.
5. World Golf Village Hall of Fame - This Hall of Fame is ever golfer’s dream!
6. A Walk Down St. George St. - Not only is St. George St. packed with unique shops, but it’s a different experience every time you visit. Don’t forget the great sweet shops and cafes!
7. A Walk on the Beach - We live in Florida, who doesn’t like going to the beach? Anastasia Beach in St. Augustine is a beautiful, clean, and relaxing place to go. Bring food and make a picnic day! Don’t forget the sunscreen.
8. World Golf Village World Class Golf - Have you ever wished you could golf on the same golfing fields as famous golfers? Well on this golfing field you can. Hurry and get your clubs!
9. Rita’s - Have you ever been to the beach on a hot day and wished you had something to cool you down? Well Rita’s is the place to go. Rita’s offers Italian Ice, Ice Cream, Mistos, Blendinis, Custard, Ritaccinos, Gelatis, and Slenderitas.
10. World Golf Village Shopping - Shopping in World Golf Village is about as varied as St. George St. You can find whatever you are looking for in the World Golf Village Shopping Center.

 What is curb appeal?

Put simply, curb appeal is how eye catching a house is from the first glance. For example, people are generally drawn to a home that has a trim landscape and complimenting decor rather than a home with an unkempt lawn and gaudy embellishments.

How can I gain and maintain curb appeal?

• A great way to gain curb appeal is to keep your lawn, with our without extra decorative plants, neat, trim, and fresh. The first thing most people notice first is the lawn. If you feel that your lawn is empty, plant some flowers or shrubs to spice it up a bit.
• A small Bistro set is a great way to gain some curb appeal because it is very inviting.
• Now decorations, or lack thereof, are not the only things that contribute to curb appeal. Just a clean front is an eye catcher. For instance, if toys litter the lawn, the appeal immediately goes down. Garbage cans, empty or not, on the curb  also bring the appeal down.
• Maintaining curb appeal is simpler than it sounds. Just remember to keep things clean and fresh.