Fall Home Decor

By: CB Isaac Realty

Who doesn't just love fall? We're back with another post to feed your fall enthusiasm with these 9, fall inspired decorations for your home. We have also included links where you can purchase these items if you'd like, and most of them are affordable and reasonable priced (apart from one high end item.) We hope you enjoy your reading!

1. The first item on this list is this table runner - perfect to spice up the dinner table for fall family get togethers. This table runner comes in various shades, the more earthy ones being the most popular for this time of year. The terracotta shade is my personal favorite - I think a few pieces of greenery or a vine decoration over the top of it would make the color stand out even more. It's 10 feet long and made of a cheese cloth material. No matter the size your table, this would be a great decoration! 
2. Next up we have this beautiful ceramic vase. This would look perfectly set up on a dining room table or kitchen island with some nice seasonal flowers arranged inside of it. The glossy and ribbed exterior set apart from the unpainted, textured bottom enhances the earthy tones of the vase.
3. This dried flower bouquet collection is number three on the list. This set gives off the perfect boho autumn vibes, curated with pampas grass, preserved eucalyptus, dried roses, oats, dried palm leaf and more. The natural colors of the arrangements are great for this time of year but will look good in your home all year round.
4. Number four on this list is this beautiful woven throw blanket. Not only is the cotton material going to keep you warm when the nights get chillier, it will look amazing, draped over your sofa or across your bed when it isn’t being used. The dark background color makes the lighter colors stand out so much more, and the fall details are adorable.
5. This Jamie Young butterfly mirror is by far the most expensive item on the list – but it was too beautiful not to include. The details of the butterflies around the mirror are phenomenal. It would look amazing over a fireplace or in a foyer as an extra dimensional piece.
6. You can’t go wrong with pumpkin decorations during this time of year. This set of 16 assorted small faux velvet decorative pumpkins will make a great addition to your fall décor collection. There’s enough in this set to have a good collection of pumpkins for around the house. The colors vary but complement each other so well!
7. I just know this Witches Brew candle smells amazing! This 16oz 3-wick candle consists of soy wax that is lightly scented with fall essential oils derived from concentrated plant extract, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves. This candle gives off such a cozy autumn vide – I’m adding it to my cart immediately!
8. This next candle by Better Homes & Garden is the tried-and-true versatile décor. The simple glass jar allows you to place it anywhere you like, seamlessly blending with and enhancing your existing décor no matter the color. The wooden wick of the candle crackles when lit, giving the environment the ultimate cozy feel. The scents we recommend are Soft Cashmere and Amber and Farm Apple Pumpkin.
9. Last but not least, this beautiful wall art painting by Marilyn Hageman. Changing your wall art is so simple but makes the biggest difference in the overall vibe of your home. Adding a simple painting with some early colors, such as this painting, can help enhance the autumnal feel of your space.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading. Let us know if you decide to purchase any of the items we recommended by messaging or tagging us on our Instagram or Facebook.

October Activities in the Area

Welcome to fall! Here at CB Isaac Realty, we put together some of our favorite activities in the area that you and your family can enjoy all October long. 

Keystone Heights Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin patches are a great way for the family to get in the fall spirit. The Keystone Heights Methodist Church will have a large selection of pumpkins, Instagram-worthy photo ops, and activities for the kids. The Pumpkin Patch will be open Sunday 12-7pm, Monday-Friday 12-7pm, and Saturday 10am-7pm from October 6th-31st, 2024. 

Hollow Oaks Corn Maze

The Hollow Oaks Corn Maze is a great way to get ready for Halloween. They offer their infamous maze with interactive games, hayrides, photo opportunities and plenty of fun activities for the kids. The Oaks Hollow's goal is to create a classic scare experience that the whole family can enjoy in a fun environment. Check out their website for details. 

Crossroads Farm & Apiary Fall Festival

This fall festival will be open from October 5th - November 3rd, 2024. Come out on the farm for food, fun, and games!

Amazing Grace Family Farms Fall Festival 

The Amazing Grace Family Farms is the perfect way to celebrate fall with the ones you love! Come out and enjoy activities that the whole family will love while creating priceless memories. They will open Friday, October 4th - Saturday, November 2nd. Check out their website for tickets and more details. 

Boo At the Zoo!

Santa Fe College is hosting its 28th annual Boo at the Zoo. The students and staff at Santa Fe College in Gainesville transform the zoo into a spooky but safe trick-or-treating event for the whole family. Admission to the event is one canned good or non-perishable item per person. The canned goods collected help two local charities that feed families in need around our community. This event takes place on October 31st, 2024. 3 - 7pm. Check out their website for more information.

Don’t Fall for These Real Estate Agent Myths

When it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you’ll work with as your agent. That choice will have an impact on your entire experience and how smoothly it goes.

As you figure out who you’ll partner with, it’s important to know what to expect and what to look for. Unfortunately, there may be some myths holding you back from making the best decision possible. So, let’s take some time to address those, and make sure you have the information you need to find the right agent for you.

Myth #1: All Real Estate Agents Are the Same

You might think all agents are the same – so it doesn’t matter who you work with. But, in reality, agents have varying levels of experience, specialties, and market knowledge, which can have a big impact on your results. For example: you'll get much better service and advice from someone who is a true expert in their field. As Business Insider explains:

“If you were planning to get your hair done for a special event, you'd want to visit a stylist who specifically has experience doing that type of work — you wouldn't make an appointment with someone who primarily does kids' hair. The same concept applies to finding a real estate agent. If you have a smaller budget, you probably don't want to work with an agent who exclusively sells multimillion-dollar properties.”

Take some time to talk with each agent you’re considering. Ask about their experience level and what they specialize in. This will help you find the one that’s the best fit for your search.

Myth #2: You Can Save Money by Not Using an Agent

As a seller, you may think you can save money by not working with a pro. However, the expertise, negotiation skills, and market knowledge an agent provides generally saves you money and helps you avoid making costly mistakes. Without that guidance, you could find yourself doing something like overpricing your house. And that’s a misstep that’ll cost you when it sits on the market for far too long. That’s why U.S. News Real Estate says:

“When it comes to buying or selling your home, hiring a professional to guide you through the process can save you money and headaches. It pays to have someone on your side who's well-versed in the nuances of the market and can help ensure you get the best possible deal.”

Myth #3: Agents Will Push You To Spend More

You may also be worried an agent will push you to buy a more expensive house in order to increase their commission. But that’s not how that should go. A good agent will respect your budget and work hard to find a home that truly fits your financial situation and needs. With their market know-how, they’ll point you toward the best option for you, rather than try to pad their own pockets on your dime. As NerdWallet explains:

“Among other things, a good buyer’s agent will find homes for sale. A buyer's agent will help you understand the type of home you can afford in the current market, find listed homes that match your needs and price range, and then help you narrow the options to the properties worth considering.”

Myth #4: Market Conditions Are the Same Everywhere, So Why Do I Need a Pro?

Maybe you believe housing market conditions are the same no matter where you are. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Real estate markets are highly localized, and conditions can vary widely from one area to another. This is why you can’t pick just anyone you find online. You should choose an agent who’s an expert on your specific local market. As a recent article from Bankrate says:

“Real estate is very localized, and you want someone who’s extremely knowledgeable about the market in your specific area.”

You’ll know you’ve found the right person when they can explain the national trends and how your area stacks up too. That way you’re guaranteed to get the full picture when you ask: “how’s the market?”

Bottom Line

Don’t let myths keep you from the expert guidance you deserve. With market knowledge and top resources, a trusted local real estate agent isn't just helpful, they’re invaluable.

In what could be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, having the right pro by your side is a game changer. Let’s connect and make sure you get the best outcome possible.

Official says the department will temporarily allow VA buyers to directly compensate their agent  .

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to temporarily lift its ban on buyers directly paying for professional real estate representation until the agency deems it necessary to engage in a formal rulemaking process, a VA official said Tuesday at a Mortgage Bankers Association conference in New York.

Wealth passed down from one generation to the next provides financial security for children and grandchildren. Buying a house is one step in the process.

Unlike selling a traditional home, a lakefront home comes with unique selling features that need to be highlighted to attract potential buyers. The key to remember when selling Lakefront properties you are not just selling a home, you are selling a lifestyle along with it. Buyers are attracted to lakefront living for the breathing views, water activities, and tranquil surroundings. Therefore your major attention should be focused on improvements that highlight these features:

There are many rules and regulations when buying a home through a lender. For example, your lender needs to know the source of your down payment money. If you are considering giving or receiving any down payment assistance, here’s a breakdown of common rules and requirements.

Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae found that 24% of people think home prices will actually decline over the next 12 months. That means almost one out of every four people are dealing with that fear, and you might be, too.

Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget. Or perhaps you’re already a homeowner in need of extra income or a place for loved ones. Whether as a potential homebuyer or a homeowner with changing needs, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs for short, may be able to help you reach your goals.

What Is an ADU?

As AARP says:

“An ADU is a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling.”

“An ADU is an independent, self-contained living space with a kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping area.”

“An ADU can be located within, attached to, or detached from the main residence. It can be created out of an existing structure (such as a garage) or built anew.”

If you're thinking about whether an ADU makes sense for you as a buyer or a homeowner, here's some useful information and benefits that ADUs can provide. Keep in mind, that regulations for ADUs vary based on where you live, so lean on a local real estate professional for more information.  

The Benefits of ADUs

Freddie Mac and the AARP identify some of the best features of ADUs for both buyers and homeowners:

• Living Close by, But Still Separate: ADUs allow loved ones to live together while having separate spaces. That means you can enjoy each other’s company and help each other out with things like childcare, but also have privacy when needed. If this appeals to you, you may want to consider buying a home with an ADU or adding an ADU onto your house. According to Freddie Mac:

“Having an accessory dwelling unit on an existing property has become a popular way for homeowners to offer independent living space to family members.”

• Aging in Place: Similarly, ADUs allow older people to be close to loved ones who can help them if they need it as they age. It gives them the best of both worlds – independence and support from loved ones. For example, if your parents are getting older and you want them nearby, you may want to buy a home with an ADU or build one onto your existing house.

• Affordable To Build: Since ADUs are often on the smaller side, they’re typically less expensive to build than larger, standalone homes. Building one can also increase your property’s value.

• Generating Additional Income: If you own a home with an ADU or if you build an ADU on your land, it can help generate rental income you could use toward your own mortgage payments. It’s worth noting that because an ADU exists on a single-family lot as a secondary dwelling, it typically cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. But that’s changing in some states. Work with a professional to understand your options. 

These are a few of the reasons why many people who benefit from ADUs think they’re a good idea. As Scott Wild, SVP of Consulting at John Burns Research, says:

“It’s gone from a small niche in the market to really a much more impactful part of new housing.”

Bottom Line

ADUs have some great advantages for buyers and homeowners alike. If you're interested, reach out to a real estate professional who can help you understand local codes and regulations for this type of housing and what’s available in your market.

The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. Experts say it’ll continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective, that's a 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic years when there were just 7 million remote workers.