Pavered Pool Decking

February 27, 2019

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Did you know that statistically, the best time to purchase a home with a pool is in January?  With the exception of a few days here and there in Florida, the first month of the year is the peak of the “off season” for pool usage. Shoot– most of us here put on a jacket and closed toed shoes when the temperature drops below 70′. While its obviously still nice to have a pool, it’s not at at the forefront of a buyer’s mind during that time so homes with them can be scooped up at a lower price.

 

Keeping that in mind, can you guess historically when the best time to sell a home with a pool is? The answer is the hottest month of the year: August. Buyers will be more enticed by the cool, calming water once the thermometer has hit the high notes, much to a seller’s advantage. Generally speaking, making any pool decking upgrades/repairs in the summer could cost you more as well due to a higher demand.

 

In the winter, again since pools are not in the foreground of most folk’s mind, pool contractors may have special $ saving deals running to improve decking, pumps, etc.  Whether you are buying a home with a pool, putting  a pool into a home you have just purchased, or looking to refresh your existing pool, there are some options as to how you can approach spicing up your deck installation.

 

Take this pool for example:

Before: Pool with Kool decking.

This pool was 20 years old at the time of home purchase, and the decking started to have some typical cracking and wear. During escrow, the new owner began to tinker with the idea of replacement.

 

Pool decking can be comprised of many materials. You can use Kool deck, pavers, acrylic, and other variations in concrete, tile and brick. Some pool pavers and bricks even go so far as to be permable vs impermeable  (more on that to come). Here’s a brief breakdown of the most popular decks:

 

Kool decking is that- very cool. As in neat in and of itself and to the touch. The material it is comprised of has been successful in keeping your toes from burning before you jump in for nearly 60 years. It is very durable, but has to be installed by a experienced professional with expertise in knowing exactly when to apply to fresh concrete. Repairs can be tricky for the same reason.

 

Pavers are my personal favorite. Depending on the type you choose, they can be costly in regard to the material itself, but they are very easy on the eye. Their texture can also aid in slip resistance, and as long as you keep up with sealing maintenance and cleaning they will last you a very long time. Their durability is remarkable, and they can withstand the elements with ease and little (if any) shifting. For a full  pavered pool being installed from start to finish, read this story.

 

Another pool with a paver pool deck 

 

Acrylic topper cleans up rather easy and is said to be cool to the touch but not as cool as Kool decking. It can also be slightly slippery (I’m looking at you huge scar on my thigh from childhood!) and surprisingly a little costly to have installed.

 

Concrete is a great option in terms of versatility in color, appearance, and cost. You can have it textured, stamped, shaped, and poured in a variety of different ways in order to mimic stone or just about anything your aquatic heart desires. Main pitfalls-  the rougher texture can irritate your feet and widespread changes in temperature can cause cracking and consequentially, trip hazards.

 

Before: built in hot tub with Kool decking.

 

Although her Kool decking was in great shape overall, the new homeowner decided to spruce things up and switch over to pavers for aesthetic reasons. Check out the major difference it made with the hot tub!

 

After: built in hot tub with paver decking.

 

The end result came out so incredible, she decided to also extend the pavers out into an impressive fire pit.

 

 

I think this transformation came out absolutely swimmingly. Which decking would you choose?

 

 

 

Side note: The home this pool is at is dear to my heart, because its actually the 1st home I showed with my firstborn! 3 weeks old and getting a jump-start on his real estate career. My official first Closing with Car Seat.

 

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License to Party! Mirtha Barzaga hosts Bond-themed customer bash

February 26, 2019

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Davidson Realty’s Mirtha Barzaga hosted her 7th Annual Customer Appreciation Party on Saturday, February 9, at the Slammer & Squire clubhouse in World Golf Village. Mirtha invited her customers and business partners to join in the festivities.

 

The party was set to a James Bond theme including table names like “Casino Royale” and “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Attendees were also asked to “dress to kill”. Everyone enjoyed the dinner, desserts and dancing.

 

“This year’s party was a blast and I was thrilled to show my gratitude to those who helped me make 2018 a success,” said Mirtha. “I appreciate everyone who came out to celebrate with me!”

 

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Jacksonville Real Estate Trends: Pending Sales are Up to Start 2019!

February 25, 2019

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The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats for January reflect the slower real estate market late last year with 1,590 closings in January which is 3% fewer than the 1,638 closings last January. However, the pending sales of 2,197 are up 6% over the 2,070 pending sales in January 2018. The buyers are out and writing contracts.

 

The inventory situation is slightly better for the spring buyers. There were 3,267 new listings in January which is up 10% over the previous year. There were 8,798 homes available for sale which is up 7%. There are 3.5 months supply of inventory available compared to 3.4 months last year. Five to six months supply of inventory is a balanced market.

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Granite vs. Quartz vs. Marble

February 13, 2019

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Not too long ago, advertising granite countertops in a home for sale was a HUGE selling point: “Kitchen boasts GRANITE countertops!” YIPPEE!

 

Once the gorgeous stone picked up traction in the design world, nearly every new build home or renovated home had granite somewhere- kitchen, the master bath, or the guest bath (more often chosen first because visitors would see it before they’d see the master).

 

Nowadays, you’ll see more homes having other stone and solid surface material countertops such as Quartz and Marble installed.

 

But what’s the big difference? They’re all just rocks …right?

 

Here’s a brief breakdown in some differences between the three top stones.

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The Davidson Realty team is off to a great start in January!

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Congratulations to Candy Gil for being our Top Producer and Top Listing Agent. Candy had $900,000 in closings from the beach area to the north side of Jacksonville. She takes great care of her customers anywhere in the northeast Florida area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Top Sales Agent for the month is Mirtha Barzaga who is a consistent top producer. Mirtha helped 3 families buy or sell homes this month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The top producing team for January is Lynn and Allen Whitley who helped 3 families close on homes in January.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Top Sales team for the month is Shelley and Tim Nemethy with $1.2 Million in sales. The Nemethy Group had all price ranges and locations covered just helping whoever is referred to them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Jacksonville Beach Top Producer and Top Sales is Matt Roberts. Matt had 2 closings and 2 sales for the month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are looking forward to a great 2019 and would love to help you or anyone you might refer to our awesome team.

 

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