No matter the size of your yard, patio, or balcony, it's easy to create an outdoor oasis perfect for spending time with friends and family. Start by making a list of priorities for the space, then find ways to personalize it for your lifestyle.

Sometimes living large means thinking small. If your outdoor space lacks square footage, it might seem like your outdoor entertaining dreams are far-fetched—but with a bit of creative thinking, solid design advice, and clever additions, you can make the most of your yard. Read More

If you're buying a home on the Brevard FL Space Coast and the backyard is not as big as you wanted, these small backyard ideas may help.

Need Help? The Brevard FL Realtor, a team of specialized agents are on standby ready to help you.

Call / Text me, Agi Anderson, Team Leader
<-From my OnLine Biz Card (click image from mobile phone)

ContactAgiNow.com

Cast iron pipes are no longer favored as a material used in plumbing. This is because cast iron can easily corrode and rust over time, leading to discoloration of drinking water and a major decrease in water pressure throughout faucets and outlets. More

For homes built before 1975, it's highly recommended you obtain an inspection of the cast iron pipes.

Need help with buying a home on the Brevard FL Space Coast, we're here on standby ready to assist you.

Questions? Call / Text right from my OnLine Biz Card

Imagine an elderly woman leaving her long time home that she loves and transitioning to a life of the unknown.

I stood in front of my family home, tears streaming down my face. This house held so many memories, but it was time to say goodbye. My kids were grown, and the thought of maintaining such a big place was overwhelming. I was torn between wanting to keep the memories alive and wanting to start a new chapter in my life.

I was stuck, caught in the grip of an invisible monster that whispered doubts in my ear. "Who will buy this house? What if it doesn't sell? What if I can't afford to move?" These fears threatened to consume me, but I knew I had to face them head-on.

I felt lost and alone, until a glimmer of hope appeared. A Realtor came into my life, and she was the key to unlocking the door to my future. She was knowledgeable, confident, and reassuring. She listened to my worries and helped me turn them into actionable steps.

Together, we tackled the monster and defeated it. She walked me through the process of selling my home, and I was amazed at the smoothness of the journey. This Realtor took care of everything, from pricing and marketing to negotiations and closing. She took the weight of the world off my shoulders, and I was able to relax and enjoy the ride.

In the end, my family home was sold, and I was able to move on to the next chapter of my life with ease. This realtor became my ally, my friend, and my savior. I will never forget the gift she gave me: peace of mind and a brighter future.

Although this story is fabricated, it represents how many of our elderly seniors feel about making a transition from a home they have loved for decades to a life of many unknowns. Perhaps more preparation is needed, following are:

10 Ways How Seniors Can Overcome Fears About Selling Their Long Time Home 

1. Work with a real estate agent who specializes in senior transitions (I am an SRES*)

2. Seek professional advice from a financial planner or an elder law attorneyhttp;//ContactAgiNow.com

3. Make a list of their priorities and goals for the next chapter of life

4. Research options for new housing, such as 55+ communities or downsizing

5. Visit potential new homes and communities to get a feel for the new living situation

6. Create a timeline and a plan for the move to ensure a smooth transition

7. Connect with support networks, such as friends, family, or local groups

8. Organize belongings and declutter before the move

9. Consider selling unwanted items through an estate sale or online auction 

10. Consider getting a home equity conversion mortgage to supplement retirement income.

If you or a family member need assistance with helping a senior sell a home and locate a new place to live, my team and I are on standby ready to help. 

Call / Text me at

ContactAgiNow.com

I am happy to answer questions and provide guidance. I have been a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) for more than a decade.

Homeowners insurance is a necessary evil that every homeowner dreads discussing. I get that! But homeowners insurance is evolving. I realized buyers and homeowners need to be informed about changes taking place with Florida homeowners insurance.

In my last episode of #AgiTV I met with Monica Santiago online (our second session), from Assured Partners Insurance to review, Is Your Home Under Insured? Watch the video and learn why it's so important to be properly insured. Just below the video, Monica provides 10 Ways to Reduce Your Insurance Premium

Also be sure to check out the Homeowners Insurance Playlist. 

10 ways to reduce the cost of insurance: 

1. Shop your insurance rates before your renewal.
2. Review your coverages to make sure you do not have “Too Much” insurance or coverages you do not need.
3. Make your home more disaster resistant (hurricane windows, shutters, garage doors etc.)
4. Improve your home security with a centrally monitored alarm system.
5. Maintain a good credit record (yes insurance may take into account your credit eligibility when pricing your policy).
6. Look at bundling your home and auto insurance with the same company for a “Bundle” discount.
7. Newer homes may receive a discount depending on who the builder of their home is.
8. Update your insurance company if you get a new roof on your home.
9. Wind mitigation inspections are great to see if you qualify for an additional insurance discount. This would be eligible for homes over a certain age.
10. Avoid small claims

Have questions about your insurance? Contact Monica:

The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) and the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) announced Dassault Falcon Jet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation a global leader in the aerospace industry, has selected Florida’s Space Coast for its new major maintenance facility. This new state-of-the-art factory will spur a capital investment of $115 million and the creation of 400 new jobs. Continued ...

Moving after retirement can be very exciting. It’s the chapter of your life that you have probably been dreaming about for some time. You no longer have to live near your place of employment, and you’re free to go make a new home wherever you wish.

For many people, that’s Florida. With warm winters and lots of outdoor activities available, it’s no wonder it’s been the top destination for retirees for decades. While the entire state has lots to offer everyone, you might find the hidden gem you’ve been searching for on Florida’s Space Coast. Besides its gorgeous beaches, you’ll be able to experience a rocket launch up close, embark on a cruise from beautiful Port Canaveral, or just simply walk the beautiful Brevard beaches that stretch for miles on end.

Contact the Brevard FL Realtors with Coastal Life Properties and let them introduce you to the beautiful properties available there, as well as all the things that make the area unique and perfect for retirees. You can also check homes for sale in 55+ communities at 55PlusHomesBrevard.com. Another useful resource is Brevard Florida Living which has events, places to eat and more on the Brevard Florida Space Coast.

Before the Move

The first step is to start with the home you already have. If you have lived in your current house for a long time, chances are that you know where everything is and you’ve got things pretty well organized. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress when it comes to the moving process. Start early and pack things up gradually, making sure to mark each box clearly and keep a corresponding ledger with that box’s number and contents. Before hiring a mover, go online and get unbiased reviews to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable business.

Move all the items that will make your new place feel like home, but don’t try to recreate what you’re leaving either. Your new home should reflect your new lifestyle and community. If it doesn’t have a lot of sentimental value, you can probably sell or donate it rather than move it.

Bring things with you in your car or carry-on bags that are too important to chance being lost. Those might be birth and marriage certificates, health records and prescription drugs, your will, and all other vital records and immediate necessities.

Your New Home

Once you’ve moved your furnishings in, check to be sure that the homeowner’s insurance you’ve purchased is adequate for your home and belongings. Home insurance rates are influenced by factors such as your location: Is your area prone to natural disasters-are you close to a shoreline? The cost of replacing your home is another factor. Any insurance company you contact will look at your credit and claims history, too. Before choosing a provider, take into account coverage, costs, and benefits. Different insurance companies might suit your needs better if they provide coverage for things that are important to you, like electronics coverage or identity theft. Some insurers will let you bundle your homeowners’ insurance with your automobile policy, offering a discounted rate when you do. There are resources to help you in finding the best rates for home insurance.

You might want to look into purchasing a home warranty for the things that your homeowner’s insurance will not cover, as well, like replacing HVAC systems or major appliances. Again, options for home warranty companies are plenty, so make sure to do your research, comparing various providers’ coverage options and rates and weighing them with your needs.

If you’ll be working from home, start off right by making it as stress-free as possible with lots of cabinets to store things and keep them from becoming clutter. And choose a room with a great view so you can enjoy your new surroundings even when you’re working.

You’ll also want to revitalize spaces that you will be spending lots of time in, like your kitchen. Updated appliances will make cooking food for your family more pleasurable, as well as convenient. An under-the-cabinet range hood, for instance, will vent grease and smoke as you cook, keeping your kitchen an open and inviting space.

Of course, your home’s needs do not end here. If you need new appliances and other home implements, make sure to research and read consumer reviews to make your investments worthwhile.

Get to Know Your New Home Town

Take some time to visit your new city as a tourist would. There are plenty of free things to do on the Brevard FL Space Cast. You could take a walking tour. Look for museums and galleries that are free of charge or at least offer a discounted rate for seniors. Check the local newspapers for upcoming events like fairs and festivals.

Find people with similar interests by looking online at sites like Meetup.com or on Facebook Neighborhood pages.

Then work on becoming a local. Find a favorite grocery store, pharmacy, and movie theater. Make appointments with doctors, dentists and optometrists. Visit the local library and get a library card. See what volunteer opportunities interest you and get involved. There are plenty of ways to make new friends, just look for opportunities and seize them.

Getting a good start by beginning early with your move, finding the perfect home for you, and protecting that new home and its assets will make your move a lot more hassle-free. Then once you’re there, get out and get involved. It won’t be long before your new city feels like home sweet home. 

Guest Post by, Mike Longsdon with Elder Freedom

Homeowners insurance change is impacting exiting homeowners, as well as homebuyers wanting to obtain homeowners insurance in Florida. I reached out to Monica Santiago, Marketing Manager for Assured Partners Insurance to help clarify what homeowners need to know about renewing homeowners insurance policies and what home buyers are required to provide to obtain homeowners insurance.

In the video Monica shares what homeowners need to know about renewing a homeowners insurance policy and what buyers are required to provide to obtain homeowners insurance.

To receive all the questions I asked Monica, along with the answers that were provided. Email me at ContactAgiNow.com

Join me and Monica for a LIVE session, along with Elizabeth Dodson, CEO of HomeZada,

Is Your Home Under Insured?
October 27, 2022
1:30 PM EST

I have 90 spaces available, a zoom link is required to attend. Please let me know if you would like to join us and I will send you a link.

What does living a “coastal lifestyle” really mean? Here on the Brevard FL Space Coast, living coastal means time moving just a little bit slower, activities being done at a leisurely pace and strangers smiling and striking up a friendly conversation. Between the calming smell of the sea, the weather and the endless activities – the pins on my Pinterest board portray why you’ll fall in love with coastal living and enjoy a relaxing life living on the Space Coast

Coastal living on the Brevard FL Space Coast is all about loving water, fun, sand and sun. Boating, fishing, surfing, bicycling, and walking along the ocean are just some of the favored activities residents enjoy living by the waterways along the 72 mile stretch in Brevard County, Fl.

With all that water, it’s no wonder why boating in Brevard is living a coastal way of life. If you don’t have your boat at a private dock,  there are lots of places to launch your boat throughout Brevard County. Many restaurants provide docking up spaces to enjoy grabbing a bite to eat on the water, very much a part of our coastal lifestyle on the Space Coast.

If your searching for a home on the water, I have a page dedicated to waterfront homes. You can also search by subdivision all throughout the Brevard FL Space Coast.

A new coastal life home often inspires new home furnishings and accessories that  exemplifies a coastal lifestyle. Be sure to see the affiliate top name merchants on the Home & Lifestyle page.