Journal

May 18, 2012

FREE Seminar on Skin Cancer Prevention and Skin Care

docSkin cancer is the most common form of cancer throughout the United States. Over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than any other form of cancers combined. It is said that one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.

There is some good news. Skin cancer can be prevented with the proper steps and caution. On Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 pm Dr. Robert Brown of North Florida Dermatology Associates will be presenting a free seminar on Skin Care and Skin Prevention. Hosted by the Davidson Realty as part of their Davidson Speaker Series, Dr. Brown will discuss the importance of sun protection, regular skin check-ups and how to navigate the sea of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings.  Dr. Brown will also discuss how important it is for children to be aware of skin cancer at an early age. “Rates of skin cancer in children, teens and young adults are growing at an alarming rate,” Dr. Brown cautioned.  Throughout the seminar, Dr. Brown will be answering questions, providing insights, and giving advice for minimizing skin aging and maximizing skin health. (more…)

May 14, 2012

Getting Healthy Over Summer Break: 10 Simple Tips

Posted by Kelly DeVivo in Tips

Eat-Stop-Eat-healthy-eatingSummer is a family time full of travel and adventure.  However, it can also mean at time of too much “vacation eating”.  Of course that sounds great in the short run, but in the long run it can lead to summer colds and weight gain. So how can we keep our families feeling tip top this summer?

Well, to start with it is important to recognize that eating healthy keeps us feeling good and helps us to maintain a healthy weight.  Healthy eating includes eliminating as much junk food, fast food and processed food as possible since these foods weaken our immune system.  Additionally, if we look at the foundation of healthy eating we find fruits and veggies which actually improve our immune function. Unfortunately these are often the hardest to get into our families diets on a consistent basis.  If this is your challenge….never fear!  Below there are ten tips for getting your family to eat more of these immune boosters every day! (more…)

April 26, 2012

Much about Mulch: Epic Landscape Management Shares Landscaping Tips!

Posted by Robin Stubbs in Tips

epic landscapeMulch is a wonderful addition to any landscape.  A mulch layer around trees and shrubs provides many benefits.

♦ Helps maintain soil moisture.   Mulch slows evaporation and reduces the amount of water that is needed by the plants.
♦ Inhibits weeds.  It is almost impossible to keep weeds out of bedding areas without some type of mulch covering.
♦ Helps maintain soil temperature.  Mulch keeps the plants’ roots warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
♦ Adds Beauty.  Mulch gives planting beds a neat and uniform appearance.  Its color and textures compliments the plants and the house.
♦ Reduces soil erosion.  Water running off the house or from adjacent areas can create a lot of soil erosion.  Mulch will decrease the amount of soil lost.
♦ Improves the soil.  Any organic mulch will decompose over time.  This will increase the soil’s fertility and improve the soil’s texture and drainage.
♦ Provides protection.  Having a layer of mulch around plants and trees will protect them from lawnmowers and string trimmers. (more…)

March 22, 2012

4 Helpful Photography Tips!

Posted by Peyton Davidson in Tips
COUSART PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS1

Cousart Photography Tips

February 27, 2012

Why Isn’t My Home Selling?

Posted by Caryn Best in Tips

real_estate_sign_for_sale_md_wmIt can be a challenge to stay patient when selling your home.  But Davidson Realty pros say if your home has been on the market more than three months without any serious offers, it’s a sign something is off.  Here are four caution signs our Jacksonville and St. Augustine realtors watch for when selling a home.

No showings: Typically a home buyer will look at 10-15 homes before choosing a home. Too few or no showings, is a pretty clear sign that buyers may be rejecting your home based on price from the moment they see the listing.

No offers: If buyers are viewing your home yet you receive no offers, this can be a sign that buyers may not be rejecting the price but the home itself. This is when it’s time to consult your Realtor to find out buyers’ concerns with your home so issues can be fixed as soon as possible. Alternatively, sellers may provide an allowance to buyers so they can fix problems after a sale. (more…)

February 14, 2012

10 Rules of Home Staging

Posted by Donna Mancini in Tips

50273_154241524608194_1000_nAre you aware that a potential buyer typically knows within 15 seconds if he or she is interested in a home?  Did you know that recent studies show that over 90% of potential buyers begin their home search on the internet?  

Presentation is everything!  Staging is simply emphasizing your home’s best features so that it will stand out from the competition and allows buyers to connect emotionally and visualize themselves living there.  For those of you that are considering putting your home on the market in the near future, here are some things to get you started:

CleaningClipArt1.  Consider Curb Appeal – Potential buyers need to fall in love with your home from the street.  Power wash walkways and roofs, trim bushes, remove weeds, plant flowers, replace dated or rusted light fixtures . . . make a good first impression.
2. Clean, Clean, Clean – I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a clean, fresh smelling home.  Don’t forget rugs, closets, cabinets and garages.  Buyers are buying the entire home, so they will look there.
3. De-Clutter – Get rid of absolutely everything that is not necessary and anything that prevents a buyer from seeing your homes’ beautiful features or how the space is really meant to be used.
4. De-Personalize – As much as you love your family photos, awards and religious artifacts, buyers will have a difficult time visualizing themselves living in the home.  Pack them away now and get a jump on what you will have to do anyway when your home sells. (more…)

January 27, 2012

RESOLUTION ALPHABET

Posted by Rick Pariani in Tips

new-years-resolutionsI have now experienced 55 opportunities to commit to and deliver on a New Year’s Resolution – having my first at the age of 5. I don’t know about you – but my success in these endeavors comes and goes – and can be difficult to gauge.

Like Jerry Seinfeld at the rental car counter – complaining about how easy it is for them to take a reservation – but how hard it is for them to keep it – my track record with resolutions is a bit the same.

The experts have all sorts of tried and true ways to make resolutions, and more importantly, help you keep them. Their advice says that one should start with a set, specific goal – make a plan, then write it down. Once you are clear – you need to enlist support and stay the course. As the year progresses – they say you need to adopt the simple mantra, “how can I make it happen” – and just keep asking yourself that question. Supposedly – over and over, this self-driven effort (with all the extra encouragement you can get) will produce great results. (more…)

January 18, 2012

Discover What De-Cluttering Will do For You!

Posted by Peyton Davidson in Tips

clutter-clipartWorld Golf Village resident Michelle Petrarca, owner of “U Need Me” shared some much needed de-cluttering tips after the holidays. “My motto is to improve your space, create harmony, and discover what de-cluttering can do for you,” says Petrarca. 

Michelle has come to realize that the journey from chaos to order is a powerful, transformative and spiritual undertaking and that her job is to stand witness for this process. When people are finally ready to pick up the phone to contact her, they are ready to look deep into their lives and begin letting go of the items and commitments that no longer serve them and actually keep them from feeling the creativity and freedom they yearn for.

Michelle believes to start the process, you first need to ask yourself these questions:
Do you feel uncomfortable when uninvited guests visit?
Are closets, cabinets and drawers overflowing?
How many items are “homeless” in each room ?
Do you waste time looking for possessions?
Is clutter causing a stressful atmosphere in your home? (more…)

December 16, 2011

5 Tips for Decorating for Christmas

Posted by Peyton Davidson in Tips

Our friends at Interiors Revitalized were willing to give us some great tips on decorating our Jacksonville golf course homes for the holidays!

christmas-mantel-121. Choose 2 or 3 colors to decorate with.

Using two to three colors to decorate will help you achieve a professionally decorated look. Deciding on a color palate before you go shopping will make the selection process quick and easy.

2. Bring the outdoors in.

Cut fresh greenery or visit your local tree stand for cuttings. You can use them on the mantle, as garland, or as a centerpiece along with candles. The possibilities are endless! (more…)