We get a ton of questions about real estate, but there is one in particular that is asked more than others. How do I get top dollar on an appraisal? Whether you are refinancing your home or looking to sell, here is how: 

Start Outside-When you step out front of your home, do you see anything that looks out of order? Get rid of dead plants, overgrown grass, and make sure there are clear paths for the appraiser to walk around the property. When you take the time to tidy up the yard, power wash the driveway, and remove debris, it will add value. 

Inside-After you clean and declutter the outside, it is time to tackle the inside. Clean off the kitchen and bathroom counters. Then start organizing your closets and garages. Keep in mind, an appraiser will not be able to assign a value to something they cannot see or access due to clutter. Do you have an accordion door that is off the hinges or dents or holes in the wall? Take the time to make little repairs, these broken or damaged things can decrease the value of your appraisal. 

Keep a List-If you have made any improvements to the property, make a list of all these things.  Also, attach any receipts or invoices. You can present this list to your appraiser to make sure that items are not overlooked. This can come in handy, especially if you replaced the HVAC system with new ductwork. The appraiser wouldn’t be able to notice this repair hidden behind the wall. If you can, try to be on site during the appraisal, this will allow the appraiser to ask any questions he or she may have about your property. 

These three simple things will help improve the value of your home. If you have any questions about this blog or any other real estate related questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. www.BuySellRabell.com

Most of us are all feeling the urge to travel, especially after being cooped up in our homes for months. If you are feeling like we are, and are willing to leave the comfort of your own home to stay in a hotel, then this is the blog for you! We picked a few destinations that are within driving distance from Gainesville, and are perfect for a last minute getaway. 

St. Augustine-If you live in Gainesville, there is a strong possibility that you like to head to St. Augustine for the weekend. There is plenty to do in the “Nation’s Oldest City.” Dive into four centuries of history or head over to Anastasia State Park to play in the waves at the beach. St. Augustine is around 1.5 hours driving time from Gainesville. 

Hotel Recommendation: Casa Monica Hotel & Spa- https://bit.ly/3lKZF3a

Rosemary Beach-This little beach town has a “French Quarter” feel. Take a day to do some shopping at some of the local boutiques or dine alfresco after browsing through galleries. While you're there, it’s worth visiting Alys Beach, you may mistake your visit with a trip to Greece. All the buildings in Alys Beach are painted white. Don’t forget to watch the sunset at the beach. Rosemary Beach is 4 hours driving time from Gainesville. 

Hotel Recommendation: The Pearl- https://bit.ly/3hVtL1C

Cedar Key-Looking for something more low key and off the beaten path? Cedar Key is the place for you. The small town charm and seafood is what draws people to visit this hidden gem. Take a walk through historic downtown, and make sure to try Tony’s clam chowder. Don’t forget to bring the fishing rods if you like to fish! Cedar Key is an hours drive from Gainesville. 

Hotel Recommendation: Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast- https://bit.ly/34TXEff

St. Pete Beach-Looking for white sandy beaches and a gorgeous sunset, St. Pete Beach is the destination for you. Enjoy 35 miles of sugar sand beaches and 361 days of sunshine. After a day at the beach, head to one of the local breweries for a craft beer. St. Pete is about 2 hours and 20 minutes driving time from Gainesville. 

Hotel Recommendation: The Don CeSar- https://bit.ly/3lMrXKO

Amelia Island-Amelia Island is full of history and heritage. If you’re a history buff, hop on the Ameila Island Trolly for a tour of the historic town. If your a beach goer, you’ll love hunting for shark teeth and sea shells. Visitors have even found teeth belonging to great white sharks! After, dine at the only 5 diamond restaurant in Florida, SALT. Amelia Island is 2 hours driving time from Gainesville. 

Hotel Recommendation: The Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island- https://bit.ly/3lFYRg5

Happy traveling! We hope these recommendations help you when planning your next getaway. Send us a postcard!  

We are all about outdoor eating, especially since the shutdown due to COVID-19. Did you know that Gainesville has a cute little outdoor food park? Located downtown, the 4th Ave Food Park is a great option for the whole family. Keep reading to get all the details on the delicious options! 

Sublime Tacos-is a foodie favorite! They serve tacos, nachos, burritos, elotes, and more. They use bright and fresh ingredients. We know where we will be for Taco Tuesday!

Humble Wood Fire-Pizza and bagels, yes please! They offer 5 to 6 varieties of pizza, a few salad options, and organic hand rolled bagels. They are open for breakfast on select days and their food truck travels through out Gainesville. Check their website for locations.

Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausage-A local staple, where you can find artisan sausages, cured meats, and sandwiches. Fun fact: Their recipes have been handed down over many generations and they create new flavors all the time! 

Baker Baker-is a small, family run bakery. They specialize in handmade, from-scratch breakfast and dessert pastries which are all prepared using traditional techniques. When it is possible, they source their fresh ingredients from local farmers and suppliers. 

Satch Squared- If you are from Gainesville, or have been here for some time, you have heard of Satchel’s. Well, they opened a second smaller location! Detroit pizza here in Gainesville! They are also serving breakfast items! 

Opus Airstream-After you have filled your belly with all the delicious food the 4th Ave Food Park has to offer, its time for an after meal coffee! Opus’s small batch roasted coffee is so yummy! Every pound of coffee purchased, they donate a cup of coffee to UF Health medical staff. 

We can’t wait to head back for dinner! Be sure to check out https://www.4thavefoodpark.com for hours and information. 

You have the potential to create the home you desire using as little money as possible. We have broken down a few tips and tricks to make your home look and feel expensive without breaking the bank. 

Install Moulding

If you have plain walls in your home, adding a bit of trim is a great way to make your home look expensive. You can add a shiplap wall, trim around the windows, board and batten, or picture frame moulding to plain walls. 

Paint Cabinets

Do you have old cabinets in the kitchen that are yellow or a wood color you hate looking at? Paint them white or a neutral shade to add an instant update to your home. If it is in your budget, add some new hardware for an added touch. 

Hang Curtains

Hanging long curtains near the ceiling can immediately make a small room feel larger and more upscale. You can find expensive looking curtains for 10 dollars at IKEA! 

Area Rugs

Adding a large rug to the living room or master bedroom can instantly make your home feel polished. Area rugs don’t cost as much as you think, there are plenty of affordable options on websites like Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon. Make sure you choose a rug that is big enough for your space.

Upgrade Lighting

Upgrade doesn’t always mean buy new. A simple coat or two of spray paint can upgrade that outdated fixture. Colors like white, black, and gold are popular. If you’re really feeling crafty, you could always wrap rope around your fixtures. 

To give your backyard furnishings an upgrade, try stringing up some solar-powered lights.

Flowers

Add fresh or fake flowers to your space. Flowers give off an organic feel and brighten up a room. Find an elegant vase from HomeGoods to place as a centerpiece on a dining room table or coffee table. You can also use small vases to add compliments to a side table or shelf. 

We hope these tips help you create a more expensive looking space. If you use any of our tips, we would love for you to share a photo of your updated space. We will share it to our Facebook!

Grand Oaks is well under way! If you don’t already know, we are located across from Oak Hall School with the front entrance at the circle on Tower Rd. Minutes from I-75, you will be close to everything! 

About Weseman Builders and Grand Oaks

This is a Weseman Family neighborhood with 3 Weseman builders, 2 of them. represented by Rabell Realty Group. Gary Weseman, the father and developer of Grand Oaks, started Weseman Construction in 1976. He graduated from the School of Architecture with a degree in Building Construction from Auburn University, but laid his foundation in Gator Country where he has been building homes with his certified general contractor license in Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua County, and North Central Florida ever since. When his 2 sons were young, they started working for their father in all aspects of the construction process, mainly focusing on framing from floor to trusses. Michael Weseman is the younger of the 2 brothers who created his own brand, Weseman Homes and Renovations, LLC alongside Gary’s Weseman Builders LLC brand. The two of them forged together to build out Newberry Oaks in Newberry Fl behind the Canterbury Equestrian Center, which is now known as the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center. In 2019, they have completed all of their homes in Nine (9) total phases, with phase one (1) having started in 2003. In fact, Phase 1, lot 1 was sold on December 15, 2003 by Gary Weseman, Weseman Builder’s Inc. What an amazing 16 years!

Now that Newberry Oaks is completed, the Weseman family is focused on a new Gainesville subdivision in the SW corridor off of Tower Road. The current plat map plans include 126 lots 2 other phases and a full 304 lots. There will be  a pool with covered pavilion, green space, and surrounded by commercial development to include office buildings, medical centers, retail stores, gas station, multifamily housing and more. The area schools are all A rated and considered top tier education with only a short drive to Celebration Pointe, Butler’s Plaza, Shands at UF Health, The University of Florida, and I-75. We are excited to present this wonderful new Craftsman style neighborhood with homes ranging from 1700SF -2200SF starting at just under $298,000.  We look forward to sharing more with you along the way! Build your home today in Grand Oaks Gainesville!

Micheal Weseman: Builder

Michael of Weseman Homes & Renovations, has been building homes since he was a boy. Once he was old enough, he decided to get his Real Estate license to not only help build for his family, but also to list, market and sell their homes in Newberry Oaks and other subdivisions in and around Gainesville and Alachua County where they were constructing homes. In the mid early 2000s, his older brother competed the schooling and licensing for the General Builders licensing to build residential homes. Even though he was framing for his father and selling his homes as a Realtor, Michael, too, decided to forge ahead by going to the Santa Fe College Construction Management and then achieving the highest licensing like his father, by completing and passing the licensing to become a general contractor, giving him the ability to build and manage building not only residential but also multi-family and commercial construction. Now he is forging name in Gainesville at Grand Oaks off on Tower Rd. He not only loves building and construction, but he also touts himself as the quintessential American family man. He and his wife, Lauren, love traveling to the beach and lake with their three young children, Brantley, Bryce, and Brooke. 

When you buy a home with Weseman Homes and Renovations Inc, you will have peace of mind, knowing that Micheal builds each home as if he was building it for his own family. His craftsmanship and dedication show in every detail of the home from start to finish. Very little is missed before closing, but even then, he offers a one year builder warranty and 60 day re-inspection after move in.

He builds knowing his buyers want long lasting, great investments with powerful resale values. All of his homes are built with the concrete composite Hardiboard siding perfect for hot and humid weather, radiant roof barrier and ridge roof venting to keep the attic cooler so your house will stay cooler. Energy efficient homes are important to Weseman Homes &. Renovations so aluminum double insulation windows are included, fans in all of the bedrooms, gas features like tankless water heaters, gas run to home for gas stoves and summer kitchens, luxury vinyl planking and ceramic tile flooring throughout and 15 Seer HVAC systems. 

He also wants to make sure you live in luxury by offering the above mentioned luxury vinyl planking throughout, 9 ft ceilings with 10 ft treys in the main rooms, crown molding throughout, tile backsplash in the kitchen, soft close wood cabinets, beautiful quartz counters, closet wood systems in the owner’s suite, gas options for the kitchen and summer kitchen on the back porch. Additional upgrades are affordable and almost always offered on models and specs built to showcase his features. 

Michael loves smart home features and he is the only builder in Grand Oaks to provide a truly smart home by hardwiring a Control4 IQ panel for personalized automation and control systems to allow virtual control of any device in your home. The systems already included are keyless door entry, front door Skybell doorbell with a video camera, the thermostat and garage door. However, the possibilities are endless when adding more features to the program and downloading the phone app for total control in simple. Lastly, Michael offers 2 surround sound speakers included in your home build. Upon completion of the home, his team will install a sound bar and amp to set up your sound experience. Not much is forgotten in Weseman Homes & Renovations by Michael.

His hard work, dedication to building a beautiful smart home, and love of craftsmanship are obvious. Please come out to Grand Oaks to visit his homes today after previewing his plans on GrandOaksGnv.com

There are many different features that are being offered today on the market that classify a home as being “smart”. Weseman Homes and Renovations is building homes in Grand Oaks, here in Gainesville, with top of the line smart home features. 

What comes standard with the home: 

Smart Home Security-Control your home’s security from the palm of your hand. Equipped with a top rated app, you will be able to manage and control the security system from anywhere. You will have complete visibility of your home and control all entry points of your home. Forget to lock a door? No problem, with the app you will be able to lock the doors and controls the garage door. 

Energy Management-Living in Florida can cause high energy bills as you turn up the AC to cool your home. When you purchase a home in Grand Oaks, your home will come equipped with intelligent energy management, and will help you save money. The smart home system learns your activity patterns and automatically adapts and changes your thermostat.

Indoor Surround Sound-Your home will come with a Sonos Sound Beam and ceiling speakers in the living room for an at home theater experience. 

Optional add ons: 

Video Monitoring-You home will come equipped with a video monitoring system, including a video monitoring doorbell. You will be able to view live video and record a video at anytime. 

Alerts-Customize your app to let your home notify you what’s happening at your home in real-time. The app will alert you when a package is being delivered with its advanced monitoring solutions. 

Motion Sensor-You smartphone will also come equipped with a motion sensor that takes a snapshot of your home with on-demand views and high quality images. 

Smart Lighting-Did the kids forget to turn off the lights in the playroom? No worries, you will be able to turn on and off lights from the smart home app.

Be at ease knowing that this system doesn’t just alert you if an alarm is set off, it is constantly monitoring your home and will notify what’s happening at your home at anytime. 

Through this whole pandemic, our kids have been troopers. By now, they are craving socialization and outdoor activities. We put together a list of activities and camps that are outdoors and safe for kids. 

1.)Summer Camp-Gainesville has plenty of outdoor camps. Does your little one love animals? Haile Equestrian Center is offering a summer camp for children ages 7 to 16 and a special camp for children who are 5 and 6. https://www.haileequestrian.com/horse-camps

2.)Cool off at the springs- The springs are the perfect place to go and cool off during the hot summer months. Fanning Springs is a family friendly park with cool, clear water perfect for swimming or snorkeling. After you are finished swimming, you can take a nature hike on one of their trails. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fanning-springs-state-park

3.)Mudslinger Tours-Did you know that you can hunt for shark teeth right here in Gainesville? You can book a tour with Mudslinger Tours, they will guide you to the best spot to find fossils. They are keeping tour groups to a maximum of 9 people to ensure safety and social distancing. You can book a tour through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mudslingertours/ 

4.) Take a day trip-Head to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens. You and your family can walk around viewing waterfalls, koi ponds, and gorgeous views of the botanical gardens. They also have guided tours available, to schedule one today, head to: https://cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

5.)Rainy Day Activity-Do Art by Yopp has opened her pottery painting studio and made it so that you can come in and create something beautiful while social distancing. You must wear a mask while inside the studio. She also has take home art kits available for purchase. http://doartstudios.com

For more information on outdoor activities and camps for kids: https://fun4gatorkids.com

Happy Summer!

It’s the season of love, which means extra trips to the car wash. Every summer between in months of April and May and August through September, these pesky lovebugs swarm the sky. These insects took a vacation to Florida in the 1940s and unfortunately, will never be packing their bags again. 

What are lovebugs? They are a species of fly found in parts of Central America and the Southeastern United States. Fun fact: they are also known as the honeymoon fly or double-headed bug. These flies are closely related to the March fly and mosquitoes. Sadly, they do not eat mosquitos, which was is a common misconception. Many people believe that they do not serve a purpose, in fact they do. 

After mating, the female lovebug deposits eggs into the soil. When the larvae hatches, they begin to consume the dead vegetation that surround them. This process redistributes essential nutrients back into the ground and benefits the plants and the environment. As the weather warms, these bugs emerge from the soil as flies. This is when they become a nuisance to humans. 

These bugs are attracted to black top roads and highways, things that produce emissions, and items that produce heat. This is why so many swarms are splattered across the front of grills and windshields. Their acidic insides can cause damage to car paint if they are not removed. Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover does the trick. You can also buy a bug splatter sponge to help remove the dead bugs. If you have to drive at night, there is some good news, these bugs do not fly at night. 

Although there is a ton of negativity surrounding these little romantic flies, there is one positive way to look at them…They let us know when summer is beginning and when fall is near. 

Happy summer! 

If you’re like some, having a green thumb does not come naturally. We created an easy step by step guide to gardening that anyone can follow! Get ready to enjoy the best tasting fruits, veggies, and herbs. This is also a fun activity to do while social distancing. 

1.)  DECIDE WHAT TO GROW-Don’t grow something you won’t eat or enjoy. Focus on the veggies and fruits that you enjoy regularly and will use for cooking. It is also important to consider where you live and the climate appropriate for certain fruits and vegetables. If you only have the space for a small garden, try to not chose a crop that grows to a large size (example: pumpkin). 

2.) PICK A LOCATION-Most fruits and vegetables prefer full/direct sunlight (a minimum of five hours) every day. If you want to grow herbs, green vegetables or root vegetables, they will thrive in partial shade. Be sure to pick an area that will be easy for you to access, water, and care for your plants. Also consider wildlife, it may be best to put a small fence around your garden, little bunnies love to visit gardens.

3.) TEST SOIL-Before you can start building your garden, it is important to know about the soil. The nutrients in the soil will help your fruits and vegetables prosper, but if you have a very high acidic soil this can do the opposite. Most garden crops prefer a soil with a pH around 7. There are  home tests and labs that will test soil samples. 

4.) PLAN GARDEN BEDS-After you pick where you will plant your garden, decide on how big your garden will be. It is easier to plant a garden in a bed. Beds should be 3 to 4 feet across and narrow enough that you can reach the center from either side. The bed should be around 10 feet long or less depending on the space you have available. Remember to start small and give each plant enough space to grow. 

5.) TOOLS-You will need a few tools to use while working in your garden. Here are a few tools that will make gardening easier: garden hoe, dirt rake, garden shovel, scuffle hoe, etc. If you can, avoid plastic tools, metal tools will last longer and make your job easier. 

6.) BUILD SOIL-Most plants prefer fertile soil with organic matter. If you are unable to create your own soil from what is in your yard, you can easily pick up a big bag of soil from your local nursery or plant section at the market. Your soil is the most important part of your garden. Healthy soil means healthy plants.  

7.) PLANT AND NURTURE-It’s time to plant your seeds or transplant seedlings into your garden. Plant your seeds about 3 inches deep into the soil. If you are moving seedlings that were growing in a pot, plant the seedlings the same depth as the pot they were growing in. Keep an eye out for weeds, and water your plants about one inch of water per week. 

8.) HARVEST-When your fruits and vegetables are mature, it is time to harvest them. Make sure that they are ripe before picking them. The best way to tell if they are ripe is by color or by tasting them. Enjoy!

Happy planting! 

It’s safe to say that we’re all feeling a bit out of sorts right now. There are a lot of uncertainties surrounding the novel coronavirus and when things will go back to normal. This alone can cause extra stress and anxiety. For some, getting acclimated to working from home has introduced a whole new group of stressors. 

We have all heard about meditation and have at some point, thought about meditation and how it may be beneficial. Now is the perfect time to start and it can be done from the comfort of your own home. 

If you are new to this, it is recommended that you start with a schedule, pick a day and time that you want to meditate and put it on your calendar. Grab your yoga mat, sit cross legged on the floor, close your eyes and take slow deep breaths. Let go of the million things that are running through your mind and just relax. You can meditate for 5 minutes or even 20 minutes, it all depends on how long you feel comfortable with. 

If you are unable to meditate without assistance, there are a ton of apps out there that can help with meditation. Some popular ones are: Insight Timer, Breethe, and Headspace. Guided meditation allow the individual to set the intention for their meditation by picking what type of guided session they prefer. 

The more often you meditate, the more natural it will feel. It has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and provide a number of immune boosting benefits. Some have reported increased ability to focus as well as reduced anxiousness. Meditation isn’t just for quarantine, this is a practice you can continue long after the stay at home order is lifted. 

Be well.