For those that own a business, there are a lot of different factors to worry about. Mostly you want to make sure that your customers are satisfied with the highest and you've done all you can to make sure their experience with your company is a great one. So if you have an office building, is it not equally important to make a good impression when people visit your office? First impressions can say a lot about a business, and the cleanliness of an office can let a potential customer know if they want to continue to do business with you or not. Here we will give off a few great reasons why it's incredibly important to hire a commercial janitorial service to keep your office space looking brand new.

• First impressions are key! Like stated before, a potential customer is going to judge your company based off first impressions usually and if the office they're visiting is dirty and cluttered, then chances are they're not going to be so keen to use your business. And as a business owner, cleaning your entire office building might slip by you if you have several other more important things to do throughout the day. Hiring a commercial janitorial service to come in after hours and clean up space will give you that instant relief of knowing you're coming into a clean and tidy office the next morning. 
• Have a couple of people coughing in the office? Not everyone stays home when they're sick because bills still have to be paid, and sometimes sick days aren't an option. With a janitorial service for your office, this could stop the spreading of that sickness to other employees throughout the building. These services would keep main areas of the office disinfected and even replace some hands-on devices with no-touch items (trash bins, soap dispensers, hand dryers, etc.) so the spread of germs is at a bare minimum. 
• Who else will get in the nooks and crannies of your office space? Hiring a janitorial service crew will make sure that the most ignored spots (like air vents and behind big items/machines) get attention too. Checking filters in air conditioners or air purifiers isn't something that is done as frequently as it should be, but with the help of janitorial professionals, it will be done as much as necessary to ensure the work environment is comfortable and free of harmful allergens.
• A clean office is a happy office! Going back to first impressions, the way someone feels about an office or building, in general, can change over time if the presence deteriorates.  Meaning if you start to slack on the cleaning, morale in the office could drop as well. Coming into a clean room or clean office can instantly change someone's mood. Imagine coming home from a long day to walk into a dirty home; it sucks the joy out of you. The same goes for a work environment, working in cluttered and messy areas can drain you of any motivation or desire to be in the office. 
• There are tons of things a commercial janitorial cleaning service can do for you! It's not just limited to cleaning bathrooms and wiping down bookshelves and blinds. Services can range from steam cleaning of carpets and rugs to restoration of tile and grout to even pressure washing and upholstery cleaning. There's something for every office needs.

If you own a business and can't find time to clean along with all the other hard work that needs to get done, it's time to check out a commercial janitorial service. It will save you money and time in the long run and keep your workspace neat, tidy, and ready to take on whatever business you bring in that day!

SOURCES: 1  

If you live in Florida or have ever visited Central Florida, you've more than likely heard of the giant retirement community named "The Villages".  It's a picturesque town, complete with almost any type of shop and culinary craving you might be looking for. Most people are used to a retirement community being a small subdivision or a gated community, but not The Villages® Community. They're a bit larger and have a bit more of a unique spin on what a retirement community should look like.

The Villages® Community takes up a 32 square miles. Now I know that doesn't sound like much, but this community stretches out over THREE counties! That's right; The Villages® Community has made its home in Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties. So that means it's smack dab in the middle of Florida! If you were driving those 32 miles through this community, it would take you longer than you'd think it would take to travel 32 miles. That's really because of all there is to see and do, there's so much beauty in The Villages® Community to take in!

Within those 32 miles is more than just homes for our retirees, it also includes 50+ golf courses, three town squares (which are always lively and have an event or street party happening weekly), and well over 2000 clubs and activities for any of the 125,000 Villages residents! It even has its own hospital and is home to some of the best doctors and nurses around.

The Villages® Community is a perfect example that life doesn't end at 55+! This community even offers tours to determine if this is the lifestyle for you (aptly named The Villages Lifestyle Tour). Thirty-two miles might not seem like enough, but you'd be amazed at all the things you can do and discover here in The Villages® Community, Florida.

White Pelican Home Service can help you find a vacation rental and even help you find that perfect dream home! Click here to find out more. 

The temperatures here in Central Florida are already heating up as we head into the Spring Season. For many snowbirds, this is the time to start packing up and heading for their Summer homes. Don't get out the sunblock just yet; Spring can be the most beautiful time of year in Florida with very comfortable temperatures.

Springtime in The Villages® Community boasts mild temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, with it creeping up to the 90s in early May. The rainy season doesn't come until the end of Spring or early Summer. This is the best time to go to the beach, theme parks, play golf, or hang out at the pool. You can still enjoy the pleasant weather without getting too hot or worrying about afternoon thunderstorms.

Wardrobes are a little different for folks who live in the Sunshine State. Flip flops and shorts are a must any time of the year, as well as keeping a light jacket on hand. It's also a good idea to keep an umbrella handy in case of a surprise afternoon shower.

Central Florida is a fantastic place to enjoy warm weather and a little sunshine. While our neighbors in the northern states are still trying to thaw out from the snow, we are enjoying stunning warm weather here in The Village® Community.

The Spring is the perfect time to check out all of what Central Florida has to offer. Click here to find the perfect vacation rental! 

Losing a loved one is never an easy process, and that's especially true when it comes to the estate after the passing. Hopefully, it can be done in an easy enough way, and everything is sorted accordingly. In some cases, someone may find themselves with a few new heirlooms or even the family home. In the case of inheriting a home from a deceased relative, there are only so many things one can do with this newly acclaimed property; sell it, rent it, or move into it.

Here you will find the best advice for each option.

Selling your inherited home may be a bit emotional, but this could be your best option to get the most out of the home and no longer have it in your possession. When selling the home, you are also responsible for any remaining balance on any possible mortgages. You also will avoid capital gain taxes when you sell, which can save a considerable amount.

Renting holds about the same responsibilities, but stretched out over the amount of time you decide to rent the space. With this comes the pressure of keeping up with any repairs the home may need without the benefits of living in the space being worked on. This option is best for short-term and if the home is in good standing as is. Otherwise, it would be wiser to move on to the final option.

Finally, moving into the inherited home is the last and most sensible option. Although it is a "free" home, you may be taking on payments either for the home itself or a mortgage. Utility fees would be taken over as well. But if this new living situation is a step above your current one, this could be a blessing in disguise.

In the unfortunate event of a loved one's untimely departure, it is best to keep yourself prepared and knowledgeable about what's to come. An inherited home has the potential to be a money maker or home sweet home, you decide.

White Pelican Reality can help you decide what to do with your new home whatever you may choose. Contact our office today. 

The Villages® Community is a fantastic place to live and play in retirement.  While there are retirees who move down to enjoy full-time residency, many people have not made the full commitment of this being a permanent home. There are many ways to be a part-time resident, but many choose to buy a house and then rent it out for the months they are not here. 

If you choose to purchase a home and rent it out part-time, you want to make sure your property is in good hands. After all, it takes a lot of faith and trust to lend your home out to total strangers. 

Then there is the question of who will care for the maintenance when you are away. Who will keep up with repairs, lawn care, and other situations that might arise? You probably don’t have the time or maybe the proper experience to be a landlord. 

That's where White Pelican Realty, The Villages® Community's premier property management company, comes into play. We handle everything from screening potential renters, home maintenance, even cleaning, and home watch. We specialize in seasonal and vacation rentals for homes, villas, and condos in The Villages® Community area in Florida. We make sure every home is up to par before during and after it is rented. 

If you are looking to rent your home, we will make sure it is in good hands. Contact White Pelican Realty today! 

The Villages® Community lifestyle is highly sought after by retirees all over the country. After working hard their whole lives, they want to move to a place with a laid back and fun atmosphere. This place has it all: warm, beautiful community, great nightlife, golf, and so many enjoyable activities to try. 

It is always nice to try out the place before you buy, so renting a home or villa in The Villages® Community is a great way to do that. That's where White Pelican Vacation Rentals come in. We know and love this fantastic slice of Heaven in Central Florida. 

We are the one stop shop for all of your property rental needs. When you rent from White Pelican, you get a stunning and clean home with new appliances and fabulous amenities. 

Just bring yourself and your suitcase when you stay in our fully finished rental homes, beautifully decorated with the latest Florida designs. 

Dinner, dancing, and shopping are just a short golf cart trip away in various convenient locations throughout The Villages® Community. 

Whether you are looking to stay long term or want a vacation rental to experience all that this beautiful town has to offer, White Pelican Vacation Rentals has you covered. 

Contact us today you book your next vacation rental in The Villages® Community! 

The choice to rent out your Villages® community home is an important one and should be made carefully, with the assistance of a reputable professional. Professional home rental/property management companies will:

• Film and publish Virtual Tour or still shots of the inside and outside of your property
• Set up a website page with pertinent details about your property
• Register for sales tax collections with FDOR if applicable
• Set you up with an owner’s account for tracking and reporting your income & expenses
• Prepare & execute a legally binding rental and lease agreement
• Set up direct deposit for you to receive rental payments
• Provide home watch for periods when your home is vacant

The time it takes to rent your property depends on a few factors, including price, location, and condition of your home. On average, it takes anywhere from 30 to 90 days to market and gets your home rented.

The rental/property management company you choose should qualify all of your prospective tenants with a rental application, background check, and credit check.

As the owner, you will usually be expected to maintain your own Amenities fees, HOA fees, or condo fees. Utilities, lawn maintenance, and pest control are often the owner’s responsibility as well unless indicated otherwise in your legal agreement. If you're interested in renting out your Villages® community home, contact White Pelican today!

Check out November's Lake & Sumter Style Magazine for a 2 Page Spread all about White Pelican! Click here to see the issue.

Pressure washing your home’s exterior is a daunting task – especially if you have no idea how often you should have it done. Good thing spring has finally sprung here in The Villages® Community, and it’s the perfect time for a professional exterior washing!

The amount of rainfall is perfect in the spring. 

Typically, we consider rain a good thing. With fresh water falling from the sky, it makes sense to think that rain will rinse off our cars and our house. Too much rain (likely daily Summer afternoon storms) however, often make it more difficult to keep your home’s exterior clean. While it’s true that rain cleans a certain amount of surface gunk, it also contributes to a dirty home exterior. That’s why Spring is the perfect time to get your house shiny and new for the rest of the year!

Humidity levels

Humidity levels are lower in the Spring in Central Florida than they will be by Summer. Humidity attracts mold and mildew to your home’s exterior  - this causes it to look dirty and poses a health risk to your family and guests. When humidity levels are still manageable in the Spring, it is crucial to have a professional pressure washing service that will make your exterior look like new again, and dually ensure that mold and mildew disappear from your home’s exterior.

Rule of thumb: clean it once a year

If you’re still not sure how often to pressure wash your home’s exterior, a good rule of thumb is to have it cleaned annually - during Spring. Including exterior pressure washing in your spring cleaning routine gives you the time to hire a power washing professional to use the proper chemicals and equipment to make your home’s exterior look shiny and new.

Whenever someone hears the word retirement, the first few things that come to mind are relaxation, satisfaction, and enjoyment. Where can a retiree go to enjoy their new found free years once work is done and it’s time for play? Fortunately, there’s a community in Central Florida built for just that. It’s a town called The Villages, and it is a retirement kingdom. An entire town dedicated to enjoying life in the silver years and taking it easy. It’s quite a large town, so there’s a lot of areas to cover, but what about just going to a friend’s down the block? Or making that quick trip to Publix to pick up a few essentials?  Thankfully The Villages is 100% golf cart friendly (which works perfectly for those retirees who came to Florida to golf in the sunshine). It’s very easy to get around town to any  amenities in a golf cart. Though unfortunately golf carts sometimes malfunction just like a regular vehicle and will sometimes leave you stuck between your home and destination. What can you do? Who can you call?

Most golf cart trouble is battery related in some way. Either it doesn’t have enough of a charge, or something has gotten loose with the connection of the battery and won’t fire up the cart. If you  can’t call an S.O. or family member to  give you a jump, there are still options to get help. AAA offers assistance with broken down golf carts in select parts of The Villages and may also offer them in other retirement based areas as well. It is seen as the main method of transportation and the company understands the frustration of a broken down vehicle, be it car or golf cart.

Another option is to call a locally based golf cart company to assist in towing or charging of the golf cart. This can be either the dealership where the cart was sold or even an independent company such as White Pelican Home Services. Companies like White Pelican go above and beyond with assisting in a broken down golf cart. Ensuring each customer is a number one priority and making sure you and your golf cart get from point A to point B and back with no worries.

Nicole Stevens

Florida, the state everyone wants to retire to, is no stranger to cold weather. Though Florida is mostly a stranger to snow, cold winds don’t spare us here down south! But when your daily driver through town is a golf cart, how can you stay warm? Here you will find a few helpful tips for making sure your ride on the cart in the middle of winter remains warm and comfortable.

• Dress in layers! That cold wind will feel even colder once the motor starts running, so make sure to invest in some cold weather headbands that cover your ears or something similar. Gloves are important as well. Break out that puffy jacket you never wear and get use out of it.
• Store some extra blankets on the seats. This will provide a comfier ride as well as hold onto any heat left from sitting on it or being near a heat source, rather than the plastic/vinyl seating that stays cold.
• Plastic panels will break down the wind. Those plastic covers for the sides of the golf cart aren’t always the most stylish but are effective in keeping the chilly wind at bay. It will still let cold air in, but not as much if the cart was wide open.
• Invest in a golf cart heater. These handy gadgets pack a toasty punch, are portable, and fit right in your drink holder in the cart.  These typically run on propane and last for some time.

All in all, the best and least expensive way to stay warm on a golf cart during winter is to wear the right clothes. A few extra layers never hurt, and let’s all be thankful that winter only lasts a couple of weeks in Florida!

If you have ever owned a rental property or known someone who has, you know it’s not always a piece of cake. One of the main responsibilities for a rental home is maintaining the upkeep of said rental. Having to take care of your  household is one thing, but having to go clean up another after cleaning your own is exhausting! Here you will see all the advantages to having a top-notch housekeeping service keeping your rental home pristine.  

Imagine just getting home from work, making sure the kids and/or pets are taken care of, dinner is ready to cook, and then realizing your rental home across town is going to be looked at tomorrow, and you haven’t made it there to clean up yet! A potential disaster can be avoided with your local housekeeping service. Not only does it ensure you’ll have a neat and tidy home to show, but it also gives you a peace of mind. Those who work in housekeeping keep a strict schedule, so you’ll always know when the rental will be clean and ready to show potential renters!

It can be a lot of work juggling properties you are not currently living in, so keeping an eye on every little detail can become maddening. An extra set of eyes eases the stress and helps keep you informed on the status of your rental home. Homes tend to deteriorate when they’re not paid proper attention, so between times of being occupied, the housekeeper will ensure the home is visited during it’s already planned out cleaning schedule and keep the home seemingly active.

Hiring a licensed and insured housekeeper also guarantees you’re hiring a professional and not just someone who puts an ad on an online forum. They will be the ones who know how to get those awkward stains out of carpets or relieve a room of its musky odor and keep it going. This brings it back to the peace of mind given to a rental home owner, knowing that their investment is safely in the hands of professionals and not amateurs with some Windex.

A housekeeper is a sound investment if you plan to rent out these homes frequently and/or in abundance. It will never be a forgotten thought to make sure they’re clean and ready for a new group of renters to enjoy and ensures it will be immaculate and every time. 

According to real estate experts, the housing market is indeed bound to be slightly busier following Hurricane Irma than it was befortoe the storm hitting land. Experts state that the reason behind this change is that volatility creates momentum in the marketplace both good and bad. They predict the market taking a hit from 25 to 50 percent down pending closings because everyone took a two-week vacation. 

Because people are eager to get back to their normal lives following the storms passing, the market is expected to see buyers and sellers alike expedite their situation by either getting off the fence or seizing opportunities.

Floridians know the risk of hurricanes and Irma was a stark reminder. The Florida lifestyle of beaches and boatings are what gives the area its appeal and buyers are willing to take that risk. Typically, following a hurricane buyers will pay closer attention to safe hurricane features in a home like a hurricane proof windows and whole-home generators.

Southern states may not experience a traditional winter season, but they sure do know when it’s starting to get colder. A migration of older citizens, much like birds flying south for the winter, comes to the warmer climates in a season dubbed “snowbird season." When exactly does this season start? Where do these “snowbirds” go? When does it end? The following will answers all your queries about the ever-popular snowbird season in the south.

Snowbird season  begins when the weather starts to really cool down in the northern states, so  the beginning/middle of October is most popular. Some get a head start and will begin their travels in mid/late September. A lot of the snowbirds consist of Canadians, all looking to escape a harsh winter and find more suitable conditions for living, even just momentarily.

One of the most popular destinations for snowbirds is Florida, home to countless rental properties that are only rented six months out of the year. Most snowbirds either rent or own two separate homes, their residence up north, and their migration residence down south. The vast majority of snowbirds are all retired which allows them the freedom and financial stability to travel as such. If home renting isn’t an option, a lot of snowbirds opt for the mobile option of RVing. Those empty RV lots in the summer look drastically different come to the end of autumn.

So now that we know when they come and where they do when do they leave? The migration of the snowbirds is much like the migration of actual birds, traveling down when the cold comes and going back up north when the cold leaves. The time frame is usually April/May when the snow starts to completely disappear up north. Some do return up north for the holidays, still wanting to enjoy a white Christmas with the perk of knowing they can return to a much warmer place for a few months once the festivities are over.

Snowbirds are an essential part of the southern charm anymore it seems. They help the economy all while enjoying themselves in the process. It’s a win-win for both communities, especially when it comes to not having to shovel any snow!  

While The Villages® community is rumored to be at or near the originally intended “build-out” capacity of 100,000 residents, growth in and around “Florida’s Friendliest Town” (spanning Marion, Sumter, and Lake Counties) shows no signs of slowing down. 

Satellite communities without the 55+ age restrictions of The Villages® community are rapidly popping up near the edges of the development. Realtors and builders market homes in these newer neighborhoods to healthcare and finance professionals who remain in great demand among The Villages® community residents.

Three key driving factors that contribute to the surrounding growth are:

1. The density of people
2. The income said people deliver into the economy 
3. The accessibility of their geographic location

The Villages® community has all three and is still the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States. In other (more coastal) parts of Florida, the cost of living is much higher than that of The Villages® community, making it a driving factor as well.

In the long term, The Villages® community is expected to continue to grow through the expansion of boundaries and the development of additional satellite communities to continue to service residents. The number of people retiring in the United States every day continues to grow, and a large portion of those people will want to migrate to The Villages® community for their retirements. 

The Villages® community has a unique and distinctive beginning and innovation. During the 1960’s, land within and around the immediate Villages® community area was sold to individuals via purchase order by a Michigan businessman named Harold Schwartz. Then, a ban went into effect which prohibited the sale of property through the mail, and Harold was stuck with a large area of the unsold property on his hands.

Initially, the idea was to use the land to make a housing park. Development for a place called Orange Blossom Gardens began in the Seventies. Sadly, however,  for Schwartz and his business partner, Al Tarrson, only 400 housing units were sold by the early 1980’s. To spark new development and turn things around, Schwartz made the decision to buy out Tarrson and asked hisown son, Gary Morse, to assist him in taking over operations.

Schwartz and Morse decided to bring a boost to Orange Blossom Gardens by considering the methods of the successfully planned retirement community, called Sun City. This retirement community features a manicure golf course, stocked fishing ponds and hobby retail shops.

By 1985, the community of Orange Blossom Gardens took shape and featured a community plaza, two swimming pools, horseshoes, bocce ball, lawn tennis courts, and a golf course.

Continuing to boost and enhance the success of the community, the family of developers decided to develop a concept that supplied residents with everything they would want or need right in their  neighborhood. A medical center, a bank, and a medical workplace were added. The family continued to add even more businesses to produce entirely different services for the residents to choose from.

With the community flourishing, the developers started planning and building homes. When the milestone of more than $40 million in annual sales for the year of 1987 was hit, a bowling alley and a grocery store moved into the community. 

With sales of homes thriving, a “village” concept plan developed, and three villages were designed - Del Mar, El Cortez and Mira Mesa.

The success of the Orange Blossom Gardens community transformed the little city of Lady Lake from just 3,000 residents to over 10,000. By 1990, additional recreational places were built, including a hotel, a recreation center, and a golf course. In 1991, even more communities were designed, and the Orange Blossom Gardens community was changed to a brand new name: The Villages.

Over the next decades, sales continued to climb, and more amenities were added.  By 2001, The Villages® community was home to more than a dozen golf courses, three churches, thirteen pools, sixteen restaurants, twenty-eight tennis courts, and by then, of course, 27,000 residents.

In the last ten years, the Villages® community has  continued to grow. The Villages® community has established its   radio station, television station, and newspaper; and all of these are smartly controlled by the developers. When Harold Schwartz passed away in 2003, The Villages® community had become home to more than 35,000 residents and was featured in Builder Magazine as one of the top 100 places to build.

By 2005, The Villages® community provided its residents with five softball fields, seven championship golf courses, twelve recreation centers, eighteen executive golf courses, twenty-six pools, thirty lawn tennis courts; several places to play horseshoes, shuffleboard, bocce ball, bowling and a movie theater.

In 2007, The Villages® community was recognized as the largest retirement community in the United States with more than 67,000 residents! Just a year later, the town was named the most rapidly growing micropolitan areas in the nation. 38,000 homes were designed with 75,000 residents calling The Villages® community home.

By 2014, the community was home to 100,000 residents over 55; happily driving their golf carts not just to the green to play, but also to shop, dine out and enjoy the more than 1,700 activities available to them.

Florida Summer vacation rentals are the perfect combination of luxury and comfort and without a doubt should be included as your top priority in your Florida vacation plans. There are countless reasons to enjoy a Florida vacation rental for the Summer, here are 4 to get you started: 

1. Location. Location. Location. - The lakes and beaches located within minutes of your vacation rental are perfect examples of all that Florida entails. Filled with beautiful, eye-catching wildlife and friendly locals, our area is a haven for sunshiny bliss. Nearby lakes draw kayakers, boaters, canoers and other outdoor enthusiasts while providing a peaceful, serene venue for a quiet family picnic or memorable family photographs.
2. Amenities beyond a hotel - unlike hotels (that only offer essentials intended to give you one night of sleep), vacation rentals come stocked with amenities to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible the entire time you’re here enjoying all that Florida has to offer. Vacation rentals are truly a home away from home and offer more space and privacy than any hotel.
3. Excitement or Relaxation - No matter what your mood is on any given day of your vacation, Florida summer vacation rentals give you the perfect atmosphere to enjoy both relaxation and excitement. Nearby lakes, rivers, restaurants, art galleries, theaters, nightlife, shows and attractions let you determine how each day of your vacation will go - all from the comfort of your "home." Central Florida has much more to offer than just Disney World. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing...the list is endless, and your only limit is your imagination.
4. Backyard Grilling - unlike hotels, in vacation rentals, you can get to know your neighbors and the instantly friendly feeling that locals enjoy in Florida. Don’t feel like jumping in the car and going anywhere other than your vacation rental? Why not kick back by the pool and enjoy a good summer backyard barbecue with your fellow vacationers? Make new, lifelong friends and enjoy the laid back lifestyle Florida has to offer. Maybe you’ll grab some secret sauce recipes while you’re at it!

Here are the 5 awesome reasons to travel to The Villages® community:

1. Skipping traffic jams- no matter where you live, there are traffic jams at particular times of the day, and The Villages® community is no exception. In a golf cart, it doesn’t matter if it’s the morning, afternoon or evening rush hour. Golf cart paths allow you to zip around Florida’s Friendliest Town like the VIP you are!
2. Gas prices don’t matter - if you own a modern electric golf cart, you get to ignore the complaints about those prices at the pump! While everyone is moaning about filling up their average cars, you get to zip on by knowing you’ll plug in later!
3. No license? No problem! - Florida Golf Cart Safety Law only requires that golf cart drivers be at least 14 years old - no license required. You can get the same driving under the influence (DUI) citation under Section 316.193, Fla. Stat. The golf cart driver also can be cited for other traffic violations, such as running a stop sign or failure to yield, etc. While safety always matters first, if your primary form of transportation is a golf cart, you never have to worry about lines at the DMV again!
4. Less Maintenance and more customizable options! Even if you’re not a golfer, there are countless ways to spruce up, customize and make your golf cart uniquely yours. Take it from this guy a golf cart can never be too decked out. Maintenance is much lower than a regular car, too - so it’s much less headache!
5. Ease of access! As we mentioned earlier, in Florida, one need only be 14 years old to operate a golf car legally - what could be easier? If your teenage grandkids are in town and feel like taking a tour of our fantastic community, hand them the key and rest comfortably knowing they’re going to be okay!

While any spot in The Villages® community is an ideal place to retire, there are a few things potential residents need to consider before buying a home here and moving to “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown”. Inside the Bubble has published a very in-depth article called “50 Things to Think About Before Buying a Home in The Villages® community” which includes various aspects to consider before moving to The Villages® community, and brings up excellent points if you’re up for some heavy reading. 

Here, we’ve borrowed 5 of the list of 50 to give you a quick rundown of how to score your dream home in The Villages® community

1. Noise, light, and odor “pollution”  - Depending on the level of “hustle and bustle” in the city you’re used to, the noise, light and odor “pollution” factor is one that will make a real difference right away. Don’t get caught neglecting this potential impact on home enjoyment and then either have to live with the consequences for years to come, or move. Everyone can understand the traffic noise if you decide to buy next to a busy road (don’t forget the substantial traffic pick-up during the peak winter months). Some roadways are busier than others. The multi-modal paths are major golf cart arteries. County roads carry truck traffic in addition to cars. Now, some allowances can be made for the construction traffic during new neighborhood construction, as most of this should go away or move to a maintenance-only mode in the future. Be sure to pay attention to the “feel” of an area at various times of day before you choose your home.
2. Type and size of home? - You’ve probably heard people say that the average home buyer moves three times during their tenure here. This isn’t necessarily a documented fact, but most people that have been here awhile feel the number is reasonable.t would be worthwhile to get out a piece of paper and create a list sorted into must-have and nice-to-have columns. Also list the constraints and issues preventing you from satisfying all of the musts and wants. It may be more than just money or first cost. If you buy something that is more affordable now but then later you spend lots of money trying to alter it to suit your true needs and wants; or if you have to suffer through a sale/move so you can undo your past mistake; then ultimately the lack of thoughtful decision making may cost you more than you saved initially. The pencil and paper exercise needs to have more than just three things listed — a full page of factors shouldn’t be considered unusual. Those that are so inclined can use a spreadsheet and actually use a weighted number decision-making approach. If this approach doesn’t fit with your personality type or abilities, think about soliciting the help of a family member or close friend to facilitate the exercise. Don’t be too proud and not ask for help — the decision-making process is just too important.
3. Be sure to think about accessibility to town squares, shopping, major thoroughfares and roads, etc. When choosing your home location be sure to think about how easy it will be to travel via car or golf cart to your destinations of interest. Even though all neighborhoods may have conveniently located recreation centers, pools, and mail stations, you may find it quite a trek to drive your golf cart to the grocery store, drugstore, favorite town square, restaurant, etc. Some locations are somewhat remote to major artery streets so it may be quite a little journey just to get out of the neighborhood. Of course if your home is too close to a major thoroughfare you may be substituting convenience for privacy, noise and distractions. It’s something to think about.
4. Covenants and Restrictions – Love ‘em or hate ‘em - There appear to be two schools of thought relative to the covenants and restrictions in The Villages® community. Some folks prefer strict rules and strict enforcement so as to keep uniform standards of appearance, order, cleanliness, and maintenance. Others just can’t understand what the big deal is with storage buildings, lawn ornaments, house paint colors, etc. It seems to infringe on their free will. The simple fact is you are choosing to buy a home in a development with strict covenants and restrictions. They are actually much looser than many communities, so they shouldn’t be too overbearing. North side areas don’t have exactly the same rules as the newer neighborhoods because the Developer learned along the way that a tightening of the rules was needed. Note that enforcement has been spotty until recently when new procedures were developed to levy fines on chronic offenders. There’s also a tip line to let folks “tattle on their neighbors”.
5. Home orientation: face north, south, east, or west? - Many people fail to consider the orientation of their homes relative to how they intend to use the outdoor areas. Do you plan to spend a lot of time on the Lanai, or birdcage area? Some seasonal residents prefer to have the back of their house facing south, or maybe west, so they can use their outdoor areas to a greater extent during the cooler winter months. Other full time residents may want their primary use outdoor areas facing north, or possibly east, so they are able to find some shade during the heat of the day and/or primarily enjoy the morning sun. Or, they may want to bias to the west to enjoy the sunsets even though the hot afternoon sun can be a challenge. Be sure to think about the arc of the sun both in summer and winter. You’ll note that in many cases awnings, shades, or enclosed Lanais using heavily tinted windows will need to be used later to address sun/shade/usage patterns not initially considered during the initial home purchase.

1. Florida Weather! – I don't know what the temperature is where you're currently sitting, but it's almost February here, and we're in the 60's, and 70's just about every day! There's just something about this not too cold / not too warm weather that lifts your mood, lessens pain in your body, and just makes life more enjoyable all around. Sure, the first snowfall of winter is fun to visit, but nothing beats waking up to a beautiful sunrise and fresh Florida breeze each morning.


2. People are Happy Here! - One of The Villages® communitys' greatest assets is our people. Peruse The Villages® community's social media pages, and you'll hear time and time again about how friendly people are around here. Folks from all walks of life are proud to call The Villages® community home, and have come together to live their retirement dreams - and the happiness is contagious! Often, when visiting The Villages® community for the first time people can't quite understand why everyone is so happy, but stick around, and you'll realize, happiness comes easily when you're living the life of your dreams.


3. Location, Location, Location! – Nestled among pristine landscapes just an hour from Orlando, it's just a short trip from the adult Disney World of The Villages® community to the real Disney World Mickey Mouse calls home. When the grandkids come for a visit, they'll be over the moon knowing the most magical place on earth is just down the road from their grandparent's home. Not to mention you have access to all of the other theme parks, shopping, and restaurants surrounding the area. With Ocala, Leesburg, and Gainesville in proximity, any activity you can think of is all within reach.


4. People are Healthy Here! - The Villages® community is in partnership with the University of South Florida Health, and we do not rest on our laurels. We are already known as the "Friendliest Hometown" and the "Cleanest Hometown" -and this vital partnership strives to make us the "Healthiest Hometown." Formed in 2015, this partnership is well on its way to keeping all Villagers in the know about their health status and needs and offers lectures and classes to help you keep improving your health every day.


5. People are Active Here! - With more than 1,800 (and counting) organized clubs, groups and activities, "Something for everyone" is true here in The Villages® community. Can't find one you like? Well, we welcome you to create, organize, and publicize your activity and add to The Villages® community fun!

If you would like to find out more about this amazing Florida treasure, contact White Pelican Home Services today! 

For more than 30 years, retirees have come to stay and play in the premier Florida active adult community known as The Villages® community. Many people make their way to Florida's friendliest hometown intending only to rent for the season and end up purchasing their permanent retirement home. However, there are many considerations for first time prospective seasonal house renters along with a few things you can expect and that ; you of you.

Because The Villages® community is still growing, there are an ever increasing number of seasonal rental homes available. Finding one you love is not a problem. However, you will want always to talk with the owner/agent about a property before you rent. Some seasonal rental property owners require and offer incentives (like resident ID discounts or free newspapers) for multiple consecutive month rentals, while others do not.

What is Peak Season? The Villages® community Peak Season usually runs from January to March, so if you have not booked already, now is the time to call. Sometimes property owners require multiple consecutive month bookings and the reason for this is that each time a renter vacates a home, it is cleaned, repaired, prepped and ready for the next tenant. If you would prefer just a single month during peak season, check for cancellations or newly listed properties.

Sometimes, these owners are willing to breakup peak months rather than requiring multiple consecutive months. Prices are set by the homeowner and are often negotiable, but as a general rule during peak season, you can expect to pay between $2500.00 to $4000.00 per month. April through May as well as October through November is some of the best weather months in Florida, and by booking during these times, you can save significantly compared to peak months.

Expect to Book Early. Veteran peak season renters often book a year in advance. Be sure that if you do book early, you get complete detailed documentation of your upcoming reservation from the rental home owner/agent.

Know How to Book During Off Season. The key to booking during offseason is the negotiation. If a property owner offers weekly or bi-weekly rentals, the details are in the listing information. Keep in mind that a local Motel or Hotel will run upwards of at least $89 per night, so don't expect to pay less than that. Many Villages homeowners offer short term stays at around $100 a night for a home, which enjoyment far exceeds the confinement of a hotel room.

Ask Before Bringing Your Fur Baby. If you have ever visited The Villages® community before, you already know that our area is extremely pet-friendly! Some homeowners, however, are not. Be sure to check the details found in each rental listing to determine whether an owner/agent includes "Not Pet-Friendly," "Pet Considered," or "Pet OK." If the listing includes the term "Pet Considered," be sure to discuss the issue of pets with the owner personally.

Plan for Number of Persons in Party
A lot of seasonal house rental listing indicate that they will rent to a maximum of two (2) people. If, however, you would like to bring more than two people, be sure to discuss this with the owner or agent. Often, the owner will allow for more people but may require additional costs or cleaning fees. The best way to know is to discuss your plans and ask questions.

Always be Respectful and Responsible
Both homeowners and renters are expected to respect one another and be responsible for the home. Good communication between renters and owners/agents is key to a successful, enjoyable experience.

For more information on available seasonal rentals through White Pelican Home Services, use our handy rental property search form to find your perfect oasis.

House staging can make a significant impact on getting the home sold in a market that is price-competitive. Home staging determines areas that need design improvements like updated paint colors, strategic lighting scenarios, and maximum curb appeal.  Staging helps you to see the home from the perspective of potential buyers and to organize clutter, spotlessly clean the home and get it ready for open house.

House staging starts with a pre-staging checklist, recommendation for furniture, art and accessories and a detailed quote to begin your transformation. Once your transformation begins, professional stagers use design science techniques to perfectly position your furniture, art, and accessories to prepare your home to wow potential tenants or buyers.

The housing market is on a current upswing. Therefore renters and buyers have a wide variety of houses to choose from in their search for the perfect one. A properly staged home can easily mean the difference between the purchaser or tenant loving it or passing it over.

Many homeowners confuse staging with decorating and resist the process and recommendations of the staging professional. The reality is, however, that the moment you commit to selling your home, you need to commit to the transformation of your home into a place that buyers can easily picture as their own. You need to prepare for emotional detachment.

Your home may represent you, but what is it saying to your potential buyer? Most sellers tend to take the staging process personally, which is precisely the point. Homes are always personal - yet how we live isn’t how we sell. Your home represents who you are; they are life-sized memory books of your travels, they trumpet your likes, your dislikes, and your beliefs. They showcase your stuff -- all that stuff you have accumulated over time that speaks to you. The goal of house staging is to make your home now talk to everyone else, in a compelling and positive way.

Staging is not a DIY sport. Only a third party specialist brings the neutrality and objectivity that’s needed to accomplish the goal. Staging is not an indictment of your style and tastes. Rather, it is the stager’s job to ensure that nothing in the home upstages the home itself.

Make no mistake - professional home staging is an inconvenience. Your daily routine will be turned, at least momentarily, on its head. It can be unsettling to watch as your life rearranged to suit the tastes of others. But keep in mind that since selling your home in the shortest amount of time and for the most money is your goal, it is precisely those "others” who should be your focus.

For most people, the thought of having steady rental income is incredibly appealing. But the idea of having to deal with actual renters? Not so much. The mere idea of a pipe breaking in the middle of the night or a nightmare tenant is enough to make most people shudder and push the rental property consideration from their heads. 

However, there is a way to have steady rental income without the hassles: A property management company. Yes, they’ll take a small cut of your income, but in return, you’ll get time, peace of mind and so much more. 

Reasons to Hire a Property Management Company:

1. Tennant screening. They’ll find the right renter for you. Let them go through the background checks and credit applications. They also know what raises a red flag on an application.
2. Avoid legal problems, financial pitfalls and scams. TransUnion reported that it costs landlords about $1,917 to evict a resident. The credit reporting agency recommends that property managers report rent payment history as a way to help renters improve their credit score and improve risk management for landlords.A skilled manager understands landlord-resident laws governing resident rights, eviction processes, and safety. A few other potential legal issues include Discrimination, leasing disclosures, rent collection and late fees, notification, and access for inspection, licenses and permits.
3. Property managers are the point of contact. Whether you have a tenant complaining about a neighbor's dog barking or something breaks in the middle of the night, the property manager will take those calls, day or night and find someone to handle any required repairs. 
4. Ensure rent will be paid on time. Most property managers deduct their fees from the rent, so they’re motivated to collect payment, and not afraid to enforce the lease or serve an eviction notice, if necessary. 
5. Decreasing rental turnover. Property managers know how to keep renters happy because they're responsive, available and know how to take care of problems. Happy tenants are less likely to look for another place to live. 
6. Increasing property value. Preventative maintenance inspections, repair or replace policies for appliances and initiating property upgrades to stay competitive protect assets and increase value. Property managers stay in constant communication with owners about steps they can take to manage property value in the marketplace. 
7. Property management companies allow you to enjoy the benefits of property ownership without giving up personal freedom. They reduce stress and headaches, which most of us find a valuable benefit!

If you just want a rent check and don’t want to be responsible for all of the details of your real estate investment, leaving it up to the pros can be well worth the cost.

By Tennille Shelley

As a snowbird, you enjoy the luxury of the best of both worlds. Enjoying Florida during its milder months, while escaping the brutal winters of home. But, have you given any thought to what's happening around your home when you leave the Sunshine State?

Unfortunately for those of us that live in Florida, we know that higher temps mean higher crime rates. A Department of Justice report found that burglary incidents are 10.5 percent higher in the summer than the winter. And it's not just burglary that the report showed an increase in. It also revealed that in the summer, rates of household property victimization, household larceny, and serious violent crimes were significantly higher as well. The Wall Street Journal reported that there was a "definite correlation" between an increase in temperature and an increase in crime.

Keep in mind, that crime isn't the only concern you might have for your home while you're away.
Your home's A/C compressor could fail and leave your home victim to humidity and stagnant air, encouraging the potential growth and spread of mildew and mold spores. A ceiling leak from an upper level condo, left unattended could also mean costly water damage to your property.

So what's the solution? For safety and peace of mind while you're away from home, HomeWatch is a safe bet. Our Home Watch Service includes having a trained professional methodically inspect the outside of your home for any signs of entry or damage. We complete a comprehensive, detailed inspection report for each visit. And promptly coordinate licensed professionals to perform necessary repairs and maintenance of your home in the event that something goes awry.

White Pelican Home Watch Service includes management and performance of home watch inspections, concierge services, the coordination of maintenance and service of residential properties. If you are snowbird, an absentee owner of a vacation home, residential home, or an investment property, then HomeWatch is the service for you!

For more details contact a team member at White Pelican Realty.

If you're looking to rent a vacation home but are wondering where to start, rest assured you're not alone. Finding the perfect vacation home isn't always easy, but there are ways to guarantee you get the vacation you want without breaking the bank. As with most endeavors, planning ahead and being organized are key. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts when renting your vacation home.

Do: Start your search early

Prior to planning your vacation (preferably 6 months to a year in advance) determine where you would like to go and do a quick rundown comparison of the seasonal rates in your chosen area. While this may seem excessive, keep in mind that vacation home rentals - at least, the good ones - usually book up very quickly.

Do: Read the entire contract

Unfortunately, people are often so excited to have landed the vacation home they wanted and so eager to start having fun that they overlook the importance of the contract. But you should never ignore this document as it outlines your responsibilities and the responsibilities of the company you’re renting from. Be sure to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for cleaning, utilities, internet, phone service and cable. Also, find out what is included. If a grill and beach chairs are included in your rental, you’ll save money that way, but if not, you can factor them into your budget prior to leaving.

Don’t forget the deposit

The company you are renting from may require a substantial upfront security deposit, and it’s vital to include this in factoring your budget. You’ll also want to be aware of the deposit return process as well as the conditions that must be met in order for your deposit to be returned (i.e., cleaning requirements,etc.) This will help make your experience a more relaxing one knowing that both the renter and company are on the same page.

Do get a contact number for after hours

Make sure you always know who to reach during business hours or after hours while in your vacation home. Should the unexpected occur, like a loss of electricity or a burst pipe, you’ll want to have immediate access to the landlord or owner and they’ll be glad you did!

Do a walk through before leaving

Before checking out, ask the landlord or owner to walk through the premises with you. Make sure that they see no problem with the condition of the property. This can prevent unwelcome surprises or unexpected charges. It also gives you time to fix a problem if one is discovered.

For help finding your perfect vacation rental contact the experts at White Pelican Realty.

To keep your golf cart running smoothly throughout the year and to reduce the need for costly repairs, regular preventative golf cart maintenance is very important. Here are some basic maintenance steps you can do yourself in addition to regularly scheduled tune-ups:

Golf Cart Battery Maintenance

Your golf cart’s battery is a vital part of your golf cart and if not maintained properly, replacing it can be quite costly. A top quality golf cart battery, if properly maintained, should last 4 to 5 years.

Remember before servicing your battery, to be sure and remove any jewelry, watches or rings. If metal comes into contact with your battery terminal, the situation can become quite dangerous. You might be surprised to learn that the battery in your golf cart contains enough voltage to weld metal together! Also, the acid in your battery is very corrosive and can pose health risks. Remember to always use safety glasses or goggles and heavy rubber gloves to check and refill batteries.

With a fully charged battery, check the electrolyte water levels in each cell regularly, every three months. Be sure that the lead plates in the battery are fully submerged in water. If the water in the battery dries up, the life of the battery becomes shortened and the battery becomes a fire hazard. Always use only distilled water to refill the battery, and use only enough water to cover the plates. Overfilling the battery causes the acid to overflow when charging, which causes corrosion of the cables and metal frame. A single point battery watering system can streamline the process significantly.

Golf Cart Tire Maintenance

Check your golf cart’s tire pressure monthly and be sure it is filled to the manufacturer's recommended pressure (usually 22 psi). Under inflated tires can cause the tire to wear unevenly wear and shortens the life of the tire.

Uneven wear can also be indicative of an alignment problem. Hitting a curb or hole can cause your tires to become unaligned. Have your alignment checked and your tires rotated if necessary. Making sure your tires are properly aligned, rotated and filled extends the life of your tires.

Golf Cart Brake Maintenance

The mechanical brakes on your golf cart should be checked and serviced once a year. Brake maintenance includes the examining and adjusting of the brake pads, drums, cables and pedal. Improperly serviced brakes can become quite costly and pose a serious danger to the safety of the cart’s occupants.

In today’s price-competitive market with an inventory filled with homes here in The Villages® community, homebuyers can afford to be selective. The market is competing for buyers, and buyers are looking for the best home for their money, so it’s easy for a home on the market to slip through the cracks if it is not in pristine condition during the showing.

Here are some simple updates you can make to whip your home into shape and give your potential buyers that wow factor:

1. Make necessary repairs. In today’s buyer’s market, when you’re ready to sell your home, you want it to be in the best condition possible. Pay attention to major defects like broken windows, leaky pipes or a roof leak (no matter how small) can deter potential buyers.

2. Make every surface sparkle. From air vents, to ceiling fans, floors, walls, counters and everything in between, clean your home until it shines.

3. Improve the landscaping. As the first thing a potential buyer sees when they drive up to your home, curb appeal is vital in making a good first impression. Your home’s lawn should be immaculate. The grass should be mowed, the bushes pruned and garden weeded. Planting flowers also goes a long way to giving the home a cheerful appearance.

4. Make sure the outside is clean. Check your home’s siding, paint and gutters for any signs of mold, mildew, dirt, or stains and make sure they’re pressure washed away before the showing. A dirty exterior will give potential buyers the impression that you’ve also neglected the inside.

5. Make the front door feel welcoming. Apply a fresh coat of paint in a color that contrasts with the home, and it will stand out. Be sure house numbers can be easily be seen from the curb and purchase a new welcome mat to let your potential buyers know they’re welcome into your home.

6. Depersonalize. Potential buyers want to be able to imagine themselves and their belongings living in your home. Put photos, personal items and knickknacks out of site and be sure the walls are painted in a neutral color that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

7. Deodorize and fill your home with warm scent. Hide your fur baby’s litter box and spray an air neutralizer throughout the home. When a potential buyer arrives for a showing, be sure the home is filled with appealing scents like a bouquet of flowers or a batch of cookies baking in the oven.

Once you're already to rock n' roll and get it sold, contact White Pelican and let us handle the rest!