Posts made by author 'Alan Hubbard'

You're probably familiar with the concept of winter home maintenance. Floridians don't exactly have a lot to worry about in winter, but summer? The brutal heat and humidity summer brings can affect your home in unsuspecting ways. Keep your house protected during the hot months with this inclusive summer home maintenance checklist.

Inspect Air Conditioners

Start your summer home maintenance checklist by tending to your home's biggest ally against the sweltering sun: the air conditioner. If you have a central AC unit, a professional servicing may be in order. Check, clean, or replace filters for both central units and window units. Be proactive to ensure your AC doesn't fail mid-summer.

Clean Fans

Airflow is cruci...

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We miss going to the movies. The tentpole summer blockbusters, the raw energy of a packed theater, the hot, buttery popcorn – they all seem like distant memories as COVID-19 caused movie theaters to shut down several months ago. Even as some major chains discuss plans of reopening in July, the idea of piling into a small room with dozens of people doesn't sound very appealing right now. But another largely bygone institution has resurged to fill the void in cinema-lovers' hearts: drive-in movie theaters. Many independent theater chains in Florida have pivoted to offer a classic experience that's perfectly suited to our socially distant times. We've highlighted some of the coolest drive-in movie theaters in Florida to help you get your cinema fix.

Sun-Ray Cinema |

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We've previously talked about questions you should ask when buying a house on this blog. This week we're looking at the other side of that equation: what to ask when selling your house. From making sure you have the right agent to determining your home's value, you've got lots to consider when putting your home on the market. Let's dig into those questions and more.

Do I have the right agent for my goals?

Think of the search for a real estate agent to list your home as a job interview, and you're the hiring manager. Ask about their history in the industry, how many homes they typically sell in a year, areas in which they specialize, what they'll do to market your home, and more. What can they bring to the table, and does it align with your g...

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Floridians know all too well the dangers of hurricane season. These violent storms can cause considerable property damage, which is why it's important to start preparing your home as early as possible. If you're not sure where to start, read on to find out how to prepare your home for hurricane season.

Check for Leaks

Hurricanes bring with them torrential rain, often for days at a time. Check doors, windows, and walls – especially areas where cables and pipes enter – for leaks that could allow water to seep through. Plug any that you may find with a strong sealant.

Bring Furniture Inside

Any outdoor furniture should become indoor furniture during a hurricane. If you can't transfer items inside, secure them to the ground as tightly as possible – id...

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Let's face it: buying a house can be hard. Even if you've done it a few times before, the purchasing process is so complex that little details can easily be lost in the shuffle. That's why, in addition to having a great real estate agent by your side, you should always ask lots of questions before committing to a new home. Here's what to ask when buying a house.

How much house can I afford?

We've talked a lot about budgeting for a home purchase on this blog, so we won't dig too much into this question. Suffice it to say, a thorough examination of your finances is a critical early step in your house hu...

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