• About
  • Privacy Policy

The Hanley Home Team Blog

~ "ON TOP" Of Your Real Estate Needs!

The Hanley Home Team Blog

Category Archives: Uncategorized

RUN!! If Your Agent Calculates Price Per Square Foot

06 Tuesday Jan 2026

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, buying a home for the first time, calculating home price, downsize your home, downsizing, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, housing, housing-market, investing, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, price per sq ft, price per square foot, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, REALTOR, right-sizing, Selling a home, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

images

Price per square foot is a concept in real estate which is easy to understand and just as easy to misuse. The formula is pretty simple: To determine price per square foot, you take a price, such as sale price of a home, and divide it by the square footage of the property.

Price per square foot is useful in looking at broad market comparisons, such as comparing one entire metro area to another, or looking at an area’s average change over time. It is not, however, terribly accurate in figuring out the value of your home.

Why? Well, price per square foot fails to take into account the most important factors when pricing a home.

First and foremost, it makes assumptions about the home’s amenities. We all know the quality of materials used in home construction and the condition of the home’s appliances and other features can have a dramatic impact on the value of a home. A kitchen with Italian marble surfaces versus one with pressboard countertops will have completely different values. Price per square foot in a given neighborhood will blend these homes together and produce an average.

Second, price per square foot assumes locations are identical, but in almost any metro area there are up-and-coming neighborhoods as well as neighborhoods in decline. Price per square foot near an abandoned industrial zone will vary considerably from one near a well-established downtown district with a great walkability score.

Third, even the simple methodology of calculating price per square foot can be influenced by how the total number of square feet has been calculated. If one has a garage converted into a mother-in-law, and another home doesn’t, which square footage is valid? And what about home or lot size? Sometimes above or below-grade lots can influence the price per square foot as well.

Price per square foot is more useful in commercial situations where there is tremendous uniformity in the design, construction, and location, but as a tool for assessing your home’s market value, it’s flat out dangerous.

Want a real estimation of your home’s value in its current condition and location? We’d be happy to help. Get in touch today, and We’ll show you what goes into determining the optimal price for your home. Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-515-2479

10 Tip for Protecting Your Home During Vacations (8217)

29 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, buying a home for the first time, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, holiday safety, home safety, Home security, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville FL real estate agents, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, Protect your belongings, protect your home, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right-sizing, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

images

We hope you all have a safe and relaxing time during your vacation this summer. It’s crucial that we all have time to recharge and recognize what’s important in life. We only go around once, so it’s important to savor what we have.

Before you leave town, we thought you might be interested in a few precautionary safety tips to keep your home and your possessions safe while you’re gone. Often in the run-up to a vacation, people neglect to take simple steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of theft or vandalism.

You’ve probably covered your bases, but just in case, here are 10 basic precautions you can take:

1. Have someone collect your mail and newspaper daily.

2. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.

3. Put at least two lights and a radio on automatic timers.

4. Have someone leave trash at your curb on garbage collection day.

5. Have someone park a car in your driveway occasionally. If you leave your car outside, arrange to have it moved every so often.

6. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. Let the neighbor know where you are going and when you are expect to return, also leave them a way to get in contact with you in case of an emergency.

7. Lock all windows and doors before you go. Do not forget to double-check basement and garage doors.

8. On extended trips have someone to maintain your landscaping, (grass mowed, leaves raked, etc.)

9. Consider turning off your home’s water main to prevent damage from a burst pipe.

10. Be careful how much you check-in on social media while on vacation. If your privacy settings are incorrect you might reveal to strangers your home is vacant!

Be safe and have a blast…

Is buying or selling your home a priority in 2018?  Give us a call and let’s make your New Year’s resolution a reality – Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 www.HanleyHomeTeam.com Kevin Hanley, Loan Officer, Texana Bank NMLS #2639641 https://mortgage.texanabank.com/loan-officer/kevin-hanley/

We hope you all have a safe and relaxing time during your vacation this summer, too. It’s crucial that we all have time to recharge and recognize what’s important in life. We only go around once, so it’s important to savor what we have. Before you leave town, we thought you might be interested in a few precautionary safety tips to keep your home and your possessions safe while you’re gone. Often in the run-up to a vacation, people neglect to take simple steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of theft or vandalism.

What Should We Truly Value This Christmas Time? – Complete Guide

22 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, Christmas, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, first-time homebuyer, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Is it OK to sell a home during christmas, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, merry christmas, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right-sizing, Selling a home at Christmas, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

images

As we enjoy the holiday season, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the season when family and friends gather, and the big picture in terms of how we’re all expected to get along on this increasingly crowded planet of ours.

The holidays often put people around the table who may not normally see one another throughout the year. Far flung relatives, cousins, in-laws, and other guests-of-guests may come from all walks of life. Their political, religious, and social viewpoints may differ widely from our own. Yet when we see them during the holidays, we do our best to tolerate differences. Ideally, we look for ways to connect rather than provoke arguments.

Tolerance is not always the easiest value to embrace. Now, especially, we can find ourselves thrust into polemic arguments driven by political and media forces which command enormous attention and influence. Social media and a profound lack of face-to-face interaction makes it easier to distance ourselves from our mutual, essential humanity if we let it. It is easy to be intolerant. Easy to erect high walls. Easier than ever to segment and align ourselves with only those who agree with our values and sense of our role the world.

We would gently urge everyone to see the Christmas season as more than a time to buy gifts, give thanks for our blessings, and eat sweet treats. Let us remember to practice tolerance, acceptance, and recognize the importance of diversity in this world.

God Bless you and your family!

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley and The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside – www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-515-2479 Kevin Hanley, Loan Officer, Texana Bank NMLS #2639641 https://mortgage.texanabank.com/loan-officer/kevin-hanley/

Are You Waiting Too Long to Buy a Home? (price)

15 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, downsize your home, downsizing, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, first-time homebuyer, home pricing, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, lock-in a good mortgage rate, luxury, luxury homes, mortgage, Mortgage lender, pricing your home to sell, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right-sizing, selling your home, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville, Waiting too long to buy a home

If you know someone who’s waiting for home prices to drop even further before they buy, you might want to clue them in to the impact financing changes may have on those low prices. In Jacksonville’s current market—where median home values hover around $280,000–$300,000 and have seen modest declines or stabilization in early 2026—waiting carries real risks beyond just price.

Which do you think matters more when waiting for the right time to buy a home: securing a low purchase price, or locking in a great financing rate? Most buyers focus heavily on purchase price when deciding whether or not to buy. The question you often hear is the same: “Has the market bottomed out yet?” The idea of getting “the best deal” on a home is paramount to these price shoppers, and indeed for cash buyers, this may be the primary concern.

While negotiating a great price is an important part of the equation, the value of securing great financing terms cannot be overstated. The inherent risk in waiting for the market to hit bottom is that you’ll also miss out on the best interest rates available. As of mid-March 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits around 6.2%–6.3% (per Freddie Mac and other sources), up slightly in recent weeks but still below last year’s peaks. If rates rise further while prices dip modestly, the monthly payment—and total cost over time—could end up higher than buying sooner at a slightly elevated price with lower rates.

Imagine, for example, you’re waiting for homes to drop an additional 5% in value. While you’re waiting, mortgage rates rise from 6% to 7%. Sure, you might secure the home at a better purchase price, but what you’ll pay over the life of the loan will be significantly higher than buying when the market was more expensive (but rates were lower). Even a 1% increase in your mortgage rate can add hundreds to your monthly payment—often equivalent to a 10% or more jump in effective housing costs. For a $300,000 loan (common in Jacksonville starter/mid-tier homes), a shift from 6% to 7% might increase monthly principal and interest from around $1,800 to $2,000+, adding $200+ per month and tens of thousands in extra interest over 30 years.

Buying a home is not like buying a nice coffee table. Price is not the sole concern. Given the complexities of price, property taxes, financing terms, and the larger tax implications of home ownership (like mortgage interest deductions), it truly pays to consult with an agent who can help you weigh the pros and cons and make the right move. In Jacksonville’s 2026 market—where forecasts show modest price stabilization or slight appreciation rather than big drops, plus ongoing population-driven demand—acting when rates and inventory align often beats perfect timing.

We’re always happy to work with you to navigate the market, negotiate price, and put you in touch with mortgage professionals who will help you get the best rate possible. Contact us today and we can help you explore your options: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners www.HanleyHomeTeam.com – Kevin Hanley, Loan Officer, Texana Bank NMLS #2639641 https://mortgage.texanabank.com/loan-officer/kevin-hanley/

FAQ

Q: What is waiting? A: If you know someone who’s waiting for home prices to drop even further before they buy, you might want to clue them in to the impact financing changes may have on those low prices. Waiting for a “better” price often means missing lower rates, which can outweigh modest savings on the home’s cost—especially in a market like Jacksonville where prices are stabilizing rather than crashing.

Tips for Parents That Want to Help Their Child Buy a Home

08 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, children buying a home, downsize your home, downsizing, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, first-time homebuyer, gen x, gen z, helping your child buy a home, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, parents that want to help their child buy a home, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right-sizing, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

Give the down payment as a gift. One of the most common ways parents help their children purchase a home is by contributing to their down payment. As a parent, you have two main options: loan the money or gift it outright. If you loan the money, it creates a formal debt that could trigger interest income taxes for you (as the lender) and potential repayment obligations for your child. Gifting is often simpler and more tax-efficient—under current IRS rules for 2026, you can gift up to $19,000 per parent (or $38,000 total if married and splitting the gift) to each recipient tax-free without dipping into your lifetime exemption. For example, both parents could gift $19,000 each to their child (and another $19,000 each to the child’s spouse if buying together), totaling $76,000 tax-free to help cover a 20% down payment on a $300,000 Jacksonville home. This avoids any gift tax reporting for amounts within limits and lets your child use the funds immediately without repayment pressure.

Be a co-owner with your kid… Some lenders allow parents to co-buy a home with their child and structure equity ownership as desired (e.g., you own 60%, your child owns 40%), which determines how proceeds are split upon sale. This works well if the long-term goal is for your child to eventually buy you out or inherit full ownership—perhaps through a quitclaim deed or refinancing once they qualify independently. In Florida, this can also help with mortgage qualification if your income/credit boosts approval, and it lets you retain partial control or equity growth while your child builds homeownership experience in a market like Jacksonville’s.

…or buy a house on your own and rent it to your child. If your child doesn’t yet qualify for a mortgage (e.g., due to credit history, debt-to-income ratio, or limited savings), you can purchase the home solely in your name and rent it to them at a fair market rate. This gives them time to improve credit, save for a future down payment, and build rental history—while you benefit from rental income (potentially offsetting mortgage costs) and property appreciation. In Jacksonville, where starter homes or townhomes average $280,000–$350,000, this approach provides stability and a path to eventual ownership, with the option for your child to buy it later via a family sale or refinance.

Need more parent tips? Give us a call! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 www.HanleyHomeTeam.comde 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com Kevin Hanley, Loan Officer, Texana Bank NMLS #2639641 https://mortgage.texanabank.com/loan-officer/kevin-hanley/

5 Under-the-Radar Reasons for Home Sellers to Appreciate Buyers Agents

01 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, buyer agent, buyer agents, Buying a home, buying a home for the first time, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, real estate lawsuit, real estate representation, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right sizing, seller agent, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

Here are 5 under-the-radar things that buyers’ agents do that help sellers get their home sold as quickly and efficiently as possible to the perfect buyer for their home:

Considering it’s their job to look out for the best interest of their client, it might seem counterintuitive at first, but buyers’ agents actually benefit sellers in significant ways. In Jacksonville’s balanced 2026 market—where median home prices range from $280,000 to $365,000 (depending on neighborhood), days on market average 50–84, and inventory sits around 4–6 months—buyers’ agents play a key role in creating smoother, faster transactions by guiding buyers to the right property.

1. They show them a lot of other houses… It might seem odd to appreciate that buyers’ agents are out there showing their clients competing houses, but it’s essential. For your buyer to truly appreciate why yours is the best choice, they need context from seeing other options. While it may look like the buyers’ agent only showed your house a time or two before closing, they could have spent months (or even years) touring dozens of properties with the buyer. This process helps the buyer understand market values, refine their must-haves, and recognize your home as the one that fits—often leading to stronger offers and fewer regrets later.

2. They make sure your house isn’t overlooked if it’s right for their buyer… The internet makes browsing easy, but buyers don’t always spot their dream home without guidance. People often assume buyers instantly know “the one” online or during a first walkthrough, but it’s rare for any house to check every box perfectly. A minor issue like outdated paint color or a layout quirk can cause a buyer to scroll past your listing. A skilled buyers’ agent knows their client’s priorities inside out and the market well enough to push them to visit and reconsider preventing your home from being dismissed and connecting it to the right match.

3. They’re a trusted source of advice… It’s legal in many areas for a listing agent to represent both sides (dual agency), but it can create trust concerns for buyers. Even the most honest agent might face skepticism when advising on offer amounts, inspection negotiations, or concessions buyers may wonder if the advice favors the seller. Having their own agent provides buyers with objective guidance, making them more comfortable and confident. This reduces hesitation, speeds decisions, and often results in smoother closings for sellers.

4. It gives your agent the ability to fully represent you… When there’s no buyers’ agent, sellers sometimes question if their listing agent’s advice is truly unbiased (e.g., pushing for a quick close to earn commission). A dedicated buyers’ agent eliminates that doubt, allowing your agent to advocate fully for you without divided loyalties. This builds stronger trust, clearer communication, and more aggressive negotiation on your behalf helping maximize your net proceeds in Jacksonville’s competitive yet balanced market.

5. They keep their clients calm when things go wrong or get stressful… Something almost always arises between offer and closing home inspection surprises, low appraisals, financing hiccups, or even buyers’ remorse over such a large commitment. A buyers’ agent acts as a buffer, calming nerves, explaining issues, and keeping the deal on track. This prevents emotional derailments, reduces renegotiations or walkaways, and helps ensure your sale closes successfully saving sellers time, money, and stress.

Get in touch and allow us to help you understand representation in today’s market. Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com Kevin Hanley, Loan Officer, Texana Bank NMLS #2639641 https://mortgage.texanabank.com/loan-officer/kevin-hanley/

FAQ

Q: How does appreciate work? A: Buyers’ agents may seem focused solely on their clients, but they indirectly benefit sellers by educating buyers, preventing oversights, building trust, enabling full seller representation, and managing stress during the process. This leads to more qualified, motivated buyers who make informed offers and close smoothly often resulting in faster sales and better outcomes in markets like Jacksonville’s.

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Around Thanksgiving – Complete Guide

24 Monday Nov 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, buying a home for the first time, downsize your home, downsizing, first time homebuyer, happy holidays, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right sizing, Selling a home during Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

The majority of people think the best time to sell a home is during the summer. Children are out of school which makes it much easier for parents to relocate and start a new life in their new home. In actuality more than half of homebuyers do not have children or have children that are out of the house. There are far less numbers of homes for sale during the holidays which makes the demand for a quality home that much higher. However, by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, trees have started to lose their leaves. This makes maintaining the exterior of your even more of a priority. Bare trees result in a more exposed home, so touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers’ safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of leaves. Here are some tips to sell your home around Thanksgiving…

1. Make Curb Appeal a Top Priority.

Family visiting during Thanksgiving can add quite a bit of clutter to the home. In the case that a potential buyer wants to view the home, eliminating this clutter couldn’t be more important. If family has taken over a bedroom that’s usually used for storage, it can be wise to invest in a storage unit. These are not expensive and can be rented for a month or two while the home is on the market. Clutter decreases the perceived size of the home which could be a deciding factor whether a buyer puts an offer in or continues their search. 2. Avoid Clutter at All Costs.

Creating a warm atmosphere during Thanksgiving and the holidays when your home is being sold can do a couple of things. The potential buyers could imagine themselves celebrating their own Thanksgiving in the home. This isn’t the time to put up huge amounts of decorations but rather enough to get into the spirit of the season. Warm colors should be abundant and those quirky holiday decorations that some families put up in their homes during certain holidays should be kept in the attic.

3. Appeal to the Buyer’s Imagination.

Pricing the home to sell during the holidays is extremely important. If you accepted a new job and need to relocate by the end of the year this multiplies in importance. Many buyers if in the same situation will want to put an offer in around the Thanksgiving holiday. This will reduce the stress of trying to find a home during the Christmas holidays when many people travel for extended periods. Closing quickly will also allow you to write off closing costs during this year’s tax season.

4. Price The Home To Sell.

Pricing the home to sell during the holidays is extremely important. If you accepted a new job and need to relocate by the end of the year this multiplies in importance. Many buyers if in the same situation will want to put an offer in around the Thanksgiving holiday. This will reduce the stress of trying to find a home during the Christmas holidays when many people travel for extended periods. Closing quickly will also allow you to write off closing costs during this year’s tax season.

5. Select an Experienced Real Estate Agent.

Picking the right agent is important regardless of what time of year that it is. During the holidays it’s more important as many facets of selling a home can be impacted by the holiday breaks. I’d love the opportunity to earn your business!

Remember: Selling your home during the Thanksgiving and holiday season isn’t impossible. Taking care of the small details leading up to the sale will only increase your chances of considering offers with your turkey dinner. Happy Thanksgiving and give us a call so we can take the stress off of selling during the holidays! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

The Top Reasons To Sell Your Home During The Holidays

10 Monday Nov 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, buying a home for the first time, downsize your home, downsizing, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, happy holidays, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Is it OK to sell a home during christmas, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, merry christmas, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right sizing, Selling a home at Christmas, Selling a home during Thanksgiving, selling a home during the holidays, selling your home during the holidays, Thanksgiving

Between holiday travel, holiday parties, and hosting out-of-town guests, the holidays can be a busy time of year. And if you’re selling your home in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, you might be tempted to take your property off the market and push your sale into the new year. But the holiday season often turns out to be a surprisingly strong time to sell. Here’s why you might want to keep your listing active through December and into January.

The holiday market can actually work in sellers’ favor in several ways. With fewer competing listings, motivated buyers who need to move quickly, and lenders eager to close deals before year-end, homes that stay on the market during this period frequently attract serious attention and faster closings.

It’s easier for your listing to get attention. Because the holidays are so busy, many sellers pull their homes off the market, and would-be sellers often delay listing until after the new year. This reduces available inventory significantly. Less competition means your home stands out more to active buyers, especially those who need to relocate quickly for job changes, family reasons, or other timelines. In Jacksonville’s market, where inventory tends to dip further during November and December, your listing can receive more showings and stronger interest from buyers who can’t afford to wait weeks or months.

The buyers are more serious. Most people don’t want to add “buying a home” to their already packed holiday to-do list. That leaves the buyers who are actively searching during this time highly motivated and ready to act fast. They’re often relocating for work, upsizing or downsizing before the new year, or simply prioritizing the purchase over festivities. These serious buyers tend to make quicker decisions, submit cleaner offers, and move forward with fewer contingencies, leading to smoother transactions and potentially higher final prices for sellers.

Lenders are more motivated to close the deal. With fewer transactions happening during the holidays, mortgage lenders and title companies often have more bandwidth to prioritize active files. This can speed up underwriting, appraisals, and closing timelines, helping your sale close faster and with less stress. In Florida’s market, where year-end closings can also align with tax benefits or bonus payouts, lenders may push harder to get deals done before the calendar flips.

Bottom line? You might think the holidays aren’t the best time to sell a home, but if you’ve been thinking about selling, keeping your Jacksonville property on the market through the season can give you a real edge. Fewer competitors, more committed buyers, and accelerated closings often add up to a stronger sale than waiting until spring when inventory surges and competition heats up.

Ready to sell during the holidays or want to discuss timing for your specific home? Get in touch today: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 www.HanleyHomeTeam.comr home, it turns out this is a great time to make a move.

The Top 6 Spots Where Mold Makes Its Home – Complete Guide

03 Monday Nov 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, discoloration, downsize your home, downsizing, empty-nester, first time homebuyer, first-time homebuyer, home, home improvement, home maintenance, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Homes in Jacksonville FL, house mold, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, mold, mold in homes, mold remediation, New Construction, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right sizing, right-sizing

spotlight1

For a healthy home, monitoring and eliminating mold is crucial. Mold is sneaky, though, and it can creep up on you when you least expect it. Spores are known to stay dormant until they have the moisture and nutrients they need to bloom. While some forms of mold are obvious, others hide and thrive until musty smells become prominent or members of your family begin developing health problems.

To be a mold sleuth you need to know the top 6 spots where mold makes its home. Check this list to see spots you may have missed:

1. The Bathroom. Yes, it’s the most common, but are you checking all the spots in the bathroom? Toilet seals, wet walls, shower curtains, and beneath sinks are well-known spots, but it’s the shower where things can get grimy. To keep mold from penetrating the tiles, you need to be sure your caulking and grout is in good shape. Otherwise, water can seep in and make a new home for mold.

2. The Kitchen. Monthly, take a look under the sink, behind the fridge, and around the dishwasher. A quiet leak in any of these areas will up the odds of a mold problem.

3. The Basement (or Crawlspace). Darkness? Check. Proximity to the earth? Check. Hidden from view? You betcha. If basements flood or older homes have poor drainage and ventilation of the crawlspace, mold can take hold.

4. The Windows. Condensation can build up here as temperatures fluctuate, and spores hanging around can gradually take hold and bloom into a black, spotty mess. This is especially true if the windows are shaded or are routinely covered by curtains.

5. The Drywall. Here’s a hidden killer in the mold battle. When water gets into the materials which make up drywall, they can promote mold growth. To cure this problem you often have to remove considerable sections of drywall to identify and remove the mold. Your nose is your best guide here.

6. The Carpet. Much like drywall, carpet can hold mold and need to be replaced. The underside of carpet hides much of the visible mold, and culprits contributing to the cause include flooding, moisture from concrete foundations, or even spills.

We are your mold-free agents! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

 

6 Commonly Forgotten Items on Moving Day – Complete Guide

27 Monday Oct 2025

Posted by Jennifer Hanley in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

55+ communities, Buying a home, downsize your home, downsizing, empty-nester, experience matters, first time homebuyer, first-time homebuyer, forgotten items when moving, hassle-free home sale, hassle-free move, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, luxury, luxury homes, moving day, New Construction, real estate, real estate advice, real estate information, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, right sizing, right-sizing, Selling a home, smooth transaction, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville

The chaos of moving day is a prime time to forget or misplace essential items. When you’re preparing for the big move to your new home, the following items are some of the most overlooked (and the most sorely missed in a time of need!). For example, many people arrive at their new house only to realize they can’t access basic necessities like keys or important documents, turning an exciting day into a stressful ordeal.

Jewelry, watches, and small valuables: These small, expensive, and often irreplaceable items are best kept in a safe deposit box or with trustworthy friends or relatives on moving day. Imagine the panic of unpacking boxes and discovering your grandmother’s heirloom ring is missing—carrying them personally or securing them separately prevents that nightmare.

Garage door opener: The old one won’t be of much use at your new house, will it? Be sure to leave it behind for the new owners. Also, make sure the old owners of your new house give you theirs! Without it, you could be stuck waiting outside your garage on arrival, unable to unload easily.

Spare keys: Sets to your old house should remain with the new owners, but don’t forget sets to the new house! There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your new place without a way to get in. Double-check with your realtor or previous owners to ensure you have all necessary keys, including any for side doors, mailboxes, or gates.

Old address books: Yes, we all have fancy new smartphones, but it seems like families all have a well-worn phone book stashed in a spice drawer somewhere. These are practically family heirlooms of information, so don’t leave them behind—scan or photograph pages if possible, but keep the original safe.

Unfinished errands: Do you have any clothes at the dry cleaner? Books due to the library? What about other video game or DVD rentals? It can be a real hassle to settle up on these items from 100 miles away, right? Make a final sweep of local spots a day or two before closing to retrieve and return everything.

Medical records: While a lot of medical information is digital these days, you should make sure you don’t misplace your copies, including dental information and prescriptions. It’s easy to lose them at the bottom of a hastily thrown-away box. Keep these in your personal essentials bag for quick access, especially if you need refills or appointments soon after moving.

We make sure our clients’ experience selling their old home and moving into their new dream home is a smooth transition. If you’re interested in a hassle-free home selling experience, please get in touch today: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-515-2479 The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • June 2026
  • May 2026
  • April 2026
  • March 2026
  • February 2026
  • January 2026
  • December 2025
  • November 2025
  • October 2025
  • September 2025
  • August 2025
  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • July 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012

Categories

  • #BedroomDecor
  • #buyandhold
  • #Condoliving
  • #DIY
  • #Forrent
  • #HanleyHomeTeam
  • #HOA
  • #HomeBuyer
  • #HomeBuyingTips
  • #HomeOwner
  • #HomeSeller
  • #housegoals
  • #househunting
  • #HurricaneSeason
  • #Jacksonville
  • #JacksonvilleFL
  • #KellerWilliams
  • #Movingday
  • #Passiveincome
  • #Quaratine
  • #RealEstate
  • #Refinance
  • #sellingyourhome
  • #summer
  • #Townhouse
  • #yardtips
  • #yardwork
  • 55+ Communities
  • Buying a Home
  • DIY
  • Downsizing
  • Empty Nesters
  • Jacksonville
  • Luxury Homes
  • real estate
  • Right Sizing
  • Selling a Home
  • Summer Yard
  • TIPS, HACKS
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in

Privacy Policy | © 2026 The Hanley Home Team | Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside

Powered by WordPress.com.

Loading Comments...