Spring Planting in Northwest Florida: What to Grow in April and May

Spring is in full swing along the Emerald Coast and there is no better time to breathe new life into your garden! Whether you’re sprucing up your landscaping before listing your home to sell or simply enjoying the sunny season in your new home, April and May are prime conditions for planting in Northwest Florida.

While Navarre’s subtropical climate means a longer growing season, knowing what to plant, and when, is key to a thriving lush garden. Here’s your go-to guide for spring planting in Navarre, Pensacola, Milton and beyond.

🌿 Top Plants to Grow in April

April is a fantastic time to get a jump start on annuals, perennials, herbs and veggies that thrive during the spring season.

🌸 Best Plants for May

As temps rise, May is all about heat-loving plants that thrive in Florida’s sun-soaked climate.

🌱 Tips for Planting Success in Spring

Soil Prep Matters: Be sure to mix in compost or organic matter to improve sandy soils.
Water Wisely: Early mornings are best; deep, less frequent watering encourages strong roots. If you’re watering in the afternoons, you risk scorching your plants in the sun.
Mulch It: Helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down—essential during hot days.
Know Your Zones: Northwest Florida is mostly in USDA Zone 9a/9b, which means frost is rare after March.

🏡 Curb Appeal That Sells

Thinking of listing your home? A fresh garden or flowerbed can be a major curb appeal booster. Bright flowers in containers, tidy hedges and a freshly mulched yard send a strong first impression to buyers. Need more prep tips? Our team at Navarre Real Estate Source is happy to help get your home market-ready—inside and out.

Happy planting, and here’s to a beautiful spring in Navarre Florida! 🌞🌷

Mortgage Loan Assumptions: A Smart Option for Buyers and Sellers

When you’re buying or selling a home the financing options can make a difference in the affordability and ease of the process towards closing. One lesser-known but potentially helpful option is mortgage loan assumption, which allows a buyer to take over an existing mortgage.

For buyers, assuming a loan could mean securing a lower interest rate compared to current rates. For sellers, offering an assumable loan could make their home more attractive to potential buyers. However, this process comes with specific requirements, qualifications and considerations. Let’s discuss.

What Is a Mortgage Loan Assumption?

A mortgage loan assumption allows a homebuyer to take over the seller’s existing loan, including the interest rate, balance and remaining repayment period. Instead of applying for a brand-new mortgage, the buyer essentially step into the seller’s shoes, continuing payments under the same terms.

This option can be highly advantageous when the interest rates are higher, as the buyer could assume a much lower rate than what’s currently available.

However, not all loans can be assumed. Generally, only government-backed loans allow for assumption:

• VA (Veterans Affairs) Loans
• FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Loans
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Loans

Additionally, conventional loans are only assumed in rare cases due to a special clause in the mortgage terms. Not all lenders allow USDA loans to be assumed; it is important to check with your loan servicer before moving forward.

The Loan Assumption Process: What Buyers Need to Know

#1. Does the Buyer Need to Qualify for the Loan?
Yes. Even though an assumable loan does not require a new application, the buyer must meet credit, income, and asset requirements set by the lender.

#2. Does the Property Have to Be a Primary Residence?
It depends on the lender. Some lenders allow assumptions on investment properties, while others require the buyer to live in the home as their primary residence.

#3. What Costs Are Involved?
While assuming a loan can save money, there are still upfront costs, including:

– Closing costs
– Escrow account setup fees
– Any applicable funding fees (VA loans require a funding fee unless the buyer is exempt)

Additionally, if the home’s sale price is higher than the remaining loan balance, the buyer must pay the difference in cash or secure secondary financing.

If you’re looking for a low-interest loan and reduced closing costs, assuming a mortgage could be a fantastic option. However, be sure to check with the loan servicer to ensure you meet qualification requirements.

What Sellers Should Know About Loan Assumption

If you’re selling a home and your loan is assumable, this can be a major selling point in a market with rising interest rates. However, there are a few key considerations:

The seller must continue making payments until the assumption is complete and closed. No missed payments are allowed. Additionally, veterans selling a home with a VA loan, it is important to request a release of liability from the VA once the assumption is complete; this process can take 45-60 days.

Upon closing, the seller will receive a refund of any remaining escrow balance.

Navigating mortgage loan assumptions can be complex, but with the right guidance by Navarre Real Estate Source, it can be a huge advantage for both buyers and sellers. Contact us today for a recommended mortgage lender we trust along the Emerald Coast.

Featured Property for Sale: 7197 Brinkley St in Navarre

Why Will You Love This Home?

Spacious and Elegant Living

When you step inside this beautiful home, you’ll discover an open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the living, dining and the kitchen areas. Natural light floods the home with the high ceilings, recessed lighting and large windows. The neutral color palette provides a perfect backdrop for any style of decor.

• Living Room: This area is spacious with plenty of room for entertaining guests or enjoying cozy family nights.
• Dining Area: The open kitchen makes gatherings effortless.
• Bonus Spaces: Make this home work for you, with a reading nook, playroom or an additional entertaining area.

Gourmet Kitchen

Create lasting memories with family and friends in 7197 Brinkley St’s kitchen, designed for both functionality and style. Whether you’re cooking a casual breakfast or hosting a dinner party, this kitchen is the perfect backdrop.
Key Features:

• Granite Countertops: Expansive surfaces for meal prep and entertaining.
• Stainless Steel Appliances: Top-of-the-line appliances for all your culinary needs.
• Custom Cabinetry: Ample storage space with soft-close features.
• Center Island: Perfect for casual dining or gathering with friends.

Luxurious Bedrooms and Bathrooms

The home offers four spacious bedrooms, each designed to be a private retreat. The split-bedroom floor plan ensures privacy, with the primary suite separated from the additional rooms.

• Primary Suite: The master suite is a true sanctuary, featuring a large bedroom, walk-in closet and spa-like en suite bathroom.
• En Suite Bath: Providing a touch of luxury with dual vanities, a deep soaking tub and a walk-in shower.
• Guest Bedrooms: Generously sized with plenty of closet space.
• Additional Bathrooms: Well-appointed with modern fixtures and finishes.

Outdoor Oasis

Emerald Coast living is all about enjoying the outdoors, and 7197 Brinkley St delivers with its breathtaking backyard and covered patio. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while soaking in the peaceful surroundings or hosting weekend barbecues with friends and family.

Emerald Coast living is all about soaking up all of the sunshine and 7197 Brinkley St delivers with its breathtaking backyard, sparkling blue swimming pool and covered patio.

• Spa & Pool: Heated with natural gas, this sparkling swimming pool and spill-over spa is waiting for pool parties and backyard BBQs.
• Covered Patio & Fire Pit: Perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation.
• Fenced Yard: Safe and spacious for privacy and for kids and pets to play.
• Lush Landscaping: Thoughtfully designed for low maintenance and year-round beauty.

7197 Brinkley St is located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Navarre, this home offers the perfect balance of relaxation, tranquility and convenience. This home is located near the Emerald Coast’s sugar-white sand and emerald waters, top rated schools, the growing shopping areas, boutiques and restaurants. Military families are close to Hurlburt Field, Eglin Air Force Base and NAS Pensacola. A combination of spacious interiors, moder amenities and prime location makes 7197 Brinkley St the perfect choice for you.

Schedule Your Private Tour Today!

Don’t miss your chance to own this incredible property in Navarre. 7197 Brinkley St is move-in ready and waiting for its next owner. Contact Navarre Real Estate Source today to schedule a private viewing, discuss financing options, or get more details about this exceptional home.

Recent Reviews for Navarre Real Estate Source

As agents at Navarre Real Estate Source, we take great pride in delivering exceptional customer service and meaningful interactions. Recognizing that buying or selling a property can often be a demanding endeavor, our aim is to streamline the process for you. Below, we’ve gathered a selection of testimonials from our recent satisfied clients.

[Tara] She is beyond amazing as a real state agent and helped my husband and I find our dream home here in Florida while we were stationed in the UK. She was thorough for every single house we wanted to view and worked long hours for weeks because we were on a time crunch. We scheduled my flight for the day of closing and she even picked me up from the airport. Being military, we might have to move again but even then, we will 1000% be using Navarre Real Estate Source (specifically Tara) to manage our property while we’re gone. 10/10 couldn’t recommend enough. – I.M.D

If you are looking into real estate agents in the Navarre area, then you probably are already familiar with “Florida’s best kept secret.”

If you are wanting to relocate and be part of that secret then it’s time you learned the Second best kept secret – Shannon Mills at Navarre Real Estate Source and her partnership (Dream team!) with Stacy Dempsey at New American Funding.

Shannon was there from the very first call all the way to the handing off the keys. Each step of the way Shannon ensured an exceptional experience while relentlessly pursuing value for her clients. We were truly fortunate to be one of them. Her tenacity, expertise, and attention to detail allowed us to land in the place and home of our dreams. She really took the stress out of the situation for our family and would certify that she can do the same for yours.

If you are considering a move, on the fence, or even remotely curious – I highly recommend starting here. You are likely to have go no further or anywhere else to have a smooth and pleasant home-buying experience. Many thanks to you Shannon! – Joe I.

Navarre Real Estate Source provided a great deal of detail in their recommendations for me pertaining to renovations of my property before starting the process of selling my home. Very thankful I chose this company to represent me during my sale and will be using them for future transactions. They went above and beyond by staging the property with furniture for the pictures prior to listing, which assisted greatly in expediting the sale. They provided a lot of stress relief during this process, because of their consistent and prompt communication. Shannon and Tara are excellent at their craft and exceeded my expectations! – Israel T.

How to Increase the Value of Your Home

Are you considering selling your home? Here are 5 valuable tips to enhance your home’s value and ensure a successful sale with your Navarre Real Estate Source agent:

Elevate Curb Appeal: First impressions have a heavy influence over potential buyers. Elevate your home’s exterior by maintaining the lawn (don’t forget to pull weeds and edging walkways), and consider planting vibrant flowers that harmonize with your home’s color scheme.

Curb appeal is more than just the lawn, a fresh coat of paint on the front door can create an inviting focal point. Don’t overlook essential repairs such as fixing cracked sidewalks or mending broken fences. An aesthetically pleasing exterior sets a positive tone for potential buyers and presents a well maintained and cared for home.

Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades: Kitchens and bathrooms often steal the spotlight for homebuyers. A modernized kitchen and bathroom can significantly augment your home’s value. Consider updating outdated light fixtures, cabinets, and countertops.

Repainting cabinets and kitchen walls can be a cost-effective alternative to breathe new life into your kitchen. Seek inspiration from Sherwin Williams’ 2023 color collections for a beautiful on-trend look.

Declutter and Depersonalize: Buyers seek to envision themselves in their potential new home. Make it easier for them by removing personal items and excess clutter. Create an illusion of spaciousness by clearing out additional furniture, personal photos, and knick-knacks. This allows your home’s natural charm and potential to shine.

Energy Efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient upgrades that boost your home’s appeal and lower monthly utility costs. Consider adding insulation and sealing gaps and cracks with new weather stripping around doors or caulking around windows.

Outdated air conditioning and kitchen appliances can be upgraded to not only enhance your home’s appeal but also reduce utility expenses. However, consult your Navarre Real Estate Source agent to ensure these improvements align with market trends and offer a return on your investment.

Professional Home Inspection: Consider scheduling a pre-listing home inspection with one of our trusted and recommended home inspectors. This is a proactive step that identifies potential issues that could surface during a buyer’s inspection, allowing the opportunity to address them upfront. Additionally, it adds confidence in potential buyers by demonstrating your commitment to maintaining the home’s condition.

Our local expertise extends to understanding which improvements hold the most value for your specific property and the prevailing market conditions in Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, and surrounding areas.

Remember, the objective is to present your home in its most appealing light to maximize its value. By focusing on these key areas, you can attract potential buyers and potentially command a higher selling price. Ready to get started? Contact us today to initiate a conversation about selling your home with Navarre Real Estate Source.

How to Stage Your Home to Sell

Selling a property can be an exciting yet challenging process, but staging it correctly can make a huge of difference in how quickly your home sells.

Look no further than Navarre Real Estate Source for all of your real estate needs. Our team of experts can help you from staging tips for your home to handing off the keys. So grab your beach chair, sunscreen and towels and head to the beach – let us handle this!

Staging is all about creating a welcoming and visually appealing environment that helps potential buyers see themselves living in your home; and showcases the best features of your property while also creating a neutral and inviting atmosphere.

Here are staging tips to get you started:

First, imagine… a multiple-offer situation on your home.

Declutter and Depersonalize: Begin by decluttering your home, removing any unnecessary items, and organizing your belongings. This helps create a sense of space and allows buyers to envision their own belongings in the house. You can take it a step further by removing personal photographs or overly specific decor that might distract buyers from imagining themselves in the space.

Deep Clean: A clean and tidy home goes a long way in impressing potential buyers. Deep clean every nook and cranny, paying attention to windows, floors, carpets, and bathrooms. (Don’t forget the baseboards and top of cabinets!) If needed, consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure your home is sparkling clean and fresh. (Do you need a recommendation? Ask us!)

Highlight the Best Features: Identify the key selling points of your home and accentuate them. Whether it’s a stunning fireplace, a spacious kitchen, or a breathtaking view, arrange furniture and decor to draw attention to these features. Make sure they are well-lit and easily accessible during a walk-through.

Neutralize Colors and Decor: Staging your home doesn’t begin and end with just the furniture and a freshly cleaned home. Sometimes paint colors can sway potential buyers away from purchasing your home. Opt for neutral tones when it comes to paint colors and decor.

Neutral colors create a blank canvas that allows buyers to imagine their own style in the space. Consider repainting any bold or personalized walls with a fresh coat of light, neutral paint. Find your perfect color with the Top 50 colors from Sherwin Williams.

Rearrange Furniture: Arrange furniture in a way that maximizes space and flow of your home. Create clear pathways and remove any bulky or unnecessary pieces that might make rooms feel cramped. Use mirrors strategically to add depth and make rooms appear larger. Don’t forget to pull furniture away from windows so curtains can hang freely.

Let the Light In!: Open up curtains, blinds, and drapes to let in natural light. Bright, well-lit rooms feel more inviting and spacious. If natural light is limited, strategically place lamps and light fixtures to illuminate darker areas. (Extra tip: don’t forget to clean lampshades/globes during your deep clean.)

Add Simple Touches: Consider adding some tasteful and simple touches to enhance the overall appeal. Fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit in the kitchen, or a cozy throw blanket can make a space feel warm and welcoming.

Don’t Neglect the Outdoors: Curb appeal matters! Make sure your home’s exterior is well-maintained, with a clean and inviting entrance. Cut the lawn, prune any overgrown bushes, and consider adding potted plants or flowers to the front porch. A well-kept exterior creates a positive first impression. (Don’t forget the mailbox! Add new numbers if they’ve begun to peel.)

Remember, the goal of staging is to make your home feel like a blank canvas that potential buyers can see themselves living in. By following our tips, you’ll create an environment that’s inviting, neutral, and appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Give us a call or contact us to begin selling your home.

Why Do You Need a Real Estate Agent?

Choosing the right real estate agent is a crucial decision when buying or selling your property. A skilled and reliable real estate agent can guide you through the complex process, offer our expert advice, negotiate on your behalf, and help you achieve your real estate goals. That is why you have the team at Navarre Real Estate Source.

Benefits of Choosing Navarre Real Estate Source

Expertise and Local Market Knowledge – One of the primary reasons to choose the right realtor is their expertise and in-depth knowledge of the local market. Our real estate agents will have extensive experience and understanding of the local Navarre (and surrounding) areas, local real estate trends, prices and inventory. We can provide you with valuable insights about the neighborhood, school districts, amenities, and future development plans.

Whether you’re searching for a home on the beach, a home in a great school zone, turnkey or a fixer upper, we have the knowledge to help you make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.

Negotiation Skills – Negotiating is an essential aspect of any real estate transaction. Our skilled real estate agents can advocate for your best interests and negotiate effectively on your behalf. We also specialize in helping military families buy or sell their homes quickly.

We have the expertise to analyze market conditions, assess property values, and craft strategic offers or counteroffers. By leveraging our top-notch negotiation skills, we can help you secure the best possible deal, whether you are buying or selling a property.

Access to Resources and Network – Realtors have access to a wide range of resources and networks that can significantly benefit their clients. With our connections with other professionals in the industry, such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors and contractors, you can rest assured you are in great hands. Our connections can streamline the process and ensure that you have access to reliable and reputable service providers.

Time and Effort Savings – Buying or selling a property involves numerous tasks, paperwork, and coordination. Our skilled realtors can handle these responsibilities on your behalf, saving you time and effort. We will schedule all property showings, handle negotiations and oversee the closing process.

Family is important and we understand the stress or buying or selling a home. By choosing Navarre Real Estate Source, you are able to focus on other aspects of your life while having peace of mind knowing that a professional is taking care of your real estate needs.

Mitigating Risks and Avoiding Pitfalls – With Navarre Real Estate Source, your homebuying experience is personal and handled with the upmost care. Real estate transactions can be complex and involve potential risks and pitfalls. Working with an experienced real estate agent can help you navigate these challenges and protect your interests. We can identify red flags in property listings, perform due diligence, and advise you on potential issues such as zoning restrictions, title concerns, or property defects. With our guidance we can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

Emotional Support and Advocacy – The process of buying or selling a property can be emotionally charged and stressful. Navarre Real Estate Source’s trustworthy real estate agents can provide the necessary support and act as your advocate throughout the journey. We can offer objective advice, address your concerns, and provide reassurance during challenging times. Having a reliable professional by your side can alleviate stress, instill confidence, and make the entire experience more enjoyable.

Choosing the right agent is paramount for a successful and stress-free real estate transaction. Our expertise, negotiation skills, access to resources, and ability to mitigate risks can make a significant difference in achieving your goals. By selecting the right real estate agent, you are investing in a trusted partner who will guide you through the process and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Our real estate agents offer comprehensive real estate services in the Navarre area. We provide expert guidance, market analysis, and negotiation assistance. Whether buying or selling, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their real estate goals efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to get started.

Get Ready to Sell Your Home

Summer seems like a long way off, but if you’re planning to move this summer, this is the time to start getting your house ready to sell. It can take several months to prepare, especially if you’re busy with work, school, or children’s activities.

The first task at hand is decluttering. You’ll have to pack anyway, so start now by putting away family photos, excess furniture, area rugs that keep your floors from being seen and collectibles. If you have very much to pack away, you may need to rent a storage space.

Repairs may take longer and may not have been noticeable until you decluttered. Is anything broken or is paint damaged? Be sure to check your baseboards in case they’re dusty. Make sure doors open and close correctly and that door knobs aren’t loose. Do faucets drip? Prospective buyers will notice all these things.

When all these jobs are complete, and you’re close to time to list your home, give it a good cleaning from top to bottom, including carpets. Make sure there are no pet stains or odors.
Don’t neglect the outdoors. Mow the lawn, use the weedeater, sweep the porch and put out some flowers.

The hard work has been completed, now you just have to keep it clean. The rest is in the hands of your Realtor at Navarre Real Estate Source.

List and Sell Your Home Successfully

If you want to sell in today’s housing market, you’re going to have some stiff competition. You need to start getting your home ready early because everything takes longer than you think it will. Getting a handyman in for repairs can be challenging nowadays, so look around for repairs that may be needed.

Maybe your home doesn’t need repairs, which is great, but it still must look more appealing to prospective buyers than other homes on the market.

Begin with decluttering, including removing family photos, collectibles, excess furniture and items cluttering your countertop.
After you’ve done that, get ready to clean, clean, clean. Make everything sparkle including windows, light fixtures, bathroom fixtures, mirrors and even light bulbs. Don’t forget to have your carpets cleaned and that there are no pet odors or stains.

Next, move outdoors to the yard. Mow, weedeat, sweep and put some pretty fall flowers out.

Now, you’re ready to list and get a For Sale sign in the front yard. If your Realtor wants to hold an open house, your home will be the best looking one available. You can sit back and wait for the sale.

Prepare to List Your Home for Sale

According to Murphy’s Law, everything takes longer than you think it will. When it comes to preparing your home for sale, that saying is very true. You’ve probably comfortable in your home and don’t realize that your décor won’t appeal to prospective buyers.

Look around your home with fresh eyes. Check for clutter, kitchen appliances on counter tops, collections, excess furniture, worn throw rugs or throw pillows, and family photos. All your furniture should be uncluttered and clean. Prospective buyers should be able to see the floors and countertops. It’s important for anyone who enters your home with the possibility of purchasing to be able to imagine their furnishings and décor in your home.

We know you love all your possessions, so you don’t have to throw them out. If you have too many, you may have to rent a storage unit for a brief amount of time. They’ll be there when you move to your next place.

After all that work, clean like you’ve never cleaned before or hire someone to clean. You want your home to sparkle and smell amazing. And on that note, be sure to banish pet smells.

When you finish indoors, turn your attention to the great outdoors. Mow, use the weedeater and put some pretty flowers on the front porch to welcome visitors. Read our tips for preparing your lawn HERE

When all that hard work is done and you’ve rested a bit, contact your Realtor or Contact Us and tell them you’re ready. Get that For Sale sign in the front yard and wait for the buyers to come.