Going green is no passing fad. Sustainable home design is growing – as it should. Being environmentally irresponsible when making decisions for your Florida property investment is no longer an option. Ignorance is not bliss, and the future of our planet is squarely in our hands.

The trend for eco-friendly homes is on the rise according to the National Association of Home Builders:

• One in three home builders claims that more than 60% of their current projects are environmentally friendly. More than half of home builders anticipate that by 2020 they will be doing that level of green work.
• Builders doing home remodeling report a significant hike in the amount of green work being carried out. By 2020, two and a half times the number of remodelers expect to be doing 60% eco-upgrades.
  

If you are looking for trends in green homes, Florida is on the cutting edge:

1. The internet of things has moved into eco-homes. 2017 sees more and smarter technology monitor, analyze, and manage the working of your home. Devices can control and automate heating, lighting, and HVAC systems to save power usage. Appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators and ovens can be remotely monitored and controlled.
2. Smart windows include heat-sensor window treatments which automatically open or close to accommodate your preset temperature preferences. 
3. Daylight harvesting uses motorized shades to maximize natural light.
4. "Put a cork in it" does not have negative meaning anymore. Rather, cork is an ethical and sustainable material increasingly selected by designers and architects.
5. Not new, but newly more affordable, renewable energy systems such as solar and wind driven systems continue to trump the use of fossil fuels.
6. Recycling is the cornerstone of going green. By salvaging materials for re-purposing in your home, you add a touch of history and save the planet at the same time.

To find the green home of your dreams, it is best to get expert advice and listings that you will not come across online or elsewhere. For more information on Florida property investment in Trinity, FL, contact The Ocean Team today.

If you are considering living in a gated community, Florida boasts new housing developments in Spring Hill.

Located in Hernando County, Florida, Spring Hill is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area. There are ample amusement parks, museums, and outdoor activities. Major-league sports fans cheer on the Rays, the Buccaneers, and the Lightning. Down time can be enjoyed on the local beaches – those to the south are particularly popular with both locals and tourists.

One of the drawcards of Spring Hill to families is that the pupil to teacher ratio is lower than the U.S. average. A downside to living in Spring Hill is the higher crime rates. For that reason, many people are moving into gated communities.

While the cost of living in the Spring Hill area is reasonable, housing has followed the Florida boom and average home prices have increased decidedly. To find the home of your dreams, it is best to get expert advice and listings that you will not come across online or elsewhere. For more information on the benefits of living in gated communities in Florida, contact The Ocean Team today.

All Floridians know the importance of stocking up on bottles of water and non-perishable foods, but there are several other crucial steps you should take to ensure hurricane safety for all members of your family! Below are some of our favorite tips!

Remember to have a stash of flashlights, candles, and extra batteries on hand for when the power goes out. Don’t forget to check battery compatibility.

Write-down copies of all important phone numbers (family, friends, insurance companies, and emergency services). In today’s digital age, very few of us still commit numbers to memory. If you cell phone dies, you need to still have access to these essential contacts!

Visit the bank ahead of the storm and pull cash! Getting access to money after a storm with widespread power outages can be a challenge.

Create a first aid kit with all of the essentials. Make it portable and include antibacterial cream, assorted bandages, sterile gauze, disposable gloves, tweezers, scissors, antiseptic wipes, OTC pain killers, adhesive cloth medical tape, and at least 5 days of any essential prescription medications for each family member. Pharmacies may be temporarily closed after a hurricane if strong damage/flooding arises, and access to medical providers may be limited.

Review your homeowners/renters/flood insurance policies ahead of the storm. Take photos of your home and business inside and out.

Fully charge all laptops, cell phones, devices, and essential electronics. Preserve the battery power during the storm. Don’t forget to completely fill your vehicle’s gas tank!

Prep your yard ahead of the storm. If it isn’t tied down/anchored, move it inside (signs, children’s toys, yard decor, bird feeders, etc). Placing items in a garage or storage shed is best. You want to minimize the risk of flying projectiles hitting your windows and screens. Don’t forget to drain the pool!

If you have a grill, extra propane tanks can allow you to do some cooking AFTER the storm even if you are still experiencing a power outage.

Have activities on hand to keep kids occupied (board games, cards, coloring books, etc).

If you have an infant, remember to have extra formula and diapers on hand!
Don’t forget the insect repellent. As water rises and sits stagnant after a storm, mosquitoes will congregate!

Don’t forget to take care of your pets! Stock up on pet food (minimum 1 week worth) and remember to set fresh water aside for all animals as well. If you are evacuating be sure to make safe accommodations for all of your animals. Please do NOT just leave them behind. Check evacuation shelters and hotel policies for pets IN ADVANCE to avoid unnecessary complications.  Never assume! Don’t forget to bring your pet’s favorite toy or blanket to help minimize their stress levels. Collars with identification tags/contact info are always a smart precaution!  Animals will be scared, use a pet carrier for transportation if size appropriate. This will minimize separation accidents. For larger animals, use a slip leash to help prevent a startled animal from slipping out of a traditional collar and running away.