Chinch bugs – Does your lawn have Chinch Bugs?
A lawn is something to be proud of. It is one of the first things that people will notice about your home, and it is a great place to spend your days with friends and family. Of course, when your lawn is turning brown and shriveling beneath your feet, it isn’t exactly something to be proud of. There are a lot of reasons why a lawn may not thrive. It could be as a result of too little water, too much sun, not enough nutrients, or bugs.

Did you know, only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®?

They proudly display the REALTOR® logo on their business cards or other marketing and sales literature.                            They are committed to treating all parties honestly during a transaction. They subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.Established in 1979, the Flagler County Association of REALTORS® (FCAR) is the heart of Flagler County. FCAR is the largest trade organization in Flagler County with over 900 culturally diverse members. FCAR REALTORS® are experts in the local market. The work done by the members directly supports the overall strength and growth of our community; it helps drive the local housing market which results in jobs and the expansion of the local economy. Flagler County Association of Realtors® and its members are actively involved, serving as volunteers, supporting our community through numerous initiatives and outreach efforts. The Flagler County Association of REALTORS® serves as a resource for its members by promoting the highest standard of service through education, ethics, and professionalism for the benefit of the community.All real estate licensees are not the same. A local REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power and objectively establish realistic expectations for buying and selling real estate; provide access to local real estate related resources; assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about any property, residential or commercial; provide you information on current market conditions; and market your property to REALTORS®, sales associates, and the public. REALTORS are professionally skilled with educational opportunities offered to them. Local REALTORS take pride in their craft and in their community as they strive to impact Flagler County through community political action.  REALTORS are your neighbors, friends, colleagues, community figures, and so much more in the community of Flagler County. Their aim is to reach everyone, whether it is locally, statewide, national, or internationally with their skills and expertise.

All About Palmetto Bugs

There are several species of roaches that have come to be called “palmetto bugs,” but the American cockroach is usually the species to which this term refers. Whatever you choose to call them, Floridians are all too familiar with these pests.

Design with Your Pets in Mind

Home owners love their pets – and they also love great design with modern function. So it’s no surprise that home builders and designers increasingly are being asked to consider pets when developing floor plans and custom amenities.
Builders are responding to this demand by offering homes with pet-friendly design in the kitchen, laundry room/mud room and even outdoor spaces. Condos and apartment buildings now feature amenities like rooftop dog parks and self-serve grooming stations.
Whether you’re in the market for a new home, will soon be remodeling or just need some inspiration for how to use your current space, here are a few ideas to get started.
Kitchen: If you have a small or medium-sized pet, consider finding a spot in your kitchen to create a built-in eating area. It can be as simple as using free floor space under the island to create a stylish spot for the food and water bowls.
Or, declutter a large lower cabinet, remove the door and create a convenient feeding spot. You also can add a comfortable custion instead for a cozy pet bed.
If a bottom drawer is all you can spare, put a built-in food bowl that easily slides in and out. The water bowl should be accessible to your pet all the time, however.
If your pet is a messy eater, keep the feeding station away from most of the foot traffic. Water spills can be especially hazardous in the kitchen. That’s why feeding bowls for larger pets may be better suited for the laundry room or mud room.
Short on space? Take a tour of your house with fresh eyes and look for otherwise wasted space that you can transform. Turn an alcove or space under the stairs into a nook just for Fluffy.

Laundry Room/Mud Room:
If you have a separate laundry room and/or mud room, there are many ways to utilize this space for your pets. A feeding station for your larger pet can be conveniently located beneath a boot bench. This also makes a great spot for a pet bed.
When storing your pet gear – leashes, toys, food – look for opportunities to seamlessly blend in the storage with the rest of your home’s style. For example, stash pet toys in a basket similar to the ones you use for your family’s outdoor gear. Store pet food in a large glass container – instead of its regular packaging – and you won’t mind the nibbles being on display.
Home owners also are adding pet-washing stations in their laundry/mud rooms. An enclosed tiled area with an extended faucet can be used for baths or simply to clean paws after coming inside.
To find a home builder or designer that can help you make smart design choices for your pets, contact the Flagler Home Builders Association (386.445.9399) or visit: www.FlaglerHBA.com