Highlands County Florida - A Place to Call Home

You might be asking yourself, "why Highlands County" when Florida has so many great places to live? One reason is our communities are small towns and cities where people greet you and treat you like family. Avon Park is the city of charm with its mile long mall. Sebring, located on Lake Jackson is the city on the circle, and Lake Placid is the caladium capital of the world. All our communities are unique in their own special way. Our life style is fun, friendly and casual. In Highlands County a morning of golf makes for a perfect afternoon and getting ready for the "The Club" translates to socks optional!

Highlands County has an affordable cost of living and no state income tax. We are within a two-hour drive of either coast, major metropolitan areas, two international airports, Disney World and the rest of the other major Florida attractions. We have luxury homes in beautiful golfing communities, to a cozy cabin on a pristine lake, or a quiet place in the country.

Highlands County has a lot to offer. Whether it is bass fishing on one of our 88 crystal clear lakes, or playing golf on one of a dozen or more championship golf courses, playing tennis, birdwatching, biking, canoeing, playing shuffle board or antiquing in quaint shops, you can find it all here in Highlands County.

Highlands County is not only a great place to retire. It’s a great place to raise a family. We have a low crime rate, wholesome living, and good schools with dedicated teachers. Kids love Highlands County. We have really great sports programs through the YMCA from baseball, soccer, football to just about all organized sports. The Children’s Museum of the Highlands is very cool for kids, moms, dads, and grandparents. But, most of all our great outdoors is the best playground of all.

For more information about Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid communities visit Maureen Cool - Highlands County Coolest Realtor.

Home Inspections Part II - What Does The Home Inspector Look For?

In this second installment of Home Inspections you will learn of the types of things your Home Inspector will look for when preparing your home inspection report. Your Home Inspector will perform a “visual” inspection to determine the condition of your home. To better understand what may be included in your report the Home Inspector will look at the following areas of your home.

• Foundation and Framing


• Roofing and Flashing


• Gutters and Drainage


• Siding


• Decks and/or Porches


• Driveways and Sidewalks


• Doors and Windows


• Stairs and Railings


• Ceilings and Walls


• Electrical


• Plumbing


• Heating and A/C


• Ventilation


• Attics


• Basement


• Garage

Don't forget to check out Home Inspections Part I to learn how to interview a potential Home Inspector.

Do Not Call Registry - You're Number May Expire Soon

Most of us are, or have been, extremely frustrated at some point with unwanted calls made by telemarketers. One way to help prevent telemarketers from calling was the creation of the Do Not Call Registry back in 2003. Individuals can register their phone numbers with the registry in hopes to eliminate these unsolicited calls to our homes and businesses.

There were a staggering number of registrants within the first four days of the lists launch date and continued to grow to 149 million phone numbers currently.

The important thing to remember is there is a term to your registration. Your registration with the Do Not Call Registry is only good for five years at which time your phone number will be removed from the list unless you renew by your renewal date. As the five year anniversary of the list is coming up in the summer of 2008, you early registrants will have to think about renewing. You can check the status of your registration by visiting the DoNotCall.gov website.

Read the full MSN Money Central article titled Do Not Call list about to expire.

Top Questions to Ask a Potential Home Inspector

Home inspections are a necessary part of both the home selling and buying process. It is important to be sure that when hiring a home inspector that you are sure to hire a qualified individual or company. Below is a list of things to keep in mind to ask your potential inspector.

1. What are your qualifications?
   
2. How many home inspections do you perform in a year that is similar to my home?
   
3. Can you provide a list of references that we can contact?
   
4. What is your turnaround time to receive the report?
   
5. What will be included in the report?
   
6. How much will the report cost?
   

For an easy, quick search of certified Home Inspectors in your area you can visit The American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.