Beat the Heat!
No, I don’t mean our beloved basketball team! I’m referring to the heat we get here in Florida throughout the summer months.Temperatures in the mid to high 90’s combined with high humidity are enough to take the starch out of the most devoted summer enthusiast and it seems that summers have been getting particularly warmer than usual in recent years. Older adults in particular are at risk because aging reduces the body's ability to cool off. So, here are some common sense and fun ways to Beat the Florida heat;
Water: Drink plenty of it... even if you’re not thirsty. Carry a refillable water bottle. Saving money on purchasing bottled water may encourage you to drink more.
Dress Appropriately: Dress in light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Cotton fabric is suggested. Wear a hat or carry an umbrella. Blocking the sun's harmful rays will reduce your chances of sunburn, AND make you feel cooler.
Avoid Midday Heat: The sun is the hottest between noon and 4:00 p.m. This is a good time to have lunch, take a nap, go to a movie or go shopping... indoors.
Take it Easy! On some weekends, by the time we get out of bed, have breakfast and get dressed for the day it can get to be close to noon; not exactly the best time to mow the lawn, clean out the garage or go jogging. Limiting or even avoiding vigorous activity during the hottest part of the day is a good idea.
Eat Light: Avoid heavy foods and opt for foods high in water content, such as fruits, salads, and soups.
Keep It Clean: Take more baths and showers. Water conducts heat away from the body, so taking frequent tepid baths or showers is a good cooling off technique.
Get Wet! Whether it’s the ocean, the pool, a water park, or even a splash fountain, enjoy playing in the water whenever you can.
Use Technology: Seek air conditioning. If the temperature is above 90 degrees, sometimes fans alone cannot protect you against heat-related illness. Do use "keep your cool" gadgets, whether it’s a spray bottle to mist your face, a small personal fan, an umbrella hat, or a thermal-cool neck wrap – they do help!
One of the more innovative ways to stay cool outdoors is with the installation of a Patio Misting System which can keep outdoor areas around your home cooler during hot summer months.
These devices mount to the eaves of your roof along your patio and mist fine droplets of water into the air which effectively lower the temperature in the immediate area. There are even misting systems deigned to be mounted onto electric fans or under patio umbrellas.
If you’re thinking of buying a misting system for the outdoor living areas of your home there are some things to keep in mind: Misting systems come in a wide variety of designs and price ranges, from simple do-it-yourself kits consisting of a pressure hoses, nozzle tees, clamps, nozzles and a water faucet hook-up to more elaborate high-pressure mist systems with special pumps that increase water pressure and produce a fine mist of atomized water. The super small drops of water cool areas more effectively.
Whatever you do to keep your cool this summer, have fun and enjoy our beautiful Southwest Florida weather!
These devices mount to the eaves of your roof along your patio and mist fine droplets of water into the air which effectively lower the temperature in the immediate area. There are even misting systems deigned to be mounted onto electric fans or under patio umbrellas.
If you’re thinking of buying a misting system for the outdoor living areas of your home there are some things to keep in mind: Misting systems come in a wide variety of designs and price ranges, from simple do-it-yourself kits consisting of a pressure hoses, nozzle tees, clamps, nozzles and a water faucet hook-up to more elaborate high-pressure mist systems with special pumps that increase water pressure and produce a fine mist of atomized water. The super small drops of water cool areas more effectively.
Whatever you do to keep your cool this summer, have fun and enjoy our beautiful Southwest Florida weather!
Mortgage Rates Continue Record-Breaking Streak
According to a recent report from the Federal Home Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is now a full percentage point lower than a year ago. Fixed-rate mortgages have been on a record-breaking streak over the last few weeks, pushing home affordability even higher.
Here’s a closer look at rates for the week ending July 26:
· 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged a new low of 3.49 percent, with an average 0.7 point, beating last week’s previous record of 3.53 percent. A year ago, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.55 percent.
· 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged a new record low of 2.80 percent, with an average 0.7 point, dropping from last week’s previous record-low of 2.83 percent. Last year at this time, 15-year rates averaged 3.66 percent.
· 5-year adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.74 percent, with an average 0.6 point, rising from last week’s record low of 2.69 percent. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.25 percent.
· 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.71 percent, with an average 0.5 point, also rising from last week’s 2.69 percent average. A year ago, 1-year ARMs averaged 2.95 percent.
· 5-year adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.74 percent, with an average 0.6 point, rising from last week’s record low of 2.69 percent. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.25 percent.
· 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.71 percent, with an average 0.5 point, also rising from last week’s 2.69 percent average. A year ago, 1-year ARMs averaged 2.95 percent.
How long this very favorable trend in mortgage rates will continue is anybody’s guess but one thing is certain; if you’re thinking of financing the purchase of a home, NOW is an excellent time to do so. Just give me a call and I’ll connect you with a mortgage professional who will work with you to get you the very best financing possible.
The Dog Days of Summer
CENTURY 21 BIRCHWOOD REALTY, INC.
4040 Del Prado Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Ph. 239.851.6235 | Fx. 239-542-0993
kathycardet@gmail.com | http://kathycardet.listingbook.com
If you or someone you know may be looking for real estate of exceptional quality, please contact me right away;
- I would be more than happy to help!
CENTURY 21 BIRCHWOOD REALTY, INC.
Ph. 239.851.6235 | Fx. 239-542-0993
kathycardet@gmail.com | http://kathycardet.listingbook.com
If you or someone you know may be looking for real estate of exceptional quality, please contact me right away;
- I would be more than happy to help!
