Summer House Realty Barb Kent Realtor

04/09/2026

Need a recommendation for estate sale providers

01/13/2026

How to Save Money on Home Insurance
Barb Kent, Realtor, Summer House Realty, 904-556-5700

Home insurance protects your home, your biggest investment! But it doesn't mean you shouldn't regularly shop around. Let's look at how premiums are set and how you can possibly lower your costs while still keeping good strong coverage.
Here's Why Home Insurance Costs Vary
It's all based upon what they consider to be a risk. The higher the risk, the more you’ll pay. Here's why:
Location: Home premiums in areas with hurricanes (like Florida) or floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, or high crime, predictably cost more. If you live far from a fire station that'll also up your premium.
Home value: Top dollar, expensive homes cost more to repair or replace. If your home has lots of art work or one of a kind features, you'll pay more.
Deductible: If you increase your deductible, it'll lower your monthly premium but on the other hand, you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Claim history: If your home has a history of numerous claims filed, insurers see your home as high risk.
Home features: Security systems, water shut-off valves, and impact-resistant materials can lower costs. Pools, trampolines, or other high risks can raise your premiums.

Insurance costs have soared in recent years due to higher construction costs, weather risks, and other severe events. When claim payouts increase, premiums usually follow.
How to Lower Your Home Insurance
Compare quotes: SHOP AROUND. Different insurers charge very different prices for the same coverage.
Upgrade and maintain your home: If you replace an old roof, update plumbing or electrical systems, and keep up with basic maintenance you can lower your risk and may earn discounts.
Make your home disaster-resistant: Impact-resistant roofing, storm shutters, or hurricane-rated windows may lower premiums and help you keep coverage in high-risk areas.
Increase your deductible: If you have enough savings to cover a higher deductible, this can significantly reduce your premium.
Improve home security: Monitored alarm systems and security cameras usually reduce the risk of theft or damage.
Bundle policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you combine home insurance with auto or other policies.
Ask about discounts: Discounts include claim-free, new home, loyalty, military, and green home discounts. Always ask!
When to Review Your Policy
You should review your home insurance policy at least once a year and anytime your situation changes. Important times are:
When you move to a new home
Make major renovations or upgrades
Buy valuable items like jewelry or electronics
Adding new liability risks, such as a pool, trampoline, or a pet that's considered dangerous
Reviewing your policy makes sure you’re not overpaying. It also ensures that you have enough coverage when you need it. While updating your policy doesn't always decrease premiums, it can head off any expensive gaps in coverage later.

01/11/2026

AFFORDABILITY and BUDGETING
Barb Kent, Realtor, Summer House Realty, 904-556-5700
There's a lot in the news right now about affordability. Especially after the Christmas and holiday expenses. Governments can help by lowering interest rates, offering first-time buyer programs, or making loans easier—but they don't control your daily choices, like what you eat, how you shop, or big life decisions such as starting a family. The hard truth is that budgeting is mostly your responsibility and affordability is largely up to YOU - not the government's! Affordability matters because it affects everyday life. When things are affordable and you've saved some, you can focus on more than just surviving. You can save money, plan for the future, or even enjoy small things—like going out with friends. Lack of savings and having a “cushion” creates max stress for those “exciting” things in life like the fridge breaks, you need new tires or a “surprise” baby is on the way.
1. The usual guideline says housing should be approx. 30% of your gross income before tax (rent/mortgage + utilities + taxes + insurance.) This leaves approx. 70% for everything else: food, phones, hair/nails,clothes, doctors visits & meds, gas & car repairs, fun, savings, etc.
Say for example you make $30,000 a year (roughly $2,500/month gross), that's about $750/month or less for housing. Finding a rental for $750 is almost impossible unless you move to Jax or the far west of Nassau county. That leaves $1,750/month for the rest. Fact is in 2026, many spend 35–50%+ on housing.
2. The second rule is the 50/30/20 one, using your take-home pay after taxes:
50% on needs — housing, groceries, utilities, car/gas, minimum debts, health insurance.
30% on wants — eating out, hobbies, clothes, entertainment, salons.
20% on savings/debt — saving for a house, emergency fund, retirement, extra debt payoff.
This encourages saving while covering essentials. If housing pushes past 30–35%, you have to cut wants or boost income (side gig, raise). Cutting costs is as easy as packing yours and your kid's lunch, cooking dinner at home and making eating out a special occasion. There's always a need for house cleaners or yard work and if you go in that direction, you'll be paid well.
Either plan puts the ball in your court. It will focus you on the future of your life or your family's, make you less stressed and more hopeful about how your life unfolds.

12/03/2025

Paul Harris Foundation recipients (L) Denny Pendergass & (R) david Metzlof. Ray Gadd presented the awards! Congratulations!

11/03/2025

10/05/2025

Rosewood Estate Sales does it again! Remarkable unique items from all over the world! Come see us at 112 S. Lee St., Kingsland GA. Onerosewood.com

04/26/2025

Joke of the day:

Did you hear about the kid who started a business tying shoelaces on the playground?
It was a knot-for-profit. 🤣

03/10/2025

Ringing this doorbell helps fish migrate through a lock in the Netherlands.

03/08/2025

11/05/2024

https://myre.io/00JZdKLZ11od

Nice investment property on A1A, steps away from Tractor Supply at A1A & US-17. Check it out!

Learn more about this Land located at 0 E State Rd 200 which has 0 Beds, 0 Baths and has been on the market for 14 Days. Photos, Maps and Videos!