Am I the only one that feels like summer temperatures have been hotter than usual? And there’s nothing like feeling hot and uncomfortable to allow yourself to complain just a little. Especially when frizzy hair and armpit stains aren’t the only things to be annoyed about; think: bugs, burned feet, expensive power bills and brown grass.

While here at Ocean Reef, we are lucky enough to enjoy the most beautiful swimming pools (including that to-die-for infinity pool) and refreshing ocean breezes to combat the warmth, here we’ve found a fun article about how to nix 9 irritating things about the summer heat; and some of them are surprisingly simple (I’m all about the backyard water feature).

While the first day of Fall is approaching, I’m not sure we’ll be seeing cooler temperatures anytime soon. Enjoy your flip flops, burgee caps and tropical drinks, it’s the dog days of summer.


Samantha Ochoa, Sales Associate
Watson Luxury Properties

Thinking of putting your home up on the market?

Wanting to sell quickly and at your asking price?

Besides the obvious: you should list with our office; you may ask: “Is home-staging really that impor…” “YES!” (Sorry to cut you off.)

You can find tried and true staging tips all over the internet, but the most important tip, in my little ‘ol opinion, is DECLUTTERING. All the clutter must go and no one ever said it will be easy. Your style may not be the style of everyone else; and decluttering allows your space to look BIGGER. Yes, BIGGER, and cleaner, and more appealing. Here we’ve found 21 helpful staging tips from Houzz to get you started.

Now let’s rewind. Decluttering does not mean EMPTY! (I know. I know. There is a fine balance in staging for a sale. It’s not fair.) So what do you do if your home is unoccupied and bare? Fill it!

Here we bring you a little #TBT when we were asked to sell an empty home earlier this year. Brand new furniture was whisked in from John Rudolph Designs and the buyer even had the option to purchase all or some of the pieces!

What are your thoughts? Does staging really make a difference?


Samantha Ochoa, Sales Associate
Watson Luxury Properties

Ocean Reef is known for having one of the most beautiful and well maintained dog parks in South Florida! That simple fact alone tells us that the Ocean Reef community is one that truly cherishes their dogs.

My daughter’s terrible allergies don’t allow our home to be that of a pooch’s paradise anymore. Since the passing of our beloved pup last year, a cute little cockatiel calls our house its home now (and we don’t mind the peaceful daily chirping).

However, as a former dog mom, I know that leaving your pooch at home while you work, or even for a quick trip to the grocery store, can be a stressful event for our four-legged babies.

To keep your pup from missing you too much next time you plan to be away from home for a few hours, try these easy and simple tips to keep your dog happy while you’re out. Spoiler Alert: It begins with exercise! Have you tried out our dog park?

P.S. We love meeting your furry family members! Next time you’re headed to or from the Ocean Reef Dog Park, remember to pop into our office (9 Barracuda Lane) so we can give your pup a pat and a treat!