“Rob Guy was an excellent realtor for us. We moved from out of state and he went above and beyond to take many lengthy videos of houses we liked because we were not able to look at them ourselves. He is very honest and straightforward. He found us a perfect house for our family that we love. “
– A satisfied customer on experience with Rob Guy
Continue to follow our blog or visit our testimonials page to read more Happy Homeowner stories! Connect with the best at http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
“Marcus and Donna were very professional and our house sold at a price we liked when many other houses sit unsold in our community so a great job. Marketing was key. Always available for discussion and right on with info. We will use you again if we ever sell or buy another house. It was a pleasure.”– James and Patricia Sullivan on experience with Marcus Genson
Continue to follow our blog or visit our testimonials page to read more Happy Homeowner stories! Connect with the best at http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
“Holly Hayes is THE MOST AMAZING realtor! She found buyers for our home…that wasn’t even on the market at the time! Even more amazing, she helped us to find the perfect new home for our family, even though our list wants & needs was really long and our location demands even more restricting. The process of selling…and buying…got very complicated and did not go as smoothly as we would have liked. But Holly was right there with us, walking us through the details and putting our minds at ease during an incredible stressful time. Her professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail are second to none. If you need a realtor to partner with, call HOLLY HAYES!”– Erica Hayman on experience with Holly Hayes
Continue to follow our blog or visit our testimonials page to read more Happy Homeowner stories! Connect with the best at http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
pisaphotography / Shutterstock
Around 4,000 people have the privilege of calling Downtown Jacksonville home. There are so many reasons why living in Downtown Jacksonville is the best. Aside from being close to the beach and next to some of the world’s best golf courses, here are six great things about living in Downtown Jacksonville.
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
If you live in Downtown Jacksonville, you feel grateful to live so close to Burrito Gallery, arguably one of the best Mexican places in the city. With tacos like Cajun Mahi or Teriyaki Tofu, and burritos made with curry chicken or grilled veggies, you really can’t go wrong.
A photo posted by @maksimc on Jun 21, 2016 at 10:24pm PDT
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
http://ift.tt/Nua9D0 has seen acts as big as Elvis come through its doors. There’s also the historic and creepy tale of a spirit that roams the theatre’s balcony. There have been numerous paranormal investigations that have captured sounds and apparitions.
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
Whether it’s raining or shining, the Wednesday Art Walk is happening the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville. From 5-9 p.m. you’ll find over 250 local artists wanting to share their craft with the rest of the community. You never know what kind of homemade treasure you’ll find each week.
Time to Strut! #strutyourmutt2016
A photo posted by @fojajax on Sep 24, 2016 at 6:10am PDT
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
Metropolitan Park, located along the beautiful St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville, has been open since 1984. You can spend the day relaxing or taking in a show at the park’s outdoor concert. There really is something for everyone at Metropolitan Park.
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
There is no better way to get around in Jacksonville than a water taxi. It’s definitely something great about living Downtown that you rarely see in any other city. Taking the daily route from the Northbank to Southbank riverwalks is made easy, cheap, and fun thanks to water taxis.
Off The Grid Galleries gives artists the chance to showcase their creative skills and flex their artistic muscles by allowing them the opportunity to work in temporarily vacant space left empty by property owners. It’s an initiative that everyone who lives in Downtown Jacksonville can proudly get behind.
Callahan / Shutterstock
If you’re looking to get out there and try something new in Jacksonville, there are tons of fun and exciting activities for the adventurous type. Whether you’re in the mood to deep-sea fish or to go for a long hike, we’ve got you covered. Here are 6 Adventure Activities To Do In Jacksonville This Weekend.
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
Hiking the 2.7-mile trail at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is one of the most active ways to have an adventure in Jacksonville this weekend. And with the breeze from the ocean and the shade from the trees, it’s also a great way to beat the heat.
A photo posted by Leigh (@e2ride_bike_tours) on Dec 29, 2013 at 8:22am PST
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
Go for a ride with e2ride bike tours this weekend to see more of the city. Regardless of what level of rider you are. Take in interesting sites and water views, wildlife and architecture. There’s also a $25 discount if you bring your own bike, helmet, water, and snacks!
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
Paintball Adventures is the perfect place to spend the day if you’re looking to relieve some stress, have some fun, and feel a real adrenaline rush. With nine different courses, it’s also a very unique thing for you and your friends to do this weekend.
A photo posted by Eric Martin (@emartin2068) on Jul 20, 2013 at 4:37pm PDT
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
If you’re in the mood for adventure, Majesty Deep Sea Fishing will meet those needs, taking you out to sea to fish for Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper, Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, and much more. As soon as you get back you’ll want to go back out again.
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
Why not spend a weekend camped out at the beach? There are 70 campground sites at Huguenot Memorial Park to choose from, all offering scenic views. You can surf, windsurf, kayak, partake in the bird observation, or check out the nature center.
A photo posted by Now-and Zen Sailing-Charters (@nownzensailingcharters) on Aug 4, 2015 at 7:08pm PDT
//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js
For a day, or a weekend, you’ll never forget, take a cruise with Now and Zen Sailing Charters. Their sunset cruises last anywhere from an hour to a full day, while their sailing vacations mean a whole weekend out on the water on a 50-star luxury sailboat. As they say themselves, “Embrace the adventure.”
Paul Brennan / Shutterstock
Jacksonville Beach is a great place to raise a family. Besides the scenic views and welcoming people there is so much to do, especially for families. Here are five family-friendly activities for anyone living in Jacksonville Beach.
Cradle Creek Preserve, 43.3 acres of undisturbed land along the Intracoastal waterway, is the perfect place to take the whole family on a nature hike, thanks to trails and boardwalks. The observation platform overlooking Pable Creek Estuary offers up breathtaking views you won’t find anywhere else.
A photo posted by D Clarke (@bello_rello) on Sep 24, 2016 at 4:56pm PDT
Adventure Landing, Jacksonville Beach, features go-karts, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, laser tag in our multi-level arena, gaming arcade, roller coaster, flight simulator, batting cages. There’s no shortage of activities to keep your family entertained and to make you feel like a kid again.
Travel back in time at the Beaches Museum and History Park. Jacksonville Beach is so rich in history and there is so much to learn about the place you call home. These exhibits and first-hand accounts bring that history to life, all the while being informative and fun.
There’s always something going on at the Players by the Sea theater. They provide a home for many activities. Local playwrights, solo performance artists, and groups of young actors bring the theater personal projects that provide excitement and enrichment the whole family can enjoy.
Nothing quite beats spending the day by the water with family. The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier, nearly a quarter of a mile long, offers visitors close-up views of the Atlantic Ocean and gives anglers access to deep-water species of fish.
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
St. Augustine, Florida, is known for being a wonderful place to live, from its architecture to its beaches, anyone would want to call this historical city home. Below we decided to list 10 of our favorite areas around town!
The Route 312 / Mizell Rd neighborhood has some of the lowest rates of children living in poverty of any neighbourhood in the United States. It also has above average safety from crime compared to other places in Florida. This makes it a great place to start a family.
The Tocoi Rd / N Homes Blvd neighborhood has a high population of military personnel living here, which explains the low crime rates and the overall sense of being protected and cared for.
The Picolata / Bakersville neighborhood is known for their high number of mobile homes. You’d be hard pressed to find a place with a stronger sense of community than this one. It’s made up of a lot of non-permanent residents, who love it here.
pisaphotography / Shutterstock
The Route 1 / Old Moultrie Rd neighborhood is a more expensive place to live, but it places an utmost importance on the quality of life of its residents.
The Vilano Beach neighbourhood is beautiful, being one of the top retiree spots in the United States, with above average safety from crime. And, to top it all off, there is a high vacancy rate, so there’s a lot of real estate to choose from.
The Route 1 / Wildwood Dr neighbourhood is also a great area if you’re considering retirement. There is little to no crime, and with a high population of retired residents, it’s a serene neighbourhood to live in.
The Casa Cola / Durbin neighbourhood is home to many married couples and young children because it’s a great place to raise a family. There are many public schools, and residents ensure it remains a safe place to live.
The Elwood Whites Ford neighbourhood is another family-friendly place to live in St. Augustine. With lots of welcoming and outgoing families and low crime rates, you would be lucky to call this neighborhood home.
Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock
The Dupont Center / Summer Haven neighbourhood is calm and peaceful, putting you at ease and making you feel relaxed. It’s a historic neighborhood and is located right on the water. There are an abundance of families and retirees here.
The Butler Beach neighbourhood is another beautiful coastal setting. It’s a dream place of residence for retirees. It’s quiet, trustworthy, and boasts friendly inhabitants. It’s why Butler Beach is considered one of the safest and most relaxing places to call home in the city of St. Augustine.
Source: Neighborhood Scout
“Tonya was spot on with her advice, follow up and availability. She facilitated my build process with professional feedback and was not afraid to jump in during my pre-construct meeting with the operations manager concerning his statements about my AC unit. She has also researched options for my mother’s home without a guarantee of commission. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of an excellent Realtor!”
– A Satisfied Customer on experience with Tonya O’Quinn
Continue to follow our blog or visit our testimonials page to read more Happy Homeowner stories! Connect with the best at http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
“Wes was professional, helpful, encouraging, unbiased and supportive throughout the entire process. He answered every question and kept me informed throughout the entire process. He calmed me down when I needed it and kept me on track.”
– Dianne Drysdale on experience with Wes Mock
Continue to follow our blog or visit our testimonials page to read more Happy Homeowner stories! Connect with the best at http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
“In buying and selling several homes in the past, I had never experienced such a high degree of involvement in the details by the agent as was present in my dealings with your agency and especially with Charlie Hillyer. I felt that he was continuously plugged in and working on all the details for me. He solved several problems both on the sale of my home and the purchase of another property. Along the way, he became a close friend. Another plus was the ease of obtaining the mortgage loan, insurance and title documents by working with those agencies co-located in your facility.”
– Robert M Harden on experience with Charlie Hillyer
Continue to follow our blog or visit our testimonials page to read more Happy Homeowner stories! Connect with the best at http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
“I cannot say enough about Debbie DaSilva. Not only does she possess incredible business and real estate acumen, but she is a consummate professional in her industry. From beginning to end in my home buying process, Debbie always put my best interests first and foremost in the negotiations. She took time to listen to my needs and the process was so much more expeditious having her by my side making recommendations and taking care of all paperwork. Now I’m looking for a rental property and will of course enlist the help of Debbie once again.”
– Megan Brown on experience with Debbie da Silva
Continue to follow our blog or visit our testimonials page to read more Happy Homeowner stories! Connect with the best at http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
“Ms. Long was truly my angel! I thank God for her every day!”
– Denise LaRue Russ on experience with Anastasia Long
Continue to follow our blog or visit our testimonials page to read more Happy Homeowner stories! Connect with the best at http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
Aspiring home buyers should think outside of the box, act fast and be prepared to make a competitive offer in today’s seller’s market.
“There are more buyers than sellers in today’s marketplace, and homes are selling quicker than inventory can be replaced in many neighborhoods,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “The current market is more favorable to sellers. However, buyers who are well organized and ready to move when they find the right home are generally the ones who will close on the home of their dreams.”
There are an abundance of buyers in today’s market. To ensure your offer has the best chance of being accepted, there are several steps you can take:
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is working with more buyers and sellers than ever before. In 2016, the company’s pending sales increased by 10 percent from the previous year. In addition, the average sales price has increased 13 percent and the sales of homes priced over $500,000 has increased more than 20 percent compared to last year’s results.
Meanwhile, the number of existing homes available for sale has fallen 15.3 percent, according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.
“While the inventory is low, it’s not so low that buyers can’t find their dream home,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick. “Nevertheless, it is important for buyers to be prepared to increase their odds by submitting a competitive offer.”
Whether you are interested in buying or selling, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s experienced agents can guide you through every step of the process.
Buying a new home is one of the largest investments you’ll make in a lifetime. We know the entire process can feel overwhelming, from prioritizing your needs to sorting though potential options. Consider the following checklist to help you make your final decision:
Examine the Landscaping: Before you even set foot into a house, be sure to pay attention to the landscaping. An attractive yard significantly increases the appeal of a property—but it can also have other implications. If the front lawn looks well kept, you should inquire about the amount of effort that goes into maintaining it. A large front lawn with beautiful green grass and trees could indicate high landscaping expenses.
Check Out the Appliances: The quality of a home’s appliances can greatly impact your decision, especially if you realize that most of them need to be replaced. Regardless of how charming an older home may be, you should consider the extra cost of investing in more efficient appliances. For instance, if a house runs on gas heating, you should evaluate whether it is worth switching to an electric heating system for long-term savings.
Investigate the Structural Integrity: You will need to closely examine a property’s walls and floors in order to determine its structural integrity. Cracks, chips and signs of moisture-related damage can indicate a number of concerns ranging from piping issues to foundational problems.
Consider the Neighborhood: You’re not just choosing a home, you’re choosing a new community. Therefore, it is important to research the neighborhood and obtain information about schools, crime and local amenities. You should also consider the neighborhood’s proximity to your workplace, shopping centers and other important facilities.
Mind the Details: Even the smallest details can make a difference in the house-hunting process. From storage space to color schemes, consider all elements of a home to help you make the most informed decision possible.
If you’re interested in living in the Northeast Florida area, contact the real estate professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty at 904.296.6400 or visit floridanetworkrealty.com.
View Real Estate for Sale in Your Area: St. Johns Homes for Sale, Riverside Homes, Oakleaf Plantation Homes for Sale, Downtown Jacksonville Homes
