St. Augustine, FL (10/28/2020) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Amy Alloways to the St. Augustine office with locations in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village.
An experienced Realtor, Amy joins Florida Network Realty from another local brokerage. Amy has a strong background in commercial real estate and has worked extensively in leasing and property management.
With Amy’s knowledge of investment properties, first-time homebuyers, and property management, she has the skills necessary to help her clients buy or sell their home. Her industry experience will allow Amy to provide her clients with the advice, service, and support that they need and deserve when completing each and every real estate transaction.
When asked why she became a Realtor Amy states, “I love helping my clients make their dream come true – from finding the best location to launch their business, to helping them find a house they can call their home. I joined Florida Network Realty to be a part of an amazing organization and to be surrounded by supportive professionals to help me grow my career.”
“I am pleased to welcome Amy to the St. Augustine office! With her business experience in real estate and passion for the industry, I know that she is the path to success here at our company,” shares Tracy Glochau, Broker/Manager of the St. Augustine and Murabella at World Golf Village offices.
Fleming Island, FL (10/21/2020) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Terry Alvarado to the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.
Terry, a Jacksonville resident for over eleven years, has joined Florida Network Realty as a Realtor and is eager to share her knowledge of Northeast Florida’s neighborhoods and communities with her clients. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Terry was an Occupational Therapy Assistant, working with the geriatric community and providing occupational therapy treatment in home health settings.
In addition to this, Terry was a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy for nearly nine years. Her husband is also retired from the Navy, and throughout their lives and careers, Terry has lived in two foreign countries, Italy and Japan, and has traveled to over twenty-two different countries. Now settled in Northeast Florida, Terry loves being closer to her family and is eager to help her clients find a perfect home in a community where they can put down roots and call home.
“Terry is a great addition to our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty family. She has the personality and skills combined that are necessary to succeed in real estate,” shares Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.
Jacksonville, FL (10/19/2020) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Andre Barnes to the Metropolitan office with locations in Avondale and San Marco.
As an experienced real estate agent, Andre is eager to grow his career as a Realtor with Florida Network Realty – assisting his clients with one of the largest decisions of their lives, and helping them achieve their homeownership dreams in the city that he loves. Previously working with another local brokerage, Andre has over three years of experience working with buyers and sellers and specializes in residential real estate.
When asked why he became a Realtor with Florida Network Realty, Andre states, “As a Realtor, I love helping guide my clients through each stage of their real estate transaction, easing their stress, and pairing my clients with their dream homes and investments. Since transactions can be complex, guiding buyers and sellers – often on challenging paths to closing – is truly a rewarding experience. When I looked for a brokerage to help grow my career the professional standard of excellence that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty stands for immediately drew me to the company.”
“I am pleased to welcome Andre to the San Marco office. When you work with Andre, you’ll receive a knowledgeable and professional real estate agent, a committed ally negotiating on your behalf, and a Realtor dedicated to providing excellent customer service to help you achieve your real estate goals,” shares Josh Cohen, Broker/Manager of the Metropolitan office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty with locations in Avondale and San Marco.
Atlantic Beach, FL (10/16/2020) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Coree McGinty to the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.
Coree joins Florida Network Realty as an experienced Realtor, previously working for another local brokerage. Born and raised in Australia, Coree was also a property manager for five years, managing 1300 properties with an assistant in Australia as well as an active Real Estate Agent, helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals.
In addition to this, Coree has taught for fourteen years in elementary and early education, as well as coached and mentored new educators. She is an International Baccalaureate accredited teacher and a Reggio Emilia teacher who has lived and taught in international schools around the world, including Abu Dhabi, China, and England before coming to America in 2016.
When asked why she became a Realtor and joined Florida Network Realty, Coree states, “I’ve always had a passion for helping and educating others, and when I decided to take the next step in my career, transitioning from Educator to Realtor was a natural transition. I joined Florida Network Realty because their company culture, which focuses on clients, integrity, and reputation fits in perfectly with my career goals.”
“I am pleased to welcome Coree to the Beaches office! With her business experience in real estate and property management and passion for the industry, I know that she is the path to success here at our company,” shares Don Cline, Vice President of Business Development and Broker/Manager of the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.
For more information, Coree can be reached by phone at 904.903.9268 or at Coree.McGinty@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: ClosingWithCoree.com. The Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office is located at 375-1 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233.
St. Augustine, FL (10/09/2020) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Jessica Cope to the St. Augustine office with locations in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village.
Jessica Cope is proud to be a part of the third generation of her family to be involved in the development of Saint John’s County. Having been raised in Saint Augustine and now starting a family of her own here, her admiration for all the rich history and spectacular beauty that this beloved city provides runs deep.
With a background in the Service & Hospitality industry, she prioritizes remaining focused on providing nothing less than the top of the line service to her clients, always striving to ensure that her client feels confident and informed every step of the way. Jessica is known for her ambition, determination, and tenacity when it comes to achieving any goal that she has set her sights on. She views any challenge that she faces as an opportunity to gain knowledge, grow in her profession, and raise the bar for her clients.
“I’m pleased to welcome Jessica to the St. Augustine office! As part of our team, Jessica will be able to bring her clients the experience, knowledge, and compassion to guide them through even the most challenging real estate endeavors,” shares Tracy Glochau, Broker/Manager of the St. Augustine and Murabella at World Golf Village offices.
Click the video below to watch a recording of the webinar from Friday, September 18, 2020. Connect with us at www.FloridaNetworkRealty.com or call (904) 296-6400 with any questions you have regarding the webinar or if you would like a complimentary real estate review.
St. Augustine, FL (10/05/2020) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Katie Shearer to the St. Augustine office with locations in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village.
Born and raised in St. Augustine, Katie is excited to use her local’s knowledge of the neighborhoods and communities of Florida’s First Coast to help her clients find a house they can make a home in a community where they can put down roots. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Katie worked in healthcare for over thirteen years, including working as an Occupational Therapist with Nurse on Call Home Healthcare. She obtained her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida.
In her position as an Occupational Therapist Katie treated people who were recovering from strokes, surgeries, and heart attacks. Katie also worked to ensure she established confidence with her patients and their family members, helping them decipher sometimes complex medical information necessary for their understanding and decision-making. Taking these intrapersonal, leadership, and organizational skills she’s learned will help her succeed in her career as a Realtor.
When asked why she became a Realtor and joined Florida Network Realty, Katie states, “I love interacting with people, and as a Realtor, I look forward to helping my clients in making one of the most important financial decision of their lives and being their support throughout the process. I joined Florida Network Realty not only because of the excellent name and reputation in the community but also because their mentorship programs and training help Realtors build and succeed in their careers.”
“I am so excited to welcome Katie to our Florida Network Realty family. Katie’s experiences working in healthcare has prepared her well for work as a Realtor. Her caring personality is evident from the first time you meet her and I’m sure she will succeed here in her real estate career,” shares Tracy Glochau, Broker/Manager of the St. Augustine and Murabella at World Golf Village offices.
Ponte Vedra, FL (10/02/20) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Kristen Gavazzi to the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office.
Kristen joins Florida Network Realty as an experienced Realtor, previously working for another local brokerage. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Kristen worked for more than sixteen years on Wall Street in various high-level roles, and she has an extensive background in the Sales and Finance industries.
In Kristen’s most recent positions, before obtaining her real estate license, Kristen worked as the Senior Sales Manager for several high-profile Start-Up companies. In these roles, she helped to develop sales revenue pipelines, negotiated contract terms with research firms and strategic partners, and was recognized for developing creative negotiation strategies.
Now, as a Realtor, Kristen is taking her expertise in sales, finance, and negotiations and is channeling it into helping her clients have a smooth real estate process from beginning to end of the transaction. She knows that her strong business background will help her reassure clients and let them feel comfortable, knowing that they’re in capable hands.
“We are pleased that Kristen has joined our Ponte Vedra Office family. Her extensive background in investment analysis, finance, sales, business, and negotiations is sure to give her an advantage as a Realtor and ensure that her clients’ experience will be stress-free from beginning to end,” shares Holly Hayes, Broker/Manager of the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty proudly raised $7,540 for First Coast Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes communities, individuals and resources to provide food for the millions of elementary school children who might otherwise go hungry.
Funds were raised through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s online campaign to increase awareness for Blessings in a Backpack and its mission to end childhood hunger on the weekends. The Northeast Florida real estate firm invited its team of Realtors, employees, partners, clients and the community to support the cause by making donations on www.firstcoast.blessingsinabackpack.org/donate.
“Philanthropy and helping to make a difference in the lives of children and families in the communities we serve are at the core of our culture,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Founder and Chairman Linda H. Sherrer. “We are proud to support Blessings in a Backpack and its efforts to eradicate childhood hunger and we truly appreciate the generosity and compassion of our dedicated team and community.”
In Northeast Florida, more than 80,000 children were identified as food insecure prior to the pandemic. First Coast Blessings in a Backpack is currently providing nutritious weekend meals to more than 4,500 local students with direct deliveries to 42 dedicated school partners in three counties. This fundraising campaign helped to raise awareness about child hunger locally and the need for funds to feed more children.
“There is a critical gap in child nutrition that goes unnoticed by most, unless you experience it, and we know the need is even greater now for children in Northeast Florida who are at risk of being affected by hunger,” First Coast Blessings in a Backpack Managing Director Susan Evans said. “We are truly thankful for this donation provided by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty to feed children in our programs.”
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Boasting a historic background befitting of the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States, St. Augustine simply oozes charm at every turn. That rich reminder of times-gone-by is one of the many reasons visitors come in droves to vacation in the famed Floridian city on the Atlantic Ocean. And while like many Sunshine State spots, the city makes its mark in travel and tourism, St. Augustine is also a hugely popular destination for people wanting to relocate permanently to live that coveted Florida lifestyle. If you’re considering a move, here are 10 reasons why you should move to St. Augustine.
1. It’s huge on history
We touched on this a bit, but it’s so impressive that it warrants further discussion. French Huguenots began attempting to colonize the area around modern-day St. Augustine beginning in the 1560s; however, Spain believed that it already laid claim to the land. King Phillip II dispatched a young conquistador named Pedro Menéndez de Avilés (that’s a name you’ll see a lot of around St. Augustine) to stave off the French and protect the land. He would eventually settle what was there and name it in honor of the Catholic saint, Saint Augustine of Hippo.
Many battles commenced in the decades following between Native Americans, the Spanish and the English. The U.S. gained control at the end of the War of 1812, and in 1880, Henry Flagler (that’s another name you’ll get used to seeing) brought new life to the settlement as a vacation spot for northerners.
2. Downtown has a little bit of everything
Don’t let the “downtown” title here mislead you—there are no towering skyscrapers. What you will find is a variety of shops, bars, restaurants, historical monuments, and kitschy and fun attractions. St. George Street is one of several walkable routes downtown, but it steals the show with its many must-see stops. The district is also adjacent to the Matanzas River, which offers a sparkling backdrop.
3. You can tap into your inner child and play fort
On the edge of downtown, you’ll find the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest-known masonry fort in the continental U.S. The fort was built between the years of 1672 and 1695, and though some repairs have been completed, much of it is hundreds of years old. Visitors to the fort can take in sweeping views of the Matanzas, peruse historical facts and figures, visit an example of the sleeping quarters used by soldiers, and watch an assortment of reenactments.
4. There are miles of beautiful beaches to visit
For many people, the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean are one of St. Augustine’s most enticing lures. St. Augustine has more than 40 miles of beautiful beaches, offering a little something for everyone. There are quiet, serene and laid-back beaches, and there are more action-packed alternatives where you’re bound to see surfers catching waves while you catch your rays. In addition to sunbathing and surfing, fishing, boogie boarding, kayaking, sailing, and nature watching are some of the most popular activities enjoyed by St. Augustine locals.
5. It’s small and quaint
There’s a smallness about St. Augustine that’s both refreshing and reassuring. It’s unassuming and quirky, welcoming and locally focused. If you live in St. Augustine and see someone that you don’t know, chances are they’re on vacation.
6. But it’s big where it wants to be
Despite that smallness, there are some big-time amenities to be found in St. Augustine. Though it’s an intimate setting with just under 5,000 seats, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre has hosted some of the biggest acts in music, including Bob Dylan, John Legend, ZZ Top, Weezer, The Avett Brothers and Imagine Dragons. The St. Augustine Distillery is the most visited craft distillery in America and produces and distributes some of the country’s finest spirits, including its barrel-strength bourbon. St. Augustine is also the home of the World Golf Hall of Fame that receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
7. It’s a short drive from major Florida cities
If St. Augustine doesn’t have what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you can get it within a short drive. The nearest large city is Jacksonville, which hosts professional and college athletic events, blockbuster concerts, has a bustling craft beer scene, and an international airport. Head the other direction, and you’ll run into Daytona, home of the world-famous Daytona 500 and one of the country’s most recognizable beaches. Additionally, Orlando and its abundant shops, theme parks and resorts are just a quick two-hour jaunt away.
8. Quality education awaits
As a member of the St. Johns County School District, St. Augustine public schools belong to one of Florida’s top-performing districts. Additionally, St. Augustine’s Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is the largest school of its kind in the entire country. Liberal arts powerhouse, Flagler College, is located downtown and routinely receives awards for the quality of its education and the beauty of its campus.
9. It’s a bike-friendly place
What better way to enjoy the sunshine and St. Augustine’s beauty than by taking a trip on two wheels? The city caters to cyclists by offering many bike lanes and trails that make biking around town an enjoyable experience.
10. There’s a neighborhood for everyone
No matter your budget or wish list, there’s a neighborhood to fit your tastes in St. Augustine. Neighborhoods like Casa Cola/Durbin and Elwood Whites Ford are big with families, while the quiet Butler Beach is an ideal landing spot for retirees.
Had the National Lead Company’s Colonel Joseph C. Stehlin not sought out a more luxurious sounding name for his company’s new resort, the city of Ponte Vedra Beach may very well be named Mineral City today. The area had previously been given the industrial-sounding name when it was abuzz with mining operations leading up to the end of World War I—but the Colonel felt a resort of the stature he hoped to develop deserved a swanky name to match. Stehlin and his wife found “Pontevedra” on Spain’s coast at nearly the same latitude, and the name stuck.
Fast forward nearly 100 years, and the city of Ponte Vedra Beach—and nearby Ponte Vedra—has grown into a dynamic community and one of the gems of Florida’s First Coast. For someone considering a relocation to the area, the reasons to make the move are nearly endless, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top five reasons to move to Ponte Vedra.
1. The beach is a dream
Would you expect us to lead off with anything different? With miles of sparkling coastline that punctuates a postcard-perfect backdrop, Ponte Vedra Beach is one of the most beautiful you’ll find in Florida. In fact, CNN once included it as one of “22 can’t-miss U.S. beaches.” Cruise down scenic A1A, and you’ll find a number of access points with ample parking and easy throughways to the beach. Once you’re there, you’ll be blown away by the 40-foot sand dunes that lead to the sugary soft white sand.
Locals know that Ponte Vedra Beach and adjacent beaches like those approaching St. Augustine offer a more peaceful experience than nearby Jacksonville Beach, which is full of fast-paced activities. Ponte Vedra Beach is great for catching the sunrise, working on your tan, leisurely swimming and scouring for shark teeth. It’s perfect for people of all ages.
2. The school system is outstanding
The St. Johns County School District is consistently ranked among the top in all districts in the state of Florida and has several standout schools. At the high school level, Ponte Vedra High School and Allen D. Nease Senior High School have graduation rates above 96% and rank high in a compilation assembled by U.S. News & World Report.
The district also boasts a unique K-8 setting in multiple schools, a structure that many parents love because it eases anxiety and apprehension for kids making the transition to middle school. These schools, like Valley Ridge Academy and Palm Valley Academy in the master-planned community of Nocatee, are highly acclaimed with tremendous parent involvement and participation.
3. It’s a golfer’s paradise
In golf circles, Ponte Vedra is nearly considered hallowed ground because of everything it has to offer for fans of the sport. Its biggest draw is the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass, known locally as TPC at Sawgrass. This world-renowned course hosts one of the PGA Tour’s signature events, The Players Championship, lauded for the “Island Green” on 17. The tournament is a huge event for the town, and tons of people swarm Sawgrass for a chance to watch their favorites. But perhaps the most fun part of the course is that amateurs can play a round when the tour isn’t in town. Because of its popularity and history, just know that tee times can be hard to come by.
Just up the road in St. Augustine, you’ll find the World Golf Hall of Fame, a single site that honors the best men and women to ever hit the links. There are both permanent and temporary exhibits that pay homage to the sport. And because the weather tends to be favorable, locals will take advantage of the many public and private golf courses throughout the entire First Coast area to get in 18 holes.
4. The weather is fabulous
What would a trip to the beach or the golf course be without sunshine? Fortunately, the Sunshine State lives up to its name for residents in Ponte Vedra. Summers give you beautiful mornings, and Winters give you temperatures that just dip low enough to wear your favorite sweaters.
5. There are all different types of homes
The Ponte Vedra area has a little bit of something for everyone. Young families flock to the Nocatee community for its new construction and abundant resident amenities that include multiple water parks, pools, jogging trails, neighborhood events and community paddle launch. Meanwhile, Ponte Vedra Beach has some established, stately neighborhoods with mature trees that offer up a taste of old Florida. Large homes and select condo sites also dot the waterfront up and down the coast for people who want to be within a stone’s throw of the Atlantic.
The real estate market in Northeast Florida is thriving. Record low interest rates are motivating buyers while limited homes available for sale and price appreciation are providing sellers with a unique opportunity to maximize their homes’ value and earn more profit. During the month of August, 26 percent of homes in Northeast Florida sold over list price.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Realtor Zack Williams received seven offers on his Montclair Drive listing, which went under contract in three days and sold for $5,000 over the $365,000 listing price.
There were eight offers for Realtor Sarah Rothstein’s listing on Invermere Boulevard, priced at $189,000.
Realtor Julia Fattahi received multiple offers for her listing on Woodmere Drive in Jacksonville, which sold for $600,000 after only four days on the market.
For prospective buyers, historically low interest rates are providing more buying power. For every one percent increase in interest rates, a buyer’s purchasing power declines 10 percent. In this market, rates are down 1 to 1 ½ percent over last year, increasing buying power by 10 to 15 percent.
For sellers, the current market with its limited stock of homes is beneficial. Inventory of homes available for sale is down 35 percent over this time last year, which is driving price increases. Most sellers, if their home is well priced, in good condition and in a good location, will make between five to 15 percent more on the sale of their home than they would have at the beginning of this year. In Northeast Florida, the average sales price increased 10.2 percent over this time last year.
While it’s sellers who have the market advantage right now, there are opportunities for buyers to benefit. Buyers are encouraged to get pre-approved for a loan before house hunting, making it possible to present a clean offer than can compete with cash offers in this competitive market.
“Obtaining a mortgage preliminary approval as early as possible is a great place to begin when buying a home,” said Prosperity Home Mortgage Regional Market Manager Eric Spottswood. “At Prosperity, we want to help you find the best program for your home purchase while delivering an extraordinary customer experience.”
Eric Spottswood
Regional Market Manager
Prosperity’s Buyer Advantage program is no cost and no obligation for buyers and ideal for this real estate market. By electing to participate, a prospective buyer can get much of the home financing process out of the way and obtain a Commitment Letter before they begin searching for a home. Having a Commitment Letter gives clients an advantage in competitive bid situations and also makes the lending process faster and more stress free for all involved. For more information on Prosperity Home Mortgage, visit www.PHMLoans.com.
The market forecast indicates this strong sellers’ market will not last forever. Experts anticipate the market will settle down to a more normal pace by the end of the first quarter of 2021. Prospective sellers are encouraged to act quickly if they are considering selling their home. Connect with a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Realtor who can assess your home’s true market value and offer guidance to bring it to market. To learn more, visit www.FloridaNetworkRealty.com.
Photography:
This home at 3751 Montclair Drive in Jacksonville, listed by Realtor Zackery Williams, received seven offers, went under contract in three days and sold for $5,000 over the $365,000 listing price.
Realtor Julia Fattahi received multiple offers for her listing at 1730 Woodmere Drive in Jacksonville, which sold for $600,000 after only four days on the market.
There were eight offers for Realtor Sarah Rothstein’s listing at 7740 Invermere Boulevard in Jacksonville, priced at $189,000.
Christy Budnick, President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty
Eric Spottswood, Regional Market Manager, Prosperity Home Mortgage
