Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Acquires Terry McCue Real Estate Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty proudly announces that it is acquiring Terry McCue Real Estate, Inc. and all of the company’s related entities. Terry McCue Real Estate and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty will merge to create a new family of companies that will operate under the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty name, effective March 1, 2019.

The merger will strengthen Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices already robust presence in the Beaches community, where Terry McCue Real Estate has been a family owned and operated business serving the community for 50 years. Leaders at both companies expressed confidence in the merger and enthusiasm for the benefits it will provide.

“Both of our companies share the values of professionalism and integrity,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President and CEO Christy Budnick. “Tracey and her team are consummate professionals with the same principles, culture and commitment to the community that we have nurtured in our own organization.”

Established in 1968, Terry McCue Real Estate is a highly respected name and business in the Jacksonville Beaches area. Founder Terry McCue Sr. worked for and was mentored by local icon Realtor Townsend Hawkes prior to establishing his own company. McCue is remembered as a Beaches real estate pioneer and highly regarded for his accomplishments, dedication and reputation.

“While it is bittersweet to retire the McCue name, it is important to remember that the legacy of Terry McCue is much more than a name,” said his daughter, Tracey McCue Paulsen, CDPE, Broker. “This is a win for all of us including our clients. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is an iconic brand, providing us with more distinction and access to the best technology, tools, support and services in the marketplace.”

The merger with Terry McCue Real Estate expands Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ ability to provide the Beaches and beyond with experience, exposure, service and convenience.

“We are excited to merge with a company that is so rooted in the Beaches community,” said Don Cline, Vice President of Business Development. “Broker Tracey McCue Paulsen is a multi-million dollar producer with wide-ranging industry experience. She is a tremendous asset to have on our team.”

In addition to serving as Broker/Manager of the Beaches office, Cline’s focus is on Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s growth including mergers and acquisitions.

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Portability Benefit Can Reduce Tax Burden

There is an often forgotten benefit that is available to property owners and could save you thousands of dollars in property taxes. The benefit is portability, which is the ability to carry accrued property tax savings from one homestead residence to another.

“Everyone who is thinking about purchasing a larger home or downsizing to a smaller one should consider the potential tax savings portability may give them,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Vice President Kevin Waugaman. “Portability of homestead tax savings in Florida is designed to allow homeowners to move from one home to another without having their new property taxes deter the move.”

(Kevin Waugaman, Vice President Core Services)

Portability in Florida refers to the ability of a property owner to transfer some or all of the ‘Save Our Homes’ benefit on a previous homestead to a new established homestead. The law was passed as a constitutional amendment in January 2008. The ‘Save Our Homes’ benefit is the difference between the assessed value and the market value of an existing home. Homeowners can use the benefit to reduce the assessed value of their new home which in turn will lower the taxable value after the appropriate exemptions are applied. The portability benefit is limited to $500,000.

“The portability benefit was put into place back in 2008 because homeowners were being dissuaded from moving since the tax bill on their new home would be significantly more than what they currently paid,” said C. Dennis Luettich Jr., Associate Counsel, Gibraltar Title Services, LLC, a partner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “At the time, many homeowners stayed put and didn’t move for fear of paying taxes. Portability works for homeowners who either are purchasing a larger property or who are downsizing to a smaller property.”

(Dennis Luettich, Associate Counsel, Gibraltar Title Services, LLC)

Here is how it works: If the new home is more expensive than the previous home, the homeowner is permitted to “port” 100 percent of that benefit to the new home’s market value. If the new home is less expensive than the previous home, the homeowner is permitted to “port” a percentage of the benefit to the new home’s market value.
All Floridians who have had homestead on a Florida property are permitted to “port” their homestead to another property within two years of selling. Homeowners must submit a Portability form in addition to filing for the Homestead Exemption. If you sold and purchased a new property last year, it’s not too late. The deadline to file is March 1.

If you would like to find out how portability impacts your property, contact your local property appraiser’s office or the professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. The real estate firm’s dedicated and knowledgeable Realtors can provide expert consultation and guidance.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offers a core services approach, featuring a team of knowledgeable and valued partners to assist clients in every aspect of the transaction. Whether you are buying or selling, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty can help you take advantage of the best opportunities in the market. For more information, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com.

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES CHRIS SWIFT

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Chris Swift to the Mandarin/St. Johns office.

Chris joins Florida Network Realty as a newly licensed agent, but with many years of business experience. Previously working as the General Manager for seven separate Papa Johns stores, Chris was responsible for providing leadership, coaching, and direction to his employees, and to implement best-business practices – including focusing on marketing and sales growth.

Always eager for new opportunities, Chris is ready to start his career as a Realtor and to help his clients find a house that they can call home, in a community where they can truly put down roots. When not working, Chris is a youth football coach, and also enjoys exploring the large variety of golf courses that Northeast Florida offers.

“I’m pleased to welcome Chris to the Mandarin office of Florida Network Realty. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge with business and building relationships, and I’m excited to see him grow and succeed in his career as a Realtor,” shares Christine Scalf, Broker/Manager of the Mandarin/St. Johns office.

For more information, Chris can be reached by phone at 443.926.4890 or at Chris.Swift@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: CSwift.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Mandarin/St. Johns office is located at 11576 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

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Looking for a Career Change? These Are The 10 Biggest Companies In Northeast Florida

The chances of finding a job in Northeast Florida are better now than they’ve been in the past 12 years. According to data published by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the unemployment rate in the Northeast Florida area is less than 3 percent, the lowest it has been since early 2006. More companies are looking to hire as the employment landscape grows and develops.  

If you’re looking for a career change, these are the 10 biggest companies in Northeast Florida.

1. Naval Air Station Jacksonville

Employees: 20,000

Naval Air Station Jacksonville is the largest Navy base in the region, with the highest number of employees of any company in Northeast Florida. If a career in aviation interests you, Naval Air Station Jacksonville specializes in training the best aviators in the world. They received the 2012 Presidential Excellence Award in 2013 and the Navy Installations Command Excellence Award in 2013.

2. Baptist Health

Employees: 10,651

With five hospitals and the largest network of physician offices in Northeast Florida, Baptist Health is comprised of five hospitals and is considered to be the largest network of physician offices in the area. It is a top health care provider to the local residents of Jacksonville, due to the overall quality of their facilities and their trustworthy and educated staff.

3. Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Employees: 8,000

The financial advisors at Merrill Lynch can assist with retirement planning, guidance on concentrated stock positions, traditional investments and estate planning services while working with estate and tax attorneys. If you possess wealth management knowledge and experience, this could be the dream job for you.

4. Florida Blue

Employees: 7,000

The employees at Florida Blue are committed to helping people and communities achieve better health. They offer health education and fitness classes at many of the Florida Blue Centers across the state of Florida. If you want a career focused on caring for others, Florida Blue might be the right fit for you.

5. Mayo Clinic

Employees: 6,000

The number one hospital in Florida, the Mayo Clinic brought its team approach to medicine to Jacksonville in 1986. Mayo Clinic medical, surgical and research staff represent more than 40 medical and surgical specialties. The 261-bed Mayo Clinic Hospital combines the best modern technology with quality patient care.

6. Southeastern Grocers

Employees: 5,700

Southeastern Grocers is one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S. It is a well-known and well-respected regional brand with a deep heritage, strong neighborhood ties, a proud history of giving back, talented and caring associates and strong commitments to providing the best possible quality and value to customers.

7. St. Vincent’s Health Care

Employees: 5,378

St. Vincent’s, based in Jacksonville, Florida is a network of three acute-care hospitals, a long-term skilled nursing facility, with primary care centers, medical laboratories, transportation, and prescription services, and a health outreach ministry. Becoming an employee means joining a connected healthcare community that offers even more than competitive pay and benefits.

8. Citibank

Employees: 4,500

Citi focuses on giving consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions the best possible financial services and products. They pride themselves on their financial ingenuity and finding the most simple yet creative solution to any and all of your financial questions. Citi puts their clients and customers first, so you can be proud of the work you do.

9. Fleet Readiness Center Southeast

Employees: 4,200

Located on Naval Air Station Jacksonville, working at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast means working on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of American Naval aviation vehicles.  If you’re interested in the reworking of engines, components, and ground support equipment, FRCSE is a company where you can grow your career. It is also currently the largest industrial employer in the Jacksonville metropolitan area.

10. CSX Corp.

Employees: 2,925

The CSX Corporation is an American holding company focused on rail transportation and real estate in North America, among other industries. CSX is a leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation in North America. The company is focused on their customers, environment, and communities.

 

Sources:

http://lmsresources.labormarketinfo.com/charts/unemployment_rate.asp

http://jaxusa.org/tools-resources/top-employers/

https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/subscriber-only/2018/06/29/largest-employers-in-northeast-florida.html

 

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES MEREDITH MEIDE FALERO

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Meredith Meide Falero to the Metropolitan office with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

Meredith is a born and raised Jacksonville native, with deep family roots in the Northeast Florida community. She joins her husband, Danny Falero, as a Realtor with Florida Network Realty, and they are eager to work as The Meide Falero Team in the San Marco office.

Previously a Senior Meeting Planner with Compass Management and Consulting for eight years, Meredith was responsible for organizing and executing medical conferences ranging in size from 50-1,000 people. In this role Meredith honed her organizational and leadership skills, having to coordinate and manage multiple events with multiple clients and moving parts at once.

Beginning her new journey as a Realtor is something that Meredith is eager to take on. Being a Realtor will allow Meredith the flexibility and opportunity to build her career based upon her own input and goals and will allow her to spend more time with her family. Earlier this year, before obtaining her real estate license, Meredith stepped back from this role to be at home more with her two-year-old daughter and be involved with her five-year-old daughter and school and to volunteer.

“Please join me in welcoming Meredith to the San Marco office! Meredith is well connected in the Jacksonville community and is eager to grow her career with Florida Network Realty. What sets Meredith apart as an agent is her passion in cultivating relationships, not just gaining clients. With this attitude and determination, I’m sure she will succeed in her career as a Realtor,” shares Josh Cohen, Broker/Manager of the Metropolitan office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

For more information, Meredith can be reached by phone at 904.874.7080 or at Meredith@TheMeideFaleroTeam.com and website: TheMeideFaleroTeam.com. The Metropolitan offices in Avondale and San Marco are located at 3627 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 and 1983 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Celebrates Success at Annual Awards

Company Leaders Excited about the Future

The future is now. These words describe what is happening at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.

The leading Northeast Florida real estate firm commemorated its record-breaking accomplishments with a Next Generation: Reach for the Stars awards celebration unlike any other. The festivities featured a futuristic, out of this world theme with memorable moments celebrating the company’s agents and employee’s remarkable success.

“This has been an exceptional year and I am incredibly honored to celebrate our team’s achievements,” said President and CEO Christy Budnick, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “Our Realtors are industry leaders and amazingly dedicated with an enduring commitment to their clients and the community.”

Company awards were presented during the program, highlighting numerous achievements including the firm’s tremendous accomplishments.

In 2018, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty achieved another record-setting year with more than $1.2 billion in closed sales. The company continues to be the leader in luxury properties (priced $750,000 and above) throughout Northeast Florida. In 2018, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty ranked No. 1 in closed sales with a 15.1 percent market share, No. 1 in new listings with a 14.2 percent market share and No. 1 in pending sales with a 14.7 percent market share in Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties.

The company’s 2018 top producers were honored for their performance, accomplishments and success. The top company award winners include:

Anita Vining of the San Marco/San Jose office led as Top Producer with $34 million in closed sales.

Liz Bobeck of the Avondale/Ortega office was named Top Listing Agent with 53 listings.

Stefanie Bernstein of the St. Augustine/Murabella office was honored as the company’s Top Transaction Agent with more than 159 transactions and Top Sales Agent with 67 sales units.

The Lisa Barton Team of the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office was recognized as the Top Producing Team with more than $44 million in closed sales.

Neill Lasher of the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office was named Rookie of the Year with more than $2.7 million in closed sales.

The Ponte Vedra Office, under the leadership of Managing Broker Holly Hayes, received the Chairman’s Cup, which recognizes over achievement of budget targets in a number of categories including client feedback, recruiting, listing sides, closed sides, per person productivity, closed volume and profitability.

“Our team is the best in the business and we can’t thank them enough for their loyalty and contributions to the company’s success,” said Founder and Chairman Linda Sherrer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “We are so proud to be in business with this outstanding group of caring people, and excited to soar to new heights in 2019!”

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com.

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES RICHARD THOMAS

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Richard Thomas to the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

Richard joins Florida Network Realty as a Realtor with a strong business background, and as a longtime resident of Jacksonville. Although new to real estate, Richard is not new to business – he is the owner of an environmental abatement company.

Earlier this year, Richard decided it was the right time to make a move, and obtained his real estate license. Planning on leaving the day-to-day duties to his business partner has allowed Richard to pursue this new business venture – one with independence, but one which still allows him to serve others.

When asked why he became a Realtor with Florida Network Realty, Richard states, “I’ve lived and worked in Jacksonville for over eleven years, and have worked with several Florida Network Realty agents over the years. When looking for a brokerage in which to hang my license, I knew that Florida Network Realty was the right choice.”

“We want you to join our excitement in welcoming Richard to the Fleming Island office of Florida Network Realty. Although he is a new Realtor, Richard has the business experience needed to succeed in real estate, and the passion and drive to make it possible! I know he’ll succeed in his career in real estate with us,” shares Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

For more information, Richard can be reached by phone at 904.334.0802 or at Richard.Thomas@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: RThomas.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Fleming Island/Orange Park office is located at 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island, FL 32003.

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