5 Reasons to Move to Ponte Vedra

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.

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Northeast Florida’s Real Estate Market is Booming

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Offers Trusted Guidance and Expertise

Christy Budnick
President and CEO

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. There were eight offers for Realtor Sarah Rothstein’s listing at 7740 Invermere Boulevard in Jacksonville, priced at $189,000.
4. Christy Budnick, President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty
5. Eric Spottswood, Regional Market Manager, Prosperity Home Mortgage

Written by Clockwork Marketing

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Florida Trend Recognizes Linda Sherrer as Influential Business Leader

Linda Sherrer, Chairman, and Founder of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is recognized for the second year in a row among the 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in Florida. The 3rd Annual Florida 500 publication is a yearlong research initiative by the editors of Florida Trend. The executives selected in 2020 are based on extensive contacts in regional business circles, hundreds of interviews, and months of research. The list includes industry categories used by the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce, such as education, agriculture, hospitality, law, and real estate. Click here to view more: https://floridatrend500.com/real-estate/linda-sherrer/

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Five Neighborhoods in Jacksonville Families are Flocking to

There’s a reason why Jacksonville has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities. Fashionably referred to as “Jax” by locals, the city boasts an array of cultural gems, professional sports, and world-class beaches. But it’s the personality that brims from each of Jacksonville’s distinct neighborhoods that give the city its fresh and fun vibe. There are pockets catering to all types, but a handful of neighborhoods rise above the rest in terms of family-friendliness. Read on to find our list of five neighborhoods in Jacksonville families are flocking to.

Northside

The neighborhood known as Northside was once a sleepy industrial area, but in more recent years, it’s given way to a boom of residential development. Because of its proximity to downtown, Northside represents an excellent opportunity for parents who want a little more space for a growing family but still prefer to be near the city’s center. Additionally, Northsiders have easy access to Interstates 95 and 295 and the Jacksonville International Airport. Recreationally, the area has an abundance of nature preserves and state parks that help to cement its rural, “Old Florida” feel.

Southside

Families who don’t want to go up (Northside), can always choose to go down (Southside). The Southside area is another attractive neighborhood for families, especially those with small children. Southsiders are treated to a variety of architectural designs, from bungalows to Cape Cod houses, in addition to several new development neighborhoods and gated golf communities. This section of the city is also home to the enormous (and enormously popular) St. Johns Town Center, an outdoor lifestyle center made up of endless amounts of retail and dining options.

The Beaches

For many families moving to Jacksonville, particularly those departing colder climates, the allure of the beach is one of the city’s main attractions. Fortunately, Jacksonville offers a string of beach communities up and down the coast that offer housing options at nearly all price points and sizes. Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and further south into neighboring St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra Beach, all have ample recreation, shopping and dining nearby. And, of course, the benefit of living in the beaches area is proximity to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

San Marco

Chock full of history and charm, San Marco has been thriving for more than a century and is a perfect landing spot for families with flair. Augmented by the neighborhood’s many hip boutiques and shops owned by creatives, it’s easy to become enveloped in the artsy aura San Marco puts off. Dining options are plentiful, as is a burgeoning craft cocktail and brewery scene that is perfect for parents’ night out. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown, San Marco’s architecture takes its cues from Venice, Italy.

Nocatee

One of the top-selling master-planned communities in the entire country, Nocatee is a massive residential and commercial development that actually spans across both Jacksonville and the adjacent city of Ponte Vedra. Families are astounded by the amenities Nocatee presents, from its expansive water parks with slides, splash pads and pools galore, to events like Food Truck Friday, the monthly farmers market, and movies in the park. Nocatee is also a designated golf cart community, an added bit of fun and a perk that most families take advantage of by zipping around in customized carts en route to the pool, dinner or even grocery shopping. 

 

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How to Build a Social Media Plan as a Realtor

No one understands the evolution of real estate like an agent. Consider this stat that comes courtesy of the National Association of Realtors (NAR): In 1981, 22% of home buyers read newspaper ads to find a home. 

Conventional wisdom tells us that percentage is significantly lower today, but the stats back it up. About 25% of American newspapers have folded in the last 15 years alone due to decreasing revenue and declined circulation, which means buyers have increasingly turned to digital spaces while house hunting.

Data from two years ago indicated that 99% of millennials, 90% of older boomers and 70% of the silent generation relied heavily on the internet for their home search. And for many of those buyers, those efforts included social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. With social media’s use among consumers steadily rising, so, too, has usage among agents. If you’re an agent hoping to meet better clients where they already are, check out our tips for building a social media plan as a Realtor.

Identify the platforms that make sense for you

If there’s a home for every buyer, the same can be said for social media platforms. While Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram grab the headlines, other sites like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok have millions of devoted fans. Before you build your social media plan, you’ll need to identify the platforms where you intend to be active, and the best way to do that is by identifying those that best apply to your business.

First, take the time to review demographics for each platform and assess your time and efforts to net you the most significant impact. Facebook is king for most people, with 2.45 billion monthly active users, and it is especially popular among users ages 18 to 49. Snapchat has 210 million monthly active users, but only 4% of its users are older than age 56. That means that if you’re an agent who predominantly works with seniors, Snapchat probably isn’t the best place to devote your energy.

Take advantage of hashtags

The point of hashtags is to create a conversation around a central topic, but what savvy marketers recognize is that they can also be an excellent search tool for buyers. By hashtagging words of interest to potential buyers, you’re facilitating discovery of content that the user may not have otherwise accessed. For example, someone looking for new properties in a specific neighborhood might perform a search for that hashtag.

Hashtags are a useful tool on various platforms, with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, among the top places to roll out this strategy. There are also partners like Hashtagify that help marketers boost their success with hashtags by suggesting appropriate hashtags and aiding in the tracking of performance metrics like clicks.

Harness the power of testimonials

Testimonials have long been a powerful asset for salespeople and marketers in all kinds of industries, but especially retail. Unlike buying a tangible good, often summarized as a one-and-done purchase, a buyer or seller’s relationship with the realtor is beyond a transaction. Clients want to develop trust and belief in their agent, not only that they can help them achieve whatever their homeownership goals are, but that they will advocate for them and act in their best interest.

The most meaningful way of opening the eyes of a potential client is by sharing the success you have had with a past client. Agents should use a mix of media to accomplish this, including testimonials comprising video, photos with text overlay and just straight text. A simple quote from the client about what it was like to work with the agent can make a significant impact. And, if you want to take it a step further, those same testimonials can be used on other digital properties like the agent’s website or in an email newsletter.

Utilize social media advertising

One of the nice things about social media is that creating an account and posting at your leisure costs you nothing. The caveat here is that each platform has its own algorithm, which can restrict who sees your posts and how often. As a way to circumvent those limitations, many agents will turn to advertising to reach more people and a targeted pool of potential clients.

While each social media platform touts its own advertising model, you’ll find that most are efficient and cost-effective. Facebook, for instance, allows you to drill into precise targets that are as granular as by zip code or keyword. This type of advertising can be especially valuable for agents who work mainly within a tightly defined core of neighborhoods. In addition, these channels offer a variety of advertising options, from carousel ads displaying listings to video formats.

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Five Ways Top Producers Create Consistent Referrals

For buyers and sellers, location is everything. For agents, one could say the same thing about who they know. While many markets are seeing a healthy rebound in the months following COVID-19’s arrival in the United States, agents are relying on their networks more than ever — and for good reason.

There are few (if any) marketing tactics more powerful than a referral. In fact, some surveys point to 60% of referral programs generating a high volume of leads. And though most agents claim to be committed to garnering a steady stream of referrals, the reality is that some will put it off because it seems daunting. If you’re interested in putting more effort into referrals but aren’t sure where to start, check out these five ways that top producers create consistent referrals.

Go above and beyond with clients and other agents

Let’s start with the low hanging fruit. There’s still something to be said for the merits of being a kind, courteous, and attentive agent, and you shouldn’t be surprised if that goodwill is returned to you in the form of referrals. Clients with agents who go above and beyond, as opposed to an agent who simply checks the boxes and shows up when needed, are much more likely to refer their friends and family. The same principle applies to how you treat other agents. By developing good relationships with your peers, you could gain exclusive access to listings or potential buyers before other agents.

Make it worth their while

There’s nothing wrong with showing your referral sources a little love, and what better way to display your appreciation than with a gift? The thing to keep in mind here is that referral rewards don’t have to be expensive. A handwritten thank you note with a small gift card to a local coffee shop is an excellent way to let someone know how thankful you are. Also, if it’s financially feasible, you should make this gesture even if the referral does not result in business. Because if this one doesn’t, the next one might —and you never know when that next referral is walking through your door.

Reach out early and often

A successful strategy for building referral sources is not one that you can just set and forget. If you really want to create consistent referrals, you’ll need to be dedicated and devoted to your craft. That means scheduling your outreach to former clients to ensure it gets done. You’ll need to detail a communications calendar that includes not only when and how you’ll contact your sources but what you plan to say. Some of the best times to reach out are during celebratory moments like immediately after someone moves in or on the anniversary of their closing. There are plenty of customer relationship management tools out there that allow you to categorize and sort your past clients, while also documenting each outreach attempt.

Network, network, network

If you rely solely on your existing circle of influence for referrals, it’s time you broaden your horizons (and your circle). Work the phones, send emails, do whatever you need to do to introduce yourself, or reconnect with potential referrers. For agents, that can include business contacts like mortgage brokers, inspectors, attorneys, and title agents, along with community leaders like HOA board members and local business owners. These allies can be regular resources for agents by providing valuable referrals on both the sell- and buy-side of the deal.      

Provide a service, not a sales pitch

Some agents believe the best way to consistently get referrals is to consistently ask for one. But the savviest and top performing agents understand that providing a service is imperative if you really want to land a referral source. As you make your communications plan, think about the value that you can bring to your past clients and business associates. Is it providing a recap of upcoming family-friendly events in your town? Perhaps it’s offering up statistics like a year-over-year snapshot of real estate transactions in the area. Or, maybe, it’s merely a simple birthday greeting with well-wishes for a prosperous year. Whatever that communication includes, you must diversify your message to avoid fatigue among your contacts.

 

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Pandemic Era Shines New Light On Realtor Value And Commitment

Pandemic Era Shines New Light On Realtor Value And Commitment

WRITTEN BY BARBARA PRONINPOSTED ON FRIDAY, 07 AUGUST 2020 05:00

In the not too long ago or far away, as once-guarded real estate data made its way online and consumers began to use the internet to search for homes and real estate advice, pundits suggested that real estate agents might be sidelined by technology as some unwary travel agents had been.

The difference, of course, is that consumers who are able to pull the trigger on purchasing an air reservation are seldom able to fly solo in buying and closing on a home – and rarely has that point been more crucial or valued than in today’s pandemic environment.

“As changing needs have driven buyer demand, a trifecta of low interest rates, tight inventory, and increased competition are making agents more innovative and relevant than ever,” said Jim D’Amico, CEO, Century 21 North East, Danvers, Mass. “In the midst of a market frenzy, and with health concerns a priority, agents have more than stepped up to the challenge, managing strict safety protocols, virtual or socially distanced home showings, and strategic guidance to buyers and sellers when they need it most.”

Anxious buyer and sellers, he said, know they need a skilled and dedicated agent to help give them a competitive edge and guide them through a sometimes chaotic bidding process.

“And the agent’s work doesn’t end there,” said D’Amico. “In a market beset with worker delays, material shortages, and a host of other uncertainties, it takes persistence and a pocketful of dependable resources to be sure that permits are pulled, repairs are made, and appraisals and inspections are completed in time for a timely closing.”

Rarely have agent-client relationships been more important and rewarding.

“Our company was built 100 percent on nurturing client relationships, and our agents are without question seeing the benefit today,” said Christy Budnick, president, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, serving Jacksonville and northeast Florida. “Not only are we successfully helping buyers, but for the first time all year, we saw listings increase by 15 percent in July.”

That’s because, Budnick said, “sellers are realizing the real opportunities of selling in today’s market, and they trust our agents to ensure their safety throughout the process”

With houses, especially in the median price range, “selling like hotcakes,” observed Joe Clement, broker/owner, Re/Max Properties, Colorado Springs, Colo., agents are actively involved in every aspect of the transaction.

“The FSBO’s (for sale by owners) have gone away,” he said. “Sellers realize the tremendous amount of time, effort and care that is required for every transaction, beginning with strategic pricing.”

Even after contracts are signed, Clement noted, agents are overseeing the timeline to ensure that safe and timely inspections and appraisals are done, that any repairs or contingencies are met, that paperwork and wire transfers are completed in time for scheduled closings.

“We had one deal kicked to the curb today,” he said, “because it was subject to the closing of the buyer’s home sale in another state, which didn’t happen in time. That is one of the few things that is beyond our agent’s control, but it points up just how much the agent does take responsibility for in every single transaction.”

With the global pandemic literally and figuratively shutting down real estate sales in the first quarter of the year, few could have predicted the spring and summer upsurge that would follow as homebound Americans re-evaluated priorities and found their living space wanting.

“In the midst of this very robust year, agents are working at top capacity just to keep up with demand,” said D’Amico. “They are using their own awareness and every resource they can muster, first because buyers depend on them for competitive market insight, and second because the transaction process is often more complex to facilitate.”

It is gratifying, said Budnick, to be working in an industry that is a bright spot in the American economy – and difficult to foresee what’s ahead.

“Nobody has a crystal ball,” she said. “Unemployment rates, pressure on renters, the election, interest rates though 2021 – these are a few of the many pieces that will factor into real estate. But all things considered, I think it’s safe to say that committed and innovative agents will be valued and sought after for as long as they want to work.”

Clement, too, has concerns.

“High unemployment sustained for too long could spiral into a market downturn,” he said.

But if there is anything positive about this global pandemic, it is that kindness is also on the rise.

“Real estate agents were among the first, when the great American shutdown began,” Clement noted, “to reach out to everyone they knew to see if they needed help. It’s in our nature. We are people-people – and we know we are here to stay.”

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