All is not what it seems ....

I learned long ago....all is not what it seems.  

While is is critical to work with a realtor whom you trust and truly understand your needs and preferences.  At the end of the day, it's your money, financing and investment that is being made for what is most likely a very large investment on your part.

In my experience, I have dealt with agents that come in many shapes and sizes.  Some will tell you what you want to hear, but most have your true interest at heart.  Even then, we may not get it 100% right.  This is why I strongly suggest that buyers should seek out advice and information about a property and location prior to making that initial offer. 

 

For example, i have lived and worked in many beach communities in North Florida  as well as the Miami area and South Beach. I have learned that it is not just knowing your market inside out (which is critical), but knowing your buyer as well as others who may know your buyer(s) before making that offer.  They can be a factor in shaping the decision making process (even for the most educated buyers).

In summary, I believe that all realtors want to see a happy customer for both the buyer and seller. Buyers today have plenty of data to conduct research and bet the process started.  It is up to us to make sure that what they see is truly in fact what they want and is best for our customers.

Lucky's Market

Lucky's Market continues to expand.  The Boulder CO. based grocery store chain has selectively chosen locations that it it believes customers will appreciate.  The specialty chain store that focuses on organic and locally grown products is proving to be an early success in the beaches area of Jacksonville.     

At last count, Lucky's Market and it affiliates  have employed close to 2000 employees and operate 17 stores in 13 states.  

Neptune Beach was very excited to learn that Lucky's had chosen this small beach town community to open one of there newer stores.The store itself appears as an inside "Farmers Market".   It also offers high quality prepared foods and specialty items for customers.

Jacksonville and the Beaches now enjoy choosing from so many specialty and main stream stores.  Thanks to Lucky's , we have another great grocery store to add to our choice of providers. 

" What's Next ? "

As our Country, cities and local communities continue to evolve into "sharing communities", we should look at our local communities, businesses, colleagues and within ourselves to develop and support these changes.  How does this impact our business, our daily lives, prosperity, efficiency and so many other metrics that determine where we go from here?    What does it mean to the very core of how we work, earn a living and add meaningful value in a world that seems to move at an endless speed to accommodate "what's next" ?

I believe that most us have value of some sort to bring to the table.  Our goal in this fast and ever changing environment is to find our place, stick to it and stay focused on growing with it.

No matter the industry you are in, there is a place for each of us.  It may require training, changing and skill development that brings us out of our comfort zone.  I believe that the the sooner we adapt, the more prosperous and content we will be.

Change is seldom viewed as a positive thought, but accepting the status quo is far more detrimental

Considering a Home Renovation? The Do's and Dont's

I think it is fair to say that many of us have been intrigued by the variety of home renovation shows that are both inspiring and demonstrate just how dramatic an old or outdated home can be transformed.

Homes in particular seem to always need something that needs to be fixed or updated (even if we are not thinking about a major renovation).   However, the joy and pride of home ownership is a benefit for so many of us, that maintaining our properties is considered part of being a homeowner....even though we are rarely prepared for those unexpected repairs!

Renovation can be defined from just about anything from a "complete" renovation, updating, modernization, makeover etc.

As a real estate professional and homeowner, I have learned to think beyond the expected timelines and budgets.  Even on those popular renovation shows, new found repairs often consume more time and money.

Of course, if you are working with a reputable contractor, they often do everything possible to meet the expected obligations and outcomes and in a perfect world this would happen 100% of the time.  For the rest of us, I suggest that you always have a plan B for time and budget.  

It can be so disappointing to not have a project finished on time, or unforeseen repairs needed that require us to make improvement choices.  

In summary, be ready to expect the unexpected including time delays, budget overruns and have and have a plan B when these difficult situations occur.  Depending on the level of renovation that you are considering,  unexpected events can occur and preparation, patience and persistence can be very helpful for the the owner to get through it.

Hopefully, in the end, it was well worth your time and investment.  Learn to enjoy the renovation journey!

Stop Procrastinating, Get Started! #outdated2updated

                                                                         Before

                                                                   

After

To Summarize:  

                                         

Before Renovation 

                                                                              After Renovation

#outdated2updated

Always Learning

As our Country, cities and local communities continue to evolve into "sharing communities", we should look at our local communities, businesses, colleagues and within ourselves to develop and support these changes.  How does this impact our business, our daily lives, prosperity, efficiency and so many other metrics that determine where we go from here?    What does it mean to the very core of how we work, earn a living and add meaningful value in a world that seems to move at an endless speed to accommodate "what"s next" ?

I believe that most of us have value of some sort to bring to the table.  Our goal in this fast and ever changing environment is to find our place, stick to it and stay focused on growing with it.

No matter the industry you are in, there is a place for each of us.  It may require training, changing and skill development that brings us out of our comfort zone.  I believe that the the sooner we adapt, the more prosperous and content we will be.

Change is seldom viewed as a positive thought, but accepting the status quo is far more detrimental.

Airbnb, and Jacksonville

While Airbnairbnb Website is still in it's infancy in the Jacksonville area, it has seen growth during the past 24 months.  As we have all witnessed, Airbnb website has thrived in other Florida cites (especially those that are tourists destinations) including Miami, Orlando, and Ft Lauderdale.

Jacksonville and the beaches in particular have long been summer time tourist destinations, but special events and business travels often bring large groups to our city and Airbnb is picking up the pace as more property owners are taking advantage of this lucrative option for hosting guests.

Like many Florida destinations, it is projected that the Airbnb Website concept will continue to grow in the coming months and years.

Higher Prices, Slower Sales in Top Tier Markets

We have all witnessed the astronomical growth and appreciation of real estate in many cherished cites and locations around the globe.  Closer to home, the values spikes have become clearly evident in locations like New York City, San Francisco,  Much of Southern California and Miami to name a few.

While the market has rebounded in many parts of the U.S., the appreciation rates in these cities are simply off the charts for most Americans to absorb.  After years of record growth, it does appear that many of these specific cites are beginning to see a slow down in sales, even though higher prices are being commanded.

Eventually, It does appear that values have reached a peak and a mild correction or leveling off is in store.  

In summary, the market always finds it's value.  Many of us have enjoyed greater appreciation with a combination of historic low interest rates. And many markets are enjoying robust sales where values are still considered reasonable.

Through the process of supply and demand, affordability and desirability of a geographic location, real estate, like many other investments have a way of finding true market value based on their respective benchmark indicators.

Nona Blue Modern Tarvern is now open in Ponte Vedra Beach

If Golf is your game, or sports for that matter, Nona Blue offers an extra incentive to visit their newest location in Ponte Vedra Beach.  The restaurant offers a modern flare to what have been described as traditional taverns.  Known as the modern tavern, this is the restaurant's second location and has been well received by the local community in Ponte Vedra Beach.  

The tavern offers over 16 beers to choose from and a wide variety of eclectic menu items to choose from.   The menu includes the infamous fish and chips as well as other fine dishes offering delicious food and drinks for everyone.

Looking for a new place to dine, you now have another great choice in Ponte Vedra Beach community.