I know when I grew up in New Jersey, we had the same teachers for years, and they were awesome. (disclaimer: my former grammar school is in the top 30 schools in New Jersey, so it works for them obviously). Here, education seems a bit different in the Southeast: there are very few K-8 schools, which could be an education progression. To me, it seems it would be preferable to have the K-8 experience, as some of my best high school friends are those I went to school with from 1st grade through 8th, and then a contingent of us "agreed" to go to the same private high school. Education is a top priority for parents, and their kids (although their kids don't yet know the importance), so exiting teachers is a concern. Working in Northeast Florida, I'm a bit surprised this statistic is as high... 06/09/2013

I saw this about a week ago, and meant to follow up on it sooner, but missed it with our annual RPAC (Realtor's Political Action Committee) auction this past Friday night.  Some of the items of specific interest the producers noted were:  A nautical timepiece valued at $45K-$50K despite a cracked glass dome.  A small mixed metal pot, a rare American Gorham piece, valued at $3K-$5K.  A Grandfather clock, valued at $4k-$5K And, of course, you would expect to find something like this:purchased for $75 at a PBS auction, and valued at $7K-$8K, it's a Doctor Dolittle pushmi-pullyu     It's amazing what we may have laying around our homes that we are unsure as to value - keep an eye out for Antiques Roadshow coming to your area! You can read the full Times Union story here: http://jacksonville... 06/09/2013

I recently blogged about the importance of accuracy and completeness on our state seller's disclosure forms, and this is really a second post on that topic. The seller's disclosure stated "all bathroom mirrors" convey with the house, meaning they stay. Mind you, these are not anything close to "standard" or "typical" bath mirrors.  My buyer REALLY liked the mirrors in the house, including the bathrooms. So, imagine our surprise when we get into agreement, with the caveat being the master bath mirror does not convey. Which is one of the mirrors my buyer specifically commented on.  I cannot express more clearly: be specific & accurate on your seller's disclosure, and either take down or replace the items you intend ot take.    06/08/2013

I get so many people asking me why I'm involved in the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and it's really simple: they help provide me with resources and tools to be a better ambassador for Jacksonville, FL.   Don't misunderstand me, I enjoy networking, which the Chamber does a lot of, and I love meeting new people, which happens when you network (and really network, not just sit with the people you already know).   They provide fabulous stats, that I can use with buyers relocating to our area.   For example, the April 2013 Economic Snapshot includes such golden nuggets as:  JAXPort tonnage is up 10% year over year. As a major port on the eastern seaboard, this is great for anyone connected to logistics, shipping, and other affiliated industries.  Our building permits are up 40% year ov... 05/24/2013

Jacksonville Jazz Festival Road Closures, 5/24-5/28/13 If you live in Jacksonville, FL, or are coming to our area for the annual Jazz Festival, you may want to read up on the road closures for the event. The Jazz Festival spans several locales, so you may not even be aware you will be affected.  Read below to see if your local roadways will be carrying Jazz Festival road traffic, and be patient with any closures, please! Laura Street from Church Street to Independent Drive Closed: Thursday, May 23, at 8 a.m. through Sunday, May 26, at midnight Exceptions:       - Northbound lane from Duval Street to Church Street will remain open - Intersection of Laura Street and Forsyth Street will remain open - Intersection of Laura Street and Bay Street will remain open - Northbound lane from Indepe... 05/23/2013

JAX2025 had their final meeting today (I could not attend), where more than 14,000 people completed surveys about how they envisoin the city, and has resulted in a 89 page report.  This is a grass roots effort; with input from many sectors of the city and city employees, including our Mayor, Alvin Brown.  Some of the areas the public would like to see improved include:  Making the city cleaner & greener Improving public transportation Develop downtown into a thriving part of the city Excellent school system You can read more about Jax2025 in the story in today's Times Union here: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-05-18/story/reports-release-grass-roots-effort-imagine-better-future-jacksonville#ixzz2Tgysednk 05/18/2013

  We are seeing multiple offers, and even rising prices here in Jacksonville, FL.  The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors announces real estate market statistics for April 2013. Except where otherwise indicated, statistics reflect combined results for single-family residential and condominium properties. The story for Northeast Florida’s real estate market continues to be falling inventory and steadily rising prices. Despite those two significant pieces of the puzzle, housing affordability is still remarkably good. Of the 7,869 properties in April’s for sale inventory, the largest chunk (3,119) were priced at $149,999 or below. Sales were brisk in April, with 1,840 properties changing hands. This closed sales figure was a 26.1 percent jump over last April and up 22.8 percent year... 05/15/2013

Latitude 30, Jacksonville, FL  If you are newer to Jacksonville, FL, you may not yet have had a chance to visit Latitude 30 on the Southside of Jacksonville, FL.  Located across US1 from The Avenues Mall, this is more of an entertainment complex with something for "kids" of all ages. Bowling, pool, arcade games, and a movie theater accompany the full service restaurant and bar.  We had a YPN function there tonight, and enjoyed all that Latitude 30 has to offer.  The lunch menu has great options and daily specials, there are daily happy hour specials, and it's a fun place for the whole family to go.  For more information about Latitude 30 in Jacksonville, FL, please visit their website here: http://latthirty.com/about-us/ 05/08/2013

The Sellin' With CC Team SELLS Home in Southside Jacksonville 904-401-8481 www.sellingwithccteam.com     The Sellin' With CC Team is Jacksonville's Real Estate Team that sells homes in Southside Jacksonville. This home is in Hampton Park Subdivision in Southside just off Baymeadows. Hampton Park is just a few minutes away from Deerwood Park Business District.   If you are looking to sell a home in Southside we are the RIGHT team to call. We have created an Extreme Marketing Strategy to sell homes in Southside Jacksonville. We have a listing agent who is designated as a Real Estate Owned Specialist, Short Sale Specialist, and a Certified Distressed Property Expert. We sell homes in Southside fast and for more money. Who else knows best to sell homes in Southside Jacksonville but The Sel... 04/23/2013

I know we all talk about our newest furry friend coming from the shelter, and my most recent "kid" was indeed a result of fostering a litter of kittens in the fall of 2011, so I know first hand how great they are as pets! This is a recent shot of Stoli trying to fit into my suitcase.  There is a fabulous adoption event this weekend at the Jacksonville Animal Care & Humane Society locations.  Hours are 10a-6pm Friday and Saturday, and 11a-5pm Sunday.  The fee includes the city animal license & heartworm medication. All pets are fully vaccinated, neutered, and hve microchips (which is the best way to track missing pets). Locations are 2020 Forest Street for the city shelter, and 8684 for the Humane Society.  04/23/2013

Education is so important, and yet it seems as though it's one of the first areas to get cut when the budget needs to be balanced.  I don't have kids in the local school system, actually the only "kids" I have are the 4 legged variety that speak "Meow", so I don't have any first hand experience with the school system locally. I have, however, friends with kids in the school system, and I recall there was a lot of conversation and controversy about the education system changes that passed in 2012.  One of the most important facets to these changes is that this will now pave the way for those kids who are NOT going to go to college, or want to pursue a non-collegiate post high school degree/certification, which is a large part of our economy. Another important facet is this acknowledges s... 04/22/2013

RIVERSIDE AVONDALE HOME TOUR 2013 BUY TICKETS AT 2013HOMETOUR.EVENTBRITE.COM THE RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE HOME TOUR WILL BE HELD APRIL 27-28, 2013 HOURS 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM RAP MEMBERS RECEIVE A $2 DISCOUNT TICKETS ARE $15 IN ADVANCE AND $20 THE DAY OF THE EVENT TICKETS ARE VALID FOR BOTH DAYS FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 904-389-2449 OR RIVERSIDEAVONDALE.ORG   There are 12 homes on the Tour, including the magnificent home in the Poster at 3404 St. Johns Avenue. This home was inspired by Palaces in Venice, Italy. There is also a home with a Ball Room on the second floor. The tour is self-guided and raises money for Jacksonville's original Preservation organization, the Riverside Avondale Preservation. The Riverside Avondale neighborhoods were named one of the Top Ten neighborhoods in America by ... 04/21/2013

I did a 5K yesterday morning in Riverside, and had hoped I could get to One Spark afterwards, but the weather turned on us, and I could not persuade my fellow racers to stay in our wet gear for one minute longer than necessary. I know a few of the names mentioned in this article, and see now the long range intent of One Spark...it really pulls attention towards our urban downtown, and the opportunities available for retail, businesses and living.  Jacksonville has a downtown energy during the weekday, but it would be better if it was like that in the evenings and weekends as well. You can read the full article here: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-04-20/story/one-spark-quest-keep-them-coming#ixzz2R6SouP2j   04/20/2013

I had another opportunity to visit Kickbacks in the Riverside area today. After a 5K race (well, I really walked most of it...in the rain) we decamped to this popular restaurant for breakfast. With over 80 beers on tap, and a creative menu (the vintage section features ramen noodles, tater tots, & Fluffernutter samis!), and opening at 7am makes Kickbacks a highly popular place for all walks of life.  The next time you are in Riverside, stop by and grab a bite to eat!     04/20/2013

Two new developments are under way on Riverside Avenue in Jacksonville, FL. 220 Riverside, developed by Hallmark Partners, will bring 300 housing units to the market in an area with high demand. The development will be mixed use including retail, restaurants, apartments, and a park. This is a $39.5 milion dollar development, and will improve the vacant land that we've become used to seeing on Riverside Avenue. To learn more and follow the progress, you can find/friend 220 Riverside on Facebook. For now, the other development, also mixed use, does not yet have a name, but will take up 11 acres, and has a price tag of $53 million - not chump change. This project will have approximately 300 apartment units as well.   This is great news for the historic Brooklyn neighborhood, and will fit i... 04/19/2013

  Key results: Sales up 19.2 percent year to date and prices up 16.4 percent; one fourth of sales are for more than asking price. Inventory of properties still shrinking.   The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors announces real estate market statistics for March 2013. Statistics encompass both single-family residential and condo sales, combined.   It’s not a blip in the market: the housing market in Northeast Florida continues to strengthen. Through the end of March, 4,541 homes have sold in 2013. That year to date figure is 19.2 percent higher than the same period in 2012. In March alone, 1,687 homes were sold; a 9.5 percent increase over last March. Steady increases in sales price are marching along in conjunction with sales. The $139,650 median sales price year to date is 16.4 ... 04/16/2013

It's the 17th annual Southeast US Boat Show (not sure when it changed names, I remember it as the Jacksonville Boat Show), and today is the last day.  You can still visit until the show closes at 6pm tonight at Metropolitan Park in downtown Jacksonville.  Music, seafood, and oh yeah, boats are all at the Southeast US Boat Show - if you have the chance, head over for a few hours and check it out! The full article can be read here: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-04-13/story/flyboard-demonstration-boats-and-music-southeast-us-boat-show#ixzz2QSj7fSaD   04/14/2013

I have heard a bit about this, but until I read this story at Jacksonville.com, I wasn't really sure what this festival was about.  I know one of the people quoted in the article, who is an artist, so it would make sense that many of the attendees are in creative fields.  I had not, however, imagined there would be so many inventors participating, which piques my interest level a bit more. I'm not sure I'll be able to attend any of the festival, but will keep an eye out for more coverage. You can read the full article here:http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/arts/2013-04-13/story/ridiculously-ambitious-one-spark-festival-opens-wednesday#ixzz2QShO4CUP   04/14/2013

    This is an awesome annual charity boxing match, pitting the local police force against the local fireman, and I have been fortunate to go for the past few years.  Friends of mine are neighbors with one of our police officers, and we typically travel via limo, and sit in the VIP section.     My plans take me out of town this year, so I will be missing it. Even if you are not a fan of boxing, this is a fun event. Held at the arena, the crowd shows up sporting the colors of the team they are supporting: blue for the police, and red for the firemen, and cheer each of their contestants on. If you don't have plans for Saturday yet, it's a terrific option, and there are really no bad seats. You can read the full article here:  http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2013-04-11/story/guns-n-hose... 04/11/2013

Coming home for Tallahassee and Great American Realtor Days yesterday, we read this on the bus with mixed reactions. Some were bemoaning the loss of 1000 businesses statewide, while others saw this move as a positive step. However you feel about it, to me, the truth remains that this operations are a waste of time, energy and people's money. Yes, as businesses they pay rent, and employ people, but so do strip clubs, and I don't care for them any more than gaming centers.  You can read the full article here:  http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2013-04-10/story/governor-signs-bill-banning-gaming-centers-florida#ixzz2Q9mWZj1y 04/10/2013