What did I do today.  Hmmm.....today I pondered the 'House Hunters' HGTV show with a couple that I am working with. The question that came up was something along the lines of:  How do they only show 3 homes?  How do they choose after only 3?  Great question!  I answered with:  Remember how we met together, for about 1/2 an hour.  And remember how we talked about your must have's and might have's.  Well, we have looked at a total of 7 properties--3 of which were your choices and were 'gimmes' and the rest were the result of a search, based on what you desire. And, of the 3 you are currently deciding between, well--each is one that I picked!  The result of a precise search, then looking at the pictures, and considering all of your Top 5 elements.  Yep--major rock star moment:-)  And one t... 01/24/2010

This is completely off topic.  BUT, if you live in the greater Fleming Island Florida area and you like Girl Scout Cookies--my daughter is selling them for a mere $4.00 per box (and they now come in bundles). Okay--now I will commentary on this.  When I sold these cookies I am SURE they were not $4.00 per box!  I mean really--I can go to a movie and pay twice that and sit and be entertained for 2+ hours OR I can freeze a box of Thin Mints and eat the whole darn thing in 30-minutes.  Not that I would, but shoot--I could! Isabelle and her older brother, who is 19, went door to door recently.  You cannot do it with 2 little girls anymore because--well--it's dangerous (Stranger Danger Will Robinson!).  So Mitch patiently takes the little sister out and about, helping her on her way--while h... 01/20/2010

Fleming Island Florida may be the best city in the world...or at least from my perspective.  This came to me today as the state begins to ready itself for the Super Bowl.  Bob Griese, Miami Dolphins Super Bowl-winning quarterback once said:  It's just another game, but one that happens to be the only one in the world. And what great persepctive!  I believe that Fleming Island FL is perfect for those seeking their first or next home.  It embodies the Florida lifestyle in a manner that many Northeast areas do not.  You see the general Jacksonville FL area is sort of considered South Georgia (but we just don't know it.....), but Fleming Island is all Florida.  From the planned landscaping, to the water access.  From the outdoor dining to the screened lanai's and the pools. So, as I mention... 01/20/2010

What is your sport, and do you know that regardless of what it is, you will find it in Fleming Island Florida!  Yes, really and truly.  The list of things people like about Fleming Island Florida usually starts with the driveway.  The professional level courses offered throughout Fleming Island speaks to the mastery of the community.  Golfers of all skill levels are able to enjoy the Eagle Harbor course and the Fleming Island Plantation course.  You, Mr. or Ms. Golfer, will need to know more than how to use just one club--- Set with scenic grounds, preserve backdrops, and water hazards these courses offer both 18 and 9 hole opportunities.  State of the art practice facility includes a range and putting greens.  Players will enjoy those water hazards--and appreciate the beauty offered.  ... 01/19/2010

As one would travel south on Florida's highway 17, from Jacksonville Florida, you would run right into the city known as Fleming Island.  Continue to move south and Fleming Island Plantation come into view.  With over 1600 acres of planned community and preserved land spaces this area will bring you back to the Old Florida lifestyle. This town is home to medical facilities, restaurants, smaller eateries, and is walking distance to the local YMCA.  Recently a new movie theater opened right in the heart of Fleming Island, Florida.  With multiple screens, and plenty of parking this newest addition is sure to concrete your decision to move to the beautiful Fleming Island.  Amenities include an 18-hole Bobby Weed golf course, complete with clubhouse, tennis, basketball courts, volleyball co... 01/18/2010

Eagle Harbor sold 97 single family homes in 2009 (99 sold in 2008). This represents an 87% drop in the number of homes sold when compared to 730 homes sold in 2005. 3 homes that sold were builder inventory. All were built in 2007. 10 homes that sold were bank owned. 18 homes that sold were short sales (homes that sold for less than the loan on the home). 11 homes that sold were corporate RELO owned (homes bought by corporations when transferring their employees). A total of 28% of the homes sold in Eagle Harbor in 2009 were distressed properties. 19% of these homes were short sales. 10% were bank owned. Over 50% of the transactions were Conventional or Cash. 20% of loans were FHA and 24% were VA. 30% of all transactions had Seller Concessions - closing costs and CDD fees were paid. The ... 01/17/2010

Yes---as I reach into the abyss of what to blog on it occurred to me that I have been reading about real estate in the New York Times.  And that it actually applies to my little corner of the world, Fleming Island Florida! On page 8 of last Sunday's Nation section there is a 'blurb' about the Home Buyer's Guide coming to the NYTimes on January 22.  Now, not residing in New York, but rather in Orange Park where Fleming Island is located I am sure you wonder how this pertains to us in Florida.  Well, home buying is home buying.  First time home buyers, who this is for, are a unique group.  You need to educate, evaluate, and then lead to the right conclusions.  All without offending, offering too little, or too much.  In my mind I am glad that this will have huge write up in the Metro sect... 01/17/2010

Eagle Harbor.  Located in Fleming Island Florida.  And only a skip away from NAS Jacksonville--home to our amazing U.S. Navy.  "Best Planned Community in North Florida"---It did not take long for Eagle Harbor to establish itself as a premier residential community in the overall Jacksonville area.  The ENVY award has been presented to Eagle Harbor in the past, and is well deserved.  And when the Northeast Florida Planning and Zoning Council named it "Best Planned Community in North Florida" EastWest development knew it had a winner! You do not have to look hard to see why people from all over migrate to this area.  Combining small town charm, southern hospitality, and all the amenities for a fine resort this community has it all--and is linked by sidewalks, bike paths, and more.  Beauti... 01/16/2010

You may have heard the news recently about our snap of cold weather! here in Fleming Island. Let's find it sufficient to say it was COLD.  And I last lived in the Northwest.  So, for me and mine to state that it's cold, you just know it has to be!  Jackets came out, long sleeves, long pants, and the flips went to the back of the closet. My drycleaner was very busy getting those darn sweaters ready for me!  (thank you Comet Cleaners!)  And then, right as we were ready--or heading further south--it stopped.  It has returned to the normal winter here in Fleming Island.  And I was surprised.  I was out viewing homes yesterday and it was crazy warm in the mid-afternoon!  The kind of warm where you wonder how long it would take to get home, change, and get back to where you left off!  (but no... 01/15/2010

So, what are you doing this weekend?  How about stopping by to say hello! Perhaps we can sit out back and chat about real estate.  Or perhaps you would prefer to view my binder of the amenities Eagle Harbor offers.  Or maybe we'll just tour the home, you will sign in, I will call, and we'll become friends forever!  (okay, that's a little optimistic--right?) But...if you are coming to our fair city--the city of Jacksonville Florida---to look at homes this 3 day weekend please plan to swing by on your way to the beach, or to some shopping!  There are some fantastic homes to view, and even more to buy.  After all viewing is fun, but making it your own is even better! Located in Eagle Harbor this home will be open Sunday 2-5pm.  Address is:  2304 Spring Hill Court, 32003.    01/15/2010

Eagle Harbor, Fleming Island FL--land of beautiful lakes, gorgeous homes, and paths for walking and biking.  Eagle Harbor is one of *those* areas that are a pleasure to sell into---and stay within! There is something wonderous about showing a future homeowner fantastic homes!  Or previewing those homes for an expectant customer---good stuff!  Remember the day when the home was found?  The light in the eye, the skipping in the back yard....OR that moment when, as you are previewing, you just know this is their home---it's just exactly what they are wanting--in every way! Today was one of those days.  I have been completely blessed to have two of these experiences in the past 2 weeks--and I love it! I also really enjoy the searching for a new home or a re-sale.  I like the MLS, and trying... 01/09/2010

Where to begin?  Let's start with this house in Fleming Island.....You need to be sitting, and the picture is at the bottom, don't forget to scroll back up!  This home.....I toured this home today, so I would know how to sell it.  Bottom line?  At a mere $389,000 with 3619 square feet, $50.00 HOA, and CDD's of $1685.10 annually THIS IS A STEAL!  Refer a buyer to me---please!  I really want to sell this one this week:-)  Further, it's seller owned, not a short sale, not a foreclosure, and is really, really nice!  Good stuff my friends!  And if you know anyone coming toward the greater Jacksonville area this is a great house for them----- Next topic.  My keys were held hostage today.  Surprisingly they were still in my car!  Locked in.  I do this maybe once every 6-weeks or so.  The last ... 01/06/2010

A what?  A PUD?  In Fleming Island Florida?  PUD--Planned Urban Development.  What does that mean to you, the future homeowner?  CDD fees (A community development fee).  HOA fees (Homeowner Association fees). How are they put together.  And, how can you use this information to benefit you?  First and foremost let us understand what this is and how to use it. Think of each area as a parcel of land.  Then think of each parcel of land as needing to profit.  Parcels of land can be divided.  As they are divided there are differences.  Generally, and keeping mind each has it's own personality, so generally: There are condos.  Multi-family living.  These are sort of like apartments, but not.  You own the area within the condo.  Each month, generally, there are condo fees.  Those condo fees kee... 01/05/2010

Really and seriously cold!  Jacksonville Florida could get snow! I know!  How amazing is that? This year was the year we were going to take the kids to snow for Christmas.  Did not happen (again).  However, I was with the kids later in the day today and told them perhaps we'll get snow on Thursday night, and that whatever time--I will wake them up! And I completely mean it! There are only a few things or times in life that bring that 'woohooo' kind of gleam in the eye.  Like when the buyer I am working with and negotiating on behalf of found her perfect house!  There is skipping and that gleam in the eye.  The one that says:  this one is MINE!  There is nothing like that feeling--and helping someone find that is the most satisfying. So, when my kids get to skipping and get that gleam in... 01/05/2010

Frank and Sharon Alters of Watson Realty on Fleming Island FL were named TOP LISTER for the Fleming Island office Month of November 2009. Frank and Sharon have worked hard to receive top lister with the most new homes for sale in the Fleming Island office many times while working at Watson, but every time is worth sharing. TOP LISTER means that for the Fleming Island office, we listed more homes for sale than any other associate in our office. Google Us - we work hard to make our listings and ourselves very present on the internet. If you can't find an agent on the internet, how much do you think they understand about marketing your home online? Short Sale Experts - Over half our closed business this year came from short sales. We understand the process and know how to work with the ban... 12/29/2009

Eagle Harbor FL Homes for Sale 71 Active  11 Short Sale  0 Bank Owned 15% of all Eagle Harbor FL homes for sale are Short Sales. The market trends are somewhat down from the from the Eagle Harbor FL Homes for Sale July 4 Market Report, which listed 97 homes for sale and 15% were short sales. Active homes for sale in Eagle Harbor are down by about 34%. 100 homes have sold in Eagle Harbor since 12/20/2008. This means we have about a 8.5 month supply of homes for sale if no other homes come on the market. The best looking, best priced homes will sell. Currently there are 14 Contracts Pending. 9 of them are Distressed Sales (Short Sales or Bank Owned), or 56%. 2 are under $200,000. 5 are between $200-300,000. 7 are from $300-500,000. (Pending sales as of 12/20/09). Eagle Harbor FL has many... 12/22/2009

Fleming Island Florida Homes For Sale  - Market Report There are currently 241 single family homes for sale in Fleming Island. The average home price is $409,227 with a price range from 99,900 to $2,285,000. There are 46 homes that are pending/under contract on Fleming Island. In the month of November there have been 30 homes that have sold and closed on Fleming Island. The average closed price of $223,110 with an average of 106 days on the market. Year to date there has been a total of 278 homes that have sold on Fleming Island with an average sold price of $261,967 with an average of 113 on the market. Highest home sale YTD on Fleming Island was $1,350,000 and was on the market for 670 days. Lowest home sale YTD on Fleming Island was $46,000 and was on the market for 1 day. If you wou... 12/21/2009

Below is the Exam Schedule for the 1st Semester 2009 for Fleming Island High School Fleming Island Florida Green Schedule (4th Period Lunches) Wed. 12/16                         Thurs. 12/17                            Fri. 12/18 7:20-9:11                                           1st Exam                            2nd Exam                                5th Exam 9:17-10:41                                               --------------------  Regular 4th Period ----------------------------                                                                      Lunch 1    9:17-9:42               Lunch 2    9:47 - 10:12 10:47 - 11:43                                           --------------------  Regular 5th Period ---------------------------- 11:49 - 1:40                                     ... 12/12/2009

  Fleming Island Plantation Homes for Sale - Fleming Island Florida 47 Active 11 Short Sales  7 Bank Owned 38% of all homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation are Short Sales or Bank Owned.  58 homes have sold since 12/6/2008, so there is about an 10 month inventory of homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation. The best homes at the best price will sell. Currently there are 10 Contracts Pending. All of them are Distressed Sales (Short Sales or Bank Owned), or 100%. All but one are under $300,000. 2 are under $200,000. Fleming Island Plantation has many amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, two water parks, clubhouse, playgrounds, tennis, and many activities. There are two townhome neighborhoods (one gated), one condominium neighborhood, two paired villa neighborhoods (one ga... 12/10/2009

Eagle Harbor FL Homes for Sale 67 Active  12 Short Sale  0 Bank Owned 18% of all Eagle Harbor FL homes for sale are Short Sales. The market trends are somewhat down from the from the Eagle Harbor FL Homes for Sale July 4 Market Report, which listed 97 homes for sale and 15% were short sales. Active homes for sale in Eagle Harbor are down by about 31%. 96 homes have sold in Eagle Harbor since 12/06/2008. This means we have about a 8 month supply of homes for sale if no other homes come on the market. The best looking, best priced homes will sell. Currently there are 16 Contracts Pending. 9 of them are Distressed Sales (Short Sales or Bank Owned), or 56%. 2 are under $200,000. 6 are between $200-300,000. 8 are from $300-500,000. (Pending sales as of 12/10/09). Eagle Harbor FL has many ame... 12/10/2009