August 29th, 2008  I wanted to thank the Williams family for choosing me to represent them in the sale of their home. The Williams did everything right to help me get their home ready to sell. They removed the personal items, kept the interior of the home immaculate, and made the home very easy to show. With the combination of my marketing strategies and their help to make the house very show able we had a contract in 33 days (even in a “slow market”).  I wish the Crosby family many happy memories in their new home! I have attached the letter that Mrs. Williams had given to me at closing and it is greatly appreciated. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Williams! 8-26-08 Dear Mike: I write this letter to let you know how much my husband and I appreciate your help in the sale of our... 08/29/2008

If you are an International Investor and would like to purchase a property in Florida USA, please contact me for any help that you may need. Mike Schwiebert Foreigners Continue to Come to America Buy Homes by Keunwon Chung, Statistical Economist International real estate purchases in the U.S. continue to account for a significant share of business for many REALTORS®. NAR Research's latest report, The 2008 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of International Home Buying Activity* indicates that that international buying activity in the U.S. is widespread. Below are highlights from the report. REALTORS® and their International Clientele Of the REALTORS® surveyed, more than a quarter - 26 percent - served at least one international client in the 12-month period May 2007 to May 2008. ... 08/22/2008

08/16/2008

Current market conditions for Orange Park, Fleming Island,Middleburg & Green Cove Springs June 2008 & 2007 Here's what Clay County Real Estate in June 2008 looked like: Current # of listings available June 2008  1929 Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  183  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)- 100.67   Remaining # months inventory 10.54   Selling price % of list price (original list price) (these were homes that sold and closed in June 2008)  89.47%   Here's what Clay County Real Estate in June 2007 looked like: Current # of listings available June 2007  2166 Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  196  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)-  67.83  Remaining # months inventory  11.05  Sell... 08/07/2008

Current market conditions for Orange Park, Fleming Island,Middleburg & Green Cove Springs May 2008 & 2007 Here's what Clay County Real Estate in May 2008 looked like: Current # of listings available May 2008 1989  Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  159  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)- 82.14   Remaining # months inventory 12.51   Selling price % of list price (original list price) (these were homes that sold and closed in May 2008)  72.67%   Here's what Clay County Real Estate in May 2007 looked like: Current # of listings available May 2007 2151  Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  240  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)- 66.24   Remaining # months inventory  8.96  Selling pric... 08/07/2008

Current market conditions for Orange Park, Fleming Island,Middleburg & Green Cove Springs April 2008 & 2007   Here's what Clay County Real Estate in April 2008 looked like: Current # of listings available April 2008  1995 Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  189  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)- 88.83   Remaining # months inventory  10.56  Selling price % of list price (original list price) (these were homes that sold and closed in April 2008)  89.97%   Here's what Clay County Real Estate in April 2007 looked like: Current # of listings available April 2007 2102  Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold) 194   Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)-  75.53  Remaining # months inventory 10.84... 08/07/2008

Current market conditions for Orange Park, Middleburg & Green Cove Springs 2008 & 2007   Here's what Clay County Real Estate in March 2008 looked like: Current # of listings available March 2008  2043  Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  143  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)-  86.69  Remaining # months inventory  14.29  Selling price % of list price (original list price) (these were homes that sold and closed in March 2008)  90.88%   Here's what Clay County Real Estate in March 2007 looked like: Current # of listings available March 2007 1986 Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold) 190   Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)- 109.67  Remaining # months inventory  10.45  Selling price % of... 08/07/2008

Here's what Clay County Real Estate in February 2008 looked like: Current # of listings available February 2008   1984   Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  128  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)-  68.77  Remaining # months inventory  15.5  Selling price % of list price (original list price) (these were homes that sold and closed in February 2008)  90.09%   Here's what Clay County Real Estate in February 2007 looked like: Current # of listings available February 2007  1919  Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  220  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)- 57.33   Remaining # months inventory  8.72  Selling price % of list price (original list price) (these were homes that sold and closed... 08/07/2008

Current conditions in Orange Park, Middleburg and Green Cove Springs, Florida January 2008 & 2007 Here's what Clay County Real Estate in January 2008 looked like: Current # of listings available January 2008    1987  Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  125  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)- 111.49   Remaining # months inventory  15.9  Selling price % of list price (original list price) (these were homes that sold and closed in January 2008)  91.16%   Here's what Clay County Real Estate in January 2007 looked like: Current # of listings available January 2007   1894  Average # of sales per month (homes that went under contract not sold)  194  Ave days on market (under contract homes, not sold)- 133.69  Remaining # months inventory  9... 08/07/2008

Oakleaf Plantation Market Update for July 2008                  As we move into August our latest statistics for the Oakleaf Plantation Homes that have sold are providing us with some more light at the end of the tunnel. Since the first of the year we have been predicting a steady upward trend through summer and continuing on through winter. Inventory has gone down and our prices are going back up. As the supply and demand are taking effect it is helping many of us regain some value in our homes. The market throughout Florida is seeing a similar effect.   Notice the graphs below are showing how the market has been all over the place since August of 2006. Even though our current home sales prices are lower than the were in the past few years you can see how the market has stabilized and ... 08/02/2008

In the new days of technology today's buyers want photos, virtual tours, and even videos. So the question is, which one should you have to make sure you have maximum exposure to the buying community? Consider this, although most new virtual tours have gone away from the "fisheye" look, virtual tours still have a a very heavy bandwith(that means that it take a lot of power to download and play on the computer screen). However, I am by no means telling you NOT to have your agent do a virtual tour! On the contrary, I am telling you that you should absolutly have a virtual tour done of your home! But then what about the pictures? In our virtual world I all to often see one bad photo snapped from a car window of a new listing, and a nice virtual tour. What about those folks that are on dialu... 07/28/2008

These days there are bargains to be had when it comes to buying homes. Now, if your a first time homebuyer just squeaking into the market, or a seasoned buyer just looking for a larger home for your family there is no doubt in my mind that you've been looking at short sales and foreclosures. Now although some short sales and foreclosures are shining jewels that just happen to be in a bad situation, most shortsales and foreclosures have been neglected and ravaged by the previous owners. I'm talkuing they need new roofs, usually all of the appliances, AC's, Flooring, holes in the walls. You name it I've seen it. (SideBar: I recently showed a vacant shortsale that the owners had moved out of months ago, but had been coming back once a week to put food out for the cat they left behind. Not ... 07/23/2008

There are a lot of factors that go into preparing your home for sale. We have highlighted of a few of the major ones below. Cleanliness Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of dirt or odor when buying a home. Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean. If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your home faster and net hundreds, if not thousands of dollars more. If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of that old junk now so that your house will appear larger? Make more space. Odors must be eliminated especially if you have dogs, cats, or young children in diapers or if you are a smoker. You may not notice the smell, but the buyers do! Easy Access Top selling agents will not show your home if both the key and access are... 07/16/2008

So its been 6, 7 even 12 moths for some folks in the journey of selling their home. They don't know why their home hasn't sold and their agent has become a magician and desapeared. At this point the seller needs answers....pronto! So, what do you do. Call your agent and request a sit down conversation. Discuss pricing, marketing and showing feedback. If you've been getting no traffic there is a problem with pricing and marketing. If you've been getting good traffic, then you need to look long and hard at what your showing feedback has been. If you get comments like "The carpet was a hang up", "we went with new construction", "it just felt worn" or my personal favorites "it smells like smoke and/or animal urine". These are all sure signs that your condition is off. The price is attractiv... 07/14/2008

My Name is Tara Cornett and I have been in Real Estate for 5 years.  In my 5 years I have worked both general and new home sales which has helped add to my knowledge on both sides.  I just turned 30 and everyone keeps saying that your "thirties" are great!  I've worked hard to get where I'm at and I feel pretty fortunate where my life is (I'm happy to be healthy).  I was born at NAS Jax hospital in Florida, lived in Jacksonville until 3rd grade and moved to Clay County where I currently reside.  I love Clay County, we have really good school systems, family oriented and pretty quiet place.  Although in Florida the weather can be pretty miserable in the summer time, we have the humid heat so it gets pretty hot & yucky (bad hair day) you leave the house with nice hair and as soon as you w... 07/02/2008

I wish we had that crystal ball....  The good thing is that this is the only market we have and we have to make the best of it.  I do believe prices are as low as they are going to get and for a buyer that doesn't have a home to sell, its a great time to buy (interest rates are still low and prices are back to before the boom hit).  I personally bought my new home in June of 2006 so of course I paid top dollar, trust me if I could sell I would and get a really good deal right now, but unfortunately their is no equity, I would have to bring money to closing at this point (lol).  The sellers that have a little equity built into their home and need to move are doing alright because if they have to take a hit on their current home, good chance they will recieve a good deal on their next pur... 07/01/2008

Free Seminar How to: Sell Smart in a Buyers Market!  When: Saturday June 21st 10am-12noon Where: Jacksonville Library-Argyle Branch 7972 Old Middleburg Rd S Who Should Attend: Anyone thinking of selling their home This Free seminar is being hosted to help the current home ownership community that is in need of selling. At this seminar you will receive materials to help you through the selling process, hear from lenders about options with renting our your home, or purchasing a new home and still owning your current home. Topics covered will also include how to hire the RIGHT agent for you/your home, the home selling process, todays market, making repairs/improvements, marketing, where buyers come from and negotiations.   The seminar is open to any and everyone. Please invite anyone you k... 06/10/2008

Believe it or not, things are picking up in the real estate world.  They may not be gangbusters and overinflated like the years we saw before, but houses are selling.  If you are thinking about moving, you may want to take advantage of the peak summer selling season.  Here are some positive things that will help our market:     •       The Navy is MOVING a base from Brunswick, Maine. These are typically S3 pilots who love Jacksonville.  They have lived in high cost areas like San Diego, and they would love to make Jacksonville their last tour of duty.  From what I understand from my military clients, they will be moving these squadrons down in phases over the next 18 months or so.  You may have seen the huge hangers at NAS JAX.  Granted, some of these servicemen will rent, but once they... 06/05/2008

  Eagle Harbor Homes Orange Park Florida 1.5% BUYER REBATE! Eagle Harbor is a beautiful 3,000-acre, family-friendly, planned golf community of traditional and contemporary homes situated on Fleming Island in Orange Park Florida. Bounded to the east by U.S. 17 and to the north and west by Doctors Lake, Eagle Harbor Florida extends south of County Road 220 and includes the new Clay County library on Town Center Boulevard. Just 20 miles from downtown Jacksonville Florida and only minutes to the Orange Park FL Shopping Mall and movie theaters, Eagle Harbor community is bordered by Doctor's Lake, Black Creek, and the St. Johns River. Eagle Harbor was chosen "Best Planned Community in Northeast Florida" by the Northeast Florida Building & Zoning Council and received the Southeast Builders Co... 05/18/2008

    Eagle Landing Orange Park Florida Homes 1.5% BUYER REBATE! Eagle Landing is a new golf and family community located in northern Clay county in the Orange Park, Florida area.  Eagle Landing is directly adjacent of Oakleaf Plantation, a community which will feature over 6000 homes upon completion. The community features an 18-hole championship golf course, small neighborhoods, a variety of homes and a Village Green. There has never been a green like this in all of North Florida. Not a putting green – it’s a community green with a lake, docks with canoes that you can rent, and kayaks you can try. There’s also a Kids' Club, full gymnasium, aquatic center, tennis complex and more.      The 7,037 yard Clyde Johnston designed Eagle Landing golf course weaves through the Florida landscape ... 05/17/2008