November Trends in 2010 for the Jacksonville FL Real Estate Market

December 31, 2010

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“Progress involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.” Frederick B. Wilcox

This quote captures exactly how I feel about the real estate industry and our Company right now. I see some positive trends and I am planning to start 2011 ALL OUT which is defined as “using all available means or resources.” If we aren’t going to use our resources now, what are we saving them for? It’s time to round second base.

The positive trends in the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors Market Stats for November, 2010 are as follows:

                                      2010 year to date          2009 year to date            Percent change
Pending sales                       15,890                              14,013                                13.4+
Closed sales                          14,548                              13,143                                 10.7+
Days on Market                   103                                    108                                       4.4-

As you can see, Pending Sales and Closings are up year-to-date and the days on the market are down slightly. 

                                    Median sales price 2010                                  Average sales price 2010
September                          $129,950                                                                      $165,855
October                                $135,575                                                                      $168,857
November                           $140,750                                                                     $187,189 Read more

Ana Speziale Shares 10 Interesting Tidbits!

December 30, 2010

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Ana PicIt is time again to meet a member of the Davidson Realty team! This month we are introducing you to Ana Speziale – one of our Realtors. Ana was a high school art teacher for 20 years before starting her second career in real estate. (And you know Davidson Realty appreciates teachers!) Her husband Craig is still in education as the principal at Ponte Vedra High School. (In photo with Ana.) We have asked Ana a variety of random questions so you can get to know her a bit better. Meet Ana!

1. When & where were you happiest?

With my family on the beach, preferably in Hawaii.

2. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I can be inflexible at times.

3. What is the the trait you most deplore in others?

Not returning emails or phone calls in a timely fashion.

4. What is the quality you most like in a man?

Confidence.

5. What is the quality you like most in a woman?

Independence. Read more

10 Reasons Boomers Like Me Choose to Live in North Florida

December 23, 2010

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Posted by in Retirement

There’s good reason that Florida’s population continues to grow, by as many as 800 each day. In fact here are 10 reasons Florida, and especially the North Florida region, is a great choice for retirement.

1. North Florida is less crowded and less congested than South Florida.

2. Cost of living:  Florida has no state income tax, and in general our cost of goods is on par or lower than many other metro areas, as is our property taxes. 

3. Real estate prices are at an all time low.  There are great “deals” to be had right now – our World Golf Village and surrounding St. Augustine and Jacksonville markets are “on sale” for now but probably not too much longer.

4. We are packed with recreational amenities, including numerous golf courses (my personal favorite is the King & Bear at World Golf Village, but the TPC at Sawgrass is another standout); boating and fishing opportunities thanks to one of the largest rivers in North America, the St. Johns River, several lakes, creeks and of course the Atlantic Ocean; and home to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.

5. Our top-notch medical facilities include the Mayo Clinic as well as teaching hospitals at UF Shands.  Some of the best & brightest are involved in the healthcare system in and around Jacksonville & St Augustine.

6. Several 55+ communities offer an active retired lifestyle here, whether you’re looking for a condo or single family home.  One well-located and affordably priced option is The Cascades in World Golf Village. Read more

Jim Davidson Shares his Favorite Holiday Dessert Recipe!

December 22, 2010

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Bananas_FosterBananas Foster – Serves 6

• 6 Bananas (cut in half and sliced long ways)
• ¾ lb Light Brown Sugar
• ¾ cup Banana Liquor
• ¾ cup Light Rum
• ¾ stick Light Salted Butter (cut in sections)

In skillet (I use a copper clad oval skillet) add light brown sugar, butter (cut in sections) and banana liquor. Heat it up until bubbling, constantly stirring. Add bananas and gently turn (make sure not to break a part). Only cook about one minute per side. Add white rum and get mixture bubbling again and light the rum on fire. I use a grill lighter. The flame will be blue and burn of all the alcohol. Serve over Bluebell vanilla ice cream.

This dessert is always a big hit and will satisfy even the sweetest tooth!

Merry Christmas
Jim

Julington Creek Plantation Popular with Families

December 15, 2010

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Lotus Lane FrontNamed for the natural, picturesque creek that feeds in to the St. Johns River, Julington Creek Plantation has become a city within a city.  Within Julington Creek Plantation’s more than 4,000 acres are numerous recreational amenities, neighborhoods, parks, churches, shops, restaurants and some of Jacksonville’s most highly-rated schools. From gourmet grocery stores like Whole Foods Market to 10 soccer and baseball fields, this area has it all. Read more

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