Sponsor a Child, Fill a Backpack: Making a meaningful difference in the lives of local students

August 7, 2023

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Summer is coming to a close, and with it parents are preparing for another school year. It’s estimated that back-to-school supplies will cost $597 for the average student, according to Deloitte. Knowing there are so many families in need, three Davidson Realty agents hosted a community-led drive to gather supplies and sponsor local students.

 

Mirtha Barzaga, Liz Pappaceno and Reba Barkley initiated the massive effort by calling St. Johns County Schools to see how they could help. They coordinated with guidance counselors from Mill Creek Academy, Wards Creek Elementary, Crookshank Elementary, Palm Valley Academy and Valley Ridge Academy who provided lists of supplies as well as the grades and sexes of children who would benefit from the drive.

 

Barkley, a former elementary school principal, knows first-hand how important it is for students to have the supplies they need. “Supplies equip students with tools for learning,” she shared. “I want to do my part to contribute to the academic success of our local students, and with Davidson Realty, we believe in investing in the future of the next generation.”

 

The agents called on the local community to sponsor a child, donate supplies or donate money for the team to shop for items. On July 19th, they invited donors to an open house to drop off their backpacks and donations and to enjoy libations and hors d’oeuvres as a way of saying thank you. “The book bags have not only the supply list provided by the school, but a lunch box, water bottle, basic toiletries and fun stuff,” Barzaga shared, who has hosted similar supply donation drives in the past. “One of my customers brought in a book bag and was so impressed with the display of them, that as he was walking out he handed me an extra $100 to sponsor another child!”

 

       

 

Support from the community was overflowing, and the agents surpassed their goal of 75 filled backpacks. “We are putting together more bags now and think we will have 100 in total,” Barzaga said. “I have always been a firm believer in the power of giving back, especially to the community you live in. There is nothing more rewarding to me than giving.” Thanks to the generous giving of our community, and to our agents, local students will have what they need to start the year off right.

Congratulations to all our TOP Producers in June and the 2nd Quarter!

July 19, 2023

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We are off to a sizzling start to summer closing out the second quarter of 2023 with a strong June finish!   It’s time to recognize our top agents who made it all happen.  We are so proud of all their accomplishments!  Here’s what we asked them this month: For anyone moving here to our beautiful first coast from out of the area or anyone visiting what would you recommend as a “Must See, Must Do” top area or top attraction to visit?

 

 

 

 

Our Top Producer for June and our Jacksonville Beach Team Top Producer and Top Sales Agent for the 2nd Quarter is Jennifer Todd with over 2.3 Million in closings and 2.3 Million in pending sales.

 

 

 

 

Jennifer – There are so many wonderful things to do and see on the First Coast of Florida.  Here are a few “Must See” places and I’m certain they will lead you to discover more fascinating places!

 

Downtown Historic St. Augustine! Stroll the streets to enjoy the history, beautiful architecture, and some of the best restaurants. I strongly recommend the Trolly Tour. You can hop on and off and the tour guides are so knowledgeable.

 

Our beaches are beautiful from Atlantic Beach and south to Anastasia Island. All of the beaches have easy access. The Guana State Park is in between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Mickler Beach is in Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville Beach is miles long with Huguenot Beach to the north.

 

There are fishing charters throughout the area and you can enjoy the ocean fishing and Intracoastal waters… 

 

Golf, Golf, Golf!!! Depending on the level of golf you play, there is a course for you.

 

Give me a call and we can chat about all the other many options and I’m always happy to recommend a great restaurant!  

 

 

 

 

Our Top Producing Team in both closings and pending sales for June and the Quarter is The Nemethy Group with Shelley and Tim Nemethy.  They had over 6.7 Million in closings and 6.6 Million in overall pending sales in the quarter.

 

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Congratulations to all our TOP Producers in May!

June 19, 2023

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May the month known to represent love and success proved to be true here at Davidson Realty.  Lots of both going around as we celebrate and acknowledge our TOPS this month!  It is always insightful to hear from our best so this month we asked them for their advice that could help future home sellers.  We asked them for anyone thinking of selling their home what are their TOP 3 recommendations for sellers to consider or do before they hit the market. Please read on as they share their helpful tips.

 

 

 

Our Top Producer is Mirtha Barzaga with over $2.1 million in closings for the month.

 

 

 

 

 

Mirtha – When I meet with a prospective seller I go through their home and give them a detailed list of my top recommendations.

  • Usually this includes giving them a punch list of things I notice that should be repaired and give them vendors they could use in case they need them.
  • Since curb appeal is so important in attracting prospective buyers, I also recommend they pressure wash the house and driveway, as the home should look as fresh as possible.  In continuing with the outside landscaping is a must! I recommend revamping beds, proper trimming, and mulch if necessary.
  • Another key tip I strongly suggest to sellers is to Declutter.   Less is more!  You want buyers walking in and being able to appreciate the space and picture themselves in the house. Pack away everything you can, after all you are moving.  Whatever you are still using in showers or kitchen, keep in a plastic basket that can be put away when the showings are taking place.

 

 

 

Our Top Lister and Top Overall Sales for May is Reba Barkley with over $1.3 Million in pending sales.

 

 

 

 

Reba

  1. First impressions matter, and the exterior of the home can peak a Buyer’s interest in anticipation of what will be seen inside. A manicured lawn pruned and shaped shrubbery, seasonal plantings, welcome mat, and wreath on the door sets a positive tone before a Buyer enters the home.
  2. Less is more when selling a home. Buyers need to picture themselves living in the home, which means decluttering, depersonalizing, and minimizing furnishings and accessories. Eliminate any distractions that will interfere with the focus on the highlights of the home and what makes it stand out among other listings.                         
  3. A neutral color palette works with most furnishings, gives Buyers a clearer perception of how their items will fit in the home, and can eliminate a Buyer calculation of an out-of-pocket cost of repainting. 

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Congratulations to all our Top Producers for April 2023!

May 24, 2023

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April showered us with a steady flow of real estate activity, especially in the residential arena.   It’s time to recognize our top agents who made it all happen. We asked our best this month to give their pick on the best value of real estate property out there in the northeast Florida market.  Please read on as they share their “Best Buys” for the month.

 

 

 

Our Top Producer is Bonnie Weinstein with $789,900 in closings for the month.

 

 

 

 

Bonnie -Currently,  the best value in Northeast Florida in my opinion are condos with short term rental options.  Many people moving to the area are looking for part time residence “snow birds”.  With the option to rent when they are not there.  The Residence in WGV has 7-day rental options making it one of the best values in WGV.  The Residence is a gated community with many amenities including King and Bear amenities.  The community also overlooks the pristine Slammer & Squire golf course.  

 

 

 

 

Our Top Lister and Top Overall Sales for April is Jennifer Todd with over $1.9 Million in pending sales.

 

 

 

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Congratulations to all our Top Producers for March & Q1 in 2023!

April 24, 2023

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March and the end of the first quarter in 2023 came in and out like a lion at Davidson Realty with a flurry of real estate activity.  It’s time to recognize our top agents who made it all happen.  We are so proud of all their accomplishments!  We asked our best this month to dispel a common myth they encounter frequently in their real estate business.   Read on as they share their insights that you may just find useful.

 

 

 

Our Top Producer, Top Lister, and Top Overall Sales for March and the first quarter of 2023 is Mirtha Barzaga with over $9.3 Million in closings and $5.3 Million in overall sales.

 

 

 

 

Mirtha – Myth: Listing a property high to set the stage for bargaining room or listing a home at a much higher price than what comparable reports show, or what your real estate expert provides seems like a good idea to make sure your home sells for all its worth. “Sellers commonly will say, “It’s easier to come down than to go up.” I say this is proven to be the wrong strategy to take.  Homes will bring real market value price. Asking that plus 10% is more likely to cause the home to stay on the market longer, generate less activity and interest, and ultimately sell for less than the market. We call that chasing the market and it’s never a good practice. 

 

 

 

Our Top Producing Team for the March is Vern and Deb Shadowen.

 

 

 

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