Maybe it was the 20,000,000 consecutive days of rain we've had lately, and my mood may have had something to do with my disappointment at the home and patio show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in downtown Jacksonville this weekend.  Ordinarily just being at this venue makes whatever it is you're doing fun.  The Prime Osborn is the old train station, and it has much of the decor around to remind you of this fact. But this show!  Home yes.  Patio, hardly.  Unless we missed a room or even another building, this was mostly appliances, and garages.  There were so many ways to spend from $2000 to $3000 on the floor of your garage it was silly.  First of all, anyone with that kind of money doesn't go to a home show to buy the stuff.  And secondly, who in their right mind spends $3K on a... 10/07/2007

St. Augustine usually has the bragging rights for art festivals, but every year the small village of San Marco, right across the bridge and south of Jacksonville, has a good one.  And today was the day.  Surprisingly, there was more jewelry art than anything else.  The booming beading industry has made a jewelry artisan out of a lot of people, and today illuminated many of the best there is in the area.  Silversmiths, goldsmiths, and simple beaders were in great number.  There were many fine photographers, watercolor artists, and oil painters selling both their originals and giclees, a reproduction process making the copy difficult to tell from the original. My favorite today was an artist from Israel, Smadar Livne.  Not present at this show, her works of both originals and giclees were... 10/07/2007

I'm somewhat new to ActiveRain, so many of you probably don't know me. I'm a Full time Realtor with Keller Williams Realty JAX, and ALSO an LPGA Golf Professional! I tell my clients...part of our contract...is my helping them with their golf game!! Then I can tell my husband...Honest, honey, I'm working!! It's so much fun to be able to "talk" golf with clients! It's amazing that I've found some clients that actually went to the same LPGA tournament, I played in...back in the 80's! Small world! I played professionally from 1980-89. Currently I'm on the Sr. LPGA tour, which only has 2-4 tournaments a year! Now a days... I use my competitive spirit in my Real Estate Business, to get my clients the best price with my Negotiating Skills! My website... wouldn't you know it... www.buyandsellGO... 10/06/2007

I went to a real estate investors' meeting the other night, thinking I might find some useful information, and make a contact or two.  I was invited by a hard money lender I had met at another networking function. I was one of several Realtors there, however, I appeared to be the only "retail" one; the others promoted they were "wholesalers" and they identified under-valued properties, did some minor improvements, and then sold said properties to investors.  Mainly, investors in the group was the gist I got.There was some open networking, then a break, then a VERY SUCCESSFUL investor got up to talk about how he's been making tons of money for over 23 years, and (of course!), all you had to do was go to his daylong seminar today (only $39!!), and learn from him. And for reinforcement, pu... 10/06/2007

What a great surprise is in store for those moving to Jacksonville Fl who have grown accustomed to great public transportation.  Exploring the options available to visitors and residents, I have grown to appreciate the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and the variety of public transportation they provide their constituents. They may not have the intricate bus and train system found in NYC or SF, but they must be commended for what they have achieved.   Trolley: three routes  MagnoliaMagnolia Line serves FCCJ Station, City Hall, Downtown towers, The Landing, City Hall Annex, Yates and other City buildings along these streets: Union, Laura, Bay, Pearl, Water, Newnan, Duval, Julia.  SunflowerSunflower Line links to the Skyway at Central Station and serves the new Veteran's Memorial Ar... 09/29/2007

Has anyone else had this happen to them?My buyer's home inspection revealed VERY LITTLE wrong with the home; only suggestions were to have the air conditioner coil professionally cleaned, and an exterior outlet that did not have power.I had written in $2000 for repairs, knowing the listing agent would strike that to $1,000, which would be fine.Apparently, the exterior outlet simply needs an interior light switch flipped to make it work.  Issue dealt with. The seller and the seller's agent are saying they don't want to do the AC cleaning - it's my understanding the price for coil cleaning can vary from $150 to $450, depending on how intensive the cleaning is. I'm pretty surprised in this market any seller would be hesitant to pay for SO little in repairs.  My buyer has allergies, and wan... 09/25/2007

Conversion of Garden Apts to Condos- one case study: Reserve at James IslandConverting current residential rental property to condos is an active and apparently profitable business model for owners of garden apartments, and apartment buildings. Some of these conversions have worked out extremely well for the new condo owners. However, there are some horror stories out there where unscrupulous owners have used some creative marketing techniques to dupe unsuspecting prospective buyers. I would love to hear from you about those that were great buying opportunities.  I would also appreciate reports of the horror stories. I did extensive research when I wrote this article but did not include negative or positive comments made by owners and renters. However, all comments are welcome on this c... 09/15/2007

 Professional Realtors prepare for the home-showing process, and have verified the status ofthe buyer to ensure that they are ready, willing and able to purchase the property. We havesystems to track each time the home is shown. It is easy to get a record of each person whohas shown the house, and they can provide client contact information. When a homeowner chooses to sell his own home, the seller is opening the door to strangers,allowing them to wander through the house and assess the family and valuables. Rarely doesa homeowner ask for identification or know if the prospective buyer is ready, willing or ableto purchase the home. This alone puts the seller and family in a vulnerable position.Who is showing the home and are they aware of the safety issues that may arise? Do theyhave an... 09/15/2007

Hi Tom and Michelle,Thanks for writing to me. I appreciate the trust and confidence you are placing in me to help you find a beautiful place to call HOME! I am a Professional Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and also a Golf Professional. My family and I have moved 7 times in the last 10 years, so I know exactly what you are going thru. I promise to help make your move "A Straight Shot to a Successful Closing!"I'm so glad you picked the Jacksonville Area, This is a wonderful place to raise kids, with so many activities to do & places to go with the Good Ole Fashioned Southern Hospitality! Please visit my website at http://www.buyandsellgolfhomes.com/ to see the Many different links I have available to you. You can learn so much about our Jacksonville Area, from the schools, shopping, ... 09/11/2007

 Thank you Active Rain- Want your home rented- contact James Angelo Realty Services; All Real Estate Options;(904) 881-21784 bedroom, 2 full baths, 2105 sq feet - Rent $1495 per month - Immediate OccupancyBeautiful spacious home with neutral colors. Lanai with gorgeous water view located in the rear of home. Very energy efficient with gas stove and water heater. 4 bedroom, 2 full baths, and 2105 sq feet- Vaulted ceilings Cathedral Ceilings, Carpeting.Home located in Bartram Springs in Southside Mandarin Jacksonville Fl Concrete Block construction12 month lease, $35 processing fee, one months securityCall Rental Office- Jan- Monday to Fridayfrom 9am- 5pm   at 904-363-2232Call to discuss the buyer incentive program that our renters qualify for.All Real Estate Options,James Angelo, Realtor... 09/08/2007

Since we are in a BUYERS market and there are an abundance of homes on the market.....HOW Well do you know the inventory out there?? It's soooo important to preview 10-15 homes a week, so you KNOW about the inventory in the area you work. It's also a chance to see the type of condition they are all in, so when you do work with the buyers, you can be Very educated about the inventory and Quality of the homes on the market! Buyers are educated, because alot of them shop online for a long time, before they come to Realtors to actually show them homes. What do you do to show BUYERS you KNOW the inventory in the area?? What Ideas do you have to show BUYERS the value you bring to the table?I see alot of companies/Agents go on Caravans or go to Broker Opens weekly!  BUt how do you remember tho... 09/08/2007

The competition in this current Northeast Fl real estate market has never been keener. The wonderful opportunities that currently exist for buyers of new homes in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach S, Ponte Vedra Beach N, St Augustine, and the newest community, Nocatee, is exhilarating and dynamic. Searching the multiple listings, television ads, newspaper advertisements, and most importantly the internet websites that specialize in Northeast real estate, new and thrilling opportunities are offered almost routinely each day. Some of the most exciting real estate ads are those by builders who have inventory in a community that they are trying to close out. As a real estate professional, I am excited when I identify those wonderful buying opportunities and can pair it with a client who has b... 09/08/2007

Currently called "Jacksonville Municipal Stadium" the home of the Jaguars is waiting anxiously for its new sponsor.  None of the newscasts even hinted at who or what that might be, but does it really matter?  The stadium is beautiful.  There isn't a bad seat in the house.  Of course the price of a ticket is obscene, but what professional team ticket isn't? Having attended the two home pre-season games (both won), I'm inclined to buy tickets to the season opener for this weekend.  There is the threat of a blackout of the first game because there are still tickets available.  The problem is that these available tickets are so far out of my entertainment budget that it's not even funny.  The stadium must meet the ticket-sales requirement by Thursday of this week in order to have this game ... 09/04/2007

Don't you get irratated with Realtors that DON'T take more than 1 picture for a home they are trying to sell! I can't tell you how unprofessional it is. I work with buyers alot, and if there are no pictures, I'm not going to take them to see a home, that may be in shambles?!?! It does'nt take much training to learn how to use a digital camera these days. I pride myself in taking GREAT pictures and my OWN Visual Tours!! These days, pictures are worth MORE Than a 1,000 words!!! Pictures can SELL HOMES!! So, I apoligize to BUyers out there for the incompetance of some of my fellow Realtors?!!? Please don't lose Faith in our profession, There are Still ALOT of GREAT Realtors, like myself, out there!! 09/04/2007

A growing trend is to build Northeast Fl subdivisions with condominiums, single-family homes, and townhouses side by side sharing the same amenities. This increases the range and style of amenities while keeping the cost down. Two such subdivisions are Kernan Forest and Julington Creek Plantation. Both are located in Jacksonville Fl.Kernan Forest is a subdivision with blended living types. Two and three bedroom Jacksonville condos and Jax town homes that range from the mid $100,000s to the low $200,000s are available. Single-family homes start in the mid $200,000 and reach to the low $400,000s. When selecting a neighborhood, it is imperative that you know determine what type of home you want.  An experienced Jacksonville Fl realtor will help you find the right fit. For example, Kernan F... 09/02/2007

$1,400 - 4/2  2,000 sq ft  14877  Bulow Creek in Southside Mandarin - Bartram SpringsGo south on US1 (Phillips highway). Turn right into Bartram Springs subdivision. Left on Cherry Lake Dr., left onto Green pond, left onto Falling Waters, left onto Bulow Creek Dr.Executive home, built 2006, with spacious wooded lot. Home for rent.4 spacious bedrooms2 spa quality bathsImmediate occupancy possible2,000 sq feet of living spaceHome is painted with warm, neutral colors.
It is very energy efficient having gas water heater and stovCommon/Club Ament: Club Facilities; Clubhouse; Club Pool; Children's Pool; Tennis Court(s); Basket Ball Court(s); Soccer Field(s); Baseball Field(s); Playground included in rent. Call Jan: Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 5 pm  at  904- 363-2232 All Real Estate Op... 09/02/2007

$1,395 - 4 /3/3 2,300 sq ft on 14231 Fish Eagle Dr W in Eagles Hammock Development - N Jacksonville easy access to SR 9A; Go 9A North. Exit Alta Dr. Go Right off of ramp. Turn Right into 2nd entrance of Eagle Hammock. Turn Right onto Sea Eagle Dr. Then Right onto Fish Wonderful spacious single family home in upscale community for rent: Home for RentNorth Jacksonville with easy access to all of JacksonvilleOpen floor planBerber carpet and tile throughoutIMMACULATEAirport, downtown, beaches, and intercoastal waterways easily accessedHome features:large living area with gas fireplacebreakfast area and separate dining  Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and 42" cabinetsIMMEDIATE OCCUPANCYCall Jan  from Monday to Friday- 9 am to 5 pm - (904)  363-2232All Real Estate Options,James Angel... 09/02/2007

It really is a journey when looking for a new home in any Northeast Fl city. There are so many communities and builders competing for our attention. Jacksonville Florida homebuilders have been doing themselves proud with the variety of housing and the price range of the new housing made available to the Jacksonville Fl homebuyer. Tarragon TARR is one of the nationally recognized Fl homebuilders that occupy a prominent position in the Jacksonville real estate home market. The Jacksonville and Orange Park real estate landscape would look much different without Tarragon as an active player in the Northeast Fl real estate market. Who exactly is Tarragon Corporation?  Tarragon Corporation TARR, is a leading developer of multifamily housing that is either rented or is for sale. In Feb 2007, T... 08/25/2007

  These are some of the best deals in the area. If you have interest please let me know immediately. Prices should be good thru Sept 3, 2007. Condos Southside/ Baymeadows Town Center Area Condos for SaleSeller pays buyer 6% and applies this towards Closing CostSeller pays buyer 6% and applies this towards Closing Cost 1 Bedroom/1 Bath         1188sq.ft          $114,9902 Bedroom/2 Bath         1095sq.ft          $123,9902 Bedroom/2 Bath         1463sq.ft          $131,9903 Bedroom/2 Bath         1345sq.ft          $134,990Call nowAll Real Estate OptionsJames Angelo, Realtor R>(904)881-2178 visit website: http://www.locatehomesflorida.com/   08/25/2007

Act now for a Free 42 Inch Plasma TV when you purchase this condo from your trusted Real Estate Team "Producers" with Brite Realty 904.377.8008Homes ready for fast closing @ $139,900 2/2/1 1125 SQFTSituated along the Trout River's tranquil shores, The Reserve at Heron Cove is a beautiful, gated condominium communityfrom Southern Atlantic Homes. Nestled amidst picturesque, natural surroundings, the 184-unit community will offer four distinct floorplans available on both first and second floor levels. Priced from the high-$100's, layouts range in size from 1,125 to 1,656 square feet of living space. Designs feature two or three bedrooms, two baths, and an array of standard upgrades including ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen, foyer, and baths; 9' to 10' ceilings. Some floorplans offer ... 08/22/2007