Monday, August 29, 2011

Ruttenburg Homes - Amelia Island

Plantation Housing Corp., an independently owned franchisee of Arthur Rutenberg Homes, is one of the First Coast’s most respected contractors. That’s because the company embraces state-of-the-art technologies while adhering to oldfashioned
craftsmanship.

Since 1998, the Fernandina-based company has off ered new custom homes, complete home remodeling and interior consultation services and, now, pool design and construction. Led by President Victor L. Buscaino, who has more than 20 years of experience and has built thousands of homes ranging in price from $200,000 to $3 million and higher, Plantation Housing Corp. boasts a staff of certifi ed professionals who are committed to the highest standards of quality and integrity.
The company also features an 8,000-square-foot design center, which stocks an impressive selection of furniture, fl ooring, lighting, appliances, kitchen and bath fi xtures and much more. Everything from architectural design through construction is available under one roof.

Plantation Housing Corp.’s people understand the intricacies of both general construction and remodeling, and make every effort to off er each customer excellent quality, exceptional value and extraordinary service. “Our company’s philosophy of business is to provide the best service by listening to our customers,” says Buscaino. Buyers have the option of selecting an Energy Star-rated home, which is a home that’s certifi ed to be more energy efficient than building codes require. Energy Star homes are healthier for occupants and less expensive to operate.

Reprinted from Florida Homebuyer.

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 25, 2011

1815 S 8TH STREET, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty

$325,000. Located on 8th Street, Amelia island, Commercial Building

1815 S 8TH STREET, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Downtown Fernandina Beach Project


News from The Newsleader about Fernandina Beach

$6 million loan for Forward Fernandina ~~ 'Now is the time for city to invest'

By Angela Daughtry, News-Leader


After hearing residents speak out both in favor and against a strategic redevelopment plan, Fernandina Beach Commissioners unanimously approved the plan with no discussion Tuesday.

Later, in comments at the end of the meeting, City Manager Michael Czymbor would call it historic, Commissioner Jeffrey Bunch would compare it to President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal almost 80 years ago and other commissioners would hail the plan as being appropriate despite hard times.

The plan, called Forward Fernandina, will finance improvements to the waterfront and downtown, including moving the library to Centre Street and, later on, renovating the post office.

The first phase of the plan, scheduled over three years, will cost $6 million.

The plan will be financed by a revenue bond loan, and will most likely be repaid by a fee on city residents' electric bills.


Resident Andy Curtin said he was "very disturbed that this is going forward" and called the plan "a bunch of projects that are of questionable value and questionable need." He also noted the city had other obligations such as beach renourishment and paying off a lawsuit with McGill Aviation.

"Where is that money going to come from?" he asked. "It's ridiculous, it has to stop."

Dee Torre, vice president of Friends of the Library in Fernandina Beach, urged the plan be approved and presented a petition with more than 1,100 signatures calling for a new library.

"Now is the time for the city to invest (in the strategic plan)," said Max Wohlfarth, president of the Historic Fernandina Business Association whose family owns the Crab Trap restaurant at North Second and Alachua streets and Amelia Dream Cars on South Eighth Street. "I don't think we can afford not to fix the waterfront."

The plan's first phase includes opening Alachua Street to vehicular traffic across the railroad track, reconstruction of Front Street and improving its infrastructure and construction of a park on the Amelia River waterfront,

Czymbor said the city's annual debt would be around $500,000 under the 20-year loan plan. City residents might pay up to $2 per $100 on their electric bills to repay the loan.

Improvements scheduled in the first phase would be completed by 2015. The city has set aside $350,000 in its proposed 2011-12 budget to stabilize the downtown post office's exterior. Renovation is scheduled later in the Forward Fernandina plan, but funds have not been secured for that purpose yet.

The resolution calls for quarterly reports from the city manager on the status of the plan. Adam Kaufman, president of the Amelia Island Fernandina Restoration Foundation, which pushed the plan, has promised that his group will continue to monitor the city's implementation of the plan.

Vice Mayor Tim Poynter said at the end of the meeting that commissioners "have the community's best interest at heart," and that residents should "embrace the opportunities that these times represent."

"I don't care what's happening in the nation as a whole, I care about what's happening here," said Bunch. "I want to move forward, and that's what I plan to do."

"I request that we move forward with incredible care," said Steger. "People are watching us and we should use tax dollars wisely."

The Forward Fernandina effort began earlier this year with public meetings and coordination with commissioners and city staff spearheaded by the Amelia Island Fernandina Restoration Foundation.

adaughtry@fbnewsleader.com

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Amelia Island

In yesterday’s blog post, we explained that the ‘shadow inventory’ of distressed properties which has hung over the housing market will soon be released for sale. The real estate market won’t recover until we work our way through this discounted inventory.

The great news is that as these properties exit the bottom of the inventory funnel, there are fewer homes entering the top of the funnel. The best indicator of future foreclosures is the number of households that fall 90 days delinquent on their mortgage payments. This number is falling dramatically. As the S&P Shadow Inventory Report states:

“Our estimate of the months to clear the shadow inventory reached its peak at 57 months in early 2008. Back then, rising default rates caused a sharp increase in the overall amount of distressed properties. However, first default rates have been falling since March 2009), indicating that fewer loans are becoming distressed.”


John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Search the MLS for Properties in Amelia Island

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Marsh Cove-Somerset, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty

Marsh Cove-Somerset, Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 :: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

85185 EADY LANE Yulee, FL 32097 Hot Off The MLS!

$69,900 in Yulee, Florida.
85185 EADY LANE Yulee, FL 32097 Hot Off The MLS!

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
www.jholbrook.ameliaislandrealestatelistings.com

Heron Isles - Yulee

Heron Isles Home.
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John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
www.jholbrook.ameliaislandrealestatelistings.com

Flora Park, Fernandina Beach

Short Sale - $249,000. Flora Park with Pool.
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John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

86511 EASTPORT DRIVE Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

North Hampton with Golf Course Views.
86511 EASTPORT DRIVE Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
www.jholbrook.ameliaislandrealestatelistings.com

85586 BOSTICK WOOD DRIVE Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

North Hampton Custom Home By Brylen
85586 BOSTICK WOOD DRIVE Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
www.jholbrook.ameliaislandrealestatelistings.com

Amelia National Home for Sale

$349,900 New Home at Amelia National
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John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
www.jholbrook.ameliaislandrealestatelistings.com

2815 PARK SQUARE PLACE Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

$369,900 Egan's Bluff, Amelia Island, Close to Beach.

2815 PARK SQUARE PLACE Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
www.jholbrook.ameliaislandrealestatelistings.com

95006 LANTANA COURT Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

$429,000. Amelia National Golf Community

95006 LANTANA COURT Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

1396 MISSION SAN CARLOS D Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

1396 MISSION SAN CARLOS D Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, FL 32034 Hot Off The MLS!

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Shadow Inventory Florida

One of the biggest challenges to the housing industry throughout the rest of the year will be the increase in discounted properties coming unto the market. There is a glut of foreclosures that have been delayed by the court systems in many states while paperwork was corrected. The banks are rectifying their paperwork and processes. Now, more and more states are clearing the way for the banks to resume repossessing these properties.

As these properties find their way to the market, the prices of non-distressed properties in the region will be adversely impacted for two reasons.

There are a finite number of homebuyers in any market. A portion of these buyers will purchase the distressed properties new to the market because they can get them at discounted prices.
As these distressed properties sell, they will become comparable sales used by appraisers to establish value on all homes (both distressed and non-distressed) sold in the future. Since these properties are sold at a discount, they will have a negative impact on other valuations.

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
www.jholbrook.ameliaislandrealestatelistings.com

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

July Home Sales - Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – Aug. 18, 2011 – Florida’s existing home and existing condo sales rose in July, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Existing home sales increased 12 percent last month with a total of 15,517 homes sold statewide compared to 13,874 homes sold in July 2010, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide sales of existing condos last month also rose 12 percent compared to the year-ago sales figure.

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

July Home Sales


Palm Coast, FL – August 23, 2011 – Sales of new single-family houses in July 2011 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 298,000, according to estimates released jointly today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 0.7 percent (±12.9%)* below the revised June rate of 300,000, but is 6.8 percent (±13.5%)* above the July 2010 estimate of 279,000.
The median sales price of new houses sold in July 2011 was $222,000; the average sales price was $272,300. The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of July was 165,000. This represents a supply of 6.6 months at the current sales rate.

New home sales and new home construction are being held back by overly strict lending and appraisal standards than by an underlying weakness in demand, according to builders with whom GoToby.com has spoken. New home sales in 2012 are likely to come in at less than half the 700,000 units many economists peg as a normal level.
The National Association of Homebuilders estimates that the construction of each new home creates three new jobs and $90,000 in new taxes.
The dearth of new housing starts magnifies the effect of a steadily decreasing inventory of existing homes for sale.

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
www.jholbrook.ameliaislandrealestatelistings.com

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Amelia Island Barbeque

Hotels offer specials tied to Tailgate Cook-off in Amelia Island
Festivals — posted by jimabbott on August, 4 2011 3:13 PM
Discuss This: Comments(0) | Add to del.icio.us | Digg it There will be special rates and hotel packages for the upcoming Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off, August 26-27, in Amelia Island, near the Georgia line on Florida’s East Coast.

Held at Main Beach on Amelia Island, the Second Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off starts at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, and features more than 50 professional and backyard (amateur) teams. The Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off is a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event and is designed as a fundraiser with the Gator Bowl Association.

The following accommodators are offering discounts for the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off**:

• Addison on Amelia, AddisonOnAmelia.com, offers a free night on reservations of four nights or more. Individuals who cannot stay the full four nights can take advantage of their Weekends For Weekdays special rates during the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off, saving $80 on a Friday and Saturday night visit.

• Amelia Island Hampton Inn at the Beach, ameliaislandhamptoninn.com, is offering a $99 rate for a double room, plus tax, during the cook-off.

• Amelia Hotel at the Beach, ameliahotel.com, is offering standard rooms (king or double) for $89 per night, August 25 through 28. The rate is only available through phone reservations and includes free parking, free Hot & Healthy breakfast daily, an afternoon warm cookie service and the new “Lobby Lounge” featuring a variety of beverages. Make sure to use rate code COOK when booking the deal.

• Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, elizabethpointelodge.com, is walking distance from the event and offers a Second Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off Package starting at $532. The package includes a king bed, sunset guest room for two nights, bike rental for two, hors d’oeuvres reception each evening, complete breakfast each morning, newspaper, Wi-Fi, beach equipment, and parking.

• ERA Fernandina Beach Realty, ameliavacations.com, will be offering a 20 percent discount on accommodations for the Cook-off. The discount is valid at all ERA locations, except Beachside Motel. Rates for an oceanfront condo start at $156 per night.

• Fairbanks House, fairbankshouse.com, is offering a bottle of Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce and a bag of Southern Slush Mix to guests staying three or more nights for the Cook-off. Guests will also be treated to gourmet breakfasts and evening social hours with adult beverages and hors d’oeuvres – everything food fans need to complete their weekend of culinary delights. This offer is available for new bookings only, and one offer per room. Please mention code STC11 when making your reservation.

• Harbor Front Hampton Inn and Suites, hamptoninnandsuitesameliaisland.com, includes rates starting at $99 per night for a standard room and $129 for a suite.

• Omni Amelia Island Plantation, omniameliaislandplantation.com, features rates starting at $109 per night for an ocean view room on August 26 and 27. The stay must be booked using code GSTC1.

• Residence Inn, Amelia Island, residenceinnameliaisland.com, is the official host hotel of the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off and offers rates starting at $109 per night. Must mention Tailgate Cook-off to get the rate.

BBQ lovers will be able to enjoy free entertainment throughout the two-day event, with performances by the popular, all-women country and rhythm and blues band Mustang Sally, and high energy, blues-rock band Wet Willie featuring Jimmy Hall, known for their Top 10 hit Keep On Smilin’. Additional regional bands will also perform during the cook-off.

New in 2011, the cook-off will feature an arts and crafts area, remote control car demonstrations by Amelia Island RC, and a beach volleyball tournament. For more information about the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off, entertainment lineup and each of the accommodations offering discounts, visit www.gstailgatecookoff.com.

Sponsors for the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off include Florida Public Utilities (Spotlight), Amelia Island Remote Control (Platinum; Official Stage Sponsor), Residence Inn Amelia Island (Platinum; Official Host Hotel), City of Fernandina Beach (Gold), Fernandina Beach News-Leader (Gold; Official Local Media Sponsor), Dana’s Limousine Service (Gold; Official Transportation Provider), and Tailgator Monthly Magazine (Gold), among several others.

-Amelia Island Convention & Visitors’ Bureau-


John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Northeast Florida Housing Report.

Jacksonville, FL – Attractive Pricing Makes the Wheels Start Turning Again(3,381 single-family permits in 2010, 26th largest market in the country)

Traffic improves as low prices lure buyers. Buyer traffic bounced back modestly in July after falling sharply in June, as our traffic index increased to 42 from 37. This is still modestly below agents’ expectations (as measured by a reading of 50), but points to sequential improvement and suggests that buyers in Jacksonville may have just needed a breather in June after a solid spring (June was the first time in 7 months that traffic failed to meet expectations in our survey). Comments about the attractive pricing and affordability were abundant once again, although agents also mentioned that demand has begun to broaden out beyond just the low end. According to one agent, “More people are looking in all price ranges. Especially in higher end homes, there are many more cash buyers.” Another agent commented, “Prices are low, inventory is low, spurring buyers to make a decision; fewer choices make deciding easier.”

Prices fall as sellers work to spur demand. Not surprisingly, home prices fell again in July, consistent with agent commentary that lower prices were responsible for the uptick in demand. Our home price index fell to 25 in July from 43 in June, well below a neutral reading of 50 (readings below 50 point to sequentially lower prices). We expect further declines, as sellers recognize that buyers remain price sensitive. Inventory levels at least declined in July, as our home listings index improved to 58 from 54 in June, above a neutral reading of 50. However, our time to sell index still indicated a longer time needed to sell a home, dropping to 21 in July from 36 in June (readings below 50 point to a longer time to sell).

This bears watching, as an increased time to sell is typically a negative
indicator for future pricing trends.

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Amelia Concourse - DR Horton

• New close to Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach homes in Nassau County !
• Amenity center and community pool
• Highly rated Nassau County schools

The new home community of Amelia Concourse is located in fast-growing Nassau County. Just minutes to schools and shopping, Amelia Concourse features affordable and luxurious single family homes. Located just minutes from historic Amelia Island. The beautiful community recreational center featuring three pools, one for the tots, one for the kids with water park slides and sprays and a large family pool for everyone who enjoys lounging by water and the clubhouse. Amelia Concourse is a charming community of single family homes. This new home community offers everything for your family to enjoy. Come visit Amelia Concourse, the newest and exclusive in new home communities offered by D.R. Horton and discover why these are truly unique new homes close to Jacksonville, Florida.

For more information about the new home community of Amelia Concourse,
contact John Holbrook at 904-415-0171.

Prices listed may not reflect elevation shown.
Individual home site premiums are not reflected and may range from no premium to $7,900.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Rose's Bluff - Yulee

Live the VIP lifestyle and experience the best that Nassau County has to offer.
D.R. Horton has collaborated with one of north Florida’s finest developers to offer an exclusive lifestyle with the remarkable value of america’s top builder. Roses Bluff is nestled, gated community is located within minutes of local shopping, restaurants, highly rated public schools, and leisure activities including gorgeous beaches. Enjoy a easy commuting distance to downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville international airport, historic Amelia Island and Kings Bay naval base in St. Mary’s, Georgia.

Home offerings include 3, 4 and 5 bedrooms, ranging from approximately 1,850 sq feet to 2,800 sq feet. Each floor plan offers the best of today’s design but with rich traditions. Personal touches adorn for each individual’s tastes. Lake front, wooded preserve and marsh view home sites* are the perfect background for fulfilling your dream of homeownership in North Florida.


John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Housing Market Report - John Holbrook

Palm Coast, FL – August 9, 2011 – MSN Today Money yesterday published a 24/7 Wall Street list of the 10 sickest housing markets in the U.S. Not a single Florida city made the list. Here are the cities that did:
1. Tucson, Ariz.
2. Indianapolis, Ind.
3. Memphis, Tenn.
4. Atlanta, Ga.
5. Baton Rouge, La.
6. Dayton, Ohio
8. Detroit, Mich. (tie)
8. Kansas City, Mo. (tie)
9. St. Louis, Mo.
10. Oklahoma City, Ok.
The study examined homeowner and rental vacancies, vacancy trends, unemployment, and historical median selling prices.

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com