Fewer people move to FloridaCAPE CORAL, Fla. – Jan. 23, 2008 – When Eric Feichthaler became mayor three years ago, this town was booming. The city issued 800 permits that month to build single-family homes.Cape Coral still has thousands of empty lots, but last month, it issued just nine permits.A number of factors explain the downturn, and many of them are not unique to Florida. But it is becoming clear the Sunshine State is losing some of its luster.Census figures show that in 2007, the number of people who moved to warm and sunny Florida from other states outnumbered those who left by just 35,301, down from 268,347 in 2005. It was just the second year since 1990, when the Census Bureau started keeping such records, that the state saw fewer than 50,000 net U.S. arrivals.For many years, Florida was like a stateroom in a Marx Brothers movie: more and more people kept arriving, and hardly anyone left. During the 20th century, Florida’s population boomed, with growth rates ranging from 20 percent to 80 percent per decade. Florida is now the fourth-largest state, with about 18.1 million people.Experts blame the recent slowdown on a combination of circumstances: The national mortgage crisis and the bursting of the real estate bubble, hurricanes, Florida’s steep insurance rates and property taxes, and rising unemployment.The shift is felt most in places like Cape Coral, which went from barren southwestern Florida swampland to bustling bedroom community – one of the state’s centers of a building and buying boom. But now there is a sea of unsold homes and undeveloped lots in this 115-square-mile city.“It was very good before. It was like houses everywhere, buildings coming up everywhere and all of a sudden, everything stopped,” said Elliot Aguilar, a 35-year-old electrician and married father of five who lost his permanent job and is working a lower-paying temporary position. “If this continues, we probably have to move to another state.”Feichthaler said he is glad certain folks have left – “the people that came in three years ago in a gold-rush mentality” – even if that’s causing some upheaval. The downturn, he said, is leading to more affordable housing and the departure of unlicensed contractors, shady title agents and other scam artists.All of that, however, is of little comfort to those suffering from the downturn.Foreclosures in Lee County, of which Cape Coral and Fort Myers are a part, shot up more than fivefold last year, to 12,566, according to RealtyTrac, which records such data. The median price of single-family homes in the county fell to $239,300 in October from $322,000 two years earlier, according to the Florida Association of Realtors.And unemployment in the Fort Myers metropolitan area has climbed to 5.4 percent, its highest level since 1994, in large part because roughly one in three people in Cape Coral work as real estate agents, title insurers, contractors or in some other job linked to a sagging housing market.The slowdown is not just here along the Gulf Coast. Across the state, people tired of hurricanes and high housing costs are reconsidering Florida.Beth Mann, 27, lived in West Palm Beach until a year and a half ago, when her husband, Michael, was offered a teaching job in Georgia. He took it – at a higher salary than he was paid in Florida – and they moved to Buford, Ga.Their house is three times bigger. Their property taxes are 75 percent less. Their homeowner’s insurance bill has been cut nearly in half.“We’re like, ‘Why didn’t we move sooner?’” she said. Eight other homes on the Manns’ street are also occupied by former Floridians.A recent Mason-Dixon poll found 43 percent of Floridians said their quality of life is declining and 37 percent believe the decline will continue in the next year. One in three said they would tell a friend or loved one not to move here; one in five said they are seriously considering a move.Stanley Smith, who heads the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida, blamed hurricanes, taxes, insurance and housing prices.Florida actually grew in 2007 by an estimated 193,735 people, including births and immigrants. That’s a sizable number, just not as big as in years past.“Florida isn’t going to be losing population, but the increase will be smaller than it was in these boom years,” Smith said.A 2005 report by Smith forecasts a decline in people moving to the state through 2030, but the overall population is still expected to increase by more than 10 percent in each of the next two decades.In Cape Coral, where the population has more than doubled to about 150,000 since 1990, some welcome the downturn. Bob Janes, a Lee County commissioner whose district includes Cape Coral, said it may give officials time to improve mental health care, roads and other services.But Feichthaler, who is challenging Janes for his commission seat, said the decrease in property values and the resulting plunge in tax revenue will mean the city must cut $6 million to $7 million to avoid tax increases. There have been municipal layoffs, and more are possible.Many remain optimistic.“People still want to follow the sun,” Janes said. “And as soon as it gets cold up north, they think more and more about the sun.”Copyright 2008 The Associated Press, Matt Sedensky (Associated Press Writer).
John Holbrook - REALTOR 904-415-0171
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
1364 Shipwatch Amelia island Plantation
View from the extensive deck at 1364 Shipwatch. 4th Floor oceanfront. Renovated 3 bedroom/3 bath. Large rooms! Located on the Amelia Island Plantation. Championship caliber golf and tennis. 10 minutes to Historic downtown Fernandina Beach, the Amelia Island Airport or the Ritz Carlton.
See additional info at http://www.1364shipwatch.com
Newly remodeled beachfront three bedroom, two bath cottage located on Historic Amelia Island's North end that can be enjoyed today with endless possibilities for tomorrow. Incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Fort Clinch Styate Park. Ownership interest includes a deeded 300 feet of oceanfront beach that is part of a private eight member community.
See more pictures at http://www.aifbyl.com
Monday, January 14, 2008
Property Tax Vote
Our position: Amendment 1 would help rein in local government spending
Our position: Amendment 1 would help rein in local government spending
January 13, 2008
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Floridians should vote yes on Amendment 1, the property-tax cut on the Jan. 29 ballot, but not just because it will put a few extra dollars in their pockets.Amendment 1 isn't just about cutting taxes. It is about controlling government spending. It is a reality check for local governments that feasted on escalating property values over much of the past decade instead of lowering tax rates.As property values rose, tax collections soared. Levies doubled between 1997 and last year, including 42 percent in just three years. Property taxes grew three times faster than growth in population and inflation combined. At the same time, government services didn't seem to get any better. What a waste.
Related links
Spending your money Graphic
With even a modicum of self-control, cities and counties could have lowered their property-tax rates. Most didn't, and spending more than doubled.Even after lawmakers approved a rollback of the tax rate last year, almost half of Central Florida's cities and counties set their rates higher. Others raised fees for services, like fire protection, that should be paid for through property taxes.There is no guarantee that Amendment 1 would force local governments to behave responsibly. They could still try to raise tax rates or fees. But if Amendment 1 passes and taxes do not drop, Floridians will demand answers. That alone is a powerful incentive for local governments to be more responsible.Amendment 1 would increase the average savings from the state's homestead exemption from $500 to about $800. Businesses and second-home owners would get a cap on property assessments. It would pump up the state's stagnant real-estate market by giving homeowners "portability," allowing them to move and transfer part of their Save Our Homes benefit that now saves an average of $1,000.Let's be clear. It is not fair that Save Our Homes gives long-term homeowners big tax savings while more recent homeowners pay higher taxes for houses of comparable value. But Save Our Homes is rooted in the state constitution, and voters will never remove it.Opponents argue that portability only adds to the unfairness and would discriminate against new home buyers who move here from other states. They say that if challenged in court, a judge could order governments to repay billions of dollars in tax payments to resolve past inequities caused by portability or Save Our Homes.But the reality is that it would be impossible to untangle Florida's complex property-tax structure and calculate who paid too much or too little over the years. Even if it were possible, the courts would not order such a remedy because it would impose financial ruin on governments and threaten important public services.Amendment 1 would not make Florida's tax system fairer. But if it forces local governments to spend more wisely, all Floridians will benefit. County/City 2001 Per Capita Property Taxes 2006 Per Capita Property Taxes Annual Growth Orange $387.30 $549.60 7.25% Orlando $386.57 $548.24 7.24% Belle Isle $165.21 $364.38 17.14% Winter Park $363.57 $665.96 12.87% Windemere $302.47 $667.02 17.14% Osceola $356.10 $576.10 10.10% Kissimmee $141.34 $303.50 16.51% St. Cloud $114.45 210.17 12.92% Volusia $273.40 $419.70 8.95% Debary $118.37 $310.42 21.27% Deltona $88.56 $154.60 11.79% Lake $204.80 $417.90 15.34% Clermont $201.41 $340.44 11.07% Eustis $166.91 $282.20 11.07% Leesburg $187.71 $313.89 10.83% Tavares $148.16 $312.73 16.11% Seminole $238.9 $357.9 8.41% Sanford $218.44 $359.48 10.48% Lake Mary $388.52 $570.36 7.98% Oviedo $221.58 $358.04 10.07% Winter Springs $140.33 $253.16 12.53% - Source: Florida House of Representatives -->
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Copyright © 2008, Orlando Sentinel
Our position: Amendment 1 would help rein in local government spending
January 13, 2008
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Floridians should vote yes on Amendment 1, the property-tax cut on the Jan. 29 ballot, but not just because it will put a few extra dollars in their pockets.Amendment 1 isn't just about cutting taxes. It is about controlling government spending. It is a reality check for local governments that feasted on escalating property values over much of the past decade instead of lowering tax rates.As property values rose, tax collections soared. Levies doubled between 1997 and last year, including 42 percent in just three years. Property taxes grew three times faster than growth in population and inflation combined. At the same time, government services didn't seem to get any better. What a waste.
Related links
Spending your money Graphic
With even a modicum of self-control, cities and counties could have lowered their property-tax rates. Most didn't, and spending more than doubled.Even after lawmakers approved a rollback of the tax rate last year, almost half of Central Florida's cities and counties set their rates higher. Others raised fees for services, like fire protection, that should be paid for through property taxes.There is no guarantee that Amendment 1 would force local governments to behave responsibly. They could still try to raise tax rates or fees. But if Amendment 1 passes and taxes do not drop, Floridians will demand answers. That alone is a powerful incentive for local governments to be more responsible.Amendment 1 would increase the average savings from the state's homestead exemption from $500 to about $800. Businesses and second-home owners would get a cap on property assessments. It would pump up the state's stagnant real-estate market by giving homeowners "portability," allowing them to move and transfer part of their Save Our Homes benefit that now saves an average of $1,000.Let's be clear. It is not fair that Save Our Homes gives long-term homeowners big tax savings while more recent homeowners pay higher taxes for houses of comparable value. But Save Our Homes is rooted in the state constitution, and voters will never remove it.Opponents argue that portability only adds to the unfairness and would discriminate against new home buyers who move here from other states. They say that if challenged in court, a judge could order governments to repay billions of dollars in tax payments to resolve past inequities caused by portability or Save Our Homes.But the reality is that it would be impossible to untangle Florida's complex property-tax structure and calculate who paid too much or too little over the years. Even if it were possible, the courts would not order such a remedy because it would impose financial ruin on governments and threaten important public services.Amendment 1 would not make Florida's tax system fairer. But if it forces local governments to spend more wisely, all Floridians will benefit. County/City 2001 Per Capita Property Taxes 2006 Per Capita Property Taxes Annual Growth Orange $387.30 $549.60 7.25% Orlando $386.57 $548.24 7.24% Belle Isle $165.21 $364.38 17.14% Winter Park $363.57 $665.96 12.87% Windemere $302.47 $667.02 17.14% Osceola $356.10 $576.10 10.10% Kissimmee $141.34 $303.50 16.51% St. Cloud $114.45 210.17 12.92% Volusia $273.40 $419.70 8.95% Debary $118.37 $310.42 21.27% Deltona $88.56 $154.60 11.79% Lake $204.80 $417.90 15.34% Clermont $201.41 $340.44 11.07% Eustis $166.91 $282.20 11.07% Leesburg $187.71 $313.89 10.83% Tavares $148.16 $312.73 16.11% Seminole $238.9 $357.9 8.41% Sanford $218.44 $359.48 10.48% Lake Mary $388.52 $570.36 7.98% Oviedo $221.58 $358.04 10.07% Winter Springs $140.33 $253.16 12.53% - Source: Florida House of Representatives -->
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Copyright © 2008, Orlando Sentinel
Mortgage Market Info
From the desk of Alan Vanderheiden at http://www.bstephensmortgage.com
Hello,
This will prove to be an interesting week…..there are a number of economic reports coming out this week, not least of which is corporate earning for 4Q 2007. These reports will provide the direction for the markets over the next few weeks.
It’s nearly certain that the Fed will cut the Fed Fund Rate again this month. Even money says it will be by .5%. They seem to now understand the impact of the past six months on the economy and are poised to do their part to help. Everyone on Wall Street and in Government is doing everything they can to avoid using the “R” word…..recession. By definition a recession is two consecutive quarters with negative growth. That has not yet happened but if we get a poor report on 4Q 2007 then all eyes will be on this first quarter of 2008. Fed stimulation will do as much to encourage consumer confidence as anything else.
We continue to enjoy very attractive interest rates. The market has been on a roller coaster ride for the past three months but overall the trend is down for rates. Several lenders are beginning to watch for “soft markets” which will reduce the LTV on all mortgage programs across the board. Florida as a whole has been designated as a soft market by several lenders. Not all of our lenders have jumped on this trend…..we have three or four that have not placed Nassau County in this position. We are still able to write 100% loans with a few of our lenders. Yes…..it is nice to be a broker.
John Holbrook
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
904-415-0171
holbrook66@msn.com
http://www.nassaumls.net
Hello,
This will prove to be an interesting week…..there are a number of economic reports coming out this week, not least of which is corporate earning for 4Q 2007. These reports will provide the direction for the markets over the next few weeks.
It’s nearly certain that the Fed will cut the Fed Fund Rate again this month. Even money says it will be by .5%. They seem to now understand the impact of the past six months on the economy and are poised to do their part to help. Everyone on Wall Street and in Government is doing everything they can to avoid using the “R” word…..recession. By definition a recession is two consecutive quarters with negative growth. That has not yet happened but if we get a poor report on 4Q 2007 then all eyes will be on this first quarter of 2008. Fed stimulation will do as much to encourage consumer confidence as anything else.
We continue to enjoy very attractive interest rates. The market has been on a roller coaster ride for the past three months but overall the trend is down for rates. Several lenders are beginning to watch for “soft markets” which will reduce the LTV on all mortgage programs across the board. Florida as a whole has been designated as a soft market by several lenders. Not all of our lenders have jumped on this trend…..we have three or four that have not placed Nassau County in this position. We are still able to write 100% loans with a few of our lenders. Yes…..it is nice to be a broker.
John Holbrook
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
904-415-0171
holbrook66@msn.com
http://www.nassaumls.net
Friday, January 4, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
December 2007 Recap
John Holbrook – Realtor - Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee Florida
December 2007 Nassau County Florida Real Estate Recap of closed sales (sold properties) that were recorded in the MLS as of 1/3/08.
December Sold MLS 2005
Residential 100, Condos 88, Lots 42
December Sold MLS 2006
Residential 88, Condos 27, Lots 11
December Sold MLS 2007
Residential 42, Condos 5, Lots 12
Current Active Listings 636 lots and acreage, 779 Homes, 322 Condos.
Average selling price for December of 2005 was $329,000 compared to $284,000 for December of 2007.
Search The local MLS with the REALTOR IDX feed at www.nassaumls.net
B of A National Monthly Real Estate Agent Survey
Lower Prices Help Traffic, But Further Price Declines Scaring Buyers
Traffic up as lower prices and mortgage rates help ease affordability. Our
traffic index improved to 28 in December from 20 in November, still at weak
levels, as agents lowered expectations for the typically quiet month and bargain
prices lured some buyers off the sidelines.
Spring season likely to disappoint. We expect traffic to fall short of expectations
in Spring as fewer buyers’ qualify for mortgages based on tighter lending
standards and lower appraisals, based on responses to our survey. We do not think
that December is a good barometer of Spring traffic given that traffic is generally
light in December and expectations are low.
Foreclosures drive prices lower. Our price index was essentially flat at 18 in
December, up from 17 in November (readings below 50 indicate sequentially
lower prices). Agents noted price declines in every market we surveyed as more
foreclosures undercut asking prices, forcing sellers to match lower prices. We
think further price declines will reduce buyers’ confidence and traffic for fear ofoverpaying before home prices bottom.
John Holbrook - REALTOR 904-415-0171
http://www.nassaumls.net
December 2007 Nassau County Florida Real Estate Recap of closed sales (sold properties) that were recorded in the MLS as of 1/3/08.
December Sold MLS 2005
Residential 100, Condos 88, Lots 42
December Sold MLS 2006
Residential 88, Condos 27, Lots 11
December Sold MLS 2007
Residential 42, Condos 5, Lots 12
Current Active Listings 636 lots and acreage, 779 Homes, 322 Condos.
Average selling price for December of 2005 was $329,000 compared to $284,000 for December of 2007.
Search The local MLS with the REALTOR IDX feed at www.nassaumls.net
B of A National Monthly Real Estate Agent Survey
Lower Prices Help Traffic, But Further Price Declines Scaring Buyers
Traffic up as lower prices and mortgage rates help ease affordability. Our
traffic index improved to 28 in December from 20 in November, still at weak
levels, as agents lowered expectations for the typically quiet month and bargain
prices lured some buyers off the sidelines.
Spring season likely to disappoint. We expect traffic to fall short of expectations
in Spring as fewer buyers’ qualify for mortgages based on tighter lending
standards and lower appraisals, based on responses to our survey. We do not think
that December is a good barometer of Spring traffic given that traffic is generally
light in December and expectations are low.
Foreclosures drive prices lower. Our price index was essentially flat at 18 in
December, up from 17 in November (readings below 50 indicate sequentially
lower prices). Agents noted price declines in every market we surveyed as more
foreclosures undercut asking prices, forcing sellers to match lower prices. We
think further price declines will reduce buyers’ confidence and traffic for fear ofoverpaying before home prices bottom.
John Holbrook - REALTOR 904-415-0171
http://www.nassaumls.net
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Strong End of Year
Although the real estate market in Fernandina and Yulee had a slight dip in 2007 compared to 2006, there continue to substantial deals in the market if you look hard enough. I recently wrote 4 offers in the course of four days that resulted in 3 signed contracts. All of the homes had been on the market for longer than 6 months and had significant price drops in the last 30 days. For those sellers who are looking to move their property, its a great time for buyers to step up to the plate. Sellers are more willing to look any reasonable offer and often will not allow the minor issues to prevent a successful sale from happening.ct
One of the houses that was put under contract was a 2300 square foot home in Amelia National that was originally listed in the 400's and went to contract in the 200's. Amelia National is a private gated golf course community located 10 minutes from Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach, Florida. It has a Tom Fazio designed golf course and newly finished Club House with fitness center, tennis courts, pool, locker rooms, and fitness facility. Recent sales have slowed and some of the builders are anxious to sell off their completed inventory for very resonable prices. The golf course and Club House are top of the line facilities on par with Summer Beach and the Amelia Island Plantation.
One of the houses that was put under contract was a 2300 square foot home in Amelia National that was originally listed in the 400's and went to contract in the 200's. Amelia National is a private gated golf course community located 10 minutes from Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach, Florida. It has a Tom Fazio designed golf course and newly finished Club House with fitness center, tennis courts, pool, locker rooms, and fitness facility. Recent sales have slowed and some of the builders are anxious to sell off their completed inventory for very resonable prices. The golf course and Club House are top of the line facilities on par with Summer Beach and the Amelia Island Plantation.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Cape Sound
Just Listed!
Cape Sound Townhouse
$479,000 – 3br/3.5ba (2404 sq ft)
Gorgeous 3 level townhouse! Third floor master suite,
Hardwood/ceramic tile/carpet, huge closests.
Call for more info: John Holbrook 904-415-0171
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty Search the local MLS at www.nassaumls.net
Cape Sound Townhouse
$479,000 – 3br/3.5ba (2404 sq ft)
Gorgeous 3 level townhouse! Third floor master suite,
Hardwood/ceramic tile/carpet, huge closests.
Call for more info: John Holbrook 904-415-0171
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty Search the local MLS at www.nassaumls.net
November 2007 Market Stats
November 11/1/07 – 11/30/07
Comparative MLS Recorded sales for Nassau County for last 3 years in November.
2005 2006 2007 Active 12/2007
Residential
92
61
30
853
Condominiums
15
13
5
374
Vacant Lots
17
9
2
669
Sold to List 87.3% Sold to Original 76.87%
HOME SALES - FloridaDisruptions in the mortgage market and tightening credit continued to impact Florida’s housing sector in October, with statewide sales of existing single-family homes totaling 9,165, a decrease of 29 percent from the October 2006 figure. The statewide existing-home median price last month was $222,100.
BOA – Survey Results
Another Quiet Month with Few Buyers Swayed by Lower Prices
Traffic index up slightly, but due primarily to lower expectations (based on
continued weak demand and a seasonally slower time).
Our traffic index improved to 20 in November from 18 in October, but remains depressed. Price index inches back down, and only limited talk of interest at lower
prices. Our price index was essentially flat at 17.1 in November, down from 18.2
in October (readings below 50 indicate sequentially lower prices). Once again,
agents noted price declines in every market we surveyed. However, what was
interesting is that few agents noted any positive buyer response to the lower
prices, primarily as buyers remained concerned about buying before the bottom.
Inventory still rising and will likely pressure prices. John Holbrook - REALTOR Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Yulee FL 32034 904-415-0171 holbrook66@msn.com Search the entire MLS at www.nassaumls.net
Comparative MLS Recorded sales for Nassau County for last 3 years in November.
2005 2006 2007 Active 12/2007
Residential
92
61
30
853
Condominiums
15
13
5
374
Vacant Lots
17
9
2
669
Sold to List 87.3% Sold to Original 76.87%
HOME SALES - FloridaDisruptions in the mortgage market and tightening credit continued to impact Florida’s housing sector in October, with statewide sales of existing single-family homes totaling 9,165, a decrease of 29 percent from the October 2006 figure. The statewide existing-home median price last month was $222,100.
BOA – Survey Results
Another Quiet Month with Few Buyers Swayed by Lower Prices
Traffic index up slightly, but due primarily to lower expectations (based on
continued weak demand and a seasonally slower time).
Our traffic index improved to 20 in November from 18 in October, but remains depressed. Price index inches back down, and only limited talk of interest at lower
prices. Our price index was essentially flat at 17.1 in November, down from 18.2
in October (readings below 50 indicate sequentially lower prices). Once again,
agents noted price declines in every market we surveyed. However, what was
interesting is that few agents noted any positive buyer response to the lower
prices, primarily as buyers remained concerned about buying before the bottom.
Inventory still rising and will likely pressure prices. John Holbrook - REALTOR Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Yulee FL 32034 904-415-0171 holbrook66@msn.com Search the entire MLS at www.nassaumls.net
Monday, November 26, 2007
John Holbrook - FAQ
Name: John Holbrook
Real Estate Office: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
Address: Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee
Phone:904-415-0171
Website: www.nassaumls.net
Office Hours of Operation: All day any day
Questions:
How long have you been in real estate?
I graduated from Rollins College in Winterpark, Florida with a degree in business and economics. I made stops in Aspen Colorado and Washington, DC. along the way and eventually settled in Killington, Vermont. I built my first house some 20 years ago. I have worked on several mixed use residential developments in New England. I eventually returned to Florida and settled on Amelia Island 6 years ago. For the most part, I concentrate on newer home sales in Nassau County. I’m always on the look out for residential or commercial properties that make economic sense and offer a financial reward for the end user.
Describe your background in real estate?
As a Realtor, I pledge to do business according to a strict code of ethics and am proud to be a member of The Nassau County Board of Realtors. I have been licensed in the State of Florida since 1999 and am a member of the Florida Association of Realtors as well as the National Association of Realtors. Additionally, I oversee the training and educational platforms for all six of the Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty locations in Nassau County. As a company, we encourage all of our agents to regularly participate in classes and seminars that relate to our local market.
What do you enjoy about being a real estate agent?
The thing that I enjoy most about being a real estate agent is researching and identifying properties that match the needs of the buyer. If you are walking into your prospective dream home without a knowledgeable realtor by your side, you’ve done yourself a disservice. In my mind, it’s essential that all real estate agents have an understanding of the Nassau County regulations as well as the history of the communities and the individual neighborhoods.
What services do you offer?
We are a full service real estate brokerage company that handles all aspects of buying and selling property in the State of Florida.
How do you use technology like the Internet to help buy and sell?
Technology in the marketplace is vital in today’s marketplace. I currently sponsor a site called www.nassaumls.net that allows buyers to access the same information in the Multiple Listing Service that the local Realtors use. An individual user can log on to this site from their personal computer and research approximately 2000 different properties that are for sale throughout Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Hilliard and Callahan. Another advantage of the internet is the ability to send out internet based newsletters and flyers directly to clients in my “buyers pool”. I can reach several thousand unique buyers who have expressed an interest in our area within minutes regarding any new listings or price changes.
What type of real estate do you specialize in…residential, commercial, land, PUDs?
Right now, I have about 25 different listings for sale. These range in size from individual lots to large commercial tracts as well as residential homes. I have a group of agents within the Prudential office that I work with to maximize marketing and exposure on all of my properties. Furthermore, our office staff is incredible at generating and gathering prospective buyers. The Prudential Chaplin Williams website alone routinely registers over 10,000 unique visitors per month who come to search our active listings. It’s just another way that our Prudential support staff is able to concentrate on preparing the marketing and promotional pieces while allowing our agents more time to show individual properties. I try to personally show five to ten listings per week to keep my clients up to date on what is available. Recently, we have been aggressively expanding our services to attract buyers who are looking for a full service real estate company that can handle all of their home search needs from property management to rentals to closed sales.
What distinguishes you from your competition?
I think the thing that personally separates me from other agents is that I know my product inside and out. My buyers are qualified and my sellers are ready to sell. I’ve never had a finalized contract that didn’t make it to the closing table. You can reach me at almost any time of the day and when your ready to move on a property, I shift into high gear very quickly.
What area of Nassau County do you cover?
I live on the south end of the Island and am always keeping an eye on the activity at the Amelia Island Plantation as well as Summer Beach. Most of my work week is focused on the Yulee and Fernandina Beach market. I think that there are some great opportunites for develop tracts and commercial pieces in the western part of Nassau County. I’ve had several large commercial clients who have expressed an interest in retail and industrial use property near the A1A and US 17 intersection as well.
What did I not ask you that you would like to see included in the story?
It’s a great time to buy! With the current inventory levels so high and the builders trying to liquidate homes, there are some incredible deals right now in the marketplace. It is not the time to sit on the sidelines and the best deals are not always advertised in the Sunday paper! I recently negotiated a home sale for a client who saved over $130,000 off the builder’s original list price on a new home. By being on top of the current market conditions and having great contacts within the industry, it is amazing what type of deals you can come across.
Specials awards or community memberships?
Recently, the Prudential Chaplin Williams Staff volunteered to staff the concession stand for the Yulee-Fernandina Beach Football game. It was great to see the many familiar faces of families that we had sold houses to over the years that were attending the game. We had an incredible turnout and were able to raise several thousand dollars in funds for the school. By the fourth quarter we had sold out every item in our inventory. Pizza, burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, soda – you name it, we sold it!
Real Estate Office: Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
Address: Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee
Phone:904-415-0171
Website: www.nassaumls.net
Office Hours of Operation: All day any day
Questions:
How long have you been in real estate?
I graduated from Rollins College in Winterpark, Florida with a degree in business and economics. I made stops in Aspen Colorado and Washington, DC. along the way and eventually settled in Killington, Vermont. I built my first house some 20 years ago. I have worked on several mixed use residential developments in New England. I eventually returned to Florida and settled on Amelia Island 6 years ago. For the most part, I concentrate on newer home sales in Nassau County. I’m always on the look out for residential or commercial properties that make economic sense and offer a financial reward for the end user.
Describe your background in real estate?
As a Realtor, I pledge to do business according to a strict code of ethics and am proud to be a member of The Nassau County Board of Realtors. I have been licensed in the State of Florida since 1999 and am a member of the Florida Association of Realtors as well as the National Association of Realtors. Additionally, I oversee the training and educational platforms for all six of the Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty locations in Nassau County. As a company, we encourage all of our agents to regularly participate in classes and seminars that relate to our local market.
What do you enjoy about being a real estate agent?
The thing that I enjoy most about being a real estate agent is researching and identifying properties that match the needs of the buyer. If you are walking into your prospective dream home without a knowledgeable realtor by your side, you’ve done yourself a disservice. In my mind, it’s essential that all real estate agents have an understanding of the Nassau County regulations as well as the history of the communities and the individual neighborhoods.
What services do you offer?
We are a full service real estate brokerage company that handles all aspects of buying and selling property in the State of Florida.
How do you use technology like the Internet to help buy and sell?
Technology in the marketplace is vital in today’s marketplace. I currently sponsor a site called www.nassaumls.net that allows buyers to access the same information in the Multiple Listing Service that the local Realtors use. An individual user can log on to this site from their personal computer and research approximately 2000 different properties that are for sale throughout Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Hilliard and Callahan. Another advantage of the internet is the ability to send out internet based newsletters and flyers directly to clients in my “buyers pool”. I can reach several thousand unique buyers who have expressed an interest in our area within minutes regarding any new listings or price changes.
What type of real estate do you specialize in…residential, commercial, land, PUDs?
Right now, I have about 25 different listings for sale. These range in size from individual lots to large commercial tracts as well as residential homes. I have a group of agents within the Prudential office that I work with to maximize marketing and exposure on all of my properties. Furthermore, our office staff is incredible at generating and gathering prospective buyers. The Prudential Chaplin Williams website alone routinely registers over 10,000 unique visitors per month who come to search our active listings. It’s just another way that our Prudential support staff is able to concentrate on preparing the marketing and promotional pieces while allowing our agents more time to show individual properties. I try to personally show five to ten listings per week to keep my clients up to date on what is available. Recently, we have been aggressively expanding our services to attract buyers who are looking for a full service real estate company that can handle all of their home search needs from property management to rentals to closed sales.
What distinguishes you from your competition?
I think the thing that personally separates me from other agents is that I know my product inside and out. My buyers are qualified and my sellers are ready to sell. I’ve never had a finalized contract that didn’t make it to the closing table. You can reach me at almost any time of the day and when your ready to move on a property, I shift into high gear very quickly.
What area of Nassau County do you cover?
I live on the south end of the Island and am always keeping an eye on the activity at the Amelia Island Plantation as well as Summer Beach. Most of my work week is focused on the Yulee and Fernandina Beach market. I think that there are some great opportunites for develop tracts and commercial pieces in the western part of Nassau County. I’ve had several large commercial clients who have expressed an interest in retail and industrial use property near the A1A and US 17 intersection as well.
What did I not ask you that you would like to see included in the story?
It’s a great time to buy! With the current inventory levels so high and the builders trying to liquidate homes, there are some incredible deals right now in the marketplace. It is not the time to sit on the sidelines and the best deals are not always advertised in the Sunday paper! I recently negotiated a home sale for a client who saved over $130,000 off the builder’s original list price on a new home. By being on top of the current market conditions and having great contacts within the industry, it is amazing what type of deals you can come across.
Specials awards or community memberships?
Recently, the Prudential Chaplin Williams Staff volunteered to staff the concession stand for the Yulee-Fernandina Beach Football game. It was great to see the many familiar faces of families that we had sold houses to over the years that were attending the game. We had an incredible turnout and were able to raise several thousand dollars in funds for the school. By the fourth quarter we had sold out every item in our inventory. Pizza, burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, soda – you name it, we sold it!
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