Thursday, February 12, 2009

Fannie Mae Loans

Feb. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance company under U.S. government control, will no longer bar real- estate investors from qualifying for its loans if they already own four properties as it seeks to spur housing demand.

The company will expand its limit for investor and second- home loans to as many as 10 properties per borrower, according to a Feb. 6 notice to lenders on Washington-based Fannie’s Web site.

Contact John Holbrook on Amelia Island www.nassaumls.net

Monday, February 9, 2009

Jacksonville - Northeast Florida Update

Jacksonville, FL – Improved Affordability Boosts
Interest, Not Offers


Reduced mortgage rates spur lookers, not buyers, in January. Buyer traffic levels
improved in January, with our traffic index increasing to 44 from 19 in December, but
remained at levels below agents’ expectations (any reading below 50 indicates traffic
levels below agents’ expectations). Lower rates on mortgages spurred buyer interest
during the month, and “prices are getting to where buyers are taking notice,” notes one agent. Buyers continue to hunt for bargains, with a number of first time home buyers searching for good deals on foreclosures and other lower-priced properties. According to another agent, “While house are being shown more in January than December, no offers are coming in on those homes.” A number of agents noted that job layoffs and deteriorating consumer confidence have reduced the number of transactions, despite heightened interest levels. In addition, financing remains tough and appraisal values continue to drop, as “mass amounts of local short sales and foreclosures are bringing property values down rapidly.”

Contact John Holbrook - Realtor
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
904-415-0171 Search the local MLS at www.nassaumls.net

Friday, February 6, 2009

Local Spelling Bee


Hilliard girl wins 2nd spelling bee

By Shannon Malcom, News-Leader



Nyquiah Walker bested nine other contestants Wednesday at the Nassau County spelling bee and walked away with two trophies, a $100 savings bond and the opportunity to take her spelling skills to the next level. She will attend the regional bee later this month.

But winning wasn't new to Walker, a seventh-grade student at Hilliard Middle-Senior High school who previously took home the big trophy for spelling after she won first-place in 2007. Walker is only the third student to win first place in the district spelling bee twice since 1975.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Concours D'Elegance



Concours D'Elegance

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
March 13th, 01:00 PM to March 15th, 01:00 PM
One of the nation's most innovative vintage auto events, The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance features more than 250 rare classics from seldom-seen presenters.

Pirate Run

The Pirates on the Run 5K/10K and Kids’ Runs will be Saturday, Feb. 21,at 8:30 a.m. with a new starting and finishing point at St. Peter's Church (Atlantic Ave. at 9th St.) Both race courses run through Fernandina's side streets and onto Egan's Creek Greenway where runners will enjoy beautiful views of nature and wildlife through a hard-packed grass route. The 10K includes an additional segment through more of Fernandina's historic side streets.

Pirates in full costume will be posted along the course and handing out Mardi Gras beads to runners.

Calender of Events

Amelia – Always Eventful
Looking for something exciting during your next visit to Amelia Island? Just check out the Calendar of Events for up-to-date information on upcoming events. For example, on March 6, Sounds on Centre will offer a free concert in historic downtown Fernandina, and the 6th Annual Home & Garden Tour will take place on March 10-11. Or, on March 13-15, you can join thousands of car enthusiasts as they once again rev their engines at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, one of the nation's most innovative vintage auto events. The event will celebrate world-renowned coachbuilder Bohman & Schwartz, as well as a pair of 50th anniversaries for significant races at Sebring and Daytona.

New Pet Spa - Amelia Island

New Pet Spa Ready to Pamper Your Pooch
Valentine's Day doesn't just have to be all hearts and flowers. Spoil your four-legged family member with a trip to the newest addition to Amelia Island's pet friendly atmosphere – A Passion 4 Pooches Pet Spa. The new spa offers everything from quality all-breed dog grooming to luxurious pet spa treatments, with unique services such as mud and hot oil treatments (for dry and irritated skin), blueberry facials (to remove tear and saliva stains), and canine massage. Prices range from just $5 for a hot oil or mud treatment up to $72 for a grooming on a Giant breed dog. The spa also sells retail items such as Gentle Leader training collars, Kong Toys, Buddy Wash Shampoo, and more. For more information, visit www.passion4pooches.talkspot.com, and treat your pooch to a paws-itively fantastic vacation to Amelia Island!

New Pet Spa - Amelia Island

New Pet Spa Ready to Pamper Your Pooch
Valentine's Day doesn't just have to be all hearts and flowers. Spoil your four-legged family member with a trip to the newest addition to Amelia Island's pet friendly atmosphere – A Passion 4 Pooches Pet Spa. The new spa offers everything from quality all-breed dog grooming to luxurious pet spa treatments, with unique services such as mud and hot oil treatments (for dry and irritated skin), blueberry facials (to remove tear and saliva stains), and canine massage. Prices range from just $5 for a hot oil or mud treatment up to $72 for a grooming on a Giant breed dog. The spa also sells retail items such as Gentle Leader training collars, Kong Toys, Buddy Wash Shampoo, and more. For more information, visit www.passion4pooches.talkspot.com, and treat your pooch to a paws-itively fantastic vacation to Amelia Island!

Le Clos - Amelia Island

Dining Spotlight: Le Clos

Located in Fernandina's Historic District, Le Clos is a Provencal-inspired restaurant serving exquisite seafood, pasta and meat dishes, such as seared duck, roasted salmon, braised lamb and nicoise salad. The charming 1906 cottage is nestled in the heart of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island's only city, and is owned and operated by Katherine Ewing. Ewing is the culinary mastermind at Le Clos, boasting full degrees in both pastry and cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu and L'Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise Ritz ~ Escoffier, Paris. Le Clos offers an extensive wine list to beautifully compliment their menu selections. For more details about Le Clos, please visit www.leclos.com.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Equestrian Life on Amelia Island

New listing on Amelia Island for the equestrian lover!

1935 Sycamore Lane - $2,395,000
Main house is a 4 bedroom 4.5 bath detached 3 car garage home with guest house efficiency and a detached third building housing a 2 stall, center isle barn with feed & tack room and conditioned space above for office/studio or added guest room - all on a 5.8 acre lot surrounded by white post & rail fence with 2 fenced paddocks and a wide community dock to deep water in a gated community. Upgrades include - refrigerator drawers, granite counters, gas stove, walnut floors, 2 gas fireplaces, great entertaining space inside and out, views of the marsh and Intracoastal waterway.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

January Islander Ad

First Listing:
Mariner's Walk - $279,000
Single level condominium located on the south end of Amelia Island. Mariner's Walk unit with 3 large bedrooms and 2 full baths. Extensive tile throughout the unit. Granite countertops in the kitchen and new rear deck highlight this propert. Community has recently completed major renovations to the grounds and buildings. Short stroll to the beach. Conveniently located near the Ritz Carlton and Amelia Island Plantation.

Second Listing:
Amelia Surf & Racquet - $528,000
Tastefully remodeled 2 bedroom and 2 bath unit. Located on the 4th floor with exceptional views of the pool and Atlantic Ocean. Tile floors, plantation shutters, new countertops, recently painted, stainless appliances and more. Great location for a vacation getaway. Property can also be used as a short term rental with management company on site. This is an end unit and offers views from every room. Furniture is available.

Third Listing:
1611 Geddes Lane in Amelia Park - $310,000
Located in the cottage district at Amelia Park. Enjoy the serenity of nature around you, while being in the middle of activity on the Island. Walk to the YMCA, local church, post office and shopping. Upgrades include the wooden floors, granite countertops, plantation shutters, custom fireplace mantel, screened front porch, fruit trees and fenced brick courtyard. Quality touches highlight this 2 bedroom home!

Fourth Listing
1364 Shipwatch Villas - $985,000
4th Floor oceanfront at the Amelia Island Plantation. Renovated 3 bedroom and 3 bath unit. Silestone countertops, plantation shutters, new furniture and direct ocean views from the livingroom balcony. World class Golf and tennis on site. Relax by the private community pool. Extra side balcony in master suite. Located of the south end of Amelia Island.

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

Desserts of Amelia

The annual Desserts of Amelia takes place from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center.

Desserts of Amelia co-chair Patti Burch said this year's event is not just about the desserts.

"This is the sole fund-raiser that Fernandina Beach Middle School has for their teachers. There have been huge budget cuts from the state so the teachers really need money for educational supplies for their classrooms. All the money raised goes directly to meet those needs."