Jacksonville, FL – Lack of Confidence Offsets
Attractive Affordability
(5,135 single-family permits in 2008, 18th largest market in the country)
Traffic declines, despite attractive affordability. Buyer traffic declined again in June,
coming in below agents’ expectations for this time of year as our traffic index fell to 30
from 39 in May (any reading below 50 suggests traffic below agents’ expectations). Agents
said demand for foreclosures continued as these properties present attractive
opportunities for buyers, but there appears to be little activity outside of the distressed
market. Agents also noted the tax credit for first-time buyers is helping affordability further,
but that the increase in mortgage rates in June seemed to offset the benefits from lower
prices and the tax credit.
Distressed sales continue to weigh on home prices. Home prices fell further in June as
foreclosures and short sales continued to make up the majority of sales, according to the
agents surveyed. Our home price index increased to 20 in June from 7 in May but remains
well below a neutral reading (any reading below 50 indicates lower home prices over the
past 30 days). Not helping the matter, inventory appeared to increase modestly in June, as
our home listings index fell to 40 from 50 in May (readings below 50 suggest an increase
in listings). Weaker demand and higher inventories resulted in a longer time needed to sell
a home – a negative indicator for future pricing trends – as our time to sell index slipped to
40 in June from 43 in May, below a neutral reading of 50. We expect further price declines
in the coming months.

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, 904-415-0171 www.nassaumls.net

Tuesday Caravan for the Prudential Office.
1) 1583 Canopy Lane located in Parkway North for $489,900. Three bedrooms and 2 baths. 2870 square footage and back to a beautiful pond. Located on the south end of Amelia Island and walking distance to the City Golf Course.
2) 2835 South Fletcher is a 2 bedroom beach house with rooftop deck that has a great view across the street of the Atlantic Ocean. Light and bright inside and a rear fenced back yard for the kids. Beach access is just across the street.
3) 404 Georgia Ave has hard wood floors and an oversized lot. Walk to the beach from this neighborhood community. Newer home with an open floor plan and rear lania. Priced at $399,000.

These homes are easy to show! Call for an appointment. John Holbrook - Realtor 904-415-0171

Calendar of Events
Coming up at the Amelia Island Chamber

July 14-20
Business After Hours, July 16
"Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks," July 17
Principles of Power: Power Vinyasa Workshop, July 18
"Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks," July 18
Get the 411 on Disaster Preparedness, July 20
Small Business Development Center Mobile Assistance Center, July 20
School Supply Drive, July 20
July 21-27
School Supply Drive, July 21
Public Affairs Committee, July 22
School Supply Drive, July 22
School Supply Drive, July 23
"Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks," July 23
School Supply Drive, July 24
"Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks," July 24
School Supply Drive, July 25
"Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks," July 25
Move in the Park - "Popeye," July 25
"Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks," July 26
School Supply Drive, July 27

Thanks John Holbrook - Realtor in Amelia Island, FL 32034

Looking for a little exercise to stay active in the Fernandina Beach, Florida area? Just finished some short field soccer at the North Hampton field. We play Mondays from 6 to 8 o'clock and the ages and talent cover a wide range. I was on the losing side tonight in a heated battle that ended 10-9 after about an hour and a half of play. We can always use a few more subs. Come on out next week! John Holbrook Realtor 904-415-0171 www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

Amelia Island Plantation listing -1364 Shipwatch. Direct views of the Atlantic Ocean from the livingroom and balcony of this 3 bedroom/3 Bath unit. Tastefully decorated and currently on the rental market. Priced at $985,000. John Holbrook - Realtor Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty 904-415-0171.

John's Jottings - I had a great dinner at Ciao Italian Restaurant in Fernandina Beach on Friday night. Located just off Island on the north side of A1A, they are open nightly for dinner. We began the evening with some baked brie, arugula salad and fresh bread. For the main course, I had the evening special of baked veal with penne pasta. My dinner partners opted for the fresh shrimp and scallops with pasta as well as the homemade sausage. We had a bottle of Chianti off the wine list. Everything was delicious! I highly recommend a visit if you are looking for a restaurant in the Amelia Island area. John Holbrook - Realtor 904-415-0171

Another day in North Hampton. 4 homes on the list today. The former model on Napeague with 4500 sq ft and more upgrades than you can imagine. Eastport Home with outdoor lania and one of the best golf course views in the community. It has 4 bedrooms, wood floors, fireplace, and is located on a cul-de-sac. Bostickwood home on a preserve lot featuring one level living. Priced at $310,000 and includes the golf club initiation fee. John Holbrook - Realtor 904-415-0171 www.nassaumls.net

Open house today in North Hampton. located in Fernandina Beach, the North Hampton community has approx. 600 homes with a community golf course, pool, recreation fields, and clubhouse.

Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty will be actively involved in the selling and marketing of Oyster Bay Harbours under a new agreement with the developer. Oyster Bay is located just west of Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The new marina has boats slips available and direct access to the St Mary's River and Intracoastal waterway. There is a community pool at the new clubhouse as well as dining facilities and great group events. Lots start at about $125,000. Houses run from the $400's to over a million. Currently the developer is working on several multi- level villas near the marina with exceptional views of the marsh and beyond. John Holbrook - Realtor www.nassaumls.net 904-415-0171

John's jottings - Looking for people in the Amelia Island area who are interested in going to see the Jacksonville Suns minor league baseball team play in Jacksonville on Monday August 17th. It's a night game and I have a great deal on tickets and bus transportation ($20 total) or just tickets for $5 a piece. John Holbrook - Realtor www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

John's jottings - House of the day today is 1611 Geddes Lane in the cottage district of Amelia Park in Fernandina Beach. Priced at $300,000 with granite counters, wood floors, custom fireplace mantle and screened front porch. mls 47926. Not many properties sold in the last week but lot 57 at Brady Point for $105,900 was a deal. It is a large wooded lot with ties to the Amelia Island Plantation. Still continue to see good buys for those looking to get into the Amelia Island real estate market. John Holbrook - Realtor 904-415-0171 www.nassaumls.net

On a hot streak. Who says the market is slow. Summer is heating up on Amelia Island. Our office has 15 properties under contract and I am happy to add another one to the mix. 2 bedroom condo at the Amelia Surf and Racquet. Listed for $475,000 and right on the ocean. Great rental history and near the Amelia island Ritz Carlton. Thanks to all those who showed the property. John Holbrook - Realtor 904-415-0171 www.nassaumls.net