Considering solar power today
What should you say to a homeowner who wishes to increase the eventual selling price on his or her home by installing a solar power system? The short answer is that we cannot accurately predict how much added value any addition to or remodel of a home will provide.
But there is a powerful incentive between now and 2016 for those who install a solar power system. Federal legislation has created a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of the solar power system, with no ceiling on the resulting dollar amount.1 Your homeowner should be made aware of this and the fact that, even with this huge cost savings, a complete solar power system remains a substantial investment.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Jacksonville Area Real Estate Report
Jacksonville, FL – Traffic Falls as Buyer Expect More
Pain Ahead
3,320 single-family permits in 2009, 23rd largest market in the country
Traffic dips further below expectations. Our buyer traffic index fell again in September,coming in at 11, down from 20 in August, pointing to traffic well below agents’ expectations(readings below 50). The marks the lowest reading for Jacksonville since September 2008,and is the fourth consecutive month of lower than expected traffic. Agents commented thatbuyers were worried that the market hasn’t yet stabilized. Concerns centered on rushing into a home, only to miss out on a better deal in the near-future, while also being locked into a large mortgage. One agent said, “Buyers are looking, but they are afraid of what they might get themselves into.” According to another, “My clients are being more and
more patient. They think better deals are out there, and they want to make sure they get the best one.” Meanwhile, one agent highlighted that investor demand has started to wane, as they are also thinking they may get better deals down the road.
An increased time to sell spells trouble for more price declines. Agents said prices
continued to fall in September, as our home price index came in at 22, unchanged from
August, suggesting lower prices over the past month (readings below 50 point to
sequentially lower prices). Meanwhile, inventory levels edged higher according to agents, as our home listings index came in at 44, just shy of a neutral reading of 50suggesting higher inventories over the past 30 days. We remain concerned over Jacksonville’s inventory, as we think there is additional risk from shadow foreclosure inventory held by banks. Our time to sell index came in at 22, down from 25 in August, and further from a neutral reading of 50, suggesting an increased time to sell over the past month (readings
below 50).
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Pain Ahead
3,320 single-family permits in 2009, 23rd largest market in the country
Traffic dips further below expectations. Our buyer traffic index fell again in September,coming in at 11, down from 20 in August, pointing to traffic well below agents’ expectations(readings below 50). The marks the lowest reading for Jacksonville since September 2008,and is the fourth consecutive month of lower than expected traffic. Agents commented thatbuyers were worried that the market hasn’t yet stabilized. Concerns centered on rushing into a home, only to miss out on a better deal in the near-future, while also being locked into a large mortgage. One agent said, “Buyers are looking, but they are afraid of what they might get themselves into.” According to another, “My clients are being more and
more patient. They think better deals are out there, and they want to make sure they get the best one.” Meanwhile, one agent highlighted that investor demand has started to wane, as they are also thinking they may get better deals down the road.
An increased time to sell spells trouble for more price declines. Agents said prices
continued to fall in September, as our home price index came in at 22, unchanged from
August, suggesting lower prices over the past month (readings below 50 point to
sequentially lower prices). Meanwhile, inventory levels edged higher according to agents, as our home listings index came in at 44, just shy of a neutral reading of 50suggesting higher inventories over the past 30 days. We remain concerned over Jacksonville’s inventory, as we think there is additional risk from shadow foreclosure inventory held by banks. Our time to sell index came in at 22, down from 25 in August, and further from a neutral reading of 50, suggesting an increased time to sell over the past month (readings
below 50).
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, September 28, 2010
Mortgage Rates Regions bank
From the desk of Alan Vanderheiden
Senior Mortgage Advisor
Regions Mortgage
1409 Sadler Road
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-277-3232 (office) 904-335-0500 (cell) 904-277-2261 (fax)
alan.van@regions.com
September 28, 2010
FNMA 30 Year Fixed: 4.125%
FNMA 15 Year Fixed: 3.625%
USDA / FHA / VA: 4.25%
Hello Friends,
I usually don’t sell on mortgage rates. However, pricing is so attractive today I wanted to touch base with you all.
I heard that Washington declared the recession was over a couple of weeks ago. I don’t know about you but it sure doesn’t feel over. There is still a ways to go before I feel better about our industry and economy.
Several reasons rates continue to be low. In fact these rates I’ve published today are as low as I’ve ever seen. While the government continues to print money to stimulate the economy, inflation continues to stay on the horizon. We are still in a recession….just ask the 6 million people out of work. I believe pricing will remain low until we put folks back to work and they begin spending money. Then we’ll work our way out of the recession and inflation will come roaring in. Rates will move up quickly.
The housing market is about 30% of the economy. Stimulus money did a good job of giving our industry a boost in the spring but now this money is gone we are back to a declining housing market. Whatever Washington does in the future to give us another shot of money can only be a temporary solution. The real improvement in housing will come as people go back to work, are not fearful of losing jobs and have money to spend. Your guess is as good as mine how long this will take.
I am seeing more contracts for second homes and investment properties. Buyers that have money are seeing an opportunity to find real values in housing. The condo market seems to be improving and yes…..we have a program for non-warrantable condos.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Senior Mortgage Advisor
Regions Mortgage
1409 Sadler Road
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-277-3232 (office) 904-335-0500 (cell) 904-277-2261 (fax)
alan.van@regions.com
September 28, 2010
FNMA 30 Year Fixed: 4.125%
FNMA 15 Year Fixed: 3.625%
USDA / FHA / VA: 4.25%
Hello Friends,
I usually don’t sell on mortgage rates. However, pricing is so attractive today I wanted to touch base with you all.
I heard that Washington declared the recession was over a couple of weeks ago. I don’t know about you but it sure doesn’t feel over. There is still a ways to go before I feel better about our industry and economy.
Several reasons rates continue to be low. In fact these rates I’ve published today are as low as I’ve ever seen. While the government continues to print money to stimulate the economy, inflation continues to stay on the horizon. We are still in a recession….just ask the 6 million people out of work. I believe pricing will remain low until we put folks back to work and they begin spending money. Then we’ll work our way out of the recession and inflation will come roaring in. Rates will move up quickly.
The housing market is about 30% of the economy. Stimulus money did a good job of giving our industry a boost in the spring but now this money is gone we are back to a declining housing market. Whatever Washington does in the future to give us another shot of money can only be a temporary solution. The real improvement in housing will come as people go back to work, are not fearful of losing jobs and have money to spend. Your guess is as good as mine how long this will take.
I am seeing more contracts for second homes and investment properties. Buyers that have money are seeing an opportunity to find real values in housing. The condo market seems to be improving and yes…..we have a program for non-warrantable condos.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tennis Anyone
Reprinted from the Jacksonville Paper
The $10,000 WOmen’s Tennis Championships beginS this weeK on Amelia Island
This USTA Pro Circuit event will be the first at the OMNI-Amelia Island Plantation
Amelia Island, FL – September 20, 2010 –
The 2010 Amelia Island $10,000 Women’s Tennis Championships, a USTA Pro Circuit event, begins this week at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation.
Sunday, September 26 – Monday, September 27: Qualifying Rounds
Tuesday, September 28 – Friday, October 1: Main Draw
Saturday, October 2: Singles Semi-finals and Doubles finals
Sunday, October 3: Singles Finals
“The women who will be playing here in September are at the top of their game, and we are looking forward to watching the next generation of great players. The USTA Pro Circuit events in the tennis world inspire community spirit like the best minor leagues of professional baseball,” said Kelly Gunterman, Director of Tennis at the OMNI Amelia Island Plantation and Tournament Director for the USTA Pro Circuit events.
Admission to the tournament will be free from Sunday through Friday. Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, the Fernandina Beach Rotary Club will sell the admission tickets ($10) onsite, to support their not-for-profit programs.
VIP tickets, which will include VIP tent and reserved seating for Friday, October 1- Sunday, October 3, are available for $75 per ticket. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Tennis Without Borders, helping students pursue life opportunities on and off the court.
Tennis Without Borders will also be accepting donations of used racquets (any size, any year, any style).
On Saturday, October 2, Brooks Rehabilitation will be onsite offering free orthopedic musculoskeletal screenings by a licensed physical therapist.
For tournament and ticket information, contact Kelly Gunterman at gunterman.kelly@aipfl.com, (802) 345-9842 or (904) 277-5145.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
The $10,000 WOmen’s Tennis Championships beginS this weeK on Amelia Island
This USTA Pro Circuit event will be the first at the OMNI-Amelia Island Plantation
Amelia Island, FL – September 20, 2010 –
The 2010 Amelia Island $10,000 Women’s Tennis Championships, a USTA Pro Circuit event, begins this week at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation.
Sunday, September 26 – Monday, September 27: Qualifying Rounds
Tuesday, September 28 – Friday, October 1: Main Draw
Saturday, October 2: Singles Semi-finals and Doubles finals
Sunday, October 3: Singles Finals
“The women who will be playing here in September are at the top of their game, and we are looking forward to watching the next generation of great players. The USTA Pro Circuit events in the tennis world inspire community spirit like the best minor leagues of professional baseball,” said Kelly Gunterman, Director of Tennis at the OMNI Amelia Island Plantation and Tournament Director for the USTA Pro Circuit events.
Admission to the tournament will be free from Sunday through Friday. Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, the Fernandina Beach Rotary Club will sell the admission tickets ($10) onsite, to support their not-for-profit programs.
VIP tickets, which will include VIP tent and reserved seating for Friday, October 1- Sunday, October 3, are available for $75 per ticket. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Tennis Without Borders, helping students pursue life opportunities on and off the court.
Tennis Without Borders will also be accepting donations of used racquets (any size, any year, any style).
On Saturday, October 2, Brooks Rehabilitation will be onsite offering free orthopedic musculoskeletal screenings by a licensed physical therapist.
For tournament and ticket information, contact Kelly Gunterman at gunterman.kelly@aipfl.com, (802) 345-9842 or (904) 277-5145.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Monday, September 20, 2010
JD Power Ratings
Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services President Earl Lee at Summit Conference today unveiled a “microsite” through which sales professionals can share detailed information on the Network’s recent J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms.”
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Jacksonville Area Real Estate Report
Jacksonville, FL – Job Worries and Tight Lending
Limit Pool of Buyers
(3,320 single-family permits in 2009, 23rd largest market in the country)
Buyer traffic remains at depressed levels. Buyer traffic inched up in August, as our
traffic index improved to 20 from 18 in July, but remains at depressed levels well below agents’ expectations (any reading below 50 indicates traffic levels below expectations). Agents primarily cited the challenging jobs environment as well as difficulty getting buyers qualified for loans as the reasons for the weak traffic levels. One agent noted, “Lenders are too strict on financing still.” Another agreed, saying buyers were worried about, “getting loan approvals and job security.” A third agent also had similar comments, noting traffic was less than expected due to, “unemployment and job insecurity.” One agent who saw healthier traffic trends said “low prices” were the driving force.
Home prices fall further as inventories increase. Home prices continued to decline in August, as our home price index fell to 22 from 25 in July, with readings below 50indicating lower prices over the last 30 days. Weak demand and higher inventory levels contributed to the declines. Our home listings index dropped to 35 in August from 54 in July, indicating a further rise in inventories following temporary stabilization last month(readings below 50 point to higher inventory levels). In addition, our time to sell index (a leading indicator of home prices reflecting both demand and inventory trends) deteriorated further in August. Our index fell to 25 from 39 in July, with readings below 50 indicating a longer time needed to sell a home over the past 30 days. The rising inventory and longer time needed to sell a home point to further price declines in the coming months.
John Holbrook - Realtor
904-415-0171
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
Amelia Island, Florida 32034
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Limit Pool of Buyers
(3,320 single-family permits in 2009, 23rd largest market in the country)
Buyer traffic remains at depressed levels. Buyer traffic inched up in August, as our
traffic index improved to 20 from 18 in July, but remains at depressed levels well below agents’ expectations (any reading below 50 indicates traffic levels below expectations). Agents primarily cited the challenging jobs environment as well as difficulty getting buyers qualified for loans as the reasons for the weak traffic levels. One agent noted, “Lenders are too strict on financing still.” Another agreed, saying buyers were worried about, “getting loan approvals and job security.” A third agent also had similar comments, noting traffic was less than expected due to, “unemployment and job insecurity.” One agent who saw healthier traffic trends said “low prices” were the driving force.
Home prices fall further as inventories increase. Home prices continued to decline in August, as our home price index fell to 22 from 25 in July, with readings below 50indicating lower prices over the last 30 days. Weak demand and higher inventory levels contributed to the declines. Our home listings index dropped to 35 in August from 54 in July, indicating a further rise in inventories following temporary stabilization last month(readings below 50 point to higher inventory levels). In addition, our time to sell index (a leading indicator of home prices reflecting both demand and inventory trends) deteriorated further in August. Our index fell to 25 from 39 in July, with readings below 50 indicating a longer time needed to sell a home over the past 30 days. The rising inventory and longer time needed to sell a home point to further price declines in the coming months.
John Holbrook - Realtor
904-415-0171
Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty
Amelia Island, Florida 32034
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Omni Hotel - Amelia Island Plantation
Press Release.
TRT OMNI EMERGES SUCCESSFUL BIDDER
After four hours and 147 separate bids, TRT Omni was certified as the successful bidder in Monday's auction for Amelia Island Company with a bid of $67.1 MM. The back-up bidder was Starwood with a bid of $67.0 MM. Stalking horse Noble declined to increase its May bid of $47.4 MM. The successful bid must still be approved as part of Thursday's Confirmation Hearing in U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court.
Bidding started at 3:00 pm in a completely full courtroom with Judge Paul Glenn conducting the auction. Bidding started at $48.5 MM.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
TRT OMNI EMERGES SUCCESSFUL BIDDER
After four hours and 147 separate bids, TRT Omni was certified as the successful bidder in Monday's auction for Amelia Island Company with a bid of $67.1 MM. The back-up bidder was Starwood with a bid of $67.0 MM. Stalking horse Noble declined to increase its May bid of $47.4 MM. The successful bid must still be approved as part of Thursday's Confirmation Hearing in U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court.
Bidding started at 3:00 pm in a completely full courtroom with Judge Paul Glenn conducting the auction. Bidding started at $48.5 MM.
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 24, 2010
Omni Bid Amelia Island Plantation
Omni Hotel owner has winning bid for Amelia Island Plantation
Texas billionaire pays $67.1 million for the resort.
Posted: August 23, 2010 - 8:02pm
By Mark Basch
A company run by a Texas billionaire that owns the Omni Hotels chain won a bidding war Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to buy the Amelia Island Plantation resort.
TRT Holdings Inc. had the winning bid of $67.1 million, more than $20 million higher than the original bid submitted for the property in May, to buy the resort. The bid is contingent on the Amelia Island Co.’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan getting approval at another court hearing on Thursday.
Irving, Texas-based TRT is run
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.net
www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Texas billionaire pays $67.1 million for the resort.
Posted: August 23, 2010 - 8:02pm
By Mark Basch
A company run by a Texas billionaire that owns the Omni Hotels chain won a bidding war Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to buy the Amelia Island Plantation resort.
TRT Holdings Inc. had the winning bid of $67.1 million, more than $20 million higher than the original bid submitted for the property in May, to buy the resort. The bid is contingent on the Amelia Island Co.’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan getting approval at another court hearing on Thursday.
Irving, Texas-based TRT is run
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 19, 2010
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
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Recommended Restaurant in Fernandina Beach
LuLu's at the Thompson House
11 South 7th Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-432-8394
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
11 South 7th Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-432-8394
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Recommended Insurance in Fernandina Beach
Amelia Insurance Agency
Offering Insurance for over 50 years.
Telephone 904-261-3606
2384 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
www.ameliainsurance.com
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Offering Insurance for over 50 years.
Telephone 904-261-3606
2384 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
www.ameliainsurance.com
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Recommended Insurance in Fernandina Beach
Amelia Insurance Agency
Offering Insurance for over 50 years.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
Offering Insurance for over 50 years.
John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, FloridaCell: 904-415-0171 Email: holbrook66@msn.com Web: www.nassaumls.netwww.johnholbrook.blogspot.com
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