Ready, set, GO! Go to Upward Basketball that is! Much like last year at this time, when my young daughter was rehearsing for her Christmas play--I am at Upward basketball practice for the youngest of the clan.
He's been waiting for this FOREVER! Really, forever. Or, at least 3 years--- The way he was describing to me his very long and anxious wait makes me think about first time homebuyers. We see, we want, we need----we practice (think pre-approval), and then we are ready for the game! For the buyer the game is those L-O-N-G days to closing.
Remember? You sign the offer, cross your fingers, question whether your Realtorreally knows what they're doing, cross your toes, and then wait for the seller to respond. And then once they do--and your offer, those golden pages, have a full set of signatures! Bliss--but wait. Did we pay too much, will the cost of closing break our bank. Does our Realtor really understand that you HAVE TO chat with them every day? And then the confusion--inspections? WDO? What is 'tax service' and why do I have to pay it? Really? Where are we closing? How many picture ID's? Why will it take at least 30-days? Escrow check? What?-----Where?----Who?----When?-----
Love it! (yes, that is me singing and dancing) Those so important questions give me a reason to explain all those cool-guy terms that I am so familiar with but that the general public is not. Let's me have a moment in the sun, while assisting another! Love it! Alot!
And the best part is the closing table. When the keys are theirs--as you hand them the keys, while reminding them to change the locks---and they realize that those hours spent online looking and searching for their home is done. That the goal is crossed. That I do know my 'stuff'. That I am their Realty Professional.
And all is right with the world! Nick just made a basket, and the look on his face tells me that all is right in his world as well! And you gotta love that----
Breakfast, or in this case lunch, at the Cool Moose Cafe is a complete treat!
Choose which door you will enter from, both are open--as is the open air tables on the sidewalk. Immediately you will notice that there is a sign: seat yourself, if your order is to go or patio please order from the counter, and when you are ready to leave pay at the counter. Their sign is better put, of course (this is my version) but says the same thing.
I like that you go to the counter to pay. And want to sit here with that for a moment. No pressure. No bill sitting, glaring at you on your tabletop. No server bugging you to get UP because they will make less if you do not. Easy, simple, and worthy of mention. Had I arrived earlier in the day I would have sat there ALL DAY! Good stuff, nice and relaxing--just what I would expect from the Riverside or Avondale area.
As I mentioned there is not a server bugging you. Seriously. I was cordially greeted by a very friendly server, she worked with me to find my 'kind' of coffee (love that) and then went to make it. Perfect, and eco-friendly in a cup without a lid and able to be recycled. Another server came by with a menu, and then took my order.
The order, I must divert here. I had asked what was better the nutty chicken salad, or the huervos rancheros? She told me that since they were only serving breakfast on Sunday that was an easy question--the huervos! No apology that the other was unavailable, with a great sense of humor, and without making me--the customer--feel less than wonderful.
Back to the servers. They have a HUGE tip tub by the register. So, bottom line is that when you are ready, they are ready! No competition. No who will do what, etc. Just get it done, and do it right the first time. And that they did!
Cool Moose has an open kitchen. I could see the cook doing his thing. As the door swung open and shut I could see large tables (clean) in the back, and racks of spices and fresh treats. I am sure this made my food extra special--the huervos were wonderful. More like a burrito than what I am used to, which made this experience all the more marvelous! Good food, great environment, friendly service, excellent and affordable pricing, and come as you are atmosphere.
Needless to say I'll go back time and time again! Thank you Cool Moose! Another reason to buy a home and live in the Riverside or Avondale areas-----
Jacksonville Florida is serious, very serious about their college football! This afternoon my family and I enjoyed the Gator/Seminole game on TV. Bottom line--for those who need to know---Gator's won. This is a very serious thing here. Really, it is!
And that is new to me. Coming to Jacksonville as a transplant from the west coast of the United States, where I do not remember college football being a big deal (at all) this is an unusual part of life for me. I mean, my youngest (Nick) has his football career all mapped out: PeeWee, then JV at Ridgeview, onto Varsity at Ridgeview, then the Gators, and after that the Jaguars. In his mind he will then retire--he's 5, we indulge this somewhat.
I do remember NFL football being a really big deal. I've always had my favorite teams, and less favorite teams. But college--really?! And yet, after 5 years here, it has woven it's way into our lives. As such Ben, who is our 17 year old dubbed us Gator fans some time ago. Why? Not sure. But he has some jerseys now, and knows all the team names. He knows their schedule, and he and his buddies may not be able to read--but they know their plays! So, it makes it kind of fun----
I suppose that after umpteen high school games, and yes--I do enjoy those--the next level would be college.
We'll have to see. There are alot of changes that I've made, moving to Jacksonville, but I am just not sure this will be one that sticks! Just not sure.
I suppose that's partly why I do enjoy the areas close to downtown. Like Avondale, and Riverside, and San Marco--there is such diversity and somehow it feels like home to me! So again, we'll have to see. Perhaps the perfect mix is the Cummer Art Museum on the free Wednesday evenings, and then football on Saturday!
Sounds like a plan--and a good plan at that. So, the question then becomes---where have YOU relocated to? And how did that turn out? 'They' say it takes 2 years to really settle in a new place--what say YOU?
It's been days and days since I've been on here! I have missed my blogging----
And as I reviewed what my week was like, well I just thought I would share. We left off on Sunday, so on Monday I called all the buyers who were interested in a home I have listed in Avondale. All many of them, and after that I was exhausted! Then to look at 5 homes in the Avondale area--know your inventory! And, finally hand out 10 business cards (really, every weekday). The business cards were slightly difficult and I finally just stopped off at our local mall and asked people if they COULD EVER BE interested in buying or selling a property. If they said yes, they got a card!
Good stuff. Repeat on Tuesday (called more buyers and sent a few emails). Repeat on Wednesday.
Thursday though--gosh, I really like to eat--and Thanksgiving is just the place to do it. Pam and Lorry put out the most amazing spread EVER! All the southern foods that I've never had (and perhaps that I have never had them until Florida makes them a Southern food). Sweet potato pie--should be illegal. Corn casserole--um, yum. And then the desserts!
And then Friday. I am not a Black Friday shopper, at all. I would rather sleep than shop, sleep is good. So, I hauled kids around, went to the office, to Avondale to hang out on a park bench! And dream about what my move up home will look like, someday! Skipped lunch. Found some GREAT HOMES that are just begging their owners to list with me! And found some really good homes that need new owners, and I need to find those folks too!
And headed back for home. Good stuff. The kind of stuff that is worth mentioning. I didn't save the world today. I didn't close a deal. I didn't even buy a single thing at a store. But I did explain to Nick, who is 5, why he may not get a 'flat screen' this year:-), and I did teach him how to add from the right to left, and I did encourage my husband to attempt to be an electrician. And, at the end of the day, I will go to sleep knowing that this week was great, perfect, terrific, and exactly what I made it to be!
And isn't that the point? We become independent contractors to be independent! And it is wonderful---so now the only question left is this: advertise on Facebook (again) or attempt a 'pay-per-click' on Google? We'll see!
Avondale is a part of Jacksonville Florida. For those familiar with Jacksonville (Jax) you may recall that Jax is the largest city by land mass. Crazy stuff! So, how to not get lost on the I295 and the 9A? No problem----sort of! I recommend finding a place that you will enjoy!
The Brick is a restaurant on St. Johns Blvd. Just in case you do not know how to get to this main street, one could take the I295 to Hwy 17 (north or south--look toward Jacksonville and follow the tall buildings!), then turn east onto St. Johns. Follow it around---really! Then find a place to park----!
Okay, back to The Brick. Today it was me, Ben, and Nick. We had to pick up our Jaguar tickets, find out when Christmas in Avondale is, and eat. I chose The Brick because, well--okay. The food is good, the bathrooms are clean, and there was not a wait! At 10:30am the boys and I got a table right away. Our waiter took our order promptly, and then returned with our food.
Our food: Amazing and fresh Huevos Rancheros (my personal favorite). Nick ordered, ready for this, an order of bacon, yogurt and fresh fruit, AND a blueberry muffin. The muffin fed both boys. The yogurt, in Nicks words, was yummier than cake! And the fruit was plentiful, fresh, and varietal for the season. Unbelievably plentiful. As in huge plate of fruit with all kinds of variety!
Overall, a time well spent together! And, by the way, for those who like a) specialty shoes; b) have super wide feet like me; c) enjoy styles you will not find everywhere---seek out Thompsons Fine Shoes. Really--it's worth the time!
Have a great weekend--and we'll see you at the Jags game tomorrow (for Ben's birthday).
This is an excellent reminder of why we need to keep the message going: if it seems too good to be true, it is. And for homeowners to be very cautious when managing their title and mortgage.
We are living in unusual times, and like no other in history---
For the Northeast Florida area please contact Christa LaFarlette, Realtor---Keller Williams First Coast Realty 904-710-0581
Joy Jackson, a former exotic dancer who became president of the Metropolitan Money Store, was sentenced yesterday to more than twelve years in jail. She was convicted of stealing millions from Washington area homeowners trying to avoid foreclosure. She used the cash to buy jewelry, fur coats and vacations, and to cover a lavish wedding at the Mayflower Hotel, where Patti LaBelle serenaded guests who feasted on lobster and drank Cristal.
The Metropolitan Money Store advertised on gospel and R&B stations and promised to help people keep their homes and repair their credit. Instead, Jackson and several co-conspirators, including her husband, Kurt Fordham, took titles to properties and drained them of equity. The company directed owners to transfer title of their homes to third-party buyers for a year. During that time, Metropolitan said it would borrow against the value of the home and use that money to pay the mortgage and repair homeowners' credit ratings. It also promised to help owners obtain better interest rates.
Instead, Metropolitan siphoned off the equity and Jackson and others spent the cash. The company also stopped making mortgage payments on the houses.
Prosecutors said they have found 117 victims in the scam, but hundreds more have been identified in a related civil lawsuit.
The Judge who sentenced Jackson to 12 years and seven months in prison and ordered her to pay more than $16 million in restitution, called mortgage fraud "a fever that seems to be spreading around the country.... A sentence in this case is going to be noticed by those out there who think of doing this kind of behavior," the judge said.
Jackson wept during her apology to a courtroom full of her victims. She said, "I opened the company out of true love. I opened the company to help," Jackson said. "I know I have good in me, but I allowed greed to overcome me."
Prosecutors said Jackson and her co-conspirators left a trail of devastated homeowners in Maryland, Virginia and the District who thought they were digging out of financial problems, only to find they had been cheated. One woman lost the home her great-grandmother had purchased years earlier, according to court records. A man who was the first in his family to own a home said he was swindled by the company and is fighting to keep the house.
Margaret Neal, one of the victims, told the judge that her husband worked three jobs to keep their Annapolis home. After going to Metropolitan for help, they lost the home to foreclosure. The family ended up sleeping in a car and needing a food pantry.
"Joy Jackson Fordham took our American dream and turned it into a nightmare," Neal said. "Joy Jackson Fordham lived the life. Now my home is gone. There is no going back. Gone. Sold. Remodeled. You, Joy Jackson Fordham, did that to me."
At least the bad guys get punished once in a while.
If you are facing foreclosure, be sure to seek the advice of a reputable Realtor and attorney. Please don't go to these storefront fly by night organizations. Check them out and never transfer your home to a third party! If you need help in the DC metro area, call Lise Howe with Coldwell Banker at 240-401-5577 or email her at lise@lisehowe.com.
HUD has the most AMAZING program for those in the Riverside, Avondale (my favorites), Jacksonville Florida areas. Really! If you are a: teacher, firefighter, police officer (all law enforcement), or EMT you may qualify.
What are you qualifying for? Purchase a home at HALF THE LIST PRICE! No way--right? Yes, way! Let's say you find your home on the HUD list (I can email that to you) and decide to submit an offer. The offer is accepted and the list price is $100,000. AWESOME---your first mortgage is $50,000 and there is a second mortgage for $50,000. Live in the home for 3 years as your primary residence and the second mortgage is forgiven!
Details--there are always details! There are 2 stages to HUD submissions:
1) In the 10 days of the listing only owner occupants may submit offers. Typically these are posted on a Friday and the 10th day is Sunday, with submission needing to be in by midnight (or just prior). There are quite a number of details to this--which is why you need me! Your Realtor:-)
2) On day 11 the submissions open to the investor community as well. As such offers are looked at each night and the best net will 'win' the home.
So, what is the downside? Patience. Finding the right homestake patience, and a lot of it. Right now there are quite a few homes--some great, some needing a little love, some needing A LOT of love--it all depends on the perspective of the home-buyer!
At the end of the day, we are here to help you find your home. So, let's get looking! Call Christa LaFarlette, or Jessica Touchtontoday--and we'll get you going on the path to homeownership! And that is what I learned today----
1) You know ALL the short cuts and your navigation system is losing it's mind!
2) A co-worker calls regarding YOUR listing, and you not only quiz her on her buyer and immediately know it's not the bungalow for her buyer but give her really good directions to your other listing AND 5 others that are not yours in the spirit of the moment! (and yes, they all should have been mine--that's another topic)
3) You have a 30-minute conversation with the local artist and make the appointment to visit her gallery and find that you may need to take a few lessons---just because she is that amazing, even after all this time!
4) The neighbors know you, as you hand out the monthly postcard with real estate statistics for the prior month! Good stuff on a nice warm day---
5) You can give a list of the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner places around. The places to hang out, and what vendors to visit at the weekly Art Market.
Best of all, you know you are a realty wizard, in a specific area when you are absolutely in love with the area, when you wake up and cannot wait to see what has changed. When you cannot wait to see what else is going on. And, even better you laugh like crazy at the plaque on the historic home that says:
"...in 1895 absolutely nothing happened here!"
Priceless!
We are http://www.oneteamhomes.com/mx/idx/, and our goal is to make your real estate transaction as smooth as possible! And to take over the Avondale and Riverside areas---help us out and call us for your realty needs! After all---your referrals are the cornerstone of our business!
If you have lived in the Avondale or Riverside area for over 5 years this is a message for YOU! The Basics: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010
Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:
Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.
Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?
First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.
To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.
The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.
How Much Is Available?
The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.
The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.
How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?
Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:
The price of the home.
The buyer's income.
Price
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.
Buyer Income
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000-may receive the maximum tax credit.
These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.
If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.
The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.
Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.
Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.
Wonderful. Lovely. Historic brick home in Avondale! This home is a must see and is located on fabulous corner lot.
Home is completely remodeled and offers newer windows, plumbing, paint, water heater, cabinetry, tile, lighting, and more. This home offers the much sought after garage--with opener!
This home IS the Avondale lifestyle and is ready for a new owner--the only question is are you ready for this home!
Remember, first time homebuyers will benefit from the $8000. tax incentive. AND, move-up buyers, who have been in their existing home 5 years can benefit from the $6500 tax incentive. Call Jessica Touchton, Realtor (904-534-8416) or Christa LaFarlette, Realtor (904-710-0581) for further information.
Keller Williams First Coast Realty
One Team: One Goal, One Vision, One --Yours.
Listing and selling real estate in the greater Jacksonville area--my passion, my goal, my career!
Let's chat, learn, and discover Jacksonville real estate!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
3023 Remington Street, Jacksonville Florida 32205
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