Checking In On Facebook: The Good - 09/30/11 07:27 AM
I have not yet toyed with Foursquare, so the Check In option on Facebook on my new  Droid is the alternative I have started using.
Checking In alerts people as to where you are, which can be good, bad or just ugly, depending on what you are doing, who you are with, etc. Seriously, there are times/places where you might not want to "publicize" where you are and what you are doing! This is a good story!
I decided to visit my favorite watering hold, The Sun Dog Diner, in Neptune Beach. This a locally owned, operated, and green restaurant/bar with … (10 comments)

Which Email Protocol: IMAP, POP or Exchange? - 09/29/11 07:37 AM
As you may recall, I changed over from my Palm OS phone to a Droid OS 8/1/11. 
Since then, I've made some changes with my email and had some difficulties.
I was told at the phone store that Droid could not run or support Microsoft Outlook. This was a BIG deal to me, as that is my favorite software for organizing my life. They told me I would need to switch from POP3 protocol to IMAP.
Now, there is not a large difference, and the challenges I encountered certainly could be unique to me, but to me, it was a huge … (9 comments)

Jacksonville Beach Sunrise Activities, 9/28/11 - 09/28/11 08:03 AM
People who have not lived near a beach may wonder what you can do at sunrise on the beach.....there are many fun things to do, and this morning, I caught a few photos of locals enjoying the beach at sunrise:

 
You can bicycle at low tide, which gives you plenty of options, and is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beach.
 

 
You can jog the length, another great way to get exercise and enjoy the beach.
 

 
Or you can hone your surfing skills - the surfer's upper body is … (7 comments)

Why Show Rental Property? Here's Why..... - 09/27/11 06:45 AM
I know many Realtors who focus on either the buyer or listing side of the business, and they seem surprised when I say I still sometimes show rentals.
I only show rentals when I have time, the prospect has a clear vision/idea/timeline of what they are looking for, and they have a timeframe (not much different than when I show properties for sale).
I recently showed two prospects rental properties, so this is a Tale Of Two Rentals.
Rental 1: she had relocated, he was heading this way as soon as the house out of state sold.  We looked at a … (67 comments)

John Tucillo, Florida Realtors Chief Economist at NEFAR Luncheon, 9/23/11 - 09/24/11 07:25 AM
I was fortunate today to hear John Tucillo, Chief Economist for Florida Realtors, speak at our luncheon today.
It's amazing how much the news sources can skew data and statistics.
For example, Mr. Tucillo shared the following little nuggets with the audience:
August 2010 - August 2011: home sales (units) increased 10% statewide in Florida, and 13% in Northeast Florida January 2011 - August 2011: home sales (units) increased 33% statewide in Florida and 53% in Northeast Florida The real focus should be on the increasing units sold, because that is a better indicator, more reliable indicator of market stability than … (6 comments)

Three Traffic Tactics that won't Cost You a Cent - 09/23/11 03:13 PM
Thanks to Heather for making such easy to follow instructions on how we can accomplish something we all want to accomplish! Try just one of these this weekend and share your results on AR!
Via Heather Anderson Janus RE Group - Collin County TX - Allen, Frisco, Plano (214.-317.1964 www.janusREgroup.com):
Are you constantly banging your head in frustration on not receiving all the internet traffic you would like to get to your web site? Are you tormented from information overload listening to all the latest free website traffic tactics and not being able to understand any of it? Are you dejected of people … (2 comments)

What's the Difference Between an Offer and a Contract? - 09/23/11 02:50 PM
Chris-Ann points out a very basic difference that is often mis-used either by Realtors, or the parties they represent; it's crucial everyone understand when we are discussing an offer, and when we are discussing a contract.
Via Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA (Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA):
What's the Difference Between an Offer and a Contract?
The language we use when talking about real estate transactions is important.  In fact, in some situations the difference in one single word used over another can be critical to understanding what is happening, or what is expected in a real estate transaction. 
You'll often … (1 comments)

"Home Ownership Matters" Bus Tour Stop - Jacksonville, 9/23/11 - 09/22/11 01:57 PM
We are fortunate enough to have this bus stopping at our local board's meeting tomorrow at 4670 Salisbury Road from 10:30a-2:30pm.
Home ownership may be under attack but Realtors from the national level to the local level are working hard to encourage public policies that promote responsible, sustainable home ownership. Housing issues should be first on the nation's public policy agenda, as housing and home ownership issues affect ALL Americans.
Issues like the mortgage interest deduction, foreclosures and short sales, affordable financing and available credit don't just affect people who own a home - home ownership shapes communities and strengthens the … (2 comments)

Just Sold - Short Sale, Bshop's Court Condo, Jacksonville, FL - 09/22/11 01:27 PM
This is my most recent short sale: 2 BR/2 BA, with a 1 car garage, that sold for $49,000.  Listed in Feburary, under contract in April, and closed in September, which is really not TOO bad for a short sale condo these days!
 
 
… (1 comments)

Ocean's Edge Condos, Jacksonville Beach, FL - 09/22/11 01:13 PM
I just toured these fabulous ocean side condos in South Jax Beach this morning, as part of our weekly Realtor meeting.
They have 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condos, starting at (are you sitting down?!) at $161K EAST OF 3RD STREET! (which is so sweet, as you have no major roads between you and the ocean!)
They qualify for FHA financing, which is tough to find for any condo project these days, and to find such great pricing east of 3rd Street is awesome.
Amenities include:
Zero edge pool with cabanas Outdoor summer kitchen with poolside BBQ Private clubhouse Wi-Fi available … (0 comments)

Text Signature Lines - Do You Use Them? - 09/21/11 04:35 PM
I have a short, sweet text signature line I use:
Carol Zingone
Realtor To The Stars!
Sent from my HTC
Why? Because my phone is my primary business line, and I like to identify myself, so others know who is texting them. Why Realtor To The Stars? Because I can help my clients all over the universe!
Do you use a text signature line? If so, why? If not, why not?
Having just received an anonymous text, it brought the topic to mind, and heck, I needed a blog post topic!
 
 
 
… (3 comments)

Jacksonville, FL Restaurant Openings - 09/19/11 09:06 AM
It would seem a bit improbable, given the current economic climate, to have SEVEN restaurant openings, but it's good news for the greater Jacksonville area, as this means jobs and economic expansion.
Here's the list:
Tijuana Flats opens their 5th location at 13820 St. Augustine Road (Monday, 9/19/11) Pollo Tropical opens their 2nd location at 10989 San Jose Boulevard (Monday 9/19/11) Buffalo Wild Wings opens their 3rd location at 1940 Wells Road, in Orange Park (Monday 9/19/11) Bubba Burger Grill opens their 3rd location at 5149 Normandy Boulevard (Tuesday 9/20/11) Brazilian Jax Cafe opens their 1st location at 9825 San Jose … (2 comments)

Jacksonville Beach, FL August 2011 Home Sales - 09/17/11 04:05 PM
  
 
Here are the 2011 stats and 2010 for comparison -
 
2011
21 Homes Sold (down 9 from July, or 30%) Lowest price: $63,700 (July=$64,900) Highest price: $1,700,000 (July=$1,115,000 ) Shortest Days on Market:7 (July=0) Longest Days on Market: 379 (July=693)   
 
 
 2010
20 homes sold (July=20) Lowest price: $113,500 (July=$145,000) Highest price: $950,000 (July=$1,350,000 ) Shortest Days on Market: 6 (July=2) Longest Days on Market: 701 (June=350)  
There are some great nuggets in this month’s numbers: home sales are flat year over year, days on market is down almost 50% on the long … (6 comments)

Neptune Beach, FL August 2011 Home Sales - 09/17/11 04:01 PM
 
Here are the 2011 stats and 2010 for comparison -
 
2011
9 Homes Sold (July=7) Lowest price: $180,000 (July=$155,000) Highest price: $370,000 (July=$1,380,000) Shortest Days on Market: 1 (July=13) Longest Days on Market: 347 (July=399)  


2010
4 homes sold (July=4) Lowest price: $177,000 (July=$175,000 ) Highest price: $595,000 (July=$363,000) Shortest Days on Market: 7 (July=3) Longest Days on Market: 218 (May=398)  
This is very consistent with the Jacksonville Beach home sales post I just wrote: there are so many great things about this post! Lowest sold home price is up a wee bit flat … (0 comments)

Atlantic Beach, FL August 2011 Home Sales - 09/17/11 03:56 PM
 
Here are the 2011 stats and 2010 for comparison -
 
2011
 
18 Homes Sold (July=19, so an increase of 1) Lowest price: $70,000 (July=$40,000) Highest price: $1,150,000 (July=$1,600,000) Shortest Days on Market: 11 (July=1) Longest Days on Market: 727 (July=692)  


2010
 26 homes sold (July=19)  Lowest price: $35,000 (July=$40,000)  Highest price: $1,500,000 (July=$629,000)  Shortest Days on Market: 1 (July=8)  Longest Days on Market: 298 (July=441)  
There is fabulous news this month! Look at the jump in the lowest price home sold, up 50% year over year, and up $30K month over month!  Great news!  … (0 comments)

What Do the REAL Housewives of Beverly Hills Have To Do With REAL Estate? - 09/16/11 08:32 AM
As some of you may be aware, I'm addicted to reality (faux reality tv shows). It may be my past life as a Media Director for several top advertising agencies, but I LOVE TV! I still have my sweeps months (when Nielsen measures television viewing, which in Jacksonville are: February/May/July/November), and I know when new series premiere, and new episodes come to the airwaves.
So, what DO the RHOBH (acronym for show)have to do with Real Estate?
Watching the most recent episode of RHOBH where Camille Grammer has to sell her Beaver Creek home (which, by the way, looks FABULOUS), she … (1 comments)

Sunrise, Jacksonville Beach, FL - 09/15/11 11:16 AM
This is the video I shot with my HTC Sensation HD phone this morning on the beach - you can see some surfers' heads bobbing in the water - a few caught some good rides this morning.
If you want to see this every morning, I can help you get your oceanfront view, or close to the beach home so you can walk or bike to the beach.  Great homes at great prices and close to the beach!

… (2 comments)

NEFAR Announces August 2011 Real Estate Sales Results, Jacksonville, FL - 09/15/11 06:38 AM
Once again, these are the kinds of press releases and reports we get from our local association; I would appreciate any and all feedback as to what kinds of information you get from YOUR local association. This is part of what our local dues pay for, and if we are not taking advantage of it, we are missing out on some fabulous education we can share with buyers, sellers, and the general public.
Indicators point toward recovery: closed and pending sales up, inventory and new listings down, median and average sale prices increase, percentage of lender-mediated sales down. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. … (2 comments)

Everbank Field Jaguar, Jacksonville, FL - 09/14/11 02:43 PM
I've had quite a few downtown meetings these past two days: meeting with Mayor Alvin Brown as part of the Realtor's association; new member reception at the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce and today, a meeting of the Team Teal captains at Everbank Field.
While there, I took this photo of our infamous Jaguar out front of Everbank Field:

 
I say infamous because a few years ago, some kid stuck his head in the mouth, and well, got stuck.  The poor Jag's teeth had to be cut to get the boy's head out, and as a result, the "dentures" … (3 comments)

Motivational Speaker Andy Anderson - 09/13/11 11:34 AM
We had our quarterly sales meeting this morning, and were treated to motivational speaker Andy Anderson.
His background is primarily military, but his hands on "life is simple" approach is anything but military and his presentation is certainly not what you would expect.
This man launched a new personal financial  management program for the Navy, which has led to his tenets being implemented by thousands of sailors, and helped them navigate the complexes of finances.
Some of my favorite sayings:
We purchase things we can't afford with money we haven't earned to impress people we don't like.
The only people who … (1 comments)

Due Diligence or Do the Contract??? - 09/12/11 08:55 AM
Brent makes some terrific points in his post below; if it all possible & feasible (per the laws in your state) I would highly recommend inspections PRIOR to writing an offer.  Make sure you have the ability to turn on utilities for the inspection frame, as an inspection without utilities is kind of like a swimming pool without water!
Via Brent Kluge - FHA 203K - HomePath/Style-Renovation Finance :
When you represent a buyer and they are interested in offering on an "As-Is" property, should you do your inspections to figure out what is wrong first, or just make an AS-IS offer?
… (3 comments)

When Is It "Real" & When Is It Not? - 09/12/11 08:15 AM
I'm training for my second sprint triathlon, coming up quickly in early October on Jekyll Island, GA.
The swimming has been going very well (please notice, I refrained from typing swimmingly!), I joined a pool close to my office, and have been swimming at least 1/2 a mile in the pool a couple of times per week, and have done a mile a few time (36 laps in a 25 yard pool, in case you were curious).
The cycling portion is the easiest for me; I drop into a spin class once or twice a week, I'm still working on getting … (6 comments)

Riding Without Your Buyers/Prospects....Not The Best Choice! - 09/10/11 09:25 PM
I had out of town prospects today (a good thing!), and when I arrived at their hotel, it turned out, the in-laws had traveled with them.
Not a big deal, but I have a Volvo sedan, with room for four comfortably, there was no way I could even hope to fit six. In the past, at times, I have ridden with my buyers/prospects, which they are usually fine with; I prefer to drive, as I'm in control of the route, the speed, etc.
They were following me today on an interstate, and I was going between 60-65 MPH, right around the … (11 comments)

Fighting Your Property Tax Bill, Duval, Clay & Nassua Counties, FL - 09/09/11 12:16 PM
So, you received your TRIM notice regarding your property taxes in one of the above counties and you don't agree with the property appraiser?
You have a few options, and a limited amount of time to appeal.
The TRIM Notice stands for Truth In Millage, and states proposed property taxes for your property.
It will include market value, assessed value and taxable value as of January 1, 2011.
You can contact the Duval County Property Appraiser's Office at 904/630-2037 for residential properties, and 904/630-2600 for commercial properties.  If you are not satisfied after talking to them you can file a formal … (2 comments)

Outside Blogs Via AR: Who's Got Them?? And, What Are YOUR Results? - 09/09/11 08:48 AM
I, like many others, was on the RainCamp webinar yesterday, and learned quite a bit!
So, now the question for me is: I have not yet set up an outside blog. I have been bloggin on AR, then copying and pasting to Trulia, and my blog hosted via my broker.
My question is: who has their outside blog via AR, and what kind of results have you seen? The cost is pretty nominal, and if it can save me time, and help me be more efficient, and therefore, productive, I'm in.
So, please, take a moment, and tell me about your … (10 comments)

Dogtoberfest, Jacksonville, FL - 09/09/11 08:28 AM
This isone of our fabulous annual fundraisers! Dogtoberfest raises funds for First Coast No More Homeless Pets, which helps do exactly what it says: it helps pet owners with reduced fee vaccinations, low cost or free spaying/neutering, and helps trap feral cat colonies, spay, and return them to their areas.
Saturday, October 8, at Metropolitan Park the event runs from 10a-3pm and includes:
Fundraising trick or treat walk Costume contest Carnival Midway Silent auction JSO's canine unit Jumpin Jax Fly Ball Show Doga class The trick or treat walk is $25 per person and those participating can raise funds as an … (1 comments)

Fabulous, Colorful Sunset In Jacksonville Beach, FL - 09/08/11 02:22 PM
I took this last night with my HTC Sensation 4G on the T-Mobile network - love my new phone, and love how the colors came out in this spectacular sunset!
This was taken in South Jax Beach, about .5 mile north of JTB, one of the 3 major east west routes here in Jacksonville. JTB is the southernmost east west route, and has no lights on it, meaning you can get to where you want to be faster.

 
… (4 comments)

If prices are declining, why should I buy now? - 09/07/11 08:30 AM
Aida brings up some fabulous points about why now is a terrific time to buy and she also focuses on non-financial reasons, such as wanting your kids to have a backyard to play in, or backyard garden for your family. 
Whatever your motivation, carefully consider how your decisions today can impact your life for the next 5-10 years, and make the decision that is best for you and your family.
Via Aida Pinto (562) 916-3237 (United Associated Brokers):
If prices are declining, why should I buy now....I’m just going to wait until they fall further and then buy.  Suze Orman and other … (3 comments)

TealTown DownTown Block Party, Jacksonville, FL 9/9/11 6-11pm - 09/07/11 06:41 AM
At the Jaguars Kick Off lunch yesterday, these invites were all over our tables, promoting the TealTown DownTown Block Party. I think this is the premiere year for this event, and I hope it's something they continue to do.
This FREE event is open to the public, and will feature appearances by:
Jaguars Players Jaxson De Ville The Roar D-Line
There will be live entertainment with Chroma, interactive games, food vendors and fun!  You can see more on this video:

For more information, you can call 904/398-8179 or visit facebook.com/PRIPRODUCTIONS.
 
… (5 comments)

Back To Football!! - 09/06/11 02:43 PM
Today was our Kick Off Luncheon for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Every team player, every coach, every cheerleader - every single person from their organization was there (I beleive), include Jaxon De Ville, our most excellent mascot.
Now that we are into the "real" season, with pre-season over, it's a great time to get out to support our NFL team - as one of only 32 markets to have pro football, it's amazing to see what Jacksonville has grown up to be with the Jaguars here.
Other upcoming events include a Tealtown Downtown Block Party - which will be a separate post!
… (2 comments)

Southside/Intracoastal West REO Inveontory, Jacksonville, FL 2009-2011 - 09/05/11 09:06 AM
 
This shows the most current activity for foreclosures (REO's) in the Southside/Intracoastal area of Jacksonville, FL.  As you can see, we are at very low levels of these types of homes for sale with a mere 2.5 months.  Notice this is down significantly from June of 2010, when we had 9.49 months of foreclosures for sale. This is yet another indicator we are approaching a normal, balanced market here.
… (4 comments)

REO Home Sales, Beaches, Jacksonville, FL January – July 2011 Home Sales - 09/05/11 08:41 AM
 
Here are the 2011 stats and 2010 for comparison -
2011
69 Homes Sold Lowest price: $29,500 Highest price: $775,000 Shortest Days on Market: 1 Longest Days on Market: 245 2010
24 homes sold Lowest price: $25,000 Highest price: $329,000 Shortest Days on Market: 2 Longest Days on Market: 142  
Home sales are up an incredible 187% in the REO (foreclosed) title status in Atlantic Beach, Neptune  Beach, Jacksonville Beach & Ponte Vedra Beach! I’m not 100% certain if this illustrates the market’s hunger for REO/Foreclosed properties, or the fact they are being priced and presented correctly.  Days on … (1 comments)

NEFAR July 2011 Sales Results, Jacksonville, FL - 09/05/11 08:22 AM

I don't know if everyone gets press releases like this from their local association, but I wanted to share -enjoy!

NEFAR Announces July 2011 Real Estate Sales ResultsPending sales rise 18.3 percent, closed sales dip one percent, pricing soft but number of lender-mediated properties declining.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) announces real estate market statistics for July 2011. Statistics encompass both single-family residential and condo sales.

Pending sales of 1,661 in July marked an 18.3 increase from a year ago; indicative of continued consumer interest in buying a home at today's very attractive prices. … (1 comments)

 
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Carol Zingone, Beaches Expert, Northeast FL

Jacksonville Beach, FL

More about me…

Prudential Network Realty

Address: 375 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL, 32233

Office Phone: (904) 241-2417

Cell Phone: (904) 993-9048

Email Me

Helping Buyers & Sellers in: Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Intracoastal West, Jacksonville, Southside, San Marco, San Jose, Mandarin, Arlington, Regency, Downtown, as a Broker Associate with 100% customer satisfaction rating.

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