Gina's Blog

VAs for lead generation?

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:58:22 -0500

Hello all,

I'm interested to know...can a VA help me to grow my business? I have a successful website and I do receive several inquiries a week but I'm just not disciplined enough to stay on top of the leads. In addition, I'd like to continue to INCREASE my web presence with any ideas/suggestions that a VA can offer to help boost my rankings. Are there Internet Marketing VAs out there?

-Blog creation; SEO; Followup phone calls to internet leads; Lead generation...are these things a VA can help me with?

Thanks!

Gina

Mortgage Rates Improve

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:24:25 -0500

I received this from SunTrust Mortgage today:

Mortgage Rates Improve

While the headlines were focused on the poor performance of the stock market, mortgage rates improved moderately during a volatile week. Mortgage rates were helped by a couple of factors. Seeking to reduce risk, investors sold stocks and moved the funds into relatively safer Treasury bonds and government guaranteed mortgage backed securities. In addition, slower economic growth and lower energy prices reduced expectations for future inflation. More good news for the housing market came from the September Existing Home Sales report, which rose 5.5% from August to the highest annual rate since August 2007.

Another important development was a decline in Libor rates during the week. Libor rates are viewed as a primary indicator of credit market conditions. They are also an important benchmark for setting the rates on many consumer loans, including adjustable-rate mortgages. Libor rates shot higher during the credit crisis when financial institutions became reluctant to lend money to each other. The broad series of recent government actions brought Libor rates down closer to more normal levels.

A series of government officials made statements during the week, including Fed Chief Bernanke, former Fed Chief Greenspan, Treasury Secretary Paulson, and FDIC Chairman Bair. The common theme is that the government is ready to take further actions as needed to support the economy and financial markets. Broad support was seen for a second fiscal stimulus package. The decline in the housing market was a key factor in causing the credit crisis, and many proposals are under consideration to help stabilize the housing market and prevent foreclosures. The bottom line, though, is that it will take some time for economic conditions to improve.

Also Notable:

Inventories of unsold homes decreased in September
Bernanke supports a new fiscal stimulus package to boost the economy
Major US stock indexes fell to the lowest levels in over five years
Oil prices fell as low as $63 per barrel, down from $147 per barrel in July

Average 30 yr fixed rate:
Last week:	+0.20%
This week:	-0.31%


Stocks (weekly):
Dow:	8,939	+717
NASDAQ:	1,570	-145

Week Ahead

The biggest event next week will be Wednesday's Fed meeting. Investors have priced in a half-point rate cut, and they are waiting to see if the Fed will take any other actions to boost the economy. The most important economic data will be Thursday's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report. GDP is the broadest measure of economic activity. In addition, New Home Sales will come out on Monday. Durable Orders, another important indicator of economic activity, is scheduled for Wednesday. Personal Income and Chicago PMI will be released on Friday. Consumer Confidence and Consumer Sentiment will round out the economic data next week.

*Brought to you by MBSQuoteline

Duval County Real Estate Statistics

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:34:59 -0500

Data Statistics for Duval County from September 28, 2008 - October 28, 2008

Active Residential Listings in Jacksonville: 7,384

Pending Residential Sales in Jacksonville: 591

Residential Sales in Jacksonville: 434

Average Days on Market: 121 days for Active Residential listings
101 days for Residential listings sold

Median Sales Price: $157,950 for Active Residential listings
Median List Price: $177,750

Sales Price:
Least-Expensive Single Family Residence Active Listing: $61,900 Least-Expensive Condominium Active Listing: $65,000 Most-Expensive Single Family Residence Active Listing: $10,000,000
Most-Expensive Condominium Active Listing: $2,750,000
Price Point with the Most Listings: $100,000-$200,000 in Residential listings (3,122 listings)

Number of Units Sold in Jacksonville - January to September

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:33:43 -0500

Average number of units sold in Jacksonville this year:

Average Price and Days on Market for Residential Properties in Jacksonville

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:29:07 -0500

Here are the latest charts for residential properties in Jacksonville...

Average Price:

Average Days on Market:

Single Family Home Sales up in Florida

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:12:33 -0500

It looks like there's reason for cautious optimism in the Florida real estate market. The Florida Association of REALTORS (FAR) announced that sales of single family homes increased slightly in July, 2008 vs. those in July, 2007. Even more good news: Florida's single family home median sales price is up 18% over the last five years, with the current price standing at $193,600.

I'm convinced that two recent acts passed by Congress will continue to boost the housing market: one is the housing stimulus bill and the second is the first time homebuyer's tax credit. The National Association of REALTORs seems to feel the same way; a recent report from the NAR states that existing home sales are expected to show modest improvement in the coming months.

Even with the slight upswing in prices, this is still a GREAT time to buy in the Jacksonville area. I'm always updating my inventory of available properties-call me and let's work together to find the one that's right for you.

Gina

Florida Real Estate on the Upswing

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:09:40 -0500

Can news of inflation ever be good news? Yes, when it indicates that a turnaround may be in store for Jacksonville's housing market. A University of Northern Florida economist reports that last month's 1% jump in Jacksonville's consumer price index may signal a revival of the city's real estate market.

"Normally, a jump of inflation of 1% would be very disconcerting, but when it indicates a growing recovery in the housing market, it's not as bad as it appears on the surface," said Paul Mason, an economist with the University of Northern Florida and coordinator of the Local Economic Indicators Project.

There's more good housing news from Central Florida as well. "Geographically, Central Florida is going to be the recovery point for the state of Florida," said Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby's International Realty. He said "pent-up demand" is bringing people back into a buying mode and forecasts an upward swing in the market with buyers able to find homes they love at affordable prices.

Soderstrom notes that people who have owned homes for a decade or more have also experienced strong appreciation in their property's value. He predicts that real estate will continue to make gains in Florida, with the state continuing to attract newcomers and retirees.

If you know someone who is thinking about moving to the Jacksonville area, please pass my name and number along. There are some great homes at affordable prices out there just waiting for some new owners!

Gina

Florida Home Sales Picture a Little Brighter

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:54:29 -0500

Florida homeowners aren't dancing in the streets just yet. But there is good news on the horizon. Overall, sales of existing homes were up for the third consecutive month in May, according to the Florida Association of REALTORS (FAR).

However, buyers are being very particular about neighborhoods. According to Jack Winston, a real estate analyst with Miami-based Goodkin Consulting, the rising cost of gas is stimulating activity in downtown areas and other locations close to work and amenities. This is good news for Dade county markets like Doral, Hialeah, North Miami and, in Broward, West Hollywood, Miramar and sections of Lauderhill. In Broward, about 651 houses and condos listed for less than $199,000 were bought and sold in May, a substantial increase from 2007.

Part of this activity is being spurred by lowered prices due to the many foreclosures in the area. Although financing regulations have tightened up, buyers who are "moving up" are often able to use the money from the sale of their lower-priced home as a substantial down payment for a foreclosure or home whose price has been lowered for a quick sale.

European and out-of-state investors may also be influencing the increase in sales, especially in markets like Miami Beach which experienced more sales in May than almost any other area in Miami-Dade. However, investors and speculators are generally looking for single property values and are not expected to ignite another real estate boom here as they did in the 90s and early 2000s.

Do You Know the Score?

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:53:17 -0500

Your credit score, that is. Millions of Americans don't realize that they can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually by maintaining a good credit score. With a high credit score you'll qualify for lower interest rates on credit cards, auto loans, home equity loans and mortgages. Landlords and utility companies often check your scores as well to determine your credit worthiness. The savings from a good credit score can be substantial and may make the difference between being able to afford your dream home and having to continue renting.

Credit scores range from 200 to 800, with the top number representing a sterling rating. The closer you are to the bottom, the less chance you have of obtaining a loan at anything resembling a reasonable rate.

If you don't know what condition your credit is in, you can request a free credit report from any one of three bureaus - Equifax Inc., TransUnion LLC or Experian Group. You're entitled to one report from each of the three every year. The report will show your current loan and credit card standing. To learn your actual numerical score usually costs about $15. Log on to www.annualcreditreport.com to learn more or order a report.

There are a number of ways you can increase your credit score, according to Washington Mutual bank of Seattle:

Avoid charging above your maximum limit on a credit card, or coming close to the limit. It's best to stay at 50% or lower.

Don't open multiple new accounts at the same time

Pay off your debt; don't switch it to another card
Pay down large credit card balances

Don't miss a monthly payment; pay the minimum if that's all you can afford at the time

On the other hand, don't get into the habit of always paying the minimum

If your credit score isn't all it should be, heeding any of the above steps should help. For more information and advice, contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service at http://www.cccsatl.org/.

Florida Home Sales on the Rise

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:03:54 -0500

If you've been waiting to sell your Jacksonville area home, here's some good news on the real estate front. The Florida Association of REALTORS reported that existing home sales were up 10% from February to March of this year. That increase, along with Jacksonville's ranking as #26 in the Forbes 100 Best Cities for Jobs in 2008, makes this a good time to put your house on the market.

The decision to sell your home is a complicated one that requires a lot of preparation and decision-making. As a long-time real estate agent in Jacksonville, I have many years of experience helping families price, market and showcase their homes. I have the marketing expertise and the know-how to make your home sell in the shortest possible time for the best possible price.

So, if you're ready to sell, call me. Together we'll take advantage of improving market conditions in the Jacksonville area to ensure the best possible home sale experience possible.

-Gina

Is the Housing Crisis Over?

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:02:04 -0500

I won't jump the gun and say that all is well but, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, housing prices have been slowly, if steadily, declining since 2006. The author, Cyril Moulle-Berteaux, notes that in 2005 and 2006, the average home mortgage required 25% of a buyer's monthly income. For first-time buyers, the numbers were more intimidating, with homes often commandeering up to 37% of the household income. Ouch!

Over the past two years, as more people have been unable to purchase or maintain their current homes, housing prices have fallen 10% - 15%, while income is steadily growing. Home prices now are on par with where they were in the 1990s and, consequently, more people are able to afford to buy. This is especially helpful to first time homebuyers.

Will this decline in housing prices lead to a dramatic drop in home value for people who already own homes? Not to worry, according to Mr. Moulle-Berteaux. As inventories of unsold homes decrease (due to increased affordability and people buying them), the market will start to swing upward again. This is a pattern that has occurred consistently in the U.S. housing market and there is no reason to expect that this time will be different. We can, however, hope that the growth will be slow and steady, and avoid the fireworks that led to drastic price increases, speculative loans and a rash of foreclosures.

If you'd like to see what is available in the Jacksonville area in your price range, give me a call.

-Gina

The ABCs of CDDS

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:22 -0500

Many of you have probably heard about CDDs—Community Development Districts—but may not understand exactly what they are. CDDs are boards that levy fees on homeowners in certain developments in order to build amenities such as pools, golf courses, club houses, etc, without having to raise the local tax rate. They are also used to construct roads and lay in utility lines that serve the homeowners who pay the CDD fees.

The good news about CDDs is that homeowners pay a certain amount every year, rather than being assessed for the entire fee up front. CDD fees are also tax deductible for the property owner, as opposed to HOA fees, which are not. They also enable builders to create upscale communities that wouldn’t be possible without the CDD fees, according to Florida state legislator Ken Littlefield.

However, Littlefield notes that buyers often don’t know the risks and aren’t told about all the things that can happen, such as fees going up or paying for amenities that don’t directly benefit the homeowners. Currently, Florida law only requires a sales contract to include a disclaimer stating that CDDs may be imposed on the property. Homeowners are often surprised to learn that the CDD fees may increase at the developer’s discretion, with no recourse available to them. This is because CDD boards are initially comprised of the developer’s associates and are not required to have any homeowner representation for up to the first six years of their existence.

My advice: if you’re purchasing a home in a self-contained community, be sure to ask your real estate agent, or the developer, if there is a CDD clause in the contract. As I stated earlier, CDDs have been the driving force behind many of the fabulous upscale communities that have been built in our area recently. But, as a homeowner, make sure that you are informed about any possible future financial effects of a CDD.

-Gina

Jacksonville Real Estate Market Looking Good

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:53:00 -0500

Because Jacksonville and northeast Florida never went through the crazy real estate speculation boom that affected other U.S. regions, things are looking up for property owners in our area. In fact, Jacksonville was named number 8 in a list of Ten Best Cities for Bargain House Hunters compiled by Forbes magazine.

A recent report by the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic research estimates that real estate value in Duval County will climb by 3% in 2008, making it one of only two counties in the state (the other is Leon) that will sustain an increase in the housing market.

More good news for Jacksonville house hunters-the city ranked 19th out of 100 markets in private sector job growth. Add to this the fact that Jacksonville's inflation rate was below the nation's average and we can consider ourselves fortunate to live in this lovely and stable community. (Plus, there's that fabulous weather).

If you've been waiting to look for a home, now would be a great time to start looking. Ditto if you've been thinking of moving up or downsizing. In my many years as a real estate agent in Jacksonville, I can honestly say that there has never been a better time to buy...or sell. Let me help you turn your real estate dreams into reality. Gina

Selling a Home in Jacksonville, Florida

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:07:18 -0600

Selling a home in Jacksonville, Florida

Selling your Jacksonville, Florida home requires detailed knowledge of current market conditions, an eye for home design and staging, an understanding of the marketing process, savvy negotiation skills and a relentless quest for just the right buyer. In other words, it requires Gina LaBarbera. Gina’s many years as a full-time, professional REALTOR in Jacksonville work to your advantage when it comes to a successful sale.

Don’t settle for just any REALTOR when selling a home in Jacksonville. Gina LaBarbera is a professional real estate agent and so much more!

Anchor Woman: Gina knows the data about each Jacksonville community and keeps you up-to-date on the real estate market in your neighborhood so you can price your home to sell.

Advice Columnist: Gina recommends repairs and improvements you can make to show off your home to best advantage.

Advertising Specialist: Gina knows where and how to list your property so that it reaches a targeted market of buyers looking for a home like yours.

Techno Wizard: Gina uses the Internet to reach computer-savvy buyers, most of whom start their home search on the web. She holds the prestigious e-PRO designation, awarded only to real estate agents who complete an intensive course of study on Internet marketing techniques.

Tour Guide: Gina schedules and oversees Open Houses for buyers as well as other Jacksonville real estate agents.

Diplomat: Gina is an expert at negotiating buyer’s requests so that both buyers and sellers are satisfied with the terms of the sales agreement. She also helps smooth any bumps that pop up during the period between the accepted offer and closing.

If you’re thinking about selling your Jacksonville home, click here for a free, no-obligation estimate of your home’s value.

Buying a Home in Jacksonville, Florida

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:04:21 -0600

Buying a home in Jacksonville, Florida

Whether you’re moving to Jacksonville from another state, or from across town, Gina LaBarbera can help you choose the right community and the right home that fit both your lifestyle and financial needs. Feel free to start your search here on her web site; it’s filled with detailed descriptions of the different neighborhoods in Jacksonville. When you find a neighborhood that interests you, available listings are just a click away.

Don’t settle for just any REALTOR when buying a home in Jacksonville. Gina LaBarbera is a professional real estate agent and so much more!

Time Manager: Gina understands that your time is valuable. She works with you by phone and the Internet to do the preliminary work. Then she’ll organize your home viewing trips for maximum efficiency.

Matchmaker: Gina knows the Jacksonville communities and she’s an expert at matching you with the right neighborhood.

Advance Scout: Gina takes you to see homes that aren’t yet listed on the MLS.

Transition Coach: Gina shares her firsthand experience of leaving the cold behind and adapting to the sunny Jacksonville lifestyle.

Detective: Gina will refer you to qualified inspectors who can help discover any potential problems with the property.

Negotiator: Gina works with you to determine an offer price that gives you the greatest chance of obtaining the home you want.

Money Maven: Gina has working relationships with lenders who will come up with the best options for financing your new home.

Supervisor: Gina will review your closing paperwork and accompany you to the closing to make sure that the entire process runs smoothly.

Ready to start looking for a Jacksonville home? Contact all the Ginas listed above with one simple click.

Relocating to Jacksonville

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:02:47 -0600

Relocating to Jacksonville

Whether you’re moving to Jacksonville from another state, across town, or another country, Gina LaBarbera is ready to help make the process as easy as possible. Having made the move to Jacksonville almost 20 years ago, Gina knows the ins and outs of Palm Coast, the Beaches, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, Hammock Beach and all the other communities surrounding Jacksonville.

Gina understands the hundreds of details that are involved in finding a new home and moving, especially long distance; that’s why she’s gathered everything you need to know about relocating to Jacksonville on this web site. You’ll find home listings, neighborhood profiles, school data and information about cultural and recreational activities.

Research your location here!

This link includes city reports, salary calculator, school reports and moving information!

She also knows that your time is at a premium, especially if you’re trying to balance work, a family and a move. That’s why Gina will help you find your Jacksonville area home through a virtual search, using the most technologically advanced tools in the real estate industry. She’ll listen carefully to your requirements and then work tirelessly to locate properties and neighborhoods that fill the bill. You’ll have the opportunity to view virtual tours on her web site and learn everything you need to know about the communities which interest you. When you’re ready to visit Jacksonville, she’ll plan your in-person home search to view only those homes that meet your criteria and make the most effective use of your time.

You can start the relocation to Jacksonville process right now, simply and easily. Just click the boxes below and Gina will be happy to send you the information you request.

Nocatee

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:46:37 -0600

Just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and an easy drive to Jacksonville, the planned community of Nocatee offers neighborhoods and home styles to suit every preference. Each of the community’s neighborhoods has its own personality and amenities. Choose from single-family homes, luxury estate homes, condominiums and townhomes constructed by some of Florida’s finest builders.

Riverwood is an age restricted, gated and private resort-style community for active adults. At Coastal Oaks, sweeping oak trees and peaceful preserves provide the setting for luxurious single-family estate homes, neo-traditional homes, townhomes and village homes. A quaint community of single-family homes and townhomes, The Palms features tree-shaded streets, scenic ponds, and peaceful wetlands preserves. In Tidewater, there are spacious condominiums designed with Florida living in mind. And Willowcove is targeted to active families.

Most of the neighborhood villages will have an elementary school within walking or biking distance. Nocatee has allocated land for six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Construction for the high school has already begun, and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008.

Following the philosophy of “Smart Growth,” Nocatee is integrated into the natural beauty of the land. Village-like neighborhoods with their own gathering places and amenities are connected via bike paths, trails and roadways to the Town Center.

Residents meet at the Town Center to eat and shop. Nocatee also has more than 300 acres of parks with biking and walking trails. The Nocatee Preserve encompasses 2,400 acres of land fronting a 3.5-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway known as the Tolomato River. A planned aquatics park will include recreational pools and a junior Olympic pool for competitions. The Community Center is a great place for get-togethers and has a spacious party room for private events.

Nocatee is a brand new town being developed in south Jacksonville Florida. The Town of Nocatee is currently under construction. New roads are being built, luxury homes, condos and a single upscale apartment complex are scheduled to be complete by the end of 2007.

Shopping
Delightfully close at hand are the vast shopping, dining, schools, parks and recreational delights of The Town of Nocatee.

Recreation
The Nocatee Community Park features an aquatics center, complete with a lazy river and 53 foot water slide, ball fields and tennis courts, nature and jogging trails, and much more to entertain hours of outdoor fun.

Transportation
By car, by train, by boat or by train! The proximity to Jacksonville makes Nocatee approximately 40 miles from The Jacksonville International Airport, easily accessible.

Medical Facilities
Baptist Medical Center South, Mayo Clinic, Flagler Hospital

Schools

District: St. Johns County School District
	Allen D. Nease	High School
	Landrum	Middle School
	Ocean Palms	Elementary

New Construction

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:59:21 -0600

Moving into a brand new home is one of life's true pleasures. You don't have to live with the previous owner's decorating scheme, the walls are newly painted, the appliances are sparkling clean and the carpet is free of dog hair and grime. You also have the opportunity to select a floor plan that suits your lifestyle, choose the tile and cabinets and convert that extra bedroom into a study or crafts room. In other words, your new home is truly an extension of your personality.

If you're in the market for a new home, there are many exciting developments springing up in the Jacksonville, Florida area. You may be tempted to purchase one of these new homes without using a real estate agent, but I strongly advise against doing that. Read on to find out why.

10 reasons why you should use Gina LaBarbera when purchasing a newly-built home

1. Many people think they're going to save the agent's commission if they buy directly from the builder, but it's not true-you may even spend more money! Builders have already figured in the cost of an agent's commission in the price of the home. Without a professional real estate agent like Gina looking out for you, you are at the mercy of the on-site agent, who is working to make the most money for the builder.

2. The friendly on-site agent is not your financial friend. He or she works for the builder and does not care whether your floor plan, site location or amenities are the ones that best meet your needs.

3. Gina understands what you want in a home and she'll make sure your home suits you. She'll help you select the right home in the right area, with the floor plan and the upgrades best suited for you.

4. Gina will advise you as to which styles, amenities, upgrades and extras have the most resale value.

5. Through her years of real estate experience in the Jacksonville area, Gina is familiar with the different builders and can recommend the ones who have the best reputation for quality, timeliness and customer service.

6. Gina will negotiate and review the sales agreement to ensure that all your requests are met at the best possible price.

7. Gina will recommend an independent building inspector who will make sure that everything is built to code and no corners are cut.

8. Gina will represent you during any disputes that may arise with the builder.

9. At closing, Gina will review the contract to make sure that everything that was promised is delivered.

10. Gina's goal is not to just sell you a home-it's to find you the right home!

Beautiful new communities to consider:

-St. Johns Forest - Featuring builders: David Weekley Homes; ICI Homes; Toll Brothers; Morrison Homes; American Home Builders; Kemick Homes; and Vintage Group. St. Johns Forest is a master-planned community offering large home sites, with lot and home prices ranging from the $300s to over $1 million. The community features a community activity center, pool complex, state-of-the-art fitness center, playing fields and basketball courts. In 2006 St. Johns Forest received the Best in American Living award.

-South Hampton - Featuring builders: ICI Homes; Beazer Homes; Providence Homes. South Hampton residents can take advantage of a variety of recreational amenities including an 18 hole Mark McCumber Golf Course and clubhouse, aquatics center, tennis courts, community clubhouse, social membership and full golf membership with every new property purchase. Homes at South Hampton are available in a variety of styles with prices starting in the 400s.

-St. Johns Golf & Country Club - St. Johns Golf and Country Club is located in the northwest corner of St. Johns County. Developed by renowned builder, St. Joe, the community offers a variety of home styles in a location that's close to great schools, shopping and restaurants and is an easy commute to downtown Jacksonville.

-World Golf Village - Golfers come from all over the world to visit and play at World Golf Village in historic St. Augustine. The Village, just 20 minutes south of Jacksonville, also has residential communities, known collectively as The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village. The Neighborhoods offer residences that range from single-family homes to coach homes, patio homes and condominiums. Prices begin in the $200s.

-Palencia - Palencia is located along two miles of the scenic Intracoastal Waterway and Marshall Creek. The community offers 2,642 residential homes, 300,000 square feet of retail space and 600,000 square feet of office space. Amenities include an athletic park, a swim and fitness center, an 18-hole Arthur Hill championship golf course, a 10-court tennis center, a golf clubhouse and more than 30 acres of parks with walking, biking and jogging trails.

-Nocatee - Just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and an easy drive to Jacksonville, the planned community of Nocatee offers neighborhoods and home styles to suit every preference. Each of the community's neighborhoods has its own personality and amenities. Choose from single-family homes, luxury estate homes, condominiums and townhomes constructed by some of Florida's finest builders. Most of the neighborhood villages will have an elementary school within walking or biking distance. Nocatee has allocated land for six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Construction for the high school has already begun, and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008. Following the philosophy of "Smart Growth," Nocatee is integrated into the natural beauty of the land. Village-like neighborhoods with their own gathering places and amenities are connected via bike paths, trails and roadways to the Town Center.

Do Home Improvement Projects Increase the Resale Value of My Home?

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:38:52 -0600

Some remodeling projects will add to the value your home, but some won't. For example, on kitchen remodeling projects and bathroom additions you can get back up to 90 percent or more of the cost. However, finishing a basement usually pays back less than 50 percent of the money you've invested.

Home Advisor at MSN.com has a chart of costs and average paybacks for typical home improvement projects. For example, adding a new heating or air conditioning system can cost between $2,000 to $4,500 with an average payback of 100% for heating; 75% for air conditioning. Whereas building a pool can cost $10,000 and up with an average payback of 44%.

The local real estate market and current property values are what determine if your remodeling project will increase the value of your home. If the market is slow, you'll see less of a payback than you would in a fast market. Also, if you remodel your house until it's twice as big as the other homes on the block, it won't necessarily double in value.

The price of home improvements fluctuates depending on economic conditions and region. If remodeling costs are particularly high, or home sale prices particularly low, you may not recover as much of your investment as you would if costs were proportionate with sales prices.

Below are some web sites you might find useful if you are thinking about making home improvements:

· Improve Net gives design ideas and helps you plan your project.

· Michigan State University Extension offers an online encyclopedia of topics related to home maintenance.

· The Federal Trade Commission has warnings and advice on how to find a contractor.

· The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers tips on obtaining financing.

You can call me any time, to talk about which projects will pay off best when you decide to sell your home.

NOW is THE time to BUY!!

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:31:47 -0600

30-Year Rate Falls to 2-Year Low

Associated Press Saturday, January 12, 2008; Page G04

According to an article last week in the Associated Press, rising worries about a weak economy pushed rates on 30-year mortgages below the 6 percent mark for only the second time in more than two years. The mortgage finance company Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 5.87 percent.

That was down from 6.07 percent last week and was the lowest level for 30-year mortgages in more than two years. Only once during that time had rates fallen below 6 percent, dipping to 5.96 percent for one week in December. Analysts attributed this week's decline to the most recent employment report, which showed the jobless rate jumping to 5 percent in December from 4.7 percent in November. It was the highest unemployment rate in two years and the biggest one-month increase since the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The weak employment picture has heightened fears that the steep slump in housing and a credit crisis that hit in August could be pushing the country into a recession. However, economists believe that further rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and a possible economic stimulus package of tax cuts from the administration could still ward off a full-blown downturn.

Frank E. Nothaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac, said that because mortgage rates have dropped by more than a quarter-point in the past two weeks, there has been an increase in the number of people refinancing mortgages to more attractive rates, a development that should help spur the economy.
Other types of mortgages also showed rate declines this week. Rates on 15-year mortgages, a popular choice for refinancing, dropped to 5.43 percent this week from 5.68 percent.

Rates on five-year, adjustable-rate mortgages declined to 5.63 percent from 5.78 percent last week, and the average rate on one-year ARMs fell to 5.37 percent from 5.47 percent. The mortgage rates do not include add-on fees known as points. Thirty-year, 15-year and one-year mortgages each carried a nationwide average fee of 0.4 point. Five-year mortgages had a fee of 0.5 point. A year ago, 30-year mortgages stood at 6.21 percent. Rates on 15-year mortgages were at 5.96 percent, while five-year adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 6.03 percent and one-year ARMs were at 5.44 percent.

There is talk that rates may drop again this week - January 31st! If you have been thinking about purchasing a new home this year, now may be the time to start looking! Please let me know how I may help you! Call Gina today for information about the Jacksonville area! 904-866-1182

Vflyer vs. Postlets vs. Singlepropertysites.com

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:07:19 -0600

Okay, so my assistant just recently told me about these websites... they all look very similar. Can anyone offer any additional information? I'm looking for one that allows linkbacks to my personal website...and one that generates statistics as well.

Has anyone seen an influx in traffic to their websites after using one of these programs?

Thanks!

Gina

http://www.sunshinestatesales.com

Another newbie blogger!

Gina LaBarbera (Vanguard Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:06:27 -0500

Hello everyone! I'm new to the wonderful world of blogging! I've been enjoying reading so many great articles on here and I'm truly excited to get started! Please feel free to pass along some advice! Thanks!!

Gina