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homes in st augustine: Many rental properties allow dogs but no cats. What's up with that? - 05/22/12 07:20 AM
VIP Staging and Home Management specializes in helping real estate agents sell their vacant home listings by staging them and placing Home Managers to be caretakers until the home sells.  Our homes in St. Augustine are priced approximately 50% less than fair rental pricing.  I get a LOT of calls for rentals and many prospects have pets.
This is a common question asked of me by prospective Home Managers.  They just LOVE their cats, they are smaller than dogs, have less woodwork chewing issues so why don’t owners allow them?  Simply, I believe it is because of the dangers of cat … (6 comments)

homes in st augustine: GM Says NO To Facebook - 05/18/12 10:41 AM
I read an artilce in Forbes Magazine about GM and Facebook Advertising.  It stated that General Motors announced that it plans to stop advertising on the Facebook, concluding that "Facebook paid ads don’t have a big impact on consumers". 
Maybe that is the case for large automobile manufacturers, but not for Real Estate Marketing.  We have seen a lot of success with the targeted ads offered by Facebook with agents selling homes in St. Augustine.  Question, do you have a new listing in an over 55 community like The Cascades in St. Augustine?  Target your ad to the soon to retire in the Tri-state area … (2 comments)

homes in st augustine: Florida Flood Insurance To Increase - 05/03/12 11:48 AM
I don’t normally like to post negative news – however this is informative to buyers and sellers of homes in St. Augustine.   I just read an article from South Florida Sun-Sentinel that stated that flood insurance rates will increase.
“The National Flood Insurance Program, the only source of coverage for 2.1 million Florida households, will raise its rates by an average of 5 percent in October and maybe as much as 20 percent in high-risk areas over the next few years. Federal officials also have told Florida insurance agents they can no longer provide discounts of up to 15 percent for … (0 comments)

homes in st augustine: St. Augustine Beach, FL RENTAL HOME $950 monthly - 05/03/12 11:33 AM
RENTAL Large 3BR Brick Home - On Island … (4 comments)

homes in st augustine: 5 Mistakes To Avoid Before Buying a Property - 03/25/12 09:53 AM
5 Mistakes To Avoid Before Buying A Property In St Augustine FL If you are thinking about buying a property within the next year, there are certain things that you should avoid doing as they may limit your ability to get a mortgage. Below are 5 mistakes to avoid before buying homes in St Augustine FL.
5 Mistakes To Avoid Before Buying A Property In St Augustine FL Major Purchases Lenders evaluate the percentage of your debt to your overall income. Making large purchases either on your credit cards or with new loans may significantly shift that percentage. In general, the higher your debt, … (2 comments)

homes in st augustine: St. Augustine Beach Time - 03/20/12 06:12 AM
Pre-Season Beach Passes Now on Sale - Beach driving passes are available now at pre-season prices of $30 for St. Johns County, Florida residents and $40 for non-residents. Passes may be purchased at the St. Johns County Pier, Tax Collector's Offices and Recreation and Parks Office. The price increases by $10 on March 2nd. (Sorry!)
More information at www.sjcfl.us/beaches or call (904) 209-0333.  
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homes in st augustine: Typical Seller Mistakes When Listing Homes in St Augustine - 03/03/12 06:29 AM
Many seller actions can affect a home sale. Some typical seller mishaps when listing homes in St Augustine are worse than others. Sellers can avoid the mistakes shown below:

Not Focusing on the Staging or Cleanup
It can be difficult to keep a property presentable at all times especially while still occupying it. Sellers must spend time staging and cleaning prior to property viewings and open houses. Buyers tend to notice little about a property and more of the mess inside, so not paying attention to cleaning will make your property less interesting. Buyers assume that sellers who do not clean … (4 comments)

homes in st augustine: Kick Off Party for the Artbreakers Music & Art Festival - 02/27/12 06:55 AM
Join Artbreaker Tuesday evening March 6th for food, fun and a mini concert by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Terry Sylvester of The Hollies at The Groove Cafe. 
The event is from 5 until 9 pm.  Admission is free and a portion of all food and beverage sales will be donated back to Artbreakers.  Terry Sylvester will take the stage about 7:30 pm for a mini-concert and will be available for autographs and photos after the show. 
The Groove is located next to Tim's Wine Market in Sea Grove Main Street on Anastasia Island
This concert is … (0 comments)

homes in st augustine: Parade of Homes features Homes in St. Augustine - 02/15/12 01:14 PM

The Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Parade of Homes is one of the home-buyer highlights of the year.  If you are looking for homes in St. Augustine, this is a "not to miss" event. 
If you are a Builder or Developer, your home should be entered in this event.  For Builders interested in entering the deadline  is Tuesday, Feb. 21.
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homes in st augustine: 6 BR Home in Gated Community - Only $1,000 per month! - 01/27/12 07:39 PM
6 BR Home in Gated Community … (0 comments)

homes in st augustine: St. Johns County Market Activity 12/13/11 - 12/30/11 08:21 AM
The close of the year is always busy- check out the nearly 20 price reductions compared to New Listings!  It's a great time to buy homes in St. Augustine!
 
Here is a 24 hour snapshot of the St. Johns County real estate market activity for 12/30/11
 
 

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homes in st augustine: Market to your right Target. - 11/14/11 04:13 PM
Did you know that each year, 700,000 Americans relocate to new towns to retire? Thats a bunch of real estate transactions. I found a very helpful magazine,, "Where to Retire", that is geared toward helping people with retirement relocation decisions in the US.

Where to Retire editor Mary Lu Abbott said St. Augustine possesses qualities important to today’s retirees. “Its colorful past as the nation’s oldest city lures many to St. Augustine, where beautiful beaches and an easygoing lifestyle add to its appeal. Retirees find it’s less crowded than some parts of Florida and not as hot, and golfers relish … (2 comments)

homes in st augustine: Five Things You Should Always do if You're Buying A Foreclosed House - 11/04/11 08:59 AM
 
With more than 1 million U.S. homes in some phase of the foreclosure process, great deals abound. Florida has more than their fair share, that's for sure.  So many buyers, mostly from out of state contact me looking for the "steal of a deal" (really one actually used that term!)  2 or 3 bedroom home (not condo) with views of the ocean - does not HAVE to be Oceanfront, for no more than $150,000.
 
Really?  Are you kidding me?  Where does this type of property exist?   Surely they do not…not in Northeast Florida, not in St. Augustine.  Foreclosures can … (1 comments)

homes in st augustine: Marsh Creek Patio Home - 11/03/11 10:37 AM
 
Charming patio home on one of the nicest, most quiet cul-de-sacs in Marsh Creek Country Club. Conveniently located close to the back gate, this home is tucked away at the end of the street, backing to a private nature preserve. Make this your own island paradise with the addition of your custom swimming pool. The spacious back yard gives you ample room! Third bedroom does not conform as there is no closet but perfect for office or bedroom with armoir! Monthly fees of 142.00 maintain the yard!
 
 
Newly painted on the inside, this home is in great … (0 comments)

homes in st augustine: Fantastic Marsh Creek Home - Call Marjorie Taylor 904-591-9121 - 11/03/11 09:31 AM
Fantastic Marsh Creek home. Great floor plan, open and bright, granite counter tops, new paint, new ceiling fans, new roof, paver drive way, wood burning fireplace, large back yard with screened in lanai. Home is immaculate and stage perfectly.Most furnishing are negotiable.  526 Lakeway Drive $310,000
 

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homes in st augustine: Live in My House - PLEASE! - 11/02/11 08:08 AM
 
Vacant homes are hard to sell.  They present unique challenges for Homeowners and Realtors alike.

 
Vacant homes holding costs are great due to repair bills, utility bills, landscape and pool maintenance. A vacant home is subject to unmitigated deterioration reducing property value and the opportunity for a good presentation. Issues may include:  leaks, irrigation issues, loss of expensive landscaping and the breakdown of home systems such as HVAC and plumbing. These are common problems associated with vacant properties. Insurance rates can be as much as 7 times higher for a vacant home, if it is insurable at all. … (2 comments)

homes in st augustine: Green will now count! - 10/31/11 08:56 AM

Last year I earned my GREEN designation with the National Association of REALTORS.  GREEN homes cost more to build, and updating your home with GREEN equipment costs more, but saves you more in terms of energy, and our planet.  Important stuff!!
  So, I ask you....when you apply for a mortgage to buy a house, how often does the lender ask detailed questions about monthly energy costs or tell the appraiser to factor in the energy-efficiency features of the house when coming up with a value?  NEVER, until now.
A bill that was introduced Oct. 20 would force the big … (2 comments)

homes in st augustine: Traveling Vietnam Wall - Honoring Veterans in St. Augustine, FL - 10/31/11 08:38 AM
 
The Veterans Council of St Johns County will be honoring its veterans at a special event coming up very shortly on Sunday November 6th. This year we are at a new, larger venue, Anastasia Baptist Church at 1650 A1A South., St Augustine.
This free event is open to the public, tickets are not needed and there is plenty of onsite free parking. Doors will open at 1:30 pm and there will be a display of over 20 veterans related tables, the Traveling Vietnam Wall and a singer performing live on stage songs from the World War II era. All … (2 comments)

homes in st augustine: Special Davis Shores Open House Saturday Nov. 5th 2012 - 10/30/11 06:24 PM
 
Special Davis Shores Open House Saturday Nov. 5th 2012

 
 
 
Cooperating area real estate brokers invite you to a community Open House in Davis Shores today, Saturday Nov 5th, from 1-4pm.
10 homes within the distinguished neighborhood will open their doors to the public.  There will also be drawings for gift baskets and a $100 gift card to a local restaurant.
This Open House event features six real estate companies combining their efforts to offer the public the opportunity to view homes in Davis Shores.  Organizer, Marjorie Taylor, Broker-Associate with Watson Realty Corp says that … (0 comments)

homes in st augustine: Message to Sellers - Let Go! - 10/25/11 10:12 AM
In today's real estate market, REALTORS wear a number hats.  Salesperson, Professional, Educator, Decorator, Distressed Property Expert, Entertainer, Explorer, Magician, Negotiator and Marketer with deep pockets to pay for all the advertising.

The decision to sell ones home can come with a mixed bag of emotions. There is uncertainty and fear about how quickly your home will sell and for what dollar amount. There may be guilt about leaving behind family, friends, or neighbors. You may also feel anxiety about what is to come.
This article is insightfulto the Sellers emotions during the sales process.  It opened my eyes that … (5 comments)