My Insight Into NE FL

Recessionary Spending Lessons I've Learned

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:42:25 -0600

As most of us are looking to stretch our dollars, I have noticed some changes in my own spending and buying habits that I found interesting enough to share:

Big Lots has a TON of deals, on both seasonal and everyday items. For example, they have small reed diffusers for $2.50 right now, great stocking stuffers, or as small gift exchange item. PLUS, I found my conditioner for 1/3 of the traditional retail store price.

The Ivory body wash is significantly less per fluid ounce than all competition, and it's thicker, so you effectively use less. I was pleasantly surprised, really.

Regifting is not a crime, if done correctly. I regifted a board game at an event last night, it had never been used. I am regifting a martini shaker and pair of glasses (very Mad Men style) at an event Monday night. I've had them for 5 years, and never used them.

A simple, well done appetizer is sure to impress - I have a marinated tortellini recipe that wows the guests every time. Cost to make? The cost of a large package of tortellini, some olive oil, some garlic, 20 minutes to make, a few hours to refrigerate.

Bargains at the wine store - I just found a fabulous Chilean Chardonnay that I love for $11.99 for a 1.5 liter bottle.

I would love to hear your ideas on how you conserve cash this holiday season - please share!

Carol Zingone is a Broker Associate with a 100% Customer Satisfaction Rating in Jacksonville Beach, FL with Prudential Network Realty. She helps buyers and sellers throughout the Beaches, Intracoastal West and Greater Jacksonville, FL areas. She can be reached at 904/993-9048 or via email at carolzingone@clearwire.net

Recessionary Spending Lessons I've Learned

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:41:07 -0600

As most of us are looking to stretch our dollars, I have noticed some changes in my own spending and buying habits that I found interesting enough to share:

Big Lots has a TON of deals, on both seasonal and everyday items. For example, they have small reed diffusers for $2.50 right now, great stocking stuffers, or as small gift exchange item. PLUS, I found my conditioner for 1/3 of the traditional retail store price.

The Ivory body wash is significantly less per fluid ounce than all competition, and it's thicker, so you effectively use less. I was pleasantly surprised, really.

Regifting is not a crime, if done correctly. I regifted a board game at an event last night, it had never been used. I am regifting a martini shaker and pair of glasses (very Mad Men style) at an event Monday night. I've had them for 5 years, and never used them.

A simple, well done appetizer is sure to impress - I have a marinated tortellini recipe that wows the guests every time. Cost to make? The cost of a large package of tortellini, some olive oil, some garlic, 20 minutes to make, a few hours to refrigerate.

Bargains at the wine store - I just found a fabulous Chilean Chardonnay that I love for $11.99 for a 1.5 liter bottle.

I would love to hear your ideas on how you conserve cash this holiday season - please share!

Recessionary Spending Lessons I've Learned

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:39:44 -0600

As most of us are looking to stretch our dollars, I have noticed some changes in my own spending and buying habits that I found interesting enough to share:

Big Lots has a TON of deals, on both seasonal and everyday items. For example, they have small reed diffusers for $2.50 right now, great stocking stuffers, or as small gift exchange item. PLUS, I found my conditioner for 1/3 of the traditional retail store price.

The Ivory body wash is significantly less per fluid ounce than all competition, and it's thicker, so you effectively use less. I was pleasantly surprised, really.

Regifting is not a crime, if done correctly. I regifted a board game at an event last night, it had never been used. I am regifting a martini shaker and pair of glasses (very Mad Men style) at an event Monday night. I've had them for 5 years, and never used them.

A simple, well done appetizer is sure to impress - I have a marinated tortellini recipe that wows the guests every time. Cost to make? The cost of a large package of tortellini, some olive oil, some garlic, 20 minutes to make, a few hours to refrigerate.

Bargains at the wine store - I just found a fabulous Chilean Chardonnay that I love for $11.99 for a 1.5 liter bottle.

I would love to hear your ideas on how you conserve cash this holiday season - please share!

Recessionary Spending Lessons I've Learned

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:37:56 -0600

As most of us are looking to stretch our dollars, I have noticed some changes in my own spending and buying habits that I found interesting enough to share:

Big Lots has a TON of deals, on both seasonal and everyday items. For example, they have small reed diffusers for $2.50 right now, great stocking stuffers, or as small gift exchange item. PLUS, I found my conditioner for 1/3 of the traditional retail store price.

The Ivory body wash is significantly less per fluid ounce than all competition, and it's thicker, so you effectively use less. I was pleasantly surprised, really.

Regifting is not a crime, if done correctly. I regifted a board game at an event last night, it had never been used. I am regifting a martini shaker and pair of glasses (very Mad Men style) at an event Monday night. I've had them for 5 years, and never used them.

A simple, well done appetizer is sure to impress - I have a marinated tortellini recipe that wows the guests every time. Cost to make? The cost of a large package of tortellini, some olive oil, some garlic, 20 minutes to make, a few hours to refrigerate.

Bargains at the wine store - I just found a fabulous Chilean Chardonnay that I love for $11.99 for a 1.5 liter bottle.

I would love to hear your ideas on how you conserve cash this holiday season - please share!

Texting Your Way Through The Holidays!

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:14:48 -0600

I realize my own personal texting usage is high - there are times and contacts it simply makes more sense to text, especially if you are with a customer, let's say, and you need to inform another agent of something short and sweet. Texting is perfect in many cases. So what if I have a strong cadre of friends and associates who consider my texting to be an, um, addiction. They are just all thumbs, in my opinion, or do not have a QWERTY keyboard!

I have now recevied three Happy Thanksgiving texts this morning, and am not sure if I find this the best way to wish someone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Doesn't it seem just a bit....impersonal? It means the texter (sender) took the time to craft a simple holiday-specific message, and then blast it to a whole list of textees (recipients).

I like the concept, and am actually, still attempting to figure out HOW to create a group distribution list for texting, but am simultaneously taken aback by my own reaction to it.

How do you feel out there in Thanksgiving-land?

Oh, and I'm getting my group text ready for Happy Black Friday Shopping!

Two Jacksonville Beach Hotels Join Floirda Green Lodging Program

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:19:36 -0600

Six new hotels - including two in Jacksonville Beach - were recently designated in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Green Lodging program. With a total of 590 designated members, the Florida Green Lodging program and its designated facilities prove that green is the trend in travel.

According to the DEP director of sustainable initiatives Deas Bohn, "Designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging program are trendsetters in the lodging industry." "By implementing sustainable practices that are protective of Florida's natural resources, Green Lodging facilities offer their guests an eco friendly retreat."

To become a designated member of the voluntary program, lodging facilities adopt cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste.

The new designations locally are:

Northeast - Best Western Oceanfront and Quality Suites Oceanfront, both in Jacksonville Beach

The Florida Green Lodging program was launched in March 2004 and establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As a reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities.

This is fabulous news for Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach,as green lodging and living are become increasingly important to all tourists.

Source: The Beaches Leader, November 2009

Atlantic Beach Octotber 2009 statistics

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:44:25 -0600

Here are the October 2009 stats and 2008 for comparison -

2009

17 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $46,000
Highest price: $850,000
Shortest Days on Market: 12
Longest Days on Market: 453

2008

7 homes sold
Lowest price: $190,000
Highest price: $900,000
Shortest Days on Market: 21
Longest Days on Market: 194

Similar to Jacksonville Beach, lots of good news to report this month. The low end prices are not drastically different year to year, although it's still a 27% decrease which is exactly what we have been seeing pretty much across the board.

The year to year homes sold increased 142% which is fabulous.

If you are ready to list your home, call me for a comparable market analysis to see what price range you should list in, and to learn more about what sets myself and Prudential Network Realty apart from the competition.

And, if you are a 1^st time homebuyer, act now, while interest rates are below 5%, and the $8K tax credit is still available - now is a smart time to buy!

Neptune Beach October 2009 statistics

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:34:14 -0600

Here are the October 2009 stats and 2008 for comparison -

2009

5 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $195,601
Highest price: $838,948
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 246

This is two more homes than sold in September for a 66% increase month to month.

2008

2 homes sold
Lowest price: $345,000
Highest price: $850,000
Shortest Days on Market: 111
Longest Days on Market: 226

Neptune Beach is a very small market, hence, smaller numbers than the neighboring towns of Atlantic & Jacksonville Beach.

You can clearly see the year to year, and month to month increases - I just posted a link to a home this week, a duplex east of 3^rd Street in Neptune Beach priced below $350K - so it would seem we have reached the pricing bottom in most areas.

And, if you are a 1^sttime homebuyer, act now, while interest rates are below 5%, and the $8K tax credit is still available.

Jacksonville Beach October 2009 statistics

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:26:24 -0600

Here are the October 2009 stats and 2008 for comparison -

2009

22 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $124,900
Highest price: $1,515,000
Shortest Days on Market: 4
Longest Days on Market: 534

This is 5 more homes than sold in September, which is a 29% increase month to month.

2008

8 homes sold
Lowest price: $195,000
Highest price: $3,500,000
Shortest Days on Market: 43
Longest Days on Market: 407

This is wonderful news, and demonstrates we are close to the bottom of the single family housing market, or possibly already at the bottom.

As you can see from the numbers, listings sold year to date has increased a whopping 175%, which is terrific news for both buyers and sellers. Buyers see the value in the market, and sellers have become more realistic in their list price.

The price ranges still show a decline in the market, however, without pulling more specific data, the low end range is most likely a short sale or foreclosure property. These prices do, in fact, all pricing, so they cannot simply be discounted.

Atlantic Beach Market Data 9/09

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:49:53 -0500

Here are the September 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

17 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $59,900
Highest price: $845,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 706

2008

7 homes sold
Lowest price: $82,500
Highest price: $890,000
Shortest Days on Market: 29
Longest Days on Market: 167

The year to year homes sold increased 142% which is fabulous. The days on market has, for the most part, decreased. A word about the 706 days on market on one of those listings: agents handle their listings differently, but this clearly shows a property that started out overpriced, and attempted to chase the market. Once you are behind, the only way to get ahead is to aggressively lower your price so you are one of the top 3 priced properties in your area.

And, if you are a 1^sttime homebuyer, act now, while interest rates are below 5%, and the $8K tax credit deadline is quickly approaching.

Neptune Beach Market Stats 9/09

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:40:56 -0500

Here are the September 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

3 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $175,000
Highest price: $585,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 119

2008

5 homes sold
Lowest price: $225,000
Highest price: $3,300,000
Shortest Days on Market: 24
Longest Days on Market: 274

Neptune Beach is a very small market, hence, smaller numbers than the neighboring towns of Atlantic & Jacksonville Beach.

There is still good news here, even though I would have preferred to see more home sold this year over last year. For example the days on market has decreased impressively year to year, which indicates buyers are finding value and purchasing new homes.

And, if you are a 1^st time homebuyer, act now, while interest rates are below 5%, and the $8K tax credit deadline is quickly approaching.

Jacksonville Beach, FL Market Data 9/09

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:32:53 -0500

Here are the September 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

17 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $126,000
Highest price: $3,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 704

2008

7 homes sold
Lowest price: $189,000
Highest price: $320,000
Shortest Days on Market: 50
Longest Days on Market: 174

I'm thrilled to be reporting such improvement in so all areas!

As you can see from the numbers, listings sold year to date has increased a whopping 142%, which is terrific news for both buyers and sellers. Buyers see the value in the market, and sellers have become more realistic in their list price.

If you are first time homebuyer, act now with interest rates below 5%, and the $8K tax credit deadline quickly approaching.

Jax Beaches Homes Sold Year To Date 2009

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:16:18 -0500

Beaches Area 2009 statistics

Here are the August 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

285 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $44,900
Highest price: $3,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 1,247

2008

228 homes sold
Lowest price: $40,000
Highest price: $4,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 717

The number of homes sold year to year is up, 24%, which is terrific news for anyone involved in real estate, whether is it buying or selling.

The prices are not off that much from last year, in reality, and the days on market, with the exception of the property on the market for 1200 days (a number I have never seen before, personally), seem consistent.

And, if you are a first time buyer, use your $8K tax credit before it's gone!

Jax Beaches Homes Sold Year To Date 2009

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:14:36 -0500

Beaches Area 2009 statistics

Here are the August 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

285 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $44,900
Highest price: $3,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 1,247

2008

228 homes sold
Lowest price: $40,000
Highest price: $4,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 717

The number of homes sold year to year is up, 24%, which is terrific news for anyone involved in real estate, whether is it buying or selling.

And, if you are a first time buyer, use your $8K tax credit before it's gone!

Jax Beaches Homes Sold Year To Date 2009

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:13:30 -0500

Beaches Area 2009 statistics

Here are the August 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

285 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $44,900
Highest price: $3,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 1,247

2008

228 homes sold
Lowest price: $40,000
Highest price: $4,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 717

The number of homes sold year to year is up, 24%, which is terrific news for anyone involved in real estate, whether is it buying or selling.

And, if you are a first time buyer, use your $8K tax credit before it's gone!

Jax Beaches Homes Sold Year To Date 2009

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:12:27 -0500

Beaches Area 2009 statistics

Here are the August 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

285 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $44,900
Highest price: $3,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 1,247

2008

228 homes sold
Lowest price: $40,000
Highest price: $4,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 717

The number of homes sold year to year is up, 24%, which is terrific news for anyone involved in real estate, whether is it buying or selling.

And, if you are a first time buyer, use your $8K tax credit before it's gone!

Jax Beaches Homes Sold Year To Date 2009

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:10:58 -0500

Beaches Area 2009 statistics

Here are the August 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

285 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $44,900
Highest price: $3,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 1,247

2008

228 homes sold
Lowest price: $40,000
Highest price: $4,200,000
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 717

The number of homes sold year to year is up, 24%, which is terrific news for anyone involved in real estate, whether is it buying or selling.

And, if you are a first time buyer, use your $8K tax credit before it's gone!

Atlantic Beach Market Data 8/09

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:30:11 -0500

Here are the August 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

6 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $175,000
Highest price: $475,000
Shortest Days on Market: 8
Longest Days on Market: 350

2008

13 homes sold
Lowest price: $100,000
Highest price: $459,900
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 325

The number of homes sold year to year is flat, however, the days on market are consistent with last year, as is the pricing.

I've personally gotten two homes under contract in less than 10 days, with their contract prices being at 95-98% of list price, proof yet again that well priced, well presented properties are selling quickly.

Jacksonville Beach Market Data 8/09

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:23:10 -0500

Here are the August 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

6 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $175,000
Highest price: $475,000
Shortest Days on Market: 8
Longest Days on Market: 350

2008

13 homes sold
Lowest price: $100,000
Highest price: $459,900
Shortest Days on Market: 0
Longest Days on Market: 325

The number of homes sold year to year is flat, however, the days on market are consistent with last year, as is the pricing.

Neptune Beach Market Data 8/09

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:11:50 -0500

Here are the August 2009 stats and August 2008 for comparison -

2009

6 Homes Sold
Lowest price: $99,905
Highest price: $425,000
Shortest Days on Market: 2
Longest Days on Market: 334

2008

4 homes sold
Lowest price: $277,000
Highest price: $350,000
Shortest Days on Market: 20
Longest Days on Market: 134

The number of homes sold year to year has increased by 33%, which is right in line with the uptick in activity we are seeing in all price points.

The overall days on market have decreased; the lowest price home sold was most likely a short sale or a foreclosure which is why it moved so fast. If you are not getting showings, you are not priced correctly. It's that simple.

(Data is compiled from the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, and reflects Realtor sales. Sales not involving a Realtor are not included.)

Population Decline in Florida

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:47:36 -0500

I have to correct the impression recently made by the media about this disastrous population decline in Florida.

True, there have been 58,000 people to leave the state. We do not know from where in the state nor do we know why, nor do we know from what type of positions. These could be people who recently moved here, say, in the past 3-4 years, and they have decided to move to the Carolinas, or "half way back" to a state they originally moved from

However, from a statistical perspective, 58,000 leaving a state population of 18,328,340 is a fairly small number - .003% to be exact.

Please do not fall into a "Chicken Little, the sky is falling" state of mind! If this trend continues, and if the numbers start becoming greater, then it is a matter Worth digging deeper into.

Until we have more data on the why, the where, and the type of position they left, or were downsized from, this is simply the media creating excitement to sell papers, and newscasts.

Under Contract in 8 Days!

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:38:46 -0500

Yes, you read that correctly, I got a well-priced, well-presented listing into contract with a pre-approved, qualified 1st time buyer in 8 days.

How? Aside from market activity picking up, which we are seeing across all price points in Jacksonville, FL, my seller was HIGHLY motivated and followed my suggestions to have a pre-listing inspection as well as consult with a home stager.

I knew I would not have this listing for very long, but I was even happier to tell the seller the other offers I received were less than the offer she accepted, and that we can close by her target date of 9/30/09.

We are also down to 10 months inventory here in Jax, suggesting more market stabilization. I'm thrilled to see homes getting into contract in shorter time spans.

Here's a link to the MLS listing: http://pub.realtyweb.net/cgi-bin/mainmenu.cgi?cmd=url+other/run_public_link.html&public_link_tech_id=oua4kmm1x36&id=1&cid=1

Ready To Buy Your First Home?

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:53:55 -0500

If you are ready to buy your first home in Jacksonville, FL, here is some good information about new programs available.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) is a city program seeking to purchase bank owned foreclosures, rehabilitate them, and then sell them at moderate prices to homeowners. This program is specifically targeting the following zip codes:

32206
32208
32209
32244
32254

The program overview is available on this website: http://www.nspjax.com/

This is a brand new program. so there will be more info posted to the website soon.

The other program you may have heard about is the Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program. This is another city program offering downpayment assistance for first time homebuyers. There is a limited amount of funding for this program, and this program requires a Home Buyer Education session, which is 8 hours long. It's important to know the buyers that will benefit from this program are motivated buyers who are ready to buy in the next 45-60 days. Each buyer prospect will be given a letter after the education session, and this letter is First Come/First Served/First Closed.

The max purchase price for a property on this program is $247,500, and the property MUST be owner occupied-not an investment property.

Ready To Buy Your First Home?

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:52:45 -0500

If you are ready to buy your first home in Jacksonville, FL, here is some good information about new programs available.

32206
32208
32209
32244
32254

The program overview is available on this website: http://www.nspjax.com/

This is a brand new program. so there will be more info posted to the website soon.

The max purchase price for a property on this program is $247,500, and the property MUST be owner occupied-not an investment property.

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

Carol Zingone, Broker Associate, GRI, LMC,SRES (Prudential Network Realty) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:51:51 -0500

If you are ready to buy your first home in Jacksonville, FL, here is some good information about new programs available.

32206
32208
32209
32244
32254

The program overview is available on this website: http://www.nspjax.com/

This is a brand new program. so there will be more info posted to the website soon.

The max purchase price for a property on this program is $247,500, and the property MUST be owner occupied-not an investment property.