Jacksonville, FL

The question seems to always come up--what is One Team @ Keller Williams Realty. And more specifically why should you work with One Team----

So here goes!

One Team is made up of Christa LaFarlette, Realtor and marketing junkie! I enjoy listing, marketing, and selling homes. My passion is assisting the homeowner meet and exceed their goal(s), while keeping it real.

One Team is made up of Jessica Touchton, Realtor and buyer's agent! Jessica is passionate about finding the right home for 'her' buyers, and keeps it real while meeting their needs and attempting to exceed the buyers expectations (hard to do when us listing agents are involved:-)).

Together, with our assistant Pam and our real estate specific software, we are streamlined, goal oriented, go-getters. Tech-savvy with complete focus on the bottom line. We know that at times the home experience can be an exciting, nerve wrecking, and yet fantastic experience. As such we work hard to make sure each detail is covered. With advanced training and on-going information sharing our goal is up to the moment everything. Making certain all bases are as covered as possible.

One Team, each member completely focused on a specific goal and task. Specific to your goal and need. And THAT is the beauty of Keller Williams Realty--the team concept. Desire to sell your property, and take advantage of that $6500. tax incentive? Talk to Christa, it's her ONLY focus! Then, when you are ready to purchase....talk to Jessica! She is ready to assist you with your largest and most important purchase---after all, it is her only focus! Wondering when your closing will be---don't worry, Pam will email (yep, she is that good!) and keep us all informed along the way!

And this is why our 'tag' line is: One Team: One mission. One vision. One goal. Yours Assisting YOU with real estate, one home at a time.

Announcement - SOLD & Closed!

Your Choice Real Estate is pleased to announce the successful closing of 5174 SAND RIDGE , JACKSONVILLE , FLORIDA ; 32258.

The deal closed on 11/06/09. The original asking price was $176,000 and the final sale price was $174,000 representing 98.9% of the list price. The home was listed on September 3, 2009 and went into contract in 47 days on October 20, 2009. This is shorter than the national and regional average DOM of 209 days.

The sellers listed the property with Jamie Walker (904-268-6700) of Floridian Realty (904-268-6700).

The buyer was represented by Phillip Jones (904-298-2679 Ext. 501) of Your Choice Real Estate of Orange Park, FL.

Funding was provided from Sun Trust Mortgage, Inc. The transaction was closed by Title America of Jacksonville, Florida.

Special thanks go to everyone involved for pulling together this transaction.

For more information about the services the sellers used to get such great results call or email me anytime.

Phillip Jones, Broker/Owner
Your Choice Real Estate, Inc.
Phone: (904) 298-2679 Ext 501
E-Mail: email me for more info
www.ycre.net

Located in Avondale (Jacksonville) Florida there is a home with a metal roof. Really. Not kidding. You may have seen this home, this unique piece of real estate. It sits on the corner of Park and Glendale and is one of my all-time-favorites! I've attached the picture, just in case you have not viewed this amazing property---

This home has a metal roof, and when it rains---oh, the sound when it rains. The patter of the rain on the roof. I would imagine that when there is a true Florida storm it would be quite a something, quite a something. I can only imagine that the sound, mixed with the back patio, and with the beauty of the rain, and maybe the green of the grass with the arbor in the back ---well, it would just take my breath away! Truly. And as I drive through Avondale I see these homes with the metal roofs and I think that this is what I need on my home. So that I can listen as it rains, and view the green from my back patio, and perhaps share that moment.

But I have shingles. And while they keep us dry, and do a fine job of covering our house. And while they do protect our home from the multitude of squirrels and 'roof rats' (okay, who else moved here and did not know about these things?) and I did enjoy picking out a color--- it still is not the same. I do know this as my Florida room has a metal roof and in a good rain it is quite a something--!

So, as I view homes each day, previewing them for prospective buyers, and viewing them as the owners are perhaps thinking of selling--I pay attention to the roof. I think that there is diversity in the roof. Just as there is in the people who will purchase a piece of history in Avondale. Just as it is when the seller or would be buyer makes a decision regarding shingle or metal.

And that my friend is my thinking on metal roofs! It's Sunday evening, and I just thought I would share!

How, you may be asking, can one go 'around the world' without leaving the Avondale-Riverside area?

Easy! Yesterday I had the BEST BLT wrap at The European Cafe, and while I was sitting at the counter munching my lunch I noticed that there is a not so large sign over to the right. It states that it will give those who complete their 'Beer Around the World' challenge a year of free beverage (for exact details go and ask them!). Then, after receiving excellent service and a soda to go, I wandered to pay the check. There, on that counter were small little Toblerones (which I have no doubt misspelled, sorry). These little chocolate morsels are yummy and from Europe I believe. They are a treat that my dad used to 'bribe' me with. So, for a mere .59 cents I purchased one----and regretted later not buying three!

The point is this, if we open our eyes and look around opportunity to find 'the World' is out here. Locally. In our favorite restaurants, in our favorite deli's or coffee houses' (did someone say coffee? I need a refill!) Or just hanging out at Memorial Park. If you head anywhere public and take a moment to look around you may be surprised by the multi-cultural diversity in Riverside, and in Avondale. It is what makes this area so unique. It is the area in Jacksonville where, in my opinion, differences are celebrated instead of quieted. Where come as you are, and be who you are is okay. Even my 5 year old has noticed this.

A few weeks ago we visited the Arts Market on Saturday. It is one of our favorite places! There is a small group that we see and they have a snake (or two). He really, really wanted to hold it! Lucky for me the young group was smart and know not to let my child hold their pet! The cool thing is and was that in this area on this Saturday bringing your dog, or snake, or child (okay, I am not comparing children to animals...it's a blog, go with it!) out in public is not an issue, but rather a part of life here. It is part of what I enjoy about Avondale and Riverside. That as we enjoy our lunch, perhaps outside, or take a walk by the river you just never know who or what you will meet! And isn't that why we often go to exotic places on vacation? To see what we do not always see? To experience what we do not always experience?

My challenge to anyone considering real estate in the Riverside or Avondale area is this--go hang out and enjoy the weekend where there are people. See if the international view of this area works for you! And if it does this Realtor would be proud and honored to assist you in finding your next backyard.

Have a wonderful weekend, hope to see you in the park!

Just imagine if one day in your life, in Riverside-Avondale went like this:

Waking up and feet hitting those gorgeous hardwood floors. Newly finished you take a moment to smile remembering the work that went into them, and appreciating the warmth they bring to your room. Big stretch, noticing that ourside your window there are gorgeous mature oaks--the kind you may find a nest in--and as you remember this you begin to look for that nest! Find a squirrel instead and it takes you back to the task at hand--getting ready to get going!

After waking, dressing, and all you head for the kitchen. It has been updated from the 1920's. Keeping some of the old--those lead windows that reflect light differently than today's windows--and much of the new: new countertops that shine, and yet belong in this room; updated appliances that fit so well, and perhaps so unexpectedly. The refinished cabinets, with the secret spots in them--like the cabinet that you give a gentle push to and it raises up so you can use the toaster! (I love that one--)

You decide to enjoy the backyard--after all, it is quiet with the day just starting--and take your breakfast out back to sit on your porch/patio. Again, enjoying the now cooling Jacksonville air. Fall has finally come, and the plan is to enjoy every minute of it! Check your watch, put dishes in that newer dishwasher and walk through to the front door. Turning, pausing, and reflecting on the arched doorways, the hall with it's wooden floors, the fireplace with it's unique mantle that took your breath away when the Realtor showed you this home and you decided you could not live without it forever. Open, close, lock, and off you go!

Imagine living in the Riverside-Avondale area and having the opportunity to enjoy a home in this way. And if you pick it up from 'off you go' you could add that the neighboring homes are all different. Not the cookie-cutter home but rather the historic homes that Riverside-Avondale is known for throughout Jacksonville. Or perhaps the home you enjoy is waterfront and you spend your outdoor time enjoying the river as it drifts by your backyard.

Whatever your preference this Realtor is certain that this area, Riverside and Avondale, will offer real estate options for even the most discerning buyer. And, with that we would enjoy showing you the homes, and being a part of your home buying story! We look forward to serving your real estate needs, one backyard at a time!