Amelia Island, FL

Looking for a great reason to visit Amelia Island? Try this event that's only 30 minutes away:

Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular
November 6-8, 2009
Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
Free Admission

Join the City of Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport and City of Jacksonville Beach, City of Neptune Beach and City of Atlantic Beach as the skies and waterways of the First Coast are transformed into the backdrop for the most exciting air acts and military demonstrations in the world!

This free event features a dynamic over-the-ocean
sky show highlighted by the world-famous United States Navy Blue Angels along with other military and civilian flight teams, live entertainment and a street festival featuring static displays of aircraft and military vehicles, simulators, recruitment booths, and kids area and Meet The Performers Autograph Sessions.

In addition, the Sea and Sky Spectacular will also be encompassed within the City of Jacksonville's Week of Valor to celebrate and honor all military branches throughout the community. Week of Valor components will include events held in downtown Jacksonville as well as Naval Station Mayport.

As the tax credit deadline gets closer, I have a little bit of good news for our military clients serving (or having served) overseas. The House of Representatives voted unanimously Monday to extend the deadline for the home buyers' tax credit for one group of Americans.

HR 3590 will allow eligible military personnel and foreign service and intelligence officers to apply for the $8,000 tax credit for one year beyond its current November 30 deadline. Those meeting the underlying requirements for the credit must also be serving overseas or have spent at least 90 days deployed outside of the country during the current calendar year. It is expected that about 350,000 military personnel and an unknown number of federal employees may be affected by the new law.

The bill, introduced by Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) because it was thought that families serving overseas were being passed over for this one-time opportunity to purchase a home. It passed the Housed passed with 416 votes and 16 abstentions.

It is anticipated that the bill will also be approved by the Senate, but it is not law yet.

Richard

See my WEB site: www.ameliaislandresidences.com

Condo sales on Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach seem to have slowed down to a trickle as discretionary income and tougher financing become greater factors. There does appear to be some traffic looking for steep discounts on oceanfront units. However, our market is not in the fire sale mode. Premium condos are running $800k and up and houses along the ovean are still 1 million plus for the most part. I have seen some good buys at "The Surf". A project by the developers of Brylen Homes and Amelia Park. Brand new construction on multi-level townhouses and single family lots starting at $300k. However, these units are located on the west side of Fletcher. See a full inventory of property at www.nassaumls.net

The off Island market in Yulee and Fernandina Beach is active with homes under $250k making up most of the sales. Builder close-outs are in their final phase as ICI Homes & Standard Pacific seem to making an effort to clear out the last of their nventory homes. Some of these houses have been vacant for over a year and are now priced to move. I just wrote a contract on a home at The North Hampton Golf Community that had been significantly reduced. These are quick move in options and lower prices seem to be the difference.

John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Florida

Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty

www.johnholbrook.blogspot.com

It's almost here - This Weekend is the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance - March 13th - 15th (with the day of the car show on the 15th) at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island -featuring over 250 rare classic cars. For more information or tickets visit their website at www.ameliaconcours.org. This event is held each year in the Amelia Island area and attracts many visitors to the area to watch the show and events. Visit the above website for additional information about the show.