Jacksonville Beach, FL

Here are the January 2010 stats and 2009 for comparison -

2010

• 7 Homes Sold
• Lowest price: $87,500
• Highest price: $450,000
• Shortest Days on Market: 2
• Longest Days on Market: 534

2009

• 13 homes sold
• Lowest price: $177,000
• Highest price: $1,500,000
• Shortest Days on Market: 12
• Longest Days on Market: 420

At first glance, there seems to be absolutely nothing positive about these numbers, but if you’ve read my blogs faithfully (which I know you ALL do!), you know I am an optimistic Realtor. For example, the days on market on the short side is considerably tighter this year than last – which lends itself to the reality we are a more realistically priced market now.

January is typically a slower month, however, I have to report my Atlantic Beach Prudential office beat our January goals for both listings and sales – so despite these numbers, activity IS UP across the board.

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 1st 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!

If you or someone you know is considering a short sale, please have them contact me for a no-obligation confidential interview about their current situation and how best for them to move forward. I hold the Certified Distressed Property Expert, and am one of a mere 18,000 who do so – I can help salvage their credit, and their future.

Carol Zingone is a Broker Associate with Prudential Network Realty. Recently honored as the Realtor of the Year for Northeast Florida – an award based on community service, professional qualifications and other attributes, Carol helps buyers and sellers throughout the Beaches, Intracoastal West and Greater Jacksonville, FL areas. lShe can be reached at 904/993-9048 or via email at carolzingone@clearwire.net.

Here are the December 2009 stats and 2008 for comparison -

2009

• 22 Homes Sold
• Lowest price: $89,900
• Highest price: $400,000
• Shortest Days on Market: 1
• Longest Days on Market: 590

2008

• 13 homes sold
• Lowest price: $160,000
• Highest price: $890,000
• Shortest Days on Market: 28
• Longest Days on Market: 465

First, the GOOD news: home sales in Jacksonville Beach, FL were UP 70% year to year!

Also look at the days on market, which, in most cases, is shorter in 2009 than in 2008, a great indicator of buyers believing properties are well-priced.

Sales prices are still stabilizing, however, Jacksonville Beach had the largest year over year increase of Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville.

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

Source: The Beaches Leader, November 2009