Neptune Beach, FL

Here are the January 2010 stats and 2009 for comparison -

2010

6 Homes Sold

Lowest price: $89,900

Highest price: $315,000

Shortest Days on Market: 7

Longest Days on Market: 113

2009

1homes sold

Lowest price: $2,000,000

Highest price: $2,000,000

Shortest Days on Market: 0

Longest Days on Market: 0

I know what you are thinking – there is no way only one house sold in January 2009! It’s true, only one house, although a hefty price tag, sold in January 2009. Here’s the good news from the Happy Realtor: sales of homes in terms of units is obviously up year to year.

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

• 4 Homes Sold
• Lowest price: $199,000
• Highest price: $420,000
• Shortest Days on Market: 7
• Longest Days on Market: 119

2008

• 4 homes sold
• Lowest price: $193,000
• Highest price: $600,000
• Shortest Days on Market: 70
• Longest Days on Market: 260

It is odd that the exact number of homes were sold in December of both 2008 and 2009 - however, Neptune Beach is the smallest of the beach communities, and does not have the same swings both Atlantic & Jacksonville Beach have.

The price on the low end is 3% higher in 2009 than in 2008, which is a great sign the market is stabilizing. Plus the reduction in days on market is another solid indication buyers feel the market is at the bottom.

The high sales price year to year is down by 33% year to year, which is right in line with sales prices nationally, regionally and locally, especially on the more expensive properties.

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^sttime 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

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.

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

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

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.

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 deadline is quickly approaching.

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