Hello! It's Friday, which means the weekend is here! If you're looking for something to do this weekend that is not too expensive, you've come to the right place.
Friday night:
Ice Skating!
As we enter October it is still blisteringly hot outside. Why not chill out with a night at the ice rink? From 7:30-9:30 p.m. you and your family can skate for $12 each at the Jacksonville Ice and Sports Complex.
Night Terrors Haunted Houses!
Do you know what else October brings? Halloween. Start this holiday season off right with a visit to some seriously spooky haunted houses. Night Terrors, located on San Jose Blvd, has been selected as one of the best haunted houses in America by AmericasBestHaunts.com. Tickets for Friday and Saturday are $25 each.
http://www.nightterrorshauntedhouse.com/flash/index.htm
Saturday:
Football!
Thankfully it is Florida State's bye-week so they can rest up and get better after their past two losses.
Florida, on the other hand, is about to embark on probably their most important game of the season. They take on No. 3 Alabama in the Swamp at 8 p.m. on CBS.
Beer!
To get in the football spirit, take a journey to the north side and visit the Anheuser Busch factory. Free guided tours are available where they lead you around the factory and detail how they manufacture the "king of beers." After the tour is complete, they lead you the hospitality room where you are able to sample two Anheuser Busch products free of charge. Tour is for all ages, beer is not. Please drink responsibly.
First tour is at 10 a.m., last tour is at 4 p.m.
http://www.budweisertours.com/toursJACK.htm
Sunday:
Move those chains! Move those chains! Move 'em!
Our very own Jacksonville Jaguars welcome the New Orleans Saints to Ever Bank Field. Who dat? Who cares! The Jags have had a pretty shaky start to the season and are hoping to turn that around. So whether you're at the game, watching from your home or Sneakers, don't forget your black and teal and Go Jags!!
"Always desire to learn something useful." - Sophocles
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Buying. Selling. Or just some friendly advice.
Buying or selling a home can be a time consuming process. Enlisting the help of a real estate professional frees up your time so you can focus on more important matters. So if you, or someone you know, is considering buying, selling or investing in property, call me. I'll put my resources to work for you, so you can kick back and relax.
I am always available if you have any questions, cares or concerns. Please, do not hesitate to call.
I am always available if you have any questions, cares or concerns. Please, do not hesitate to call.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Those that have v. Those that don't.
In a recent article posted on Florida Realtors, it seems as though there are two different real estate markets that go in two different directions in Detroit, MI. In the historic district of Green Acres, a gorgeous 3-bedroom Tudor home sold for $6,000. Meanwhile, barely 15 miles away, in the posh suburb of Birmingham, multi-million dollar homes are selling quickly. The article says you should think of this market as bipolar, which it ultimately is. On one hand, you have people who feel that the market is only going sideways, or just getting worse. Yet, on the other, you have people who believe that the recession of the market is a thing of the past. "Normally, these two segments of the housing market rise and fall together. But now, they’re moving in opposite directions."
Why does this market seem to be moving so drastically in opposite directions? Well, foreign money has a lot to do with that. "One big factor in the divide is foreign cash, at least in the world of property. For international buyers, U.S. real estate is the new undervalued asset, the new fire sale, and foreigners are big buyers of luxury properties. International clients bought $82 billion worth of U.S. residential real estate last year, up from $66 billion in 2009. In states like Florida, international buyers account for a third of purchases, up from 10 percent in 2007."
Want to learn more? Read the full article here: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=1&id=265264
"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
Why does this market seem to be moving so drastically in opposite directions? Well, foreign money has a lot to do with that. "One big factor in the divide is foreign cash, at least in the world of property. For international buyers, U.S. real estate is the new undervalued asset, the new fire sale, and foreigners are big buyers of luxury properties. International clients bought $82 billion worth of U.S. residential real estate last year, up from $66 billion in 2009. In states like Florida, international buyers account for a third of purchases, up from 10 percent in 2007."
Want to learn more? Read the full article here: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=1&id=265264
"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
Monday, September 26, 2011
August Shows Rebound in Real Estate
According to an article posted on Jacksonville.com, market recovery in underway. Based on statistics from the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR), which cover single-family home and condominium sales in Duval and its surrounding counties, brought news of strengthening across the board in the regional real estate market. This is good news based on the fact that NEFAR data earlier in the year showed that the Jacksonville real estate market had hit rock bottom.
There are many indicators that the market is slowly but surely getting better. Mentioned in this article is that since August of last year, the number of closed houses has risen by 1.5 percent. As well, the number of pending houses has sky rocketed to 24.4 percent.
Want to learn more? Read the full article here. http://jacksonville.com/business/real-estate/2011-09-15/story/realtors-august-sales-show-rebound-northeast-florida
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou
There are many indicators that the market is slowly but surely getting better. Mentioned in this article is that since August of last year, the number of closed houses has risen by 1.5 percent. As well, the number of pending houses has sky rocketed to 24.4 percent.
Want to learn more? Read the full article here. http://jacksonville.com/business/real-estate/2011-09-15/story/realtors-august-sales-show-rebound-northeast-florida
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Fun Friday!
Looking for something fun to do this weekend that is cheap and avoids the heat? Look no further. Here are some ideas for you and yours.
Saturday:
Free admission to select Jax museums:
Today is Smithsonian Museum Day which means patrons can visit the Smithsonian website and print out free admission passses for select museums in Jacksonville. Participating museums include the Museum of Science & History, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Ritz Theatre and La Villa Museum.
As always, Saturday means College Football:
The Florida State Seminoles are looking to make a come back after their disappointing loss to the Sooners with a game against the Clemson Tigers. The Seminoles will take on the Tigers, at Clemson, at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
Sunday Funday:
Just like last week, the Skyline Sports Bar and Lounge is hosting their Official Sunday Day Party. Free Blue Crabs, while they last, with the purchase of any drink, better get there quick! Doors open at one with free entry all day and night. The Skyline Sports Bar and Lounge will be fully equipped with 2 jumbo trons and 20 plasmas. Food and drink specials include: $5 Grey Goose & Hennessy; .50 cent oysters, sings & Shrimp; $3 mimosa, wine, & apple martinis.
Have a fun and safe weekend everyone!
Saturday:
Free admission to select Jax museums:
Today is Smithsonian Museum Day which means patrons can visit the Smithsonian website and print out free admission passses for select museums in Jacksonville. Participating museums include the Museum of Science & History, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Ritz Theatre and La Villa Museum.
As always, Saturday means College Football:
The Florida State Seminoles are looking to make a come back after their disappointing loss to the Sooners with a game against the Clemson Tigers. The Seminoles will take on the Tigers, at Clemson, at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
Sunday Funday:
Just like last week, the Skyline Sports Bar and Lounge is hosting their Official Sunday Day Party. Free Blue Crabs, while they last, with the purchase of any drink, better get there quick! Doors open at one with free entry all day and night. The Skyline Sports Bar and Lounge will be fully equipped with 2 jumbo trons and 20 plasmas. Food and drink specials include: $5 Grey Goose & Hennessy; .50 cent oysters, sings & Shrimp; $3 mimosa, wine, & apple martinis.
Have a fun and safe weekend everyone!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Home Ownership Matters.
For the first time, the dream of owning a home is being diminished. This is a national television spot put out by the National Association of Realtors explaining why home ownership matters.
http://www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/pages/futuregenerations
"The time is always right to do what's right." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/pages/futuregenerations
"The time is always right to do what's right." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Home prices have dropped.
With our economy the way it is, it is fairly obvious that home prices have gone down. On a list of 10 cities, where prices have dropped the most, California leads the way with six. Florida has two and Nevada and Arizona both have one.
Stan Humphries, Zillow’s chief economist, says that, “there will be many ups and downs in home values before this is over, and we continue to expect a true bottom in 2012, at the earliest."
1. Merced, Calif.: -67.6%
2. Modesto, Calif.: -63.5%
3. Stockton, Calif.: -62.9%
4. Las Vegas: -61.4%
5. Vallejo, Calif.: -59.3%
6. Salinas, Calif.: -57.5%
7. Daytona Beach: -56.8%
8. Bakersfield, Calif.: -56.1%
9. Fort Myers: -56%
10. Phoenix: -55.6%
Want to learn more, click here: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=264739
"The future is no more uncertain than the present." - Walt Whitman
Stan Humphries, Zillow’s chief economist, says that, “there will be many ups and downs in home values before this is over, and we continue to expect a true bottom in 2012, at the earliest."
1. Merced, Calif.: -67.6%
2. Modesto, Calif.: -63.5%
3. Stockton, Calif.: -62.9%
4. Las Vegas: -61.4%
5. Vallejo, Calif.: -59.3%
6. Salinas, Calif.: -57.5%
7. Daytona Beach: -56.8%
8. Bakersfield, Calif.: -56.1%
9. Fort Myers: -56%
10. Phoenix: -55.6%
Want to learn more, click here: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=264739
"The future is no more uncertain than the present." - Walt Whitman
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tight Standards Make Mortgages Tough To Get
According to an article from Omaha, Nebraska, we have witnessed the greates housing crash since the Great Depression. What this means is that it is getting increasingly more difficult to obtain a home loan.
The article, posted on Florida Realtors, states that, "home lending standards have tightened to their strictest levels in decades." What does this mean for home buyers? Tighter home loan credit affects everything from home sales to actual household finances. There are many borrowers who are strugglinh just to qualify for a home loan, not to mention those whom cannot take advantage of some of the lowest interest rates in 50 years because they do not have enough equity. And still, even those who can get a loan need to place a bigger down payment and a higher credit score. The article also mentions that, "They face more demands to prove their incomes, verify assets, show steady employment and explain things such as new credit cards and small bank account deposits."
Click here to read more: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=5&id=264971
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." - Eleanor Roosevelt
The article, posted on Florida Realtors, states that, "home lending standards have tightened to their strictest levels in decades." What does this mean for home buyers? Tighter home loan credit affects everything from home sales to actual household finances. There are many borrowers who are strugglinh just to qualify for a home loan, not to mention those whom cannot take advantage of some of the lowest interest rates in 50 years because they do not have enough equity. And still, even those who can get a loan need to place a bigger down payment and a higher credit score. The article also mentions that, "They face more demands to prove their incomes, verify assets, show steady employment and explain things such as new credit cards and small bank account deposits."
Click here to read more: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=5&id=264971
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Monday, September 19, 2011
5 Ways to Improve Your Home's Value
1. Focus on Curb Appeal!
First impressions say everything about a home. Clean up the front lawn, plant a couple of shrubs and add some potted flowers to the front steps.
2. Make Your Kitchen Great!
Update the look with new cabinet door handles, new lighting fixtures and replace your kitchen faucet.
3. Step up Your Storage!
Unclutter your closets and install closet organizers to help them look bigger. Also, donate some of the clothes you don't wear anymore.
4. Look Underfoot!
New carpet can quickly update a home and make it look cleaner, but be sure to choose a neutral color.
5. CALL MARIE FARRELL!
Marie is a Broker Associate and your link to loca and global markets.
"What lies behind and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
First impressions say everything about a home. Clean up the front lawn, plant a couple of shrubs and add some potted flowers to the front steps.
2. Make Your Kitchen Great!
Update the look with new cabinet door handles, new lighting fixtures and replace your kitchen faucet.
3. Step up Your Storage!
Unclutter your closets and install closet organizers to help them look bigger. Also, donate some of the clothes you don't wear anymore.
4. Look Underfoot!
New carpet can quickly update a home and make it look cleaner, but be sure to choose a neutral color.
5. CALL MARIE FARRELL!
Marie is a Broker Associate and your link to loca and global markets.
"What lies behind and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friday, September 16, 2011
Fun Friday!
Hello everyone,
I hope you have had a great week so far and are looking forward to the weekend, I know I am. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing to really enjoy your weekend.
Saturday, September 17:
Free Frozen Yogurt at Mora Frozen Yogurt!
From 4 - 7 p.m., Mora Frozen Yogurt is hosting a Family Fun Day. Children will receive balloons, face paintings, other surprises and, of course, a free cup of frozen yogurt. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to StandUp For Kids, a local charity organization dedicated to helping homeless children.
http://www.morafrozenyogurt.com/
Jacksonville Food Swap!
5:00 p.m.
Hosted by Springfield Woman's Club, a food swap is a silent auction, village market place and fun-loving open house all rolled into one. Your delicious homemade creations are your currency, no actual currency is allowed. Details of the swap are available on their Facebook book page.
Toga! Toga! Toga!
6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
The Limelight Theatre is throwing a toga party in celebration of their 20th season. Your $50 ticket includes an Mediterranean inspired meal, entertainment throughout the theatre, a DJ, dancing, decadent desserts, photos and a best toga contest!
http://www.limelight-theatre.org/
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME DAY!
Yes, it is that time of year. The most wonderful time of the year to some. College football, and all its glory, is back in full swing.
No. 5 Florida State goes head to head with No. 1 Oklahoma University in one of the biggest nonconference games of the season. ESPN's College Gameday will be there live at 10 a.m., and you can watch the game on ABC.
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m.
For those of you Bulldog fans out there, Coastal Carolina battles it out with the Georgia, live on ESPN 3.
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m.
Chomp. Chomp. Chomp. No. 16 Florida is looking to take a bite out of Tennessee with a 3:30 game in Gainesville. You can watch this matchup on CBS.
No. 20 South Florida Bulls are ready to ram the competition with a 7:00 game against Florida A&M. This game is also on ESPN 3.
The Miami Hurricanes are looking to leave the No. 17 Ohio State Buckeyes in the dust. You can watch this game on ESPN at 7:30.
Sunday, September 18:
Sunday Funday!
1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Skyline Sports Bar and Lounge.
Only after the madness of college football Saturday has settled down, is it time to start again with NFL Sunday. Starting at 1:00 p.m. and going until 9:00, the Skyline Sports Bar and Lounge is offering free blue crab, while they last, with the purchase of any drink. Not to mention free entry all night, and you can't beat that. And in order to truly enjoy some Sunday football, two jumbo trons and 20 plasmas will be set up for your viewing pleasure.
Drink and food specials include:
$5 Grey Goose & Hennessy
.50 Cent Oysters, Wings & Shrimp
$3 Mimosa, Wine, & Apple Martinis
http://www.skylinesportsbar.com/
Sawgrass Wine Festival!
This event is truly a weekend long event. Held at the Sawgrass Marriot Spa and Resort, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, there is always something to do.
Thursday, Friday, 7:30 pm ~ Separate Beer, Liquor & Wine Dinners at Four Area Restaurants including the Augustine Grille & TPC Sawgrass Traditions ~ All proceeds benefits BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry)
Friday, 6 to 7:30 pm ~ Separate Beer, Rum, Scotch/Whiskey & Vodka Seminars & Tastings
Saturday, 10 am – 2pm ~ Seminars
Saturday & Sunday, Noon to 4pm ~ Wine Tasting
Saturday & Sunday, 12 noon to 6 pm ~ Retail Wine Sales Tent Open
Have a fun and safe weekend everyone. :]
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
I hope you have had a great week so far and are looking forward to the weekend, I know I am. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing to really enjoy your weekend.
Saturday, September 17:
Free Frozen Yogurt at Mora Frozen Yogurt!
From 4 - 7 p.m., Mora Frozen Yogurt is hosting a Family Fun Day. Children will receive balloons, face paintings, other surprises and, of course, a free cup of frozen yogurt. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to StandUp For Kids, a local charity organization dedicated to helping homeless children.
http://www.morafrozenyogurt.com/
Jacksonville Food Swap!
5:00 p.m.
Hosted by Springfield Woman's Club, a food swap is a silent auction, village market place and fun-loving open house all rolled into one. Your delicious homemade creations are your currency, no actual currency is allowed. Details of the swap are available on their Facebook book page.
Toga! Toga! Toga!
6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
The Limelight Theatre is throwing a toga party in celebration of their 20th season. Your $50 ticket includes an Mediterranean inspired meal, entertainment throughout the theatre, a DJ, dancing, decadent desserts, photos and a best toga contest!
http://www.limelight-theatre.org/
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME DAY!
Yes, it is that time of year. The most wonderful time of the year to some. College football, and all its glory, is back in full swing.
No. 5 Florida State goes head to head with No. 1 Oklahoma University in one of the biggest nonconference games of the season. ESPN's College Gameday will be there live at 10 a.m., and you can watch the game on ABC.
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m.
For those of you Bulldog fans out there, Coastal Carolina battles it out with the Georgia, live on ESPN 3.
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m.
Chomp. Chomp. Chomp. No. 16 Florida is looking to take a bite out of Tennessee with a 3:30 game in Gainesville. You can watch this matchup on CBS.
No. 20 South Florida Bulls are ready to ram the competition with a 7:00 game against Florida A&M. This game is also on ESPN 3.
The Miami Hurricanes are looking to leave the No. 17 Ohio State Buckeyes in the dust. You can watch this game on ESPN at 7:30.
Sunday, September 18:
Sunday Funday!
1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Skyline Sports Bar and Lounge.
Only after the madness of college football Saturday has settled down, is it time to start again with NFL Sunday. Starting at 1:00 p.m. and going until 9:00, the Skyline Sports Bar and Lounge is offering free blue crab, while they last, with the purchase of any drink. Not to mention free entry all night, and you can't beat that. And in order to truly enjoy some Sunday football, two jumbo trons and 20 plasmas will be set up for your viewing pleasure.
Drink and food specials include:
$5 Grey Goose & Hennessy
.50 Cent Oysters, Wings & Shrimp
$3 Mimosa, Wine, & Apple Martinis
http://www.skylinesportsbar.com/
Sawgrass Wine Festival!
This event is truly a weekend long event. Held at the Sawgrass Marriot Spa and Resort, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, there is always something to do.
Thursday, Friday, 7:30 pm ~ Separate Beer, Liquor & Wine Dinners at Four Area Restaurants including the Augustine Grille & TPC Sawgrass Traditions ~ All proceeds benefits BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry)
Friday, 6 to 7:30 pm ~ Separate Beer, Rum, Scotch/Whiskey & Vodka Seminars & Tastings
Saturday, 10 am – 2pm ~ Seminars
Saturday & Sunday, Noon to 4pm ~ Wine Tasting
Saturday & Sunday, 12 noon to 6 pm ~ Retail Wine Sales Tent Open
Have a fun and safe weekend everyone. :]
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Friday, September 2, 2011
Labor Day Weekend!
Happy Friday and three-day-weekend, everyone!
Looking for something to do on this amazing holiday weekend, but not looking forward to the traffic that will be surrounding the beaches? Look no further! Here a couple of ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
Saturday morning:
Take in some incredibly talented local artists' work at the Riverside Arts Market and then head next door to check out The Cummer Museum of Art of Gardens.
Saturday afternoon:
How about a picnic in Friendship or Memorial Park? Grab a blanket, a basket and enjoy the day!
Saturday night:
How about a baseball game? Watch the Suns battle the Jackson Generals in a night game at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Sunday morning:
Sleep in a little, you deserve it! Then, after you wake up, go to your favorite place for breakfast.
Sunday afternoon:
How about a poolside bbq. Invite your friends, fire up the grill, chill the beer, it will be a great time!
Sunday night:
Head out to the movies, you don't have to work tomorrow! Regal theaters, locations on Beach and Phillips, have $5 movies all day, even new releases!
Monday:
Remember, this day is for you. This is a day wholly dedicated to thank you wonderful Americans who work so hard all day, every day. Take this day and dedicate it to yourself. Be with who you love and do what you love.
Hope you all have a very happy and very safe Labor Day Weekend!
Looking for something to do on this amazing holiday weekend, but not looking forward to the traffic that will be surrounding the beaches? Look no further! Here a couple of ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
Saturday morning:
Take in some incredibly talented local artists' work at the Riverside Arts Market and then head next door to check out The Cummer Museum of Art of Gardens.
Saturday afternoon:
How about a picnic in Friendship or Memorial Park? Grab a blanket, a basket and enjoy the day!
Saturday night:
How about a baseball game? Watch the Suns battle the Jackson Generals in a night game at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Sunday morning:
Sleep in a little, you deserve it! Then, after you wake up, go to your favorite place for breakfast.
Sunday afternoon:
How about a poolside bbq. Invite your friends, fire up the grill, chill the beer, it will be a great time!
Sunday night:
Head out to the movies, you don't have to work tomorrow! Regal theaters, locations on Beach and Phillips, have $5 movies all day, even new releases!
Monday:
Remember, this day is for you. This is a day wholly dedicated to thank you wonderful Americans who work so hard all day, every day. Take this day and dedicate it to yourself. Be with who you love and do what you love.
Hope you all have a very happy and very safe Labor Day Weekend!
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