St. Augustine Real Estate Blog

         Heavenly Oakes is a beautiful sprawling 19+ acre estate with mature trees, manicured lawns and landscaping, sprinkler system ,a 1-acre stocked fish lake with dock, an outdoor summer kitchen with brick pavers.  The property hosts 12.15 acres perfect for horses, cows or possibly a dog training afacility, and a 6.29 acre preserve for four wheeling, walking or riding horses.  The property is currently zoned for a family farm open rural and is partially fenced.

     The main house which is concrete block construction has been completely and tastefully updated with new kitchen, corian countertops, stainless steel appliances, new bathroom, floor to ceiling stone fireplace, tongue-in-grove walls and ceiling adds a feel of a country retreat.  Living room has a cathedral ceiling, new tile, carpet and windows throught the home.  Renovation was completed in 2006.  A 4-tier water fountain located at the entrance welcomes you to the peaceful existance the way life is intended to be at the Olde Florida pace.  The Main house has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath with 1,274 Sq. Ft.  The completely updated Guest Cottage also has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath with 1,216 Sq. Ft.  The entire estate is close to St. Johns River with public boat ramp and parking as well as World Golf Village.
This property is a rare find in northeast Florida.

For a peaceful moment in your day, see video:

http://www.youtube.com/user/tomstewartsells?email=share_video_user#p/u/4/GJsc3-bVSDs

Earlier this year, Prudential Network Realty, rolled out its new image with the “We’re Connected” campaign.  For customers looking for St. Augustine real estate, this message meets your needs.  We're Connected to sellers who want to sell their home.  Whether you are looking to buy or sell real estate, We're Connected and we got you covered.

A series of interlocking circles, colorful and vibrant, indicate that as a real estate professional in NorthEast Florida, I am called to a higher level of  performance to:
    COLLABORATE – with my non-compete manager because she is there to support
        me to create that successful transaction
    Use the TECHNOLOGY – the power behind the exposure, information and knowledge
    COMMUNITY focus – gives me the ability to be keenly aware of the pulse of each neighborhood
        Where the homes for sale in St. Augustine await a new owner
    Take full advantage of our INTEGRATED SERVICES – such that the customer can conveniently
        Access the available resources
     To draw upon the UNIFIED NORTHEAST FLORIDA ORGANIZATION is locally owned yet powered             by a global brand

Indeed, we are CONNECTED making your real estate transaction, whether buying or selling homes in St. Augustine and surrounding St. John County, smooth and successful from beginning to end.

An Marshall, REALTOR

Prudential Network Realty

Extremely Full Service

www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog

email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com

The Florida lifestyle is at its best in Sea Place, an attractive Oceanside community just south of Dondanville Road on the east side of A1A on Anastasia Island.  It offers the savvy buyer looking for a beach home a variety of homes for sale in St. Augustine.  It is easily recognizable with its Mediterranean look including warm colors and red tiled roofs.  It offers a nice mix of individual condo units, patio homes,  and Oceanside luxury condos where daily sunrise walks on the beach are a given.  The community was developed by Stokes-Osteen, initiated in the mid 1980’sand completed in the early 1990’s.

These concrete block  homesites are just a 2-3 minute walk to the fabulous beaches of St. Augustine via the gated walkover.   Other activities include a choice of  3 swimming pools,  2 tennis courts, a basketball court, and indoor racquetball.   The clubhouse is perfect for a private party for over fifty people with large kitchen, grill area,  t.v. and library.  Regular gatherings at the clubhouse involve bridge, potluck summers, and movie night.  HOA fees cover water, sewer, garbage, lawn maintenance, exterior pest control and irrigation (cable in the condos)  and the multiple amenities. 

St. Augustine real estate is alive and well and homes here great as 1.  primary homes for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts  year round 2.  seasonal homes because of the easy care and lawn maintenance included or 3. Income-producing  short term rentals because of the proximity to the beach and  bountiful amenities.  In fact, some properties are available furnished.

The first phase of Sea Place was the development of 78 condo units.  Floor plans vary between two different flats and two-level  townhomes.   These units are either  two or three bedrooms  between 1100 and 1500 Sq. Ft.  with either an ocean view or direct ocean front.  Prices for these units are in the mid 200’s to mid 400’s.
The 24  Patio homes of Phase II built were between 1200 and 1500 Sq.Ft.   Some offer tranquil views of the lake setting and sell between $250,000 and $350,000 with one car garages. Sea Place III consists of 34 larger homes  of about 2500 Sq.Ft. with open floor plans, soaring ceilings, and two car garages.   Some are lake-side, two-story, and one even has a private swimming pool.  Prices here are in the mid $400,000 to mid $500,000’s.
The 10 Ocean view  homes were built during the final phase  and feature stunning views of the ocean. Fireplace, covered verandas, 2-car garage, and 10’ ceilings are prevalent. They are valued close to $1 mil with  rental terms restricted to a minimum of 6 months.

An Marshall, with Prudential Network Realty, has lived in and LOVES Sea Place.  For more information call 904-200-7000 or search the entire Northeast Florida MLS yourself for St. Augustine real estate.

An Marshall, REALTOR

Prudential Network Realty

Extremely Full Service

www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog

email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com

Magnificent beach home only 200 steps to the beach in St. Augustine Florida! Small enclave of 30 beach homes located on a quiet part of the beach offering solitude and reflection. This 3-level home perfect for vacation, weekend getaways, or even better - everyday personal sunrises from your permanent unobstructed ocean view!!! Almost 2000 Sq. Ft with 3 bedroom/2 baths 2 car garage with room to expand priced to sell.

An Marshall, REALTOR
Prudential Network Realty
Extremely Full Service
www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog
email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com

The new age of homes entails multiple generations living under one roof saving time and money and reducing stress.  St. Augustine, Florida is no exception and one fine example of this is 1717 Castile Drive at the back gate of Anastasia State Park.  This is a great brick home built in 1979 listed at $425,000 on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine.

The  concept entails the ability for families with young children and aging parents to cohabitate.  Two master bedrooms on opposite ends of the house is typical.  In the case of this property, both older generations maximize their privacy with a separate entranced in-law suite.  The separate living quarters of this “in-law” suite home in St. Augustine includes full kitchen, dining area, living room, large bedroom, with bath and plenty of closet storage.

The home, situated on lot size 145’ x 110’, has back yard pool, gazebo  with glider, deck seating, paver courtyard, and landscaped gardens.  The main house includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large Florida room, dining room with French doors, formal living room, family room with wood-burning fireplace, sunny kitchen, and utility room.

The location is one of the best -  1 block away from the back gate of the famous Anastasia State Park.

Improvements that provide additional reassurances to the buyer include:
New well pump January 2008
A/C unit with surge protection  for main house October 2007
A/C unit with surge protection for the guest cottage
New Appliances (Refrigerator, Range, Hood exhaust)  May 2007  and dishwasher May 2008
New pool pump and filter July 2009

An Marshall, REALTOR

Prudential Network Realty

Extremely Full Service

www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog

email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com

Last weekend marked the state-wide Florida Association of Realtors Open House. There were more than 100's of  open houses throughout all of  St. Augustine in St. Johns’ County on both Saturday and Sunday. Both serious buyers and curious neighbors participated. It brings to mind some general guidelines for an open house participant:

To knock or not to knock? Knocking is generally not necessary unless there is some indication to do so. Announcing yourself is appropriate as the host may be with other lookers somewhere else within the home.

What is my obligation to the Host Agent? The host should introduce themselves and their role – agent, homeowner, etc. If you are currently working with a REALTOR, give the host your REALTOR’s card right off the bat or tell them, in which case you should not be solicited. If you are not working with an agent, this is a good opportunity to “interview” the agent sitting the house. If you sign the register, put your REALTOR’s name next to yours.

What to look for in a REALTOR? One important question to ask is “agency”, otherwise known as your working relationship with the real estate professional. Will this agent be working solely on your behalf with complete fiduciary responsibility and 100% confidentiality or will this agent be working on behalf of the transaction with limited confidentiality? As a buyer, you are entitled to a s single agency agreement. There are many other components for a successful relationship to help you purchase a home which are more detailed than this writing.

What if I have no inclination to buy? Looking is fine. The more eyes that see the home, the more it gets exposed. You may know of someone - a friend or family member that this home would be perfect for. Just tell the host that is your intention.

What if I want to make an offer? Make sure you know how the person writing up the offer will be representing you – in many cases they are not, actually. The agent at the house may only be representing the seller or be functioning as a transaction broker (represent both the buyer and seller) and will execute the transaction only.

What kind of questions should I ask? The most appropriate questions relate to issues regarding the house and the agent is required to give full disclosure.

What if I need to use the bathroom? Generally, this is not a good idea. Remember you are a guest in some one’s home and good manners always apply – no dogs, keep you kids and family members all together.

An Marshall, REALTOR

Prudential Network Realty

Extremely Full Service

www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog

email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com

A fabulous piece of property sits on Salt Run on Anastasia Island to make a perfect vacation home in St. Augustine. 

Newly available as a single lot for residential purposes, 142 Inlet has incredible views of  a little arm of the intercoastal waterway.  On the far side of the water is the permanent green scrub brush and sandy beaches of Anastasia State Park.  Salt Run  is  perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming dolphins.

The lot is 72’ x 139’ and is already cleared .  It has city water and sewer available.  It serves as an ideal location to build a home that suits your coastal lifestyle.  The price is $150,000.  It is hard to believe that such a pretty piece of land with such powerful views is still available. 

It is past the famous Conch House Restaurant and Marina and sits adjacent to a beautiful 3500+ Sq. Ft.
Home  with separate guest quarters is also for sale for $750,000.

An Marshall, REALTOR

Prudential Network Realty

Extremely Full Service

www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog

email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com

     On Saturday , March 20th, SeaGrove in St. Augustine Beach will celebrate its 2nd annual “Community with a Heart” celebration which is open to the public.  The list of event sponsors continues to grow each week.  Additionally, over 10 real estate open houses will be available for the public that day.

    Commercial participants “with a Heart” will include London Looks Hair Design, Tim’s Wine Market, Hartley Chiropractic, Leonardi’s Nursery, Sail7Seas Travel, Prudential Network  Realty, Tropical Smoothie Café, Sun Trust Bank, Jacobs,Jacobs & Associates, Blue Water Jewelers. 

    The morning kicks off with a yard sale from 8:00-11:00 hosted by the residents of SeaGrove and booths will open simultaneously at 8:00.  Music and Master of Ceremony entertainment by Roger Ramsey of Full Circle Media will provide entertainment for the event beginning at noon.  Special promotions from Christe Blue Chic Resale Boutique, 8 Limbs Yoga, Be a Pack Dog Leader Walk,  pet adoptions, Friends of the St. Augustine Beach Library book sale will all be sprinkled throughout the day.

    The highlight of the event will be Carnival Cruise for 2 drawing at 3:30 graciously donated by Sail7Seas Travel with all proceeds going to Goliath & Bebe’s Pet Rescue and Adoption.

An Marshall, REALTOR

Prudential Network Realty

Extremely Full Service

www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog

email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com

Watching American Idol and wondering what a reality show with professional real estate agents would be like.  A team of the top gurus (you name them, Tom Ferry, Brian Buffini, David Knox, - fill in the blanks) crossing the country to select a handful of REALTORS who have waited endlessly to  interview.

Then Americans, millions of  them, anxiously watching the t.v. show as REALTORS vie for their votes.

Let’s see, what can they be graded on:

Knowing the inventory
Listening to the customer’s needs
Understanding the industry
Able to provide guidance
Reasonable driving skills
Being able to refer when appropriate
Creative marketing
Writing a fail-safe contract

Honest and follows the code of ethics

Super negotiation skills
Management skills to execute the details
Good communication
Showing up at the closing
Giving great closing gifts
Etc., etc., etc.

Then the last REALTOR standing, would have all kinds of doors open to them – book deals, high profile clients, brokerages fighting for them.

An Marshall, REALTOR

Prudential Network Realty

Extremely Full Service

www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog

email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com

Extended and Expanded Tax Credit

The previous $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers expired on November 30th,  2009.  For those that had not already put in a contract on a house, Congress  extended and expanded the first time home buyer tax credit into 2010.  First, find your home knowing that President Obama  signed The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 bill into law on November 6, 2009.  The first time home buyer tax credit extension allows a buyer to enter into a contract with a seller by April 30, 2010 and close on the house by June 30, 2010. 


The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a
principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For
married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home
buyer and his/her spouse. First time home buyers will get an $8,000 tax credit,
similar to the tax credit for much of 2009. Income limitations have been
increased to $125,000 for single filers and $225,000 for joint filers. The purchase
price of the home must be less than $800,000. 

The bill also made more homeowners eligible to claim the credit on their taxes.
The law has established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat
home buyers (existing home owners) purchasing a principal residence after
November 6, 2009 and on or before June 30, 2010 (with a binding sales contract
signed by April 30, 2010).  The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (“long-time resident”) as a home owner who has owned and resided in a home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married
taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and
his/her spouse. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is
more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit.

Here are some of the details:
• First-time buyers (those who have not owned a home for three years) can
continue to claim an $8,000 credit.
• Home buyers who have owned their current homes for at least 5 years are
eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500.
• The credit is equal to ten percent of the purchase price of a primary
residence, up to a maximum of $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for
move-up/repeat home buyers.
• The credit is available for homes that go under contract by April 30, 2010
and close by June 30,2010.
• Income limits: $125,000 a year for individuals, $225,000 a year for married
couples (higher limits than before).
• The home buyer tax credit is available for the purchase of "principal
homes" (vacation homes are ineligible).
• Homes that cost more than $800,000 are not eligible for the credit.
• You must be 18 years old to claim the credit.
• The deadline is extended by a year for those who have served outside the
United States for at least 90 days from Jan. 1, 2009 to May 1, 2010.
Here are some examples
• Joseph owned a home in 2001 and 2002 but sold it. He would qualify for the
$8,000 first-time-buyer credit because he has not owned a home in the past
three years.
• Mary purchased a home in 2004 and has lived there since. If she buys a new
home, she would qualify for the $6,500 tax credit because she has lived in the
same residence for five consecutive years in the past eight.
• Sue purchased her home in 2002, lived there for five consecutive years before
she rented it out in 2007. She would qualify because she was an owner/occupier
for at least five consecutive years in the past eight.
• Sam purchased a home in 2006 and lived there for the past three years. He
would not qualify because he is neither a first-time homebuyer nor someone who
lived in the same primary residence for five consecutive years out of the past
eight.

Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal tax returns. If the credit
exceeds the tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Come on buyers…if you have even considered buying a home, NOW is the time!  For home buyers you have some great incentives, home prices are low…. interest rates are unbelievable… and you get a tax credit..


So, what are you waiting for… if you missed out the first time , the tax credit
extension will only be here until April 30th .

An Marshall, REALTOR

Prudential Network Realty

Extremely Full Service

www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog

email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com