Ponte Vedra Focus

8 Best Ways to Experience St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights

by Jenn Heller

Having a late November birthday always felt like I got cheated when I was growing up. Without fail, my “special day” ended up doubling as a joint celebration with either my cousin or my dad for their birthdays.  On top of that, it also falls on Thanksgiving every couple of years.  It was like a two-for-one deal I didn’t sign up for. Yes, I know—what a selfish brat. Feel free to roll your eyes; I’ve come to terms with it.

me and Dad celebrating our birthdays in 1990.
Don't I look thrilled?

This year, though? My birthday, my rules. I declared it a "me" day, and my better half (bless his soul) was game for the ride. He survived a marathon of not one but TWO local artisan shops (Atlantic Beach Art Market and Seaside Shoppes), dinner…

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My Return to High School to Talk Real Estate and Scholarships

by Jennifer Heller

Ever wonder why “Career Day” is so popular on TV but rarely happens in real life? That was my exact thought too until my friend Becky Campbell, a Mandarin High School teacher, invited me to speak to her students about real estate and a scholarship opportunity.

Going back to school felt like stepping into a weird time capsule, yet this time, I wasn’t the student.  My audience?  High school juniors and seniors curious about the real estate industry, and let me tell you, I’ve never been more frightened to speak in front of a group.  These were 16 and 17 year old kids and since I’ve raised two kids that were those ages not too long ago I knew I had my work cut out of me.  It can be hard to impress older teenagers, if you know what I…

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How the Election Might Impact the Real Estate Market

by Gwinn Volen

Regardless of political affiliation, the upcoming election has become a hot topic in real estate discussions. Some buyers feel anxious about making a purchase just before the election, opting to wait for the outcome rather than committing to a decision.  

While it is common to see a slight slowdown in real estate activity before the November presidential election, historically, elections have not significantly impacted the market.

Slight Home Sales Decline Leading Up to Elections

As you can see in the above chart, some buyers do choose to pause their home searches in anticipation of the election, though this trend has not been dramatic in the past. Additionally, this time of year typically sees a seasonal decline in…

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Personal Recommendations: Kathryn Pearson and Team at Boutique Breast Imaging

By Gwinn Volen

I suspect each of us has had a recent medical story where either a) it took months to get an appointment b) you felt like a number, not a human or c) you felt like the CYA culture in our medical universe precludes you from getting real answers. 

I found a lump in my breast a couple of weeks ago. It was alarming, though I tried to keep my cool. I scheduled an appointment with my general practitioner, and he confirmed that he felt what I was feeling and gave me imaging orders for an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram. 

I left the office thinking I'd take those over to my regular imaging center that afternoon to have the scans done hoping to alleviate my anxiety. I called the imaging center, and after waiting on hold, listening to…

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Is a Balanced Real Estate Market in Our Future?

The US housing market has been a seller's market for the past few years. But is that changing as inventory rises?

What Is a Balanced Market?

A real estate market is considered balanced when there is a supply of approximately five to seven months of homes for sale. In a balanced market, neither the seller nor the buyer has a clear upper hand. Prices tend to balance out as more choices become available. It's supply and demand.

Nationally, the year started with a three-month supply which has increased throughout the year to four months, a signal that the US housing market is moving closer to a balanced market.  And yet, even with the increase in housing inventory, we aren't seeing a glut of inventory which would signal a crash. 

The below chart…

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Loving Hearts and FURever Homes: A Glimpse Into Animal Care & Protective Services

by Jenn Heller

Did you know that approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters annually?  As a passionate pet lover, that statistic truly breaks my heart.

In addition to the animals in shelters, there are also thousands upon thousands of pets being fostered at any given time while awaiting their forever homes. Fostering plays a crucial role in the adoption process, with an estimated 3.2 million shelter animals finding new homes each year thanks to the dedication of foster families. 

In the Jacksonville area, there are several animal rescue organizations that I admire and support on a regular basis. One such organization is Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) where we adopted our sweet boy Joker, formerly known…

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Are Recent Headlines Making You Scratch Your Head?

by Gwinn Volen

“‘Massive’ Housing Bubble About to Burst.” “The Housing Market Hit A Wall In May/June.” “Why Are Home Prices Still Rising?” “Home Prices Are Still Sky-High.”

Even the experts can’t figure it out. But the general consensus is that high interest rates are keeping supply low as existing homeowners are hesitant to swap a low-interest rate mortgage for a high interest rate mortgage. Despite high interest rates deterring some, many buyers still need to move for various personal reasons, which is sustaining current inventory prices.

Market Overview

As most of you savvy readers know, real estate is a “local” business. What is happening in the broader marketplace may not be happening in your local market.

So, here is what is…

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Why Bank Statement Loans Are a Game-Changer for Self-Employed Borrowers

by Aaron Bacus

As a mortgage broker, I understand the unique challenges that self-employed individuals face when trying to secure a mortgage. Traditional mortgage qualifications often rely heavily on W-2 forms and tax returns, which can be a significant hurdle for those who run their own businesses. However, there's an alternative solution for self-employed borrowers: bank statement loans. 

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What Are Bank Statement Loans?

Bank statement loans are a type of mortgage designed specifically for self-employed individuals who might not have the typical documentation required for a conventional loan. Instead of relying on tax returns and W-2s, these loans use the borrower's bank statements to determine their income. Lenders look at the deposits made…

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Northeast Florida Women Veterans: Helping Women Rebuild and Transition to Civilian Life

By Gwinn Volen

50% of women leaving the military have experienced some kind of sexual trauma while in service. Yes, it's a staggering statistic. It's difficult to fathom the profound sense of despair one might feel after such an experience, compounded by the challenge of rebuilding a life outside the military, and trying to transition skills into civilian settings. Often, women do not even explore the benefits and retraining programs offered by the VA. Instead, they fall into depression and poverty.

 "It became overwhelming to see the increase of women veterans coming into my office needing help that was not available in the community," said Dee Quaranta, President and Founder of the organization. "After asking some of my community contacts if they…

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Escape to Nature: A Day at River to Sea Preserve

Just an hour and ten minutes from Ponte Vedra Beach lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: the River to Sea Preserve just south of Marineland. This coastal sanctuary is perfect for nature enthusiasts, beachcombers, and adventure seekers alike, offering a variety of activities and amenities to enjoy.

If you're into treasure hunting, the pristine shoreline of River to Sea Preserve is a haven for sea glass enthusiasts. Spend leisurely hours combing the sands and uncover glimmering gems polished by the ebb and flow of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a free and rewarding activity, great for collectors or anyone looking for a serene beach experience.

Adventurers can rent paddleboards to explore the tranquil waters, immersing themselves in the…

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