by Jenn Heller

Moving, especially when downsizing, is a great opportunity to inventory the things that you have and begin the process of donating items that you no longer need, use or want. This can go beyond the scope of just clothing. Furniture items, small appliances and other household goods are highly accepted by donation centers who give back to your local community to support those in need. Donating items, especially while in the midst of packing for a move, can be a hassle, but it doesn't have to be. There are several local organizations in Jacksonville and the Beaches area that will come and pick up your donations, greatly alleviating the pressure of loading up the car and doing it yourself. Here's a few of our local favorites that we have…

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by Gwinn Volen

2023 was a year of home price course correction and normalization after 2 years of extreme appreciation. At a national level, 2023 saw the lowest number of home sales since 1995, yet prices still increased 1%, to a record high.

Quarterly Sales Price for Duval and St Johns County: 2019-2023

 real estate statistics

Duval and St. Johns County’s home prices closed out the year with a -0.1% decline. The above graph shows resale property home prices (single-family homes only) in Duval and St Johns County by quarter since 2019. Prices see-sawed from 2019-2021 but you then see the steady rise in prices we saw in 2021 and 2022. You can also see the flattening of prices in 2023, and though Q4 is a little down from Q3, overall prices are steady. Though the…

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by Gwinn Volen

LOCAL STATS

Q3 stats indicate the Jacksonville real estate market is relatively flat. Sales prices were up 1.5% from Q2 and flat (0.0%) from Q3 2022. Closed sales are down -13.7% from Q2 and -9% from Q3 2022. Days on the Market is up 6.7% from Q2 and 14.3% from Q3 2022 as buyers stand on the sidelines watching mortgage rates and the economy.

If we look at the beach market only (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jax Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach) sales prices are down -2.6% from Q2 and -1.3% from Q3 2022 with closed sales down -16.7% from Q2 but up 12.4% from Q3 2022.

Nocatee sales prices are up 2.8% from Q2 and 3.2% from Q3 2022 with closed sales down -3.7% from Q2 and -9.9% from Q3 2022. If I were to speculate I would say those…

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas --- which means, holiday light displays! What better way to enjoy the holidays then to grab some hot chocolate and drive around town to see all the amazing light displays near the beach. It will make for a fun family night, get the kids out of the house and there's nothing better than hearing their excitement in the back seat while seeing all the incredible displays.

holiday lights

    

Deck the Chairs

Dates: November 27 thru January 1
Where: Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach

Deck the Chairs is celebrating it's 12th season in 2024. This community supported display showcases decorated lifeguard chairs to help promote arts and education.

    

Glowing Gardens

Dates: November 29 thru December 29, 2024
…

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Retirement opens up a world of possibilities, especially when it comes to where you want to live. No more being tied down by work – you’re free to choose a place that truly suits your lifestyle. It could be a warmer climate, a coastal paradise, or somewhere more affordable. Of course, the basics like cost of living, taxes, safety, and weather are essential factors in picking your ideal retirement spot, and yet there are some less obvious but equally important things to consider. With all these criteria, the decision can quickly become overwhelming. Here are five key things that Ponte Vedra Beach offers that make it the ideal spot to retire.

Ocean Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Golf and Club Options

For golf and club options there are plenty…

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by Karen Tyrrell

Do you love the smell of a bookstore? Does the idea of curling up on the sofa or in bed with a good book on a rainy afternoon with hot tea and your dog and/or cat on your lap while everyone is away and you probably should be doing something else but you're not because the book is getting really good and you don't know when you'll have another chance to read again so you're doing it now sound good to you? Was that too specific a scenario? Either way, if you love to read then you might enjoy this article because I have read loads of terrific books recently and would love to share a few of them with you.

Before I get into the book suggestions, you may be asking yourself, "are there any small, locally owned bookstores or a used…

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by Jenn Heller

If you've noticed that pickleball has taken over the scene among all the rec fields in your neighborhood and all your friends are obsessed, you wouldn't be alone. Recent statistics show that pickleball has claimed the title of the swiftest-growing sport in the United States, with a nearly 40% boost in popularity over the last two years. The player count has risen to a national tally of more than 4.8 million with even noteworthy figures like Tom Brady and LeBron James heavily invested in the sport.

Looking to join in on the craze yet unsure of all the rules and lingo? In this article we're diving into the world of pickleball rules! We've got you covered from paddles to those fancy shots and any sneaky pickleball slang that might bounce…

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by Willow Logue

Most of the discussions around buying and selling are financial. For many, owning a home is the single biggest investment they will make. Even if it's not, understanding the finances is a very big part of the consideration. Lately, with current mortgage rates hovering around 7% and inventory low, all the headlines can be discouraging. However, even when all the financial aspects are perfect, seldom does the dream house come on that ticks all the boxes (price, location, living space, pool, etc). If the dream does materialize, usually it's someone else's dream too.

Thus, buyers (and sellers) should also consider the unquantifiable joy a home might offer. What will buying or selling bring to your life? What freedoms, life experiences or…

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by Jenn Heller

Navigating the college application process involves a sequence of organized steps which includes standardized tests, personal statements, recommendation letters, and application submissions. Creating a compelling application package is essential for demonstrating academic excellence. While it's undoubtedly an involved process, its structure remains fairly uniform across most colleges.

In this article, we've tapered down the process to provide you with a clear roadmap of what lies ahead and when to begin working on each phase. Let's kick things off by outlining the typical things you'll need to compile and organize in order to begin on the college application journey.

8 Steps Through the College Application Process

Initiating the…

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What is Mission House?

In the heart of the Beaches area, a vision decades in the making has transformed into a lifeline for the homeless community. Mission House, a testament to the commitment of faith-driven individuals, has emerged as a sanctuary of compassion, offering a beacon of hope to those in need. Crafted from the joint efforts of Christ Episcopal, Palms Presbyterian, St. Paul's Catholic, and St. Paul's Episcopal churches, this endeavor was born out of a genuine desire to address the pressing challenges faced by individuals without shelter. With a history that intertwines faith, determination, and community spirit, the story of Mission House paints a vivid picture of resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the power of collective…

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