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 day-to-day living could be maxed out by moving forward? What sacrifices in price, location, etc. would you make to have a pool, a garden, and a dedicated office and how would those tradeoffs feel daily, weekly or yearly?
For fun, let's imagine the delight these homes currently listed by The Volen Group at Keller Williams Luxury International could bring. In each scenario, I envision wanting the typical big three in Ponte Vedra Beach: access to a golf club, the beach and zoning for St. Johns public schools. These three homes from The Volen Group are very different in terms of pricing, square footage and location, which provides an excellent version of the game This or That.
A Cool Surfer Paradise
Welcome to 516 Ponte Vedra Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
What did you love in this charming, original wood paneled home across the street from the beach? My vision includes taking advantage of beach access across the street for a morning run (in this new reality, I am a runner) before enjoying my coffee on the back patio. During late afternoon storms, a big crew could join me in the main living area for drinks, a warm fire and card games. The backroom would be converted to a camp-like bunkroom to encourage sleepovers. It's not in a golf club community, but the expansive front lawn would be a great spot for a putting green. Once I perfect my short game, it's a golf cart ride away from the renowned Ponte Vedra Inn and Club not to mention PVPV/Rawlings Elementary.
That #NocLife
How about this listing in Nocatee at 81 Millenia Drive, Ponte Vedra, FL?
My golf cart would for sure have extra cup holders, or maybe I would trick it out with a preppy scalloped-edged awning, or go full Jags fan with #duuuval stickers. There would be a rack for my boogie board and extra towel for bringing my pup for a ride over the bridge and a day of fun at the Mickler's public beach access. Of course, with great dog parks, shopping and splash parks being walking distance from my sweet home, it might be hard to get me out of my new neighborhood. This too is not a golf course community. However, after dropping the kids off at either the brand new K-8 Pine Island Academy or at Nease for their first year in the highly rated IB program, it's a quick ride to Palencia Golf Club.
Resort Coastal Living
This home at 116 Yellow Bill Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach is all about the beach.
Three stories of move-in coastal living complete with a pool, outdoor shower and ocean views. This Barbie-like Dream Home would be a true pivot. It's ideal for hosting friends and family for long weekends of beach yoga, porch reading and low country boils. My golf clubs would be traded in for fishing poles and the kids could enjoy early morning surf rides before signing on to the St. Johns Virtual school.
While these are all fantasies, it is a good exercise when thinking about buying or selling. A Realtor, mortgage broker, or financial planner can help in making educated financial decisions. Ultimately, how you live can only be decided by you, and a life filled with big and small joys is priceless.
About the Agent
Willow Logue is a long-time resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Originally from the northeast, she moved south with her family in 2000 and has gradually fallen for the charms of living in a beach community. Before starting a career in real estate, Willow was a serial wanderer. She worked in a variety of fields: fashion, comedy, journalism, design, sports, and non-profits. As a Realtor, all her past passions have come together. Real estate gives her the opportunity to learn about each client, continue her education on the history of Northeast Florida, and most importantly, find ways to support local charities doing a world of good.
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