Baby, It's Cold in Orange Park FL!

Baby it's cold outside... one of my favorite songs!  However, when it's cold weather in Orange Park Florida we are surprised. 

Some tips for inside and out: 

1. Set your thermostat for 68deg.  You save on your overall billing, up to approx. 22%.  Each degree over 68 adds 5% to your billing. (I just hopped up and turned ours down)
2. Insulate against heat loss.  Weatherstrip between heated and non-heated areas.
3. Space heaters can warm rooms when turning down the indoor temperature.  However, space heaters come with many warnings:
1. Never leave unattended.
2. Never leave a space heater on while sleeping.
3. Make sure the heater has a 'tip over shut off' feature
4. If your plumbing is exposed and not in the foundation (like mine is) take the time to wrap the pipes.  This is also great advice for sprinkler systems.  Additionally, drip a faucet to keep the water moving and the pipes from freezing.
5. 20% of our body heat can be lost through an exposed head, make certain to wear a hat or cap. 
6. Layers.  Dress in layers.  As a person who moved to FL from the Northwest remember to dress in layers-- much more effective than a heavy coat.
7. Check on neighbors, any elderly persons, or those who will not 'do' for themselves.  It can be as simple as a phone call or quick visit next door.
8. Keep delicate plants and our beloved pets indoors if possible.  And, if not possible make sure all animals have a dry, warm place to be with fresh water and food.
9. For plants either cover them for the night, and/or place a plastic container with some water in it to absorb the freeze.

When dealing with wind chill please consider the chart below... it's just too complicated to explain.  And, hopefully we can all get through our big freeze here in beautiful Orange Park Florida!

Figures, Numbers, Data-- Orange Park Real Estate

This is a chart showing the median numbers for active listings, listings as they drop their price and enter into contract, and the final sold pricing.  This data is for all of the greater Jacksonville area, and as such, cannot be indicative for a specific area.

Starting our year, and throughout our year, the initial listing price is high.  Key to remember is that it's easier to go down in price than the reverse.  Next is the light brown line.  This line tells us that early in the year sellers had hopes of receiving more than the market would allow.  The second half of the year the seller line lowers slightly and we can notice the selling price and that last price reduction become a little more in sync.

The black line is what the buyers are saying.  That our market is lower than expected, and the appraisal (perhaps) of these properties-- if lending is required-- was not in sync, but would become closer over time.

As we look to the New Year we can be certain of only one figure.  That real estate (in Orange Park) is ever changing these days.  And, as such buyers and seller need a Realtor more than ever.

Happy New Year!  And God bless---

Orange Park Florida and New Homes...

There are 37 new homes on market in Orange Park Florida.  Some are large, some are small, all are waiting for their new owner(s).  A few hints regarding the purchase of a new home...

Use your own Realtor (me).  Using your own Realtor ensures you will not have to manage a high -pressure-builder-paid-agent.  The selling company or party will pay for your Realtor's commission.  Your own agent will represent you, not the builder or any other party, your own agent will represent your interest---and your interest only.  Your personal Realtor will also arrange mid and post construction inspections.

Use your own lender.  At times the builder will want you to use their lender.  Their lender will give you a good deal, but will also inform the builder about any changes in your economics.  Shop for a lender that you want.  A lender that will work with you and any circumstances you may have.  Interview your lender and get to know him or her.  Your lender is important, know your lender.

Know your agreement.  Purchase and sales agreements are a funny thing.  They can slant toward a buyer, or a seller.  The agreement can slant toward whichever party controls the first step.  Know your agreement, and know that your personal agent will negotiate to your best interests.  Know the cancellation rights.

Hire a home inspector.  Mid and post construction.  Mid-construction is important to find any issues with walls, floors, and such.  Post-construction is very important to make certain all is constructed well and with safety in mind...

There are new properties on market currently-- call me today to find out more!

Our Vet In Orange Park Florida

Orange Park Florida, located in the heart of Clay County is home to many fun and interesting stores.  One place, that I do not view as a store, but is worthy of mention is All Animal Clinic.  Located on Blanding Blvd, just past Clay Electric and Academy Sports, All Animal Clinic is more than a animal clinic.

It is the location our newest (and possibly more incorrigible) pet has come from.  But first let me back up and explain how we came to know this clinic.

Pet ownership is great.  Owning a pet, when done correctly, can teach children love, responsibility, obedience, and how to place another warm blooded being above themselves (can teach adults this as well).  So, when we embarked to get a dog... well, we took two home.  Chloe and Max.  All was well with our little GoldenDoodles until little Max could not walk well.  We took him to All Animal and shortly thereafter he was having surgery to correct a malformed front shoulder joint.

The care and comfort they provided him is what I remember most.  Long forgotten is walking him every couple hours, the way he wanted to play, etc. 

When we received our cat, Miley, from my daughter's fourth grade teacher (yes, blackmail was in the works---okay, that is supposed to be funny), we went and had her checked out at All Animal Clinic.  And they did a great job of keeping her from clawing the life out of me!

So, my point.  This past week we decided to adopt another kitten.  I called to All Animal to see if they knew of any, and sure enough--they had a few in the clinic.  They had them housed in a kennel-type cage up front.  Each had been either spayed or neutered at no cost to the adoptive owners, each had a name, and each had been loved.  We know this because little Hummer, whom we took home, is extraordinarily friendly and likes to find one of his people to sleep on.  He has been forthright and friendly with our other animals, and is eating (and littering) well.

All a sign of great care!  When looking for a vet in Orange Park Florida please keep All Animal Clinic at the top of your list---

Max--Just after surgery....

We do, and it's been a great experience!           

Gyms In Orange Park Florida---Just In Case Exercise Is In Your Future!

In Orange Park Florida there are a few great choices for your exercise routine.  Depending on your sport, if you need childcare, and distance from your desired home you will have many options. 

If interested in a 'plain jane' but extremely clean gym--head for Planet Fitness.  My personal gym.  Planet Fitness offers trainers, a dedicated circuit area, and many cardio options.  With multiple sets of weight machines, and plenty free weights, Planet Fitness does not disappoint.  And yes, cleanliness is a premium in this space with daily floor, locker room, and equipment cleanings (even the walls--I was AMAZED!)  Planet Fitness is open 24/5 and during the day Saturday and Sunday.

Baileys Powerhouse is a local favorite.  In Orange Park Florida you will find it's new location on Blanding, across from Academy Sports.  Baileys is known for it's great service, group classes, and professional training.  Baileys is also, depending on the type of membership, available 24-hours.  Baileys is a great choice for those interested in body-building, group classes, and a clean environment.

Lifestyle Family Fitness.  Lifestyle is an all encompassing gym experience with machines, free weights, and a track for those who want the cardio experience without the 'going no-where' experience.  Lifestyle (and Planet Fitness) offer tanning as a part of some memberships.  Lifestyle also offers a swimming pool, and some offer childcare. 

Dye-Clay YMCA.  The Dye-Clay YMCA offers childcare, a wide array of group classes, machines and free weights.  The YMCA offers a full length pool and many sport teams for kids of all ages.  The local YMCA is a great place to go for exercise if you want something for everyone in the family.

Bottom line.  We know exercise is important for a long and healthy life.  It is important to find a gym you feel comfortable and can ask questions of those in charge.



Jacksonville Florida, April 8th 2011--One Perfect Day!

Jacksonville Florida is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l today!   After a short drive to the beach (from Orange Park Florida) we arrived at the beach house.  The family played in the waves, I searched homes online, and all is good in the world!

Whether you are looking for your new place to be on the beach, slightly inland, or simply want acreage over water you will never be more than about an hour away from the waves.  And hours of FREE entertainment!

The beauty of Jacksonville Florida is that there are multiple roads to take to get to the beaches.  And beaches we have!

Best to you, and your group, and our beaches!

So, what can we say about money?  And how shall we tie it to Jacksonville FL?  Let me lay this out-- a non-REO, short sale, or severely damaged home in the general Jacksonville Florida area will run about $200,000
What that means is that your search should start at $150,000 and go to about $210,000.  Or to whatever amount you qualify for.  Note the qualify.  Before beginning a home search one should always visit and get to know a home loan person.  Preferably with a well known lender--one that other lenders and companies will recognize.  Are you with me, that part is important.
Once you have in hand that pre-approval letter, which these days may cost the amount of a credit pull, you are ready to GO!  Call your Realtor (me, at 904-238-6559) and pull up your MLS Portal Account, then meet with me, and let's view some homes!

This is where money comes in:  how much more does it cost, if you are approved at 210,000 to go to 220,000?  At let's say 6% interest.  $60.00 per month generally speaking, not always, but in general.  And how much more house does it buy...it can buy quite a bit, and sometimes not so much.
So as you are searching please make sure you are within your mortgage comfort zone, but also note the changes in just a little higher and lower.  They can make quite a difference in quality of life, without the impact in wallet.

Remember, talk to your mortgage broker-- they can best explain how a mortgage works and how to leverage your buying power!