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In Your Corner
10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR REALTOR BEFORE LISTING
Community Property
HISTORIC HOMES OF JACKSONVILLE
Feature
WHAT YOU FOCUS ON EXPANDS Service to others may not seem like a business strategy for a real estate brokerage, but at Coldwell Banker Vanguard, it’s actually one of our guiding principles.
Living Large
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER!
Market Update
ARE HOME PRICES UP? WHAT’S THE AVERAGE SALES PRICE IN NE FLORIDA? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
CBV Cares
WHERE PASSION MEETS PURPOSE
©2020 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo and “We Never Stop Moving” are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR REALTOR BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOME
1
Are you a full-time or part-time realtor? Full-time realtors tend to be more accessible, and may be able to devote more time and expertise to you. This doesn’t mean there aren’t incredibly successful part-time agents, however, those who are committed to the profession and dedicate their full-time attention to the job, tend to have better results.
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What is your experience and how do you stay cutting edge – and what is your training? Experience, combined with extensive training, prove to be a winning combination for professional real estate agents. A successful track record in sales, negotiations and customer service are the hallmarks of an exceptional agent. There’s also more to being an agent than passing the state licensing exam. Ongoing education and professional development courses give agents the upper hand when it comes to identifying market trends and financial scenarios that will benefit you.
What is your advertising and marketing plan? Your agent should be comfortable with both traditional and emerging advertising and marketing tactics, and how they are used together for strategic campaigns. Professional photography, social media, videos, and virtual open houses are some of the tools productive agents use as part of a strategic marketing campaign. Ask to see sample marketing the agent has used successfully.
4
How do I prepare my home for listing for sale? An experienced agent will be able to recommend myriad tactics to help you prep your home for sale. Suggestions may include painting, deodorizing, or decluttering as well as more specific recommendations like replacing fencing, updating appliances, etc.
How fast can you sell my house? While agents cannot guarantee a timeline for a sale, an experienced, professional agent can share specific market data that will provide you a solid estimation of what to expect. His or her experience in the neighborhood will also provide valuable anecdotal information on how quickly – and at what pricing – homes are being sold.
IN YOUR CORNER
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What is your process to help me position my house properly on the market? Your agent should have a detailed plan, complete with comparable marketing analyses, marketing, timeline and pricing strategy. Your agent should discuss with you what your objectives are, and cover the three main elements affecting your position: availability, condition, and price.
How will you stay in touch with me and how often will I hear from you? In a world of connectivity, it’s entirely possible for folks to stay in touch ‘round the clock. Be sure to ask your realtor what methods of communication they prefer – phone calls, text, emails, social media messaging, etc. When are they NOT available? And be sure to share with your realtor what YOUR preferences are. Setting boundaries on both sides will only strengthen the relationship.
How well do you know my neighborhood? Professional agents often specialize in specific market areas or types of property. Those who work predominantly in a neighborhood or area will often be able to gather data and information that even you may not have known.
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Can you provide me the names and contact information of past clients as references? A confident, experienced real estate agent will gladly share several references. When you chat with the former customers, ask if they enjoyed working with the agent; would they work with them again; were there any issues or concerns in working with this professional. Also, be sure to ask if any of these references are relatives.
Have you done anything outside of the box when it comes to marketing – and if so, can you please tell me about it? If you’re looking for something unique that will make your home stand out from other similar properties on the market, clever marketing could be the thing for you. Some sellers don’t have a preference – and just want it sold. Others may want to cut through the thousands of online listings and have their home stand out from the crowd using tactics that aren’t “the norm.” If your agent is passionate about a creative tactic or technique, chances are, they’re passionate about getting your home sold, too.
Historic Homes of Jacksonville
Significant architectural gems can be found all over Jax. Go explore them!
Information courtesy of Visit Jacksonville.
Marabanog
Year Built: 1876 Location: 4747 River Point Road Jacksonville, FL 32207 Neighborhood: Arlington Details: This historic home got its name from the Maori language. “Marabanong” roughly translates to paradise. This home was built 1876, in a Victorian style. It’s unique architecture and character surely stands out in Jacksonville. This is a private residence.
Epping Forest
Year Built: 1926 Location: 1830 Epping Forest Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32217 (gated community) Neighborhood: Mandarin Details: Alfred duPont and Jessie Ball duPont owned this 25-room riverfront estate. The 15,000 square foot mansion was designed by Marsh & Saxelbye. In 1984, the estate changed to a private club known now as Epping Forest Yacht Club.
Swisher House
Year Built: 1929 Location: 2252 River Road Jacksonville, FL 32207 Neighborhood: San Marco Details: John H. Swisher and sons moved to Jacksonville in 1924 and started their business, King Edward cigars, which became the most popular cigars in the world. Their riverfront house is a Mediterranean Revival architecture more than 9,000 square feet. It is now a private residence.
Kingsley P lantation
Year Built: 1797 Location: 11676 Palmetto Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32226 Neighborhood: Northside Details: The oldest residential home still standing in Jacksonville and the last remaining plantation house in the state. The foundations of the house, kitchen, barn and the slave quarters were constructed of cement tabby, making them notably durable. Once a cotton plantation, it is now part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve and maintained by the National Park Service.
Leon Cheek Residence
Year Built: 1928 Location: 2263 River Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32204 Neighborhood: Riverside/Avondale Details: It was built in 1928-1929 at a cost of over $100,000 for Leon Cheek, head of the Cheek-Neal Coffee Company, which later became the Maxwell House Coffee Company. This house is Jacksonville’s foremost example of the Jacobethan Revival style. This is a private residence.
Webb and Jones Farm House
Year Built: 1875 Location: 11964 Mandarin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 Neighborhood: Mandarin Details: This home, built 1875, rests on 30 acres of land. It once housed the largest citrus farm in Mandarin. Major William Webb purchased the land on the St. Johns River. He built a home, barn, and 1,000-foot dock extending into the water. The home was restored back to its original condition in 2000 and is now part of the Walter Jones Historical Park. Photo courtesy of Mandarin Museum & Historical Society.
What you focus on expands
Home. It’s a part of our DNA. Has been since we were founded over 114 years ago. But so has the unexpected. It’s part of our founding story and over our history we’ve seen the unexpected change our business, our mindset and our homes. The unexpected has come once again. It’s changing our normal lives, and reminding us of the importance of home. Not just the place where we reside, but the communities and people we love. In this time of change, Coldwell Banker Vanguard agents and staff are still actively working to serve our communities in whatever way we can, even as many of us do so from our living rooms, kitchen tables and spare bedrooms. If there’s one thing we understand more than most, it’s the value of home. Coldwell Banker Vanguard remains steadfast in our commitment to our agents and customers. In an industry built on sales, numbers and data, Coldwell Banker Vanguard takes it a step further – placing the highest value on serving others. Putting people first has always been a priority for us – not just in uncertain times. We are continuing to support our agents and their businesses by upgrading numerous programs and resources to ensure the exceptional service you’re accustomed to is not disrupted. In fact, if you’re planning on listing your home soon, your agent will have access to complimentary marketing features like a custom video tour of your home, as well as exclusive print marketing materials.
“ If there’s one thing we understand more than most, it ’s the value of home.”
When we adapt and innovate, we create our future. While we are continually monitoring and assessing the public health crisis, we’re also leaning into the circumstances. It’s an opportunity to examine our processes and infrastructure, and continue developing education programs and technology that helps our agents, which in turns, helps our customers. It is said that what you focus on expands, and we’re making a conscious effort to focus on the positives in our universe: our agents, their customers, and the future. If we can be of service to you and your family, please do not hesitate to contact your Coldwell Banker Vanguard professional. We’re here to help.
Curb Your Enthusiasm. First impressions matter!
Replacing front door hardware is an economical and efficient way to improve the look of even the most inexpensive door. Be sure to consider not just the handle, but any door knockers, kick plates and peepholes, too. Painting the front door with a pop of color makes your home look more interesting and friendly and also grabs attention in online photos and videos and as well as folks driving by. It’s inexpensive and a simple DIY project that most anyone can do themselves in just a few hours. Not sure what color to use? Look around your neighborhood or online home decorating websites for inspiration. Don’t forget a new door mat. Worn out, faded mats don’t necessarily scream “welcome” – but a fresh new one will. Plus, it gives friends and family a chance to wipe their feet before entering your “show-ready” home. If your home has a front porch with unused space, consider adding a relaxing seating area. Does your backyard or patio have furniture that isn’t being used? Move a few pieces to the front or look at secondhand stores or yard sales for easy to clean/refurbish chairs and tables.
New house numbers can make your home stand out – especially from the street. And with myriad designs to choose from, this quick DIY project demonstrates an attention to detail – something buyers will appreciate. Colorful flowers and plants are also inviting and give buyers a feeling of “home.” Consider using planters or baskets to add some additional visual interest – which also makes it easier to move or reconfigure the setup if necessary. Pressure washing is a secret many sellers swear by. Sometimes, a simple, yet deep cleaning of the driveway and walkways, as well as the home exterior, gives you that just painted feeling – without the time or expense. Most home improvement stores rent power washing equipment and a weekend of elbow grease and pressurized water can get your home looking like new!
MARKET UPDATE Data Source: Northeast Florida Association of Realtors
5000 5000
New NewListings ListingsininFebruary Februaryofof2020 2020
3,282 3,282
4000 4000
3000 3000
Pending Pending Sales Sales
2,743 2,743••2,201 2,201 Closed Closed Sales Sales
2000 2000
MAR MARAPR APRMAY MAYJUN JUNJUL JULAUG AUGSEP SEPOCT OCTNOV NOVDEC DECJAN JANFEB FEB MARCH MARCH 2019 2019 - FEBRUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 2020 PREVIOUS PREVIOUS YEAR YEAR
Average AverageDays Dayson onMarket Market s s o9r olersles 9 9 9 9 9 , , $1$41949 9 9 9199,999,99 1 $ $ ,00,0000 $1$51050 9 9 9299,999,99 2 $ $ ,00,0000 $2$02000 9999 4$9499,99,9 $ 0 0 ,00,00 $3$03000 9 9 0900,909,99 9 $ $ ,00,0000 $5$05000 nadnudpup a 0 0 0 0 0,00,0 00 $1$,010,00
73 73
3030
6060
9090
120 120
150 150
FEBRUARY 2020
Inventory of Homes for Sale 15%
7,949
6%
$149,999 or less 16%
28%
$150,000 - $199,999 $200,000 - $299,999
10% 26%
$300,000 - $499,999 $500,000 - $900,999 $1,000,000 and up
Average Sales Price in February 2020:
$287,068
300000 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0
MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB
Over the past year, CBV Cares has provided cash gra of our offices funds its own grantmaking program, w
If you have a favorite local charity that’s making an i with a phone call or email to your Coldwell Banker V
Here’s a peek into a few of the organizations we’ve h
Angelwood Since 1993, Angelwood has been serving children, adults, seniors, and families living with intellectual and developmental differences such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and Spina Bifida. Dignity and respect are its hallmarks as they offer services across the greater Jacksonville community. Over the years, Angelwood services have been developed in response to community needs. Angelwood provides support to more than 300 individuals and their families through residential group homes, respite services, behavior services, summer day camp, adult day training programs, supported employment and holiday kids camps.
Liam Lives Foundation Liam Lives Foundation is a faith based, non-profit charitable organization, which seeks to provide counseling and supportive services to families who have suffered from pregnancy and infant loss due to early miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, neonatal, and postneonatal death. The foundation also seeks to bring about community awareness and promote education surrounding the topic of pregnancy and infant loss to encourage dialogue and healing.
Safe Animal Shelter Safe Animal Shelter is a nonprofit organization working to reduce the number of dogs and cats euthanized in Clay County and surrounding areas.
ants and volunteer support to nearly 60 local organizations and groups on the First Coast. Each with Coldwell Banker Vanguard agents championing causes near and dear to their customers.
impact and changing lives, we’d love to know about it. The grant process is simple – and starts Vanguard agent.
had the honor of supporting over the last 12 months.
Embrace Community Center, Inc. Embrace Community center is a nonprofit organization that provides growth opportunities to enrich the lives of children, families, special needs, seniors and veterans. It is a community center that provides inclusion for all ages and abilities through education, recreation, and socialization to create a unified community by, “Putting UNITY back into COMMUNITY!”
Rethreaded Rethreaded’s mission is to renew hope, reignite dreams and release potential for survivors of human trafficking locally and globally through business. Rethreaded is a mindful gift company that provides long term employment coupled with mental health services to survivors of human trafficking in Jacksonville.
St. Johns Cares St. Johns CARES, Inc. (formerly JCP CARES) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping local charities in St. Johns County. It provides assistance to local charities and those in need through donations and time. Charity efforts are divided into five different categories; Animals & Environment, Senior & Veterans, Children & Education, Medical and Homeless & Abused.
Closing Bear is a fast-paced title company that offers title insurance and closings for anyone buying or selling real estate. Simply put, Closing Bear does all the paperwork when someone buys or sells property...but they do it better than anyone else.
SOCIAL DISTANCING IN A SOCIAL BUSINESS I was interviewed this morning by a reporter with The Daily Record who wanted to know how COVID-19 is affecting real estate closings. Plain and simple, it already is, and I think it may be months before things get “back to normal.” The Problem: This is a social business from the listing through closing. I’ve heard from realtors that listings have been canceled to avoid people from walking through their houses. We’ve already seen buyers and sellers who want to close remotely and avoid proximity with each other. Not to mention customers who may actually become infected and unable to close. The Solution: First and foremost, we all need to realize that we are on the same team. During times like this, a dose of understanding and compassion goes a long way. But rather than think of the limitations, it may be a good idea to use this as an opportunity to think creatively and show your value to your customers. As a realtor, that may look like offering virtual tours/Facetime calls from properties, and altering the traditional open houses and showings. From the closing side, we already offer split-closings and mail-aways, but now are days away from offering remote online closings as well. So, your customers will be able to close their deals online from the safety of their own bunkered houses surrounded by stockpiled Spam and toilet paper. When all is said and done, we cannot allow social distancing and fear to eliminate human connection. We merely need to alter the traditional model a bit until this current health concern is sorted. Who knows, maybe new ideas and business strategies will result? If you or your customers have any questions about how best to handle a transaction, please know that our team is here to help and think of creative solutions to ensure a seamless closing.
Chip Lynn, CEO/Managing Attorney • Chip@ClosingBear.com • (904) 738-1672 • www.closingbear.com