IN JANUARY’S ISSUE The Home Identity Crisis: The Dining Room Office Happy Anniversary, Merrill House Museum! The 2021 Housing Market; How We Got Here and What to Expect.
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IN YOUR CORNER
JANUARY 2021
PANTONE COLOR(S) OF THE YEAR 2021: ULTIMATE GRAY AND ILLUMINATING
COMMUNITY PROPERTY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MERRILL HOUSE MUSEUM!
FEATURE STORY THE 2021 HOUSING MARKET: HOW WE GOT HERE AND WHAT TO EXPECT.
LIVING LARGE THE HOME IDENTITY CRISIS; THE DINING ROOM OFFICE
MARKET UPDATE CURIOUS IF PRICES ARE UP? WHAT’S THE MARKET DOING? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
CBV CARES LEADING THE WAY IN OUR COMMUNITIES
©2021 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.
) S ( R O L O C After a most unique year, it only makes sense that we would launch into 2021 with an unexpected color of the year choice. In fact, Pantone has gone with not one, but two, hues in its annual proclamation. The color authority today announced PANTONE 175104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating as the dual Colors of the Year for 2021. In a news release, Pantone called them “two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.” Ultimate Gray is a cement-like shade, the type of color that can be found in pebbles along the shore and that “quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.” Illuminating is a bright, vivacious shade imbued with the spirit of the sun. The color pairing may seem jarring initially. Taken separately, they occupy somewhat opposite sides of the emotional color wheel; gray can read a bit cold and stoic while yellow is warm and cheery. Together, however, they represent “a marriage of strength and optimism.” Like last year’s Classic Blue, which represented stability and reassurance at a time when trust and faith were needed, this year’s choices are inspired
21: O F T H E Y E A R 20 U LT IM AT E G R AY G A N D IL L U M IN AT IN The following is a guest post by SAM SHALOM originally published on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog.
by the current world order. “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.” Designer Jonathan Adler approves of the duo of colors, offering commentary to AD PRO about the “pleasing, soothing, soft, and pretty combination. Perhaps all of us, whatever our politics, are looking for a soft landing from the cultural battles of the last several years and the gloom of the COVID-19 pandemic. Soft gray with light yellow feels like morning.” Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, also notes that these two independent colors “highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope.”
Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in Interior Design and Home Decor When used in a home environment, the combination of gray and yellow have unlimited possibilities. Ultimate Gray creates a neutral foundation on walls, readying the space for the spirited lift yellow provides. Upholstered items in either color can become focal points, while appliances and lighting in yellow will undoubtedly become conversation pieces. The metallic tones of Orbital and the earth tones of Sun and Shadow, two palette collections PANTONE showcases for establishing color harmonies, offer additional options for building out a color story. “Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a great combination to set the mood in any room in the home adding a dose of sunshine and positivity,” said Pantone. “Juxtaposing Illuminating with Ultimate Gray in table linens, sheeting and home accessories including pillows and tabletop infuses vitality and liveliness. Painting a front door in bright yellow Illuminating conveys a warm and welcoming message when supported by solid and dependable Ultimate Gray in the exterior finishes.”
This year marks 15 years since the opening of the Merrill House Museum. On November 17, 2005 the Jacksonville Historical Society held a grand opening preview party for the James E. Merrill History House.
The Merrill House is a place to learn history. Since its opening, many groups and organizations have toured the house. School children have an opportunity to learn about life in 1903 and are shown many old items which were new to them. During the holidays, the house is decorated for the Gingerbread Extravaganza and looks and feels like Christmas. In connection with weddings held at Old St. Andrew’s Church, the bride uses the upstairs chambers of the Merrill House to prepare for her big day.
Nancy Gandy, Museum Docent. Republished with permission from the Jacksonville Historical Society.
MERRILL HOUSE MUSEUM CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
The official opening was attended by over 100 society members and descendants of the original Merrill family. As the oldest Merrill descendant, 91-year-old Ann Merrill Gillette was given the key to unlock the front door. She was the daughter of James Campbell Merrill, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Eugene Merrill, and she was born in the house in 1914. Mrs. Gillett died in February 2006, a few months after the grand opening. In the photo above, Mrs. Gillette, left, is with her sister-in-law, Roxie Merrill, shortly after the renovations were complete in April 2005.
James Eugene Merrill came to Jacksonville from Charleston, S.C., with his family in 1865. He was the oldest of 11 children. He started an ironworks company in 1876 and eventually made his mark as a major ship builder by founding the Merrill-Stevens Engineering Company. According to his son, James Campbell Merrill, the Merrill family home was constructed in 1879. In 1881, James Eugene Merrill married Helen Pearly Small and in 1886 the small cottage-style house was enlarged into an Eastlake Victorian house to accommodate his aging parents. The Merrill family lived in the house from 1879 to 1920, eventually moving to Riverside. The Merrill house was sold to Alfred Leach in 1920, and his son, George, sold the house to the City of Jacksonville in 1999 after it had been vacant for many years.
In 1999 the declining Lafayette Street house was set for demolition by the City when the Jacksonville Historical Society approached the City to save and restore it. The City provided the society with a lease on the house and agreed to move it next to Old St. Andrew’s Church. Then, in 2001, during final plans for the new baseball park, the City notified the society that the Merrill House would have to be moved for a second time from what is now third base in the ballpark to its present location at the corner of A. Philip Randolph Blvd. and Duval Street. Restoration work began to support the structure and re-roofing. Other work needed was the repair and replacement of existing wood siding, restoration of 42 windows (84 total sashes), additional windows, and repairing the steps, posts and rails for the porches. The National Park Service provided thousands of dollars in heart of pine to use in the structural repair of the home. The house’s wood siding was removed piece by piece, marked, restored, and returned, when possible, to the original position. During this process, the front porch was stolen. Luckily, the thieves dropped three front porch spindles. Those spindles were then recreated. After interior work was completed and with donated furnishings to pre-date 1901, the interior of the
house was decorated to reflect and tell the story of life during the Victorian period in Jacksonville in 1903. We are fortunate to also have some of the Merrill family items. The restoration project took six years. As a docent for the Merrill House, it has been my honor to welcome visitors and share the story of the house and the Merrill family. When I give a tour, I go early to open the house and I like to sit in the bay window area of the dining room. With the silence, I try to imagine how life was in this house with no air-conditioning, no bathroom, no television, and the long dresses worn in the Florida heat. But this house was modern for them at that time. You can look around at all the furnishings and they too have stories to tell. The house is such a wonderful part of history and the historical society takes care of it and shares it with all who wish to be transported back in time to life in 1903 in Jacksonville and the history of the James Eugene Merrill family.
2020 WAS NOTHING IF NOT UNPREDICTABLE The United States announced in early February that a surge in the number of Covid 19 cases precipitated a public health crisis. Shortly thereafter, the President declared the pandemic a national emergency and unprecedented stay at home orders swiftly followed. As businesses and schools began to shut down, the nation’s real estate industry collectively held its breath. The economy plunged, job loss soared, and experts predicted huge declines in the housing market. Agents, investors, and mortgage brokers alike braced themselves for what was to come, but what came was something unanticipated. ranking high on current homeowners’ wish lists and distance to the cities becoming less of a factor, suburbs saw an influx of new residents. The demand for housing was now outweighing the supply. In September, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released a report stating that existing home sales had been higher the previous month than at any time during the last 14 years. Buyers were willing to pay more than list price to secure the home of their dreams and sellers were enjoying the premium prices caused by multiple offer situations. Fast Forward to Today
The Changing Market In a press release dated March 23, the Federal Reserve announced that they would purchase Treasury securities and agency mortgaged-backed securities in an effort to uphold the nation’s economy and keep it flowing despite the adverse impact of the pandemic. Mortgage rates began to drop to record lows. Confidence grew among consumers as their buying power increased and minimum credit scores for loan qualifications were simultaneously decreased. First time buyers jumped as new opportunity presented itself. In addition, the concept of home was changing for current homeowners. A Phenomenon Takes Shape While home was once a retreat to return to at the end of the day, necessity now mandated that it be more. Kitchen tables became offices and classrooms. Spare rooms and garages were converted to home gyms. With nowhere else to go, buyers wanted escapes with patios, back yards, and pools. With maximum square footage now
The current market has some consumers fearing a situation similar to the housing crash of 2008, but industry experts across the nation believe this to be unlikely in 2021. One reason is the number of loans that are currently in forbearance. During the crash of 2008, the number of delinquent mortgage loans exceeded 10 million. According to current information from the Mortgage Bankers Association, there were only 2.7 million homeowners in forbearance during the month of December. While predictions are simply that, most experts project that housing costs will continue to increase into mid 2021, and mortgage rates will hold steady for the next few months before they begin a gradual rise. It is always nice to hear positive real estate forecasts from corporate associations nationwide, but housing trends can fluctuate from market to market.
Written by Rachel Domenico - Associate with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty.
The at Home Market Fortunately, Coldwell Banker Vanguard (CBV) Realtors agree that 2021 is a great time to get into the market for both buyers and sellers. Locally, markets remain very competitive. Agents Starr Keating and Alayna Summanen of the Starr Home Search Team notice that many buyers are becoming savvier. “They are doing better at positioning themselves to not have as many contingencies in an offer. Consequently, they are making the stronger offers needed to secure the contract. Buyers know they are benefitting from the low interest rates, and many want to take advantage of those rates prior to an increase toward a more traditional range.” They also note that while selling at the top of the market is enticing to many homeowners, others are nervous about having somewhere to go. “With low inventory, some are getting cold feet about selling until they have a new home. This only contributes more to the low inventory, and some potential sellers are turning to home improvements rather than moving.” Aimee Davidow, of Team Davidow, concurs that low inventory is a driving factor in the Jacksonville market and that it will likely remain so as an influx of buyers from other areas continue their trek into Northeast Florida. With that being said, buyers are not lowering their standards. “With people spending more time in their homes and HGTV style shows being all the rage, we will continue to see buyers with expectations of trendy finishes and well-staged homes, but they will be willing to pay for it. Sellers will be handsomely rewarded for properly preparing their home for sale.” Tony Caribaltes, out of CBV’s office in historic Avondale, believes that despite low inventory, 2021 will be a banner year in real estate. “Loan rates are still lowering, and there is talk of new government incentives for buyers.” He adds that since the holidays have concluded, he has personally experienced a rash of new listings. Additionally, he points out that a positive to the low existing home inventory is the area’s increase in new construction. Local builder DR Horton site representative, Hillary Smalling, echoed that sentiment. “In 2020, DR Horton built, sold, and closed roughly 2900 homes in the greater Jacksonville area. We are projecting over 3100 new home sales in 2021.” Relocation continues to fuel sales in Northeast Florida and Coldwell Banker Vanguard agents are poised and ready to assist with transactions.
To quote Tony one last time
2021 LOOKS
TO BE ROBUST!
THE
HOME CRISIS
IDENTITY
DINING ROOM OFFICE
The following is a guest post written by Chief of Organized Living & NorthStar Moving Company Co-Founder Laura McHolm, originally published by GUSTAVO GONZALEZ on Blue Matter, Coldwell Banker’s Blog.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS TO MAKE YOUR DINING ROOM OFFICE SPARKLE Remember life pre-pandemic lock down before your dining room morphed into your zoom room, office, workstation and study hall. Thanks to your new work-at-home lifestyle, files and papers found a permanent home on your dining room table. You probably haven’t had a meal on that table, besides a quick sandwich and many lattes, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s time to reclaim and tame the dining room table! A little organizational magic and presto you can alleviate the room identity crisis and turn it into a beautiful two-in-one space. An office by day and a dining room by night! Here are simple ways to keep your dining room/office space organized and easy to clear for meals:
Tips • Place trays on the dining room table so your work stuff has a home. At the end of the work day, simply remove the trays and…voila! There’s actually a clear table when it’s time for dinner. • Use magazine organizers for filing. Place magazine organizers on a tray. They not only keep your files tidy; they can easily be transported from the dining room. Way more efficient than stacks of papers or files; and your paperwork takes up less room. • Tuck a folding computer desk in the corner of your dining room. Use it as the home base for all your office trays and supplies. And when you want to completely clean-up the dining room, move your office trays into a closet or bedroom, and simply fold up the desk and remove it. • Use a rolling utility storage cart for office supplies and items. They easily roll away into a closet. You might call it a “miracle vehicle” as it whisks away the office items, clearing the way for holiday meals and pie. • Reuse a toy chest, or purchase a trunk, simply store all your office items inside. A trunk can hold and hide everything from files to your laptop. You can even choose a trunk that complements your dining room decor. • Have fun shopping online for pretty organizers. Afterall, you spend a huge part of your time working, so make it enjoyable!
With these budget friendly storage solutions, your dining room can easily do double-duty: a functional space to both entertain and work. Your transformed two-in-one space has the added bonus of giving you peace of mind. Mindfully designing your space so it actually functions will make you feel more relaxed, organized and in control. Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services. www.northstarmoving.com
MARKET UPDATE DECEMBER 2020
“For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi Coldwell Banker Vanguard agents were blessed this holiday season by contributing to a number of local schools and charities through CBV Cares- a program founded and funded by our associates for the purpose of raising and distributing contributions to local non-profit groups. A successful “Fill Our Windows” campaign helped enable our Avondale associates to support multiple groups and foundations: Clara White Mission, the local ASPCA animal shelter, Angelwood, Angels for Allison, West Riverside Elementary, and Fishweir Elementary School. In addition, they were able to express gratitude to the hometown heroes of Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department station 14 with breakfast. Agents from the Fleming Island and Oakleaf offices donated $250 to a different local charity for each of the 12 Days of Christmas. Recipients were AstroBot STEM Non-Profit, Friends of Clay County Animals, Grace Episcopal Day School, Safe Animal Shelter of Orange Park, The Healing Hearts Project, Waste Not Want Not, Clay Educational Foundation, Trinity Fitness Ministries, Inc., Fawn’s Family Small Dog Rescue, Stonecroft Ministries, Inc., AMI Kids of Clay County, and Golden Years Transportation. Horse Sense and Sensitivity, a group that provides therapeutic treatment for children with challenges, received a grant from our St. John’s office. They were also able to help Best Buddies and conducted donation drives for Autumn Village Assisted Living, and St. John’s Pet Rescue. To nominate a favorite charity or organization that is near and dear to your heart, contact your CBV agent for information.
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