April 2024 ~ Jacksonville Real Producers

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TOP PRODUCERS

realproducersmag.com Carol Kilpatrick License #: A140903 carol.kilpatrick@goosehead.com Reach out to us today and let us assist with all your insurance needs. Insurance made simple. We're here to help you navigate the complexities and ensure you have the right coverage at the best price. Carol was outstanding! There were no challenges or barriers she could not navigate and manage. She is an absolute professional and expert in her field. She streamlined and simplified the entire process. Great communicator! - Tina. S THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA PARTNERS OUR JACKSONVILLE TEAM 12724 GRAN BAY PARKWAY W SUITE 410 JACKSONVILLE FL 32258 904-716-7285 | www.MilestoneTitleSvcs.com Leighann Triplett Paul Wagner 4210 VALLEY RIDGE BLVD SUITE 141 PONTE VEDRA BEACH FL 32081 Jessica Dickerson Discover the pinnacle of title services with Milestone – your trusted partner in real estate success! Our commitment to excellence ensures a smooth journey from contract to closing. • InterNACHI Certified Home Inspectors • Inspector eKey Lockbox Access • Over 10,000 verified A+ customer and Realtor online reviews • 4-Point & Wind Mitigation Inspections • Sewer Scope Inspections • Mold & Air Quality Testing • Water Testing, Pool Inspections, Drones, and more! WDO Inspections provided by our sister company, Kingfish Pest Control, a Proud Partner of the Jacksonville Jaguars 904.249.6523 • Jax@LunsPro.com • LunsProFlorida.com We Bring the Joy to Every Inspection! INSPECTOR, Scott LaPierre
4 • April 2024 @realproducers 18 Top Producers: Natalie Bryant and Suzanne Schinsing 34 From the Desk of the President 26 Rising Star: Sofie Gordon CONTENTS TABLE OF DISCLAIMER:Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Jacksonville Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. If you are interested in nominating people for certain stories, please email us at Kristin.Lunsford@n2co.com and/or Brian.Lunsford@n2co.com.
Jacksonville Real Producers • 7 6 • April 2024 @realproducers realproducersmag.com WIN MORE multiple-o er situations by partnering with North Florida Mortgage Brokers President/ MLO • 904-755-0307 tim@nflmortgagebrokers.com www.northfloridamortgagebrokers.com NMLS: 1115753 • Company NMLS: 2091907 @n mortgagebrokers @n mortgagebrokers CONTRACTS FOR 21 DAY CLOSINGS? Now O ering Commercial Mortgages REALTOR PARTNERS: HOME INSPECTION SERVICES MADE EASY Zachary Cohen Writer Michelle Williamson Writer Kristin and Brian Lunsford Tanya Runyan Ad Strategist Michele Jerrell Operations Manager If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at kristin.lunsford@n2co.com MEET THE JACKSONVILLE REAL PRODUCERS TEAM Brandon Jerrell Writer Renee Parenteau Photographer Scott Golmic Photographer Jess Wellar Writer

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 9 8 • April 2024 @realproducers realproducersmag.com
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A TIME FOR RENEWAL

The other day, I stepped outside and heard birds singing while noticing colorful flowers and fresh green leaves replacing the old brown ones.

Seeing some plants I thought were dead growing back made me realize that sometimes all it takes is a bit of water, sunlight, and warmth. This made me think about how similar situations can happen in our lives. We might feel like our career or relationships are fading away, but with some care and effort, they can bounce back quickly.

We should consider the things in our life that seem hopeless and think about what we can do to make them better. Often, things aren’t as bad as they seem and can be fixed with a little time and attention.

We ignored those plants in our backyard for a while, and they suffered because of it. I decided to water them regularly and bring them back to life. If I had given those plants a fraction of the attention earlier, they would have thrived. Sometimes, we wait until it’s almost too late to take action, which ends up requiring more time and effort than if we had acted sooner.

In the end, just like how nature rejuvenates with each season, we can revive our own endeavors and relationships with some care and timely action.

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N E W M A N

NORTH FLORIDA MORTGAGE BROKERS

A VALUE-DRIVEN LIFE

Tim Newman was born in Atlanta, GA and moved to Pittsburgh, PA when he was nine. During those formative years, his parents’ southern values shaped the man he would become.

“I grew up with southern parents who believed in southern values like God first and family second, and that’s where my emphasis on church and spending time with my family came from,” Tim shares. “I have three siblings, and we are all adopted, so I can relate to just about anyone. For me, it seems natural to find common ground with those from different backgrounds, and that quality has served me well throughout my life.”

Both of Tim’s parents are originally from Jacksonville, so visits to the Sunshine State were a regular part of his upbringing. From an early age, he dreamed of living in a warmer climate.

Tim graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009 and moved down to Jacksonville three years later. There, he began his career in the commercial insurance sector, where he sharpened his financial acumen and his love for connecting with people from all walks of life. In 2013, Tim took the next step in his professional journey, transitioning to the mortgage lending business, and in 2020, he founded North Florida Mortgage Brokers.

EARNING TRUST

“What we really do is guide people through the mortgage process wherever they are in the financial spectrum and help them make their dreams of homeownership a reality,” Tim explains. “As mortgage advisors, we are essentially debt advisors, and our overall goal is to provide the least expensive debt options to our clients.”

Tim prides himself on the level of trust he develops with his clients and partners. He has a particular affinity for working with first-time home buyers who have been denied by other mortgage lenders. He is also passionate about partnering with real estate agents, who he considers teammates on the journey to serving their collective clients.

IT’S ALL FOR FAMILY

Tim is proud of his role as the owner and primary mortgage loan officer at North Florida Mortgage Brokers, but he’s most proud of his roles as a husband and father. He and his wife, Christine, have three children: Truett (4), Bennett (3), and Caroline (born September 2023).

“We make it a priority to eat dinner together each evening and go to church on Sundays. One of our favorite traditions each week is TacoLu after church at Eleven22 on San Pablo,” Tim shares.

Tim and his family also enjoy saltwater fishing in the Intracoastal, visiting local playgrounds, trying new restaurants, and meeting with friends.

Over the past 11 years, Tim has developed a reputation for being a trusted partner. Fundamentally, he provides residential mortgage loans for homebuyers in the North Florida real estate market, but he’s more focused on being an advisor than closing loans.

Jacksonville Real Producers • 13
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AS MORTGAGE ADVISORS, WE ARE ESSENTIALLY DEBT ADVISORS, AND OUR OVERALL GOAL IS TO PROVIDE THE LEAST EXPENSIVE DEBT OPTIONS TO OUR CLIENTS.

Today, Tim is more grateful than ever for his time with his family. In 2023, he learned that his daughter, Caroline, had spina bifida, one of the most complex birth defects that still leaves a baby with a chance to survive. Upon hearing this news, Tim and his wife were devastated, but what followed brought them closer together.

Caroline underwent spinal surgery, and she is doing spectacularly after her successful fetal surgery repaired her spine and prevented paralysis. Tim is optimistic about the future, but the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.

“From June to November 2023, we experienced challenges that I never dreamed of for my family, including my wife living in a different state while I stayed home with our two boys, all the while running our mortgage business,” Tim says. “At that

time, I watched our friends and family galvanize to help support us during a time when we needed it. I gained newfound respect and admiration for my wife, who has to bear the brunt of the burden. She demonstrated poise under pressure and graceful strength that I was blessed to witness firsthand.”

With the hardest part of Caroline’s health journey in the rearview mirror, Tim can now look forward to growing his business while enjoying many more years of joy and abundance with his family. An added bonus is the opportunity to partner with his wife, who owns the mortgage processing company CTC Processors. She works with all of Tim’s clients to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

“Getting to partner with my wife to deliver exceptional mortgage experiences is a big source of pride because of the example it sets for our kids of the love and devotion it takes to have a successful marriage and business.”

For more information, visit www. northfloridamortgagebrokers.com.

15 14 • April 2024 @realproducers

& NATALIE SUZANNE

BRYANT SCHINSING

Natalie Bryant and Suzanne Schinsing ran their businesses in parallel for years. While working at the same brokerage, they formed a friendship, then an informal partnership that allowed them to support each other as needed. But when Compass came onto the Jacksonville real estate scene in early 2021, they capitalized on the arrival of one of the sector’s disruptors to officially join forces, creating the Bryant Schinsing Team.

In the three years since, Natalie and Suzanne’s already successful businesses have taken flight. Their volume tripled in the years since joining Compass, topping out at a career-best $64 million in combined sales in 2023. That included one of the year’s top sales in Ponte Vedra Beach, a $13.2 million closing. Even better, Natalie and Suzanne’s partnership with Compass has positioned them for continued growth in the years to come.

“The thing that really impressed us when joining Compass was their motto: ‘This is your company.’ Robert Refkin, the president of Compass, still says that at every event. They are a company that is open to new ideas, and that gets us excited because we’re always looking for ways to grow our business,” Suzanne says.

JOINING HANDS

Natalie started her real estate career in 2009, shortly after her youngest son graduated from high school. Suzanne began her real estate

career in Virginia in 2007 and transitioned her business to Jacksonville in 2010.

The pair met while working for Ponte Vedra Club Realty. They began supporting each other, discovering along the way they had a similar approach to business and relationship-building.

“When Natalie was on a trip to Alaska, I found myself writing a contract for a customer of hers I had just met,” Suzanne recalls. “For me to write up an offer for one of her customers is a pretty powerful and trustworthy situation. That’s when we realized this person can cover for me, and I don’t need to worry.”

For years, Natalie and Suzanne’s partnership was only an informal one. When Compass came to Jacksonville in 2021, Natalie was among the first agents to meet with the organization. She came away impressed, believing Compass’ approach held the keys to unlocking untapped potential in her business. top producers

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Photos By The Real Estateographers

Natalie and her family. L to R: son, Zach, his wife, Bennett Natalie, son, Nick, and husband, Alex.

“I made up my mind, called Suzanne, and said, ‘You need to come with me. I think we should be partners,’” Natalie explains.

Natalie and Suzanne became two of the five founding partners of Compass’ Jacksonville operations, ushering in a new brand and a new approach to real estate success.

YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

Natalie and Suzanne pride themselves on their honesty, expertise, and commitment to service.

“People love our energy and truthfulness and enjoy having a personal relationship with us,” Natalie explains. “We both have a strong work ethic. We work hard for our customers and 85% of the time, they wind up becoming friends and people we socialize with. That’s led to a great referral network. Ninety percent of our customers are repeat clients or referrals.”

Natalie and Suzanne also leverage their differences to ensure the success of their group.

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WE BOTH HAVE A STRONG WORK ETHIC.

WE WORK HARD FOR OUR CUSTOMERS AND 85% OF THE TIME, THEY WIND UP BECOMING FRIENDS AND PEOPLE WE SOCIALIZE WITH.

Natalie, a lifelong Ponte Vedra Beach resident, has a lifetime’s worth of local connections.

Suzanne, on the other hand, is a transplant. She moved to Jacksonville in 2010 after living in various places, including Ohio, California, New York, Virginia, Minnesota, and Texas.

“When I moved here, I had to navigate the schools, where to live, and more. That helps me understand people going through the same process when they move here. That’s

an advantage of working with me,” Suzanne explains.

FAMILY IN FOCUS

Natalie and Suzanne are both moms, too. Natalie and her husband, Alex, have two adult children, Zach (35) and Nick (32), and are expecting their first grandchild in August. She also enjoys playing golf. Suzanne has three children, Grace (23), Matthew (20), and Libby (17), and a dog, Finn. She enjoys playing tennis and pickleball. Both women also stay involved

in their community through various organizations and events.

“When it comes down to it, I want to be known as a good woman, a good wife, a good mom, a good friend, and someone who could be trusted,” Natalie shares.

“The most important thing for me is to be a good mom to my three kids so that they can rely on me and trust me and always know I love them. And the same with friends and family,” Suzanne closes.

Jacksonville Real Producers • 23 22 • April 2024 @realproducers realproducersmag.com
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Suzanne enjoys playing and watching tennis. She recently went to the US Open with her tennis team friends.watching tennis. She recently went to the US Open with her tennis team friends. Suzanne with her children: Matthew, Grace, and Libby and their dog Finn. Natalie and her husband, Alex, enjoy playing golf together.

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As a real estate advisor and agent leadership council member at Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners in Ponte Vedra Beach, Sofie Gordon has made an indelible mark in just four short years in the business.

Before her whirlwind real estate career took off, Sofie’s path was paved with a strong educational background and a few years spent in the marketing world. Originally from Ponte Vedra Beach, she attended the University of North Florida, where she earned her degree in Public Relations.

“My education and marketing agency work gave me the confidence and social skills that seamlessly transitioned into real estate,” Sofie shares. “I’ve always had a knack for communication, and it’s been a natural progression for me.”

THE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

Sofie’s leap into real estate at age 21 wasn’t so much a career change though as it was a calling she could no longer ignore.

“I was already scrolling Realtor.com and visiting open houses in my free time, so why not monetize it?” Sofie says with a laugh. “But to put it simply, I feel I was put on the planet to do this job. So many people around me saw it in me years before I did. I love people, solving problems, touring beautiful places, and working hard for something I believe in.”

The turning point came when Sofie’s stepdad announced plans to sell his stunning home. Word got out quickly, and eager agents began to swarm.

“I remember attending a Labor Day party at his and my mom’s house, seeing these agents vying for his business,” Sofie recalls with a smile. “I really started to give it some thought, ran some numbers, and told my stepdad to give me one month to get my license and I’ll get the job done.”

“Thank God he and my mom trusted me,” she adds. “Momentum is such an important element to success, and this gave me the exact launching pad I needed.”

HUMBLE TEAM PLAYER

has certainly held true for her fledgling career since obtaining her real estate license in late 2020. Since launching, Sofie’s prowess as a REALTOR® has impressively led to 75 transactions, totaling nearly $50 million.

But Sofie doesn’t measure success in her stats; it’s in the relationships she builds and the dreams she helps fulfill. While Sofie’s drive and passion are unmistakable, she is quick to credit her rapid rise to her incredible support team, as well as her KW peers.

“After interviewing with several other brokerages, I chose KW because the people are incredible,” Sofie acknowledges. “I truly believe I wouldn’t have accomplished half of what I have without the helpful people around me, especially with Patrick Dorrian in his mentorship role and Mark Dillworth in leadership when I first joined.”

“I also don’t do it alone, and it would be unfair to say that I did,” she continues. “I have an amazing support team. My licensed Director of Operations, Trudy Flores, assists with showings and effortlessly navigates all of the tedious transaction details, which is wonderful. She loves the behind-the-scenes aspect and is one of the most organized people on the planet, and just great with our clients. I also have a talented videographer/photographer and social media expert. Together, my team prioritizes communication, market expertise, and genuine empathy for our clients’ needs.”

LIFE BEYOND THE OFFICE

Outside of work, Sofie’s heart is with her growing family. She and her husband, Zach, live just a few blocks from the ocean, where they enjoy leisurely walks and beach days with their two beloved dogs, Tulip (a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and Griffey (a Labradoodle). The couple also recently announced they are expecting their first child later this year. G

When Sofie makes up her mind to do something, she goes all in and gives 100 percent to the endeavor. That

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“Our two pups come everywhere possible, but I suspect that may change when our baby girl gets here!” Sofie beams. “We can’t wait to see the beautiful ways our life changes by adding a little one to the mix.”

In her spare time, Sofie loves going on beach walks, playing pickleball, cooking, and just relaxing with her husband and loved ones. With a soft spot for animals, Sofie makes it a point to give back at the local level while prioritizing her faith, too.

“I’m passionate about my home church and love to be involved

with the Eleven22 community,” Sofie offers. “I also love animal-based charities and support the Jacksonville Humane Society. I adore my community so much and my support is always Jacksonville-based.”

A BRIGHT OUTLOOK

Looking ahead, Sofie’s near future holds a vision of continued growth and balance. She thrives on real estate and expects to expand her team at some point to continue to serve her clients while growing her family.

enjoyable work, exploring the world through travel, cultivating a cozy home, and maintaining a healthy mind and body … and definitely no plans to retire any time soon.

“Fifty years from now I expect to be sitting on one of our local beaches with a martini in hand, surrounded by amazing family and friends, probably waiting on the details of an offer I submitted,” Sofie concludes with a chuckle. “I will still be working in this career, even when I’m old and gray!”

Long term, Sofie’s priorities remain steadfast: cherishing time with her loved ones, dedicating herself to

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If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? Why?

DENISE DEMICO

Fair Realty

Ireland - My daughter moved there 2 years ago to attend Trinity College in Dublin for her master’s degree and has never returned. She lives in Dublin and is dating a wonderful Irishman who she has known for 6 years. I have visited often, driven the country a few times and have just fallen in love with the culture, the land, the people, the FOOD, the hiking, and so much more.

MARKUS BROWN

DJ & Lindsey Real Estate

If I could live anywhere in the world for a year it would have to be Maui, Hawaii. Being recently married, living on Maui for a year would allow us to immerse ourselves in the local life style and create cherished memories that we’ll treasure for a lifetime. It would be a dream come true to cele brate our newlywed bliss in paradise and embark on this unforgettable journey together.

I imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, spending lazy days basking in the sun on secluded beaches, and exploring the island’s hidden gems hand in hand with my wife. Whether it’s snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, hiking through bamboo forests to majestic waterfalls, or indulging in delicious Hawaiian cuisine, Maui offers endless opportunities for adventure

AMANDA ARNETT EDWARDS

Great Expectations Realty

If I could live anywhere for a year, I would choose to live on a large ranch near Hamilton, Montana. I would like to experience all four seasons.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida

Charleston, SC because it has so much history and too many great restaurants to explore in one visit. I’ve been 3 times and haven’t scratched the surface yet. I love the walkability and the southern charm!

GABRIELLA MILLER

Simply Dwell

Australia!!! It ranks high in terms of quality-of-life, with stunning natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cities. There are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. It’s also a safe place to live.

SHELLEY MORGAN

Keller William Realty Atlantic Partners

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Love where I live!!

GEORGE POTTENKULAM

Welch Team

Dubai. Grew up there before it was popular. Want to experience the new Dubai and make new connections.

KAREN PEIL

RE/MAX Market Force

I think I could live a year in Italy. My husband worked there for a time after college and fell in love with it. We could home base in the area he is familiar with – Lucca – and travel from there!!

RAFID MUKHTAR

United Real Estate

fancy, with luxurious shopping and nice places to stay and a big diversity of restaurants and food. It has cool buildings like the Burj Khalifa. Dubai is also really safe, so people feel comfortable living there. There are plenty of fun things to do, like going on desert trips where I can enjoy the safari trips and camping, or enjoying cultural events. Dubai has something for everyone!

Dubai has lots of jobs in areas like real estate. If I need to work I can build relationships with people to invest in real estate in the United States.

CYNDY TOMASSETTI

Engel & Völkers First Coast Jackson Hole, Wyoming, one of the most beautiful places on earth!

EILEEN MCVEIGH

RE/MAX Specialists, PV

I’d live in Italy! Great food, easy to travel about the country with great train systems, lots of history and art to explore, beautiful coastlines and then there’s wine too!

I would love to visit many countries but since I have to stay in one place for a whole year, it’s a long time for me to stay out of the United States, especially Jacksonville so I would choose Dubai.

Dubai, a bustling city in the United Arab Emirates, offers many reasons to live there. People from all over the world live there so I will have many countries in one country, making it a diverse place with many different cultures. Dubai is famous for being

ADAM LATIFF

Coldwell Banker Vanguard

If I could live anywhere in the world for one year, I would live in Saint Augustine, Florida. Which is where I live now, permanently. Why would I live anywhere else when I already live in paradise?!

As a touring professional musician, I’ve been everywhere in the world. Over 36 countries, and every state in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Of all the places I’ve ever been, nothing compares to home. This is my paradise.

Jacksonville Real Producers • 31 30 • April 2024 @realproducers realproducersmag.com
question of the month

SANDY VAZ

AllSpec Services

If I could live anywhere in the world for a year, it would be Rouen, France, a place I recently visited and fell in love with. The charming medieval architecture, pictur esque cobblestone streets, and the rich his torical ambiance captivated me. Living in Rouen for a year would offer a unique blend of cultural immersion, exquisite cuisine, and the opportunity to explore the beauti ful landscapes of Normandy. It’s a city that resonated with me, and the idea of experi encing its daily life and seasonal changes over a year is truly enticing.

JENA DENNIS

Great Expectations Realty, Auction & Estate Services

I want to live in Ireland for a year, to fully embrace the culture and the beauty of the country. My desire is to be able to indulge in the food, the music, the quiet country lifestyle at a slower pace, the ocean breezes, the castles... all of it. I will home school my 3 children as we travel the country learning first hand about their economy, history, and more. To be able to just relish in the company of our family and friends, knowing that all of our hard work has paid off to give us this amazing opportunity.

WILLIAM POLOCHAK

Fair Realty

Barcelona, Spain. Just an amazing and beautiful city. I was just there in November.

MICHELE TREMBLAY

Keller Williams Luxury

I love this question! Although it’s a tough one. Tempted of course to say someplace tropical like Bermuda or the Virgin Islands...but for a year that might be a lot of sunburn. So my answer is London!

I haven’t been in some time and years ago I made quite good friends there when I sang on the QE II! So seeing them for a year would be amazing. And the theatre and shopping (not to mention proximity to so many other European towns) would keep me occupied for at least a year! Final answer: London, England!

ERIKA ELLIOTT

Florida’s Choice Realty

That’s a hard question for me because I have never been outside of the country. However, I would have to at this point choose Puerto Rico. We took a family trip there once, with the tropical weather, ocean, mountains, rainforest, waterfalls and good food, sounds like a great place to live for a year!

ANDREW MICHAEL

eXp Realty

Saint Augustine! We have an old fort, fountain of youth, and we can drive on the beach. Where else has all that?

KIRA SIKES

Sandbar Realty

I’d be on an island living a simpler life. Maybe selling coconuts and sunbathing. I’d live in an easy small little beach house and each day I would have peace.

Jacksonville Real Producers • 33 32 • April 2024 @realproducers 904.867.7859 MightyDogRoofing.com /Northeast-FL Mighty Dog To The Rescue! Helping Realtors Close the Deal Realtor Priority Scheduling | Free, Non-Intrusive Drone Inspections Fast, Digitally Delivered Results | Quality Repairs and Upgrades Affordable Financing Available Annual Maintenance with 5-Year Workmanship Warranty NEIL AND KYLA MAHONEY LOCALLY OWNED, NATIONALLY BACKED New Name, Same People! AMERISPEC IS ALLSPEC SERVICES NOW! AllPpecServices.com - 904-448-5016 @AllSpec_Jax Insurance Inspections Pre-Listing Inspections Residential and Commercial Inspections NewInspectionsConstruction and More! COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATIONS & SOLUTIONS TO SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS The views and opinions expressed by LPL Financial Advisor(s) may not be representative of the views of other Financial Advisors and are not indicative of future performance or success. Neither LPL Financial nor the LPL Financial Advisor can be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss incurred by applying any of the information offered. Ben Whitacre 410-961-6548 Ben@Whitacrewealthmanagement.com whitacrewealthmanagement.com Retirement planning Insurance planning Business planning Mortgage planning Legacy planning

from the desk of the president

ALL THINGS FLORIDA Update on

All REALTORS® take great pride in living in Florida and making homeownership in Florida a reality for people from all over the country and all over the world.

Headlines in the news noted that 2023 was a rough year for residential real estate in the U.S. and around the world, as central banks continued to raise interest rates to combat inflation.

However, Florida weathered 2023 fairly well, in large part due to strong job and population growth. Our economy churned out new jobs at one of the highest rates of any state.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, seasonally adjusted payroll employment in Florida was up 2.5% year-over-year as of last December, compared to just 1.7% nationally.

And compared to four years ago in December 2019 – just prior to the pandemic – Florida payroll employment increased 9.2%, while nationally, the number of payroll jobs has only increased by 3.4%.

Florida continues to be a leader in population growth. In 2023, both

retirees and working-age adults and their families continued to move to the Sunshine State in droves from elsewhere in the country.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between the midpoints of 2022 and 2023, Florida’s population increased by over 365,000 residents, just behind Texas’s net increase of over 470,000 residents. This equates to more than 1,000 new Floridians every day – new residents who need REALTORS’® help to find housing opportunities!

Just like you, Florida REALTORS® remains hard at work to combat the home insurance crisis and housing affordability. We are so proud of the Hometown Heroes lending program and the My Safe Florida Home program. Top Producer has highlighted the specifics of these programs in this publication over the past six months. To date, more than $300 million has been distributed between these two programs; however, they were simply too successful and both are out of funding.

The 2024 Legislature is currently finalizing the budget that takes effect

on July 1, 2024. We anticipate both programs will receive large infusions of capital to revitalize and relaunch their efforts. Please visit www.floridarealtors.org for updates.

Finally, I want to remind you that Florida REALTORS® is here to highlight you and your homegrown efforts. To give you the opportunity to be a part of the conversation about the needs of your industry, we are launching a 2024 Advocacy Tour. We invite you to join us at these local events to celebrate your homegrown success –but to also help us identify challenges that deserve our focus and attention. We look forward to seeing all of you in your own backyards!

2024 Advocacy Tour dates are being finalized; please keep checking the Advocacy webpage, https:// www.floridarealtors.org/advocacy, on floridarealtors.org for those dates and more details.

34 • April 2024 @realproducers

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