Jacksonville, FL Real Estate Trends in June!

July 28, 2011

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Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.” -Frederick B. Wilcox

I love baseball especially this time of year. I chose this quote because I am going to take a risk and predict that the northeast Florida real estate market will continue to improve. In reviewing the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats, I see monthly improvement in every area. Also, my office had the best month for closings since June 2008.

Let’s begin with prices. The average price in June is $181,700 which is 17% higher than January and has increased every month. The average sales price is 7% higher than last June.

The median price in June is $135,000 and has increased every month since February showing an increase of 12%. The median price is down 4% from last June.

June 2011 pending sales are up 34% over June 2010 and we are up 7% year-to-date over last year. Read more

Cool Down Your Hot Summer Day with Jim’s Famous Pasta Salad!

July 26, 2011

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pasta saladJim Davidson has dozens of amazing recipes and this one is right up there with the best! It’s definitely Kristen Calhoun’s favorite. She is our Listing and Marketing Coordinator and also one of Jim’s daughters. Jim made a huge batch for a group of us that participated in Relay for Life this year. It was the perfect treat throughout a very hot day. We hope you love it as much as we do! 

JD’s FAMOUS PASTA SALAD

1  Green pepper (Bell) chopped
1  Red pepper chopped
1  Yellow pepper chopped
1  Bunch scallions (green onions) chopped
1  Cup chopped parsley
1  Cup sliced green olives
1  Cup sliced black olives
1  Cup sliced mushrooms (jar)
1  Tablespoon dried oregano
1  Teaspoon dried basil or optional 1 cup fresh chopped basil (which is better)
½  Teaspoon thyme
2  Teaspoon chopped or minced garlic (jar)
½  Cup olive oil
½  Cup Italian dressing
4  1 lb. packages of pasta (I use a mixture of 4 or 5 types of pasta but always include bow tie)

Put all ingredients in a bowl with olive oil and Italian dressing.  Mix well.  Cook pasta until done, but not mushy.  Run cold water over pasta until cool.  Drain pasta and add to mixture then stir.  Use additional Italian dressing to desired consistency.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Serve cold. I like to serve with my tuna salad.

Enjoy!

Jim

A Chat with Homeowners Dante & Tanya Carnivale about Davidson Property Management

July 21, 2011

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Posted by in Rentals

Elsie EvansDavidson Realty’s Property Management Team headed by Elsie & John Evans is busier than ever. Rentals are in demand as more people have decided to rent their Jacksonville and St. Augustine homes in a down real estate market rather than try to sell at a huge discount. As well, more folks are renting rather than buying because of financial concerns, job uncertainty and other reasons. On top of the prime conditions, Elsie & John Evans have grown the Davidson Property Management business thanks to good ole’ fashioned hard work and above-and-beyond customer service. We talked with property management customers Dante and Tanya Carnivale about why they choose Davidson.

How long have you worked with Davidson Property Management?
It’s been about 4 years now. We originally had Davidson manage a condo we decided to offer for rent in The Legends. Just recently we called on them to rent out a home of ours in Sevilla, too.

What’s your experience been with Davidson?
First, we just have to say how wonderful Elsie Evans is to work with. She really looks out for her customers. She knows her stuff and makes you feel very comfortable that she’s on top of things. We were so impressed with the service we got renting our condo that there was no question we would use Davidson again when it came time to rent our house.

So it’s the customer service you were impressed by?
I (Tanya Carnivale) worked in the financial services industry for 30 years and, honestly, not many people go the extra mile for a customer. Elsie and her team go the extra mile. They answer the phone when you call, get right back to you with the information you need, thoroughly vet the renters, and they are proactive about staying on top of any issues. When we decided to rent out our home, Elsie was upfront with us about what we needed to do to bring the house up to prime rental standards in order to get the maximum income. She recommended vendors for us to get the work done well and inexpensively and she coordinated all the work once we approved it. It was such a huge help and she kept us well-informed via email throughout the process.

If you want to learn more about Davidson Realty’s property management services, call Elsie Evans at 904.484.2170 or email at eevans@davidsonpropertymanagement.com

How to Start Your New Career in Real Estate

July 19, 2011

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Many people are very intrigued by the idea of a career in real estate. Who wouldn’t want to be in charge of their own schedule? No one to tell you how long your vacation has to be or how much money you will make this year. Don’t get me wrong…a career in real estate is not for sissies, but what you put in you will get out! You have to work for what you earn, but the beauty is you decide what, when, where, how, etc.

Above is a video of Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson explaining how to get started in this new endeavor – how to get licensed and then how to be successful in this business. After all, it is YOUR OWN business! She even takes you through earning potential.

We have career opportunity events every month where you can find out what a career in real estate is really like. Sherry will go more in detail through the process and a new and seasoned agent will share their individual experiences with you. This is a very “no pressure” way to learn and ask questions.

July 21st: Wine & Cheese – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
August 11: Wine & Cheese – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
September 22: Wine & Cheese – 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Come join our team and see why Davidson Realty has been ranked the #1 Best Place to Work in Jacksonville twice! If you have any questions or cannot attend an event, but would love to speak with Sherry please call (904) 940-5000 or email her at SDavidson@DavidsonRealtyInc.Com.

Davidson Realty #25 on Business Journal 50 List

July 15, 2011

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Posted by in Awards

2011-07-14_11-49-20_499We’re on a roll. First the Jacksonville Business Journal names Davidson Realty one of the Best Places to Work, then June was our best sales month in years and now we’ve been named to the Business Journal’s 50 List!  The Business Journal 50 identifies the fastest growing private companies in Northeast Florida.  Davidson Realty came in at #25.  “We’re honored to make the 50 list.  It’s especially gratifying to have come through the worst economic crisis and real estate industry bust in our company’s history and, not just survived, but prospered,” said Davidson Realty President Sherry Davidson.  Sherry, Jim Davidson, Rick Pariani, and Peyton Davidson attended the Business Journal 50 luncheon which honors the list-makers. 2011-07-14_13-44-50_454

Davidson Realty, based in World Golf Village, has become one of the top 10 real estate companies in Northeast Florida.  We have major market share in the World Golf Village and north St. Johns County area and our reach has also expanded to include Ponte Vedra and the beaches, Julington Creek and Flagler County.  Several Davidson agents hold the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) designation which gives them expertise at helping clients navigate short sales, foreclosures and distressed property situations. 

2011-07-14_13-29-35_344The Business Journal’s top 50 list list was compiled based on the following criteria:
• Privately held, for profit and locally owned.
• Headquartered in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Flagler or Putnam counties.
• In operation since at least 2007.
• Annual revenue of at least $1 million in 2010.
• Overall revenue growth from 2008 to 2010 with revenue gain from 2009 to 2010.

The full list of the Business Journal 50 is in the current issue of the Jacksonville Business Journal which hit newsstands today.

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