Congratulations to all our Top Producers for June & the Second Quarter!

It was not just the weather heating up here in Northeast Florida, June was another sizzling month for our Davidson Realty team finishing the second quarter of this year very strong!  We are especially proud of our top performers who have been working tirelessly to help people buy and sell property in our local market and beyond. Enjoy our Q & A with these special real estate advisors!

Our Top Producer (Closings) for June and the quarter as well as Top Overall Sales for June and Top Buyer Sales for the quarter is Mirtha Barzaga.  Mirtha had over $7.4 Million in closings to end the quarter on a high note.

Q&A with Mirtha:

Q1 – In your opinion what’s the coolest design trend you are seeing in homes today?

Mirtha – Flooring has become a big trend, the vinyl plank or wood tile throughout the house is the best way to go.  Painted cabinets are a big trend as well as quartz counter tops and outdoor design living spaces.

Q2 – What is your favorite thing about working in real estate?

Mirtha – The people I meet and the satisfaction of helping families achieve their goals, whether it is for family closeness or financial re-structure.

Q3 – What is a hidden gem in this area that is worth sharing to new residents as well as locals?

Mirtha – Three of my favorite hidden gems include the St Augustine Wild Reserve here in the World Golf Village area, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios and the St Augustine Distillery.

Our Top Listing and Overall Sales Agent for the quarter is Suzy Evans with over $2.8 Million in listings sold and $4 Million in total sales.

Q&A with Suzy:

Q1 – What is your favorite indoor or outdoor activity here in Northeast Florida?

Suzy – There are so many things I love about living in NE Florida. My favorite is fishing. We have a 25’ bay boat that we fish in the Intracoastal for Redfish, Flounder, and Sheepshead from Matanzas to the Jetties at Mayport. 

Q2 – What is your favorite local restaurant and favorite dish to eat there?

Suzy – My top 3 restaurants in St. Augustine are: Llama – authentic Peruvian cuisine.  Collage for intimate dining experience with excellent food and service.  Caps Restaurant at sunset – great outdoor dining venue on the water with a great wine list and local seafood.

Q3 – What is your favorite golf course to play and why?   

Suzy – King and Bear in World Golf Village is my favorite. Aside from the beautifully manicured course they offer scented iced towels and chilled apples on a few holes.  It’s the little details that are refreshing!

Our Top Listing Agent for June is Rebecca Schaffer with over $700,000 in listings sold and $1.4 Million in total sales for the month.

Q&A with Rebecca

Q1 – What is your favorite thing about working in real estate?

Rebecca – I love the relationships I have made.  Some of the customers I have had turned into such a blessing in my life just getting to know them. Some were even very inspiring to me.   I recently had 2 different young first-time home buyers and it felt so good to be able to help them get started.  They were so excited and appreciative when the whole process was over. It was really rewarding. They still text me questions about general things, very much like my own grown children do.  

Q2 – What is your favorite “go to” local business and why?

Rebecca – I love this little casual restaurant on St. Augustine Beach called The Beachcomber.  You can sit right in the sand and enjoy a great meal and drink.  I have met a lot of local St Augustine Beach residents that have lived in the area many years and go there just to hang out with the other locals and restaurant staff.   They are interesting and are always fun to talk to. Plus, I can always get my favorite drink from Maryland there, an Orange Crush!

Q3 – What’s happening in this area, and how could that impact home prices?

Rebecca – The market has seen many shifts in the last year and a half.  We had lower inventory and a flood of buyers from out of state buying homes virtually.  We had a surge in prices and a surge in offer amounts to go with it.  At times it was very challenging to win that offer for my buyers. I found great communication with listing agents and networking to create a relationship with them helped me stay informed up to the minute on what was happening and how my buyers needed to be flexible in order to win an offer.  Now we are seeing another shift with the increase of the interest rates and inflation, buyers are taking their time and being very cautious about making quick decisions and offering list price or over.  Sellers will need to price their homes with scrutiny now.  

Davidson’s Top Producing and Top Sales Team for June and the quarter is The Nemethy Group (Shelley & Tim Nemethy) with over $7.5 million in closings.

Q&A with Shelley & Tim:

Q1 – What is your favorite indoor or outdoor activity here in Northeast Florida?

Shelley & Tim – Outdoor activities are a favorite for us. We love going to the beach, walking, riding our electric bikes, surfing, enjoying sunsets and sunrises.

Q2 – What is your favorite local beach spot and why?

Shelley & Tim – Crescent Beach and St. Augustine Beach. It’s home!

Q3 – What pitfalls or mistakes should sellers or buyers avoid?

Shelley & Tim – This is a business transaction. It is difficult sometimes for Buyers and Sellers not to take things personally. Buying and Selling can be very emotional. That is why it is best to have an experienced Real Estate professional handling your biggest investment for you in order to make sure it goes smoothly.

Our Top Producer for our Jacksonville Beach Team this month is Jennifer Todd with $550,000 in closings.

Q&A with Jennifer:

Q1 – What is your favorite local beach spot and why?

Jennifer – Absolutely, the beach!   

Q2 – What is your favorite local restaurant and favorite dish to eat there?

Jennifer – Aqua Grille – Thai Chili Snapper 

Q3 – What is your favorite thing about working in real estate?

Jennifer – The opportunity to meet so many wonderful people!

Our Top Producer for our Jacksonville Beach Team this quarter is Caitlyn Hawkins with over $1 million in closings.

Q&A with Caitlyn:

Q1 – What is your favorite indoor or outdoor activity here in Northeast Florida?

Caitlyn – Any kind of watersport you can do as a family- boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming. 

Q2 –What is your favorite local restaurant and favorite dish to eat there?

Caitlyn – Buttermilk Pan Fried Chicken with Grits, Collard Greens, and Tasso Ham Gravy from North Beach Fish Camp.

Q3 –What pitfalls or mistakes should sellers or buyers avoid? 

Caitlyn – For Sellers: your highest offer is NOT always your best. Consider all the terms before making a final decision.

Our Top Sales Agent for our Jacksonville Beach Team for June and the quarter is Candy Gil with $1.25 Million in overall sales.

Q&A with Candy:

Q1 – What is your favorite indoor or outdoor activity here in Northeast Florida?

Candy – My favorite indoor activity is playing Pitch, card game, and watch golf on Sunday afternoons.  My favorite outdoor activity is playing golf, and pickle ball.  My favorite golf club is South Hampton because it is very women friendly.

Q2 – What is your favorite local restaurant and favorite dish to eat there?

Candy – My favorite local spot to eat is Poppy’s Italian Restaurant, Aqua Grill, or Nona Blue.

Q3 – What is your favorite “go to” local business and why?

Candy – My favorite Local Business in Jacksonville Beach is MOS for plants, orchids, and gift ideas.  Lourdes McGuire, the owner, makes the most beautiful plant and orchid arrangements you will ever see.  

Also, Cottage By The Sea, owned by a close friend, Dale Gray.  Best place to go for furniture, and accessories. 

Hope you enjoyed getting to know our top agents this month.  If you have questions about your home’s value or anything real estate related, please let one of our experienced and knowledgeable agents help.