What a wonderful article in this months “Florida Realtor” regarding our own top sales person, Erica Jolles.  Not only is the article about Erica and her talented and very successful career, but is filled with great tips on maintaining your client relationships.

Eric is extremely successful while juggling a demanding family life, community involvement and volunteerism and friendships.  How does she stay connected?  Read this wonderful article under “Market it” in this months magazine.  I know we are very fortunate to have her on our Magnolia Properties team and her willingness to share her successes speaks volumes of her professionalism.

Besides, her picture is almost as beautiful as she is.  Thank you, Erica.

Arent we fortunate to have a small variation on seasonal weather for our holidays.  A few cool days for gorgeous sweaters and boots,,… not to long though..and shorts and t shirts are the dress for the day!  I think we have the best of all worlds..

Except…if we could have snow for just one day…say Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning – now that would be perfect!

I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone that we  (all our Magnolias) have crossed paths with this year.  THank you to all the agents who have sold and shown our listings.  THank you to all the agents that have offered us the opportunity to show their listings.  Cooperation is the very core of our industry, business, professionalism and success.

Think about it and be thankful; we are not competitors but truly teammates on the mission of making a living, moving real estate, actually a ministry to those who need our assistance and guidance, and pushing the opportunity of economic recover along!

I am happy to have all of our Realtors on my team…because we are.  I am thankful for the opportunities you have affored us and I hope you have benefited from the work our “Magnolias” do to bring all our business to success.

Gratitude to all, Blessings to all, May this season find you healthy, happy and  feeling loved and appreciated.  You are appreciated by me.

Sincerely,

Eileen

]]> http://www.magnoliaproperties.com/magnolia-news/2011/12/01/wishing-you-a-wonderful-jacksonville-perfect-christmas/feed/ 0 http://www.magnoliaproperties.com/magnolia-news/2011/11/08/jacksonville-4-and-going-up/ http://www.magnoliaproperties.com/magnolia-news/2011/11/08/jacksonville-4-and-going-up/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:41:49 +0000 eileen http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=287283831293936

We  are poised for a rebound in new construction!  Builder Magazine announced today that we are No 4 out of the top 8 metropolitan areas ready to recover.  The magazine analyzed expected price appreciation, estimated employment and income growth and the strength of the businesses in the area as well as the military presence.

They did not take into consideration our beautiful city.  The top three are not coastal, nor do they have all the beautiful waterways, lakes and our majestic St. Johns River.  Our gracious oaks filled with moss, warm afternoons even in the middle of winter, nor the ability to enjoy glorious sunshiney days most of the year were a consideration.  I just know if the word got out number 1, 2 and 3…would quickly look over their shoulders and see Jacksonville giving them a run for their money.

Walking the beach last week on a blustery morning, coffee in hand, I thought about how lucky we are to live here.  Families save for a long time in hopes of a vacation at the beach and no matter where we live in our beautiful city, it is really within a very short distance to wiggle toes in the sand and hear the sound of the shore. 

Builder magazine stated that the surveyors expect the number of building permits to almost double between 2011 and 2012..which will then increase more jobs and begin the cycle of economic activity once again.  We will again count our blessings of good fortune and look toward the positive and see it coming.

I cant wait…as a matter of fact….no one should wait.  What good news to share with buyers on the fence….looking and looking but perhaps nervous to buy.

Lets share the good news!

I learned so much last night in regard to CDD’s, how and why they were organized, how they are run, increases and prepayments….  I really thought I had a grasp on CDD’s and Ilearned it was only a grasp!

THank you to Albert Abbatiello who is a former CDD board member in Julington Creek who taught us the ins and outs of JCP and  state regulations and requirements, info and questions and answers….

Amazing class…

Thank you, ALbert and Phyllis!  If anyone would like another class…let us know.

I have to say that last weekend was probably the most goosbumps, tears and feel good two days I have ever spent.  Rotary Club of Orange Park made sure that every single moment of the Honor Air flight to DC for members of our greatest generation – … The evening before our flight…cub scouts welcome and entertained us, a lovely dinner and gifts for the vets.  T shirts and hats, introductions and new friends.

We were awakened with a wonderful breakfast and program by local high ranking naval officers…quite a send up and to go out to our bus and see the firetrucks, police cars, rescue units and probably a hundred motorcycles for a escort to the airport…their lights blinking in the darkness…most amazing..

even at the airport the greeters and signs…and then…taking off through the spray from the firetrucks lining the taxi way…breathtaking!  And daylight was just peaking through the waterfall!  It was only the beginning of a fabulous day tohonor these very special people…and I was so lucky to go as a “Guardian” – a trip I will never forget…

then a trip to Arlinton National Cemetary and an incredible opportunity to be part of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown….our vets placed wreaths with the guards….more tender tears……

off to lunch and the WW2 Memorial!  These magnificent soldiers of our freedom were overwhelmed with its significance and beauty.  Did you know that in WW2 13% of the TOTAL american population were in the service! The fought on both sides of the world…?  400000 died for our freedom!  We truly speak English today because of their true courage and commitment…..   The trip home was just as overwelming as the trip up…so many people wth posters, gifts, love and gratitude…everywhere…more escorts…  service men in uniform fighting today would stop and kneel to talk to those in wheelchairs…  I have an even greater love for our country, our flag and our service men and women…How Blessed we Are!!!!!  By the Southwest Airlines made each trip fabulous too… Thank you Southwest for your smiles, care and contributing to this trip.  And that you Rotary for taking my very favorite vet, my mother and allowing me to go along to assist as a Guardian – a trip I wll never ever forget!

I have a very special weekend planned.  I am fortunate to be allowed to act as a “Guardian” on the next Honor Air flight, taking WW2 vets to see their incredible memorial in Washington DC.  This is our “Greatest Generation” and to be allowed to facilitate their trip and to experience this memorial with them is an incredible honor. 

An even greater honor:  My mother is among those chosen to go!

I am in awe of  this very special opportunity.  I have been to the memorial in the past, but with this incredible group of heroes…I am blessed.

In case you have not watched the news on Channel 4… you havent had the pleasure of this story as it has developed or is developing.  Pastor Dunbar (the occupant and his family) has stated that under Florida law, he may claim the house since it was vacant.  Pastor Dunbar doesnt care that someone owns the house and this young military officer and his wife are without a home.  Pastor Dunbar also doesnt seem to care that he is using the new owner’s electricity and water …

He believes he has a “right” to this property for his family.

Now I do believe most of us know he isnt “right”.  I also find it hard to believe this Pastor, as he calls himself, doesnt understand that he is stealing someone else’s property.  Interesting to also know that this isnt the first time he has done this.

I do hope it will be the last time.  I believe there are now some officials interested in the outcome of this situation and it will probably be resolved before the day is out.  I feel very sorry for his family and friends for their embarrassment and of course, the poor family who are new to Jacksonville and serve our Country.  I know that once they are here they will realize that Pastor Dunbar is ill and not an example of the community in Jacksonville.

One of our agents had a closing on Tuesday.  The buyers are military and are enroute to their new home.  A family has moved in and “claimed” the house to be theirs!

It is a 5,000 sf home in Eagle Landing.  They have completely moved in and wont leave.  CLay County says they cannot help or wont.

As if our market isnt tough enough…….

I would love to know if anyone has some experience with this one!

I am blown away by the ridiculous report on the housing market posted on MSN today.  Just like, what seems to be all news displayed both on the television and in print, it is hard to see what is real and what are blanket areas, not defined by areas or given with multiple opinions.

I am a firm believer that our downturn was spurned by national bad news…and the fear became the reality.  When the market “stopped”…we were at approx 4% unemployment…but fear was rampant in the press.  Our local economy was very strong and yet I do believe the prophecy became self fulfilling.

The statistics here dont bear this out.  But this will be read and taken as “gospel” by many… even those that dont believe other news they hear and see.

I am ashamed of the blatant use of scare tactics and lack of opposing information that MSN chose to display.

Well, I said my piece… now I am going to go write a contract for a person smart enough to realize that inJacksonville it is the perfect time to buy… listed inventory and selection is minimizing, prices are incredible and so are interest rates.

Cheaper than rent – plus a tax deduction.

See ya!