BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES CORY HAYS

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Cory Hays to the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.

Cory joins Florida Network Realty as a newly-licensed Realtor, having lived in Jacksonville for the past four years. Cory is retired U.S. Navy, and served for twenty years, primarily working in Intelligence and Operations for most of his career. In addition to this, Corry has an Associates from the American Military University.

With his solid connections to the military, and with such a large military presence in Jacksonville, Cory’s ability to understand the unique wants and needs that military families have is essential, and his ability to work within their – sometimes tight – timelines will allow his clients to find the house they can call home.

When not working, Cory enjoys going to the beaches of Northeast Florida, learning to surf, fishing, and just enjoying the sunshine. Cory is also the Scoutmaster of Troop 623 of the Boy Scouts of America.

“Cory makes a great addition to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty team! With his focus and dedication to his clients’ goals, he is sure to excel here. We are thrilled to welcome him aboard,” shares Don Cline, Assistant General Manager and Broker/Manager of the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.

For more information, Cory can be reached by phone at 336.456.2190 or at Cory.Hays@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: CHays.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office is located at 375-1 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES ILKA GOITIA

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Ilka Goitia to the Metropolitan office with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

Ilka Goitia was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Throughout her life, she’s had the benefit of living in wonderful cities around the world, including London, Madrid, Athens, and New York City. In 2008 and moved to Mount Dora, Florida and has recently settled down in Jacksonville with her son, who attends Douglas Anderson School of Arts.

Ilka is no stranger to hard work – she has a Masters of Business Administration from Schiller International University, is fluent in Spanish and Greek (and is learning Portuguese), and is a full-time Realtor and single mother to her talented 14-year-old son. In addition to this, Ilka volunteers within her community, through organizations like the North Florida Leadership Alliance.

As a Realtor, Ilka strives to provide the absolute finest service, dedication, and expertise possible to her clients. Whether you want to buy, sell, or rent – she will make your home ownership dreams come true. Building relationships with her clients is a cornerstone of Ilka’s philosophy and helping her clients’ find a house they can call home in a community where they’ll flourish is always her goal.

Ilka’s free time is spent with her family, swimming, Zumba, and visiting Disney. She’s passionate about cultural arts – especially theater and ballet – and traveling and learning new languages.

“I’m excited to welcome Ilka to the San Marco office of Florida Network Realty. With Ilka’s enthusiasm for helping her clients buy or sell their home and her passion for working with people and forging connections, I’m sure she’ll go far in her career as a Realtor,” shares Josh Cohen, Broker/Manager of the Metropolitan office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

For more information, Ilka Goitia can be reached by phone at 352.430.8045 or at Ilka.Goitia@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: IGoitia.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Metropolitan offices in Avondale and San Marco are located at 3627 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 and 1983 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES MIMI WAHLMANN

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Mimi Wahlmann to the St. Augustine office with locations in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village.

Mimi is originally from the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC. Her family vacationed regularly in St. Augustine, and she later decided to attend Flagler College, graduating with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics. Mimi joins Florida Network Realty with an extensive and successful sales career spanning twenty-five years – having worked for the Bose Corporation as a Sales Manager for a Team handling over $100M in business. In addition to this, Mimi also owned a medical spa in Chicago’s Old Town area for eight years. In these positions, Mimi has developed strong negotiating and people skills.

Although Mimi is just beginning her professional career as a Realtor, real estate has been a hobby and passion for her for many years. Residing in Chicago for the last twenty-four years she has had investment properties in Colorado, Maryland and several in Chicago and St. Augustine. Mimi made her first purchase in St. Augustine at the Beach in 2010. Soon after, she realized how many friends she still had living in St. Augustine and has enjoyed winter down here ever since with a permanent move to the area in 2018.

What Mimi enjoys most about real estate is the hunt for the right property. She states, “It’s a lot of fun, to me, to look at properties and think of all the possibilities.  As a Realtor, I’m looking forward to sharing my rental property experience with investment buyers, and specializing at the beach, my favorite place.”

“I am pleased to welcome Mimi to the St. Augustine office! With her business experience in sales and a true passion for the industry, I know that she is the path to success here at our company,” shares Tracy Glochau, Broker/Manager of the St. Augustine and Murabella at World Golf Village offices.

For more information, Mimi Wahlmann can be reached by phone at 773.457.3861 or at Mimi.Wahlmann@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: MimiWahlmannRealtor.com. The St. Augustine offices in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village are located at 112 Sea Grove Main Street, Suite 210, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 and 196 Capulet Drive, Suite 3, St. Augustine, FL 32092.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Forecasts Bright Future for 2019 Real Estate Market

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As the end of the year approaches, many homeowners are looking ahead to 2019. What will happen in the real estate market in 2019? Will home prices continue to increase? Will it be a seller’s market or a buyer’s market?

In 2018, home prices along with interest rates has continued to rise, inventory has been limited and homes have sold rapidly. What is on the horizon? Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is forecasting a bright future for real estate in 2019.

“We have seen robust appreciation in nearly every area over the past several years, and that does have to normalize at some point,” said President and CEO Christy Budnick, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “Given the job climate, the historically low interest rates and low housing inventory levels, we believe the real estate market will continue to be very strong in 2019. We anticipate slightly lower levels of appreciation, ranging from 3 to 5 percent as compared to the 5 to 8 percent most areas in Northeast Florida have seen.”

The leadership at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty believes the market conditions in 2019 will be good for buyers and sellers alike. Based on industry data and trends, the company sees positive news ahead.

An increase in new-home construction

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty expects to see an increase in local new-home construction in 2019.  More builder product in the market will help prospective buyers locate the right property. It may help some sellers who are thinking they would like to sell, but hesitant to do so because the buyer’s market is so tight. With more homes in the market, there will be more available inventory for buyers.

Opportunities for both sellers and buyers

Current real estate market conditions are favorable to sellers. According to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors September market report, the months’ supply of inventory was 3.6 months, well below the five to six months considered a balanced market. With more builder product coming to the market, there will be slightly more inventory. However, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty believes limited inventory will continue to some extent in 2019.

Home prices will continue to rise

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty anticipates that home-value appreciation will continue to rise in the 3 to 5 percent growth rate in 2019. The increase in home prices will continue to be driven by the inventory of homes for sale. With rising interest rates, buyers who may be priced out of the market by a rate hike are encouraged to begin the buying process. On an existing home, the process typically takes at least 60 to 90 days from finding the perfect home to closing. Prospective buyers can find a wide range of home choices throughout Northeast Florida.

“Our local neighborhoods offer tremendous appeal,” said Founder and Chairman Linda Sherrer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “The Northeast Florida lifestyle offers something for everyone. Whether it’s golfing, boating, spending time at the beach or enjoying entertainment and culture in the urban core, Northeast Florida has something for everyone. Our neighborhoods offer a wide array of home choices and an incredible way of life.”

In addition to the area’s leading Realtors, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty can connect buyers and sellers with the best mortgage professionals, title company resources, relocation experts and more. For more information, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com.

*Written by Clockwork Marketing.

Photography:

  1. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President and CEO Christy Budnick and Founder and Chairman Linda Sherrer

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES ALEX SPIVEY

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Alex Spivey to the Metropolitan office with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

“I am excited to welcome Alex to the Avondale office of Florida Network Realty. Alex is a newly licensed Realtor and lives in Ortega with her husband, who is an instructor with the Navy. With such a large military presence in Jacksonville, Alex’s ability to understand the unique wants and needs that military families have is essential, and with her ability to work within their – sometimes tight – timelines will allow her clients to find the house that they can call home,” shares Josh Cohen, Broker/Manager of the Metropolitan office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

For more information, Alex can be reached by phone at 913.206.4894 or at Alex.Spivey@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: AlexSellsJax.com. The Metropolitan offices in Avondale and San Marco are located at 3627 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 and 1983 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES RICH SEAL

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Rich Seal to the St. Augustine office with locations in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village.

Rich Seal joins Florida Network Realty with nearly seventeen years of experience in real estate – primarily as Qualifying Broker and Owner/President of Seal Realty Inc in Atlanta, GA. With a background in home sales, land and lot sales, rental income duplex sales, and more, Rich is eager to utilize his skills and experience in Northeast Florida’s fast-paced real estate market.

When asked what is the reason for his longevity in real estate, Rich states, “in a nutshell having patience, a sense of calm with all circumstances, an astute capacity for listening, and a problem-solving mindset. I pride my longevity on reading people, working with all personality types and building relationships of trust.”

When not working, Rich enjoys being active and traveling – he has traveled throughout the United States and has been to nearly every corner of Florida, traveled in the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, and abroad in the UK, Europe, Costa Rica, and Africa. He is an avid golfer who has golfed abroad in Scotland and Ireland. Rich has enjoyed numerous sailing adventures and enjoys all sports and outdoor activities.

“Not only does Rich have a truly impressive background in real estate, but his professionalism and attitude will also help to reassure his clients that Rich will take care of them through every part of real estate transactions with great service and ease. He will be there for you every step of the way, and I am confident in his success as a Realtor here at Florida Network Realty,” shares Tracy Glochau, Broker/Manager of the St. Augustine and Murabella at World Golf Village offices.

For more information, Rich Seal can be reached by phone at 770.714.5800 or at Rich.Seal@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: RichSealRealtor.com. The St. Augustine offices in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village are located at 112 Sea Grove Main Street, Suite 210, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 and 196 Capulet Drive, Suite 3, St. Augustine, FL 32092.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Celebrates the Season of Gratitude Year-Round

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The holiday season is a reminder that giving thanks is something to celebrate all year long. Those who demonstrate gratitude and the power of giving include the dedicated professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.

“We love Northeast Florida, appreciate all that this area has done for us and believe it is extremely important to give back,” said President and CEO Christy Budnick, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “Our team supports countless charitable initiatives during the holiday season and throughout the year. We are truly grateful to be surrounded by a team with such big hearts.”

The Northeast Florida real estate firm has a long-standing tradition of supporting the communities it serves and actively contributes to numerous charitable programs during the holidays and throughout the year. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has an ongoing partnership with Dreams Come True and hosts an annual Backpack Challenge and Holiday Luminaria.

For the past five years, the company has donated more than $200,000 to Dreams Come True, a nonprofit organization that grants dreams to children with life-threatening illnesses, by contributing a portion of proceeds from every completed home sale. Additionally, team members have actively participated in numerous Dreams Come True events including Dream Day, a spectacular festivity celebrating local Dreamers, and the Dreams Come True 5K, Walk, Run and Roll.

Entering its 20th year, the company’s Backpack Challenge has collected thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies for deserving local children. Now in its third year, the company’s Holiday Luminaria will light up Northeast Florida communities, bringing neighbors together for holiday fun and cheer while supporting local community charitable organizations. Last year, Luminaria 2017 raised more than $31,000 for local charities including Pine Castle, an organization that empowers adults with disabilities. In the spirit of public service, the company in 2018 launched FloridaHurricaneNetwork.com, a comprehensive website offering hurricane preparedness information, resources and tools.

The spirit of giving extends to the company’s branch offices where Realtors and employees donate time, talent and financial support to numerous community programs and organizations throughout the year. The initiatives are as varied as the neighborhoods the company’s branch offices serve. They include community events such as Pink Up the Pace and the 26.2 with Donna, food and toy drives, shredding events, community garage sales benefitting local emergency assistance programs, school fundraising programs, luncheons honoring first responders, and more.

“We are grateful to be in business with such dedicated, talented and passionate professionals,” said Founder and Chairman Linda Sherrer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “Our company is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of many local children and families. There is nothing more satisfying than the gift of giving back to our community.”

For more information, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com.

Photography:

  1. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is a dedicated supporter of Dreams Come True.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES BETSY CORBETT

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Betsy Corbett to the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office.

Betsy joins Florida Network Realty as a Realtor with an extensive background in marketing – specifically marketing communications. For the past five years, Betsy has worked as a marketing consultant; creating blogs, website content, and social media for various companies and clients. Prior to moving to Jacksonville, Betsy was an Account Executive and Marketing Communications Manager for Georgia companies and specialized in developing customer marketing plans to increase sales and revenue and she excelled in creating marketing plans and media campaigns.

Having moved many times in her life, both as a child and as an adult, Betsky knows the challenges of starting over in a new area. As a Realtor, Betsy is eager to help her clients start new beginnings and new chapters of their lives. With her extensive background in advertising, Betsy will be able to effectively promote and market her clients’ homes, which is a necessity in the fast-paced real estate market of Northeast Florida.

Originally from Louisiana, Betsy moved to Boston after obtaining her MBA and lived there for five years. After meeting her husband there, they decided to move south to warmer weather and moved to Atlanta, where they lived for seventeen years. Four years ago, Betsy and her family moved to Ponte Vedra, and have loved the beach-vibe and the laid back and friendly atmosphere of Northeast Florida.

Betsy and her husband have three teenaged boys – their oldest is in drama at Ponte Vedra high, and their middle and youngest are both lacrosse players, both at school and on the Sand Gnats travel lacrosse team. Betsy is a member at Sawgrass Country Club, where she’s on a tennis team, and loves to get on the courts as much as she can!

“I am thrilled to welcome Betsy to the Ponte Vedra office! Betsy’s strong background in marketing is sure to help her achieve success as a Realtor – and will allow her to help her clients’ buy or sell their dream homes effectively and efficiently! I’m excited to watch her star rise here at Florida Network Realty,” shares Holly Hayes, Broker/Manager of the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office.

For more information, Betsy can be reached by phone at 770.757.9658 or at Betsy.Corbett@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: BetsyCorbett.com. The Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office is located at 333 Village Main Street, Suite 670, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES MELISSA OTT

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Melissa Ott to the St. Augustine office with locations in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village.

Melissa has over five years of real estate experience – first as a Contract to Close Coordinator, and then as a Personal Assistant to various Florida Network Realty agents. Now, she is ready to move from behind the scenes and directly work with clients to help them buy or sell their dream home. When asked what she loves most about real estate, Melissa answers, “I love the opportunity to showcase the area that I love – the neighborhoods and communities of St. Augustine. As a Realtor, I strive to be a positive, calm, and understanding guide through one of the biggest decisions in a person’s life.”

Born in Maryland, Melissa told her family when she was in Second Grade that she was going to live in Florida when she grew up, and doodled palm trees on all of her papers. At seventeen years old, Melissa moved to St. Augustine to attend Flagler College, and she never looked back. At Flagler, Melissa obtained her Bachelors Degree in Communications and Minors in Advertising and Marketing. Now, not only does she live in Florida, Melissa’s family does too.

“Melissa has provided support for years to our agents, and she is now excited to use the best practices learned from many of the top Realtors in how she engages with her clients. Her goals, morals, and dedication to her clients completely align with Florida Network Realty’s guiding principles. She’s dedicated to providing excellent service to her clients, and I am excited to welcome her as a Realtor to the St. Augustine office,” shares Tracy Glochau, Broker/Manager of the St. Augustine and Murabella at World Golf Village offices.

For more information, Melissa Ott can be reached by phone at 904.825.8732 or at Melissa.Ott@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: AHouseWithAPalmTree.com. The St. Augustine offices in St. Augustine Beach and Murabella at World Golf Village are located at 112 Sea Grove Main Street, Suite 210, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 and 196 Capulet Drive, Suite 3, St. Augustine, FL 32092.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES MARY JANE JOHNSON

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Mary Jane Johnson to the Mandarin/St. Johns office.

“Please join me in welcoming Mary Jane to the Mandarin office of Florida Network Realty. An experienced agent, Mary Jane joins us with three years of experience working in real estate – previously having worked as a Listing Agent for a team with another local real estate company. Mary Jane is also a Jacksonville native and is eager to share her local’s knowledge of the neighborhoods and communities of Northeast Florida with her clients. I am sure that Mary Jane will succeed here as a Realtor, and I am excited to have her join our team,” shares Christine Scalf, Broker/Manager of the Mandarin/St. Johns office.

For more information, Mary Jane can be reached by phone at 904.449.6279 or at MaryJane.Johnson@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: SellYourHomeWithMaryJane.com. The Mandarin/St. Johns office is located at 11576 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223.