BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES CLAUDIA COLASANTO

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

Born in Opoczno, Poland, Claudia and her family moved to Jacksonville in 1990. She graduated, with honors, from Bishop Kenney High School in 2001, and from the University of North Florida in 2005, with a Bachelors in Communications and an Associates in Fine Art.

Prior to becoming a Realtor, Claudia worked at Time Out Sports Grill and has a strong background in Hospitality Management, Customer Service, Marketing, HR, Scheduling and Event Planning. Buying her first home with her husband in Jacksonville ignited Claudia’s interest in real estate. Claudia’s dedication to her clients and passion for helping others is what motivates her and drives her as a Realtor. Naturally, Claudia loves the subject of architecture and art, especially the designs of mid-century modern icon Frank Lloyd Wright.

As a long-time resident of Jacksonville and a Ponte Vedra Beach resident, she, her husband, and their beautiful son enjoy the beaches and great weather all year long. In her free time, Claudia enjoys photography, arts and crafts, yoga, traveling, and spending time with her family.

“We are very glad that Claudia has chosen to become a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. Claudia thrives on challenges and is passionate about helping her clients reach their goals, and I am sure she will go far in our company,” shares Don Cline, Assistant General Manager and Broker/Manager of the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.

For more information, Claudia can be reached by phone at 904.891.0247 or at Claudia.Colasanto@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: CColasanto.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 LEE ANN WRIGHT

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Lee Ann Wright to the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office.

Lee Ann joins Florida Network Realty with a strong background in business and is eager to take her expertise and apply it to her new career as a Realtor. In 2011 Lee Ann founded SwimWright, LLC, a swim instruction company in Auburn, Alabama. Lee Ann developed a method of teaching kids to swim in a five-day program that focuses on independence, safety, and efficiency.  She also employed and trained fifteen high-level instructors on the teaching curriculum she developed. Marketing SwimWright via the internet and Aquatic Safety Seminars and workshops, Lee Ann grew SwimWright from a backyard business into a company that teaches over four hundred children a season to swim per season, and consistently has a waiting list for her program.

While in college, Lee Ann swam competitively for the University of Florida, and this experience as an athlete taught her to always remain focused on passion, commitment, motivation, and perseverance. Now, as a Realtor, Lee Ann is focused on building a career that uses her gifts and experience to help her clients with the transitions and responsibilities involved in buying and selling real estate with knowledge and professionalism.

When asked why she became a Realtor, Lee Ann states, “I became passionate about the home buying experience after buying and selling my share of homes and having both good and bad experiences with Realtors. I know the process can sometimes be both an emotional and complicated one, and I became a Realtor because I want to be a trusted sales associate for my clients, who creates a positive experience around the whole process of buying and selling a home.”

Lee Ann continues to teach children of all ages to swim here in private pools and at the Inn and Club and Lodge at Ponte Vedra Beach. She has also competed in seven marathons and five Iron Man competitions and is a certified yoga teacher. Lee Ann is also a wife, and a mother to four teenage daughters – Lilly, 16, Bella, 14, Ava, 13, and Lucy, 11.

“We are thrilled to have Lee Ann join our Ponte Vedra Office team! Lee Ann has a high level of commitment to pursuing and achieving her goals, and I have great expectations for her. Her drive and commitment to excellence are right in line with the service we provide our clients at Florida Network Realty,” shares Kevin Waugaman, Broker/Manager of the Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office.

For more information, Lee Ann can be reached by phone at 334.728.1179 or at LeeAnn.Wright@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: LeeAnnWright.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 PATTI ROSEPILER

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

“I am excited to welcome Patti to the Avondale office of Florida Network Realty! She is an experienced agent from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast in Wilmington North Carolina. From your very first meeting to the final closing, Patti provides best-in-class service to her clients. She has the experience you can count on and the passion to make things happen even with the most challenging circumstances. She was born and raised in Jacksonville and is happy to be back home, and we are happy to have her on our team,” 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, Patti Rosepiler can be reached by phone at 904.445.0659 or at Patti.Rosepiler@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: PRosepiler.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 JIMMY LEWIS

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Jimmy Lewis to the Mandarin/St. Johns office.

Jimmy joins Florida Network Realty with an extensive background in business and sales. Jimmy has been in the Home Furnishing Industry for thirty years and is the President and Principal Designer of Designs 2 Envy which he founded in 2003. Prior to opening Designs 2 Envy, Jimmy worked in the furniture industry for fifteen years with merchandising, sales, management, and sales training.

Becoming a Realtor was a natural and obvious transition for Jimmy, allowing him to take his experiences in business and passion for helping others to a new level. The ability to help his clients navigate making their largest single investment is what drives Jimmy as a Realtor, and he is eager to grow his career with Florida Network Realty.

“From your first meeting to the final closing, Jimmy will provide best-in-class service to his clients. He has the experience you can count on and the passion to make things happen even with the most challenging of circumstances. I am excited to welcome Jimmy to our team,” shares Christine Scalf, Broker/Manager of the Mandarin/St. Johns office.

For more information, Jimmy can be reached by phone at 904.994.4663 or at Jimmy.Lewis@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: JLewis.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Mandarin/St. Johns office is located at 11576 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES JELTSJE DERKSEN

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Jeltsje Derksen to the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

Jeltsje, who was raised partially in the Netherlands and partially in the United States as a child, has been a resident of Northeast Florida for the past twenty years. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Jeltsje earned her Physical Therapy degree from the Hanzehogeschool, Hogeschool van Groningen, in Groningen, the Netherlands, and has worked as both a Pediatric Specialist and also in Home Health settings.

As a Home Health Physical Therapist, Jeltsje evaluated, treated, and helped patients age in place and assist them to obtain the highest quality of life, which assists their families as well. Working as a Pediatric Specialist, Jeltsje worked mostly with children, 0-5 years old, with special needs. Jeltsje states, “It brings me the most joy to assist the children and their families to give them a new opportunity in life!”

Moving around as much as she did, Jeltsje has loved exploring the beauty, nature, and cultures in the U.S., the Netherlands, and around the world. Jeltsje is fluent in Dutch, English, German, and French as well. As a Realtor, Jeltsje is eager to assist her clients in fulfilling their dreams and maximizing their full potential in life, and in their living situation.

“I am happy to have Jeltsje Derksen join the Fleming Island office! She is sure to excel here. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team,” shares Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

For more information, Jeltsje can be reached by phone at 904.982.2193 or at Jeltsje.Derksen@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: JeltsjeDerksen.com. The Fleming Island/Orange Park office is located at 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island, FL 32003.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES KAY HALL

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Kay Hall to the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

 

Kay joins the Fleming Island office as an experienced Realtor with a background in residential sales, new home/new construction home sales, condo sales and home staging. When asked why she loves being a Realtor, Kay states, “I have always been an independent-minded person, and I love being in control of my own destiny. As a Realtor, I love helping people, and love the thrill of helping my clients find their special home or selling a home that’s been loved but outgrown.”

A Northeast Florida native, Kay knows there’s no place she’d rather be – she loves the communities, beaches, culture and, of course, weather, of Jacksonville! When not working, Kay loves stretching her creativity muscles – through photography, interior design (Kay has worked in interior design for both residential homes and corporations) and teaching no-sew draperies in school settings. Kay has also worked as a caterer, and has worked in the wedding industry from flowers to cakes; she was also a nurse for thirty-eight years and loved her time working in the ER and in Home Health.

“We are so excited to have Kay join our team. With her knowledge and experience, her clients will receive the best representation. Please join me in welcoming Kay to Florida Network Realty,” shares Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

For more information, Kay Hall can be reached by phone at 904.708.2001 or at Kay.Hall@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: KHall.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Fleming Island/Orange Park office is located at 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island, FL 32003.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES SANDRA DONOVAN

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

Sandra joins Florida Network Realty as a Realtor with a strong background in business and sales. Sandra not only has experience as a Realtor in Pennsylvania, but she is also the owner of Two Fish and An Elephant, Beachside Services, and specialized in home staging, Realtor photo staging, and bookkeeping.

As a business owner, and as a Realtor, Sandra’s main focus has always been centered on making her clients feel comfortable and at ease. Quality, attention to detail, and understanding are her core values, and she loves the opportunity to help her clients find their forever home in Northeast Florida.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Sandra moved to Northeast Florida three years ago. Two years ago, however, she was married in Pittsburgh – in the middle of a bridge! Sandra explains, “My husband and I are huge sports fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. The bridge we got married on is the Roberto Clemente Bridge that leads to PNC Park. They close the bridge before Pirate’s games, usually two hours before the game. On that Saturday they closed the bridge seven hours before the game, and we got married in the middle of the bridge with our family and friends forming a circle around us. It was as though we had rented a bridge for our ceremony and it turned out perfect!”

“I have great expectations for Sandra, and I am excited to welcome her to our team. She has a plan, and a ‘can do’ attitude. Sandra’s drive and commitment to excellence are right in line with the service we provide our clients at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty,” shares Don Cline, Assistant General Manager and Broker/Manager of the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.

For more information, Sandra can be reached by phone at 724.494.2506 or at Sandra.Donovan@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: AtlanticBeachOpenHouses.com. The Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office is located at 375-1 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233.

10 Short Road Trips To Take From Jacksonville

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Jacksonville’s prime location in North Florida offers easy access to numerous incredible spots around the state. You can see so many different towns, state parks, and beaches, without driving for longer than a few hours outside of the city. Fill up your gas tank, pack your snacks, and get ready to hit the road. Here are ten short road trips to take from Jacksonville.

 

1. Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs, a privately owned park in Gilchrist County, is less than two hours away from the city of Jacksonville. The waters are cool and crystal-clear, not to mention ideal for divers as they are filled with extensive caverns to explore. Get away from the city and snorkel, swim, or lazily float around the scenic blue springs. Your first visit to Ginnie Springs won’t be your last.

 

2. Ocala

Ocala

Two hours south of Jacksonville is where you’ll find Ocala, a city filled with natural attractions. In the Ocala National Forest, you can paddle in Juniper Run or visit the swimming holes in Silver Glen Springs. There’s even the opportunity to go horseback riding in Silver Springs State Park. This historic place was an important site during the Second Seminole War and there are pre-Columbian artifacts at the Appleton Museum of Art.

 

3. Amelia Island

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is only 30 miles north of Jacksonville. It’s home to The Palace Soon, the oldest longest operating saloon in the state of Florida. There are also many art galleries and locally owned boutiques in the area. The downtown area is incredibly historic and you can tour it on the Amelia Island trolley. It’s a place where life moves more slowly, and a great quick getaway if you want to unwind.

 

4. Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park

Only a two-hour drive from Jacksonville, Blue Springs State Park is just west or Orange City and stretches across more than 2,600 acres. The 72-degree waters of the largest spring on the St. John’s River are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddling. Take in the natural landscapes and the famous West Indian manatees from the boardwalk or from boat tours that are offered throughout the area.

 

5. Palatka

Palatka

Palatka is an hour south of Jacksonville. A charming cultural city filled with homes and churches that were built in the 1800s, you can partake in the Palatka Mural Tour in order to see all the architecture and art that showcase the area’s rich history. Drive or bike through the Ravine Gardens State Park to check out the large ravines that are up to 120 feet deep and the 59-acre gardens.  

 

6. Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs

It’s a short trip to Ichetucknee Springs, an area only 90 minutes away from Jacksonville. The state park is the right place to go to if you’re looking for some outdoor recreation. Set up a picnic under the area’s old trees, check out the wildlife, snorkel the clear water of the springs, tube on the river, take a refreshing swim in the cool waters, or go canoeing. It’s a quiet area to spend the day relaxing.

 

7. Ponce Inlet

Ponce Inlet

Enjoy some fun in the sun at the Ponce Inlet, less than two hours from Jacksonville near Daytona Beach. The beaches are picturesque, the shoreline is filled with beautiful colorful shells, and the waves are surf-worthy. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the state of Florida. Climb the 203 steps up to the top to be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the entire area.

 

8. Winter Park

Winter Park

Winter Park is two hours south from Jacksonville. The city is filled with outdoor spaces that are not to be missed, including the Mead Botanical Gardens, Central Park, the Harry P. Leu Gardens, and Rose Garden. If you want to learn more about the local culture of the area, visit the Winter Park Historical Museum and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.

 

9. Gainesville

Gainesville

Gainesville is just an hour and a half outside of Jacksonville. Home to the University of Florida, this college town is filled with state parks and natural attractions. There is so much to see and do in Gainesville, including the 62-acre Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, the live butterflies at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the sinkholes in Devil’s Millhopper State Park.

 

10. Big Talbot Island

Big Talbot Island

20-miles east of Jacksonville is Big Talbot Island, an ecologically diverse and beautiful state park. Have a picnic at the water’s edge of The Bluffs or check out the wild birds that populate Sarabay. Don’t skip out on Boneyard Beach, named for the tree skeletons on the shore that are sun-bleached and salt-washed. It costs $2 to fish on the pier and $3 for vehicle access to the park.

7 Family-Friendly Fall Activities To Do In Jacksonville This Month

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Fall is here and so are the autumn festivals. From markets to parties, fundraisers to contests, there’s so much going on in Jacksonville and its surrounding area this fall. If you’re looking for activities that are fun for the whole family, look no further. Here are several family-friendly fall activities to do in and around Jacksonville this month.  

 

1. Wicked Barley’s Pumpkin Festival and Fall Market – October 6th

pumpkins

Wicked Barley’s inaugural Pumpkin Festival and Fall Market is happening in the Beer Garden on October 6th. There will be live music, special beer releases, a pumpkin patch, and a market filled courtesy of Congaree and Penn. Fun 4 First Coast Kids will also be providing free children crafting activities.

 

2. HOWL-O-Ween Bash – October 7th

dog costumes

If you love dogs, you’ll love the HOWL-O-Ween Bash from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on October 7th. Bring your four-legged friends, your human friends, and your family for a fun dog-day afternoon filled with animals in silly costumes. Whether or not you’re a dog owner, you’ll get a kick out of this event.

 

3. Oktoberfest Jacksonville – October 12th & 13th

oktoberfest

Client Focused Media and BUZZ Media are hosting the 2018 Oktoberfest Jacksonville at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery on Friday, October 12th from 5:30pm to 11:30pm, and again on Saturday the 13th from 11:30am to 11:30pm. There will be traditional festival fare, a wide variety of beers, ceremonial keg-tapping, live music, wiener dog races, and brat eating competitions. Admission is free for kids 12 and under, tickets for adults range in price depending on the party package you choose.  

 

4. Rype & Readi’s Canned Food Fundraiser – October 19th & 28th

canned goods fundraiser

The Rype & Readi downtown farm market in St. Augustine is putting on their annual Canned Food Fundraiser on Friday October 19th and Sunday October 28th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. You and your kids can trick-or-treat through the haunted barn without any scaring. There will also be hot dogs, ice cream shakes, and other delicious treats for your hungry ghosts. Bring two canned goods and $5 for the entry donation.

 

5. Florida Bat Festival – October 20th

bat museum exhibit

The Florida Bat Festival is celebrating its 14th year as a local Gainesville event. Held at the Lubee Bat Conservancy on October 20th from 10:00am to 5:00pm, admission is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children aged 5-12, and free for children aged 4 and under. The event features games, music, crafts, food trucks, and so much more.

 

6. Fall Family Fun Fest Day at Connor’s A-Maize-Ing Acres  – October 27th

kids halloween costumes

Connor’s A-Maize-Ing Acres is putting on a Fall Family Fun Fest Day on October 27th. From 10:00am to 1:00pm, there will be a scavenger hunt for kids aged 12 and under. At 2:00pm there will be a costume contest, the categories are Funniest, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Cutest, and Best Handmade Costume. There will also be a haunted trail from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

 

7. Moosehaven Trick or Treat – October 31st

trick or treat

On October 31st from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Moosehaven will be hosting their annual Trick or Treat event for people of all ages to come together to take part in tricks, treats, a haunted house, great food, and an outdoor movie. Last year there were around 4,000 people in attendance at this family-friendly event and the crowd is expected to be even bigger this year.

Enhancing the Client Experience at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty

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Company is One-Stop Shop for Home, Financing, Settlement and Keys

It’s the top question busy professionals and families ask every day – how do you manage and find balance in your life?

For most, there are more tasks then time. Everyone’s time is a valuable commodity.

That’s why the real estate professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty do everything possible to ensure every transaction is successful and smooth while making the process as efficient as possible.

The company streamlines business matters by offering all of the core services needed to buy, sell or manage a home. In addition to the area’s most dedicated, knowledgeable and successful Realtors, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offers mortgage lending, title insurance, property management and other real estate services.

“Consumers want convenient access to quality services at competitive rates, all in one place,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Christy Budnick, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “We have a team of partners and we offer all of the core services to meet your real estate needs. We recognize this is the right thing to do for our clients because it enhances their overall experience, whether they are buying or selling a home.”

The company’s core services approach is a significant benefit, saving customers time and money. The company’s business associates are respected industry leaders and in every transaction they communicate and work together in partnership on behalf of the client. The core services approach has helped Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices achieve many satisfied repeat customers.

The partners include Gibraltar Title Services, which provides title insurance and real estate closing services. Established in 1994, Gibraltar has been working with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices for 24 years. The company’s mortgage partner, Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, is also a part of the HomeServices of America network. Its dedicated local mortgage consultants support the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices team and its clients with all of their home lending needs. Florida Network Property Management provides full property management services and tenant placement based on the homeowner’s needs.

Mortgage consultants are available to meet at each of the nine Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty offices for the convenience of buyers and sellers. Prosperity’s loan offices can help whenever there are questions about financing (or refinancing) a home. The Prosperity team is well versed in regulatory and compliance issues, ensuring all loans are processed smoothly and securely, and they offer numerous competitive options for both residential and refinance loans.

“Prosperity’s No. 1 goal is to ensure the success of the real estate clients and agents with whom they work,” said Prosperity Home Mortgage Regional Market Manager Eric Spottswood. “Our seasoned, top producing local mortgage professionals specialize in mortgage lending and we have years of experience and expertise in the industry. We are dedicated to using our combined knowledge to benefit our real estate partners and their clients.”

Prosperity Home Mortgage

Whether buying or selling, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty can connect you with the best mortgage experts, attorneys, inspectors, insurance agencies, appraisers and more.

“Our approach offers the advantage of providing our clients access to the resources and expertise of our knowledgeable and valued partners,” said Founder and Chairman Linda Sherrer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “Our core services approach creates an exceptional experience for our customers.”

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com.