Luxury Northeast Florida Real Estate

Country Mansion in Ponte Vedra

2011-08-30T21:47:00.002-04:00

This is one of Ponte Vedra's most distinguished estates. Designed by Perez & Associates Architects and located on two estate size lots in the heart of The Plantation Golf and Country Club, this French-inspired Country Mansion is perfectly situated along the lush green fairways of an 18 hole, Arnold Palmer designed golf Course. Artful craftmanship and tasteful elegance flow from room to room in this timeless masterpeice. There is an attached guest home and seven car garages. Amenities include private clubhouse, golf course, a complete tennis center and an oceanside beach club just a few minutes away.

Great News!

2011-04-14T22:16:00.001-04:00

Two Fla. cities set for dramatic turnaround

WASHINGTON – April 12, 2011 – Kiplinger.com names two Florida cities – Jacksonville and Orlando – to its list of 11 comeback cities in 2011. According to the website, 2011 will see a “dramatic turnaround – new investment by businesses, growth in the number of jobs and a reblooming of hope” in the noted cities.

The website did not list the cities in any particular order.

Orlando

Kiplinger predicts that Orlando employment will increase by 3 percent this year. It points to an improvement in tourism for the vacation destination, but also points to the growth of a “life science cluster of medical care and research.”

Jacksonville

Kiplinger expects job growth of 2.8 percent this year. It points to increased demand from financial service firms, hotels, health care, restaurants and warehousing.

Other cities in the top 11 for a turnaround include:

• Charlotte, N.C.

• Chattanooga, Tenn.

• Flint, Mich.

• Las Vegas

• Nashville, Tenn.

• Phoenix

• Portland, Ore.

• San Jose, Calif.

© 2011 Florida Realtors®

Luxury Home Sale Hits New Sales Record

2011-04-05T23:25:00.001-04:00

Record-setting residential sale --$100 million!
Russian billionaire buys Silicon Valley home
Luxury housing market showing signs of recovery

(April 5, 2011) -- In a transaction which set a record for most expensive U.S. residential sale ever, Russian billionaire Yuri Milner (who heads Digital Sky Technologies) has reportedly paid $100 million for a 25,500-square-foot Los Altos Hills (CA) home which was not even listed for sale. This record-setting sale is just one indication that the wealthy have opened their wallets and are shopping for homes again

Nationally, the million dollar and above housing market rose 4% in February year-over-year as luxury buyers snapped up homes, often for all cash. The jump in luxury purchases is counter to the real estate resale trend in general. In February, total residential sales dropped 2.8% as compared to February a year ago.

The World's Most Expensive Purchases for 2010

2011-01-03T12:13:00.000-05:00

Celebrity Luxury Homes for Sale

2011-01-03T10:59:00.000-05:00

Ponte Vedra Beach Home and Art Tour - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL - AmericanTowns.com

2010-12-20T09:49:00.000-05:00

Ponte Vedra Beach Home and Art Tour - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL - AmericanTowns.com

Life is Good

2010-03-19T09:06:00.001-04:00

Palencia Beauty with six big bedrooms and 6.5 baths. Situated on treed portion of The Golf at Palencia.

Designer finishes, bonus room, screened lanai with a summer kitchen and a heated pool. There is even a workout room...all priced at $1,500,000.

Luxury Agents Know the Market

2010-03-13T14:50:00.002-05:00

Along with my business partner, Cammy, I specialize in distinctive homes. In order to price, present

and appeal to sophisticated buyers, you must use a creative and highly

customized plan. We will meet personally for an interview and

then utilize our thirty years of experience to put everything in

motion to accomplish your goals!

Big Reduction on This Luxury Home

2010-03-12T14:01:00.001-05:00

Incredible Ponte Vedra Beach Custom Home!

2010-02-07T21:22:00.002-05:00

Luxury Portfolio Magazine Online!

2009-11-30T20:14:00.000-05:00

ST JOHNS SCHOOL UPDATE

2009-10-05T17:25:00.001-04:00

State of The District: Monday October 5th, Superintendent Joseph Joyner will present his annual State of The District update. Dr. Joyner will discuss the goals and accomplishments from last year, present the goals for this school year, and then wrap up with a Question & Answer segment. The State of The District is open to the entire community and it will begin with a reception at 5:30 and the presentation will follow at 6:30 pm.

Parent Resource Guide: Our Curriculum Department has posted the 2009-2010 Parent Resource Guide on our website. This guide provides a wealth of information for parents concerning our school district. This readable format offers information from grade-level learning to testing to promotion requirements to graduation requirements to homework to career programs and many other topics. Parents can access this guide on our website www.stjohns.k12.fl.us and in the "For Parents & Students" section, click on Parent Resource Guide.

School Enrollment: Like a broken record, St Johns County School District has grown again. Through Sept 22, we have 29,334 students which is an increase of 766 more than last year. Our school district is, again, the fastest growing school district in Florida and even with the housing market as it is, families are still moving to our county. For the 2nd year in a row, the state of Florida has experienced a decline in enrollment, but not us.

It's not surprising since academically we're the Number 1 School District in Florida, we have multiple high schools ranked in the Top 1,000 high schools in America, we have multiple State Champions in athletics, an extremely high graduation rate, the best classroom teachers, our nationally recognized Academies in our high schools, and SAT & ACT scores that rank higher than most of the school districts in FL as well as nationally. Our (2) newest high schools, Ponte Vedra & Creekside, have added a senior class this year and even they saw a significant increase in their overall enrollment. On top of the senior class addition, Creekside grew by 4.1% and Ponte Vedra grew by 3.7%.

To handle this additional growth, we are expanding (3) of our elementary schools in the Northwest and (1) elementary school in the southwest. We are also revising our future building plans based on growth projections but no new schools are planned at this time.

National Merit Semifinalist: St Johns County School District has (19) National Merit Semifinalist, the highest number ever. These students scored in the Top One Percent of all students in the country taking the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or PSAT given annually to high school juniors. These (19) students are now eligible to advance to the finalist competition to vie for 8,000 scholarships worth more than $32 million. There are (5) students from Ponte Vedra High School, 10 from Nease, (2) from Creekside, and (1) each from Bartram Trail and St. Augustine. Congratulations to these awesome students!!!

Adult Community Education: Our school district now offers an expanded Community Education Program for adults with evening classes held in some of our schools in the St Augustine area. Twenty classes are being offered, including painting, dog obedience, music, yoga, computers, and others. For more information and registration, please log on the following website: www.sjccommunityed.com

Bill Fehling
St. Johns County
School Board Member

LUXURY COLOR TRENDS

2009-09-30T15:03:00.000-04:00

COLOR TRENDS: PURPLE DEBUTS AS THE NEW "IT" COLOR
Purple has long been associated with royalty, nobility and wisdom and was at one time only associated with the upper echelon.
In today's economic climate, this once exclusive color is not only attainable, but also marked as the hottest color for the months ahead.
From soft hued lilacs to electric magentas to radiant mulberry, these shades will be seen throughout luxury homes across the globe. Add a splash into an existing design scheme or create a complete makeover - this color is guaranteed to liven up your space.
Due to its diverse color spectrum properties, pulling from blue, red, yellow and green pigments, purple meshes well with a wide variety of color combinations and breaks many boundaries - from traditional to modern to contemporary.
Nachtmann's five-armRavello Candleholder
Add Modern Drama to Your TabletopNachtmann's five-arm Ravello Candleholder in Amethyst - perfect for those seeking the hip and elegant. Made of lead crystal, it brings style to any room, from the dinning table to the boudoir.
Studio 465Wall Coverings
Liven Your Walls With Fashion Inspired Wall CoveringsStudio 465 is a new collection of global fashion-like wall coverings. In stunning colors and patterns - the perfect way to incorporate color throughout your home.
Tracy Glover Elegant Lamps
Create Lighting With Elegant LampsGlass artist Tracy Glover - the "Turk" features two-teardrop glass beads mouthblown and a shade handmade of Dupioni silk with shades of rich violet. A great staple piece to light up any room.
Exotic orchids
Bring the Outdoors InExotic orchids bring a multitude of color and life indoors. From the soft lavender Phalaenopsis 'Exotic Lady' to the dappled mulberry Phalaenopsis 'Golden Sun', they are delicate, yet robust and low-maintenance. Use them to adorn foyer tables, bedside dressers, kitchen counters, and bathtub tile.

Hudson Beach Glass's Large Marsh Grass Bowl
Blend Glass Into Your DecorHudson Beach Glass's Large Marsh Grass Bowl is gorgeous alone or filled with fruit. Place it by a window and it will cast the most incredible amethyst shadow.
Vignette WineCountry Soda
Must Have Beverage: Wine Inspired - Sans AlcoholVignette Wine Country Soda - an all-natural, lightly carbonated soda. Experience wine country via distinct flavor profiles of top varietal grapes without the alcohol - a great way to incorporate purple into an elegant five-course meal or a casual lunch.
Amenity Home Duvet
Sleep Like Royalty Made from the softest organic materials, this duvet is both uniquely modern and classic. The lush lilac silhouette is a limited-edition individually printed design and the rich Belgian linen brings nature's calming warmth and beauty to your sleeping quarters.
HOW TO INTEGRATE PURPLE INTO YOUR HOME:
Mix soft violets with white or silver to create a classic, yet updated look
Blend vibrant magentas with rich blacks to produce an edgy, yet refined space
Mesh vivid purples with deep gold or bronze to generate a contemporary or modern ambiance
Unify sophisticated mulberry with gold-toned green or sapphire blue to produce a rich traditional atmosphere
Mix delicate orchids with rich browns or neutral shades to create a sophisticated, yet fun feel.

TODAY'S TOP STORIES : Good News!

2009-09-30T14:15:00.000-04:00

Florida’s consumer confidence rises as economic fears ease GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Sept. 30, 2009 – Belief that a national economic recovery is under way boosted Florida’s consumer confidence three points to 74 in September, according to a new University of Florida survey.“I think Florida consumers are buying into the argument that the worst of the recession is over and we have avoided a complete meltdown,” says Chris McCarty, survey director of UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. “Once again, they have surprised us with a higher-than-expected index.”This month’s three-point rise follows a four-point revised increase in August. Of the five components that make up September’s index, three rose, one declined and one was unchanged. Perceptions of personal finances now compared with a year ago remained unchanged at 44, only five points above its all-time low of 39 in December. Expectations about personal finances a year from now fell three points to 81.In contrast, perceptions of U.S. economic conditions over the next year rose three points to 75, while expectations about economic conditions over the next five years rose five points to 86. Perceptions of whether it is a good time to buy big-ticket items, such as appliances and cars, rose nine points to 84.“It is worth noting that the two index components that gauge perceptions of personal finances both now and in the future are flat or down,” McCarty says. “All of the increase is in perceptions of future economic conditions, and in the perception that if you have the money, it’s a good time to buy.”There are some signs that the economy is improving, he says.Once again, the median price of a single-family home is virtually flat compared with the previous month, and up for the year, suggesting that housing prices in many areas of Florida have bottomed out, McCarty says. Although foreclosures are still high, the rate seems to be declining.In other good news, inflation and, in particular, gas prices remain low overall compared with a year ago, McCarty says. In the past few years, gas prices have dominated the consumer confidence index. In addition, the stock market is still up for the year and at least for now appears stable

Market Statistics Available

2009-09-29T23:43:00.003-04:00

Are you upside down on your personal residence? We can help. Let us spend a little time consulting with you about your individual circumstances. We have solutions and we want to help you!

People Are Moving for Happier Reasons!

2009-08-30T21:44:00.001-04:00

Survey: People moving for happier reasons ORLANDO, Fla. – Aug. 28, 2009 – People have gone back to moving in hopes it will improve their lives rather than moving to escape foreclosure or other aspects of the economic crisis, according to a survey of recent movers released this month by Relocation.com.In the June survey, nearly 42 percent said they were in the process of buying a home or planning to buy one. Poll participants said their reason for moving was:• To live in a bigger or better home (26 percent).• To live in a better neighborhood or area (24 percent).• To be closer to family or friends (12 percent).• To live in an area with a lower cost of living (9 percent).• To accommodate a change in marital status (6 percent). Moving because of school, job loss, retirement or foreclosure each generated 3 percent or less.Responses to this survey are substantially different from the responses to a similar survey in March, when 41 percent said the recession was, at least partially, driving their move.Source: Relocation.com (08/06/2009)

How to Get a Fair Appraisal on Your Home

2009-08-26T20:54:00.002-04:00

By Sarah Max, Money Magazine
July 30, 2009: 4:11 AM ET

Buying? Selling? Don't undervalue the home
Here are five things you need to know about getting a fair appraisal.

1. The new rules don't guarantee accuracy
After the bust, lenders came under fire for pressuring appraisers to inflate property values. Now banks are largely required to work with independent appraisers, which should help fix the problems that may have led buyers to overpay.
If you're the owner and want to sell or refinance, however, it's up to you to make sure your home isn't mistakenly valued below your sale price or loan limit. That's because appraisal-management companies tend to hire workers who can get the job done quickly and cheaply, rather than those who know the area best.
"Appraisers say they're under pressure to crank out reports," says Albuquerque mortgage broker Walt Vieira.
2. Detective work may pay off
If you're selling or refinancing, a key factor in your home's valuation is the recent sales prices for houses that are comparable to yours. But your appraiser may not know if there is some unusual circumstance behind those numbers, such as a divorce or a job relocation.
So ask a real estate agent to help you ID recent comparable sales in your area and try to get the scoop on the circumstances from your neighbors. Most appraisers will appreciate extra information, says Michael H. Evans, a fellow of the American Society of Appraisers.
3. Curb appeal can boost your numbers
Appraisers don't give out grades for stellar housekeeping, but the appearance of your home nevertheless has some influence on their final number. "We're only human," says Evans.
So before the appraiser arrives, prepare your home for the evaluation the same way you would for an open house. At a minimum, mow the yard, shine the windows, tidy the closets, and pick up stray clutter from the floors. "The job of the appraiser is to look at the house through a buyer's eyes," says Leslie Sellers, president-elect of the Appraisal Institute.
4. Point out your home's best features
An appraiser who is under time pressure can't be counted on to notice and research every detail of your house and neighborhood. So before he gives your home a once-over, hand him a typed list of its best attributes. Key things to note: any recent upgrades or improvements in the house itself, such as custom woodwork or new windows, perks of your particular property, such as striking mountain views or mature landscaping, and the benefits of living in your neighborhood, such as access to top schools or public transportation.
5. It's okay to fight back after the fact
Request a copy of the final report when it's done; lenders are required to give it to you. Check for errors in key stats, such as square footage, and make sure that the comments portray your property accurately.
If you find a mistake, call the appraiser directly and ask him to recheck his work. If he's not willing to make changes, take your complaint to your state's real estate appraisal board, says Sellers. It's also worth letting your bank or broker know about your gripe, but remember, under the new rules they can't meddle with the appraisal directly.

It is Important That You Choose a Qualified Professional to Market Your Luxury Home.

2009-08-25T22:56:00.000-04:00

Miami /Ft Lauderdale Top City in Market Recovery!

2009-08-21T00:01:00.001-04:00

Miami top 10 city leading market recovery MIAMI – Aug. 20, 2009 – Here’s more evidence that housing is turning around. Forbes magazine identified 161 of the country’s largest metro areas where sales activity has increased compared to 2008, and where foreclosure sales as a percentage of total sales, are low.The magazine considers these markets as on the road to recovery:1. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.2. Lincoln, Neb.3. Colorado Springs, Colo.4. Salem, Ore.5. San Luis Obispo, Calif.6. Bremerton, Wash.7. Denver, Colo.8. Redding, Calif.9. Santa Barbara, Calif.10. San Jose, Calif.Source: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (08/13/2009)

GG Global Guide

2009-08-20T22:50:00.001-04:00

Check out the latest in lifestyle and architecure!

The Market IS Turning!

2009-08-19T00:10:00.001-04:00

By Steve Murray The Market IS Turning LORE Magazine August 2009
I noticed a spate of good news coming out of June and July housing reports. First the REAL Trends Housing Market Report said that June closings were the best in three years when compared to the same month a year ago. Case Shiller noted that prices were steadying after two and half years of declines. The National Association of Realtors indicated that the Pending Index showed steady improvement over the past few months. All good and all pointed in the right way.We subscribe to the point of view that the worst of this downturn is behind us. Sure, foreclosures may well be headed up in the next year or two, short sales will be with us for awhile and the entire process of buying, financing, appraising and closing housing deals will continue to be frustrating. Yet, despite the data, but instead because of the meetings we've had with real estate professionals around the country, we're convinced that the beginning of the next housing bull market (no not like that last one) is within reach. Doesn’t seem to matter what the conditions are, these sales professionals report that they've adapted to this new market and have learned how to do business and make an income even in these times. When the professional on the street starts to turn away from the negative aspects of the industry and talk about the opportunities then we know for sure that good times can’t be that far away.So enough about the data for now. We expect that our July closing numbers will be better than June’s and that August will follow suit. Yes, the volumes will turn back down again in the fall, but that is due to a seasonal change and not a cyclical one. And next spring we'll see higher sales than we did in the spring of 2009. While we don’t foresee a return to the halcyon days of 2003-2005, nor do we see being stuck at 2007-2009 numbers for much longer. Credit markets are clearing, the backlog of distressed properties will clear and homeowners will still have most--if not all--of the benefits they've always enjoyed with homeownership--you know, the gutters and yard, leaky roof and air conditioning that never seems to work when you need it to.All kidding aside, there is no evidence that Americans have fallen out of love with homeownership. Even with a small decline in homeownership rates, over two thirds of households in our country prefer to own their home.

Plantation Beach Club

2009-08-12T17:18:00.003-04:00

I don't know if you have ever seen the wonderful ammenities at The Plantation in Ponte Vedra Beach, but if you do, you will be amazed at the value for your membership. From the beautiful Golf and Tennis facilities to the workout and private Beach club, you will surely be living in well deserved luxury! I would be happy to provide you withe a list of available properties Just call 904-652-9003.

Better Than New! Palencia's Hannah Park!

2009-08-09T21:44:00.001-04:00

World Golf Village

2009-07-17T19:52:00.001-04:00

Palencia 's Sebastain Square

2009-07-09T14:02:00.002-04:00

Palencia's Treehouse Park

2009-07-08T13:07:00.001-04:00

Former North Florida Builder's Model

2009-07-07T15:07:00.002-04:00

HOW TO BEST MARKET A LUXURY HOME

2009-07-06T21:19:00.003-04:00

This is a video that will explain why it is very advantageous to use an agent that is a member of The Luxury Home Marketing Institute. In todays market, it is critical that you are offered every advantage.
http://www.wellcomemat.com/video/B01A2C9979

Vilano Beach Florida Home

2009-07-03T22:41:00.002-04:00

Lovely Palencia Home

2009-07-02T09:49:00.002-04:00

The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing

2009-07-02T09:46:00.001-04:00

Gwen Templeton and Cammy Ray are pleased to announce that they have been selected for membership in The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing is the premier independent authority in training and certification for real estate agents working in the luxury residential market.
The Institute exists to help real estate professionals provide high quality service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and in so doing, maximize their success in the upper-tier residential market. This affiliation connects affluent buyers and sellers with the right agents.

Our new partnership provides many added benefits such as, premier advertising in the Wall Street Journal, links to an international multiple listing service, and connections to custom mailing lists for the affluent. It also offers an international referral program connecting us with buyers and sellers all over the world. Your property will be given exposure on the Institute’s website.

We are very excited that as members of this exclusive organization, our customers will benefit from superior levels of customer service.

1792 North Loop

2009-05-18T22:15:00.000-04:00

A great Palencia custom home . Many fine finishes and a very private setting

Open Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:00 to 1:00

2009-05-18T21:25:00.000-04:00

1424 North Loop im Palencia. It's well appointed and distinctive. Priced at $1,147,750. Call me at 904-652-9003 for more information.

Luxury Northeast Florida Real Estate

2009-05-18T15:43:00.000-04:00

I know the luxury buyers are out there! I have distinctive custom homes priced between $650,000 amd $1,300,000. I also have financing referrals. It's much easier than you may think. Now is the time to purchase what you only dreamed about a few years ago!!
Call me at 904-652-9003 or go to http://www.gwentempleton.listingbook.com/