Lisa Barton

Hugh Green, the CEO of Baptist Health and also the Chairman of Jacksonville's Chamber of Commerce, was the guest speaker at Prudential Network Realty's first quarter sales meeting. Mr. Green believes that Jacksonville is at a critical juncture in its development. He shared his vision for Jacksonville's future and also highlighted critical areas of growth that will be important to keeping Jacksonville competitive in the future.

Last weekend I was showing condos in Ponte Vedra Beach. As I drove into Summer House, I saw a HUGE alligator snapping turtle in the middle of the road. This turtle was too big to drive over, too big to drive around and didn't budge when I tapped on my horn (I think turtles have ears). When I got out of the car and tried to shoo him out of the road he stuck out his neck and hissed at me. I have to admit, he was a little intimidating. So, I pulled my trusty yoga mat out of the trunk and pushed the beast out of the road. I couldn't believe how big his mouth  was and also couldn't believe how quickly he moved. My yoga mat has big chunks torn out of it! The good news is that I managed to get him out of the road and my customer and I were able to continue our search for the perfect condo without any harm done to any wild creatures.  

So, you want to take advantage of this buyer's market and purchase a home that's a short sale. Or, you need to sell your house and realize that your mortgage is more than your house is currently worth. This article has great tips to help you (and your real estate agent) manage expectations and reduce frustration during contract negotiations with the bank.  

Roughly 40% or the homes for sale on today's market are short sales and foreclosures! Distressed properties are well known for their value...read more

Here's a quick summary of the Willowcove neighborhood in Nocatee. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

• Neighborhood:  Willowcove
• Nearest Major Intersection:  Valley Ridge Parkway and Preservation Trail
• Gated: No
• Clubhouse: Yes, all residents of Nocatee have access to the Community Park and Crosswater Hall.
• How Many Homes: Communities in Nocatee continue to expand, so check back often for more information!
• Size Range: Two to five bedrooms in 2,000 – 4,000 square feet depending on model and builder (David Weekley Homes and Lennar)
• Pedestrian-Friendly: Yes, very.
• Recreation: Indoor and outdoor community facilities including sidewalks, cart paths, fitness center, community hall, dog park, and Splash Water Park.
• Nearest Grocery Store: Publix
• LB’s Favorite Neighborhood Feature:  The Willowcove neighborhood entrance is very pretty.
• Fun Fact: Willowcove is very close to the water park! 

Here's a quick summary of the Kelly Pointe neighborhood in Nocatee. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

• Neighborhood: Kelly Pointe
• Nearest Major Intersection:  Valley Ridge Boulevard and Nocatee Parkway
• Gated: No
• Clubhouse: Yes, all residents of Nocatee have access to the Community Park and Crosswater Hall.
• How Many Homes: Communities in Nocatee continue to expand. Kelly Pointe will have 176 homes when completed.
• Size Range: Two to six bedrooms in 1,400 – 3,000 square feet depending on model and builder (David Weekley Homes and Richmond American Homes)
• Pedestrian-Friendly: Yes, very.
• Recreation: Indoor and outdoor community facilities including sidewalks, cart paths, fitness center, community hall, dog park, and Splash Water Park.
• Nearest Grocery Store: Publix
• LB’s Favorite Neighborhood Feature:  Kelly Pointe is a great neighborhood for first time homebuyers.
• Fun Fact: I’ve seen deer in this area! 

Looking for something to do this weekend (April 16-17, 2011)?  There are many homes open for tours!  

The 37th Annual Spring Tour of Homes, hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation, will be happening in Riverside. Eleven homes, one business, and two schools will be featured on the tour. Hours for this event are Saturday from 10a.m. until 5p.m. and Sunday 12p.m. until 5p.m. There are several concurrent events!  Check out City Cycle's free home tour bike ride, an antique car exhibition, and discounted access to the Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens.  You can also take the Riverside Trolley between homes, included in the tour ticket price and honored during event hours. Advance tickets for the tour are $15 each or $20 at the door.

This is also the last weekend to view the 2011 Parade of Homes. New model homes, from Fernandina to St. Augustine, representing more than 50 communities are available to tour. There are a wide variety of floor plans and price ranges to choose from! Most models are open 10a.m. until 5p.m. this weekend. And, there are many special incentives for buyers of homes on this tour. Visit www.jacksonville.com for more information, interactive map, and virtual magazine to view the exact location and floor plan for each home. This event is free to the public.

Here's a quick summary of the Coastal Oaks neighborhood in Nocatee. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

• Neighborhood: Coastal Oaks
• Nearest Major Intersection:  Crosswater Parkway and Preservation Trail
• Gated: Yes
• Clubhouse: Yes, all residents of Nocatee have access to the Community Park and Crosswater Hall.
• How Many Homes: Communities in Nocatee continue to expand, so check back often for more information!
• Size Range: Three to six bedrooms in 1,800 – 5,400 square feet with various models by Toll Brothers.
• Pedestrian-Friendly: Yes, very.
• Recreation: Indoor and outdoor community facilities including sidewalks, cart paths, fitness center, community hall, dog park, and Splash Water Park.
• Nearest Grocery Store: Publix
• LB’s Favorite Neighborhood Feature:  This gated community was home to the 2010 Symphony Showhouse.
• Fun Fact: Toll Brothers offers a great relocation package.

Want to spend some time wandering in a beautiful home while raising funds for a good cause? You can, with a visit to the Jacksonville Symphony Showhouse, Southern Granduer in Chandler Oaks. The Symphony Guild states that the "house reflects the warm and welcoming southern traditions we enjoy. Life moves a little slower; it’s calmer, happier and a lot more peaceful here."  Located just 20 minutes west of downtown Jacksonville, this beautiful home is worth the short drive.

Here's a quick summary of the Austin Park neighborhood in Nocatee. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

• Neighborhood: Austin Park
• Nearest Major Intersection:  Valley Ridge Boulevard and U.S. 1
• Gated: No
• Clubhouse: Yes, all residents of Nocatee have access to the Community Park and Crosswater Hall.
• How Many Homes: Communities in Nocatee continue to expand, so check back often for more information!
• Size Range: Three to five bedrooms in 2,000 – 3,100 square feet depending on model by builders (Taylor Morrison, Mattamy, and CornerStone Homes).
• Pedestrian-Friendly: Yes, very.
• Recreation: Indoor and outdoor community facilities including sidewalks, cart paths, fitness center, community hall, dog park, and Splash Water Park.
• Nearest Grocery Store: Publix
• LB’s Favorite Neighborhood Feature:  The variety of floor plans. My favorite is the one with the interior courtyard with room for a pool.
• Fun Fact: Austin Park has the quickest access for a Jacksonville commute!

If you haven’t been to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens lately, you may find some strange guests.  Dinosaurs have invaded the Zoo!  This travelling exhibit, DinoAlive, features various dinosaurs that move and make noises just like their ancestors did.  These exotic creatures are only here until the end of June, so make sure to visit soon!