Sharon's Blog

If you're moving to Florida and checking out insurance, you may hear about Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Citizens is the insurance company of last resort for homeowners who can't get a policy anywhere else. There are some areas and houses that may be tough to find coverage, and some times of the year are more of a challenge than others. But overall, we have some of the most beautiful weather in the country!

Citizens was created in 2002 by Florida legislators to provide a safety net to be sure Florida residents had insurance coverage available. Currently they have over 1,000,000 active policies.

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. does charge higher rates than you can find at other companies, so it makes sense to shop around and compare, and you probably won't be selecting them if you can get coverage elsewhere.

When you are shopping around, please be sure to compare apples to apples. Be sure the coverages are equal all across the board when comparing rates for Citizens vs. other carriers. Be sure you have the umbrella coverage that you will need and not just the basics. Ask us for names of insurance agents who will take the time to explain the ins and outs of insurance coverage to you for your beautiful new Florida home.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty (recently named State Regulator of the Year by LexisNexis) announced that Citizens just won approval to increase their rates about 5.4% - and that affects hurricane damage coverage. If you are looking in higher risk coastal areas, you will have to wait for the final figures. The increased premiums will go into effect January 1, 2010 and will encompass about 719,000 policies, including 350,000 homeowners. If you are considering a mobile home, the increase is 1.7% and 10.2% for condo associations. Inland homeowners may see their rates decline.

Well Water Test

If you are buying a home with a well, FHA lenders require a Chemical/Bacteria/Lead test of the well. This includes the Total Coliform, E. coli Bacterial test. The price for this varies from $125-$250 (in our experience) depending on whether you do it yourself or have a third party do it and send it to a lab and also whether it is a rush. Results from the lab will be about a week unless you pay an extra fee. Here are the regulations from HUD.

If you are doing a conventional loan, check with the lender, but in our experience they do not require water testing. It is the buyer's discretion as to whether they conduct one. The buyers we work with choose to do a test 100% of the time.

Some types of water testing in addition to the Total Coliform, E. coli Bacterial test:

1. Arsenic - arsenic is not listed on standard tests, but it is suggested by companies due to plastic in the environment that does not bio-degrade.

2. Sulfur - a sulfur smell isn't always sulfur. It can be iron bacteria. Aerators are expensive if they don't take care of the smell and they are not necessarily considered the best way to cure a sulfur smell. Iron bacteria is treated by chlorinating the pump and faucets in the house. Treatment is around $400 plus the individual faucets or spigots in the house, including the washing machine and ice maker. Equipment can also be purchased that will take care of the problem at the well.

3. Nitrate and Nitrite and total Nitrate/Nitrite.

4. Iron - If there is iron in the water, toilets, sinks, sidewalks, fences and other surfaces will stain. There is a solution for this. Ask your well consultant.

5. PH, Hardness, Alkalinity, Color, Clarity, Copper, Chlorine may also be tested to determine the quality of the water.

6. There are many other tests that can be done, depending on the buyer's preferences and water conditions in the area.

For the greater Jacksonville area, these are the most common tests conducted by buyers.

Well inspection

The building inspector will run the pump and test how the water is coming out of the sinks, but you may want to have a well and pump inspection as well.

Companies who specialize in digging wells can also do an inspection on the well and pump, paying attention to such details as whether insects are nesting around some of the parts.

Most wells in this area are intermediate wells, around 150'-250' and there is not much sulfur in wells at this depth. Deeper wells  of 250'-350' are where you may find sulfur, according to Ronnie Sapp of Ronnie Sapp Well Drilling & Septic Tanks of Macclenny FL.

A well and pump inspection, including a number of tests at no charge, is $95 from Sapp Well Drilling & Septic Tanks.

We recommend water and well testing for buyers of rural properties, along with the building, WDO and other inspections. We find that the money spent up front is a good investment and our buyers agree. It gives buyers peace of mind to know what their water quality is and that their equipment is functioning properly.

 

Fleming Island boasts many beautiful communities, including Eagle Harbor, Fleming Island Plantation, Pace Island, and Hibernia Plantation among others.

As of October 17, 2009, here are the statistics on Homes for Sale on Fleming Island. This Report also includes four significant communities on Fleming Island - Eagle Harbor, Fleming Island Plantation, Pace Island, and Hibernia Plantation.

Fleming Island Homes for Sale

There is a significant reduction in the homes for sale since the July Market Report. There are about 34% fewer homes for sale on Fleming Island at this time. There is a 45% reduction in the number of short sale homes for sale on Fleming Island.

223 Active

 38 Short Sales (Title still held by Owner)

 15 Bank Owned (Foreclosed, REO)

24% of all homes for sale on Fleming Island are Short Sales or Bank Owned.

Active homes for sale on Fleming Island range from $125,000 to $2,285,000. Sq. ft. sizes range from 1200 to 6495.

Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale

80 Active

10 Short Sales

 0 Bank Owned

12.5% of all homes for sale in Eagle Harbor are Short Sales or Bank Owned.

Eagle Harbor has many amenities, including golf course, three water parks, clubhouse, 5 day docks, one community with private docks, playgrounds throughout the community, tennis, a nature preserve, and many activities.

There is one townhouse neighborhood, one condominium neighborhood, and many single family home neighborhoods. Three neighborhoods offer waterfront homes on Doctor's Lake which opens into the St Johns River. Homes on smaller lots (patio homes or golf villas) are located near the golf course.

Active homes range from $142,900 to $1,599,000.

Fleming Island Plantation Homes for Sale

47 Active

14 Short Sales

 8 Bank Owned

48% of all homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation are Short Sales or Bank Owned. 

Fleming Island Plantation has many amenities, including golf course, two water parks, clubhouse, playgrounds, tennis, and many activities. There is one town home neighborhood, two condominium neighborhoods (one gated), two paired villa neighborhoods (one gated), one single family neighborhood with lawn care, two single family home gated neighborhoods and many other single family neighborhoods. Margaret's Walk is a gated community with riverfront lots.

30 homes were improperly identified in the MLS. That means distressed homes for sale were improperly identified. Please note this if you are particularly interested in distressed properties homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation. They are just named for the individual neighborhood.

Active homes range from $163,000 to $2,285,000.

Pace Island Homes for Sale

14 Active

 0 Short Sales

 1 Bank Owned

Under 1% of the homes on the market are Short Sales in Pace Island

Pace Island is a guard-gated community about a half-mile south of the bridge coming over Doctor's Lake on Highway 17. Amenities include two community pools, tennis courts, soccer fields, gazebo and day dock. Homes include frontage on Doctor's Lake.

Active homes for sale range from $163,000 to $1,950,000.

 

Hibernia Plantation Homes for Sale

4 Active

0 Short Sales

0 Bank Owned

Hibernia Plantation is located in the SE part of Fleming Island and includes riverfront properties. No waterfront properties are active. There are no amenities in Hibernia Plantation, but the oak-lined streets with larger lots are very appealing to many buyers.

Active homes for sale range from $329,000-$799,900.

 

Fleming Island Waterfront Homes for Sale

32 Active

 4 Short Sales

 0 Bank Owned

Fleming Island is bordered by water on all sides - there is a portion that was blocked by a storm years ago that is swamp - and there are always homes for sale on navigable water, either canal or waterfront on the St. Johns, Doctor's Lake, Swimming Pen Creek or Black Creek.

13% of Fleming Island Waterfront homes for sale are Short Sales. In the July Market Report, 23% or 10 waterfront homes for sale were short sales.

Active waterfront homes for sale range from $350,000 to $2,285,000.

If you are interested in viewing the homes for sale on Fleming Island, we are ready to help you. We have the latest information on the best values in the Fleming Island area. Please email or call us at 904-673-2308.

 

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Fleming Island Homes for Sale October 24, 2009*

All Data Supplied by Northeast Florida MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Fleming Island Homes for Sale October 17, 2009

Fleming Island Homes for Sale October 10, 2009

Fleming Island Homes for Sale October 3, 2009

Fleming Island Homes for Sale September 26, 2009

Fleming Island Homes for Sale July, 2009

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE

Fleming Island Plantation Homes for Sale - Fleming Island Florida

47 Active

14 Short Sales

  8 Bank Owned

48% of all homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation are Short Sales or Bank Owned. 

49 homes have sold since 10/10/2008, so there is about a 12- month inventory of homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation.

The best homes at the best price will sell.

Fleming Island Plantation has many amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, two water parks, clubhouse, playgrounds, tennis, and many activities. There are two townhome neighborhoods (one gated), one condominium neighborhood, two paired villa neighborhoods (one gated), one single family neighborhood with lawn care, one single family home gated neighborhood and many other single family neighborhoods.

28 homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation were improperly identified in the MLS. Please note this if you are particularly interested in homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation. They may just be listed under the individual neighborhood name.

Active homes for sale range from $163,000 to $499,900. Size ranges from 1809 sq. ft. to 3,796 sq. ft.

Frank and I are Fleming Island residents. We moved to old Orange Park in 1989 to be close to Frank's family and have lived here ever since except a few years in Orlando. Frank moved to Jacksonville when he was 11, so he has lived here most of his life. We are Top Producers for our company and have earned the Jacksonville Homebuyer Best in Client Satisfaction Award for the last 4 years.

If you are interested in viewing the homes for sale on Fleming Island, we are ready to help you. We have the latest information on the best values on Fleming Island. Please email or call us at 904-673-2308.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Fleming Island Plantation Homes for Sale October 24, 2009*

All statistical information provided from the NEFAR MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

October 17, 2009 Market Report

October 10, 2009 Market Report

October 3, 2009 Market Report

September 19, 2009 Market Report

September 26, 2009 Market Report

July 2009 Market Report

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE

 

Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale

80 Active 

10 Short Sale

 0 Bank Owned

12.5% of all Eagle Harbor homes for sale are Short Sales.

The market trends are down from the from the Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale July 4 Market Report, which listed 97 homes for sale and 15% were  short sales. Active homes for sale in Eagle Harbor are down by about 18%.

80 homes have sold in Eagle Harbor since 10/17/2008. This means we have about a 12 month supply of homes for sale if no other homes come on the market. The best looking, best priced homes will sell.

Eagle Harbor has many amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, three water parks, clubhouse, 5 day docks, one community with private docks, playgrounds throughout the community, tennis, a nature preserve, and many activities.

There is one townhouse neighborhood - Pine Lake, one condominium neighborhood - The Enclave, and many single family home neighborhoods Neighborhoods range from patio homes with very small lots, starter homes, production builder homes to custom homes on estate lots. There is something for everyone. Three neighborhoods offer waterfront homes on Doctor's Lake which opens into the St Johns River - The Preserve, Daniel's Landing and Neilhurst.

Active single family homes range from $142,900 to $1,599,000. The smallest home is 1438 sq. ft. and the largest is 5701 sq. ft.

Frank and I are Eagle Harbor residents. We moved to the Jacksonville area in 1989 to be close to Frank's family and have lived here ever since except a few years in Orlando.

If you are interested in purchasing a home on Fleming Island, we are ready to help you. We have the latest information on the best values in Eagle Harbor. Please email or call us at 904-673-2308.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale October 24, 2009*

All statistical information provided from the NEFAR MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

October 17, 2009 Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale Market Report

October 10, 2009 Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale Market Report

October 3, 2009 Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale Market Report

September 26, 2009 Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale Market Report

September 18, 2009 Eagle Harbor Homes For Sale Market Report

July Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale Market Report

SEARCH FOR HOMES

Homeownership Workshop TODAY - Jacksonville, Florida - Cecil Commerce Center

Thursday, October 22, 2009 4PM - 8PM

Cecil Commerce Center Chapel

6112 Lake Newman Street

Jacksonville, FL 32221

 Click this Interactive map to Cecil Commerce Center.

For further information:

PSA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxTRnHIQD8

Website: http://www.house.gov/stearns/

Email: stearnshousing@mail.house.gov

Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-888-7743

Thank you and I hope to see you tonight !

Frank and Sharon Alters

 

 

Just wanted to let everyone know Congressman Cliff Stearns will be in town Thursday night, October 22, for a Homeowners Workshop at the Cecil Commerce Center on Lake Newman Street.  PLEASE NOTE THE SLIGHT CHANGE IN VENUE AT CECIL COMMERCE CENTER CHAPEL TO THE ADDRESS BELOW.

The purpose: To help people stay in their homes or buy a first home.

Who will be there: Experts in the fields of mortgages, helping with avoiding foreclosure, and helping those buying a first home. Federal Housing Authority (FHA) lending specialists will be present to pre-qualify and give homebuyer counseling.

This is not a Seminar - this will be one-on-one personal counseling for people.

Where:    Jacksonville
             Cecil Commerce Center Chapel
             6112 Lake Newman Street
             Jacksonville, FL 32221


When:      Thursday, October 22, 2009
                4:00-8:00 PM

RSVP: www.house.gov/stearns <http://www.house.gov/stearns>
            or email: stearnshousing@mail.house.gov
            or call 1-800-888-7743 (toll free) in the Sixth Congressional District

If you have any questions or need directions, please text or call me at 904-673-2308 or email: sharon@teamalters.com

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORKSHOP IN ORANGE PARK THIS MONDAY, OCT. 19, CLICK HERE.

Just wanted to let everyone know Congressman Cliff Stearns will be in town tomorrow night, October 19, for a Homeowners Workshop at the Thrasher/Horne Center on College Drive.

The purpose: To help people stay in their homes or buy a first home.

Who will be there: Experts in the fields of mortgages, helping with avoiding foreclosure, and helping those buying a first home. Federal Housing Authority (FHA) lending specialists will be present to pre-qualify and give homebuyer counseling.

This is not a Seminar - this will be one-on-one personal counseling for people.

Where: St. Johns Community College
             Thrasher-Horne Conference Center
             283 College Drive
             Orange Park, FL

RSVP: www.house.gov/stearns <http://www.house.gov/stearns>
            or email: stearnshousing@mail.house.gov
            or call 1-800-888-7743 (toll free) in the Sixth Congressional District

If you have any questions or need directions, please text or call me at 904-673-2308 or email: sharon@teamalters.com

For information about the Jacksonville Homeowners Workshop on Thursday, October 22, click here.

Fleming Island boasts many beautiful communities, including Eagle Harbor, Fleming Island Plantation, Pace Island, and Hibernia Plantation among others.

As of October 17, 2009, here are the statistics on Homes for Sale on Fleming Island. This Report also includes four significant communities on Fleming Island - Eagle Harbor, Fleming Island Plantation, Pace Island, and Hibernia Plantation.

Fleming Island Homes for Sale

There is a significant reduction in the homes for sale since the July Market Report. There are about 27% fewer homes for sale on Fleming Island at this time. There is a 32% reduction in the number of short sale homes for sale on Fleming Island.

231 Active

 40 Short Sales (Title still held by Owner)

 14 Bank Owned (Foreclosed, REO)

23% of all homes for sale on Fleming Island are Short Sales or Bank Owned.

Active homes for sale on Fleming Island range from $142,900 to $2,285,000. Sq. ft. sizes range from 1200 to 6495.

Eagle Harbor Homes for Sale

83 Active

10 Short Sales

 2 Bank Owned

14% of all homes for sale in Eagle Harbor are Short Sales or Bank Owned.

Eagle Harbor has many amenities, including golf course, three water parks, clubhouse, 5 day docks, one community with private docks, playgrounds throughout the community, tennis, a nature preserve, and many activities.

There is one townhouse neighborhood, one condominium neighborhood, and many single family home neighborhoods. Three neighborhoods offer waterfront homes on Doctor's Lake which opens into the St Johns River. Homes on smaller lots (patio homes or golf villas) are located near the golf course.

Active homes range from $142,900 to $1,599,000.

Fleming Island Plantation Homes for Sale

57 Active

14 Short Sales

 7 Bank Owned

37% of all homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation are Short Sales or Bank Owned. 

Fleming Island Plantation has many amenities, including golf course, two water parks, clubhouse, playgrounds, tennis, and many activities. There is one town home neighborhood, two condominium neighborhoods (one gated), two paired villa neighborhoods (one gated), one single family neighborhood with lawn care, two single family home gated neighborhoods and many other single family neighborhoods. Margaret's Walk is a gated community with riverfront lots.

30 homes were improperly identified in the MLS. That means distressed homes for sale were improperly identified. Please note this if you are particularly interested in distressed properties homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation. They are just named for the individual neighborhood.

Active homes range from $152,000 to $2,285,000.

Pace Island Homes for Sale

14 Active

 1 Short Sales

 1 Bank Owned

Under 1% of the homes on the market are Short Sales in Pace Island

Pace Island is a guard-gated community about a half-mile south of the bridge coming over Doctor's Lake on Highway 17. Amenities include two community pools, tennis courts, soccer fields, gazebo and day dock. Homes include frontage on Doctor's Lake.

Active homes for sale range from $163,000 to $1,950,000.

 

Hibernia Plantation Homes for Sale

4 Active

0 Short Sales

0 Bank Owned

Hibernia Plantation is located in the SE part of Fleming Island and includes riverfront properties. No waterfront properties are active. There are no amenities in Hibernia Plantation, but the oak-lined streets with larger lots are very appealing to many buyers.

Active homes for sale range from $329,000-$799,900.

 

Fleming Island Waterfront Homes for Sale

32 Active

 3 Short Sales

 0 Bank Owned

Fleming Island is bordered by water on all sides - there is a portion that was blocked by a storm years ago that is swamp - and there are always homes for sale on navigable water, either canal or waterfront on the St. Johns, Doctor's Lake, Swimming Pen Creek or Black Creek.

1% of Fleming Island Waterfront homes for sale are Short Sales. In the July Market Report, 23% or 10 waterfront homes for sale were short sales.

Active waterfront homes for sale range from $350,000 to $2,285,000.

If you are interested in viewing the homes for sale on Fleming Island, we are ready to help you. We have the latest information on the best values on Fleming Island. Please email or call us at 904-673-2308.

 

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Fleming Island Homes for Sale October 17, 2009*

All Data Supplied by Northeast Florida MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Fleming Island Homes for Sale October 10, 2009

Fleming Island Homes for Sale October 3, 2009

Fleming Island Homes for Sale September 26, 2009

Fleming Island Homes for Sale July, 2009

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE

You can also find us here!

 

Fleming Island Plantation Homes for Sale - Fleming Island Florida

57 Active

14 Short Sales

  7 Bank Owned

37% of all homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation are Short Sales or Bank Owned. 

49 homes have sold since 10/10/2008, so there is a 14 month inventory of homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation.

The best homes at the best price will sell.

Fleming Island Plantation has many amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, two water parks, clubhouse, playgrounds, tennis, and many activities. There are two townhome neighborhoods (one gated), one condominium neighborhood, two paired villa neighborhoods (one gated), one single family neighborhood with lawn care, one single family home gated neighborhood and many other single family neighborhoods.

28 homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation were improperly identified in the MLS. Please note this if you are particularly interested in homes for sale in Fleming Island Plantation. They may just be listed under the individual neighborhood name.

Active homes for sale range from $163,000 to $2,285,000 (waterfront in Margaret's Walk). Size ranges from 1809 sq. ft. to 5900 sq. ft.

Frank and I are Fleming Island residents. We moved to old Orange Park in 1989 to be close to Frank's family and have lived here ever since except a few years in Orlando. Frank moved to Jacksonville when he was 11, so he has lived here most of his life. We are Top Producers for our company and have earned the Jacksonville Homebuyer Best in Client Satisfaction Award for the last 4 years.

If you are interested in viewing the homes for sale on Fleming Island, we are ready to help you. We have the latest information on the best values on Fleming Island. Please email or call us at 904-673-2308.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Fleming Island Plantation Homes for Sale October 17, 2009*

All statistical information provided from the NEFAR MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

October 10, 2009 Market Report

October 3, 2009 Market Report

September 19, 2009 Market Report

September 26, 2009 Market Report

July 2009 Market Report

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE

You can also find us here!