Lisa Barton

Last week I was showing homes to a couple from California. They were interested in golf club communities, so we were looking at properties in several of Ponte Vedra Beaches’ beautiful gated communities. The wife giggled when she saw a sign posted by a large lake that said “Please Don’t Feed the Alligators”. She asked if the warning on the sign was legitimate. Well, what can I say, but “YES”!

As a Florida native I’ve grown up knowing that where there is a body of fresh water there are most probably alligators. Usually, the old adage “they’re more afraid of you than you are of them” holds true, but not always. Alligators, which are native inhabitants in the southeast, are usually afraid of people and aren’t normally a threat. However, as people encroach on their natural habitats, they are coming into contact with humans on a very regular basis. Feeding any wild animal reduces their fear of humans. This is especially true of alligators--hence the sign I mentioned above. 

Continue Reading “Are There Really Alligators Down Here?”

The Jacksonville Symphony Designer Showhouse is a major fundraiser for the Jacksonville Symphony. And what a fund raiser it is! If you haven’t been to a Symphony Showhome before you’re in for a real treat. This year the designer show home will be one of the gorgeous new homes in Coastal Oaks of Nocatee. Toll Brothers will feature their wonderful Marquis home which offers 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and a courtyard with a 4 car garage. The gourmet kitchen will be outfitted beyond your wildest dreams as will be the opulent master bedroom and bathroom. The list price for this house will be over $1 million.

The address for the show home is 280 Port Charlotte Drive and the house will be open for tours April 17th through May 9th. Check out the Showhome’s website for information about special events and speakers. All money raised will go to the Jacksonville Symphony Guild and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

Continue Reading “This Year’s Symphony Guild Designer Showhouse Will be in Coastal Oaks at Nocatee”

This Saturday (March 20th) Odoms Mill in Ponte Vedra Beach will be having its Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale. You won’t want to miss this! The weather is predicted to be fantastic and you’ll have a chance to pick up great bargains. Check out the Odoms Mill website for more information.

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The Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 8th Annual Ponte Vedra Car Show.  Proceeds from this event help the Chamber cover their yearly expenses.  Serving the business community of the beaches area for over 13 years, the Ponte Vedra Chamber of Commerce has 300 plus business and professional people who provide the leadership needed to create a strong business environment. 

Continue Reading “Ponte Vedra Chamber of Commerce Car Show is April 11th at Nocatee!”

I recently listed one of the few waterfront lots left in the beautiful boating community, Amelia View.  This expansive lot offers incredible views of the marsh, Samples Creek & Amelia Island in the distance. Bring your own builder to build your dream home! You can build your own dock or enjoy the neighborhood boating facilities: boat ramp, floating dock & gazebo. Amelia View offers terrific amenities including: large pool, clubhouse, playground, basketball & volleyball courts.  MLS #523178

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It’s Heather and I have information on an adventure that benefits the North Florida Land Trust.  From Saturday, April 3rd to Saturday, April 10th, 2010, the North Florida Land Trust will be sponsoring EcoQuest, a kayaking event (all week) and family fun day (4/10). 

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The broker-manager at my new office, Jill Streit, just posted a blog that I thought was very well done and full of good information about positive aspects of the improving real estate market. Check out a PDF of her article!

Continue Reading “The Hidden Upside of a Down Real Estate Market”

In our current economic environment, we have seen an unprecedented increase in foreclosures, deed in lieu of foreclosures and short sales of home mortgages across the United States. Many homeowners are losing their homes due to various reasons including job loss, unexpected medical expenses and life circumstances. Fast forward to improved circumstances, those homeowners are now in a position to buy a home again. 

Continue Reading “How Long Do You Have to Wait to Buy a Home After a Short Sale or Foreclosure”

Amelia View is a beautiful boating community on the northside of Jacksonville.  This Saturday (Feb. 27th), several local real estate agents will be holding their listings open from 1:00-4:00p.m. We’ll have refreshments and beverages for your enjoyment and you’ll have the opportunity to see four different homes and a beautiful undeveloped lot that are for sale. Please stop by my listings at 2990 Amelia Bluff Drive or 2925 Amelia Bluff Drive to pick up a map to all the other homes that will be available for viewing. 

Continue Reading “Open Houses in Amelia View this Weekend (Feb. 27, 2010)”

It’s Heather, your favorite guest blogger.  This past weekend I participated in 26.2 with Donna, the National Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Relay to Finish Breast Cancer.  Thankfully, I only wound up doing 13.1 with Donna!  It was my inaugural event at this distance.

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