Journal

August 26, 2010

On-Site Mortgage Lenders Help Streamline Home Buying Process

Posted by Caryn Best in News

Entrance to East Town PlaceMost real estate professionals, sellers and buyers would agree that home buying has become a more arduous process of late. Says Davidson Realty President Sherry Davidson, “There are quite a few home loans initiated that never come to fruition.  It’s a function of tougher qualifications and more complicated transactions.” Davidson Realty, Inc., based in World Golf Village, hopes to improve the home buying process with an on-site mortgage lender available six days a week, Monday through Saturday. 

Davidson Realty has teamed with three mortgage lenders who will provide on-site consultation for home buyers at its office in World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida. The varied institutions include First Atlantic Bank, a local community bank based in Jacksonville and St. Augustine; Dolphin Home Mortgage, an independent mortgage professional, and Bank of America, the large corporate bank. Rotating on-site at Davidson Realty’s offices, the lenders provide straightforward advice and honest assessments for home buyers and real estate professionals alike. Explains Davidson, “Gone are the days of pre-qualifying for jumbo loans and breezing through closings. Our goal is to help home buyers know from the get-go how much of a loan they can really qualify for in today’s market.” (more…)

Tagged with , , , , , ,

August 20, 2010

First Atlantic Bank is Perfectly Poised with Plenty of Capital and An Appetite to Lend

Posted by Caryn Best in Business Spotlight

first-atlantic-bank-logoTimes are good for First Atlantic Bank. A little over three years old, the local bank was unscathed by the recession.  With no bad loans, First Atlantic enjoys a 4-star rating from Bankrate.com – the second highest rating in the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area.  According to Luciano Noir-Jones, St. Augustine Market Executive Vice President, the rating means, “Depositors money is safe with us.” 

Perhaps even more surprising in today’s environment is that First Atlantic Bank is lending. “Our capital is strong,” said Noir-Jones. “We’re actively lending to local businesses, from retail stores and restaurants to service-oriented companies, in Jacksonville and St. Augustine.  We anticipate doing about 20 SBA loans this year,” he added. 

First Atlantic is also strong in residential home lending. First Atlantic is one of the few lenders still doing construction to permanent loans and lot loans. Says Noir-Jones, “We underwrite and keep residential loans on our books, instead of selling them off.  This allows us to be more flexible for cases where a borrower, or the home they are buying, do not fit in the ideal box – recent examples are a high loan-to-value situation and a condo loan.”  First Atlantic recently teamed with Davidson Realty to have the bank’s Residential Mortgage Officer Jay Pardue onsite at Davidson’s office in World Golf Village two days a week.  Says Davidson Realty President Sherry Davidson, “This is a great opportunity for homebuyers since they can get expert advice on home loans on the spot.”

First Atlantic Bank has two locations in Jacksonville and two locations in St. Augustine – at Palencia and at Cobblestone Village. It has local investors and local board members. It’s tuned into the Northeast Florida market. Sherry Davidson recently joined First Atlantic’s Advisory Board. “We’ve been a very happy customer of First Atlantic, so I welcomed the opportunity to join fellow business owners on their Advisory Board. Rare is a bank that never fails to treat you like a valued customer,” said Davidson. (more…)

Tagged with , , , ,

July 8, 2010

Eclipse Now Playing at World Golf IMAX!

Posted by Alayna Oram in Events, Local Events, WGV Events

Twilight Photo 2You would have to live under a rock to not know about the “Twilight” mania that is going on in pop culture right now. The series of books by Stephanie Meyer’s were wildly popular, even before they were transformed into movies. As the third movie in the Twilight sage, “Eclipse”, hit theaters the furor hit an all time high! You can enjoy the romantic thriller in its full glory for a limited time at the World Golf IMAX movie theater with a six-story high screen! This makes it the largest IMAX screen in Northeast Florida and a great way to watch all of the action…

For those of you who don’t know, Twilight is a story about an ordinary teenage girl, Bella, who falls in love with an exotic vampire, Edward. Of course, this creates some unique challenges for their relationship. Their love is further complicated by the fact Bella also is in love with Jacob - who is a werewolf! (It should be noted she loves Edward the most though!)

This love triangle has created a rivalry between fans of the movies: Team Edward vs. Team Jacob. After watching Eclipse, I must admit I am on Team Jacob. Personally, I think he is cuter than the skinny and pale Edward. (I have to wonder if I am going to get nasty comments on this blog post now!) But I mostly side with Jacob because he is honest with Bella. Edward tends to “protect” her too much and this leads to controlling behaviour on his part…that is simply unattractive to me. Doesn’t this bother anyone else? And there is the small fact he is eventually going to take her soul away! Although I don’t think the movie will ever be nominated for an Oscar, it is a great way to escape for two hours or so!

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how wonderful it was to simply ride our bikes to see this IMAX movie! When you live in The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village, the theater is practically in your own backyard. For more information about living in the best Jacksonville golf course community, visit Davidson Realty.

Tagged with , , , , ,

February 3, 2010

An Action-Packed Retirement Awaits at The Cascades: Come Take a Sneak Peek

Posted by Caryn Best in Open Houses, WGV Events

cascades_amenities_MLS_HID493816_ROOMcommunityentranceRetirees and anyone nearing retirement age will not want to miss February’s Sneak Peek Saturday at The Cascades.  The popular active retirement community will host the Sneak Peek Saturday open house event on February 6 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Sneak Peek Saturday visitors may enter to win a flat screen television, perfect for watching The Super Bowl, by signing up at the open houses.

The Cascades offers an array of amenities, including a grand 22,000-square-feet clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, walking paths, tennis and bocce ball court.  Homes in The Cascades start in the $100,000s. The Sneak Peek Saturday series invites the public to tour open houses throughout the master-planned community on the first Saturday of each month.  Home shoppers enjoy an up-close look at World Golf Village home offerings in an inviting and casual atmosphere. Complimentary refreshments are served. (more…)

Tagged with , , , , ,

January 26, 2010

Pauline Cake Talks World Golf Village

Posted by Peyton Davidson in Top Realtors

Pauline web photo 10-09 framedThe stars seemed to align to get Davidson Realty agent, Pauline Cake, to World Golf Village. Pauline moved here from San Diego in 1996 and recalls the daily articles anticipating the World Golf Village. On her first trip to Anastasia Beach, she drove past the I-95 exit and said, “That’s what I see in the newspaper every day. That’s where I want to work!” At this point, World Golf Village was in the beginning stages of construction.  She became the third employee hired at the World Golf Village Resort Hotel (now Renaissance) and held various positions from Sales & Catering Manager to Executive Assistant & HR Administrator. She watched World Golf Village grow from the ground up.

In 2002, she called Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson, and joined the Davidson Real Estate sales team. She had 5 years experience selling real estate in San Diego, where she sold new construction, so she knew selling in the master-planned community would be a perfect fit. In 2004, her husband, Woody Cake, joined Pauline to make the dream team of Realtors! Pauline says to this day, she couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do it without him. (more…)

Tagged with , , , , , , ,

December 8, 2009

Next Sneak Peek Scheduled for Feb. 6

Posted by Alayna Oram in Open Houses, WGV Events

Cascades PhotoWell, we just had another successful Sneak Peek Open House in Heritage Landing at World Golf Village on December 5. Families from around the area strolled through five homes in the community that are available for sale through Davidson Realty. One of them told me they like being able to look at a bunch of homes without any pressure. And that is great – because that’s exactly why we host the Sneak Peek Open House every month! Since we encouraged visitors to bring toys to donate to Sertoma Toys for Tots this month, the event was a double success. Thanks to those that donated!

As I mentioned, we normally have Sneak Peek Saturdays on the first Saturday of every month, but since the first Saturday in January is the day after New Year’s, we thought we would skip January and host the next event on February 6. (more…)

Tagged with , , , , , ,

December 3, 2009

A Taste of Christmas at World Golf Village

Posted by Peyton Davidson in Community Involvement, WGV Events

IMG_5592Winter is my favorite time of year and nothing gets me more in the Christmas spirit than St. Johns County’s Festival of Trees! This wonderful event combines holiday cheer AND giving with proceeds benefiting two St. Johns County Charities – The United Way of St. Johns County and The Empty Stocking Fund. This event is free and open to the public!

Anytime between Friday, December 4th and Sunday, December 13th, come see a beautiful display of over 65 decorated trees and wreaths throughout the St. Johns County Convention Center adjacent to the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. Visitors are welcome to vote for their favorites for a $1 donation or take a tree or wreath home with you by bidding through the silent auction.

You can vote on categories like “Through a Child’s Eyes”, which honors the best representation of the spirit of the season as seen through the eyes of a child. The public also votes on categories like, “Handcrafted with Heart”, “Good Sports Tree”, “Holiday Memories”, “Greatest Gifts”, “Nature’s Beauty”, “Non-Traditional Theme” and “Spirit of the First Coast”. It really is so much fun to stroll around and vote on your favorites, especially with interesting categories like these. (more…)

Tagged with , , , ,

November 20, 2009

Local Celebrities Perform for Limelight Theatre Fundraiser

Posted by Alayna Oram in Community Involvement, Local Events

cel_cab_blog_2[1]For the past eight years, the Limelight Theatre has somehow enticed St. Augustine-area celebrities to get dressed up in over the top costumes and lip sync while dancing on stage. And they do this with the greater St. Augustine community watching – and, quite frankly, giggling! Of course, with the open bar starting an hour before the curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. – and staying open throughout the entire evening, the laughter flows more easily! In addition to the fabulous entertainment and the open bar for all ticket holders, delectable hors d’oeuvres are served by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association and the Limelight Theatre gives away all kinds of door prizes throughout the evening too. Can you tell this is one of my favorite fundraisers of the year! (more…)

Tagged with , , , ,

November 18, 2009

Custom Golf Homes and Homesites are Attractive Options in This Market

Posted by Rick Pariani in News

I am sure that you have read that now is the best time to buy a home due to the federal incentive programs, attractive interest rates and variety of homes on the market. In a complimentary fashion, now is also the best time to purchase a residential lot and commence home construction. Generally, lot pricing has become highly competitive and is now at some of the best rates seen in decades. Most importantly, pricing for new home construction is almost at an all time low. Major building materials and components, as well as all of the various trade labors, are aggressively discounted. Builders and contractors are at their most humble state – meaning they are accommodating, negotiable, cooperative and extremely eager to work.

In that regard, we suggest you consider the lot availability in King & Bear at World Golf Village. The King & Bear, home to the first-time-ever, one-time-only, collaborative golf course design by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, is a gated, secure neighborhood that will have only 968 total residential homes, once completed. Of those, there are only 129 single family lots which overlook the prestigious King & Bear golf course. As of November 18, 2009, there are only 23 of these remarkable lots available for first-time buyers. A few of the lots are lake front, providing a gracious setback from the golf vistas and golf activity. Five of the lots are along the 350′ wide thirteenth fairway, shaded with majestic Southern Live Oaks. The other golf front lots are all situated to create broad, open vistas over 2 and 3 parallel fairway corridors, creating 600′ to 1,600′ views across the golf landscape to the distant conservation forestlands. (more…)

Tagged with , , , , ,

September 17, 2009

Get Ready for Sneak Peek Saturdays at World Golf Village

Posted by Peyton Davidson in Open Houses, WGV Events

WGV_Entrance_smallProspective homebuyers, real estate agents and neighbors are invited to join The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village team on Oct. 3rd, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., for the first “Sneak Peek Saturday” at the St. Johns County master-planned, golf course community. Sneak Peek Saturdays are open houses that will be hosted by The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village staff the first Saturday of every month. The events will be held in different model, inventory and resale homes each month. A seasonal edible treat will be served in one home, registration for prizes will be held in another home and attendees will be able to meet The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village staff, ask questions and get more information about the St. Augustine golf homes and the community in a relaxed and informal setting.

Sneak Peek Saturdays will give area new home shoppers an up-close look at the beautiful homes available at The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village, which are built by some of the region’s finest and most well-respected home builders. Over twenty neighborhoods, designed to meet the needs of any buyer, are available, from elegant estate homes to resort style condominiums to active adult homes.

Pick up a map of the Sneak Peek Saturday open houses at the Davidson Realty office, which is at the main entrance to World Golf Village, or at the Gate House, which is at the entrance to King & Bear, three miles west of the main World Golf Village entrance.

See you there!

Tagged with , , ,
Older Posts »