Realty-Builder 05/18

VOLUME 18, NO. 5

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MAY 2018

Realty-Builder CONNECTING NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS & HOMEBUILDERS

NEW REAL ESTATE STRATEGIES

HOT MARKET

LESSONS Linking buyers and sellers has special challenges when homes are selling fast.

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INSIDE

Industry news

Berkshire Hathaway agents honored; new name for Atkins Realty

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Filling in the gaps As urban sprawl reaches its limits, builders are turning to infill projects.

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eTown on the horizon There’s a new development in the works along Interstate 295 in South Jacksonville.

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Builder News N o r t h e a s t F l o r i d a B u i l d e r s a s s o c i at i o N

Helping homeowners Wells Fargo grant helps Builder Care repair three homes.

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Infill, suburban sprawl and 60 years of Dosties

ANDREW WARFIELD ASSOCIATE EDITOR RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

One indication that you are in a city on the rise is witnessing a rising trend in residential infill development.

That occurs when builders and developers can get their hands on smaller parcels that for a variety of reasons were left behind in the mad dash from the urban core toward suburbia.

These are pieces of land that you can drive past every day and go unnoticed. And then, once you do notice them, you wonder why they were never developed while everything around them was.

Maybe the long-ago owners were reticent to sell, hanging on to the desire for the bucolic lifestyle they’d come to know and love. Or perhaps when land around them was acquired, they couldn’t agree on a price and were left behind.

Maybe there were issues with the parcels that modern construction techniques can now resolve.

Regardless, local and national builders are beginning to scoop

up vacant properties in Jacksonville to build boutique infill single-family, townhome and apartment developments.

Some are redevelopments where higher and better uses have been identified. None of it, however, occurs without thorough market research that indicates that people want to move back into town.

Infill comes in a variety of forms.

TerraWise Homes is leading the way to build on undeveloped single-family lots in historic Springfield.

National builders are identifying smaller sites for townhome developments.

Lennar, for example, is planning townhomes off Atlantic Boulevard along Little Pottsburg Creek.

KB Home is building the 109home Price Park on 33 acres off Hood Road South and Lourcey Road in Mandarin.

New apartments will soon be on the rise in San Marco.

That’s just to name a few.

All of it because people want to shed the commute and be closer to the Downtown area, where the long-standing potential of Jacksonville appears to be gaining momentum.

Adaptive reuse is turning historic Downtown high-rises into modern offices and residences.

Possible redevelopment along the Southbank and Northbank is garnering more publicity.

There is talk of gondolas stretching across the St. Johns River.

Perhaps soon there will be plans announced for The Shipyards

near the sports and entertainment complex.

There’s a buzz around Downtown, and new residential development poised to capture that enthusiasm will mean new fertile ground for Realtors.

NO ST. JOHNS SLOWDOWN

The trend toward infill, though, doesn’t mean new suburban communities are any less popular. To the contrary, the County Road 210 corridor in St. Johns County has never been hotter.

Beachwalk is filling its 14-acre Crystal Lagoon and is well underway in building its more than 700 homes there.

Across the road, Beacon Lake is working on completing its iconic entryway, and just to the east Creekside continues to build homes.

Combined, the three comprise the New Twin Creeks Planned Unit Development on 3,000 acres, which is entitled for about 3,000 homes, plus retail and commercial space.

And, of course, there’s Nocatee, the 13,300-acre, 12,000home master-planned community that straddles St. Johns and Duval counties. It’s less than halfway built.

West of Interstate 95 on County Road 210, Shearwater is moving into new phases, and along the St. Johns River, RiverTown last month opened the River Club amenity center — its second amenity area — to serve residents of the master-planned community still in its infancy. It is entitled for some 4,500 homes on about 4,500 acres.

Toll Brothers last month acquired the last parcels of its Julington Lakes community off Longleaf Pine Parkway and, when the market is right, earth movers are poised to clear even more pine forest.

In all, St. Johns County has approved about 66,000 rooftops that have yet to be developed, much of it in the northern part of the county.

In-town infill or suburban PUDs, there’s still plenty of room for everyone.

Whether there are plenty of roads for them, though, is another matter altogether, a condition that may go far in explaining the infill trend.

DOSTIE AT 60

When Realty-Builder’s parent publication, the Daily Record, recently marked its 105th anniversary, its writers and editors embarked on a search for fellow family-owned centenarian businesses — the newspaper was founded by the Bailey family and was sold to Observer Media Group in January 2017 — with the idea of featuring what would surely be several of them in a special edition.

We found two.

While that longevity is certainly impressive, it would not have made for an effective special section.

But that search for old family businesses did illustrate that it’s difficult for any commercial enterprise to endure decades of economic upheavals, changing market conditions, mergers and acquisitions, etc.

Particularly true in homebuilding, that’s why the 60th anniversary of the Dostie family building homes in Northeast Florida is noteworthy.

Although Dostie Homes does not exist in its original form, brothers Chris and Rick Dostie are the third generation to carry on the Dostie legacy that began when J. Rene Dostie sought to escape the bitter Canadian winters to bring his homebuilding enterprise south to take advantage of the moderate climate and the promise of a burgeoning market.

The Dostie brothers’ father, Richard, sold the second-generation business to Toll Brothers in 2003. Chris and Rick Dostie continued to build homes outside the immediate area until the terms of a noncompete agreement were met, then returned to resume their role as one of the region’s pre-eminent builders.

This year, the company built one of four “Dream Homes” entries in the Parade of Homes, all valued at more then $1 million.

In an interview with RealtyBuilder before taking the reins of the Northeast Florida Builders Association in January, Chris Dostie said the organization must consider the growing trend of urban infill as it sets forth on its membership-benefiting agenda.

Which brings us back to where started, figuratively and literally.

AWARFIELD@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM @ANDREWFWARFIELD (904) 356-2466

Realty-Builder CONNECTING NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS & HOMEBUILDERS Custom homes in Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties or building on private lots.

Realty-Builder is published monthly and serves the real estate and residential construction industry of North Florida. An independent publication, Realty-Builder is mailed to 8,000 licensed Realtors and homebuilders in Northeast Florida.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE NEWS AND TOP PRODUCERS Realty-Builder encourages the submission of news and photographs of interest to real estate and construction industries.

Deadline is the 20th of each month for the next month’s edition.

Arbor Mill at Mill Creek New Homes starting in the mid $300’s Arbor Mill, a beautiful new community in St. Johns County, is ideally located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine and just miles from the ocean. Ashley Homes is proud to offer home sites with no CDD fees in this highly sought-after location.

For more information, please call 904-838-2226.

Real estate agencies may submit names of their top producers by 3 p.m. on the fifth of that month’s publication. Submissions can be made via email, editorial@realty-builder.com; fax, (904) 353-2628; or mail, 10 N. Newnan St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.

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James F. Bailey Jr. Publisher Emeritus

Arbor Mill at Oakleaf Plantation New Homes starting in the mid $200’s Arbor Mill at Oakleaf Plantation is a new Ashley Homes neighborhood that will feature all that Oakleaf has to offer, but without the CDD fees.

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Monty Zickuhr Managing Editor

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Each month, Realty-Builder reaches more than 8,000 licensed professionals in the real estate and construction communities.

Rates for print and website (realty-builder.com) advertising are available upon request. The deadline to reserve advertising space is the 12th of the month for the next month’s edition; advertising copy is due the 19th.

Jay Lesowitz, Director of Advertising (904) 356-2466 /jlesowitz@realty-builder.com

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Daily Record & Observer

10 N. Newnan St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 356-2466 • Fax: (904) 353-2628 jaxdailyrecord.com

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Box offers clues about eTown development The PARC Group is developing residential project along Interstate 295 and Florida 9B.

BY KAREN BRUNE MATHIS EDITOR

More details are emerging about eTown, this time in a box.

The PARC Group, which is developing the project in South Jacksonville along Interstate 295 and Florida 9B, is delivering packages around Jacksonville introducing the community.

Among the first facts is that while public records call it E-Town, it’s branded as eTown and its opening will be 2019.

Other than that, new details are few, but the focus is outlined: “Sustainability that starts with us. Technology for your lifestyle.

Convenience beyond location.

Connected community.”

The “good-e” box contains a plant, a portable mobile Power Bank, a Popsockets mobile phone accessory and a cake pop. The box and its contents are branded with a blue square containing a lowercase white “e.”

An information card invites people to visit eTownJax.com and follow the development on social media at facebook.com/etownjax and on Twitter and Instagram @ etownjax.

The website allows people to complete a form to receive eTown community and development updates and asks people to call (904) 992-9750 or email etown@ parcgroup.net for information.

Marketed as A PARC Community, eTown was created by The PARC Group, which is the developer of Nocatee.

The website states that eTown “offers a quality of life enhanced by thoughtful design focused on convenience, technology, and sustainability.”

The information card says that those three elements “enhance our modern way of life.”

Starting with “A New Standard of Living,” the website video features a lifestyle that includes technology, recreation, shopping and community interaction as well as a skyline view of Downtown Jacksonville.

The PARC Group continues to issue the statement it has offered since the project began taking shape, evident by the exit signs along I-295 that show “E-Town Parkway.”

“We are preparing preliminary plans and permits for the future

Photo by Karen Brune Mathis

There’s a sign for the E-Town Parkway exit on Interstate 295, but it’s still closed for motorists.

eTown land, which will include, among other uses, single family and multi-family communities,” said the statement.

“The final master plan for eTown has not been finalized at this time. An announcement of the plan is expected in the upcoming months.”

The bulk of the land is east of Florida 9B and I-295, while there is some west of Florida 9B. A St. Johns River Water Management District permit filing shows that the 1,478-acre mixeduse project will include commercial acreage with much of the developable property dedicated to residential use.

The Davis family owns the land, which The PARC Group is developing.

The website explains eTown’s community philosophy: “Community isn’t just defined by where you live, it’s also made up of the people and interests you surround yourself with. Here, you will find a community full of opportunities to discover the people, places, and things you connect to.”

Its technology philosophy is: “Technology brings with it new opportunities for embracing smart living. It is the pulse of our community, which allows you to be more efficient, connected, and flexible in how you choose to manage today’s fast-paced world.”

The convenience philosophy: “Not only is it easy to get anywhere you need to go because

of where we’re located, but our community amenities and design also make it just as easy to never leave. eTown is conveniently located between the St. Johns Town Center and Flagler Center on 9B (I-295) just minutes away from everything Jacksonville has to offer.”

It sums up the focus as “Unplug.

Recharge. Connect.”

Regulatory agencies are reviewing plans for E-Town projects and two homebuilders bought land.

David Weekley Homes bought 111.28 acres for $6 million and plans 143 homes to be developed as a joint venture with ICI Homes. They expect models to be under construction before the end of the year.

Toll Brothers paid almost $4.9 million for property at the site.

City records indicate that 113 to 115 homes are planned on 62 acres of a 133-acre site.

City records also show plans for a multifamily project and townhomes.

Roger O’Steen, chairman and founder of The PARC Group, said previously that several builders are working on preliminary plans and permits for neighborhoods within E-Town.

He said a master community plan is under development to include parks, amenities, electric-cart paths, walking trails, neighborhood shops, restaurants and job centers.

KMATHIS@JAXDAILYRECORD.COM @MATHISKB (904) 356-2466

Photo by Karen Brune Mathis

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NEW REAL ESTATE STRATEGIES

HOT MARKET CHALLENGES

With homes selling fast, Realtors must adapt marketing techniques to match buyers with sellers.

BY ANDREW WARFIELD ASSOCIATE EDITOR

R

esidential real estate remains a decidedly sellers’ market in Northeast Florida, and it isn’t uncommon for the right homes in desirable neighborhoods to sell quickly and even generate multiple offers within a few days of listing.

That often leaves Realtors racing to find homes for their clients, particularly in the more popular price points. Homes sell quickly, but oftentimes buyers go months before they can find the right property as the limited inventory may not offer all the features they require or, if they do, they are scooped up before they can tour them and make an offer.

“If you are talking about under $500,000, it can be difficult to find just the right home,” said Linda Sherrer, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Realty Florida Home Services. “It can take six months for a buyer to find just the right property and get it closed.”

Just as sellers need to employ marketing techniques that make their homes stand out from the rest, buyers need to separate themselves from the pack as well.

In addition to being prepared to make the best possible offer, buyers must demonstrate to sellers that they are not only prepared to buy their home, but can buy it quickly.

One strategy is to go beyond securing mortgage prequalification to actually obtaining a mortgage in advance, one that real estate firms are implementing for their

Photo by Andrew Warfield

Selling the neighborhood isn’t only for new communities. Show your buyers the charm of established neighborhoods, such as San Marco.

clients.

“You can get preapproved and say immediately that you are locked into a rate and by the time they find a property and complete negotiation, they can close within seven days,” said BH Realty Florida Home Services Realty Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick, adding that having in-house mortgage services streamlines that process.

Being in a protracted sellers’ market also requires more effective communications

systems that not only inform fellow agents and homebuyers details about existing inventory, but also about homes not yet on the market.

Berkshire Hathaway employs a sort of “dating service” to match near-future sellers with buyers. Within its network, the company can post details about homes that are being listed prior to actually hitting the Multiple Listing Service. This information is made available to buyers’ agents within the company.

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“Our listing agents can go onto the platform and load up characteristics of that listing that is coming soon so they can get it out before our entire company right away,” said Budnick.

That not only provides the seller prelisting marketing capabilities, but also provides prospective buyers with a competitive advantage.

“If you have a buyer and that buyer has needs not found on the market right now, you can go onto the platform, enter data

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NEW REAL ESTATE STRATEGIES

Marketing techniques that can help you make the sale When competing with homebuilders and their grand amenity centers, incentives, upgrades and shiny, new trendy model homes and bulging advertising budgets, what are listing agents of existing homes to do?

Here are some trends in marketing strategy provided by the website buildfire.com.

INVEST IN A COPYWRITER Homes even 5 years old are likely behind current trends in terms of colors, textures and surfaces.

So, instead of a static description, target the kind of buyer to whom that home might appear in terms of location, architecture and perceived value.

And don’t call it a fixer-upper. Chip and Joanna Gaines aren’t bringing somebody to the curb and giving the house a cutesy name.

Not everybody is a writer, even though a lot of people think they are. Generating copy that produces results requires experience, skill and, sometimes, a lot of imagination.

Fans of the sitcom “Seinfeld” will remember the whimsically ornate descriptions of products in the J. Peterman catalog. Here’s an example of how such imaginative copy can turn even that dank, paneling-lined, narrow-hallway home with the sunken living room divided from its surroundings by black wrought iron railing: “With an emphasis on classic styling, this mid-century beauty transports you to a time when life was simpler, and can be again. Marvel at the hand-crafted, swirl-textured ceilings as you traverse toward the vintage kitchen beyond the living room, as the rough-hewn railings provide a visual, if not functional, separation of space. The carpets, shag.

The flooring, linoleum. The lighting, soft.

Come experience the way life once was, and never will be again.”

Sounds better than “Fixer-upper.

Good bones. Complete gut job.”

You get the idea. Good copy sells.

RETARGET WEB VIEWERS If someone views some homes on your website but doesn’t leave any contact information, you can still reach out to them.

Anyone who has, for example, looked at one of these new watch companies online will know that, all of a sudden, ads for that watch company will start appearing on their newsfeeds.

Realtors can do the same. It’s called a retargeting pixel. It can serve as a reminder of whatever emotions may have been evoked while viewing the listing.

When people are scrolling through

their Facebook feed, the retargeting pixel will send to them ads of the listings they’ve already checked out. You can only pixel viewers from websites you own, but it has proven an effective marketing strategy for other products.

TAKE THEM OUT ON THE TOWN Your buyer is interested in a home, but isn’t sure about the location, perhaps because they haven’t spent enough time looking around beyond the act of house hunting to become familiar with local amenities, restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping or recreation.

If you are dealing with a high-value client and the sale will mean a big enough commission to make it worth your while, find out what they like to do and take them there. Provide clients with some experiential data to factor into their consideration. It isn’t enough to tell them the fashionable mall is 15 minutes away or that there is a great Italian restaurant in the neighborhood. Take them there and show them. That will help attach real life with the prospective home.

SHOOT VIDEO Still photos aren’t always enough.

Video for listings isn’t necessarily a new trend, but it’s one that is growing in popularity. Professional video allows the remote client to experience the home in a way still photos do not, actually walking through the home as if they were arriving from work or a day at the beach.

Clients can imagine their own lives in the space, and they can revisit it any time.

They can show their influential family members and friends the home and receive their (hopefully) positive input.

SELL THE NEIGHBORHOOD One advantage of a finished neighborhood is the maturity of the streetscapes, and there are just as many homebuyers out there who prefer that over new construction.

Selling the neighborhood is just as critical as showing clients new homes.

While riding to the home, don’t necessarily take the direct route to the driveway. Ride along the more picturesque streets, point out any amenity centers.

If it’s in an older neighborhood, find the coffee shops and unique eateries that are nearby. Help them make an emotional attachment to the neighborhood before they see the home.

That kind of familiarity will allow them to imagine themselves living there before actually seeing the property. And when you leave, ride by some of those same places they found appealing to better imprint their possible new surroundings.

To compete, agents must sell the advantages of a pre-owned home. Among them, Realtors will inform clients they can find more upgrades at a lower cost in pre-owned homes than they can in new construction.

And there’s more.

“There are an awful lot of things you get in an existing home, such as no construction noise,” Sherrer said. “You also have a home already outfitted with window coverings, which can be costly; along with mature landscaping and oftentimes an established neighborhood.

“There are selling points to each, but you have to make sure if you are listing a property that is adjacent to new construction that it is staged well and has curb appeal, and those discussions can be difficult with a buyer who thinks their home is perfect just the way it is,” Sherrer said.

AWARFIELD@JAXDAILYRECORD.COM @ANDREWFWARFIELD (904) 356-2466

CHICKEN FARM RD

about what the buyer is looking for right down to the fine details and it will scan all the listings that are coming soon to determine any matches,” said Budnick. “It also puts an alert out to the entire company that there is a buyer who has these needs and are there any listings that are coming that match them.”

In the upper-priced tiers, Budnick said the market shifts more toward the buyer, and listing agents adapt marketing strategies toward more conventional methods to appeal to buyers: curb appeal, proper staging, mass marketing, photos and video, etc.

“Conversely, in the upper price tiers, you can find what you are looking for in existing inventory.”

At that price level, agents must employ trending techniques to make the properties stand out. This is particularly true in instances where resales are competing with nearby new construction neighborhoods that offer the latest in grand amenity packages.

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Realty-Builder.com

NEW REAL ESTATE STRATEGIES

Tips for building your real estate brand From social media to news releases to just picking up the phone, you can build relationships and your business.

CONSUMER WEBSITE REVIEWS

Have a page on your site to feature and accept new reviews or testimonials. A simple form can automate the process and send you an email when a new review arrives. Then you can add it to your website. Take these same reviews and sprinkle then on all your touch points.

BY ANDREW WARFIELD ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Looking for more real estate marketing trends? The website simplycast.com offers some high-tech, low-tech and notech strategies to elevate your brand and keep your name at the top of the list or prospective buyers and sellers.

TWITTER

Set up an account, add a profile and a link it to your website.

Then set up a few automated tweets to keep the account active while you are busy closing deals.

Be sure to add new content to keep your feed fresh.

BUILD BRAND AWARENESS ON THE CHEAP

ONLINE NEWS COMMENTS

In all communications, include some marketing material. Do this with direct mail, email, phone calls, text messages, social media posts or any stage of your nurturing cycle.

After reading articles on the local news website, make a post and try to include a link to your website. Add the articles to your blog. Incoming links to your website from a reliable source can help the search rankings of your website and drive targeted traffic.

EMAIL NEWSLETTERS

Develop a real estate marketing email newsletter, but make it useful beyond self-promotion.

Include listing updates, industry trends, tips to find houses and other helpful information.

PAY-PER-CLICK SEARCH ENGINE ADVERTISING

It drives traffic to your personal website or landing page only from people actively interested in real estate. Choose who views your ads by location and demographics. Figure out who you want to target and what area you are focusing on before starting any campaign.

CUSTOMER SURVEYS

You can do this by sending an email and include a link to your survey. The process can be automated on any number of touch points including an open house, house tour or even the final sale.

Give your clients the freedom to answer a survey when they want

LEVERAGE LINKEDIN

and get the results in real-time.

REACH CLIENTS THROUGH FACEBOOK

Be creative, not too self-promotional, and use Facebook to amplify your community presence. Using marketing automation, updating your Facebook page with fresh and interesting content is easy.

PRESS RELEASES

It doesn’t matter what the news of your agency is, write a blurb about it and publish it online. Be sure to reach out to media and use online services to link back to your website.

But be sure to write it well and that the news is actually news if you want to get a newspaper’s attention.

CREATE A GOOGLE+ PAGE

Create an optimized profile page with links to your website.

Google+ will become more key to search rankings, so starting now is a good idea.

ENCOURAGE POSITIVE ONLINE REVIEWS

When clients have a positive experience with your agency, encourage them to visit online sites such as Yelp.com or MerchantCircle.com and write about their experience.

Agents also should build a page on their website with links to their profiles on review websites.

When people are happy with their service, email them a link to that page to make it convenient. The easier you make it, the more likely they are to give you a review.

CARRY BLANK BUSINESS CARDS

When you make a good professional contact and they don’t have any cards on them, whip out a blank card and a pen and get their information. It’s low-tech, but effective, and the prospect will remember you when you do call.

CUSTOMER VIDEO TESTIMONIALS

Find a couple of clients who appreciate your service, ask them a few questions and film the response with a smartphone.

Video the client in a standing position away from a wall to lend a more candid appearance and the lack of quality will be less noticeable. If you want higher quality and production value, you will have to pay more.

The value of LinkedIn doesn’t come from networking with people you already know as much as from connecting with the people they know. Join some groups and try to share your knowledge where people may be looking for help.

DAILY CONTACT

Strong relationships within the community are perhaps the most powerful marketing tool an agent can possess. Strengthen these relationships by maintaining contact. As the relationships develop, they will send you referrals. In turn, you can send industry-specific referrals to them.

AWARFIELD@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM @ANDREWFWARFIELD (904) 356-2466

REALTY-BUILDER

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MAY 2018

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

THAT MAKES SENSE!

IF YOU ENJOY HAVING

CONTROL OF HOW

YOU WORK, HOW HIGH YOU RISE IN YOUR

CAREER, AND ENJOY DOING WORK THAT

MAKES A DIFFERENCE

IN PEOPLE’S LIVES, AFFILIATING WITH

COLDWELL BANKER

REALTY COULD BE A

GREAT DECISION FOR YOUR REAL

ESTATE CAREER PATH. IT’S LIKELY YOU WILL

FIND OUR CULTURE IS IN

HARMONY WITH

YOUR MINDSET.

Supporting Your Success Every Day! A BETTER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE.

WHILE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL NATURE OF YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS PUTS YOU IN CONTROL OF YOUR WORKLIFE BALANCE, WE FIND THAT MANY SUCCESSFUL COLDWELL BANKER VANGUARD REALTY PROFESSIONALS WORK IN A STATE OF WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION. THEIR LOVE FOR WHAT THEY DO MEANS THAT THEIR BUSINESS IS INGRAINED IN ALL THEY DO, AND THOSE THINGS THAT THEY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE OF THEIR CAREER SOON BECOME WOVEN INTO HOW THEY DO BUSINESS. WHETHER IT’S CHAMPIONING A LOCAL ARTIST GROUP, NETWORKING OVER FOOD OR WINE, OR BEING HIGHLY ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY WHERE THEY LIVE, WORK AND PLAY, THERE ARE MANY DAILY ACTIVITIES THAT CAN BUILD AND STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS THAT REVEAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. SUPPORTING YOUR SUCCESS EVERY DAY! COLDWELL BANKER VANGUARD REALTY: COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT – QUALITY PROFESSIONALS – OUTSTANDING RESULTS.

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904.269.7117 1401 KINGSLEY AVENUE, ORANGE PARK, FL 32073 6 Offices Serving All Of Northeast Florida

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©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo and “We Never Stop Moving” are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Realty Builder Ad - MAY 2018.indd 1

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SUCCESS

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3/16/2018 9:03:46 AM

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Marketing pro: Buy right ‘ladder’ for your business Marketing expert tells SMC members to invest marketing dollars effectively, be prepared for new customers.

BY ANDREW WARFIELD ASSOCIATE EDITOR

If you want to climb a wall to get to your customers, invest in the right-sized ladder.

That analogy was the recurring theme to last month’s Sales & Marketing Council’s roundtable discussion at NEFBA headquarters featuring Mike White, founder of Client Focused Media.

With an assist from Wally Conway, president of HomePro Home Inspections, White’s message to Realtors and homebuilders’ site agents was to not only invest marketing dollars to grow their business, but also to invest them wisely in order to earn the desired return on investment.

More than about determining an effective marketing budget and placing those dollars in vehicles that will drive the target audience to your door, firms must also be prepared when those new customers come calling.

“Data is coming in but, there is no conversion,” said White about scenarios where marketing drives more business than can be serviced.

“The owner invested money to capture leads, but the employees are not adequately answering calls,” he said. “More than the external message, is your company set up to take in the leads?

Photo by Andrew Warfield

Mike White, founder of Client Focused Media, said real estate professionals need to spend money to find out if the money they are spending on marketing is effective.

You’re only as good as your worst employee.”

Marketing firms can’t address staffing issues, but they can help increase business.

Whether internet, print, broadcast or social media, effective use of marketing dollars is critical to success.

Smaller homebuilders, for example, may choose to use limited marketing dollars to target a smaller demographic. National homebuilders with larger budgets, conversely, will market on a variety of platforms.

Conway said it’s all about buying a tall enough ladder to reach

the customers on the other side of the imaginary wall. Otherwise, you’re throwing good money after bad.

“Say you have a 20-foot wall, and on the other side are all the customers you could dream of.

You hire a consultant about getting over walls and they say you need a 22-foot ladder,” said Conway. “If you cheap out and buy a shorter ladder, you can’t get there. What you see time and again is people don’t spend what needs to be spent. They spend only what they are willing to lose and then they find out that it doesn’t work.”

Every organization, Conway and White suggested, must invest in the size ladder they need to reach their customers. In turn, they must also be ready for those who scale the wall, or they might as well not invest in the ladder at all. Hire trustworthy employees and delegate responsibilities to maximize marketing campaigns.

“You don’t have time to do it all yourself,” White said.”You have to find someone you trust enough to get the job done. If the system is breaking down, you lose customers. Letting go of control is difficult for those who start small companies and are rapidly growing. If you’re not scaling bandwidth along with growth, what is going to happen, Wally?”

Conway answered, “The wall is going to get taller.”

While marketing strategies can fail to produce the desired results because organizations are not equipped to handle the volume generated, others do so because the efforts are not effectively targeted toward the desired demographic. For smaller firms, find the media your clients consume, White advised, and focus your limited dollars there.

He said brief, mass-market campaigns can be effective in the short term, but brand awareness layered over long periods of time tend to yield more lasting results.

And beyond direct advertising, brand awareness campaigns extend to event sponsorships, giveaways, charitable work and others to keep your name in the forefront.

Those activities also should be targeted toward your desired

audience. If you’re looking to attract the rising tide of millennial homebuyers, for example, don’t advertise on a classical radio station or spend sponsorship dollars on a symphony in the park concert.

Homebuilders and Realtors should partner with their vendors where applicable in order to take advantage of each others’ exposures to different audiences.

“Always leverage your vendors to your benefit,” White said.

“They have big networks. They’re doing social media. If you do a video, it should be on all your vendors’ websites. You should request that because they want your business. You’re not asking a lot. You’re giving them good content and you will become a resource to your vendors.”

Finally, don’t be afraid to invest more in marketing than the amount with which you feel comfortable. Underspending and achieving no results, White and Conway agreed, is worse than spending enough to realize return on investment.

Back to the ladder analogy, Conway said, “If we needed a 22-footer and bought a 24-footer, we overspent but we got there. If we got a 19-footer, every single dime we spent was wasted.

“I don’t fear overspending,” Conway added. “I fear underperforming. I can recover from an overspend, but its very difficult to do so from underperforming.”

AWARFIELD@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM (904) 356-2466

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MAY 2018

THE COMMUNITY YOUR BUYERS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

Photo by Andrew Warfield

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors is planning a renovation that will nearly double the size of its office at 7801 Deercreek Club Road just north of The Avenues mall.

NEFAR seeks to expand Deercreek headquarters Realtors association submits plans to double its size for dedicated training space, office renovation.

BY ANDREW WARFIELD ASSOCIATE EDITOR

With a membership nearly double what it was during the real estate slump, the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors is planning to nearly double the size of its headquarters.

NEFAR filed with the city for a permit application to attach a second building to its existing offices at 7801 Deercreek Club Road.

The 9,882-squarefoot addition will host meeting and training space, which will be East moved from its current 9,705-square-foot headquarters. The expanded building will total 19,587 square feet.

The permit includes renovation of the existing building, which would convert current training space into offices.

Although he is awaiting a final price from Stellar Group Inc., the project contractor, NEFAR Executive Officer Glenn East said he expects the work to cost about $2.2 million. No additional parking is planned.

“When the market went down, we were down to 4,300 members,” East said. “Right now we are at about 8,000 members. With the overall growth we just need more space.”

As membership has grown, so has the staff.

The Multiple Listing Service also has added employees who work at the NEFAR office. Currently, NEFAR has 10 staff members on-site and MLS has 16.

Plans on file with the city show the training space divided by operable partitions into three large rooms, each with seating for 56. The rooms can be combined for larger events.

The new space also will include a computer lab, three offices, a service area, warming kitchen, storage and restrooms.

The existing space will be redesigned into additional offices, a conference room and an open work area. The lobby between the two spaces also will serve as a prefunction area.

East said the training space is used daily, and moving those areas to the new building will provide more elbow room for staff and result in fewer disruptions.

He said there was no consideration for leaving the Deercreek location, which was built in 2001.

“Back then, we did a survey of where our members were and where the growth potential was,” East said. “We are convenient to the interstate and, with the extension of I-295, that location has worked to our advantage.”

Interstate 295 loops around the city.

East said he expects the permitting process to take five to six weeks and construction to begin in late summer.

Meanwhile, he said he is considering moving at least some of the training functions off-site as construction of the building and renovation of existing space — which will still be used by office staff — will take place concurrently.

“I really don’t see us in the new building until late spring or early summer next year,” East said.

Kasper Architects + Associates is the project architect. McVeigh & Mangum Engineering Inc. is the structural and mechanical engineer. Goodson Nevin and Associates is the consulting engineer.

AWARFIELD@JAXDAILYRECORD.COM @ANDREWFWARFIELD (904) 356-2466

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TOP PRODUCERS

Sponsored by:

WATSON REALTY Top Salesperson for North region: Jan Shields, Atlantic Beach Top Lister for North region: Jon Singleton, Avondale/Ortega Top Sales Team for North region: Sandy Miller, Intracoastal Top Listing Team for North region: Debbie Shagnea Group, Mandarin South Top Salesperson for North Central region: Debby Duenow, St. Augustine Top Lister for North Central region: Melissa Pellerito, Keystone Heights Top Sales Team for North Central region: Menton-Ballou Group, St. Johns Top Listing Team for North Central region: Menton-Ballou Group, St. Johns Amelia Island: Leslie Andree (top sales), Angela Garcia (top lister); Teams: Bandelin- Team (top sales and lister) Atlantic Beach: Jan Shields (top sales and lister); Teams: AustenHerman Team (top sales), Palmer Marketing Group (top lister) Avondale/Ortega: Belinda Felscher (top sales), Jon Singleton (top lister); Team The Waldrip Group (top lister) Baymeadows/Sunbeam: Shelba Williams (top sales), Marilyn Stewart & Juliette Vaughn (top lister); Teams: The Get Smart Team (top sales and lister) Chaffee Road: Wanda Taylor (top sales and lister); Teams: Krawczyk Team (top sales and lister) Duval Station: Olivia Garcia (top sales), Carray Young (top lister) Fleming Island: Neil Avery (top sales), Ron Braatz (top lister); Teams: Sallie Ross Team (top sales), Pat LeRoy Team (top lister) Fort Caroline: Sara Conrad (top sales and lister); Teams: Foster/Nelson Team (top sales and lister) Gainesville: Lindsey Johnson (top sales), Jonathan Colon (top lister)

Hammock: Cornelia Downing Manfree (top sales and lister); Teams: Megan Farrell Team (top sales and lister) Hidden Hills: Pam Hodges (top sales), Colleen Bording (top lister); Teams: DeCastro/Erickson Team (top sales and lister) Hodges: Sharon Mills (top sales), Kelly Perkins (top lister) Intracoastal: Sharon Sherwood (top sales), Paula Powell (top lister); Teams: Sandy Miller (top sales and lister) Keystone Heights: Melissa Pellerito (top lister) Mandarin North: Darlene Joseph (top sales), Angela Andrews (top lister); Teams: David and Clair Team (top sales and lister) Mandarin South: Lisa Benedict (top sales), Joanie Heighes (top lister); Teams: Randy Martin Team (top sales), Debbie Shagnea Group (top lister) Middleburg: Idy Rodriguez (top sales and lister); Teams: Your Holm Team (top sales and lister) North Jacksonville: Don Oxley (top sales and lister) Nocatee: Judy Lassiter (top sales), Carolyn Oyler (top lister); Teams: Ash and Rose Team (top sales), PondoMiller Team (top lister) Ocala: Gayle Alliston (top sales and lister) OP Blanding: Lisa Jacobs (top sales), Michael Robinson (top lister) OP Oakleaf: Judelyn Pagaduan (top sales), Shelby Holmes (top lister) Palm Coast: Nicholas Ford (top sales), Andrea Pittenger (top lister); Team: Mako Real Estate Group (top lister) Ponte Vedra: Missy DeKay (top sales), Stephen Falor (top lister); Teams: The Luxury Leaders Team (top sales), Beard Team (top lister) Putnam County: Jenifer Smith (top sales and lister)

Brag about your firm’s top agents Let everyone know who your top producers are. Submit names by 3 p.m. on the fifth of the month by email, editorial@realty-builder.com, fax: (904) 353-2628 or mail, 10 N. Newnan St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.

San Marco/San Jose: Joseph Poletto (top sales), Olga Smirnoff (top lister); Teams: Dream Home Team Jax (top sales), David and Clair Team (top lister) South Beach: Randy Brinkerhoff (top sales and lister); Team: Impact Team (top sales) Southside: Cindy DeOsca (top sales), Will Vasana (top lister); Team: Hudnall Team (top lister) St. Augustine: Debby Duenow (top sales and lister); Teams: Dawn Gaffney Team (top sales and lister) St. Augustine Beach: Rose Coyne (top sales), Elaine Wallace (top lister); Team: Crum-Gachet Team (top sales and lister) St. Johns: Kim Martin (top sales), Betsy Picot (top lister); Teams: Menton-Ballou Group (top sales and lister) St. Marys: Dale Hoylman (top sales), Bob Piljay (top lister); Team: Rita Hall Team (top sales and lister) Tioga: Michael Shane Carter (top sales), Michael Mooney (top lister)

team: Fletcher Group (top lister and producer) Avondale: Wade Griffin (top lister), Christie Radney (top producer) Fleming Island: Rhiannon Myers (top lister and producer); Small team: Eden Jordan Team (top lister and producer); Large team: Team Knapp (top lister and producer) Oak Leaf: Cindy Bleiel (top lister), Marilyn Evans (top producer)

COLDWELL BANKER VANGUARD

Jacksonville Beach: Kent Brooks (top sales), Mary Deal (top lister), Cody Monroe (top producer) San Jose: Selby Kaiser and Linda McMorrow (top sales), Carney Kirtley (top lister); Leanne Hartle (top producer)

Beaches: Kim Martin-Fisher (top lister and producer); Teams: Jeanie Leapley and Daryl Atkins (top lister and producer) Town Center: Bobbie Jean DeMunck (top lister), Yvette Barton (top producer); Teams: Peterman Team (top lister), Orange Group (top producer) Mandarin: Tobin Bossola (top lister), Cyndi Marler (top producer); Small team: The Zuckerman’s (top lister), The Fossa’s (top producer); Large team: Susan Kennedy Team (top lister and producer) St. Johns: Lucia Fernandez (top lister), Gabriella Marichal (top producer); Small team: Roleks Team (top lister and producer); Large

COLDWELL BANKER PREMIER PROPERTIES Beth Clarke (top sales volume), Melissa Revels (top sales number), Dana Bradt (top lister), Beth Clarke (top sales volume), Anna Decker (top producer) CENTURY 21 LIGHTHOUSE REALTY Steve Wright (top sales), Hailing Zhong (top listings) THE LEGENDS OF REAL ESTATE

DAVIDSON REALTY World Golf Village: Brian Martin (top sales). Mirtha Barzaga (top producer, top lister); Teams: Ann Kuss and Jeanie Oehrle (top producer), The Nemethy Group (top sales) Jacksonville Beach: Jennifer Todd (top producer, top sales) START PACKIN’ REALTY, INC. Bill Collins (top sales)

RE/MAX SPECIALIST Team Swinson (top sales). Stephanie Saylor and Team Swinson (top lister) RE/MAX SPECIALIST PONTE VEDRA Michael McAfee (top sales); McAfee/Hughes Group (top lister) ERA DAVIS & LINN Mary Walker Miller (top lister, producer and agent), Chris Vining (top sales) BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY Avondale: Josh Nugent (Top listings and transactions), Lisa Ly Nguyen (top sales), Dylan Rigdon (top production) Beaches Intracoastal: Lea Underwood (top listings and production), Donna Warpool (top sales and transactions) Fleming Island: Sarah Rothstein (top listings), Chris Courtney (top sales), Roxane Felder (top transactions), Sandy Andrews (top production) Mandarin: Charlie Hillyer (top listings), Selma Collier (top sales and transactions), Patti Namey (top production) Ponte Vedra: Nancy Massengill (top listings), Cheryl Dolan (top sales), Lisa Barton Team (top transactions and production) San Marco: Anita Vining (top listings, transactions and production), Genni Jett (top sales) St. Augustine/Murabella: Stefanie Bernstein (top listings, sales and transactions), Donna Matthews, (top production)

60+ HOME DESIGNS DREAM IT. BUILD IT. LIVE IT. Homes from the mid $200s to $700s | ShearwaterLiving.com | 100 Kayak Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092 Dav i d We e k l e y H o m e s • L e n n a r • R i c h m o n d A m e r i c a n H o m e s • M a st e r C r a f t B u i l d e r G r o u p D. S . Wa r e H o m e s • D r e e s H o m e s • D r e a m F i n d e r s H o m e s Materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. All rights in these materials are reserved. All products and company names marked as trademarked (™) or registered (®) are trademarks of their respective holders. Copying, reproduction and distribution of materials without prior written consent of Freehold Communities is strictly prohibited. All information, plans, and pricing are subject to change without notice. This information does not represent a specific offer of sale or solicitation to purchase property within Shearwater. Models do not reflect racial preference.

find yourself AT SHEARWATER

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PAGE Sponsored by:

Did you know?

Women’s Council has the most extensive network presence in the National Association of Realtors and they are the largest percent of RPAC donations of any NAR network or council.

www.WCRJax.org

May Member Spotlight

Diana Galavis, Watson Realty Corp.

A little known or unknown fact (past or present) about yourself. i enjoy visitor centers. When traveling to a new county, state or country, i like to stop at the visitor center to talk about the location, pick up a map and sign the guest log.

What is your passion in the office?

Outside the office? i am a strong believer in community, housDiana Galavis ing, and economic development. i serve on Watson Realty Corp. the Jacksonville housing and community development commission. My passion is to encourage others to be involved in their local, state and national organizations to keep homeownership, private property rights and affordable housing vibrant in communities.

The Women’s Council of Realtors Jacksonville Network received the

2017 Network of the Year award!

How has Women’s Council of Realtors benefited you personally and professionally? one word: teamwork. together we are able to accomplish more. the strength of the network and the community outreach of Woman’s council of realtors has been the biggest benefit.

2018 Calendar of Events

We are a network of successful REALTORS®, advancing women as professionals and leaders in business, the industry and the communities we serve.

The Women’s Council of Realtors Jacksonville Network demonstrated and exemplified the Women’s Council mission, vision and values with emphasis on leadership, professionalism and a commitment to excellence.

The Network delivered award winning programs, retained a minimum retention rate of 75% and utilized the National local website as a current and informative resource for its member.

MAY 24

Social and Networking 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Sidecar, Hendricks Avenue

JUNE 13

JULY 5

Social and Networking 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Melting Pot, Gate Parkway

JULY 18

Governing Board Meeting

Governing Board Meeting

JUNE 28-29

Summer Safari Trade Show

Oakleaf Plantation

Governing Board Meeting

9:00-10:00 a.m. ~ NEFAR

Women’s Council of Realtors District One Retreat

9:00-10:00 a.m. ~ NEFAR

JULY 19

Casa Marina

AUGUST 8

9:00-10:00 a.m. ~ NEFAR

Industry Event Reservations MUST BE MADE by the Friday before the event due to final count needed for the venue.

Visit www.wcrjax.org to register.

Or contact Wanda McReynolds at (904) 894-8980.

Ranked in the top 50 nationally for transaction sides and sales in 2017!

Call today to take advantage of our 50+ years of experience. *National Rankings based on 2017 numbers.

844.448.7495 | JoinWatson.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS BH Northeast Florida honored at convention FROM STAFF

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty was honored among the Top 50 affiliates in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network at the company’s annual convention in San Antonio.

The Northeast Florida real estate firm ranks No. 24 nationally among 290 companies.

An annual company award, the Berkshire Elite Circle is the highest company honor presented to the Top 50 affiliates in the network based on total gross commission income.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has more than 44,000 agents and 1,400 offices.

“We are so honored to be acknowledged as one of the leading affiliates in our real estate network,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “This achievement is directly correlated to the commitment and contributions of our Realtors, employees and leadership team.”

At the convention, 10 Northeast Florida Realtors were recognized among the network’s most successful and long-serving professionals as Legends award honorees.

The Legend award designation is presented to Realtors who have consistently performed at a high level for consecutive years. The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Legend include: n Elizabeth Hudgins, 20-year Legend award.

Special to Realty-Builder

Julia Fattahi, Beth Chesak, Heather Cosgrove, Linda Benson, Kathy Davenport, Liz Bobeck and Jack Bobeck of the Berkshire Hathaway Avondale/San Marco and Fleming Island offices. n Anita Vining, 15-year Legend award. n Margie Rasey 15-year Legend award. n Judy Law, 10-year Legend award. n Allison Steilberg, 5-year Legend award.

n Jennifer Sexton, 5 year Legend award n Lee Elmore, 5 year Legend award. n Lisa Barton Team, 5 year Legend

award, n Priscilla Johnson, 5 year Legend award. n Stefanie Bernstein, 5 year Legend award.

The network’s three-day sales convention welcomed brokers, Realtors and other leadership team members from around the world.

During the conference, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices announced its first global franchise alliance with an award-winning real estate brokerage in Germany.

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty. com.

Apartments added to the mix at eTown Multifamily residential will be joining two single-family developments at the eTown mixed-use project planned along Interstate 295 and Florida 9B in South Jacksonville.

Property owner Eastland Timber LLC seeks a zoning exception for 17.58 acres of vacant land at 11241 E-Town Parkway to integrate multifamily residential into an area surrounded by land designated for Community/General Commercial use.

The site is east of Florida 9B and south of E-Town Parkway.

No developer or project details were listed. A site plan shows four apartment buildings, with two on each side of a roundabout.

Fidelity Bank Mortgage

Offers Solutions to Fit Your Client’s Needs Fidelity Bank Mortgage is one of the leading mortgage lenders in Jacksonville with in-house processing, underwriting, and closing. We are committed to providing the Realtors and builders of Jacksonville with a variety of financing options and a history of excellent service.

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Special to Realty-Builder

Ann King, Linda Sherrer and Christy Budnick of the Berkshire Hathaway St. Augustine/Murabella and home offices.

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Residential developers bought two of the first eTown parcels to be sold. David Weekley Homes, the first builder to buy in e-Town, bought 111.28 acres for $6 million and plans 143 homes. The land will be developed as a joint venture between David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes.

Toll Brothers plans to build 113 to 115 homes on 62 acres of a 133-acre site.

A master community plan is under development to include parks, amenities, electric-cart paths, walking trails, neighborhood shops, restaurants and job centers.

Townhomes also coming to eTown development Townhomes will join eTown, where two single-family developments and a multifamily project already are planned.

Plans filed with the city show that 97 townhomes are proposed on 12.71 acres along R.G. Skinner Parkway, although no developer was identified.

A map shows the townhomes are designed among 13 seven-unit buildings and one six-unit structure at the end of R.G. Skinner Parkway south of Baymeadows Road East and east of Interstate 295.

R.G. Skinner Parkway will be extended as E-Town Parkway.

A St. Johns River Water Management District permit filing shows that the 1,478-acre mixed-use project will include 25.6 acres of commercial property along with much of the developable property dedicated to residential use.

NEFAR named ambassador association to Uruguay The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors has been appointed by the National Association of Realtors as Ambassador Association to Uruguay.

NAR maintains bilateral partnerships with more than 90 real estate associations in 72 countries.

A major component is that the bilateral partner associations have a direct connection to NAR through a U.S. state or local Ambassador Association. The association partnership is with Camara Inmobiliaria Uruguaya in Montevideo.

The role of the Ambassador Association is to provide an organization-to-organization contact with the bilateral partner association to share best practices, ideas and solutions to common problems with one another, as well as hosting delegations visiting the United States, when applicable.

As an Ambassador Association, NEFAR has made a commitment to maintain an active Global Council with NEFAR; submit an annual report to NAR on the activities of the Uruguay association; keep in communication with both the NAR President’s Liaison and Regional Coordinator on a quarterly basis; host delegations from NEFAR in attendance at the NAR Legislative Meetings and the Annual Conference & Expo; and participate in the Global Alliances Advisory Board meeting at the Realtors Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo and the Realtors Conference & Expo.

Merchandising Plus wins five Laurel Awards Rita Williams Merchandising Plus was honored for its model homes decorating, winning five Laurel Awards in the interior merchandising category.

The 2017 Laurel Awards celebrate the homebuilding industry’s top achievements by the Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association.

Receiving the Golden Laurel Awards, Top Award for Interiors Merchandising were: n Broxton Bay at River City. The luxury apartments were developed by The Klotz Companies and built by LandSouth Construction. n The Victoria model home at Tamaya, developed and built by ICI Homes. n The Lantana model home at Country Club Harbor in Palm Coast, developed and built by D.R. Horton Homes. n The Dalton model home at Grande Reserve in Bunnell, developed and built

by D.R. Horton.

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15

People on the move n Real estate broker Jeff Betros formed a new firm. Betros Realty is at 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 504E, launching with seven agents.

“Our team of experts represent the best and brightest in the industry, and we’re always striving to lead the field in research, innovation, Betros training and education,” said Betros, adding his team has more than 100 years of combined experience in real estate, mortgage lending and title insurance.

Joining the firm are Rich Givens, Haley Hartley, Angela Boney, Amber Boney, Lisa Betros-Waller, Mike Parker and Carol Peterson. The website is TheBetrosTeam.com. n Toll Brothers promoted Steve Merten to president of the Northeast Florida Division.

Merten started at Toll Brothers in 2005 as a project manager. He was part of the land Merten acquisition team that helped design Julington Lakes, where he played a major role in efforts to

n The Clifton model at San Salito in St. Augustine, developed and built by D.R. Horton Homes Williams was inducted into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame in 2003. She is a member, past senior officer and Life director of NEFBA and Florida Home Builders Association.

The RiverClub amenity center opens at RiverTown RiverTown, a Mattamy Homes community in western St. Johns County, held the grand opening of its second amenity center, The RiverClub on April 7.

The RiverClub is the community’s riverfront amenity facility and second major amenity center.

“Our homes and amenities are designed to complement an active family lifestyle and the beauty of the St. Johns River,” said Jason Sessions, vice president of land acquisition and development for Mattamy Homes.

Located on the St. Johns River, the RiverClub features a boardwalk along the water with river views. The clubhouse overlooks a riverfront pool and offers riverfront dining. A kayak storage and rentals are available.

The community’s healthy living amenities also include a kid-friendly zero-entry pool with a corkscrew slide, a junior Olympic lap pool, lighted tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center at the RiverHouse, a dog park and more. RiverTown has a full-time social programming director who plans community activities and social events for residents of all ages.

Floor plans are from 1,600 square feet to more than 3,760 square feet and are priced from the upper $200,000s to more than $1 million.

Atkins Realty now Century 21 First Coast After more than 42 years, Century 21 Atkins Realty will become Century 21 First Coast.

The name change is part of a plan designed to help the company become more inclusive and grow in emerging markets in Northeast Florida In summer 2014, Jax Brokerage Team Inc. purchased the brokerage from Robert and Pam Atkins, longtime Jacksonvillearea Realtors serving the San Marco and Mandarin areas.

The new broker and owner is Terrell Newberry, who is leading the management team and 35 agents.

Century 21 First Coast leadership comprises co-broker Doreen Peeler, Chief

Hartley

Angela Boney

Amber Boney

Parker

Peterson

Neal

Taylor

Starling

Harris

Adams

conserve the land’s nature preserve.

He also led projects at Coastal Oaks at Nocatee. In his new role, Merten oversees operations for Toll Brothers’ Northeast Florida communities and leads the division’s growth initiatives, including the development of its newest local community, The Settlement at Twenty Mile. n Amanda Adams joined Davidson Realty. She works out of the firm’s Jacksonville Beach office. n LMH Realty added Jeff Sergeant and Chris Swan to its sales team.

Sergeant will be based at the San Pablo

Financial Officer Dawn Berry and Director of Marketing and Education Scott Nicholson.

“With the ever-changing real estate landscape, this is the perfect time for our business to become more reflective of the entire area,” said Newberry. “Century 21 First Coast still maintains its office in Mandarin where we have a strong presence, but our business is emerging and we

Road branch office and Swan will be the on-site agent for TerraWise Homes at Cedarbrook and Cedar Bay in North Jacksonville. n Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty added agents to its local offices: Roger Neal joined the St. Augustine office with locations in St. Augustine Beach and Marcy Taylor joined the Ponte Vedra/ Nocatee office.

Michael Starling and Hannah Harris joined the Metropolitan office with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

felt a brand change was necessary.”

The company recently completed a renovation adding more than 1,000 square feet of office space and launched a new website that provides navigational tools for consumers and agents.

In addition, Century 21 First Coast is seeking other brokerages interested in joining the Century 21 global brand.

Historic Springfield

New Homes Available TerraWise Homes is leading the renaissance in Jacksonville’s historic downtown neighborhood with exciting new designs including Net-Zero Solar Energy.

Model open daily at 1221 North Liberty Street.

Quick move in homes available and homesites ready now for construction. Homes from the low $200s.

Contact Springfield representative Jac Shacter at 904-575-4197.

TerraWiseHomes.com 904.800.WISE Fl CBC 057118

All homes include Going Green Warranty.

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MAY 2018

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Dostie Homes marks 60 years of homebuilding Brothers Chris and Rick Dostie continue Northeast Florida family legacy.

BY ANDREW WARFIELD ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In an industry that often changes ownership and names, the name Dostie has been consistent in Northeast Florida for 60 years.

On April 28, Dostie Homes celebrated 60 years of local homebuilding under the Dostie name.

The third-generation company marked this longevity milestone at its model home in The Ranch at Twenty Mile in Nocatee.

As part of the celebration, Dostie gave away a $60,000 pool package in partnership with Pools

by John Clarkson.

The Dostie family holds the distinction as the longest continuously active local homebuilding company in Jacksonville.

“There are so many people to thank when considering this company milestone, but like any business, we couldn’t be here today without our customers,” Dostie Homes President Chris Dostie said. “This pool prize package is our way of recognizing how important the customer is to our success.”

The Dostie homebuilding tradition began in 1958 when J. Rene Dostie moved his family from Ontario, Canada, to Jacksonville.

No longer interested in enduring harsh Canadian winters, Dostie was persuaded to move here by family members living in the area and who saw an opportu-

St Johns Gran Lake Markland Trailmark

Special to Realty-Builder

Dostie Homes President Chris Dostie and his father, Richard. Dostie Homes was started by Richard’s father, J. Rene Dostie, in 1958.

nity to build homes here.

J. Rene and his wife, Doris, had been building homes in Canada. A warmer climate, a growing community and a need for affordable housing seemed like the kind of environment to grow a local business.

In 1974, J. Rene’s oldest son, Richard, took over from his father as the second generation to lead the family homebuilding business, and Richard R. Dostie New Home Collection was born.

Richard continued to grow the

Nocatee Timberland Ridge Heritage Trace at Crosswater Liberty Cove at Crosswater The Outlook

company and build homes as the economy thrived, starting in North Jacksonville.

Over the years, the Richard R. Dostie New Home Collection expanded to Timberland Parc, Eagle Harbor, Woodlands at Ponte Vedra, Julington Creek Plantation and Palencia.

Richard Dostie served as president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association in 1988, cementing his reputation as one of the foremost leaders in the local homebuilding industry.

In 2010, two of Richard’s sone, Chris and Rick Dostie, were poised to take on the Dostie Homes brand.

“It is an honor to continue the legacy that our father and grandfather started in Northeast Florida so many years ago,” said Rick Dostie.

The brothers have expanded the Dostie Homes presence to neighborhoods in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia including Pablo Creek Reserve, Glen Kernan Golf and Country

Club, Palencia, The Forest at Las Calinas, Nocatee and more. The three generations of the Dostie homebuilding family have built thousands of homes throughout Northeast Florida in the last six decades.

In January, Chris Dostie was sworn in as the President of NEFBA, becoming the organization’s first second-generation leader.

AWARFIELD@ JAXDAILYRECORD.COM (904) 356-2466

4X ENERGY STAR® PARTNER OF THE YEAR

SALESINFO@PROVIDENCEHOMESINC.COM | MYPROVIDENCEHOME.COM

Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Contact Sales Associate For Details. Marketed Exclusively by Providence Realty, LLC.

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MAY 2018

Everyone is talking about RiverTown.

Feel the excitement for yourself. Experience RiverTown today!

Amphitheater | Resort-Style Pool | RiverClub | RiverHouse | Olympic Lap Pool | Kayak Launch | Tennis Courts | Miles of Nature Preserves & Trails

New Homes from the Mid $200s Just minutes to I-95, shopping & dining 904.289.1001 | 90 Lanier Street, St. Johns, FL 32259 | RiverTownFL.com | 6 Models Open Daily

PARADISE ON THE RIVER

Custom Luxury Homes from the $600s to over $1 Million Riverside is an exclusive gated community that elegantly combines custom homes with stunning river and preserve views. This private community features exquisite riverfront home sites with dock permits and spacious preserve home sites that feature mature oak canopies, surrounding you with the natural beauty you’ve come to expect from St. Johns County.

With custom homes built by three luxury homebuilders, you can make your dream home a reality.

904.495.0521 | 90 Lanier Street, St Johns, FL 32259 | RiverTownFL.com/Riverside Prices, homesites and plan availability subject to change or revocation without prior notice or obligation. For more information on available homes and incentives, see sales associate for details. Š2018 Mattamy Homes. All rights reserved. Builder Lic CBC#1261993, CBC#1260748

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MAY 2018

Realty-Builder.com

13,834 12,256

HOME SALES BY THE NUMBERS

Duval County 2007 real sales price*

2016 real sales price

$222,734

$190,350

9,133

10,891

9,175

9,099

2013

2014

6,504 5,443 4,957

4,839

2010

2011

Northeast Florida home sales rebound

By Scott Sailer • Editorial Research Director

2007

The past decade saw the number of homes sold in Northeast Florida collapse when the housing bubble burst, then recover. While the volume of sales in 2016 surpassed 2007, the median sales price of a home in 2016, when accounting for inflation, still is lower than 2007.

2007

2016 real sales price

$253,694

$197,476

1,940

2008

2009

1,916

2010

2012

2007 real sales price*

2016 real sales price

$341,348

$310,515 5,048

2007 real sales price*

2,038

2009

1,843

1,900

2011

2012

2,455

2013

3,632 2,602

2014

3,904 2,382

2016

2007

5,357

2008

2009

2,565

5,800

6,578

2010

2015

2016

2,807

2011

2012

2013

2014

*2007 real sales price is adjusted for inflation Source: Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse 2017, County Property Appraiser tax rolls and Florida Department of Revenue, Sales Data Files.

Keep Building the American Dream!

It’s All About the Details...

Meeting the Needs for Real Lifestyles with Great Designs.

A S P E C TA C U L A R V I E W O F L I F E

904.731.8096

2016

3,739 3,174

3,116

2015

2015

St. Johns County

Clay County 2,843

2008

email ritawmsme@aol.com www.merchandisingplusinc.com

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MAY 2018

19

Awarded Best Community of the Year

A new neighborhood in Northern St. Johns County with the amenities of a larger community, but a scale and feel that keeps you connected to what matters most.

Custom residences from the $280s to the $800s.

Arthur Rutenberg Homes • CalAtlantic Homes • Dream Finders Homes • Drees Homes • Providence Homes • Riverside Homes

Entry gatehouse just 1/2 mile east of I-95 at World Golf Village. Five model homes open daily.

2001 International Golf Parkway 904.513.5740 markland.com Markland_FatherSon_A_RBC_V4.indd 1

4/16/18 11:58 AM

McKinney Levine Studio, Inc. (904) 655-6303 • for Carla Luigs of Hines (904) 599-9015

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MAY 2018

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www.eTownJax.com

@eTownJax

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

MAY 2018

BUILDER NEWS

Realty-Builder.com

SEEKING 200 NEW MEMBERS Membership drive continues.

Page 24

Parade of Homes marches across four counties

BY NEFBA STAFF

When you combine 33 of the area’s top homebuilders, 91 new construction homes and 65 highly rated communities in Northeast Florida, you have the recipe for the area’s largest, best-organized and most-anticipated open house.

The 2018 NEFBA Parade of Homes marks the 60th year of the annual springtime event, drawing large crowds each year.

It is a convenient way for potential homebuyers to shop and compare builders, homes and communities.

It also is a marketing opportunity for participating builders to meet potential customers faceto-face over a brief period of time.

SEE PARADE, PAGE 25

Photos special to Realty-Builder

Arthur Rutenberg Homes’ Bermuda in Palencia is in the Parade’s Dream Home category for homes more than $1 million.

The interior of the Bermuda reflects the high-end options of the Arthur Rutenberg home entered in NEFBA’s 2018 Parade of Homes.

Sp

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THE BEACH YOU CAN AFFORD Private Gated Entry 3, 4 & 5 Bedroom Coastal-Style Homes 1st Phase Now 75% SOLD OUT! Direct Sales Inquiries: 904.241.8687 Call 24/7 For Plans & Pricing: 800.728.1934 x5003 VA Buyers: $0 Downpayment* | $0 Closing Costs

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Direct Sales Inquiries: 904.241.8687 Call 24/7 For Plans & Pricing: 800.728.1934 x1184 SOLD MLS#s 911150, 911149 & 911147 *Professional loans. See agent for details.

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MAY 2018

NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Realty-Builder.com

Wells Fargo grant helps Builders Care make repairs

BY JUSTIN BROWN, BUILDERS CARE DIRECTOR

Wells Fargo’s Neighborhood LIFT Local Initiative Grant Program supports sustainable home ownership and advances neighborhood stability.

Builders Care was the beneficiary of the local grant during the 2017-18 fiscal year, receiving $50,000 to assist vulnerable homeowners.

With an emphasis on assisting lowincome veterans and the elderly, Builders Care was able to serve homeowners it had previously been unable to help because of limited funding.

ROOF REPAIR FOR WOUNDED VET

The first project using the grant funds was for Mery Martinez, a veteran who was injured during combat in Operation Desert Storm. Not only is Martinez disabled, she also was a victim of contractor fraud.

She had hired a company to help renovate her kitchen, which it partially completed before taking her money and leaving her with an unfinished project.

She also contracted with a roofer to repair a leak over her kitchen pantry.

The roofer claimed the roof was repaired and Martinez paid the bill. She then discovered the roof was still leaking. She tried to contact the roofer, but did not hear from him.

In the meantime, her pantry became saturated and black mold began to grow.

Builders Care was able to repair the roof and MicroTech Solutions addressed the mold remediation at no charge, saying it was happy to have been able to help this veteran.

Builders Care was able to finish her kitchen renovation, mostly thanks to work by volunteers from Stellar Energy.

HEALTHY AIR QUALITY FOR FAMILY

Builders Care met the Wiggins family when it built a ramp for James Wiggins with the help of University of Florida construction students.

During that project, workers found the kitchen in need of repair and mold on the bathroom wall. Roof leaks had destroyed most of the ceiling in a bedroom.

The funding was not available at the time to replace the roof, but Builders Care was able to stop the leaking, which the Wiggins family said was an “incredible blessing.”

Wiggins’ daughter and her baby also lived in the home, where the air quality was unsafe and the floors were potentially dangerous for a child learning to crawl.

With the LIFTS grant, Builder’s Care replaced the roof, repaired the drywall and damaged flooring and renovated the kitchen and bathroom.

Photos special to Realty-Builder

A Wells Fargo grant and partners allowed Builders Care to complete repairs to the Butler home, including a new roof, bathroom and kitchen.

A LEVEL HOME FOR DISABLED VET

John Waittet is a veteran confined to a wheelchair about 90 percent of the time, even though the Veterans Association considers him only 40 percent paralyzed.

His door was completely out of square, and when closed left a two-inch gap at the top. However, the door could not be repaired because the problem was caused by that side of the home sinking into the ground.

With the Wells Fargo grant, Builders Care was able to fix the failing piers and beams, making his home level for the first time in years.

ELDERLY WOMAN, MULTIPLE PROJECTS, NO RESOURCES

The last recipient of repairs made possible by the Wells Fargo grant was Etheline Butler.

Her story was featured on the Parade of Homes special on WJXT.

The grant enabled Builders Care to replace the roof, repair all the drywall, repair and replace damaged flooring and redo the kitchen and bathroom at the Wiggins home.

She was referred to Builders Care by ElderSource, which provided photos of the plywood shower, faulty electrical system, failing roof and nonfunctioning HVAC system.

With the grant funds alone, Builders Care could have made only partial repairs of the homes. Air Angels Foundation donated

a new HVAC system, allowing Builders Care to invest in a new roof, bathroom and kitchen.

Wells Fargo and all of Builders Care’s partners made it possible to make a significant difference in the lives of these deserving homeowners.

Three Model Homes Open Daily!

Emerald Homes From The Mid $300’s* D.R. Horton Homes From The Mid $200’s* • Established community nestled in a vast conservation area minutes from shopping & dining in Julington Creek & Mandarin, convenient to Racetrack Rd, CR-210 & I-95

New Freedom Crossing Academy • Resort style amenities featuring two pools, K-8 school water slide, clubhouse, fitness center, within the playgrounds, basketball community • Community sports complex including opening wooded walking & biking trails, 25 acre ** this year! park & lighted sports fields

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*Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. See your new home consultant for details. **6% (3% commission plus 3% bonus) available on select inventory homes only in D.R. Horton North Florida communities. Offer valid for new buyers only on new contracts written on 1/1/18 through 6/15/18 and must close. Total commission paid is subject to limitations, if any, on total broker compensation imposed by homebuyer’s lender. Real estate agent must be present on first visit. Total commission/bonus earned and paid at closing. See a sales representative for a complete listing of qualifying homes. Pictures, elevations, features, sizes and colors are approximate for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. CBC058997 ©2018 D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved.

NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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MAY 2018

THE VALUE OF CONNECTION Connecting Borrowers to a New Homebuying Experience

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We know how important a homebuying experience is to borrowers—and to you—so we’ve combined our one-on-one service and our competitive loan programs with a digital application that allows borrowers to apply for a mortgage in a fast, convenient, mobile-optimized process.

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

MAY 2018

Membership drive in full swing

FROM THE PRESIDENT

From golf to giving, May is a busy month

CHRIS DOSTIE DOSTIE HOMES

Dear Members, As an association, we are enjoying a season of growth and success. We see opportunity and challenges ahead with a favorable forecast for the housing industry nationwide. There are many reasons for this good news, and I believe it is largely due to the dedicated men and women involved in building homes and creating neighborhoods.

NEFBA is a prime example of why I believe that.

Look at our calendar and you will agree it is a busy season at NEFBA. We have just completed the Parade of Homes that displayed the creativity and expertise of our builders, designers and other associate members. We will

celebrate that successful event with the annual Parade awards banquet May 17 at the Marriott Southpoint.

On May 24, we will welcome the new members who were recruited during our membership drive.

Teams of members are making phone calls and contacting business partners and others who would benefit from involvement in our association. The battle for the inaugural Membership Team Champions Cup is in full swing with just a few days remaining.

Leave no stone unturned.

While these two major events captured our time and attention, we pressed on with the ALL-IN! campaign, continuing to raise funds for our new headquarters at Southpoint. Drive by the construction site and see the advantages the new building offers. If you haven’t contributed to the ALL-IN! effort, I sincerely hope you will, and forever be a part of the contributors who made our association’s new home possible.

Many of you also give back to the community through Builders Care, which heavily relies on volunteer efforts and contributions.

In this issue of Builder News, you can read about how a recent grant from Wells Fargo allowed Builders Care to expand its ability to restore homes in need of repair

$

500

Realty-Builder.com

BY NEFBA STAFF

for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Volunteer labor is always critical to stretching the limited resources of this outreach program.

The Remodeler’s Council Golf Tournament May 18 is a great way to take a break from this busy time of year. I look forward to seeing many of you out there and hopefully we stay dry for all 18 holes.

Finally, in early June, the Young Professionals Group will host its annual Leadership Breakfast.

Several of our distinguished past NEFBA presidents will inspire you as they share why they chose to join, serve and lead this association. It’s one of the best events of the year, so look forward to that next month.

To members and staff, thank you for your energy, your generosity and your contribution to this association. I am honored to serve with you, and I will do my best to keep up with you.

Teams have been formed and NEFBA members are actively recruiting with a goal of 200 new members during the 2018 membership drive.

“We’ve enjoyed steady growth, and we want to give ourselves a little motivational boost by making a big difference during the drive,” said Hans Krieg, NEFBA membership services director. “We’re about halfway through the drive, and I’m confident we’re going to have a lot to celebrate at the welcome party.”

The drive continues through May 23. The party to welcome new members is 5-7 p.m., May 24, at BlackFinn AmeriPub in the St. Johns Town Center.

Chris Dostie, NEFBA’s 2018 president, is a former membership committee chair.

“Our members are eager to share with others in the industry all the benefits of being a NEFBA member,” Dostie said.

“There are prizes and awards for the members who recruit

the most members. Whatever the motivation, the drive is a fun and competitive way to add to our membership.”

Seven teams were formed: Remodelers Council (Jumbo Shrimp), Sales & Marketing Council (Hammers), St. Johns Builders Council (St. Augustine Saints), Clay Builders Council (Free Birds), PWB/ YPG (Bananas), Nassau Builders Council (Pirates) and past presidents (Padres).

Membership drive sponsors are Centricity, Insuramerica of Florida, TECO Peoples Gas, Scapes, Del-Air, Duval Ford, LP Smart Side, Earth Works of Florida, FPM, Patio & Pizza, Brogdon Builders, Stephens Advertising. Deco Products and BCM. “We wish all the teams a strong finish and we look forward to celebrating all the new members May 24,” Krieg said.

“Everyone has worked so hard, and we will all benefit from their efforts.”

Sincerely,

Chris Dostie Dostie Homes

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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MAY 2018

25

Spring * Sale *A*Thon $18,000*In Savings When You Build Now Up to

No CDD

Fees

Write a contract to build PICK YOUR PLAN • PICK YOUR LOT • PICK YOUR OPTIONS

between May 1 - May 27, and receive FREE options* plus money toward closing costs, for a total savings up to $18,000* ST JOHNS COUNT Y

NASSAU COUNT Y

1. Sandy Creek

4. Floridian Enclave

904-998-3628

904-696-3483

• From the low $300’s • Great location on CR-210 & I-95 • A-rated schools • Scenic conservation homesites • Tot lot, playground & dog park

With a base price of $387,900, ICI Homes’ Cameron model in Amelia National Golf & Country Club showcases quality and design options for a total value of $499,029.

Parade CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Some contacts may result in immediate sales, others may return later to builders’ models that impressed them during the Parade.

This year, the Parade included an extra incentive for those touring homes to act sooner rather than later.

Buyers who signed a contract for an official Parade of Homes floor plan during the

Parade were entered in a contest to win a $10,000 outdoor living package from Construction Specialties of North Florida.

Model homes were open daily noon-6 p.m. April 14-29 in the four-county area of Clay (three homes), Duval (20 homes), Nassau (12 homes) and St. Johns (56 homes).

The Parade of Homes guidebook was mailed to more than 50,000 First Coast residences and was available in four Wawa locations.

Information about the Parade also was available on the app, Parade of Homes Jax, and online at paradeofhomesjax.com.

5. The Retreat at Flora Parke 904-491-1955

CLAY COUNT Y Special to Realty-Builder

• From the low $300’s • Gated community located on Amelia Concourse • Lawn care by the HOA

• From the upper $200’s • Playground, gazebo & basketball court • Excellent schools

2. Linda Lakes 904-573-6026 • From the upper $200’s • Great location on Old Jennings Rd. • Gated entrance, gorgeous community pool, lakefront pavilion & deck, lakeside playground & sports field, multiple com munity parks

NORTHSIDE

6. The Hideaway 904-225-2734

• From the low $200’s • Located on US-17 just south of A1A • Community pool & cabana • Playground & walking trails

7. Woodbrier

3. Rouen Cove

904-365-5565

904-365-4860 • From the mid $200’s • Located on New Berlin Rd, across from Sheffield Park, one of Jacksonville’s best parks • Walk to A-rated elementary school

• From the low $200’s • Community park • Close to Amelia Island on Old Nassauville Rd.

6 4 57 3

AWARDS BANQUET Jacksonville Marriott Southpoint May 17, 2018 Cocktail Hour 6:00PM | Dinner/Awards 7:00PM $75/person

2

1 www.SEDAnewhomes.com

SEDA Construction Company-CGC020880 *See agent for details-$18,000 special offer applies to homes to be built only and does not apply to spec/ inventory homes. Special offers vary per community. In Sandy Creek, Linda Lakes, Floridian Enclave & Flora Parke, SEDA pays up to $7,000 toward total Closing Costs with SEDA approved lender (Prepaids not included) plus buyer receives $11,000 in free options. In Rouen Cove, The Hideaway & Woodbrier, SEDA pays up to $8,000 toward total Closing Costs and up to $2,000 in Prepaids with SEDA approved lender plus buyer receives $8,000 in free options. All free option monies must be used toward options and can not be taken off of the sales price and can not be used toward closings costs.

Applies to full priced contracts only written between 5/1/18-5/27/18. This offer is for a limited time only & cannot be combined with any other specials. Price & availability subject to change without notice.

26

REALTY-BUILDER

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

MAY 2018

ALL IN! Update Donor: Harlan Bost, Florida Custom Marble

Level of contribution: Leader $10,000-$25,000

Florida Custom Marble has served the Jacksonville area for 45 years. Established in 1973, Florida Custom Marble has been locally owned and operated by Harlan and Patty Bost since 1997. From a renovation project to a multimillion dollar development, the company has a reputation of proven leadership within the industry and a consistent record of delivering the products and services it offers.

Bill Garrison, who has been NEFBA’s executive officer less than a year, appreciates Bost’s leadership on the executive committee.

“Harlan has been a great help to me over the past several months,” Garrison said. “I had been a member and also the chair of the Clay Builders Council, but taking the association EO role required the patience and guidance of other committee members. Harlan’s strength is in his ability to com-

municate clearly and intelligently because he listens and understands. He is also one of the association’s most dedicated advocates.”

Florida Custom Marble works exclusively with the professional trade community.

In 2016, responding to the need of builders for a one-stop solution, the company added cabinets to its product lines. It offers Crystal, Quality, Merillat and KraftMaid brands.

Florida Custom Marble is the first and only granite fabricator in Northeast Florida to attain accreditation from the Natural Stone Institute. NSI accreditation means it meets the industry’s highest standards for natural stone fabricators.

Harlan Bost said his company’s ties with the building industry have been significantly enhanced through its involvement with NEFBA. Bost has been a member since 1998, and he has served on the executive committee, the association’s governing body, as a vice president for four years.

He served on the board of directors five years before his appointment to the committee, and he has returned to the board.

Bost knows a good deal when he sees it. He joined NEFBA the year

Realty-Builder.com

ALL IN! support grows

Thank you to our generous members who contributed to the ALL IN! campaign during April. NEFBA is proud to add the following names to our growing list of contributors: ALL IN Category ($1,000 to $5,000) Stellar Contracting Adkinson Engineering

Leader Category ($10,000 to $25,000) Thomas May Construction H. Smith, Inc.

The complete list of donors is available at nefba.com.

Join them in building on the legacy of 74 years of service to the industry and the community. You can purchase a commemorative brick for $250, make an in-kind donation of labor and/or materials or donate any amount. All contributions are greatly appreciated.

Contact Corey Hacker at 725-4355 or CHacker@nefba.com.

he bought the business and realized quickly the benefits of membership.

“We work with builders,” Bost said, “and anything that is good for builders is good for our business.

I also appreciate the educational components that have helped us a great deal in our operations and in increasing our efficiencies.”

Bost said he found motivation to contribute to the ALL IN! campaign in how his years on the executive committee educated him about the expenses associated with the operations of a nonprofit organization.

“I was amazed to learn that so much of the membership dues actually goes to the state homebuilders and the national homebuilders organizations,” he said.

“There’s not much left for the local offices. Sponsorships and fund-

raisers are critical to our ability to produce events, advocate for the industry and take care of the dayto-day operations of the business end of NEFBA. To the credit of the staff, they are creative and efficient not only in cutting costs, but in finding new ways to create revenue.”

Bost said the new location and new facilities will benefit current members and attract new ones.

“The Southpoint area provides easier access just by its proximity to the interstate and Butler Boulevard,” he said. “The building will be high-tech, state-of-the-art workspaces for staff and functional staff operations. Builders Care and the Apprenticeship Program will have more space and most of NEFBA’s functions will be there.

We will have space for public use, which will increase our exposure

and service to the community.”

As a businessman, he appreciates the campaign’s goal of providing NEFBA with a new headquarters without incurring significant debt.

“This is an opportunity for me to give back to an association that has done so much for me,” Bost said. “The last thing we wanted to see was a heavy burden of debt, and this campaign will go a long way in minimizing our debt. I wanted to do what I could to help.”

Bost also acknowledges NEFBA member LG Hausys for a materials donation of $6,250.

“Our contribution was increased in value by LG Hausys’ generous donation of materials,” Bost said.

“We value our relationship with LG Hausys and appreciate their contribution to the project.”

“We announce our events on the website and with flyers,” she said. “But posting and distributing flyers is not the end of it.

It’s not unusual for us to have a change of address, date or time, location and even a speaker. We have to keep track of what we sent and where we sent it, so we can make corrections quickly.”

Maintaining the events calendar also means making sure the association does not schedule competing events.

“When we have an event to schedule, we need to check with all areas to make sure we’re not scheduling events that would compete with each other,” Glass said.

“For example, a Clay social would not compete necessarily with a St. Johns social. A NEFBAwide event, however, would compete to some extent with anything else on the calendar that day.

We also check local events, Jaguars home games, for example.

We don’t want our members to choose between supporting the Jags and attending a NEFBA event,” she said.

Glass is listed as a co-liaison for the Sales & Marketing Council with events coordinator Corey Hacker. Hacker coordinates the SMC’s Laurel Awards, and Glass is the primary contact for SMC and handles the council’s dayto-day operations. She also is responsible for keeping the staff up to date on NEFBA’s schedule.

A typical day for Glass is as busy as the NEFBA calendar itself. She maintains the ever-changing website, assists members working on events or who have questions about SMC, and she is often called upon to assist other staff with large projects as needed.

Glass reports to Executive Director Bill Garrison.

“It was truly our lucky day when Michelle agreed to take the administrative assistant position at NEFBA,” Garrison said. “She

certainly is qualified in education and experience, and she quickly demonstrated her ability to handle her assignments and more.

She quickly became a valuable member of the team and fit right in. When she assumed added responsibilities by becoming our marketing and communications director, it became clear just how much we depend on her and what a significant contribution she makes to the overall functioning of our office.”

On a personal level, Glass admits she is a “huge FSU fan,” and has been an FSU football season ticket holder since 2003. She is a runner and enjoys biking on the Baldwin Trail.

“I enjoy the environment at NEFBA, and the variety of my day,” she said. “I appreciate the teamwork and how everyone works together to support each other, the association and its members.”

MEET THE STAFF

Meet Michelle Glass

MICHELLE GLASS

Michelle Glass joined the NEFBA staff as its administrative assistant in 2015. She recently was named marketing and communications director. She also is coliaison for the Sales & Marketing Council.

A graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in management information systems, Glass began her career in the financial industry working for Wachovia and

Regions Bank.

In 2007, she took time out from her career to be a stay-at-home mom for Nathan (12), Liam (10) and Braxton (7).

She re-entered the workforce with NEFBA as director of marketing and communications. Her assignments are varied, which is a positive aspect of the job for Glass.

“To put a label on what I do is difficult,” she said. “I communicate news about the association, its events and local, state and national industry news to members and the public. We use email, social media, occasional mass mailings and our website to reach our members and local decisionmakers. It’s a challenge not only to keep current and up to date, but to match the method of communication to the audience. It’s always changing and keeps me on my toes.”

Glass keeps the NEFBA website current.

NEW FERNANDINA BEACH HOMES At Woodbridge | From the upper $100s With exceptional new homes and a quiet location near A1A/SR-200, Woodbridge has a lot to offer your clients. Tour our three beautiful model homes today!

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Call 888.500.7060 or visit RichmondAmerican.com/WoodbridgeRealty to learn more about this community and sign up for an agent account.

The Ruby

Address: 95404 Woodbridge Parkway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Prices, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. Square footage is approximate. Actual homes as constructed may not contain the features and layouts depicted and may vary from image(s). ©2018 Richmond American Homes; Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP, CBC1257429.

NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Realty-Builder.com

TRMK-18001 TRAILMARK_SUMMERPALOOZA AD_RealtyBuilder_10.125x15.5_April2018.qxp_Layout 1 4/13/18 12:01 PM Page 2

REALTY-BUILDER

|

MAY 2018

TrailMarkLiving.com

SUMMER

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Site plans, community maps, photos and depictions are for illustration purposes only, are conceptual in nature, and should not be relied upon. GreenPointe Communities, LLC reserves the right to make changes to the foregoing at any time without notice. Home design, pricing, terms and offers are subject to change. See Home Builders’ Sales Consultant for details.

TRAILMARK — SUMMERPALOOZA AD / REALTY BUILDER / SIZE: 10.125” x 15.5”

cmyk / APRIL 13, 2018

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REALTY-BUILDER

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NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

MAY 2018

Realty-Builder.com

SJBC fishes for charity

BY NEFBA STAFF

The 10th annual St. Johns Builders Council Fishing Tournament, which included 49 captains and their crews in support of Home Again St. Johns, a local charity, was April 14 at the Northeast Florida Marlin Association Camachee Harbor. For the fourth year, the presenting sponsor was Sterling Specialties.

“The fishing tournament is one of the most popular events on our calendar,” said SJBC Director Leona Brown. “We had a beautiful day, and everyone had a great day of fishing.”

SJBC chair Michael Davis agreed.

“The perfect day ended with a perfect evening when captains, crew, family and SJBC/NEFBA members were treated to a barbecue dinner provided by Rocky Bishop of Premier Windows and Doors,” Davis said.

Harley Bryan of Construction Solutions donated a Green Mountain Pellet Grill for the raffle. Dave Caputo, SEDA Construction, was the winner.

“We not only had a great day but proceeds from the event help a local group

dedicated to eradicating homelessness in St. Johns County,” Davis said. “Our members are generous and some volunteer at local charities, so supporting this event was right up their alley.”

Home Again St. Johns, founded in 2011, is a nonprofit organization coordinating a multiagency system that engages the community to help individuals, families and veterans experiencing homelessness return to self-sufficiency.

“Since housing is the work of the SJBC and NEFBA, it is only natural to help end homelessness,” Davis said. “The agency is developing facilities to offer supportive housing, medical services and direct clients to psychological services, addiction treatment, education, job training and occupational coaching.”

In the past year, Home Again St. Johns helped more than 700 homeless men, women and children. For more information about Home Again St. Johns, visit at homeagainsj.org.

For more photos of the fishing tournament and information about SJBC, visit stjohnsbuilderscouncil.com.

SJBC thanks all tournament sponsors: Redfish Sponsorship: Sterling Specialties Inc. Sea Trout Sponsorship: Landon Homes, Providence Homes Flounder Sponsorship: Paul's Termite and Pest Control, Builders First Source, Encore Homes of North Florida, A.D. Davis Construction, Construction Solutions & Supply, James Hardie Building Products, Fidelity Bank, Artisan Home Builders, Franson, Isley & Rendzio, Gator Door East, DriMaxx, Adina Construction, Mattamy Homes, MasterCraft Builder Group, Sheffield & Boatright P.A., St. Johns Housing Partnership Awards Banquet Sponsor: VyStar Credit Union, D and D Garage Doors, Centricity/Bonded Builders Warranty, Partridge Well Drilling, Sherwin-Williams Beverage Sponsors: Duval Ford, Classic Floors Ferrazzano, GreenPointe Communities, Moen Inc., World Island Builders Captains Meeting Sponsor: Construction Debris Removal Beer Donation: Burkhardt Distributors Food & Prep: Premier Windows and Doors Buckets for Captains: Sherwin-Williams

Special to Realty-Builder

The Custom Concrete crew pulled out all the stops to be the first team back to the weigh-in station. The team was proud of the catch, even though it did not qualify for the total boat challenge prize.

First Federal is your trusted lender.

CONSTRUCTION or PURCHASE

CONSTRUCTION? Construction to Perm with a one-time close means one set of closing costs with a variety of programs: FHA up to 96.5%* | VA up to 100%* | Conventional up to 95%*

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FERNANDINA/YULEE

MACCLENNY

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Cyndi Ray, NLMS ID: 247531 904.398.7859, ext. 3209

JACKSONVILLE

ST. AUGUSTINE

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Jen Chaney, NMLS ID: 649666 904.398.7859, ext. 3209

Wendy Hilton, NMLS ID: 263101 904.398.7859, ext. 3224

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Realty Builder Ad_CP-May2018.indd 1

BOAT Tripple Challenge Builders First Source, 11.2 Jackson Law Group, 8.6 ANGLER Redfish Larry Miniard Builders, First Source, 7.9 Dennis Ginder, Encore Homes, 7.2 Sunn Wroten, Landon Homes, 6.4 Redfish Most Spots Josh Myers, Builders First Source, 7 spots

First Federal is proud to have earned a 5-Star,Superior Financial Stability Rating from BauerFinancial, Inc. and has maintained that rating since 2000.

LE NDER

Leona Brown, SJBC director, congratulates Rob Bennett, Jacksonville Law Group, for catching a 3.5-pound flounder that won him first place in the category.

4/18/2018 4:49:06 PM

Sea Trout Shane Sloan, Sterling Specialties, 5.9 Doug Carver, BlueLinx, 4.1 Jesse Rain, Partridge Well Drilling, 4.1

Flounder Rob Bennett, Jackson Law Group, 3.5 Tyler Fugitt, Franson, Iseley & Rendzio, 2.1 DJ Simmons, Fidelity Financial, 1.2 JUNIOR ANGLER Redfish Landon Ginder, Encore Homes, 6.9 Ethan Junker, Bonded Builders Home Warranty, 4.1 Sea Trout Gino M. Morici, Salt Coast Construction, 2.4 CALCUTTA Redfish — Larry Miniard Sea Trout — Shane Sloan Flounder — Rob Bennett

NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Realty-Builder.com

Providence Homes was named 2018 Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The 2018 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Awards are given to organizations that have demonstrated continued leadership in energy efficiency.

Winners are from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 organizations representing energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors.

According to Providence Homes President Sean Junker, this is the fourth consecutive year Providence Homes has received the award.

He said the goal is for Providence Homes to be the only local builder to have 100 percent of its homes Energy

PROVIDENCE HOMES

CORNERSTONE HOMES

LANDON HOMES

SANDIFER CUSTOM HOMES

DOSTIE HOMES

LENNAR HOMES

DREAM FINDERS HOMES

MASTERCRAFT BUILDER GROUP

THOMAS MAY CONSTRUCTION TIDEWATER HOMES

MORALES CONSTRUCTION

TOLL BROTHERS

NEW LEAF CONSTRUCTION

VINTAGE ESTATE HOMES

DREES HOMES D.S. WARE GLENN LAYTON HOMES

Sponsor spotlight Silverfield Group, Leed Silverfield The Silverfield Group is a full-service real estate firm in Jacksonville. Through its operating arms, Silverfield Development Company and Silverfield Cranford Commercial Realty, the Silverfield Group has more than 150 years of combined real estate development and brokerage experience across the Southeast.

Call Leed Silverfield at (904) 519-9545 or visit at silverfieldgroup.com.

Welcome, new members THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES BECAME NEFBA BUILDER AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS IN MARCH. ALTERNATE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES LLC TARA PRIETO

FLOOR & DECOR TIMOTHY BROWN

BACON BOOKKEEPING LLC DOROTHY KRIEG CARPET ONE FLOOR AND HOME BONNIE FENWICK CHEYKOTA CONSTRUCTION MELANDY HIGDON DCSI PAMELA GIBSON

Affordable New Express Homes community in Northwest Jax!

Brand New Model Home!

2180 Sotterley Lane – Jacksonville, Florida 32220

From I-295 take exit 25 for Pritchard Rd and travel west approx .8 mile, turn left onto Imeson Rd and continue approx 1.2 miles to community on the left at Old Pioneer Rd.

JOHNSON ELECTRIC OF JACKSONVILLE JAMES JOHNSON LAUREN LEONARD INTERIORS LAUREN LEONARD

PROMO 180 PAUL LEPORE

Thanks to these members for recruiting and sponsoring a new member: Ron Coppenbarger, Gene Rover, Charles Jimerson, Amber Junker, Leed Silverfield, Cole Slate, Katrina Watkins, Jason White

New Community Now Selling!

HUB INTERNATIONAL FLORIDA KYLE WHITMAN

OASIS RUG & HOME MARC GINTER

DOOHICKEY CREATIVE GAIL BURGOS

No CDD Fees!

Low HOA Fees!

HOMEPRO INSPECTIONS WALLY CONWAY

MATHIEU BUILDERS DUSTIN BROWN

DESIGN WORKS LUIS PAPAGNO

PIPER HOMES

For More Information Please Call (904) 374-7447

29

As a cooperative with 1,000 stores worldwide, Carpet One Floor and Home not only has enormous buying power, but it has partners in all the major brands, mills and manufacturers. With one of the largest selections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs and more, find the best products and savings every day. Call Bonnie Fenwick at (904) 272-4001 or visit carpetone.com.

NEFBA initiated the Pinnacle Builder Awards to enhance those crucial connections and to recognize builder members who support the people who serve the industry.

A Pinnacle Builder is a NEFBA builder-member company that: 1. Maintains 90% of its active subcontractors, vendors, and trade partners as NEFBA members.

2. Actively recruits two new members every year.

3. Attends at least one NEFBA General Membership/Board meeting each month.

Earning this prestigious award marks a company as one committed to NEFBA and the construction industry. Congratulations and thank you to these builders who have achieved this high standard of commitment.

ICI HOMES

MAY 2018

Carpet One Floor and Home, Bonnie Fenwick

Star-certified.

“We believe in building welldesigned homes that are not only more energy efficient, but healthier for your family,” Junker said.

Since becoming an Energy Junker Star partner in 2009, Providence has built more than 1,200 Energy Star homes, resulting in more than $2.5 million savings on homeowners’ energy bills.

“The 2018 Energy Star Partners of the Year have demonstrated real leadership, showing how American families and businesses can save energy, save money, and reduce air emissions,” said Bill Wehrum, EPA assistant administrator for air and radiation.

ADAMS HOMES

|

New member spotlight

Providence Homes receives EPA, Department of Energy Award

BY NEFBA STAFF

REALTY-BUILDER

and Matt Devereaux. For more information about the benefits of membership and how to become a NEFBA member, call Hans Krieg at (904) 421-0295 or email him at HKrieg@nefba.com.

PRITCHARD

POINT

Homes From The High $100’s* • Distinctively designed homes ranging from 1,557 – 2,708 Sq. Ft.+ • Amenities including a community pool, pavilion & playground • Convenient location minutes from I-295, I-10 & Downtown Jacksonville

Model Home Open Daily!

Mon – Sat 10 am – 6 pm • Sun 12 pm – 6 pm

*Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Pictures, photographs, floor plans, elevations, features, colors and sizes are approximate for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. CBC058997 ©2018 Express Homes, Inc. All rights reserved. MAY 2018

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REALTY-BUILDER

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MAY 2018

NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Realty-Builder.com

FROM THE DESK OF NEFBA EXECUTIVE OFFICER BILL GARRISON

Training a workforce, educating members

BILL GARRISON

(This is the third of four-part series on NEFBA’s four key areas. This month: NEFBA’s education initiatives.)

The Northeast Florida Builders Association focuses on four key areas in our work to support and promote our 1,250 members. Government advocacy, networking events, community service projects and this month’s focus — education. NEFBA’s most extensive and high-profile education initiative is the Apprenticeship Program. The program uses a nationally recognized classroom curriculum combined with on-the-job training in a four-year program to train carpenters, electricians, plumbers and air conditioning technicians.

Graduates earn a certificate of completion from the Florida Department of Education, certifying the graduates are journeyman in their field. Because the

curriculum provided by the National Center for Construction Education & Research is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, the NCCER certification is recognized throughout the United States. Currently, there are nearly 350 students enrolled in NEFBA’s apprenticeship program.

In addition to the four-year apprenticeship program, NEFBA also provides many education programs for our members. Throughout the year, a wide range of topics is presented at bimonthly “Lunch & Learn” events. Topics are as diverse as how to design HVAC systems for residential and commercial buildings (Lennox, Kevin Suarez) to buying and financing custom homes (Regions Bank, Ian MacDonald). NEFBA also provides two different OSHA training seminars to help protect workers in the field and to help contractors understand their responsibilities for safety compliance.

Like all other industries, the construction industry constantly is evolving. NEFBA is committed to helping our members keep up with the rapid pace of change in the industry and to remain at the front of their profession through ongoing educational opportunities.

If you have an area of interest you would like to see presented, contact me at (904) 838-0531, or bgarrison@nefba. com. I welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you so we can consider the value of your suggestion to other members and plan a class on the topic.

2018 MEMBERSHIP

D R I V E Special thanks to our sponsors

For only $500, sponsor the most important NEFBA event of the year!

SAVE DATES! Tuesday, May 1

Team & Call Time

Intuition Ale Works 5:30pm - 7:30pm

May 2, 8:30am—10:30am @ NEFBA

Remodelers Council

Batter Up/Kickoff Party Raffle off a ‘free’ membership to an attending NEW members including Affiliates (individuals) that deliver their application that day.

May 1-23

“Jumbo Shrimp”

Sales & Marketing Council “Hammers”

May 2, 8:30am—10:30am @ NEFBA

Clay Builders Council “Free Birds”

May 2, 9:30am—11:30pm @ Holiday Inn OP

St. Johns Builders Council

Membership Drive

“St. Augustine Saints”

“Play Ball”

May 2, 2:00pm – 4:00pm @ TBD

Call-A-Thon w/ team May 2 & May 3

“Bananas”

May 24

Welcome Party!

PWB/YPG May 3, 9:00am—11:00am @ NEFBA

Past Presidents “Padres”

May 3, 9:00am—11:00am @ NEFBA

Nassau Builders Council

BlackFinn AmeriPub 5:00 - 7:00 pm

“Pirates” May 3, 2:00pm – 4:00pm @ TBD

PRESENTED BY:

Friday, May 18, 2018 St Johns Golf & Country Club 205 St Johns Golf Drive St Augustine, FL 32092

Sign In/Lunch: 12PM | Shotgun Start: 1:15PM Individual Registration: $175 Team Registration (4 Players): $550

Includes Golf, Range Balls, 2 Drink Tickets, Lunch, Snacks on Course, & Dinner

Register Online: web.nefba.com/events

Questions?

Contact Hans Krieg HKrieg@nefba.com

WIN PRIZES

Earn TRIPLE Spike Points!

First Place $1,000!

Winner must recruit at least 10 new members to win full amount.

Runner - Up TBD - 12ga Shotgun Third Place $250 Ruth’s Chris Gift Card Winning Team treated to Luxury Suite at Jumbo Shrimp Game

NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Realty-Builder.com

REALTY-BUILDER

|

MAY 2018

Love Visit our Northeast Florida communities today!

OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

2017

1

Arbor Mill

8

Ashford Lakes

9

Beach Haven

10

Located in Ponte Vedra Beach Starting in the $600’s

Located in World Golf Village Starting in the $200’s 2

Located in Ormond Beach Starting in the $300’s

8 3 12

1 13

Located in Summer Haven/ Palm Coast Starting in the low $300’s

5 6 14 11 10 4

4

Castine Cove

Located in S. St. Augustine Starting in the low $200’s 5

3

Coastal Village

Located in St. Augustine Starting in the $200’s 6

Located in St. Augustine Starting in the $200’s

9 2

Coquina Ridge CLOSE OUT

7

7

Cypress Trail

Located in Ormond Beach COMING SOON

Eagles Cove CLOSE OUT

Gardens at Addison Oaks Located in Ormond Beach Starting at $180’s

Heartwood CLOSE OUT Located in St. Augustine Starting in the $300’s

11

Sawmill Landing

Located in St. Augustine Starting in the $200’s 12

Traceland

13

Trailmark

14

Treaty Oaks

Located in Middleburg COMING SOON Located in World Golf Village Starting in the low $300’s Located in St. Augustine Starting in the $200’s

CONTACT Andrea Johnson FOR MORE INFORMATION: 904.567.3430 OR ANDREAJ@LANDON-HOMES.NET

CBC1257429

WWW.LANDON-HOMES.NET

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REALTY-BUILDER

NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

MAY 2018

|

Realty-Builder.com

Permit numbers on the increase The four-county area of Northeast Florida, which includes Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns, showed an uptick in permits issued in March compared to February. Permits issued in March numbered 757 over the February total of 689, which is a nearly 10 percent increase in one month.

160

2017 127

80 0

400

133

107

Jan

Feb

160

263

Jan

500

233 243

Apr

May

Jun

82

68

Jul

Aug

284

220 Mar

319

1,000 100

Sep

Oct

65

Nov

259

311

269

Dec

2018

269

256

175

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

66

41 Jan

2017

135 78

20

Feb

97

66

Mar

2018 91

55

Apr

May

Jun

80

Jul

67

Aug

32 Sep

64

Oct

60

Nov

Dec

ST. JOHNS COUNTY PERMITS 2017-18 284

330

333 315

373

343

333

335

329

368

Jan

2017

417

380

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

2018

297

216

125 0

74

72

2017

326 312

Feb

110

375 250

Mar

83

NASSAU COUNTY PERMITS 2017-18

80 0

62

152

120 40

88

DUVAL COUNTY PERMITS 2017-18

200 0

2018

121

92

53

47

300 100

(dated April 6, 2018), total housing starts were 1.21 million in 2017, increasing to 1.27 million in 2018 and 1.32 million in 2019. Builders face the challenge of meeting the demand for new housing because of a shortage of skilled labor.

CLAY COUNTY PERMITS 2017-18

120 40

Nationwide, the National Association of Homebuilders predicts a steady growth in all housing categories (starts, single family and existing home sales) this year and next.

Only multifamily stays the same and begins to decline.

According to NAHB’s Housing and Interest Rate Forecast

Sep

Oct

266

Nov

Dec

TOTAL PERMITS 2017-18 524 830

765 689

941 757

Jan

Feb

Mar

833

795

691

689

797

867

505

691

2017

660

2018

10 1

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

*The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index is strictly the product of NAHB Economics and is not seen or influenced by any outside party prior to being released to the public. HMI tables can be found at nahb.org/hmi. More information on housing statistics also is available at housingeconomics.com.

RATE

LOAN AMOUNT

APR 3.685%

$350,000

MONTHLY PAYMENT $1,572

APR 4.781%

$350,000

$1,799

FOR ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL TODAY.

AMELIA ISLAND BRANCH

904-296-0301

904-261-3739

lo.primelending.com/jacksonville 12276 San Jose Blvd., Suite 747 Jacksonville, FL 32223

Presented By:

THE IMPACT OF INTEREST RATES ON YOUR MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS

JACKSONVILLE BRANCH NMLS: 395809

Source: Permit data provided

by Wolfe Jackson, The Resource Group LLC

Tuesday, June 19 8:00am-9:30am

Don’t wait until the next interest rate increase to buy or refinance.

A 1.125% increase in interest rates mean you can pay $227 per month more, which is $81,720 more over the life of your loan.

Dec

Leadership BREAKFAST

MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES ARE INCREASING.

The Federal Reserve has recently raised interest rates and industry watchers expect this trend to continue. Putting off a home purchase can be costly. Rates are still relatively low so it’s a good idea to take advantage of them now.

Nov

NMLS: 348631

lo.primelending.com/ameliaisland 9900 Amelia Island Pkwy., Suite 400 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Daniel Blanchard

Ewing Real Estate 2014 NEFBA President

Denise Wallace

Dennis Ginder

Encore Homes of North Florida BCM Services 2013 NEFBA President 2002/03 NEFBA President

Chet Skinner

Skinner Bros. Realty 2016 NEFBA President

Richard Dostie

Dostie Homes 1988 NEFBA President

NEFBA Office 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100 $10 NEFBA Members | $20 Non-Member Sponsorships Available All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Mortgage financing provided by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. Equal Housing Lender. © 2018 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS: 13649). PrimeLending is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in FL. V010918

Register Online web.nefba.com/events

NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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Upcoming events LOCAL EVENTS ARE LISTED FIRST, THEN NEFBA EVENTS. COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE EVENTS ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY EVENT NAME FOR CONVENIENCE IN TRACKING YOUR AREA OF INTEREST. NEFBA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

May 1-23 Contact: Hans Krieg, HKrieg@nefba.com NEFBA MEMBERSHIP WELCOME PARTY

May 24 Time: 5-7 p.m.

Location: BlackFinn AmeriPub, 4840 Big Island Drive Contact: Hans Krieg, HKrieg@nefba.com NEFBA SOCIAL HOSTED BY INTERIOR SPECIALISTS

June 5 Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Interior Specialist, 4825 Executive Park Court, Suite 110 Contact: Rachel Hammond, RHammond@nefba.com NEFBA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

June 7 Time: 11:30 a.m.

Location: NEFBA Office Contact: Hans Krieg, HKrieg@nefba.com NEFBA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP/BOD MEETING

June 20 Time: 8:15 a.m.

Location: NEFBA Office Sponsor: Duval Ford Contact: Rachel Hammond, RHammond@nefba.com BUILDERS CARE BOARD MEETING

June 12 Time: Noon Location: NEFBA Office RSVP: Justin Brown, JBrown@builderscare.org CLAY BUILDERS COUNCIL BREAKFAST

June 6 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Location: Holiday Inn, 620 Wells Road, Orange Park Cost: $15 Contact: Jessie Spradley, JSpradley@nefba.com

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN BUILDING LUNCHEON

May 24 Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: NEFBA Office Cost: $7 for PWB Members; $10 for non-members Contact: Corey Hacker, CHacker@nefba.com SALES & MARKETING COUNCIL BREAKFAST

June 8 Time: 8 a.m.

Location: UNF University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive Speaker: UNF basketball coach Matthew Driscoll Sponsors: Glenn Layton Homes, Bank of England Cost: $15 in advance for SMC members, $20 at the door Contact: Corey Hacker, CHacker@nefba.com or Michelle Glass, MGlass@nefba.com

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

May 24 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Location: NEFBA Office Contact: Jessie Spradley, JSpradley@nefba.com

$5,000

of your client’s closing costs for purchase or refinance.

Ask us how.

SALES & MARKETING COUNCIL EDUCATION

Time Management with Bobby Mink June 14 Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Location: NEFBA office Cost: $45 for SMC Members, $55 for Non-members Contact: Michelle Glass, MGlass@nefba.com SALES & MARKETING COUNCIL MODEL MEET UP

June 21 Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Location: Adams Homes Model Villages of Westport Contact: Michelle Glass, MGlass@nefba.com SALES & MARKETING COUNCIL SOCIAL

May 31 Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Location: Surfer the Bar, 200 First St. N., Jacksonville Beach Contact: Corey Hacker, CHacker@nefba.com or Michelle Glass, MGlass@nefba.com

CLAY BUILDERS COUNCIL SOCIAL

June 14 Time: 5-7:30 p.m.

Location: The River House, 2137 Astor St., Orange Park Contact: Jessie Spradley, JSpradley@nefba.com

We’ll pay up to

ST JOHNS BUILDERS COUNCIL SOCIAL

June 19 Mark your calendars. Details to come.

Contact: Leona Brown, SJBCouncil2@aol.com YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST

June 19 Time: 8-9:30 a.m.

Location: NEFBA Office Cost: $10 NEFBA members, $20 nonmembers Contact: Jessie Spradley, JSpradley@nefba.com

VYSTARCU.ORG 904-777-6000 · 1-800-445-6289 Certain restrictions and limitations apply. All loans are subject to credit approval. No Closing Costs offer available only when obtaining a VyStar Credit Union First Mortgage Loan and is not available on VA and FHA Mortgages. Available for purchase or refinance. VyStar will pay borrower closing costs up to a maximum amount of $5,000 excluding origination fee, discount points, private mortgage insurance, prepaid interest or funds to establish the member’s escrow account. If the borrower pays off the mortgage within the first 36 months, they will be required to reimburse VyStar for a portion of the closing costs paid

by VyStar. Offer available for a limited time and subject to change without notice.

WE’D LIKE TO REMOVE THE WORD ‘STRESS’ FROM YOUR VOCABULARY. VyStar Title Agency* knows that closings can be tense. So, whether you’re a buyer, broker, Realtor, or lender, we’ll be there step-by-step to help make the process as fast and easy as possible. You’ll get the personal attention you deserve from the moment the file is opened until the last document is signed and delivered. So relax, and rely on VyStar Title Agency for precise, prompt, and professional service.

phone: 904-908-2874 • vystarcu.org • NEFBA office address is 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 103.

• Events are in Jacksonville unless otherwise specified.

• Call NEFBA at 725-4355 or contact event coordinator by email to confirm details of events.

• Check the NEFBA website calendar at http://web.nefba.com/events/.

About NEFBA The Northeast Florida Builders Association provides industry-wide representation to strengthen and foster the continued growth of construction trades andservices in Northeast Florida.

Serving the region since 1944, NEFBA is an affiliate of the Florida Home

Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. Builder News is a newsletter for and about NEFBA members and industry issues at local, state and national levels.

The newsletter is published and distributed monthly by Daily Record and Observer LLC in Realty-Builder.

For membership information or to contact NEFBA, call (904) 725-4355. @NEFBAMembership

bit.ly/FacebookNEFBA

* VyStar Title Agency, a division of VyStar Financial Group LLC; a wholly owned subsidiary of VyStar Credit Union. Not federally insured and not underwritten or guaranteed by the credit union.

VYS 2411 Mortgage Ad for Real Build Connect#3 5x16_Approved.indd 2

12/22/17 3:16 PM

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Government advocacy update DUVAL

ST. JOHNS

NEFBA Government Affairs Committee meeting is 8:30 a.m., Thursday, May 24, at the NEFBA offices.

New solar guidelines. Updates in the requirements for permitting and installing solar photovoltaic systems are included in the Jacksonville Building Department’s Bulletin G-03-19. Contractors are required to submit two sets of drawings, as defined under the “Construction Documents and Specifications” section, signed and sealed by the appropriate Florida professional engineer and/or architect. Contractors must

also complete the Building Permit Application and make sure the owner/agent section has been signed, dated and notarized, and the Contractor Affirmation section has been signed, dated and notarized. For more information, contact Tom Goldsbury at tomg@coj.net.

JEA CEO Paul McElroy resigned. McElroy announced his resignation April 13. He was chief executive of the utility for 5 1/2 years and his existing employment agreement was to end in September. McElroy will stay on with the utility as a consultant.

CLAY Land Development Regulation changes were discussed by the Clay County Commission. Possible changes to the LDR were proposed by county staff. NEFBA has previously commented on these items at the staff level. Suggested changes ad-

NEFBA Council Liaisons (904) 725-4355

dress such issues as lot grading as built, increased widths of local roads and rights of way, reduced horizontal and centerline radius on roads and required two layers of asphalt.

Professional Women in Building/ Remodelers Council/ Sales & Marketing Council Corey Hacker, CHacker@nefba.com

Impact fee approval. By a vote of 4-1, new impact fees were approved by the St. Johns County Commissioners. The new fee schedule reflects a reduction in nonresidential (including hotels) impact fees of 40 percent to promote economic development. Residential fees are divided into seven categories, with larger

homes seeing a sharp increase in impact fee rates. The commission also included an implementation period in the ordnance. Through Jan. 1, 2019, the new fee will be collected at a 25 percent discount.

The discount would not affect school impact fees.

NASSAU County Manager Shanea Jones resigned. Jones announced her plan to resign from her post July 2. She cited a need to “focus more on family” as the

reason. Jones has been county manager for 15 months. She previously worked for the county in a variety of positions for 14 years.

BAKER Baker County issues: Jessie Spradley, JSpradley@nefba.com and (904) 725-4355

Clay Builders Council/ Nassau Builders Council/ Young Professionals Group Jessie Spradley, JSpradley@nefba.com

Sales & Marketing Council Michelle Glass, MGlass@nefba.com

To continue receiving at NO CHARGE, please sign and drop this card in the mail.

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Donate today at

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2018 Calendar of Events

Join us for the

May 16

8:00-9:30am UNF/University Center Sponsored by:

9:00am-2:00pm • Pick Up #1 Avenues Mall, (Belk bottom level)

WEDNESDAY Pick Up #2 Exit Realty/Publix parking lot on CR210 (Exit end) Back to the Beach “A Splash through New Construction” 210 Corridor Section: Beachwalk, Beacon Lake & Creekside

JUNE SMC BREAKFAST June 8

SMC SAM TRAM

May 17

SMC Model Meet Up

THURSDAY

Freedom Homes Model, Arbor Mill Oakleaf Plantation

May 18

SMC Breakfast

FRIDAY

8:00-9:30am • UNF/University Center Wounded Warriors Financial Wellness VP – Jonathan Sullivan Sponsored by: Markland and Wells Fargo Mortgage

Guest Speaker:

May 31

SMC Social

THURSDAY

5:30pm • Surfer [The Bar]

UNF Basketball Head Coach

June 8

SMC Breakfast

FRIDAY

8:00-9:30am • UNF/University Center UNF Basketball Head Coach – Matthew Driscoll Sponsored by: Bank of England and Glenn Layton Homes

June 14

SMC Education: Time Management Class by Bobby Mink

THURSDAY

9:00am-12:00pm • NEFBA

June 21

SMC Model Meet Up

Matthew Driscoll

Head Coach Matthew Driscoll has been putting his personal stamp on the UNF men’s basketball program since his arrival in Spring of ‘09. With a contagious personality, boundless energy, and a committed plan to take the Ospreys to new heights, Driscoll has guided the program to noticeable improvements both on and off the court.

THURSDAY

Adams Homes Model, Villages of Westport

Please prepay for all events on our website web.nefba.com/events

Contact Michelle Glass at mglass@nefba.com or Corey Hacker at chacker@nefba.com for Information on involvement and sponsorship opportunities!

#ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) April Model Meet-Up @ Dream Finders Homes Model, Preserve at PV Lakes

MISSION

To enlighten, motivate and educate NEFBA members through dynamic programs and networking opportunities so more new homes are sold.

April SMC Breakfast w/ Superintendent for the St. Johns County Schools

VISION

To be the most effective resource for selling and marketing new homes in Northeast Florida.

1515 County Road 210 W, Suite 103 Jacksonville, FL 32259 904-823-3699 Donna.Bavier@brightway.com Jaime.Bavier@brightway.com

Give your customers 100% confidence that they have the best possible insurance coverage for the best possible price.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the level of service provided by Brightway Insurance and the Bavier’s. They have always been extremely responsive to our clients and sensitive to their unique situations. Sometimes working with the right insurance agent can make or break a deal!”

–David Wakefield, PrimeLending

GOAL

Bring members and guests together in fun, informative, rewarding events and activities to stimulate networking and business relationship building opportunities.

35

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David Weekley Homeowners Martha, Chad, Parker & Hutchinson Cates

Home is a cherished place for your entire family.

That’s why David Weekley Homes is leading the way with lifestyle-driven home design. We balance livability with outstanding design so you can enjoy the lifestyle you want with inviting living spaces, both indoors and out. Our FlexSpaceSM options let you easily transform any room to suit your interests, whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a sunny art studio. Whatever life brings, our collaborative approach to creating your dream home will inspire you to live life to the fullest. That’s The Weekley Way!

Homes from the $220s to $595s+ in Nocatee 904-345-4293

Liberty Cove at Crosswater Nocatee 40’

Heritage Trace at Crosswater Nocatee

From the $280s 904-345-4293

From the $340s 904-345-4293

See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2018 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. CBC1257289 Weekley Homes, LLC. Jacksonville, FL (JACA95315)