Jax Real Producers ~ December 2023

JACKSONVILLE

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

I N S P I R I N G .

Partner Spotlight Brightway Insurance The Pihl Agency Rising Star Tina Priest

To p P r o d u c e r

M I K E R O L E W I C Z

DECEMBER 2023

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 3

Images That Take YOU To The Next Level

TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 07 Meet the Jax RP Team

10

Pub Note: The Joy of Giving

14

Partner Spotlight: Michele Mcilmurray

904-236-5337 • reneeparenteauphoto.com

20

Top Producer: Mike Rolewicz

HOME INSPECTION SERVICES MADE EASY

30

Rising Star: Tina Priest

36

Corporate Photography • Team and individual shots on location or in the studio Corporate Branding • Magazine & Commercial Shoots Cover Photos • Advertising • Local, Regional & National Publications

Question of the Month: Favorite Holiday Movie?

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If you are interested in nominating people for certain stories, please email us at Kristin.Lunsford@n2co.com and/or Brian.Lunsford@n2co.com.

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DISCLAIMER:Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Jacksonville Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 5

MEET THE

JACKSONVILLE REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Kristin and Brian Lunsford

Katie Cremean

Michele Jerrell

Ad Strategist

Operations Manager

Owners/Publishers

LICENSE NO. IM3014

Inspiring conversations with the nation’s top real estate agents.

Michelle Williamson

Ruth Gnirk Writer

Writer

Zachary Cohen Writer

Brandon Jerrell Writer

Renee Parenteau Photographer

Scott Golmic Photographer

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at kristin.lunsford@n2co.com.

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 7

LET THE PROFESSIONAL HANDLE THIS MOVE!

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate.

Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

ESTATE SALES Blue Moon Estate Sales of Jacksonville Valerie Sprague (904) 477-4871 bluemoonestatesales.com HOME BUYER Mac Home Development Inc (904) 887-4015 machomedevelopment.com HOME WARRANTY 2-10 Home Warranty (904) 652-5931 2-10.com Old Republic Home Protection (904) 994-6620 ORHP.com INSPECTIONS AmeriSpec Inspection Services (904) 448-5016 amerispec.com/locations/ fl/jacksonville

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Movement Mortgage Carlos Wilcox (904) 253-0940 NEXA Mortgage (904) 614-1146 scottneeley.com North Florida Mortgage Brokers Timothy Newman (904) 755-0307 northfloridamortgage brokers.com

MOVING COMPANY Jaguar Moving (904) 323-6978 JaguarMoving.com Ocean Movers (904) 269-4430 Oceanmovers.net OUTDOOR LIGHTING JoyLights (904) 474-1768 WeBringTheJoy.com PEST CONTROL SERVICES Kingfish Pest Control (904) 595-5300 KingfishPest.com PHOTOGRAPHY Renee Parenteau Photography (904) 236-5337 ReneeParenteauPhoto.com PRIVATE SCHOOLS Collage Day School (904) 900-1439 CollageDaySchool.org REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY The Real Estateographers (904) 770-5262 therealestateographers.com REAL ESTATE SCHOOL Eagles World Real Estate School (904) 337-1392 eaglesworldrealtyjax.com/ real-estate-school/ RENOVATIONS Renovation Sells (904) 655-2411 renovationsells.com/jax ROOFING Mighty Dog Roofing Jacksonville FLA (904) 867-7859 mightydogroofing.com

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8 • December 2023

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 9

Season’s Season’s

Greetings Greetings

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pub note

The Joy of

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In a world that often moves at a fast pace, let’s take a moment to celebrate the profound joy found in giving.

Whether it’s a simple act of kindness, sharing our time, or extending a helping hand, the magic of giving goes beyond the material. It’s about creating connections, fostering a culture of compassion, and spreading love in unexpected ways.

The beauty of giving lies not just in the impact it has on others but in the fulfillment it brings to our hearts. There’s an unparalleled joy in knowing that our actions, big or small, contribute to making someone else’s day a little brighter.

Let’s make generosity a daily practice and watch how it ripples through our lives, inspiring positive change in the world around us.

Close with Confidence!

As we are in this holiday season of giving, let’s remember that the most precious gifts don’t always come wrapped in paper. They come from the heart, filled with love and a genuine desire to make a difference. So, let’s spread joy, kindness, and warmth, creating an environment of giving that lights up our homes and all of Northeast Florida, and brings us all a little closer.

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10 • December 2023

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 11

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 13

MM C I I L CM U HR R E A L E

partner spotlight

By Brandon Jerrell

Y

BRIGHTWAY INSURANCE THE PIHL AGENCY

14 • December 2023

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GIVING THE BEST OPTIONS When making important business decisions, everyone wants to make choices that fit them best. It is an obvious statement, yet many are forced to settle for less. In the real estate industry, the need for better decision-making is vital for success.

This is a fact that Michele Mcilmurray and Brightway Insurance, The Pihl Agency, recognize. “In today’s tough insurance environment, you need a partner who is responsive and has the choices for your client,” Michele says.

Representing most of the Florida insurance companies, Michele and her team at Brightway are able to find markets that other insurance companies can’t. “We strive to be an extension of your brand, so we do everything in our power to make our referral partners look good.”

FLORIDA RAISED Michele was born and raised in South Florida as one of six children.

With being one of six, there was never a dull moment for her in those years. “Growing up in a large family you quickly learn how to put other people’s needs first,” she explains.

During her college years, she pursued a degree in nursing. “I had my first daughter at 21 years old but still managed to earn my BSN degree in supervision and management from FSCJ (Florida State College at Jacksonville).”

“I also knew at an early age that I wanted to be self-sufficient and be successful for my soon-to-be family. Never taking no for an answer, I believe that most things are possible with morals and a strong work ethic.”

FINDING HER PASSION While searching for a career with an opportunity for advancement, she found a position with Geico as a receptionist. “With a passion for helping others, I quickly learned that I should be assisting people with getting the proper insurance protection at a price they can afford.”

“My daughter Remi developed salmonella meningitis when she was five months old. This was a very scary time for me and I was so appreciative of the healthcare workers who supported us through this journey.

However, during this tough time, I learned that my calling was not to be a nurse.

This is when I knew that I wanted to take my insurance career to the next level and become an agent.”

Jacksonville Real Producers • 15

“I learned that life can be short and you need to love and cherish those who are important to you.

I now firmly believe that what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.”

PROVIDING THE BEST After moving to Jacksonville, Michele worked towards becoming a successful insurance agent.

With hard work and dedication, she quickly became a top sales agent for Brightway.

Brightway assists its clients with obtaining insurance. As one of the largest insurance agencies in the country, they are able to assist with all lines of personal insurance. They have a specialization in home and auto insurance.

“As one of the largest insurance agencies in the state we represent nearly every company who is accepting new customers,” explains Michele. “More choices means lower prices with better coverage.”

Michele and Brightway still believe in old-fashioned customer service — a trait that is unfortunately a luxury to find in the modern day. “We answer the phone when you call and respond to emails in a timely manner.”

When it comes to helping others learn what they need to know, Michele shares that she would

16 • December 2023

meaningful employment. Now that we are all in Jacksonville, we continue our traditions of family gatherings and helping local charities including the annual Buddy Walk.”

have been a teacher in another life. “Whether it is educating a first-time homebuyer on how coverages work or explaining the importance of uninsured motorists on an auto policy, I love to present all the information to my clients so they can make the best decision and feel well-protected.”

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY “My family and I are tight-knit. They are my biggest cheerleaders and the reason I relocated here to Jacksonville. My sister and best friend all-in-one, we had our first children two months apart to the day. We wanted them to grow up together, so I knew the move was necessary to make this happen. Just recently, my other sister left the Marines and moved here to work for JSO (Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office).

My mother also relocated to Jacksonville with my two youngest siblings.”

If you are in the market, make sure to check out Michele Mcilmurray and Brightway Insurance, The Pihl Team. They are sure to be able to get you the insurance choice that best fits you.

Website: brightwayjax.com

Michele and her family are excited about their growing family. Baby coming in February.

AS ONE OF THE LARGEST INSURANCE AGENCIES IN THE

“My youngest brother, Noah, was born with Down Syndrome.

Through this my mother found her passion for helping others with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities). She saw a need here in Jacksonville and started a local non-profit called Noah’s Agape Café where those with IDD can find

STATE WE REPRESENT NEARLY EVERY COMPANY WHO IS ACCEPTING NEW CUSTOMERS.

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 17

CLOSING LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA

PARTNERS

OUR JACKSONVILLE TEAM

Now In 2 Locations To Better Serve You! 4 210 VAL L E Y R ID G E B LV D S UIT E 141 PONT E VE D R A B EAC H F L 320 81

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 19

Mike

top producer

By Zachary Cohen

R O L E W I C Z renewing his focus

It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters. When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude toward it.

- E P I C T E T U S

When Mike Rolewicz was diagnosed with stage III cancer in March 2016, his life was turned upside down. Up until that point, Mike’s life was an image of success. He had been running the HR staffing and recruiting firm he founded for over twenty years. He was happily married, comfortable financially, and rooted in his community. Then, the cancer diagnosis came.

The next several months were a struggle. He underwent twice-daily radiation to the head and neck and weekly chemotherapy for more than six weeks. He lost around 35 pounds during the radiation treatments, resulting in needing to be put on a feeding tube.

A few months later, he needed surgery to remove the final remnants of the cancer.

Despite the obvious physical and mental challenges, Mike found a way to make his battle with cancer a positive event.

20 • December 2023

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He took a painful few months and found renewed purpose.

“During that time, I thought, ‘What is God’s lesson? Why am I here?’ I knew there was a purpose but didn’t know what it was yet. As I was getting dragged face-first in the mud, I had faith. I was one step closer to remission, one day closer to the old me.”

After regaining his health, Mike returned to the office at his staffing company. But as he got back to work, he had a realization: he was not passionate about his work. He was going through the motions, uninspired to create something truly extraordinary.

“It was a sustaining lifestyle business. It provided for the family, but I didn’t love it anymore,” he shares honestly. “I was just going through the motions.”

After such a close encounter with death, Mike’s zest for life

Jacksonville Real Producers • 21

“Truthfully, I am not worried about the next transaction, I am deeply committed to serving and building relationships. I care that I’m alive and that I have had this chance to reflect and change my direction and do something I love,” he says frankly. “I believe there is no testimony without a test. When I came out of this, part of the discussion with my wife was to get out of our comfort zone. What a message to show our kids who were in middle and high school, to show them if you are on a path that isn’t serving you, don’t wait for cancer to shake you from it. I did this at age 48.

You can pivot to a new career. It was a wonderful lesson. It’s never too late.”

904 Home Guide Team (L to R): Sara Gentry (agent), Adnana Kuduzovic (operations director), Mike, and Mackenzie Holland (agent).

Mike with his wife, Natalie, and children, Lindsey and Hayden.

F A M I L Y S P O T L I G H T

Mike and his wife, Natalie, have two children, Lindsey (21) and Hayden was renewed. He knew he had to make a career change and was driven to find work that inspired and engaged him. After some soul-searching and deep conversations with his wife, Mike decided to take a leap of faith into the real estate business.

“That battle with cancer encouraged me that I could do this,” he offers.

Mike’s draw to real estate lied in the ability to help individuals and families on the ground level of their lives. So, he sold his staffing

22 • December 2023

business in February 2018, took a few months off, and launched his real estate career.

“I was excited to get back to three-foot conversations,” Mike offers. “In staffing, as we grew and the clients grew, the intimacy was lost. Everything was done through a portal. It was all commoditized. I really enjoy relationship-building and negotiating, and we just weren’t doing that anymore.”

Mike sold 28 homes in his first year, and he was off. Realizing

the need to scale and getting back to his business-building and entrepreneurial roots, he started his team, the 904 Home Guide Team brokered by eXp Realty, in 2020.

Today, the 904 Home Guide Team is a group of four agents and an operations director; they closed 70 homes for over $35 million in the first nine months of 2023.

Mike is proud of his real estate success, yet he remains grounded in what is truly important in life — health, family, and faith.

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(19). When he’s not selling real estate or assisting his team, you’ll find Mike spending time with his family, trying new restaurants in the area, traveling, catching sunrises, and working out.

Mike and Natalie have been married for 25 years.

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Mike and Natalie, love traveling together.

This past summer they enjoyed a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana.

Jacksonville Real Producers • 23

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24 • December 2023

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 25

beach

CLEAN-UP

THANK YOU to Movement Mortgage for hosting!

26 • December 2023

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28 • December 2023

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 29

rising star

TINA PRIEST

30 • December 2023

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A HEART FOR HELPING SERVICE MEMBERS FIND HOME

By Michelle Williamson

After Tina Priest graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University in Georgia in Human Services and a master’s from the University of Arkansas in Operations Management, she worked in several industries. “Being a military spouse, we moved quite a bit,” she shares, “which allowed me to work in several different fields.”

Early in her career, she worked with military and Jewish families as a case worker and then with Fleet and Family Support while stationed in Monterey, California. When she and her husband moved back to Jacksonville, she went to work with Hover Girl Properties as their service manager. After three and a half years in that role, she became the Director of Customer Care. Then, Tina decided to become a full-time agent.

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When asked what led her to make the jump to becoming a REALTOR®, she says, “I have always had such a heart for serving the military community, which is a huge reason I love working at Hover Girl Properties. Also, being a military spouse means we have a huge network of friends and family who reach out when moving to the area.”

Tina also loves “learning and growing in new things.” She also knew getting her license would propel her career forward and offer another avenue to help those referred her way. “I am so grateful I chose to pursue and obtain my license. Each customer I have been able to help find their home has been so special. It truly felt like one more way to grow and be helpful at Hover Girl Properties.

“I loved the idea of being able to help those referred to me find their home here. As a military spouse, I still remember the importance of finding a home wherever we went. Moving was hard, but once I found a place to call home, I was more at ease.

Now, I love helping individuals and families find the right place, whether it’s a place to rent or purchase.

Jacksonville is huge and has so much to offer. Finding ‘home’ is unique to each individual or family, and I love being able to get to know my customers to help them find the right home.”

Though Tina’s husband, Eric, is now retired, he still works for the Navy.

“The military community holds such a special place in our hearts,” she says.

Jacksonville Real Producers • 31

our property while my husband was stationed at different places around the country. I always loved to see how Hover Girl Properties served the military community in many ways.”

adjusting to new schools... all shaped not only myself but my kids. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn and grow.”

THE ROAD HOME

WHAT MATTERS MOST

Tina is a North Georgia native. She and Eric married when she was 21 and a sophomore in college. She put her degree on hold until they could return to Georgia three years later. “We were able to return to Georgia... with a little baby girl,” Tina shares. “Although I had a newborn, finishing my education was important. So, I chose to go back. I am so grateful I did.”

When asked to share a pivotal moment, Tina shares two. “Besides surrendering my life to Christ, marrying my husband, Eric, was the best decision I have ever made.

14-year-old son who just started his eighth-grade year. They most enjoy family events. “We love getting together,” Tina says, “especially now with our daughter away in college, any time we get together is like gold.”

They also love to travel and see new things, watch sports together (UGA football being their favorite), and they love to serve Tina and Eric have two children, Kaylee and Evan. and attend services at The “Eric and I were good Kaylee is a student at the University of Georgia and Church of Eleven22. This friends for quite a few years Tina and her family enjoy attending football games together in Athens. season, Tina says they are before we started dating,” looking forward to many Tina remembers. “Once we trips up to Athens to visit with their daughter did start dating, we got engaged five months later and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs. Tina also and married four months after that. They always loves running and date nights with Eric. say to marry someone who brings out the good in you. Eric truly does that. He has always supported me and encouraged me to take on new challenges.”

F I N D I N G ' H O M E ' I S U N I Q U E TO E AC H

“My past has shaped so much of who I am today. Some seasons of my life have been easier than others, but I have walked away shaped by each one. I always thought growing up, I would live in Georgia my whole life. I am grateful that God had other plans. I learned so much living in the different places the Navy sent us to. I am grateful for the dear friends we made throughout each season. Deployments, homecomings,

Today, Tina and Eric have been married for more than 22 years. He retired as a Surface Warfare Officer after 21 years of service but continues to serve as a civilian employee with the Navy, and he loves it. The couple has a 19-year-old daughter, now a sophomore at the University of Georgia, and a

I N D I V I D UA L O R FA M I LY, A N D I LOV E B E I N G A B L E TO G E T TO K N OW M Y C U S TO M E R S TO H E L P T H E M

FIND THE RIGHT HOME.

TINA’S “WHY?”: HOVER GIRL PROPERTIES

“While we don’t exclusively work with service members and their families, a lot of our customers are military.

That has happened organically. Understanding the unique challenges that come with military life helps me know how best to serve there.” Also, Hover Girl Properties doesn’t only help customers buy or sell. They also have a full-service property management side and assist in finding a rental if buying is not an option the customer wants to pursue at that time.

“At Hover Girl Properties, we always look for ways to serve our military community. I was a customer of Hover Girl Properties before I worked for them. They managed Tina and her husband, Eric, have been married for 22 years.

32 • December 2023

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 33

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Pre-Approval Over The Phone in Minutes!

Linda Garcia

FL NMLS: #387192 JRDB, Inc NMLS: #1057426

(904) 591-3662 8833 Perimeter Park Blvd, Suite 403 Jacksonville, FL, 32216 mortgagesbylinda.com

estate professionals to perform instant background checks on individuals who may be interested in their services. It provides access to a wide range of data sources, including public records, criminal histories, and financial information, enabling realtors to assess potential clients quickly.

• Enhanced Safety: One of the primary objectives of Forewarn is to increase the safety of real estate agents by providing them with valuable information about clients before they meet in person. This can help agents make informed decisions about whether to engage with a particular individual.

• Identity Verification: The software offers identity verification services to ensure that the person you are dealing with is who they claim to be. It helps prevent cases of fraud or impersonation, which can be a concern in the real estate industry.

• Risk Mitigation: Forewarn helps real estate professionals identify potential risks associated with

a client. By providing access to a client’s criminal history and financial records, agents can assess whether any red flags might affect the safety of the transaction or the agent’s commission.

• User-Friendly Interface: The software is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for real estate agents to access and understand the information provided. Agents can quickly search for clients, access background information, and assess potential risks.

• Compliance and Data Security: Forewarn places a strong emphasis on compliance with legal regulations and data security. It aims to protect the privacy of individuals while providing agents with essential information to make informed decisions.

Forewarn is particularly valuable for real estate professionals who conduct open houses, private showings, or meet with potential clients they have not previously worked with. By providing insights into a client’s background, it helps realtors assess and mitigate potential risks associated with their interactions, ultimately enhancing their safety and peace of mind.

Florida Realtors is committed to our member’s safety and security.

We are excited to bring you this new benefit in 2024.

#TeamMBL 34 • December 2023

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 35

question of the month

What is your favorite holiday movie and why?

JAN RICE Momentum Realty

My favorite holiday movie is This Christmas.

I love this movie so much because it brings back memories as a kid growing up and reminds me so much of my own family traditions. There was always something happening unexpectedly and that is certainly how my family was growing up.

NICK SALTER Compass

Polar Express. Very nostalgic and brings that holiday magic.

LEAH MAIESKI Slate Real Estate

My favorite movie is The Holiday.

It is such a sweet love story with amazing actors in it. I could watch it over and over and never get tired of it.

JANET OGBURN JPAR Real Estate

Christmas Vacation - Classic Chevy Chase - no matter your age the movie will have you laughing.

36 • December 2023

CRYSTAL DUCKWORTH Crystal Clear Realty

JACKIE DARBY Century 21 Miller Elite

PAUL WAGNER Milestone Title Services

Christmas Vacation because it reminds be when I was younger and we would watch it together as a family. Now I watch it every year with my family. It makes me laugh and laughing is good for the soul.

I love the movie “The Holiday”. It’s the first time I heard about “home exchanging” and since that movie, I added my investment home into the program and have traveled all over the world using other people’s homes without paying for it! And who doesn’t love a cute chick flick with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Jude Law!!!

Die Hard – Because it IS a Christmas Movie.

DENISE DEMICO Fair Realty

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer from 1964. Such a classic that can take me back to my childhood watching it on an old school furniture-boxed TV in front of a fireplace.

ALLISON CHANCE Anchored Real Estate Group

Home Alone! I love watching with my family and just laughing! It’s a classic!

NATALIE BRYANT Compass Florida

SADIE NEWCOMER The Newcomer Group

White Christmas with Bing Crosby.

My favorite holiday movie is Elf! I was born and raised in New York City and my high school has a cameo in the movie.

The scene where Buddy the Elf is waiting for his brother outside of his school right before the snowball fight.

CHRISTINE HALL Slate Real Estate

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - Because I remember watching that movie as a kid and thinking that Duncan’s toy shop must be the best place on earth!

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JONATHAN DAUGHERTY Future Home Realty

Millions - Not your traditional Christmas movie but it has a very heartwarming theme exploring the good and evil that is possible from money.

CICI ANDERSON Marsh Landing Country Club Realty LLC

So many but “Love Actually” is my favorite because the theme of the movie is love is all around us.

DUNIA TAYLOR REMI Realty

Die Hard.

Jacksonville Real Producers • 37

Residential & Commercial Closings • Title Insurance • Escrow

Real Estate Transactions

Made Simple Owned and operated by real estate lawyers that have a combined 100 years of experience, Sentinel Title & Trust offers property owners, prospective buyers, and real estate professionals the services of a traditional title company with the added benefit of having knowledgable real estate lawyers on their side.

Santa's Sleighing the Mortgage Game!

Slide Down the Chimney into Your New Ho-Ho-Home!

Ponte Vedra Beach 904.207.7757 | sentineltitletrust.com info@sentineltitletrust.com 38 • December 2023

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Jacksonville Real Producers • 39