THE
MILLER REPORT July 2021
The
Miller Group
Your Trusted Amelia Island Plantation Realtors
THANK YOU! SOLD! 69 MARSH CREEK ROAD $800,000
1164 BEACH WALKER ROAD $353,500
THANK YOU! SOLD! 95084 SPRING TIDE LANE $1,230,000
61 MARSH CREEK ROAD $670,000
PLANTATION MARKET UPDATE
This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This data only reflects listings entered into MLS and does not include sales withheld from MLS.
PLANTATION MARKET UPDATE
Real estate sales have been exploding in 2020 and May was no different. The number of closed sales within AIP was up 137% in May compared to 2020 and this is despite historically low inventory. (The average number of active listings per month from January through May has been down 42% compared to last year.) We expected sales to be higher this year since they are being compared to the beginning of COVID lockdowns last year. Yet the number of sales is still high compared to 2019 which had 77 sales during the same time period. The number of sales in 2021 is not completely out of line compared to other previous years like 2018 which had 99 sales and 2017 which had 86 sales. However, what is shocking is that these sales occurred with such low inventory. Inventory has been decreasing every year over the past five years as demonstrated by the average number of listings available for sale per month during the months from January through May: 59 in 2021, 101 in 2020, 111 in 2019, 137 in 2018, 153 in 2017 and 187 in 2016. As supply has decreased and demand has either stayed the same or increased, pricing has risen. Some properties have appreciated as much as 50% or more over the past 5 years. The question we have is how will price increases impact future supply and demand? Will increasing prices encourage more sellers to list their properties for sale to take advantage of equity gains? Or will demand taper off as prices go up? Or is our little slice of heaven in northeast Florida starting to experience major appreciation similar to what areas in south Florida have experienced over the past two decades? Stay tuned to future issues of the Miller Report to find out! Call James at 904-557-5720 for a free market analysis to find out what your home is worth in today's hot real estate market! This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This data only reflects listings entered into MLS and does not include sales withheld from MLS.
6 TASKS THAT CAN INCREASE A LISTING'S VALUE Preparation is vital in all walks of life — from getting ready for a big event, exam, job interview or any monumental moment. The same can be said when it comes time to list a property for sale. Although sellers might be eager to get their home on the market and sold, preparing properly ahead of listing can make all the difference when it comes down to getting top dollar for your client. From simple inexpensive items to some that are a little more out-of-the-box with a higher price tag, below are six things agents should address with their clients ahead of listing a home on the market.
1.) Call An Expert Although we have experience viewing properties through the eyes of a developer and a real estate professional, I like to enlist someone whose job it is to be on the lookout for any issues — cosmetic or otherwise — that a potential buyer might flag. Calling in a qualified contractor or home inspector to walk the property can be extremely helpful in identifying any items that may need fixing, and it could mean a world of difference when it comes time to negotiate an offer. Some common items that often need attention include: painting, replacing or repairing fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom, cabinet doors, baseboards, window seals, and grouting. But don't forget all the little things that are sometimes overlooked but may catch the eye.
2.) Set The Mood For A Sale Lighting is an impactful element that can and should set the mood as potential buyers enter the listing and tour it. Look at the lighting options at various times of day — as your showings could be morning, noon or night — and make adjustments to showcase the home in the best possible light. You can achieve this task by switching light bulbs or knowing what lights to have switched on to create the most memorable experience. Also, keep in mind that you can adjust lighting from the outside. When you are examining the property’s exterior, take a look to see if there are any trees or shrubbery that might be blocking natural light from streaming in, and be sure to prune accordingly.
6 TASKS THAT CAN INCREASE A LISTING'S VALUE 3.) Put The Home's Best Foot Forward A stain on the carpet, a warped wooden floorboard, or a broken tile can all leave a lasting impression in potential buyers’ minds. If possible, and if budget and time allow, fixing or replacing flooring can elevate the home’s entire look and feel. Also, be sure to know what the market demands. If the home is in an area where buyers predominately seek one type of flooring over the other, make sure to address this with your seller. Sometimes an updated flooring can create an impactful ROI when it comes time to price the property. This can be particularly true in today's market where renovation prices are high and the availability of contractors is low. In this type of situation, a home that needs work is less likely to capitalize on the hot seller's market.
4.) Groom The Grounds Landscaping can drastically improve the appearance of a home. Projects can range from quick fixes to engaging a landscape architect and professional team. Depending on your price point and ROI, if employing a professional is not the right option, sellers can make some quick updates relatively easily with their agents’ guidance. Ensure sellers know that someone needs to mow the grass ahead of a showing, remove, replace or prune any dead or wilted plants, and remove debris and dead branches. If sellers have outdoor furniture, make sure it’s free of dust. They should also remove or replace rusted items or faded cushions. If your listing has no landscaping or is a dirt patch, laying wood chips or bark to cover the dirt can really lift the space for a temporary fix.
5.) Look Back In Time If the home is a little older, take the time to do some research with the seller to find any great images or stories that you can share with potential buyers. Although an older home might not be for everyone, plenty of people look specifically for historical properties or those with a rich and unique past. Searching local periodicals or online can be a great place to start, and more often than not, the seller will already have some on hand. These images and items are great to use in marketing pieces or to share while showing the home, and they can capture the heart and mind of a new homeowner.
6 TASKS THAT CAN INCREASE A LISTING'S VALUE 6.) Design With The Times Professionally staging a home can help potential buyers envision what life could be like at their new residence. Also, according to the National Association of Realtors, 23 percent of buyer’s agents said that home staging “increased the dollar value offered between one and five percent” when compared to similar unstaged homes. Staging homes versus leaving them empty or outdated is something we always recommend when preparing a listing for the market. It just depends on your budget and the availability of attractive furniture. No Furniture is better than outdated or out-of-place items. However, other design elements also resonate with buyers in today’s market. When preparing a home to list, consider calling in a design expert like Julia Hall Interiors to update a piece of furniture or two.
All of these items take time, care and money when preparing a home to sell, so we're always careful to analyze the cost against the potential return before we recommend a client to take on any of these projects. Our advice in these matters is always a case-by-case scenario. That said, first impressions are always the most important, so make sure your listing has a lasting impact in images, during showings, and when buyers roll up to the curb.
FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS
On the 4th of July, Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They celebrate with family and friends while listening to patriotic songs, watching fireworks, and waving the Red, White, and Blue. It's a day worthy of celebration.
A Miller Family rule is any proper celebration requires themed cuisine and we turn to the old standby of red, white, and blue! Some favorite staples, true to theme, include watermelon for red, french onion dip for white, and blueberry cobbler for blue. Please enjoy the following family recipes. And as Kathy Miller always says...Come celebrate with us. We'll save you a seat at the table!
FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS Watermelon Skewers
French Onion Dip
The 4th of July would not be the same without serving watermelon...one way or another. This year, try appetizer skewers, using three traditional combinations. So refreshing and cool.
Another old standby...French Onion Dip! Homemade! Much better than the Lipton Onion Soup mix which has gluten. This French Onion Salt by Heidi Swanson can be used in many dishes, but combined with sour cream...brings back lots of memories.
INGREDIENTS Watermelon Salad Skewers • watermelon cubes • feta cubes • basil leaves Cantaloupe, Prosciutto, Mozzarella Salad Skewers • cantaloupe balls • prosciutto slices • mozzarella balls • basil leaves Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil Caprese Skewers • grape tomatoes • mozzarella balls • basil leaves INSTRUCTIONS • Alternate ingredients on skewers. • Drizzle with a little olive oil. • Drizzle with balsamic glaze. • Serve chilled.
INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup dried minced onion • 1 tablespoon onion powder • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt • 3 tablespoons chopped dried chives • 1 pint sour cream INSTRUCTIONS In a jar with a lid, combine all ingredients. Add French Onion Salt to sour cream to taste.
FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS Blueberry Pecan Cobbler INGREDIENTS 4 pints fresh blueberries 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/3 cup water 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 15 ounce package refrigerated pie crusts, divided 1/2 cup chopped pecans Vanilla ice cream INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring first 7 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until sugar melts. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Spoon half of blueberry mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch square pan. Roll 1 piecrust to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface; cut an 8 inch square. Place over blueberry mixture; sprinkle with pecans. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Spoon remaining blueberry mixture over baked crust. Roll remaining pie crust to 1/8 inch thickness, and cut into 1 inch strips. Place in lattice design over blueberry mixture. Place pan on a baking sheet on middle oven rack. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden. Serve with ice cream. NOTES I made this in a souffle dish. Turned out perfectly. The pecans and center pie crust give this cobbler a unique twist.
Kathy Miller Time celebrates the art of living. Kathy Miller loves to create...Painting, cooking, entertaining and setting a great table. After painting a "Tailgating Through The South" series, she began a popular blog, now known as "The Art of Living" which celebrates art, food, entertaining, home and lifestyle...the idea of living well. She loves to paint flowers, tablescapes, landscapes, interiors, and is always willing to try new ideas. Follow along with the "Art of Living" blog at kathymillertime.com and subscribe to never miss a new story, recipe or painting.
THE MILLER GROUP REAL ESTATE SHOW SHORT COURSES: THE NEWEST CRAZE IN GOLF In anticipation of Omni opening its new short course this fall, we are highlighting an episode we recorded in 2019 about how short courses are revolutionizing golf. This episode is an interview with John Lyberger who is an AIP property owner and the PGA Director of Golf for the Desert Mountain Club, in Scottsdale, Arizona. John discusses how their short course, No. 7 At Desert Mountain, was created to embrace the fun and social aspects of golf and has introduced an exciting level of new interest in the game among members. We think that the Omni's short course around Red Maple Lake will provide a similar experience for our local golf community.
To listen to this episode, subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Or you can go to our website and click on the podcast link in the top menu or type in the URL below. Scroll down to previous episodes to find the episode called "Short Courses: The Newest Craze In Golf".
www.millergroupofamelia.com/podcast-2/
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! The Fourth of July is a popular time of year for Amelia Island. It's an occasion for families to gather, relaxing on beautiful beaches, grilling delicious hotdogs, and watching grand firework displays...maybe even launching a few mischievous fireworks themselves. While we should enjoy the festivities surrounding this holiday, we must not forget what it is we are actually celebrating - one of the most momentous days in the history of our country and the history of the world. Independence Day signified much more than one country announcing its independence from another on July 4th, 1776. It was the beginning of a new form of government - freer and more accountable to its own people than the governments that had ruled the world for centuries. Today we accept the concepts of self-governance and freedom as the norm. In reality, a representative republic is not the norm. It is a historical anomaly that is not self-sustaining. Self-governance on such a large scale is a unique experiment which must be diligently protected. Our founders knew this and recognized the inherent dangers. Thomas Jefferson warned that "eternal vigilance" was the price of liberty. Even generations later, Abraham Lincoln expressed his fervent hope that "government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth." The survival of freedom was not something he took for granted. This is why we celebrate the Fourth of July - to honor our revolutionary experiment with self-governance and to remember our duty to preserve this freedom for future generations. On this Fourth of July, we hope you relax on the beach, grill a delicious hotdog and watch dazzling firework displays. Enjoy every moment with your friends and family. While you revel in the festivities, remember what a blessing it is to be part of this great American experiment with freedom. Have a happy Fourth of July!
Who do you know that needs help buying or selling real estate? We would love to help them!
The Miller Group
James Miller 904-557-5720 james@millergroupofamelia.com Dave Miller 904-206-0525 dfmillerjr54@gmail.com