A lot of credit needs to be given to the students throughout St. Johns County for their hard work, dedication and performances, which is reflected by their overall school grades.  But the teaching staff in St. Johns County needs a standing ovation for the above and beyond attitude they put forth everyday to ensure our children’s bright futures.

That is why more than ever, we as a community need to come together and show our appreciation towards our local teaching staff. As of January 30th and running until February 13th, Davidson Realty’s 4th quarter of Davidson Appreciates Teachers is kicking off. They will be collecting nominations for all the resource teachers at Mill Creek Elementary and Wards Creek Elementary Schools, including PE, Guidance Counselors, Art, Media Specialists, Music, Computer and Spanish. 

All you need to do to nominate your favorite teacher is email Peyton at PDavidson@DavidsonRealtyInc.Com or give her a call at (904) 940-5000 and let her know who you would like to nominate. We would like to know why you think your favorite resource teacher deserves to be recognized. Voting will start on the Davidson Realty Facebook Page on February 15th and go until March 15th. Your winner will be announced on March 20th right before Spring Break!

Like Jerry Seinfeld at the rental car counter – complaining about how easy it is for them to take a reservation – but how hard it is for them to keep it – my track record with resolutions is a bit the same.

The experts have all sorts of tried and true ways to make resolutions, and more importantly, help you keep them. Their advice says that one should start with a set, specific goal – make a plan, then write it down. Once you are clear – you need to enlist support and stay the course. As the year progresses – they say you need to adopt the simple mantra, “how can I make it happen” – and just keep asking yourself that question. Supposedly – over and over, this self-driven effort (with all the extra encouragement you can get) will produce great results.

I think the best approach is to keep it simple – stay aware – and hone your will power. Last year – this approach resulted in my 35 pound weight loss – a totally different resolution for me.

This year – I was thinking to keep it even simpler.

I thought it would be great if I could just be better each day – no measuring stick – just better, in any way. The idea that each morning I could start with the real simple mantra “Be Better Today”.

So that’s it. My 2012 resolution is “BBT” – Be Better Today. And, far be it from me not to leave it totally simple – I will also try to abide by the adage, “ASB” – Always Seek Balance.

I send the hope that you too will find your resolution mantra – and that your New Year will be filled with good fortune, prosperity and success. Keep at it.

Inland Homes was founded in 1989 by the Suarez family, one of Florida’s leading names in home building since 1949.  The company is committed to excellence in craftsmanship and providing homeowners with best-in-class value for the money. “For a Realtor, Inland is a great company to work with because home buyers are always happy with the final product,” explains Barzaga.

The active adult retirement community of The Cascades has continued to draw boomers and retirees from both nearby markets, including Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Orlando, as well as the Northeast markets of New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Ohio. The 55-plus community is chock full of amenities; including its own 22,000 square-foot clubhouse with a ballroom and performance stage, billiards and darts room, card rooms, a library, and an arts and crafts center. The community also offers a fitness center, a heated indoor and an outdoor pool with spa, three lighted Har-Tru tennis courts and two lighted Har-Tru bocce ball courts. A wide array of planned activities is also available for a rich and rewarding retirement lifestyle, and residents have access to all the top-notch amenities of World Golf Village, including two world class golf courses, the King & Bear and the Slammer & Squire.

Mark Downing with CornerStone Homes and I sat down recently to discuss new home construction. We agreed we are both seeing a lot more people finding a great buy on lots and needing to find a builder. I thought it might be helpful to share some tips for finding a great builder you can trust.

1- Ask family, friends, coworkers or your real estate agent for a recommendation.
2- Make sure the builder has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
3- Ask to speak with previous customers.
4- Make sure you will enjoy working with the builder. You will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process.
5- Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids.

One of the most important topics I discussed with Mark is what type of down payment is required to build a new home today. I found out there are FHA Programs available for construction/perm loans that you can qualify for with as little as 3 ½ % down. That makes building an option for almost anyone that would qualify to purchase a home.

There are two common ways to finance a new home. One is for the builder to finance the home construction and the buyer obtains a permanent mortgage. The other is for the buyer to obtain a combination loan where the construction loan becomes permanent at the end of the construction period.

Watch the video above to hear some of Mark’s insightful comments!

Michelle has come to realize that the journey from chaos to order is a powerful, transformative and spiritual undertaking and that her job is to stand witness for this process. When people are finally ready to pick up the phone to contact her, they are ready to look deep into their lives and begin letting go of the items and commitments that no longer serve them and actually keep them from feeling the creativity and freedom they yearn for.

Michelle believes to start the process, you first need to ask yourself these questions:
Do you feel uncomfortable when uninvited guests visit?
Are closets, cabinets and drawers overflowing?
How many items are “homeless” in each room ?
Do you waste time looking for possessions?
Is clutter causing a stressful atmosphere in your home?

Here are some Tips for the New Year:
*Every three months, reserve one Saturday morning for a family cleanout. Set a timer for 30 minutes and have each person find things in his or her own space to donate or throw away. Box up the donations and drop them off right away, then reward yourselves with lunch out.
*Avoid zigzag organizing. Scattering your efforts over multiple rooms prevents you from seeing progress. For visible, dramatic results work one room at a time, one section at a time, completing each area before you move on to the next.
*When you’re trying to decide whether to keep something ask yourself three questions: Do I love it ? Do I use it? Could someone else use it?
*A system that’s a natural extension of your habits is easier to stick with than one that forces dramatic change, so set up solutions right where clutter collects (such as a labeled pail for each family member’s shoes and other equipment above  in a bookshelf right by the front door).
*Give frequently accessed papers ( take-out menus, sports schedules, phone directories) a dedicated spot, rather than in a pile on the counter or stuck to the fridge. Three-hole-punch all that paper and store it in a pretty binder with labeled tabs.
* Relegating a sentimental item you no longer have use for to a box in the closet, basement or attic does nothing to honor it. Instead, take a photo of the item and put it in a scrapbook or load it on a digital picture frame, then donate the item or pass it down to a family member who might want it.

BLESS & RELEASE…make this your year to get organized (finally)! These tips will help you shed all that unwanted stuff as quickly and painlessly as possible and find the right spots for everything else.

To contact Michelle email her at uneedme2org@yahoo.com.

Phil Mickelson is a four-time major championship winner and met the final qualification for the ballot when he turned 40 last year.  Hollis Stacy is a four-time LPGA major winner, and award-winning journalist Dan Jenkins was selected for a Lifetime Achievement Award.  Winning 29 tournaments including 18 on The European Tour, Sandy Lyle was elected through the International Ballot, while former player and longtime commentator Peter Alliss was selected via the Lifetime Achievement Category.

Phil Mickelson

Mickelson’s career is highlighted by his four major championship titles: the 2004, 2006 and 2010 Masters; and the 2005 PGA Championship. He has 35 additional PGA TOUR wins, including the 2007 PLAYERS Championship, and three international victories. He became eligible for the PGA TOUR Ballot after his 10th year on TOUR in 2003, and met the final qualification for that ballot when he turned 40 last year.

Hollis Stacy

Stacy’s career was defined by her successes in USGA events. She charged onto the golf scene by winning consecutive U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship titles from 1969-71 and remains the only player ever to win that event three times. As a professional, she won U.S. Women’s Open championships in 1977, 1978 and 1984. Stacy’s fourth major title came in 1983, when she won the Peter Jackson Classic (later named the du Maurier Classic).

	Sandy Lyle
	Lyle has won 29 tournaments worldwide, including 18 on The European Tour and three other PGA TOUR titles. His victory at the 1985 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale made him the first British winner since Tony Jacklin in 1969. He broke new ground at the 1987 PLAYERS, defeating Jeff Sluman in a playoff to become its first international champion.

Peter Alliss

Alliss began his commentating career with the BBC in 1961 at The Open Championship won by Arnold Palmer at Royal Birkdale. Alliss, son of Percy Alliss, one of the finest players of his generation, turned professional when still only 15. He won 23 tournaments worldwide during the 1950s and 1960s, including three British PGA Championships, and captured the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese Opens in three consecutive weeks.

Dan Jenkins

Jenkins is regarded as one of America’s greatest sportswriters. His chronicles of Texas golf in the 1950s, specifically of Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson, are legendary. When Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer were starring in the 1960s and 70s, Jenkins was at Sports Illustrated, reporting on their exploits with award-winning stories. Jenkins, the author of several best-selling sports books, still maintains a regular column for Golf Digest.

If you like to open your meal with bread and oil, the very tasty and fresh Italian bread is presented with four different olive oils: balsamic, sun dried tomato, rosemary and garlic.  Add a little salt for a real taste treat.  The theme of “Farm to Fork Fresh” is clearly true as the veggies have that “just picked” flavor.  For seafood lovers the fresh local catch, generally flounder or grouper, is served on a rich bed of lobster risotto.  For traditional Italian fare you may create your own pasta extravaganza: select the pasta style, choose a sauce and add toppings such as shrimp or chicken.  Other outstanding dishes include veal, lamb, beef and eggplant.  In the event that you haven’t over-indulged, dessert selections are also numerous and very tasty.  Great location, fine wines, outstanding fresh food creations and generous portions combine to make Villagio a “must try” special occasion destination.  Plan a visit soon.

Fishing, beachcombing, surfing, hiking, biking, boating and golfing are the activities that first come to mind. But, our opportunities and choices for recreation and entertainment are world-class. Coupled with our wonderful-winter-weather and comfortable fall and spring days – the months from November through May afford uniquely memorable, motoring events.

In close proximity and easily accessed, you can satisfy your diverse interests every weekend.

Start with a visit to the Turkey Rod Run, at least once – even if you aren’t shopping for a weekend special. This show and sale is the premier east coast car event and swap meet, staged throughout the 4 day Thanksgiving weekend inside the Daytona International Speedway.  Thousands of cars are displayed for both competition and sale and virtually every part you need for restoration and customizing is available. This is the place for you to buy that car of your youth or dreams.

In early February, the NASCAR season kicks off with the internationally-famous Daytona 500 – one of the world’s largest spectator events – and the perfect place for you to work on your crowd-adaptabilities. For most motor-enthusiasts, this is the race on their Bucket List.

With the proper ear protection – the Gator Nationals in Gainesville is a one-of-a-kind spectacle of automotive brute force and technological wizardry where you can get up-close-and-personal with vehicles that can break the 300 mile-per-hour barrier, running a quarter mile course. Outside of the drag-race circuit in California, there is nothing like it on the planet.

As you grow your appreciation for “motoring” you will want to attend the Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance. In less than 15 years, the organizers and sponsors have gained world-wide fame and credibility – positioning the show as one of the top 3 in the nation – with antique, classic and exotic automobiles that come from around the world. The highlight of the event is the Sunday Show with cars arrayed on the golf course grass at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Guests commonly dress for the occasion, making it the perfect car and people-watching venue.

In a similar way, you can preview classic mahogany run-abouts and rare watercraft at the Mt. Dora Antique Boat Festival and Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival. Sellers come from across the country and the selection of boats is second to none. There is a Chris-Craft, flying the American flag, waiting for you to pilot it with love and affection.

The largest and most diverse show of antique motorcycles in the country, Riding Into History, is featured each spring on the Walk of Champions at World Golf Village. This event showcases hundreds of motorcycle brands, from their early beginnings through their modern evolution. It even includes a selection of antique bicycles, demonstrating their progeny. And if you want a full-immersion experience – you can always take in some of the shows and festivities during the annual flock to Daytona’s Bike Week.

The City of New Smyrna Beach closes off their main street, Canal Street, every third Saturday to host a Classic-Car Cruise-In. This has become “the scene” for early muscle cars, Detroit iron and collectible classic-designs. The latest trends in American Pick-Up Truck restoration, customization and the resurrection of the “Rat-Rod” style are all on display during each Cruise-In. This is one cool event to parade with your sweetheart – then you can take in sunset at the beach.

Our area is rich in motoring-sports. Our benign and balmy, sunny weather and our beautiful, naturally scenic back-roads compliment the trip to any one of these events – where you can truly enjoy your ride.

I had an opportunity to visit with Mark Downing from CornerStone Homes recently and thought you might enjoy his comments on the video above. We talked about the changes we are seeing in the new home industry.

When the real estate industry was booming, it was not easy to find a desirable lot in a great community at an affordable price. Today there are many lots available and the prices are amazingly affordable. Right now in the King & Bear we have 10 bank owned lots available that include a membership to the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire golf courses. We also have Developer lots available with memberships and a few lots owned by builders that could be purchased.

It is the perfect time to find that great lot and pick your favorite builder. You can select the plan and style that works best for you and build the home exactly the way you want. The homes today are better homes than homes built even a few years ago. The building codes are tougher, the building practices are better and the homes are more energy efficient.

Many people consider a new home as opposed to a foreclosure or short sale. Most foreclosed homes and short sales are sold “as is” which means the owner isn’t going to spend money on repairs. You get the home in exactly the  condition  that exists when you purchase it. The foreclosures and short sales usually have not been maintained as well as non distressed properties. Compare an “as is” home to a new home which comes with a builder warranty and a builder that stands behind their work.

You may be surprised to find that you can build your dream home for a price very close to the cost of a foreclosure or short sale. It might be work checking out.

Founded in 1965, Standard Pacific Homes has built 113,000 houses nationwide over nearly five decades. As they have grown, Standard Pacific Homes has remained faithful to our original vision: to build thoughtfully designed homes, well-crafted to provide quality of life for the families who live in them and complement the neighborhoods they share.

The recent purchase by Standard Pacific Homes further supports the trend for a healthier real estate market in  the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area. A recent article in Builder Magazine put Jacksonville at number 4 out of 8 cities countrywide with the healthiest housing markets of 2012.  The annual list factors in housing projections based on projected price appreciation, population growth, income growth and improving employment picture.  According to the article, “Jacksonville has a strengthening employment picture… Employment is expected to increase 3.2 percent in 2012.  With stabilizing home prices already, prices are expected to rise 5 percent next year and housing permits are expected to double.” The numbers cited in the article are encouraging: 
 
 2011 Building Permit Forecast: 2,284
 2012 Building Permit Forecast: 4,363

We look forward to sharing updates of the progress of the new Standard Pacific GroveWood homes in the coming months.