8/28/2009
Waterfront Property in Historic Downtown St. Augustine
The St. George is a magnificent waterfront property carefully constructed by Richard Toomey, a builder who took 2 years to research the various materials that would reflect the quality and construction of old Spanish Colonial St. Augustine. This home sits majestically on the Intercoastal overlooking the historic bayfront area of historic downtown St. Augustine.
Davis shores is on the barrier lands of Anastasia Island. It is located on the east side of the Bridge of Lions between Matanzas River and Salt Run. Developer, D.P. Davis was the brainchild behind this neighborhood early in the 1900s. Fill was actually used to increase parts of the land to a higher than sea level. One of the avenues lining the Intercoastal Waterway is St. Augustine Boulevard where the luxury home, The St. George sits.
On the 50 yard line of historic yard line is The St. George, currently a vacation home for sale. It has everything necessary for a leisure lifestyle such as fenced in compound, detached guest suite, pool and spa over looking the views of the Bridge of Lions, the signature architecture of the nations oldest city, and the historic fort of Castillo de San Marcos.
8/21/2009
Spectacular Intercoastal Home with Historic St. Augustine View
Beyond the courtyard gates of The St. George, you will encounter a fully self-contained world emulating the almost 500 year- old look and feel of the nations oldest city, St. Augustine The location, referred to as the 50-yard line of historic St. Augustine, is one of only nine waterfront homes that have the encompassing views of the Bridge of Lions, historic Bayfront, and the Castillo de San Marco National Monument. Along with the builder/owners detailed construction choices, there may not be a more perfect Intercoastal home that captures the essence of what makes St. Augustine such a magical place.
World-class views, separate guest house, deep water access, 2 boat slips, concrete dock, pool, spa and outdoor kitchen create the illusion of a never-ending vacation. This resort living experience is further enhanced by majestic architecture and selected building materials to reflect Old World European influences.
The main house built in 2008, has 3,450 Sq. Ft. of high ceilings supported by re-created cedar wood beams and massive amounts of molding with detailed faux painting giving an antique look. Huge 10 walnut doors are crafted from trees grown in the Andes and the Jerusalem marble imported from Israel provide the flooring for the entire 1st level. Reclaimed brick pavers line the entry courtyard providing access to main house, 2-car garage, or separate guest suite. Rounded down spouts, cedar shingle roof, and the Bridge of Lions fountain are further examples of the sustained Spanish Colonial period look.
The magnificent kitchen boasts pull-out microwave drawer, custom wood cabinetry, granite countertops with decorative edging, and expresso/ cappuchino /coffee maker. The Thermadore appliance package includes refrigerator , freezer , 6-burner flat-top grill and double oven . Other features include pull-out pot filler , flatscreen television, refrigerator drawers, and recessed electronic small appliance storage.
A boaters paradise, the concrete dock is 10 wide and has a 15x35 terminal platform and power lifts for two boats. From this vantage point, views of the Intercoastal and Historic Downtown activities such as the Regatta, Night of Lights, and firework displays are thoroughly enjoyed. This impeccablewaterfront home for sale has integrity, authenticity, and timelessness. Its like owning a piece of history!
8/20/2009
Neighborhoods in St. Augustine Part III of IV - Intercoastal Homes
The expanse of intercoastal waterway is extensive in throughout St. Augustine. The intercoastal cuts right thru St. Augustine with the mainland flanked to the west and the Anatasia Island or Vilano Beach areas to the east. Because the waterway is so extensive, there are many neighborhoods to choose from. Some features to consider is whether or not you have a boat and do you want to store it in a marina, your own dock, or be close to a boat launch.
Located on the West side of the Intercoastal and south of 312 are neighborhoods such as St. Augustine Shores and St. Augustine South. St. Augustine Shores is an extensive deed restricted community with both single family homes and condos. There is a fantastic pier which creates a gathering place for people to enjoy sunsets and pole fishing . St. Augustine Shores is an ecclectic neighborhood with homes built as early as the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by larger lots and with no homeowner association regulations, you can park your boat or RV in your yard. Two boat ramps are located in St. Augustine South providing easy access for the vast options for boating and fishing activities.
Further north one can find streets sprinkled in the historic downtown area or North City that have access to the Intercoastal. North of the St. Augustine Airport, White Castle Estates meanders along Stokes Landing Rd. area featuring manufactured homes mixed with site built homes and large lots some with views of the marsh and beyond to Pine Island. Palencia is a multi-faceted huge planned community with residences ranging from townhomes to marsh side mansions.
On the east side of the intercoastal located just north of the 206 Bridge is Treasure Beach on Anastasia Island. This is a rustic neighborhood with canal access to the ICW and shared walkways to the Atlantic Ocean. Initially this subdivision was largely manufactured homes but more recently site built homes have been added.
Marsh Creek is the only gated golf course community in St. Johns County. Its western border flanks the intercoastal. Although, there are many homes in this neighborhood with views of the marsh and intercoastal water, there are only a very few that have privately-owned docks and no ability to add one.
Pelican Reef, a small gated community of about 100 homes, lies just north of 312. Opportunities allow for some homes with private docks and others may opt for in-community boat slip rental. Davis Shores is an older community close to the Bridge of Lions. Homes for sale lining Dolphin Drive, St. Augustine Blvd, Inlet Drive, S. Mantanzas Bvld. And Coquina Ave would provide a lifestyle that includes all the Intercoastal Waterway has to offer.
Camachee Harbor, just north of the city and accessed from the Vilano Bridge has boat slip priority at the Camachee Cove Marina. Homes in this neighborhood include stately condos and million dollar homes bordering the waterway. Porpoise Point,on the southern most tip of Vilano Beach, is coveted by the fact that it has immediate access to the Atlantic ocean, St. Augustine Inlet and the Intercoastal. Pacetti North Beach area, north of the Vilano Bridge on Coastal Highway (A1A North) is rustic without restrictions and has close proximity to Ponte Vedra Beach.
Searching for homes for sale in St. Augustine neighborhoods such as St. Augustine South, St. Augustine Shores, Marsh Creek, Camachee Harbor or any other neighborhood provides many options for the care-free outdoor lifestyle of beach and water activities that Florida is famous for.
8/18/2009
the Neighborhoods of St. Augustine Part II of IV - Historic Downtown Home
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. Much of the downtown area has either been preserved, restored, or refinished to emulate the centuries and cultural influences of days gone by. The historic downtown area of St. Augustine is a great neighborhood to live in with an old town feel. If you like being able to walk to great restaurants, establishments for music and entertainment, shopping, art galleries and local schools, finding a historic downtown home is for you.
Homes were frequently built in the last part of the 1800s or early 1900s. The architecture often reflects the period of days gone by. Old City and Old Town represent a Spanish Colonial style with Spanish tile roof, exterior walls with inlaid tile mosaics, multiple balconies, and coquina stone walls or foundations. Driving is often on very narrow streets or one-way cobblestone streets. Parking is primarily on the street, in a driveway or detached garage.
The Lincolnville neighborhood in St. Augustine is a historic district founded in 1866 by former slaves. Washington St. became the center for black-owned businesses in the early part of the 20th century. This area of about 45 blocks has the highest density of buildings of the Victoria era including those of the gothic revival genre. Generally the lots are small.
The Flagler Model Land Co. area is just north of King Street with beautiful homes on paved oak-lined streets along with mature palm, fruit and flowering trees. Detached in-law suites and floral gardens are familiar. Some of these homes have RG1 zoning allowing for varied use. Typical amenities include stained glass inserts, wood floors, and quaint porches and balconies.
Uptown, Magnolia and Nemar Terrace is a little farther north than the hubbub of the immediate downtown area. Fireplaces, stucco walls, and wood beams are often seen in the homes that are cottage style. This district bustles with antique stores and still just blocks from the intercoastal waterway.
The sights, the smell, and the feel of St. Augustine provides unique stimuli with old trolleys and horse drawn carriages clip-clopping down city streets. People travel to their work place dressed in period costume as pirates, Spanish soldiers, and colonial women. The youthful Flagler college students add a contemporary element. The trolley bell rings regularly and the horn blows as the Bridge of Lions gates open to let a tall ship pass by. The city is committed to preserving its roots since 1565 and managing the many state-owned historic properties. Even newer homes have been built to be in keeping with the area.
Prices in the downtown area depend largely upon the condition and the updating of the home. Homes that have had little updating done throughout the year can be projects and may be more difficult to obtain financing and insurance. Codes have to be met that meet safety standards for plumbing, electrical, central heat and air systems and the roof. For those who want more shared common spaces and less property maintenance, there are a few condominium projects.
An Marshall, REALTOR Prudential Network Realty Extremely Full Service www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com view my blog email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com www.staugustinegovernment.com
8/12/2009
Short Sales in St. Augustine - A Reality check
Ok, so you want to BUY A SHORT SALE?You probably have an idea thatBUYING A SHORT SALE is a great deal, that you will make out really well, and that you will get the home for under market value.Well, think again.We say it is not for the faint of heart.
Less that 10% of short sale offers go through.This is a really low ratio.I have had buyers who, during this potentially long, drawn out process want a rational, logical explanation for why there is yet no response from the bank.Guess what?There is no rational, logical explanation!The bank lost the file,the loss mitigator is on vacation, I can only communicate by email, the bank needs something re-submitted, the bank waited so long they have to have another broker price opinion ordered, etc, etc,etc.
So I am going to ask you, the buyer who WANTS TO BUY A SHORT SALE to sign the disclosure below .
I________________, buyer seeking a short sale, will agree to:
Potentially wait until doomsday to hear back from the bank
I promise to have the patient of a saint.
In no way, will I take my frustrations out on my REALTOR.
I realize that no matter how long I wait, how patient I am, or how nice I am to my REALTOR and everybody else involved, there may still be an unsuccessful outcome to this process and I will have wasted all my valuable time (and that of my REALTORs).
In the rare case that we actually go to the closing table, I promise not to scream or walk away or blame my REALTRO as additional charges are unexpectedly added to my side of the HUD statement because it doesnt meet the banks approval.
I agree to appreciate all that my REALTOR has been through and lavish her with pr.
I promise to only refer those of my friends who do not want to BUY A SHORT SALE.
You can easily search the entire MLS for AFFORDABLE HOMES IN ST. AUGUSTINEand surrounding areas.Click on the link below and type Saint Augustine in the box on the upper left. Then press search. This will pull up homes that are mostly in St. Augustine between $100,000-$300,000.This is usually the price range that people think of using the word affordable.They are also all 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, the most popular configuration and very good for the ultimate resale.
At the time of this writing, there are 485 that meet the above criteria.You can use the ruler on the left side of the map to zoom in and see the location of active homes for sale.Click on a red house icon to get specifics on that property.
To find exactly what you are looking for, you can create your own search.You can set up a new account with more specific criteria and be automatically notified as new properties come on the market or prices are reduced on homes fitting your needs. Examples of frequently-used search criteria include
1.structure: concrete block, brick, raised foundation
2.style: 1 story, patio home, ZERO lot line
3.type of waterfront: intracoastal, pond, marsh
4.pool
You can search for condos only, zip codes, various school zones, specific neighborhoods, etc. An additional feature is that you can also search sold properties to check the value of homes in particular areas.
8/12/2009
Sea Colony - Beach Homes in St. Augustine
Yesterday a successful Community Open House was held in Sea Colony on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine Beach, Florida.More than 20 homes participated showcasing the unique features of this seaside community and its homes for sale.Reportedly about 200 people visited the neighborhood and about $1,300 was collected through auction items to benefit the Cancer Institute at Flagler Hospital.Open houses that do both good for a community cause plus highlight a neighborhood is a win-win. Real estate in St. Augustine is alive and well. Check out the video for 236 North Forest Dunes.
Local businesses that deserve recognition for contributing silent auction items include: Oasis,
Sea Colony is a one-of-a-kind coastal community built recently along the Atlantic ocean amongst high dunes, scrub grass, and sea oaks.The neighborhood was initiated by McGarvey Residential Communities to include some 220 home sites and intended to preserve the natural beauty of its surroundings.The community includes a mix of 28 custom luxury oceanfront homes, ocean villas, and estate homes on more than 115 acres.
Various and respected builders were individually selected to maintain the design styles that make this community unique.From Miami to North Carolina, you will be hard pressed to find a community that even touches the ambience that Sea Colony affords.The influence ofKey West Victorian architecture lends to the numerous porches, coastal colors, hidden garages, metal roofing, and interesting angles offered in a grand, upscale and elegant Old Florida style.
Amenities include a 24-hour manned security gate, clubhouse, outdoor kitchen pavilion, and heated oceanfront pool.4 Beach walkoversextend out to about mile of some of the finest beaches in the world.Nature trails stroll by lakes and meander thru the pristine and dedicated dune preserve lands never to be touched.
St. Augustines historic district is only minutes away and thefabulous shopping meccas of Orlando, Jacksonville, and Daytona are all within a short ride.
How do we know weve the hit bottom? We know we have hit the bottom when things are looking up. But what measurements are used to determine if things are looking up?
There are many indicators that can be analyzed to provide information about the market trends. In referring to the St. Johns County MLS report, the average sale price is as follows:
Homes for sale in St. Augustine Report
January 2009 $187,966 February 2009 $201,200 March 2009 $208,141 April 2009 $233,826 May 2009 $230,784 June 2009 $234,347
These figures indicate a steady increase in average sales price over the last six months with a small decrease in May. Does this indicate the market is on the rise?
Other indicators that could be considered are median price, average list price, absorption rate, etc. and probably others I havent considered. I dont think the number of homes sold is an indication of market improvement but I invite you to discuss.
What facts are you using to take the pulse of the whats happening in the market? .
An Marshall, REALTOR Prudential Network Realty Extremely Full Service www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com view my blog email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com
8/12/2009
St. Augustine Homes For Sale
The homes for sale in St. Augustine Shores have always been competitively priced and much sought after.The subdivision was originated in the early 1970s and was built in8 stages. It is located bordering the Intercoastal Waterway and is only 8 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. The Deltona Corporation was the developer and planned the community to span over 2,000 acres.Currently homes for sale in this development span $65,000 - $525,00.The higher priced homes for sale may have superb views of the Intercoastal Waterway or even a dock.Condos range from $54,000 - $209,000, and again can have surprisingly sensational water or marsh views.
Some homes of the initial phase were modular homes set on concrete foundations located close to US 1 South.These homes areof modest sizes such as 1-2 bedrooms and 1-2 baths totaling 600-1000 Square Feet. As concrete block homes were added, the sizes increased along with the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Subsequent models provided additional sizes totaling 2500 square feet and even higher.Toll Brothers took over the building project and reduced the scope of the original development size from the originally intended 5,000+ homes to 3300.There are also multi-family units with condos.
The designated parkland, preserve areas, walking trails and bass-filled lakes set this community apart.The community amenities areincluded clubhouse,pool, shuffleboard court, baseball field.Activities at the Riverview Facility include exercise and ballroom dance classes, billards, sit-down dinners, movie night, and educational lectures .The calendar of social events remains very extensive.There is a pier on the Intercoastal perfect for fishing and sunset watching.St. Johns County Fire and Rescue has a location within the Shores on the main thoroughfare, Shores Boulevard.Secured storage for RVs and boat is also available.
The St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation manages the common grounds and home owners in the single family residences currently pay $27.50 per month for this service.The condos are managed under a separate board and have 3 pools of their own.
Sea Place is a wonderful community comprised of beach homes in St. Augustine.It is situated on the revered eastside of A1A.Developer Stokes&OSteen initiated the neighborhood in the 1980s.The community has an attractive look with Mediterranean architecture and terra cotta tiled roofs.
Phase 1 consists of 72 condos built in 1985.These condos are direct ocean front, ocean view or pool view.The ground level units, roughly1100 square feet have 2 bedrooms and 2 bath with split floor plans and outdoor patio. There a few end units with 3 bedrooms. The 2nd story units have approximately1500 square feet.The common living area is on the entrance level with bath and balcony.The two bedrooms are on the 3rd level, and also have balcony. Included in the association fees are water, sewer, lawn maintenance, irrigation, landscaping, community amenities, plus cable. These units are available for short term rental (several nights or longer) as well as providing a perfect beach home.
Patio homes, which number 24, were built in the 2nd phase of development between 1986-1988.Vaulted ceilings give a spacious feel within the general 1200 + square feet with two bedrooms plus den and oversized garage. Many offer screened or enclosed porches. Some of these homes are situated strategically around the lake with friendly turtles and ducks.Patio homes association fees include water, sewer, lawn maintenance, irrigation, landscaping and community amenities. With easy maintenance, these beach homes are ideal for people who visit seasonally or short term rental.
The larger villa homes were built in the mid 1990s during phase 3 and have two car garages.
Some of these home have two levels.The St. Thomas model, is the largest model by Seaside Home with some 2600 Sq. Ft.with cathedral ceilings in the great room.Lawn care is worry free on behalf of the home owner association.There are a total of 34 of these homes some of which are situated on the lake, whereas others are closer to the beach.Rentals here are for a minimum of two weeks.
Ten ocean front condos have 2-car garages and are two levels.This association includes water, exterior maintenance, and lawn. Double balconies directly overlook the ocean making this perfect beachside living. Rentals for these beach homes most be a minimum of six months.
Community amenities include clubhouse, tennis courts, 3 unheated pools, racquet ball court, gated beach walkover. The neighborhood is valuable real estate because of its ammenities, attractiveness, and proximity to the beach. The community is currently managed by May Management.
Equal Housing Opportunity.
