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I recently had a client contact their insurance company regarding a house they were interested in the Intracoastal West area of Jacksonville. The out of town insurance company said they couldn't insure the property because it didn't pass their sinkhole test! Well after 20 years helping people buy and sell their homes, I have to say this was a new one for me.

I have had home buyers concerned about mosquitoes, alligators, snakes and even one time our small lizards. But sinkhole?

I am by no means an expert and I gave the client information to contact the local geologist familiar with our area. But this is the information I was able to find online:

1. Sink Hole Map 2008 (none in that area)…

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The Jacksonville Business Journal reports AV Homes has just bought 80 acres near the St. Johns Center. AV Homes is a developer of 55+ communities in the Orlando and Port St Lucie area. They are expecting to have this community up and going by 1st Quarter of 2015.

The reason for the purchase? The Florida division president, David Smith is quoted saying "The move is congruent with the city's stead popluation growth and strong home sales."

Jacksonville has always had a limited number of 55+ Communities for those wanting to own and not rent.

  • Sweetwater by Delwebb (Duval County)
  • Riverwood by Delwebb (St. Johns County)
  • Cascades (St. Johns County)

So I am sure the Jacksonville population will be happy to have another…

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ICI Closeout on 2 New Communities and Starts 1 New One

palermo_1011You usually get some of the best deals on new construction when it is a "spec home" or when the builder is looking to close out on a community as is the case with Palermo and Highland Glen.

Palermo has 5 lots left. It a small upscale community off of Hodges Blvd in the Intracoastal West area. You will find beautiful mediterranean homes with tile roofs starting in the mid $300's. Amenities include community pool, finess cetner and summer pavilion.

Highland Glen only has 1 lot left. It is also a gated community close to Hodges Blvd but located off Beach Blvd. Upscale homes start in the mid $300's. You also will find a pool, playground, fitness center andd putting green.

The best thing about…

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Title insurance is an insurance policy to cover any losses if it turns out the seller of a property you purchased did not have clear title to do the selling.  Yes, indeed you did buy title insurance - but typically only for your lender.  You have to request and purchase a separate policy for yourself as the new homeowner.

Why Didn’t My Lender Tell Me?

It may have been stated in the loan forms that you were to read, but like much of the ‘boiler plate’ terms of a loan contract some of it just washes over the reader.  It is a lot of information to deal with, and often the buyer skims rather than reads in detail.

Shouldn’t My Realtor Have Told Me?

Yes, and no.  Homeowner title insurance is a voluntary item, even if it is a good idea.  It is…

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condominiums_-_apartment_convenience_with_some_benefits_of_ownership._923Let us take a closer look at the common questions one may ponder when they entertain the idea of purchasing a condominium.

Good Things

Convenience, no lawn maintenance, shared amenities.

Bad Things

Surrounded by neighbors, no lawn, sharing all the amenities.

But Wait…..

That’s right, some of the good things are also the bad.  The pool, if any, is shared.  You have to schedule private parties that need the big party room.

Some of the bad things are good.  You do not have the luxury of a private rose garden, but then you do not have to weed and mow and edge yourself.

Condo living is for people who do not mind hearing their neighbors through the next wall, above and below.  It is a comfortable space for people who travel a lot, have…

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