Do You Really Need a REALTOR®?

YES!  And here's a few reasons why...

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1We are experts. This is what we do all day, every day.  The real estate world is constantly changing, so even if you have purchased or sold a home before there is bound to be something new to learn.  We continually attend trainings and take courses to ensure we understand every aspect of buying or selling a home, including laws and regulations.  We know the best way to price your home, as we take more variables into account than a zestimate or other online sources, making your home value as accurate as possible.  We are familiar with closing costs + loan procedures and can guide you through each step of the home buying process. 

2Negotiation skills! "Top producing agents negotiate well because, unlike most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and because they are skilled."  We love you, promise, but we look at this as a business transaction and we don't let our judgement get clouded with emotions.  We strive to do everything we can to negotiate in your best interests.  

3We have access to vendors.  Can you google "painter" or "lawn care"?  Sure you can, but have you worked with them before?  Do you know the quality of their work?  We can provide access to almost any source you need with confidence.  We work with the most talented lenders, inspectors, + home improvement pros in the industry.  Let us connect you and see if you would be a good fit together! 

4We can't lie to you.  REALTOR®s are bound by a code of ethics that prohibits us from doing so.  If you are working with someone who is not an agent, they may not be disclosing everything or telling you the whole truth about a property, which can lead to BIG problems after you move into your new home.  I know what you're thinking, of course an agent can lie--we are human after all, but the truth is that we rely on referrals for business, and we aren't going to be successful if we aren't trustworthy.  You can rely on us to be honest with you throughout the whole process. 

5Marketing Power! In most cases, a home won't sell on advertising alone. We network frequently to meet contacts to help sell your home or find out about off market + upcoming listings.  We have a large social media presence and use professional photography to ensure your home is marketed to the right audience so that it will sell quickly.  

Buying and selling a home can be complicated, but with a REALTOR® it doesn't have to be.  This is our specialty, let us help you!

P.S. -- Click on the links above to see even MORE reasons why you should buy or sell a home with a professional.  

Drinks with.... Jerry!

Each month, Root Realty sits down with a mover-and-shaker, someone who is cool, captivating, and a consistent contributor to our Jacksonville community! We bring their favorite drink and a list of questions, and at the end we cheers to the city we love. 

This month we sat down with Jerry Rodriguez, owner/ founder of Fresh Thread. 

What are you drinking?  

Boulevard Brewing Company Pale Ale,  but I wanted Aardwolf Belgian Pale Ale. Alewife was out, but they said this was a close second... it's a solid replacement. 

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What's on today's agenda? 

Alan Robinson from the Jags stopped by to finalize his new order. He did a custom clothing line, shirts and hats, they're pretty cool. We wrapped up the Lollapalooza Argentina line, then I had to finish up payroll and reach out to other clients. 

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So... what is it that you do? 

Fresh Thread is a clothing manufacturer for brands, festivals, businesses- both locally and around the world. 

It's 8:00 pm on a Friday... where are you?

Well that depends on the wife, haha! Usually I work pretty late, then take some time to decompress before heading home to the family.  

Why invest in Jacksonville? 

I grew up in Jacksonville, and there are a lot of opportunities here. If you work hard, you can be a big fish in a small pond. 

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Featured Listing: 1841 Melrose Plantation Drive

Where is it?

1841 Melrose Plantation Drive is in the beautiful neighborhood Plantation South in the heart of Mandarin.  It is conveniently located close to schools, shops, restaurants, parks, + more!

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Why You Would Love It!

  • Location
  • Friendly neighborhood
  • Cul-de-sac
  • NEW ROOF (Feb 2017)
  • Spacious bedrooms
  • Vaulted ceilings
  • Large + updated kitchen
  • Crown Molding
  • Fenced backyard
  • 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
  • 2,284 sq ft
  • Move-in ready
  • HOA is only $150 a year!
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What's there to do in the neighborhood?

Mandarin has a lot to offer!  It's a quick drive to the beach, St. Johns Town Center, or the Mandarin Museum and Walter Jones Historical Park.  If you have young children there is a My Gym close by to keep them entertained and a great place to meet possible neighbors.  There are plenty of restaurants for the nights you don't want to cook and a brand new Trader Joes only minutes away for the nights you do -- because who doesn't want to cook in their new kitchen?!  

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How Can I See It?

Call, text, or email any of the Root agents for more information.  You can find our contact info here and here.   If you are already working with an agent, please ask them to schedule a showing online.  

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Neighborhood Market Facts:

  • Current Prices: $329,000 to $449,900
  • Closed Prices: $314,000 to $363,000
  • Median Sale Price: $355,000
  • Average $ per sq ft: $140
  • Association Fee Ranges: $150 to $200
  • Type: Single Family Home
  • Age: 1986 to 1995
  • Sq. Ft.: 1,991 to 3,447sq. ft.
  • Bedrooms: 3 to 6bedrooms
  • Bathrooms: 2 to 4bathrooms
  • Lot Sizes: - 1 acres

Based on data from the last 12 months

"Plantation South is a neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida. Homes in Plantation South are 2,400 square feet on average and typically have four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Homes in this neighborhood typically sit on quarter-acre lots. The most common type of parking in the community is garage, and homes in Plantation South typically have two spaces."

Source: https://www.neighborhoods.com/plantation-south-jacksonville-fl

Listing Agent: Emily Hall

Photography by Residential Photography Solutions

WHY JAX: FOOD

We may be bias, but we love living in Jacksonville.  There's a lot to love about our city, but one of our favorite things here is the food.  Jax is quickly becoming a foodie destination (have you seen the awesome feature on foodandwine.com?) and it's becoming hard to keep up with all of the new happening places to eat, but we try!  If you're new to the area, or just haven't been out to eat in a while, here's our run down of the newest must-eats in Jacksonville.

The Bread & Board

Located in Riverside (and fortunately for us right by our office) this local restaurant is not your average sandwich shop.  Each sandwich or board is perfectly crafted and nothing there will ever disappoint.  We highly recommend the Sticky Shrimp Bahn Mi and the Heriloom Beet & Smoked Bacon sandwiches.  

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P.S.-  you can order online here

The Mini Bar

There is just something about a warm, fresh donut.  And there's something even better about them when they are mini and you can have three or twelve.  Found in Jax Beach, this place will not disappoint with menu flavors like Fruity Pebbles, Pop Tart, or my personal favorite S'mores... and if none of the 16 flavors there are to your liking, you can create your own! Expect a line at this new hot spot --  it's totally worth the wait though. 

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 Crispy's Springfield Gallery

If you are in the urban core area you have to check out Springfield's latest restaurant.  Owned by an SPR local, this neighborhood stop has amazingly good food.  We suggest you try the Laura + Silver pizzas or the roast beef sandwich.  The pizzas are plenty large to share so bring your friends!

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Wicked Barley  

Although not brand new anymore, this restaurant found on Baymeadows Road is a great find.  With an awesome waterfront outdoor space that is family friendly, everyone can have a good time.  Start with the cheese curds + house made jalapeno ranch followed by the smoked pork belly sandwich.  Check out their specials for the best days to go!

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What are your favorites in Jacksonville?

  

New Year, New (revamped) Home!

Thinking about selling in 2018? Here are some of our agents top to do's to spruce up your home:

MaryAnne Rodriguez, OWNER & BROKER

HVAC UPDATE - Too many times we find the HVAC come up on buyers' inspection reports for items that could have been easily prevented and what would have been affordable then, if handled on the spot. Think about your AC like your car: Dont you want it to look nice to others? Dont you want to be comfortable in it? Dont you have to maintain it consistently? Here are some ways to make sure the HVAC system is ready to go!

  • Schedule a cleaning and maintenance servicing
  • Check the thermostat for accuracy
  • Check for proper insulation on refrigerant lines
  • Check to ensure vents are open, dry, and clean
  • Change your air filters every season

Read here for more tips: https://www.boldcityac.com/jacksonville-air-conditioning-tips/home-selling-tips-air-conditioning/

Emily Hall, REALTOR

LANDSCAPING- Would you show up for a job interview in sweatpants?  Probably not. Consider each showing an interview.  The first thing a buyer sees is the outside of your home, which includes the yard.  Is is inviting and maintained or could it use some sprucing up? First impressions are everything, which is why landscaping is crucial to selling your home.  Here are some quick ways to wow your buyer and leave a lasting first impression.

  • Spruce up outdoor containers.
  • Touch up the mulch.
  • Plant some instant color.
  • Shape unsightly or overgrown trees and shrubs.
  • Clean up water features.
  • Pressure wash.

http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/landscaping-tips-that-can-help-sell-your-home

Erica Baker, REALTOR

PET ODOR-Pets leave a mark on us and our hearts. Pet odors however, leave a mark on our house. You don't want someone to walk into your home and be greeted with an odor. Whether its from your pet, smoking or anything else in between, here are a few tips to get rid of those pesky scents: 

  • Remove all curtains, blankets, sheets, towels etc. and give them a good, fresh wash. Keeping your linens washed and clean will help keep a fresher scent throughout. Of course, be sure to wash your pets bed + toys.  
  • Steam clean your carpets or rugs + use a deodorizing product for a fresher smell. If you don't have carpet, you should still be sure to mop/sanitize your floors. Don't forget the baseboards, those needs to be vacuumed, too!
  • A fresh coat of paint on the walls can also help with odors. 
  • Replace your air filters! This is one that is usually overlooked but crucial. 

Heather De Laurentis, REALTOR

DE-CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE- In preparing for your home sale, minimizing and organizing are low cost to free methods to improve your home's appearance. This allows potential buyers to really focus on your home's amazing features. Plus, this will make packing and moving much easier once your home is under contract! Check out this to-do list to get started and keep your home looking its best while on the market.

  • Remove excess items from counter tops/ tables and dust these surfaces
  • Reduce the number of personal items displayed
  • Organize drawers, cabinets, and closets- tip: use fabric boxes or bins to conceal your personal items and for quick cleaning before showings
  • Donate or throw away items you do not need 
  • Keep furniture and other items minimal by utilizing a storage unit

Anna Savitsky, REALTOR

LIGHTEN UP!- Lighting can make a world of difference in both your listing photographs and throughout showings.  Good lighting doesn’t just make your home brighter; it makes it appear roomier and more inviting to potential buyers! Here are some quick tips for maximizing light without breaking the bank:

  • Move furniture and plants that (partially or completely) block windows and natural light.
  • Replace blackout shades and dark window drapes with sheer or neutral-colored valances or curtains.
  • Strategically hang large mirrors or place mirrored furniture in smaller rooms.
  • Clean the windows and let that light in!

http://www.ledwatcher.com/how-to-maximize-the-natural-light-in-your-home/

Amanda Searle, BROKER ASSOCIATE

WELCOME- "A buyer's first impression is as critical as the curb appeal.  They will spend their most time at the door as the real estate agent opens the lockbox. Sprucing up the entrance should include a freshly painted front door and a new Welcome Mat.  A clean door handle that properly works and isn't a struggle is also a must.  As they enter the home their expectations will be positive and more excited.  Learn more here...

http://www.interest.com/home-equity/slide-show/put-new-welcome-mat/

Katie Williams, REALTOR

NEW PAINT- A new coat of interior paint brings a fresh look to any home! Always use neutral colors, and be sure to touch up paint in rooms where there are nicks and scrapes on the wall. Remember, you want to make your house appealing to all buyers! Here are a few of the most popular Benjamin Moore paint colors:   

 

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