My First...

There is something special about a 'first'... your first date, a first kiss, a babies first steps. All an occasion for joy and celebration. As agents, we are lucky enough to be a part of a huge 'first' for several of our clients.. their first home! 

Each month we will sit down with someone near and dear to chat about a few of their 'firsts'. Our second agent up- the wonderful Katie Williams.

What is your first memory of 'home' as a kid?

My first memory of home was right here in Avondale on Hedricks street (my parents' first home). I remember playing with my sister in our playhouse in the backyard.

When was your first time moving out of your parent's home?

The first time I moved out was when I headed to Tallahassee for freshman year at FSU! GO NOLES!!! My friend Brittany and I were beyond excited to decorate our dorm room!

When was your first big trip away from home?

I started going to summer camps when I was 7 years old, and couldn't get enough. The first camp I went to was in North Carolina, and then I started going to a camp out in Missouri. I was never much of a homebody growing up, so I either went to camp for two weeks or a month all the way up through high school! 

What is your dream First Home? 

Bradley and I bought our first home in 2014 right before we got married! We weren't even looking to buy a home, but when I saw the cutest white bungalow in Avondale for sale, I fell in love! We found the house online Thursday and had an accepted offer by Monday. It was meant to be!

Five Reasons You Need a Home Inspection

This might not be the most glamorous of topics, but it is an important one, so read on home buyer!  Buying a home is most likely the largest investment you will make in your lifetime, which is why it's so important to make sure you are making the right choice.  One of the best ways to ensure this is a good purchase is to get a home inspection during your inspection period.  Your inspection period is negotiated when you submit your offer -- for more information, just ask us!

Here are 5 Reasons You NEED a Home Inspection:

1.  Get To Know Your Home

A home inspector covers your house from top to bottom to ensure the safety and function of all items.  Whether your home is historic or brand new, it's important to get to know your home inside and out.  An inspection report can help you become familiar with any quirks or perks your future home holds.  

2. Request Repairs

Did you know you can ask the seller to make repairs based on the inspection report?  Once you receive and review the report with your inspector and agent, you will decide which repairs are the most important for you to ask the seller to address.  These items should be focused on function + safety, and not cosmetic.  We will help you prioritize and walk you through this portion of the home buying process.  These items will be repaired prior to closing so you can move in to your new home worry free! 

*Repairs may not be requested for an "as-is" sale, but it is still important to do the inspection to see what repairs you may need to make once you close.

3. Saves You Money

A home inspection typically costs between $400-600 dollars (amount may vary) and is an upfront cost to you, the buyer.  Although this may feel like a large chunk of money, it can save you in the long run. 

Let's look at a scenario: You are under contract on a home for $250,000.  You receive the inspection report and the home needs a new roof, has live termites, and serious foundation issues (all expensive repairs).  You are unable to come to an agreement with the seller on repairs and decide this home is not for you.  You cancel the contract, receive your binder deposit back, and find another, even more wonderful home!

Now, let's pretend you didn't get an inspection and closed on the home. A few months in you discover your home needs to be tented, the roof is leaking, and there's a new slope in the living room-- yikes! 

But you didn't do that and thanks to your inspection you just saved yourself a whole lot of $$$ post closing!

4. Plan For The Future

It is unlikely a seller will repair every single item on the inspection report.  No home is perfect and simple repairs can typically be handled by the new home owner post closing.  For future repairs, the inspection report can help you plan and prioritize what you need to do post closing.  Perhaps the shower needs some caulk, that's a quick weekend project.  Maybe the a/c is on the older side, good to know so you can prepare for that when the time comes.  

5. Peace of Mind

The place where you wake up and go to sleep every day should not come with question marks.  It's important to understand your inspection report and move in knowing what needs to be done immediately, what can wait, and that you made the right choice.

Happy home buying! 

My First...

There is something special about a 'first'... your first date, a first kiss, a babies first steps. All an occasion for joy and celebration. As agents, we are lucky enough to be a part of a huge 'first' for several of our clients.. their first home! 

Each month we will sit down with someone near and dear to chat about a few of their 'firsts'. First up, Erica Baker, one of our own agents here in the Root office. 

What is your first memory of 'home' as a kid? 

I remember the day that my baby brother came home from the hospital. We had just moved out of base housing into a home in Riverside. I was four years old... all the sudden I had a new room, then all of the sudden there was a crib in it. But the moment he came home, I was hooked. My parents would let me sleep in the crib with him.

When was your first time moving out of your parent's home? 

I was 21, and a girlfriend and I found a rental literally one street over from my parent's house. It was a cute little two bedroom, one bathroom in Riverside - we would hit up yard sales and resale shops to decorate it. We had a lot of fun making it our own. 

When was your first big trip away from home? 

When I was 17 I went to California and spent a week in LA with a group of friends. We did all of the typical and quintessential tourist stuff. It was great, but what I realized was that I tend to get homesick when I am not around things or people that are familiar. I wasn't necessarily homesick for a place, but homesick for that feeling of comfort and belonging. I've traveled countless times since that first trip, and it really depends on who I am with and the energy we have together, whether or not I get homesick.

What is your dream First Home? 

I would have a hard time picking between Riverside or a place at the Beach! I know I would never want a lot of land, just a small yard for the dog. Pretty much anything by Joanna Gains, honestly, would be a dream come true.

Thanks for sharing a few of your firsts, Erica! 

Summer time, and the home buying is easy

Summer is here!  Sunshine, the beach, and frosé may come to mind, but did you also know that this is the busiest season in real estate?  Here are a few tips to help our summertime (and anytime) home buyers:

Tip: Get excited! This process can be stressful and hard at times, but at the end of it you are a HOMEOWNER.

After you do your happy dance, it’s best to find a realtor and commit to them. Your agent will take time to learn what you are looking for and dedicate their time exclusively to your wants and needs, so it’s essential to have a working relationship with someone who understands what you are looking for, as well as the market.  

Tip: Talk to a lender.  

Not sure who to contact?  We have recommendations for you!  We’ve worked with many a lender and have narrowed down the best + brightest to share with you.  Once you find the best fit, it’s time to get pre-approved.

Tip: Be an educated buyer.

The web can be a good resource, but your greatest resource is your agent.  We use MLS for accurate information about listings and have experience to help guide you through this process.  Please use the internet to learn everything you can (the more you know!), but please rely on + trust in your agent’s expertise.

Tip: Get a home inspection.

We can’t stress this enough.  Once you go under contract, get an inspection by a licensed home inspector (we have recs for those too).  This is likely to be your biggest investment, so you need to know what you are buying!

Tip: Get home insurance.

Shop around to find the insurance company that fits your needs.  Your lender will require this plus it’s beneficial to you to protect your home. And are you surprised to hear that we have recs here as well?  

The Root Path to Home Ownership

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Drinks with... Liz!

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 Liz Grebe, Marketing Manager for Riverside Arts Market . 

Whatcha drinkin’?

Coppertail Brewing Co. Independent Pilsner from Tampa. They have the most gorgeous branding, their labels look like they match their building.

What do you love most about Jacksonville?

I love that there is such a great community here. It is such a big town with a small town feel, and there are so many people here trying to improve the community. It’s a great thing to watch and be a part of.

Would you rather be be told you were forbidden to drink iced coffee from Brew (with agave!) OR be told you can never have Bold City Beer again?

Oh god. Probably the coffee. I don’t like this game.

Oh you don’t like this game? Well what about this question then… would you rather lick an armpit after a marathon or eat your own earwax every day for a year?

Why are you making me do this?! I would probably lick an armpit bc that’s a one time deal. Once and done.  

Who are you Jax role models and why?

My get shit done girl, Lisa Goodrich. Not only is she a mentor of mine, she’s also a good friend. Lisa is very involved in the arts, and she has a ton of passion projects that devotes her time to that.

I also have a great group of friends that are all doing different things for the Jax community--business owners, event planners, all on the same page, asking themselves, “How do we make the city cooler with events we do?”

What does the word ‘home’ mean to you?

Home could mean a lot of things, but I keep coming back to the same answer… home is the safe place where I can run around naked.

3 zip codes, 3 reasons to buy

From Historic 'hoods to New Constriction, we have a listing for everyone. Check out what we LOVE about these featured listings:

90 Kiwi Palm Court

Neighborhood: The Palms at Nocatee

Things to do: The Nocatee Lifestyle encompasses a warm sense of community complete with amazing amenities and one-of-a-kind Nocatee events.

Our favorite neighborhood features: Two words... splash pad. The Community Center at Nocatee is unlike any other, and it's easy to feel like you're on vacation every weekend. 

Market talk: Nocatee is a new, master planned community that is still growing strong. Having the opportunity to buy a new construction home without the wait is a rare one! Homes last, on average, only 21 days on the market. So jump on it while the getting is good! 

1824 N. Market Street

Neighborhood: Springfield 

Things to do: If there's one neighborhood to keep an eye on, it's Springfield. The revitalization of Main Street has taken off, with breweries, eateries, and all-the-in-betweenies.  

Our favorite neighborhood features: Whether it's a historic home, or a new construction in the historic neighborhood, the homes are gorgeous. The living oaks canopy the roads, and basically beg you to take a stroll. 

Market talk: Compared to this time last year, homes are literally selling twice as fast. With an average of one and a half months on the market, scoop up that Springfield sweetie while it's still listed!

1841 Melrose Plantation Drive

Neighborhood: Mandarin 

Things to do: Wicked Barley is a Mandarin MUST. 

Our favorite neighborhood feature: Mandarin is characterized by its magnificent oak trees hung with dramatic Spanish moss and boasts some of the best views of the St. Johns River in greater Jacksonville. Kayaking! Fish Camps! AND a Trader Joe's?!

Market talk: While Mandarin in an established area, the market trends indicate a slow rise in home prices compared to other areas in Jax- and with good reason! Families love the proximity to shopping, A rated schools, and you simply can't beat that river living life. 

What's your favorite Jax 'hood?