My First...

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

Growing up, I moved about every four years. Born in Georgia, preschool in Nashville, elementary in Apopka, off to Tampa for middle school, small town Maryland for high school, and then back to Florida for college and my adult life. With scattered memories from different homes it is hard to pinpoint that first memory, but my first vivid recollection is in our living room in Apopka, wearing a princess hat, and dancing to Trishia Yearwood's "She's in Love with the Boy." Here's some pictures through the years that feel like home.

My husband and me at Florida State University!

When was your first time moving out of your parents home?

The old fashioned way- when I turned 18 and went away to college. I left a small town in Maryland to start my first summer semester at Florida State University (go noles). It was about 18 hours away from home and I'll never forget the feeling of sitting on my dorm room bed when my parents left and I was on my own for the very first time in my life. There were so many mixed feelings that day, both good and bad, but that campus holds some of my very favorite memories and is where I met my husband and lifelong friends, so I'd say it all worked out for the best.

When was your first big trip away from home?

Our European adventure with some close friends. I remember trying new foods and eating way too much gelato. I was introduced to art, a new language, and culture. It was unforgettable. Take me back!

What is your DREAM first home?

This is a tough one. I love love love our current house. We live in Springfield, right on the park, and I truly adore it. To be honest, I think our neighbors and community make us love it even more. One thing I've learned from looking at houses all day, every day is that what truly makes a house a home is the love inside of it- cliche, I know, but it's true. Stop rolling your eyes at me- I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want.

My DREAM home would include a large backyard, a kitchen island, master bath with a stand alone tub, a drive-way (we only have off street parking), an office space, and modern updates so I don't have to do them (ha). Oh, and a pool wouldn't hurt. Walk-ability to restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, etc is also a must. I also need my current location to remain in walking distance to my two best friends. Easy enough right?

Every year we cheers on our home anniversary looking over downtown from our front porch.

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'. This month we chatted with our Riverside gal Mary Mychael!

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

My first memory of home is from when I was about 2 or 3 years old. It’s a bit hazy, but I remember a cozy front porch in which my brother and I sat calling for our puppy Toto who had gotten loose (again). It was a quiet neighborhood in Marietta, GA. Years later my dad drove me by that old house, and that memory came flooding back.

When was your first time moving out of your parents home? 

I moved out in the traditional way, when I graduated high school and moved on to college. I went to Florida Sate which made it easier knowing home was not too far away. I lived with my brother in a home my mom owned and we created many memories there.

When was your first big trip away from home? 

We traveled a lot as kids so it’s hard to pin down the first but the one that stands out most was a trip to New York when I was about 8 to visit my aunt. I traveled BY MYSELF (!) Which is crazy to think about - and was terrified and excited all at the same time. I still reminisce over photos of me standing at the Twin Towers and trying to find my way without my mom for the first time.

What is your DREAM first home?

I am one of the lucky few that can say I actually live in my dream home! My husband and I live in a condo building with our daughter that is full of architectural intrigue and beautiful history. We are blocks from 5-Points and the St. John’s river and just a bike ride to most of our favorite spots. (The pool doesn’t hurt either). The next step from here would be ocean front somewhere!

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'. This month we chatted with our small town gal Kait!

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

My first memory at home as a kid was in a home that we shared with my great grandmother. It was a large farmhouse that my great grandfather had built and was split into two sides. We lived in one side and she lived in the other. I spent the first 5 years of my life in that home going back and forth from her side to mine. My cousins lived on the same road so I remember constantly being with them walking through trails in the woods, playing in the creek, or exploring the big barn!

When was your first time moving out of your parents home? 

The first time I moved out of my parents home was when I went to college. The same week that I moved away from home they moved out of my childhood home and bought the cutest log cabin! It was a huge adjustment moving into college and also moving out of my childhood home at the same time. Luckily, I was immediately playing soccer in college and met some of my best friends so school quickly became my new home! I wouldn’t change a thing!

When was your first big trip away from home? 

My first big trip away from home was when I went on my senior trip to Disney. Since I am from NY it was a big trip and my first time on an airplane! It was so fun spending a last hurrah with the kids that I grew up with! We made memories for a lifetime!  

What is your DREAM first home?

Oh boy... Since I haven't owned a home yet this will be fun! I am a beach girl so my dream would to be as close to the inter coastal or the ocean as possible! Something updated with a fenced in yard for my pup for sure!

Drinks with Rethreaded

Drinks with Kristin Keen of Rethreaded

What are you drinking? Everyday I have a coffee with vanilla creamer, an afternoon Zevia (organic diet coke), tons of waters (I always, always have water with me!), and in the evening I will usually have a glass of red wine.  

What is it that you do?

I help people Renew their Hope, Reignite dreams and Release their potential through business!! Specifically I run a social enterprise that helps survivors of human trafficking by providing long term employment and access to mental health counseling.

What is a typical day for you? I get up and head for the beach for a sunrise swim with my friends in Duval Ocean Swimmers.  Most of my day is spent in advocating for Rethreaded in a variety of meetings to drive sales, partnerships, and donations. 

What is the best part of your job?

I love my job!!!!! I love being challenged on a daily basis. I love that everyday I am learning something new. I love seeing women at Rethreaded reclaim their life and go after their dreams.

What do you love about Jacksonville? I love the big small feel of Jacksonville. I think it is a two degree of separation town. Whomever you need to know someone will know them! and I also love the beach and the river.

For more information on Rethreaded or to shop + support please visit https://www.rethreaded.com/

4320 San Juan Ave

Let’s Chat

Meet Matthew and Jessica, the sellers of 4320 San Juan Ave

What do you appreciate most about the Avondale neighborhood? 

We love that the house is a quick walk to the river, with a gorgeous view of downtown. Baker Point Park and Stinson Park are always filled with families picnicking and children playing. We love that we live in an area so full of life! Our favorite Avondale restaurant and Valentine's Day tradition is Biscottis, a quick one and a half a mile bike ride to the Shoppes of Avondale. I am an even bigger fan of the 1-block walk in the opposite direction to Ulta! Not Matthew's favorite thing, but at least he can walk with me, and grab a burrito at Moe's or pick up some cat food at Publix while he waits on my shopping. Ha! - Jessica 

What drew you to a 1920s bungalow? 

The front porch drew me to this particular house. I knew my first home didn't need to be gigantic; it's easy upkeep, and the land that the house is on is a great size. - Matthew 

What is your favorite room in the home? 

My favorite room is the kitchen. I always wanted white cabinets, funky floors and modern gold fixtures. It didn't take long for us to decide that the kitchen would be the first room we updated. I also love to cook! And the natural light in the kitchen is most perfect in the afternoons just in time to make dinner. - Jessica 

What improvement to the home are you most proud of?

A few months ago, I restored the brick fireplace in the master bedroom. I feel very accomplished when I look at it. When I bought the house, it had layers and layers of caked-on paint. Some deep cleaning and TLC, and we were able to bring it back to life. - Matthew

What do you love most about the outside of the home?

The front porch is perfect. I mean, I don't think any house could have a better porch. And the side deck/porch is awesome for entertaining. We set up the grill and hang out with our friends and family there for barbecues. My favorite memory though, is carving pumpkins with Jessica on the back porch during our first October in the house, and on the front porch the second. Another great memory is our very first fire in the fire pit in the backyard. It was something like the 4th or 5th weekend in the house, a Sunday morning, and we spontaneously just decided to build a fire. - Matthew 

What is your favorite meal that you’ve cooked in the kitchen? 

This is a hard one! I'm going to go with my Uncle's Whiskey London Broil Recipe. Matthew and I hosted his family for a pre-Christmas dinner before we headed out of town to visit my family, and on the menu was London Broil, tortellini with homemade sauce, roasted parmesan broccoli and garlic bread. I remember setting all of the food up on the bar below the wine rack, and it was perfect! -Jessica 

What else should people know about this home? 

Something not always bragged about on homes, but the attic is huge! It has a wide entry with a pull-down ladder, which is awesome for a historic home, and once you're up there, the ladder makes it super easy to lift and store away boxes and containers. Kind of an odd thing to point out, but since we like a clean home, this is a huge bonus for us! - Matthew

How have your lives changed since you first moved into the home? 

Matthew and I's early days of dating happened in this house. We painted it together, we have lived with a roommate here, we got a second cat while being in this house, and we most recently got engaged! We started our life here. Because of that, we'll miss it so much, but hope that it will provide the same comfort and future memories to the new homeowner(s). - Jessica 

See more of this charming Avondale bungalow that is available for sale for under $175,000 by clicking here, and contact a Root agent for your private showing today!

Photos by Jenny Boyer @jennyboyerphoto jennyboyerphotography@gmail.com

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'. This month we chatted with the very adventurous Sarah!

What is your first memory at home as a kid?

I come from a family of six, so my earliest memories are with my siblings. We loved to pretend the floor was lava in our living room. We would destroy the house throwing everything on the floor and jumping on things, but we had a good time.

When was your first time moving out of your parents home?

I lived with my parents for as long as I could until I finally moved out at 22. I lived in Baldwin and wanted to be closer to Riverside, so I moved in with my boyfriend, now husband, in a cute bungalow off Forbes Street.

When was your first big trip away from home? 

I think it is fair to say my first BIG trip away from home would be the first time I left the country in 2012 and flew to Costa Rica. With no GPS and only knowing “cerveza” and “frijoles” in Spanish, we managed to navigate our way from the big city to the coast and hopped from hostel to hostel. That was the trip that sparked a desire to see more countries!

What is your DREAM first home?

I think anyone’s first home is a dream. My first home was in Avondale, and after temporarily living in homes all over the country, my husband and I have finally settled down back into our first home and I couldn’t be happier. I love our cute little bungalow!