2017 is shaping up to be a great one for Jacksonville…

So far, this year we've made a lot of "Top 10" lists. Right now, we are currently ranked #5 out of 50 for the top cities among the nation's largest housing markets. According to a Forbes report, we were ranked #2 in the nation and #1 in the state when it comes to investment in the housing market in 2017.

This was followed by the announcement that Jacksonville also secured the #7 spot for the Best Cities for Job Seekers. Indeed, the state of Florida was dominating that list, providing three of the top ten winners.

We've seen pension reform finally pass, the Jacksonville Suns become the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and soon we're finally going to see some forward momentum with a major overhaul and development of the Shipyards.

3 Proposals, 1 Winner

While we talked a bit about plans to develop the Shipyards in earlier editions of our newsletter, there were ultimately three development groups who were bidding to win the master developer spot. The winner, Iguana Investments Florida, was created by Jaguars' owner, Shad Khan, and this was his second pitch for the proposed development.

His winning vision will involve over $500 million in private investment, and once the development is completed will yield 300-500 condominiums, 300-500 apartments, 300,000-500,000 square feet of office space, 150,000-250,000 of stores and restaurants, and 200-500 hotel rooms. This is in addition to the marina's 250-450 boat slips with a potential final design boost to 525.

But getting there is going to take a lot of work and transformation. This includes extending the Riverwalk, relocating Metropolitan Park, an upgrade to both Bay Street and A. Philip Randolph Blvd. There will also be a Hogan Creek Greenway created for the waterway as it flows towards the St. Johns.

Iguana Investments sealed the deal by scoring 85.5 of 100 points, as compared to 66.8 for first competitor Presidium and 52 for third runner up, Wess Holdings.

In terms of potential jobs, entertainment and overall economic impact, things are looking good for the Metropolitan region.

Other Housing News…

Right now, our greatest regional struggle is housing inventory. Shortages are causing prices to increase with demand far exceeding supply. There has been a recent increase in new home permits. According to Northeast Florida Builder's Associaiton, 941 permits were issued in the 4-county area in the month of March. This is the most we've seen in any month since 2007 and is up 300 permits from March of 2016.

1^st quarter permits totaled 2,230, the best figures we've seen since 2007. By comparison, in 2011, there were only 644 permits issued in the quad-county area in the first quarter – less than we saw last month alone!

Essentially, this means that now is a wonderful time to sell and introduce new inventory to the market! And if you're a renter, it's not too bad, either, because despite the lessened inventory, year-to-date rents have gone down a few dollars since our last digest.

More great news for the Northeast Florida real estate market, heading into 2017. The Realtor.com economic team set out to discover which of the nation's metro areas are expected to be blazing hot in the new year. And while most of the Top 10 winners were situated out West, Jacksonville came in with some very impressive and promising results.

This year, Jacksonville beat out it's other Florida rival, Orlando, to take the #6 most promising metro real estate market in the United States. The forecast measures two variables, price growth and sales growth. Jacksonville's price growth was 4.8% (versus Orlando's #7 performance of 5.7%) and the region's sales growth was 7.0% (versus Orlando's 6.1%)

Two factors that really impacted our top performance was a strong representation in two important categories: an influx of retiring Boomers as well as a strong Veteran presence.

To check out the full report and the awesome infographic that goes along with it, click here to read the full article on Realtor.com.

If you've decided that now is the time to buy, the next step is devising a game plan. And, unless you've got a whole lot of cash sitting in the bank, you'll likely need to locate (and get approved for) a mortgage loan. And - again - unless you happen to already be a mortgage professional, you'll likely be up against a bit of a learning curve.

That's where the folks at Realtor.com have stepped in to help eliminate the headaches and stress of shopping for a great mortgage - one that won't result in buyer's remorse.

Click here to check it out. And when you're ready, don't forget to contact one of our awesome real estate agents who would love to personally help you navigate the waters of buying a home in the Jacksonville area. Plus, we can help connect you with a slew of amazing lenders situated to make your dreams of owning a home in Northeast Florida a reality.

Also, if you're a Signature Realty & Management tenant, don't forget that you can take advantage of some great rebates and rewards through our Resident Rewards Program. With it, you have not one or two but THREE different ways that can help you save even more when you buy a home! If you haven't already signed up to take part, you can do it here.

                In the world of property management, one of the biggest sources of stress (for owners, property managers and tenants) is settling security deposit disputes. In this feature, we'll offer simple strategies for making it through the move-out process satisfactorily, and without losing your deposit.

                However, before we begin, we want to stress that when or if security deposit disputes arise, your property manager at Signature Realty & Management is just serving as an agent or bridge between you as the tenant and the owner of your rental property. While we can work to help communicate between the two of you, we have no authority to make the final calls or decisions. Ultimately, our best course of action is to prepare you for the move-out process ahead of time so that you can make the best and most informed decisions as your lease ends.

Diligence Should Start at Day One

                Avoiding future problems in the security deposit arena starts with having a solid understanding of the terms of your lease. Many new renters are so excited to get moved into their new home that they forget to familiarize themselves with all the fine print. So, Step One of success is keeping a ready copy of your lease and getting acquainted with the stipulations yours outlines.

                Step Two is being thorough and pro-active regarding your Move-In Inspection and Condition Report. This inspection will be performed by your property manager and then sent to you for review. You will have a limited time to verify the condition of the property, identify any other potential issues or dispute the condition of rooms or items as listed in the inspection report. This will serve as the baseline for any future claims and disputes and it is your responsibility to take proper action from Day One to protect your deposit.

                Once you have agreed upon the property condition report with your property manager, you can help protect yourself from future problems with Step Three - clearly documenting all requests for repairs, photographs of problem areas and any communications regarding these items in a file folder designated to your rental home. Over time, as issues arise or repairs are needed, you should further document these requests, verifications and communications. Don't wait or attempt to handle repairs yourself without express authorization from the property manager and the property owner. If not, you might wind up liable for the repair bill!

When It's Time to Move

                If you've taken each of these three preventative steps, you're already ahead of the game. However, you'll need to follow some procedures and protocols when it's time to move. First, you need to submit your notice to end your tenancy within the timeline outlined in your lease. This information is found in the third paragraph of your lease. If you are breaking your lease, you should work hard to find another tenant willing to rent the unit, because if you don't and the property sits vacant, you still owe rent until the end of your lease term.

                Next, if possible, arrange with your property manager to be present during the move out inspection. This will allow you to have a solid understanding of any damages or needed repairs and work with your manager to remedy the issues before they can be charged to your security deposit. If you have hired cleaning crews, carpet cleaning companies or any other move-out services, be sure to document your receipts and expenses for later, in case the work is called into question. However, please understand that merely hiring a company isn't enough – the company hired must do a thorough and acceptable job. If not, you'll still be on the hook!

                Your next step is to make sure that you provide your property manager with a forwarding address. If you fail to do this, it can make receiving your deposit back next to impossible. After you have moved, keep an eye out in the mail. You'll soon either receive your deposit back in full, a partial deposit with an explanation of the deducted fees or (if you've caused considerable damage or back rent) you could wind up not only losing your deposit, but also receiving an additional invoice for the damages.

                If there are no charges, your deposit will be returned to you within 15 days of completing your move-out (once keys have been returned, etc.). If the property owner decides to keep all or a portion of your deposit, they must notify you within 30 days of the termination of the lease. However, if you haven't completely moved out of the premises or returned the keys, the clock hasn't even started ticking. If you are notified that all or a portion of your deposit is being retained, it will come via certified mail and you only have 15 days in which to dispute the claim against your deposit.

How to Handle a Dispute

                At this point of the game, the ball is out of our hands as the management company. If you have a further dispute regarding the deposit, you'll have to take it up with the property owner. If you do work out some sort of arrangement, make sure that you get it in writing, complete with signatures. This will help support your case should it make it to small claims court.

                If you can't work out an agreement, the next step is to write a demand letter to the landlord asking for the return of the deposit. If you take this route, it's advised to use registered mail, clearly outline your complaint, provide any documentation that supports your argument, outline exactly what you want for a successful conclusion, refer to the state security deposit law and inform them that you are willing to take the case to small claims court if needed.

                Ultimately, at the end of the day, clear organization and communication are the best defenses against security deposit disputes. Although we at Signature Realty & Management don't get to make any final calls regarding your deposit, we can work together to make sure that any potential conflicts are resolved quickly and fairly.

Written By Signature Staff Member: Jennifer Gibbs, Marketing Director

                If you've had to drive through St. Johns County, south of Race Track Rd., east of I-95 and west of the new 9B, then you know without a doubt that there's a massive amount of construction currently underway. That's because Gate Petroleum is presently working to bring the single largest shopping area in Northeast Florida to life, and the name of this new development is Durbin Park.

                Ultimately, the final project will cover 1,600 acres of land, with 2.4 million square feet of retail space, 2.8 million square feet of office space, in addition to 999 multifamily units and 350 hotel rooms. The Gate property was previously part of the Cummer family trust and Phase I of the project is scheduled to open in the second quarter of next year, according the Stuart Korfhage of the St. Augustine Record. And if you're looking for a basis of comparison, the entire St. Johns Town Center only has 1.4 million square feet of retail space. Calling it big is a bit of an understatement.             

The Phases of Development

                Phase I will be built on an 80-acre parcel to the west of 9B and will premier approximately 700,000 square feet of retail space, which will be anchored by three major retailers.

                Phase II will open a year or a year and a half later, with a nice blend of restaurants and retail. To date, only one retailer has officially announced plans to open there, Bass Pro Shops.

                The final phase, which will be located east of I-95, will feature the offices.

Why It's Time

                Northern St. Johns County has attracted residents at rapid rates, consistently coming is as one of the fastest-growing regions in all Northeast Florida.  However, the shopping and dining options haven't been able to keep pace with that growth. Cliff Taylor, a retail specialist who also serves as the senior VP for CBRE summarized it well, "You've got he No. 1 school district in the state, they're putting up homes like you can't believe and they're all fleeing the neighborhood to shop."

                While Durbin Park will be a definite blessing to those in the immediate community, other retail regions are expected to really feel the pinch, especially The Avenues.

                Gate's partner in the endeavor, Gatlin Development, has been very busy in the region, where they typically focus on projects that fall in the 300-700k square foot range. The new Walmart Supercenter that was just completed on Collins Rd. is just one part of their portfolio. Durbin Park's Phase II will be the largest retail project Frank Gatlin has ever spearheaded.

Zooming Out for the Big Picture

                Once Durbin Park opens, it won't be just the homes and properties in the immediate vicinity that will be impacted. In a recent Jacksonville Business Journal article by Derek Gilliam, the greater Jacksonville region's home prices are projected to increase by another 6%.  "According to data from Black Knight Financial Services… Black Knight's home price index puts the average price for a house in the River City at $199,000, which is 19.9% from the area's peak in June 2006." In another article, he shared that while rents are increasing in the region, they're doing so slower than incomes are rising. "From 2012 to 2015, rents in Jacksonville went form an average of $10,632 per year to $11,556 per year – an increase of 8.7 percent. Fortunately for the people living in Jacksonville, this is not as high as the increase in incomes. Residents saw incomes rise 12.7 percent on average over the same period."

                Even though incomes are rising faster than rents, when you compare the median incomes to the median rents, rent costs are still above the 30 percent threshold which the Census Bureau labels as "rent burdened." Hopefully, as new retail stores, restaurants and businesses come to the region, residents will feel less of a pinch.

                Our Metro region just saw a 3.2 percent increase in millennials in the city, and most of them aren't looking to buy homes – they want to rent. "Despite popular stereotypes about millennials wanting urban lifestyles and amenities – good jobs and strong wage growth remain a key deciding factor for millennials across the country."

                But walkability DOES matter. In fact, there is a direct correlation (not to be confused with causation) between rent and Walk Scores. In a February article by Nick Fitzpatrick we learned that the data backs it up. "An Axiometrics study of Metro areas showed that sub-markets with the highest-ranked Walk Score in the market tend to have the highest average rent per unit."

                Whether you own a property in the immediate vicinity or a bit further outfield, Durbin Park will prove a boon to the region, bringing in more entertainment and economic opportunities for everyone.

Written By Signature Staff Member: Jennifer Gibbs, Marketing Director

In 2015, Jacksonville's commercial real estate market saw foreign investment finally reach pre-recessionary levels. While Jacksonville is still lagging behind places like Tampa and Orlando, last year's foreign investment reached $183,000,000. But considering that the state sees about $4.3 billion from foreign investors, that leaves plenty of room for improvement.

At least at the state-wide level, 2016 is poised to be an event better year for Florida than 2015 was. As 2015 closed, Florida was ranked #4 nationwide in terms of "cross-border investment." At the close of the 1^st quarter of 2016, Florida was ranked #3.

Who Is Investing & Where
Since 2007, the two most active countries for foreign investment have been Canada and Israel. Canadians are seeking multi-family investment and retail locations. Israelis are focused more on multi-family. In fact, multi-family deals are increasingly attractive to outside investors. Since 2007, multi-family transactions have made up nearly half (44%) of all foreign investment across all property types.

There are a number of factors that are contributing to these state-wide increases. We have been very fortunate to have a considerably strong economy, and that growing economy has led to population growth. Furthermore, Florida has a built-in brand that makes investment returns more secure and predictable – despite threats like the Zika virus.

More locally (and specifically) the Port of Jacksonville's foreign trade zone has emerged as the third best worldwide, and that's pulled directly from a foreign direct investment magazine. What this means for foreign investors is that goods moved through our foreign trade zone are duty and excise-tax free as long as they will ultimately arrive at a destination outside of the US borders. There are also fewer headaches in the paperwork department (where customs can be handled weekly versus daily) and certain benefits for goods that are imported into the US through our port.

What This Means for You
Although the majority of investment is in multi-family and retail properties, that doesn't mean foreign investors are totally overlooking single-family residential homes. Best of all, when they are buying, they aren't only looking for high-end luxury homes. Instead, they're scooping up more modest (and affordable) properties. And when they're doing it, Florida is beating out California, Texas, Arizona and New York as their investment destination.

As you'll soon see in our YTD market overview, this could translate into new opportunities for you! Homes are selling fast (with only an average of 92 days on market) and for great prices. The sales price as a percentage of list price is sitting at 161.7%. That means a home that is listed for $200k might actually sell for $323,400!

If you're thinking it might just be time to sell, contact me today so that we can help position you for the best possible return on your investment!
 
Sources:
http://jaxusa.org/about/news/jacksonville-foreign-trade-zone-ranked-third-in-the-world
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/07/19/foreign-investment-in-jacksonville-cre-markets.html
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/06/foreign-buyers-flood-us-real-estate-but-buy-cheaper-homes.html

1. Change air filters regularly. In most cases, this means once each month. In some instances (and with certain specialty filters) these intervals might be 60 or even 90 days. If in doubt, revisit the terms of your lease.
2. Don't crowd out your furnace or air handler. Make sure that there is a clear pathway for air intake, and that knick-knacks and other clutter aren't cramping your style.
3. Don't stack things on your duct-work system. If you've been utilizing space in your attic by stacking things on your duct-work, get up there ASAP and fix that problem! This can result in leaks in your ductwork that can really decrease your A/C's efficiency.
4. Check the status of your thermostat batteries at least two times each year. If your batteries get low, replace them.
5. Every three or four months, check your condensate drain line. Pay attention to see if there is any gunk or other build-up. It can often be clear, like a jelly. We recommend using a 50/50 mixture of hot water and white vinegar that is poured slowly down the PVC drain line. Repeat this a total of three times per treatment.
6. When you're mowing the lawn, point the discharge unit of your mower away from (never toward) your condensing unit. This can cause damage to your unit.
7. Twice a month, rinse off the outdoor condensing unit. Dirt and grime can accumulate and reduce the efficiency of your unit.
8. Carefully groom the landscaping around your outdoor unit. Keep long grass, branches, shrubbery or other debris clear of the condensing coils.
9. If you have dogs, consider creating a barrier around your outdoor unit to discourage them from urinating on the condenser, which can cause problems for your unit.
10. Ensure that the outdoor condenser unit is level. If you suspect that it's not, contact your property manager so they can send someone out for a quick inspection.
11. Make yourself easily accessible so that your property manager can schedule at least an annual HVAC service appointment to check function, freon levels, etc.

Remember - if your A/C goes out, while it may FEEL like an emergency, it isn't one in the literal sense. We will work with the owner of your property to get the issue taken care of as quickly as possible, but same day appointment aren't always possible and aren't legally required. Fortunately, we do have an extensive selection of highly-qualified A/C professionals on our Preferred Vendors' List who will be only too happy to come and save the day.

There are a ton of benefits of owning a home: stability, equity and the ability toleverage your home for other goals and investments. Another huge benefit of homeownership is the tax benefits - including both credits and deductions.

If you're looking for one more reason to make 2016 the year you transition from tenant to owner, here are a fast five that you can choose from...
 

Tax Break #1: Mortgage Interest Deductions

Unfortunately, rent paid is rarely tax deductible. Mortgage interest on the other hand, is ALWAYS deductible. According to a recent article by Dona DeZube, at the end of every year, the average homeowner has paid $9,540 in interest on their mortgage.

Add to that the fact that in the first few years, nearly two-thirds of each month's payment goes right towards interest!
 

Tax Break #2: Property Taxes are Totally Tax Deductible

Let's face it guys - the reality of most situations is that your monthly rent is used by the owner to cover a number of costs incurred with maintaining your rental property. There might be a mortgage owed, money set aside for taxes, insurance and for any maintenance, repairs or replacements. Then there are management and legal fees and other associated costs. Whatever is left over is that month's net profit.

See - you're already paying those things, over the length of your lease. You just don't get to write any of it off. Nationwide, that comes up to about $4,420, according to the IRS. If you received this and the average mortgage interest deduction, you've already amassed nearly $14,000 in deductions!
 

Tax Break #3: Points Pay Off

Savvy buyers sometimes use a strategy to lower their interest rates called buying down points. the most common types of points purchased are origination points and discount points. To the IRS, it's basically the same as pre-paid interest. Nationwide, the average value of this deduction is $611.

If you miss this opportunity at the closing table, you can cash in on the benefit later, if you choose to refinance your home.
 

Tax Break #4: Welcome to Long-Form Filing

Unless you're self-employed, many of you file your taxes using the short-form 1040-EZ. That's because without all of these deductions, you would simply not have the numbers to beat the standard deduction of $6,300 for unmarried individuals and $12,600 per married couple.

This also allows you to take other deductions you couldn't on the 1040-EZ like charitable giving, medical expenses and all of those un-reimbursed job-related expenses you rack up over the course of one year.

Sure, it means you'll need to hire an accountant or a tax prep pro, but the good news is that those fee's are deductible too!
 

Tax Break #5: Capital Gains Tax Relief & Why You Want It

We saved this one for last, because if you haven't even bought a home yet, it seems a little silly to start thinking about selling it. However, the chances are that if you buy a home once, you may very well decide to later sell that house and upgrade to a new one or perhaps relocate after a big promotion.

If you take great care of your home, pay down your principal and the passage of time increases your home's value, you're likely going to walk away from the closing table with a check. That check equals capital gains, and the IRS loves to get in on that action. The average penalty is around 15% for capital gains. Real estate, however ,is tax-free on profits of up to $250,000 for a single person or $500,000 if you're a married couple.

If you made $500,000 in the stock market, you'd likely owe $75,000 in capital gains.

This does have rules, chiefly where you have to own and live in the home for 2 of the past 5 years. The only other investment that compares in that sense would be Roth IRAs and other tax-free accounts.

All of these tax breaks can really add up. If you're a Signature tenant and you think now is the time to make your move from tenant to buyer, be sure to sign up for our Resident Rewards Program.

#1: All of the OTHER Interest Associated with Your Rental

#2: Depreciation Expenses

#3: The Cost of Repairs - NOT Improvements

#4: Local & Long-Distance Travel

#5: Home Office Deductions

#6: Additional Insurance Policies

#7: All Legal & Professional Services Associated with Your Rental

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We have a St. Augustine property manager standing by, ready to answer all of these questions and more. If you're looking for a St. Augustine property management firm that offers:

...then simply fill out this simple form or contact our World Golf Village Office directly at 904-940-9882. 

This year, we at Signature Realty & Management were once again honored with a Top 5 performance in the Jacksonville Business Journal's annual Book of Lists in the Property Management category. Of course, with over 19 years' of experience in full-service real estate and property management solutions, this should come as no surprise. The simple fact is that when it comes to finding Jacksonville rental properties or placing your home for rent, we're the first choice in Florida's First Coast.

We offer full-service real estate solutions that span the industry. If you're looking for residential property management, we've got it. If you need to buy a commercial property, we can help. Looking for a way to turn a seasonal property into a profitable vacation property? Call us to find out how we can make it happen.

From real estate listings and sales to property and association management, our full-service firm can provide you with practical, applicable strategies to help boost your bottom dollar.

However, with that said, property management is our specialty. There's a reason that so many residential home owners turn to us for help with their Jacksonville rental properties. Not only do we offer residential property management solutions that are customized to the unique needs of the individual owner, we also have a wide range of perks that keep our satisfied clients coming back time and time again with their property portfolios.

• With us, you only pay for results. If we haven't placed a tenant in your rental property, we won't charge you for services you haven't yet used!
• We provide thorough inspections and maintenance monitoring, keeping your property safe and secure no matter where you are.
• We provide you with a dedicated Property Management Professional who will handle your property with kid-glove care.
• In-depth monthly and quarterly reporting on the status of your property, your tenant(s) and your financials!
  

Top 10 City for Logistics Infrastructure

As the largest city in the lower 48 (over 840 square miles) our recognition as a Top 10 performer in the realm of Logistics Infrastructure didn't happen by accident. Last November, Global Trade Magazine ranked us a "Top Tenner" based on our strong air, sea and rail connectivity. This logistical infrastructure not only makes us cargo-friendly, it's one reason our local unemployment numbers have dropped below 6% to settle around the national and statewide average of 5.6%.

The #1 City in the US to Launch a New Small Business

Last year, Jacksonville distinguished itself as a leading city to launch a new business. WalletHub.com solidly placed the city at the top of the list for cities in our nation to start our small business. How did we do it? With our record of successful new companies, low corporate taxes and access to both employees and the financing needed.

A Top 10 City for Non-College Graduates

With a lot of focus on about wealth disparity, it's nice to know that in Jacksonville, the playing field is a little more level. In January, Movoto listed our city as tied with Las Vegas for 7^th place in the nation as a place where non-college graduates can get ahead. The city is ideal for finding employment AND healthcare if you've entered the workforce without a college degree.

A Top 10 City for First-Time Home Buyers

According to Realtor.com, Jacksonville came in 6^th nationwide in 2014 when it comes to cities with the best opportunities and prospects for moving from renter to buyer. Which factors were isolated to make the rankings? We can thank market popularity, prices, inventory, days on market and unemployment rankings.

The #1 City in the Nation for Hispanic Economic Performance

When most people think about Latino populations, New York, Miami, Chicago and LA are usually the first places that come to mind. But this year, the real winner for Hispanics  was the city of Jacksonville. Criteria that helped us secure our 1^st place ranking included a high percentage of Hispanic homeowners (12% higher than the national average), median household income, an increase in new jobs and a Hispanic population boom of 148% since the year 2000!

A Top 10 City for Culture & Music in the Convention Arena

ConventionSouth Magazine spends a lot of time seeking the best the South has to offer by way of meetings, events and conventions. In 2014, Jacksonville took home two Top 10 spots: #1 for the Best City for Culture for meetings and conventions and also were awarded the #4 spot for the South's Top 10 Music Spots for Meetings and Events.

#4 Nationwide for Millennials Seeking Work

According to NerdWallet.com, Jacksonville leads the nation for millennials in the market for a job. 190,000 millennials call Jacksonville home and are looking forward to a higher average payroll salary and lower median rents than their contemporaries in most American cities.

Jacksonville is a Top 10 Contender for Most Affordable Big Cities in America

TheSimpleDollar.com set out to find the most affordable urban hubs in America. For consideration, cities had to have populations over 200,000. Jacksonville was awarded the #4 spot due to affordable housing, a cost of living index 9 points below the average and the highest median household income of all other contenders!

Need Work Now? Jacksonville Tops the List!

Jobs are still one of the biggest concerns in the American economy. For those looking to get back to work, Jacksonville made Forbes's #4 spot last May. The industries that made the biggest impact on our Top 10 status included: professional/business services, healthcare and the financial sector.

More Urban Parks than Anywhere in the Nation!

Rounding off our Top 10 of Jacksonville's Top 10s is the fact that in all of America, Jacksonville has the highest amount of land dedicated to urban parks. Of our cities 850 square miles of geography, 111,669 acres have been designated as parks.

One reason that Jacksonville real estate makes sense for newcomers is the ease of making the transition and getting situated. Here, city and county governments operate as one. That means that tags, licenses, business permits and other critical components of success provide a smooth and seamless adjustment period.

Furthermore, Jacksonville real estate has shown steady signs of stabilization and recovery. This is in large part due to two different trends:

The EverBank Financial Corporation is setting the stage by relocating their corporate headquarters out of a suburban office development and into a downtown Jacksonville high-rise and taking their place in our breath-taking skyline.

Just a little further south, in America's oldest city, St. Augustine, another company is on the move. St. Augustine is slated to be the future site of the German firm, 2G Cenergy Power Systems, Inc. and will accommodate a staff of roughly 125 people.

When asked why, they cited several powerful incentives, including:

With strengths in skilled, multicultural workers, a population younger than Florida's state average, state-of-the-art financial services, Grade-A healthcare, strong military and defense ties, great logistics and an incredible quality of life, there's no wonder why so many families and individuals are looking for Jacksonville real estate options.

If you're one of them, call us today to Experience the Signature Difference!

Source: http://www.floridatrend.com/article/14Wh673/northeast-florida?page=4