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Message Spring 2025St Augustine’s Real Estate, Then & Now
WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR AND A DYNAMIC SPRING MARKET!As we step into a new year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our clients, colleagues, and community. At Great Expectations Realty, we are honored to be part of your buying and selling journey, and we look forward to another year of helping you achieve your real estate goals.Spring is one of the most beautiful and dynamic times of year in St. Johns County and Northeast Florida. With our gorgeous coastal landscapes, charming historic neighborhoods, and ourishing communities, this season brings a renewed energy to the market. Buyers are eager to nd their dream homes, and sellers have a fantastic opportunity to showcase their properties at their very best. The warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and increased buyer activity make spring an ideal time for real estate transactions.At Great Expectations Realty, we believe that real estate is more than just transactions—it’s about building relationships. Whether buying your rst home, upgrading, investing, or selling, we are committed to guiding you with integrity, expertise, and personalized service. Our business thrives because of the trust and support of our clients, and we never take that for granted.One of the greatest compliments we receive is a customer referral. Recommending Great Expectations Realty to friends, family, and colleagues reafrms our mission to provide top-tier service. We are incredibly grateful for your trust and are always here to serve as a reliable resource for all things real estate. Whether you have questions about market trends, home values, or community developments, we are just a call away.As we embrace this new year and the exciting opportunities of the spring market, we look forward to continuing to grow alongside this wonderful community. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your real estate journey. Here’s to a season lled with new beginnings, beautiful homes, and strong connections!Warm regards,Jena DennisBroker & ProprietorGreat Expectations RealtyEstate Publishing Corp.PublisherCharles ZitsmanInfo@EstatePublishing.org(904) 377-5725Associate PublisherJena DennisContent CoordinatorMeeka CookPhotographic ContributionsThe Real Estateographers 904-770-5262 TheRealEstateographers.comAny content, articles, advertising, or any other submitted materials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Great Expectations Realty or Estate Publishing and shall not be held responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. 08-0325© 2025 Estate Publishing. All Rights Reserved.Table of CONTENTS05Preferred exPerT Index06The amazIng dIversITy of real esTaTe09a record PercenT of buyers are PlannIng To move In 2025 – are you?10InvesTIng In real esTaTe wITh frIends and famIly12how home equITy can helP fuel your reTIremenT15for sale: hIsTorIc commercIal ProPerTy16PIP’s corner – sT. augusTIne evenTs904-823-3456Great Expectations Realty4904-823-3456GErealty.US
Preferred Expert IndexCategory Company Contact Phone WebsiteCommercial Photography The Real Estateographers Sco Golmic 904-770-5262 TheRealEstateographers.comCustom Home Builder G.J. Gardner Homes Erick Fundora 904-906-5136 GSGardner.comFlood, Mold, Fire, Bio Hazard PuroClean of Jacksonville Wayne Terry 904-573-3566 PuroCleanof Jax.comFlooring About Floors n' More Rick Costner 904-361-3508 AboutFloorsnMore.comInsurance Services The Browning Agency Jim Browning 904-285-3430 BrowningAgency.comMortgage Lending First Coast Mortgage Funding Amanda Solari 904-607-7187 SolariTeam.comPests, Termites & Wildlife Control Kingsh Pest Control Brian Wesco 904-595-5300 KingshPest.comProperty Inspecons KC Inspecons Kyle Cali 904-404-9092 KCinspeconsFL.comPublic Adjusters Gold Star Adjustors Mark Goldwich 904-406-7232 GoldStarAdjusters.comPublishing & Prinng Estate Publishing Corp Charles Zitsman 904-377-5725 EstatePub.comReal Estate, Businesses & Aucons Great Expectaons Jena Baker-Dennis 904-823-3456 GErealty.usReal Estate Legal Services St. Johns Law Group Araan Burne 904-495-0400 SJLaw Group.comReal Estate Services Great Expectaons Rlty Jena Dennis 904-823-3456 GERealty.USRestaurant Raintree Restaurant Lorna McDonald 904-824-7211 RainTreeRestaurant.comRoong Big A Roong Ausn Strickland 386-385-3985 BigARoong.conTitle Insurance Paradise Title Chrisna Guyee 904-471-2553 ParadiseTitleStAug.comTitle Service Land Title of America Steve Collins 904-797-9600 GoLandTitle.comWell, Sepc, Electric Services Flamingo Sepc & Ulies Heather Mullis 904-222-7465 CallFlamingo.com5904-823-3456GErealty.US
Real estate is one of today’s most diverse and powerful wealth-building tools. Unlike other investments, real estate offers multiple pathways to success—whether through rental income, property appreciation, or strategic development. As a professional real estate broker, I have witnessed rsthand how real estate transforms lives, providing nancial security and, more importantly, true nancial freedom.The philosophy behind real estate investing aligns closely with the principles outlined in Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. In the book, Kiyosaki contrasts the nancial mindsets of his “rich dad” and “poor dad,” emphasizing how nancial literacy and asset accumulation create lasting wealth. Real estate stands as one of the most powerful vehicles to achieve this, offering opportunities for passive income, tax advantages, and long-term nancial stability.The Unmatched Diversity of Real EstateOne of the most incredible aspects of real estate is its sheer diversity. Whether you’re an investor, a homeowner, or a business owner, real estate provides a variety of ways to build wealth. Here are just a few:1. Rental Properties: Long-term rentals provide steady cash ow while tenants effectively pay down your mortgage. Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb properties, generate even higher returns in prime locations.2. Commercial Real Estate: Investing in ofce buildings, retail spaces, and industrial properties provides long-term lease agreements and stable income streams.3. Fix and Flips: Flipping houses can generate substantial prots for those with an eye for design and renovation. Buying undervalued properties, making improvements, and selling at a higher price creates signicant capital gains.4. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): For those who prefer a hands-off approach, REITs allow investors to pool funds into large-scale real estate ventures without directly managing properties.THE AMAZING DIVERSITY OF REAL ESTATE: THE PATH TO PASSIVE INCOME AND FINANCIAL FREEDOMContributed by Great Expectations Realty6904-823-3456GErealty.US
5. Land Development: Purchasing and developing raw land for residential or commercial use can be highly protable. The value of land increases as infrastructure and demand grows.6. House Hacking: An excellent strategy for beginners, house hacking involves buying a multi-unit property, living in one unit, and renting out the others to cover the mortgage.With such a wide range of investment opportunities, real estate remains one of the most versatile and accessible wealth-building tools available.Why Real Estate Is the Ultimate Passive Income AssetThe core philosophy of Rich Dad Poor Dad revolves around the idea that true wealth comes from acquiring assets that generate passive income. Unlike a paycheck that stops when you stop working, passive income continues to ow, providing nancial freedom. Real estate is one of the best ways to create this type of income for several reasons:1. Cash Flow: Rental properties generate consistent monthly income, covering expenses and creating prots that grow over time.2. Leverage: Real estate allows investors to use borrowed money to acquire assets, signicantly increasing potential returns. A small down payment can control a signicant asset that appreciates over time.7904-823-3456GErealty.US
3. Tax Benets: Real estate investors enjoy various tax advantages, such as depreciation, mortgage interest deductions, and 1031 exchanges, which allow them to defer capital gains taxes.4. Appreciation: Real estate values tend to rise over time, making properties worth signicantly more than their purchase price. This appreciation builds long-term wealth.5. Hedge Against Ination: Unlike cash savings, which lose value due to ination, real estate tends to rise in value along with the cost of living. Rents increase, property values grow, and investors benet from long-term wealth preservation.6. Control Over Your Investment: Unlike stocks and bonds, which are inuenced by market forces beyond your control, real estate allows investors to increase property value through renovations, better management, and strategic location choices.Making Real Estate Work for YouThe key to success in real estate investing is nancial education and taking action. Many hesitate because they fear risk, lack knowledge, or assume they need massive capital to get started. However, many successful investors start small, leveraging creative nancing strategies, partnerships, and house hacking to enter the market.Like Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, those who prioritize asset accumulation over liability spending create lasting nancial security. Instead of earning more income through a job, they focus on acquiring cash-owing properties that work for them 24/7.ConclusionReal estate remains one of the most powerful tools for creating passive income and achieving nancial independence. Its diversity allows investors of all backgrounds and experience levels to nd an approach that suits them. By following wealth-building principles through asset accumulation, real estate investors can break free from the cycle of trading time for money and build true generational wealth.If you’re ready to take control of your nancial future, start exploring the world of real estate today. With the right mindset, strategy, and education, your rst investment could be the key to lasting nancial freedom.8904-823-3456GErealty.US
A RECORD PERCENT OF BUYERS ARE PLANNING TO MOVE IN 2025 – ARE YOU?Contributed by Great Expectations RealtyThis could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 15% of people are planning to buy a home this year. That’s actually a record high for this survey.Here’s why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2020. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t disappeared – if anything, it indicates there’s pent-up demand ready to come back to the market.That doesn’t mean the oodgates are opening and there will be a massive wave of buyers like we saw a few years ago. But this does signal there’ll be more activity this year than last.At least some of the buyers who put their plans on hold over the past few years will jump back in. Whether they’re feeling more condent about moving, they’ve nally saved up enough to buy, or they simply can’t wait any longer – this is the year they’re aiming to take the plunge.According to that same NerdWallet survey, more than half (54%) of those potential buyers have already started looking at homes online.That’s a good indicator that a number of these buyers will be looking during the peak homebuying season this spring. So, if you nd the right agent to ensure your house is prepped, priced, and marketed well, you can get it in front of them.BOTTOM LINEMore people are going to move this year, and with the right strategy, you can make sure your house is one of the rst they look at.What do you think these buyers will love most about your house? Let’s discuss it and ensure that it is front and center in your listing.9904-823-3456GErealty.US
Real estate investing is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth, and many investors look to friends and family to join forces in purchasing properties. While partnering with loved ones can make real estate more accessible, it also comes with risks that can strain both relationships and nances. Before diving into an investment together, weighing the pros and cons and taking key precautions to protect everyone involved is essential.Pros of Investing with Friends and Family1. Shared Financial Burden – Pooling funds allows you to buy properties that might be out of reach individually, reducing the nancial strain on each investor.2. Diversied Skills – Different partners bring different strengths—one may be great at managing tenants, another at handling renovations, and another at analyzing deals.3. Increased Buying Power – Larger capital contributions allow for better nancing options, larger deals, and potentially higher returns.4. Lower Risk per Person – By splitting costs, each investor has less nancial exposure if something goes wrong.5. Built-in Trust – Working with people you already know can create a comfortable and supportive investment environment.INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY: PROS, CONS, AND PRECAUTIONSContributed by Great Expectations Realty10904-823-3456GErealty.US
Cons of Investing with Friends and Family1. Potential for Relationship Strains – Disagreements over property management, expenses, or exit strategies can lead to tension and damaged relationships.2. Unequal Contributions and Expectations – One partner may contribute more money or effort, leading to resentment if roles aren’t clearly dened.3. Decision-Making Challenges – Differing opinions on renovations, tenants, or when to sell can cause conicts, slowing down progress.4. Legal and Financial Risks – If one investor faces nancial difculties, their issues could impact the entire group, especially if loans are co-signed.5. Difculty Exiting the Investment – Finding a fair buyout or selling the property can be complex if one partner wants out.Precautions to Take When Investing Together1. Create a Legal Agreement – Draft a formal partnership agreement outlining ownership percentages, responsibilities, decision-making processes, and exit strategies. Consulting a real estate attorney is highly recommended.2. Clearly Dene Roles and Responsibilities – Decide who will manage tenants, handle nances, oversee maintenance, and make key decisions to prevent misunderstandings.3. Agree on an Exit Plan Upfront – Determine what happens if one investor wants to sell or the group wants to cash out. Having a buyout clause can prevent disputes later.4. Keep Communication Open and Professional – Treat the investment as a business, holding regular meetings and documenting decisions to ensure transparency.5. Use Separate Bank Accounts – Maintain a dedicated business account for the property to track expenses and prevent personal nancial entanglements.6. Consider an LLC – Forming a limited liability company (LLC) can provide legal protection and structure for the investment.Final ThoughtsInvesting in real estate with friends and family can be an excellent way to build wealth together, but it requires careful planning and clear communication. By setting expectations early, protecting the partnership legally, and treating the investment professionally, you can maximize the benets while minimizing potential conicts. If done right, it can be a rewarding experience that strengthens both nancial portfolios and relationships.11904-823-3456GErealty.US
HOW HOME EQUITY CAN HELP FUEL YOUR RETIREMENTContributed by Great Expectations RealtyIf retirement is on the horizon, now’s the time to start thinking about your next chapter, and you probably want to make sure you’re set up to feel comfortable nancially to live the life you want in retirement.What you may not realize is you likely have a hidden goldmine of cash you’re not thinking about — and that’s your home. Data from the Federal Housing Finance 12904-823-3456GErealty.US
Agency (FHFA) shows that home values have increased nearly 60% over the last 5 years alone.And that appreciation gave your net worth a big boost. According to Freddie Mac, over the same ve-year period:“Boomer overall wealth increased by $19 trillion, or $486,000 per household, half of which is due to house price appreciation.”So, if you’ve been in your house ever longer than that, chances are you have even more equity in your home. If you want to have access to more of the wealth you’ve built up throughout the years, it’s worth thinking about selling your house to downsize.Why Downsizing Might Be the Right MoveSelling now so you can downsize into a smaller home, or maybe one in a more affordable area could free up your home equity so you can use a portion of it to help you feel condent retiring. Whether you want to travel, spend more time with family, or just feel 13904-823-3456GErealty.US
nancially secure, accessing the equity in your home can make a huge difference. As Chase says: “Retirement is an exciting time. Selling your home to take advantage of the equity or to downsize to a more affordable home can open up additional options for your future.”Here are just a few of the ways a smaller home can fuel your retirement:1. Cut Your Cost of LivingData from the AARP shows that the number one reason adults who are 50 and older move is to reduce their cost of living. Downsizing to a smaller house or relocating to a more affordable area can help you lower your monthly expenses — like utilities, property taxes, and maintenance costs.2. Simplify Your LifeA smaller home often means less upkeep and fewer responsibilities. That can free up your time and energy to focus on what matters most in your retirement.3. Boost Your Financial FlexibilitySelling your current house gives you access to your equity, turning it into cash you can use however you like. Whether investing, paying off debt, or creating a nancial cushion, it can open new opportunities for your future.The First Step Toward Your Next ChapterIf you think you may be interested in downsizing, working with a real estate agent is your next step. Your agent will help you understand how much equity to have and how to use it. But they’ll do more than that. They’ll also help you navigate the entire process of selling your current home and nding a new one so you can transition smoothly into a new home and a new phase of life.Bottom LineIf you plan to retire in 2025, now may be the perfect time to downsize and unlock the equity you’ve built up in your home. Let’s start planning your move now, so you’re set up to make every day feel like a Saturday.14904-823-3456GErealty.US
Property Highlights:• Historic Signicance: Originally the St. Augustine Coca-Cola Bottling Plant, reecting the city’s early 20th-century industrial growth.• Architecture: Industrial design from the early 1900s, featuring functional layouts and robust construction. Maintains historical integrity while supporting modern commercial uses.• Space: Offers 7,200 sq. ft. of air-conditioned space and an additional 2,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space.• Recent Upgrades: Equipped with a new HVAC system and roof installed within the last three years.• Parking: Includes a private fenced parking lot, a premium feature for downtown properties.• Zoning: CM-2 is suitable for various uses such as restaurants, retail, ofces, medical practices, and showrooms.• Facilities: Features two ADA-compliant restrooms, high ceilings, and roll-up doors on either side for easy deliveries.• Location Benets: Situated on bustling San Marco Avenue, the property is just a short walk or bike ride from downtown St. Augustine. Offers excellent visibility and accessibility in one of the city’s most desirable commercial corridors.This versatile property is a testament to St. Augustine’s rich commercial heritage and presents a unique opportunity for businesses looking to establish themselves in a historic yet fully modernized setting.FOR SALE: HISTORIC COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Price: $3,200,000Location: 239 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida15904-823-3456GErealty.US
PIP’S CORNER – ST. AUGUSTINE EVENTSMarch 8 - St. Augustine St. Patrick’s Parade Celebrate the world’s rst recorded St. Patrick’s Parade (1601) in America’s oldest Celtic city. Begins at 10 AM at Francis Field, weaving through downtown St. Augustine. This is Northeast Florida’s only St. Patrick’s Day parade. Time: 10am More info at celticstaugustine.com/paradeMarch 8-9 - St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival Since 2011, this festival has brought top Celtic bands, highland games, and cultural workshops to Francis Field. Time: Sat.: 10am-10 pm, Sun. 10am-7pm Tickets and info at celticstaugustine.comMarch 15-16 - EPIC Flower & Garden Expo 27th annual event at Sykes Family Farm, Elkton. Features a vast array of plants and garden accessories. Time: Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 10am-3pm. Cost: $5 admission, children free. Details at epicbh.org/owergardenexpoMarch 29-30 - St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival 42nd annual seafood and crafts festival at Francis Field. Enjoy diverse foods, arts, and family entertainment. Time: Sat. 10am-9pm, Sun. 11am-6pm More info at lionsfestival.com16904-823-3456GErealty.US
March 30 - St. Ambrose Fair 142nd edition at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Elkton. Features Minorcan clam chowder, live music, and classic fair games. Time: Noon-4pm Cost: Free April 11-12 -Gamble Rogers Folk Festival Celebrating folk legend Gamble Rogers at St. Johns County Fairgrounds, Elkton. Features performances across four stages. Tickets and schedule at gamblerogersfest.orgApril 12-13 - Old Town Art Show Showcases nearly 100 artisans at Francis Field, St. Augustine. Time: 10am-4pm both days. Cost: Free Event info at OldTownArtShow.comApril 19 - St. Augustine Easter Parade Starts at the Old Jail and tours through historic downtown. Features decorated horses, oats, and bands. Time: 9am Details at oldestcityeaster.orgApril 20 - St. Augustine Easter Promenade Annual event at the Plaza de la Constitución. Features a costume contest with various categories. Time:1-2:30pm Cost: Free April 26-27 - Cabbage, Potato and Bacon Festival A celebration of local agriculture in Hastings, featuring food demos and traditional races. Time: Sat. 10am-3pm, Taste event: 5:30-9 pm, Sun. 10am-4pm Cost: Free . More info at hastings.org17904-823-3456GErealty.US
April 27 - The Taste of St. Augustine St. Augustine Amphitheatre hosts a tasting event from the area’s best restaurants. Time: 11am-4pm Cost: $5 entry, taste tickets $1 (with restaurants charging 1-5 tickets per taste) Event details at epicbh.org/tasteofstaugustineMay 3 - St. Augustine Craft Brewers’ Fest Unlimited craft beer samples at Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Time: 1-5pm Cost: $50, VIP $120 Tickets at stabrewersfest.comMay 7-11 - St. Augustine History Festival A tour through the history of America’s oldest city with events across various historic sites. Learn more at staugustinehistoryfestival.comMay 7-11 - St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival A culinary showcase at various locations featuring renowned chefs and local avors. Tickets and details at staugustinefoodandwinefestival.comMay 10 - Sunower & Tomato Festival at Wesley Wells Farms A family-friendly festival with u-pick owers, salsa tasting, and more. Time: 9am-4pm Event info at wesleywellsfarm.com18904-823-3456GErealty.US
Pam Gesell – Licensed Title AgentKim Collins – Licensed Title AgentChristina Guyette – Licensed Title AgentKayla Beaver – Settlement AgentSuzanne Gonzalez - AdministratorMorton Manassaram- Owner2225 A1A South, Suite C8 St. Augustine, FL 32080701 Market Street, Suite 111, Saint Augustine, Florida 32095www.paradisetitelstaug.com904-471-2553BUYING, SELLING OR REFINANCING?For all your commercial and residential title needs.• Professionalism• Accuracy• Problem SolvingSIMPLY THE BEST!Spring 2025