President Obama has signed the extended tax credit into law. This is great news for the real estate market! National Association of Realtors economists predict that 2 million Americans will take advantage of the credit this year. In addition to the $8,000 for first time buyers, they have added a $6,500 credit for home purchasers who have owned their home and used it as a primary residence for 5 consecutive years during the previous 8 year period.

Contracts must by signed by April 30, 2010 and close by July 1, 2010  to take advantage of the credit. Please don't wait until April to start looking at houses!

Become a Fan of Premier on Facebook!    

Premier Properties Realty Group can now be found on the extremely popular internet social networking site, Facebook. We are currently building the company's Facebook Page to bring you up-to-date real estate news and Premier real estate highlights to share with our Facebook friends. 

Hope for Baby Shane Stratton Charity Auction Benefit on Saturday Night, 10/24/09

Shane Stratton is 5 months old and was born with a very rare genetic disease called 1p36 chromosomal deletion and duplication.

Developmental delay, blindness, inability to swallow, breathing difficulties and increased risk of infections are among the daily struggles Shane battles every moment of his young life.

We are asking the community to help by joining us at Shane's Hope for Charity Auction & Dinner on October 24th, 5pm at the Mark Lance Armory on San Marco Avenue.

A monetary contribution or donated auction item will help the family with his exorbitant medical expenses. Tickets are limited & may be purchased at First Federal Bank at $25 each or you may make a donation to his fund at First Federal Bank, Account # 375071, make checks payable to “Hope for Shane”.

Premier Properties Main Office, 661 A1A Beach Blvd.  is a drop off location for auction items and donations, or you can call Shawna Hicks for pick-up at (904)669-8185. 

Use your $8,000 tax credit for your down payment!!!

As of July 1st, Florida became one of a few states hoping to spark its real estate market by offering $8,000 in down-payment assistance to qualified homebuyers so they can benefit upfront from the new federal tax credit.

In many cases, this means that qualified buyers may be able to purchase a home with little to no money down.

So let's recap: historically low interest rates, historically low values, plenty of selection, $8,000 free dollars that can now be applied to your closing. Is now a good time to buy your first home? The answer is YES!

Keep in mind the tax credit offer expires on December 1st so time is running out to find and close on your new home. Call one of our professional real estate consultants today, (904)471-5000. For more information go to: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-asechome-buyer-tax-credit-fl-063063009jun30,0,414986.story 

Premier Properties Ranks in the Top 20 NE Florida Real Estate Agencies

Premier Properties Realty Group was established over ten years ago, starting out as a small, independent real estate company with two Brokers and a handful of Realtors. Through the years, we have steadily grown in size and have acquired a solid reputation for our real estate expertise, quality service and knowledgeable agents and staff.

We are pleased and excited to share the news of our recent recognition as one of the areas top real estate agencies. The Jacksonville Business Journal's  "The List"  included Premier Properties Realty Group once again amongst Northeast Florida's Top 20 real estate firms, ranking #13 among all real estate firms.  

We wish to thank you for your past business and loyalty and look forward to serving your real estate needs for years to come. 

St. Augustine Ranked in Top 10 for Best Places to Live 2009

U.S. Newslooked at areas with strong economies, low living costs, and plenty of fun things to do

By Luke Mullins ; www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2009/06/08/best-places-to-live-2009

Posted June 8, 2009

With the decade winding to a close, Americans have grown increasingly reluctant to gas up their moving vans. Last year, the Census Bureau's national mover rate—which represents the percentage of Americans 1 year and older who moved within the past year—hit its lowest level since 1948, when the bureau began tracking the data. And who can blame us? In the face of a terrifying banking crisis, a historic housing crash, and a grueling recession, relocating to a new city isn't exactly on the to-do list. But despite the uncertain economy, the nation's diverse topography presents an enviable menu of great places to find work, retire, or just change your scene.

In selecting our Best Places to Live for 2009, U.S. News took a thrift-conscious approach: We looked for affordable communities that have strong economies and plenty of fun things to do. The cities we selected are as distinct as America itself—ranging from a quaint suburb to a live-music mecca. But whether you prefer hiking through the Rocky Mountains, pulling a fish out of the Atlantic Ocean, or grilling hot dogs at a college football tailgate, here are 10 places that will fill up your daybook without emptying your wallet.

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Along the banks of the Rio Grande, with the Sandia Mountains in the background, is the beautiful city of Albuquerque, N.M. The sunny climate and endless landscape have long drawn writers, poets, and artists to this spot, which includes an unconventional mix of American Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. But it's not just freethinkers who drift to this Southwestern city of 511,000. Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories, and Intel Corp. have helped develop the area into a manufacturing and research hub. They provide a stable anchor for the local economy.

Albuquerque's clear skies, calm winds, and abundant sunshine present plenty of opportunities to explore its natural splendor. Each October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with more than 700 colorful hot-air balloons. Fourteen area golf courses are open year-round and allow duffers to tee off against spectacular backdrops of volcanoes and mountain peaks. Meanwhile, Albuquerque's foothills and network of trails make the area a wonderful destination for biking. Still, "it's kind of undiscovered at the same time," says Will McConnell of the Albuquerque Bicycle Center.

Auburn, Alabama
For Southern charm with collegiate vigor, consider Auburn, Ala. This diamond on the eastern Alabama plains has a population of just under 50,000 and is home to Auburn University. On football Saturdays, when die-hard fans arrive in droves to cheer their beloved Tigers, Auburn swells to the state's fifth-most-populous city. And as Auburn's largest employer, the university also plays a starring role in the local economy.

With mild winters and hot summers, the city offers no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities. Find a nice hiking trail in the 696-acre Chewacla State Park before cooling off with an afternoon swim. Take a stroll through the Donald E. Davis Arboretum, located on the Auburn University campus.

Golfers can head to nearby Grand National golf course and wend their way through the state along the beautiful Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. "Once you have been there, you just want to come back," says John Cannon, president of SunBelt Golf Corp., which manages the trail.

[See a slideshow of the 10 best places to live.]

Austin, Texas
If you're a free spirit, music junkie, or barbecue lover—or if you simply have what it takes to "keep Austin weird"—Texas's state capital is for you. Considered ground zero for live music, this city of 716,000 residents is home to legions of musicians and nearly 200 performance venues. In addition, Austin hosts the always popular South by Southwest festival. Since its inception in 1987, the event has mushroomed from a local gathering to a 1,800-band, 80-stage extravaganza of music, filmmaking, and interactive activities featuring performers from all over the world. Austin is also a high-tech hub, with companies like Dell and IBM, which employ thousands of residents.

Loveland has also achieved acclaim for its Valentine remailing program, in which 200,000 cards are sent to the city to receive a special cachet stamp. "We've got a waiting list of over 50 people that are waiting to be stampers," says Kathryn Roth of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.

San Luis Obispo, California
Tucked into California's sweeping Central Coast region is lovely San Luis Obispo, Calif. Its warm, gentle climate, with temperatures rarely surpassing 90 degrees, is perfect for hitting nearby beaches or touring local vineyards. In addition, California Polytechnic State University, which is located in town, infuses the community with intellectual energy.

Although area home prices have fallen by as much as 35 percent over the past two years, the national housing bust may have also created another reason to make San Luis Obispo your home, says John Day, a local real estate broker. "There are just plain good deals" in the current market, he says.

St. Augustine, Florida
As the nation's longest continually inhabited European-founded city, St. Augustine, Fla., considers itself the oldest city in the United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish Adm. Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, this community of 13,000 residents on Florida's northeastern coast has managed to maintain its colonial charm. Take the Castillo de San Marcos, for example. This remarkable stone-and-mortar fort is located right in the heart of St. Augustine's cobblestoned historic district. And even though 300 years of violent storms and enemy firepower couldn't penetrate its walls, visitors can enter the 20.5-acre monument site today for just $6.

But St. Augustine's appeal extends beyond the history books. With a highly educated workforce, world-class golfing nearby—the immaculate TPC Sawgrass course is located just up the road—and that refreshing Atlantic breeze, this "ancient city" offers enough activities to satisfy even the most fanatical outdoor sports enthusiast. "Fishing, kayaking, boating—we have just about everything," says Donald Edwards, a clerk at the Avid Angler fishing shop. "I wouldn't live anywhere else."

Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania
For a quiet residential option, consider Upper St. Clair, Pa. This quaint town of fewer than 20,000 residents is located in the hilly woodlands outside Pittsburgh, where the Whiskey Rebellion of the late 1700s was centered. The median home price of this family-oriented community was $240,000 in 2008. And its school system is superb: Ninety-eight percent of its high school graduates go on to college, and the Upper St. Clair school district currently boasts 10 federal government blue-ribbon "Excellence in Education" awards.

After the spring thaw, residents head outside to enjoy the region's abundant greenery. "Pennsylvania is a fairly robust and rich place in terms of resources, if you just look a little bit," says Ed Di Gangi, the president of the Upper St. Clair Fly Fishing Club. In addition to fishing, popular outdoor activities include hiking, cycling, golf, and bocce. And with Pittsburgh about 10 miles away, residents of this small town are never too far removed from big-city comforts. "From here to a Pirates [baseball] game or here to a Penguins [hockey] game, it's 30 minutes or less," Di Gangi says.

Here's our list of the 10 best places to live:

1. Albuquerque, N.M.
2. Auburn, Ala.
3. Austin, Texas
4. Boise, Idaho
5. Durham, N.C.
6. La Crosse, Wis.
7. Loveland, Colo.
8. San Luis Obispo, Calif.
9. St. Augustine, Fla.
10. Upper St. Clair, Pa.

Golf Tournament to Support the St. Francis House on June 13th

The St. Francis House Annual Invitational Golf Tournament is scheduled on Saturday, June 13th. Players are invited to a fun-filled day on the greens in support of the St. Francis House Shelter.  Players and Sponsors are needed and donations are appreciated, with all proceeds to assist the shelter. Sponsorship opportunities range from $35 to $500.

The entry fee of $50 entitles players to 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch and complimentary beverages on the golf course. The golf tournament takes place at the St. Augustine Shores Country Club, 707 Shores Boulevard. Registration begins at 8 am and a shot gun start at 9 am.  Prizes and trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place golfers, highest score prize, longest drive and closest to the pin prizes. Sponsors, players and donations are needed.  Realtor/Broker Associate Gay Marsh of Premier Properties Realty Group has actively volunteered at the St. Francis House for many years and is assisting in organizing this year’s event. For more information, contact Gay Marsh direct at (904)377-0705

BUY NOW WITH AN $8,000 TAX CREDIT!

Yes You Can with an $8,000 Tax Credit!! Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, First Time Homebuyers are eligible for a "refundable tax credit" of $8,000 if they purchase a primary residence after Jan. 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. To be eligible for the credit, home buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years to qualify as "first time" buyer. They must also live in the house for at least three years, or they will be obligated to pay back the credit. No payback required unless you sell the house within 3 years.

Additionally, there are income restrictions: Buyers must make less than $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples. (Higher-income buyers may receive a partial credit.) For more information, go to:www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

Please call one or our professionals today to help you take advantage of this temporary new law, call our Main office 904.471.5000.

KNOW YOUR CONDO - Understanding Recent Changes to Condominium Law, Insurance, and Financing Regulations

Premier Properties presents a free presentation and open forum on recent changes in condo laws and regulations.  Featured expert speakers include Steve Cupolo of Premier Properties, Sean Sheppard of Sheppard & Sheppard, PA, Ralph Klein of Herbie Wiles Insurance and Jason Hackworth of Wells Fargo.

Condo Board Members, Managers, Owners and Prospective Buyers and Sellers are encouraged to join us Thursday, February 19th at 7pm at the St. Augustine Beach City Hall.  Seats are limited, please call (904)471-5000 to RSVP.

Customer Appreciation Party a Success!

It was a glorious Sunday afternoon under the oak trees at the Premier Properties Realty Group’s Beach office for the annual Customer Appreciation Party in honor of our past, current and prospective customers.  A wonderful time was had by all, including Premier’s customers, business affiliates, agents and staff.  Tables of food, homemade goodies, drinks and the live sounds of Lonesome Bert and the Skinny Lizards were enjoyed by all.

Everyone at Premier Properties would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our business affiliates who contributed to make this a special event, including a number of title companies, mortgage lenders, home inspectors, insurance companies, contractors, advertisers and home warranty providers. They all helped by contributing pot luck dishes, party goods, beverages, their time and smiles to make the event a success. 

Appreciating our customers and building relationships with local businesses is the foundation of our business.  It has been a quite a year for anyone associated with the real estate industry but when times are tough it's important to surround yourself with friends and celebrate!  We thank you for your support and your friendship and look forward to next year! 

Premier Properties Voted One of the Best!

Premier Properties Realty Group wishes to thank our customers, associates and friends in the St. Augustine community for voting us one of the Best Real Estate Agencies in 2008! Premier Properties Realty Group's REALTORS and staff have one goal in mind--providing the highest level of expertise and service to our customers. We appreciate your loyalty, confidence and business through an ever-changing industry.