Bo and Natalie

Meet this sweet newlywed couple, Bo and Natalie. These two are not letting a pandemic slow down their plans for establishing their new lives together. Bo, a transplant from California, worked with Kelly and Wanda when he moved to Jacksonville for his job just a few short years ago. The team is thrilled to get to share in so much excitement as he has since fallen in love with both the city, and Natalie. His new bride, a Jacksonville native, is so excited to be moving forward with the construction of their new Ponte Vedra Beach home. The two had a traditional wedding planned for the fall of 2020 before Covid-19 put the world on hold. They decided to have a private and romantic ceremony where they could live stream it to their family across the country. Truly, they will never forget 2020 and how their lives began together!

The two became one and it was time to call Kelly and Wanda again. They sold their individual residences quickly and got the ball rolling. When asked what their “must haves” were in a new home, they both agreed they truly desired new construction, a 2 car garage, MORE SPACE, to be in St. Johns County, and to be near the beach. The Preserve at Ponte Vedra Beach checked all the boxes and is bringing their dream home to life. This small hidden gem is quaint, convenient, and most importantly, new. Bo is very happy that the location is close to the beach, shopping, dining, and he loves the overall local vibe that this area provides. He also travels for work, so being accessible to roadways is a huge plus.

The Preseve (by Dream Finders Homes) was suggested by the team once learning of Bo and Natalie’s desire to be in Ponte Vedra Beach but also to have new construction.  The couple made a point to mention how amazing Kelly and Wanda have been during this process.  Natalie stated, “They are literally the best!  They have made things so much easier and are helping advise us on our best long term decisions, like which lot, square footage, and even home layout.  They go over and beyond in all ways, especially with their time and attention.”  The soon-to-be new homeowners chose a floor plan they are over the moon about.  Their new home will have 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, ample closet space, and plenty of room to grow together.  Bo is thrilled to have a place that he can build his own summer kitchen for barbecues and entertaining. 

We are really optimistic that this is going to be a slam dunk for these two. Team Kelly and Wanda are thankful and proud to get to share their story and follow the progress of their new home. Thank you for entrusting one of the biggest decisions of your life with Team Kelly and Wanda, we truly love seeing your dreams come to life! Contact us to make your move today! TEAMKELLYANDWANDA@GMAIL.COM

Eric and Meg

The Nappy’s are scheduled to close on their beautiful new home in Coastal Oaks in December of 2020. They could not be more excited to see their vision of an open floor plan come to life. Eric and Meg will be second-time Nocatee home buyers in just a few short weeks. Kelly and Wanda assisted them in the sale of their Willowcove home earlier this year. Their love for this community and spirit of hospitality inspired them to stay local in their search. When they made the decision to expand to a different floor plan, their goal was to find a home that would be more conducive to their family, accommodating for out of town visitors, and spacious for entertaining. With Kelly and Wanda’s help, they were able to move quickly on this Westbrook model by Toll Brothers. Building a house during the Covid-19 pandemic has not been without challenges. With the couple being “essential workers” throughout this process, they heavily relied on Kelly and Wanda to swiftly help make design decisions and negotiations. The Nappy’s feel that having Kelly and Wanda’s guidance through this process has made all the difference in the world. Meg and Eric included an extra bedroom upstairs for additional sleep and play space for their children and extended family. Their coastal masterpiece boasts 6 full bedrooms, 4 baths, a loft, and a magnificent downstairs kitchen and living space.

These two cuties are having so much fun watching their house progress from their grandparent’s house…across the street! That’s right! Grandma and Grandpa live adjacent to the new build, which makes this move so special for the entire family. It’s evident when spending time with the Nappy’s that their priorities in life align with their list of non-negotiable features when building. It’s all about creating a comfortable and inviting space for family and friends.

Collins was most excited to show us her new room just off the loft as they raced up the stairs in excitement.

Wes shared in her enthusiasm when he showed us to his room across the way from his sister’s. He is most excited about having his own balcony where he can have his own place to play or read. Talk about a room with a view!

When asked what their “must haves” were when selecting the options for their new home, a few things immediately came to mind. Eric was quick to mention that he loves the hardy board exterior of the house, three car garage with a gorgeous wood accent trellis, and the way their fireplace really anchors the home. Meg cannot wait to see how the kitchen will turn out having selected double stacked quartz counter tops, a farmhouse sink, and double ovens. Christmastime will be extra merry this year for the Nappy’s when they finally will have a floating mantel to hang stockings on and an expansive kitchen island for baking Christmas cookies!

We cannot wait to see Eric and Meg’s dream home come to life in just a few short weeks. We will share the final masterpiece when their home is finished. Contact TEAMKELLYANDWANDA if you want to explore your options in the Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, and surrounding areas.

Contact us: TeamKellyandWanda@gmail.com today!

In a year of unprecedented shut downs world-wide, the benefits of the “Nocatee Lifestyle” have been in full effect! Having implemented safety measures and some restrictions in light of Covid-19, residents have been able to enjoy local establishments and the vast community amenities. We have seen new businesses open their doors to excited locals, new additions to outdoor facilities, and ample opportunities for staying active during a season of unknowns. Residents spent their days while under “stay-at-home” orders in style. From lazy days in their backyard pool to sunny afternoons creating epic scenes in sidewalk chalk to share with golf-cart riders passing by. The community was busy with celebrations like preschool graduation parades and birthday celebrations by caravan. It was an exciting day when things like Food Truck Friday and Farmer’s Market were back on the schedule. Take a moment to take a closer look at some of the new things happening in Nocatee in 2020.

River Landing at Twenty Mile

The latest new development was recently revealed and we could not be more excited about River Landing at Twenty Mile! This highly desirable location will feature custom homes on preserve lots in addition to Nocatee’s first and ONLY waterfront lots. With easy access to the intracoastal waterway, Ponte Vedra Beach, and a short golf cart ride away from A rated Palm Valley Academy, put this on your “must see” list today.

Clean Juice

Nocatee’s most recent hot spot is already gaining popularity by providing it’s patrons with freshly made cold pressed juices, smoothies, wraps, acai bowls, and more. Clean Juice opened in July and is beautifully complimenting Nocatee’s commitment to a healthy, active, and neighborly lifestyle. Download the Clean Juice app for greater ease and the convenience of mobile ordering.

Greenwise Market

The Greenwise Market opened earlier this summer. The new market is boasting a rich variety of freshly prepared meals suitable for anytime of the day. The pristine market even has craft beer on tap, a burrito bar, sushi, hot food stations, a dining area, and more. It is most definitely worth the trip– and remember–golf cart parking is right up front!

Exciting Water Fun Additions

In VERY exciting news…

Nocatee has recently announced a major expansion of the Spray and Splash water parks! These popular amenities are going to see a face lift with the addition of racing slides, mat slides, and additional space for swimming and lounging! Construction will begin ASAP on these tremendous enhancements. Stay tuned for progress on this project.

The new Crosswater pool has been up and running for several weeks now. All residents of Nocatee are welcome to enjoy pool hopping within any of the designated Community access pools. In addition to the new pool in Crosswater, families are enjoying the school-yard style playground and dog park. Make sure to include this area to check out as we help you find your dream home!

Nocatee Paddle Launch

Do not miss the Paddle Launch!

The hidden gem of Nocatee is tucked back into a nice quiet natural property known as the Paddle Launch area. Outdoor enthusiasts can pack a picnic lunch, beach chairs, fishing poles, paddle boards, or kayaks and head down to this pristine and beautiful spot preserved for Nocatee residents. This is the perfect family day-date to enjoy nature while safely practicing social distancing. Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray, it is the great outdoors after all.

For the Fitness Enthusiasts

Nothing puts you on the map like a hugely popular household name brand like Lululemon. Pop in and browse this “athleisure” icon’s latest seasonal selection right in the heart of Nocatee Town Center.

Known for its family-friendly offerings and memberships, the YMCA at Nocatee will offer everything family-fitness-related you need! Slated to open this fall, we are excited to see the finished location, conveniently located near Nocatee Town Center and accessible by Crosstown parkway. See their website for pre-opening information.

Nocatee welcomed Burn Bootcamp with an explosive grand opening early in 2020! If you’re into high intensity interval training in a boot camp-group fitness setting then you’ll need to check them out! This popular franchise has managed to inspire many-a-fitness guru to #bleedblue with them by staying fit during the pandemic.

Nocatee residents are grateful for this community that is conducive to living an active and exhilarating lifestyle without feeling cooped up or isolated due to Covid-19. Come see what it is all about!

Contact Kelly and Wanda for more at teamkellyandwanda@gmail.com.

Nocatee is already one of hottest destinations for new homes in Jacksonville. Thanks to a couple of new, just-announced attractions, that trend is only going to grow stronger in 2018!

Nocatee Landing at Nocatee Preserve

Nocatee’s newest attraction is Nocatee Landing, located along the beautiful Tolomato River, is the perfect place to enjoy Nocatee’s natural beauty and family atmosphere. In addition to beautiful walking trails, the Landing will also feature water access, an open-air pavilion, and on-site parking.

Conveniently located in Nocatee’s Crosswater neighborhood, Nocatee Landing will offer residents incredible outdoor amenities mere minutes from home. That combination of outdoor living and modern amenities are the reason that Nocatee is such a sought-after area for anyone looking to buy a home in Jacksonville.

The Schoolyard at Crosswater

Adding to the excitement is The Schoolyard, scheduled to open this summer. Located in Crosswater between Liberty Cove and Freedom Landing, The Schoolyard will offer two dog parks, a playground, nature trails, an open-air pavilion, and a playfield. It’s a perfect place for families to visit together and for neighbors to build a sense of community.

These amenities are why Nocatee is Jacksonville’s hottest spot for new homes, and improvements like these are only going to continue. Whether you’re starting your family or looking to retire, Nocatee is an incredible place to live. If you want to learn more about what Nocatee has to offer you, call Kelly and Wanda today!

If you’ve watched the news, checked the internet, or opened up a newspaper recently, you’re familiar with the devastation that Hurricane Harvey has caused to the Houston area. The city is flooded, homes are destroyed, and families are faced with the incredibly daunting task of picking up the pieces and trying to rebuild their lives.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done about storms as severe as Harvey. We have no control over the weather, which means our only option is to prepare for the worst as best we can and make sure we follow any instructions or activation orders that the authorities might issue.

With September coming, there’s no better time to concentrate on hurricane preparedness. Historically, September is the most volatile month of hurricane season. Right now, Tropical Storm Irma is forming in the Atlantic. No one knows whether it will hit land or where, but it’s imperative that we do everything we can to make sure we’re ready if it becomes a threat to the Jacksonville area.

To make sure you’re ready for a storm, here are a few simple ways to prepare for a hurricane that might help minimize the damage in case of catastrophic weather.

Stay Alert

In this day and age, getting weather information is easier than it’s ever been. Make sure you stay on top of any potentially threatening weather developments, especially during hurricane season. Check weather sites on the internet frequently to make sure you know when a potential threat appears. Monitor local news sites to get specific information about forecasts, evacuations, and other preparedness measures.

Have a Plan

When a city as large as Jacksonville is forced to evacuate, it can quickly devolve into chaos. That’s why it’s important to have a plan before you need one. If a storm comes, know where you’re going to go ahead of time and plot out the best, safest route to get there. Knowing in advance what your goal is makes it easier to concentrate on everything else you’ll need to do in the event of a hurricane.

Build a Disaster Kit

If you’ve lived in Florida for any amount of time, you probably know what happens at the local stores whenever a hurricane threatens. Supplies go fast, and it can be extremely difficult to get everything you need at the last minute. Make sure you’re ready for anything by building a disaster kit ahead of time. If you’re unsure which items to include in your kit, follow this potentially life-saving guide.

Put Safety First

No one wants to lose their home or property in a storm. As real estate agents, we know better than anyone how much your home means to you. Ultimately, though, your safety and the safety of your family comes first. When in doubt, EVACUATE. Your house and your possessions can be replaced – your family can’t. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the most important people in your life.

By following these steps and doing your own research, you’ll put yourself in the best position to deal with a hurricane. Of course, if what is happening in Houston teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes no amount of planning is enough. When the worst happens, we’re forced to rely on the kindness of strangers to help us through the worst moments. That’s why it’s so important to do what you can for hurricane victims. If you can spare even a few dollars, the American Red Cross badly needs money and supplies to help those suffering in Houston right now. Visit the Red Cross site and lend a helping hand.

When you buy a home in Jacksonville, you’re not just buying a building for your family to live in. You’re buying a spot in a community, and in the lives of everyone who lives around you. Building quality communities is what drew us to real estate in the first place. We enjoy helping families find a home with the right number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and features, but what we are really passionate about is putting people in the right spot to make friends, raise their children, and enrich their lives.

Becoming part of a community doesn’t happen overnight. Buying a home and moving in is only the first step. The important work comes in the days and years after, and the key to success is making sure you’re the best neighbor you can be. To help our customers really integrate into their neighborhoods, we put together this quick guide featuring some easy tips on how to be the best neighbor you can possibly be.

Take the First Steps

It sounds obvious, but the real key to being a good neighbor is to take initiative. Don’t wait for your new neighbors to come to you. Ring their doorbells, introduce yourself, and maybe bring a gift. You’ll be amazed how much difference it makes. Letting your neighbors know that you’re interested in building relationships is the first step in creating friendships that could last a lifetime.

Be Considerate

Another obvious tip, but it bears repeating. Showing respect for your neighbors is the best way to make sure that the relationship is harmonious. This means doing the little things to keep your neighbors happy, whether it’s quieting down your dog when it barks at night or keeping your lawn neatly cut. Keeping your new home in Jacksonville presentable doesn’t just give your neighbors something nice to look at, it can actually help raise their property value!

Keep an Eye Out

What makes a community work is a sense of shared responsibility for everyone’s wellbeing. What happens to one person in your neighborhood affects everyone else. That’s why good neighbors are always looking out for the people around them. Whether it’s organizing or participating in a neighborhood watch program or just keeping your eyes peeled for anything that might have a negative impact, being conscientious of your neighbors’ safety is a great way to help make your neighborhood a wonderful place to live.

Participate!

Good relationships with your neighbors don’t just happen. It takes work and dedication. If there’s an event happening in your neighborhood, go and mingle! If you’re having a party or a barbecue, invite your neighbors to attend. Even something as simple as a friendly hello when you meet in your driveways can help you build a stronger community and make friends in your neighborhood.

Remember, when you buy a home in Ponte Vedra Beach or Jacksonville Beach, you’re doing more than buying a building. You’re becoming part of the special community that makes Northeast Florida one of the most desirable places to live in the country. A little effort goes a long way toward keeping those communities strong and vibrant. Do your part, and you’ll be shocked how much positive impact it will have in your life!

In our last post, we talked about how great the St. Johns County School System is. We went over all of the statistics that illustrate why St. Johns County is the preferred destination for anyone looking to buy a home in Jacksonville. The reason we chose to focus on schools is because July is coming to an end, and that means Back to School time is already here again.

Getting ready to send your kids off to school can be an expensive proposition, whether they’re starting Kindergarten or heading off to college. You’ve got to make sure your kids have clothes to wear, pens and pencils to write with, notebooks to write in, a backpack to store it all inside of, and maybe even a laptop or tablet if your children are in college.

Contemplating all of that spending can be seriously stressful. That’s why we’re so excited to let you know that the State of Florida is here to offer a helping hand.

As you might know, every year Florida has a Back to School sales tax holiday. This year, the holiday will run from 12:01 AM on August 4 through 11:59 PM on August 6. It’s a way to lessen the financial impact of all that back to school shopping, and for families with multiple school-age children, it’s an incredible blessing.

During the Holiday, a host of important items are exempt from all sales tax. That means your family can save up to 7% on all of your back to school shopping.

It’s important to note that the Holiday doesn’t cover every purchase you make, only the ones relevant to the back to school shopping season. Clothes, shoes, and accessories up to $60 in value are exempt from sales tax. All school supplies, things like pencils, paper, notebooks, and backpacks up to $15 are also exempt.

The most exciting aspect is that electronics including computers, tablets, printers, and laptops are all exempt from sales tax as well, as long as they cost under $750!

According to the National Retail Federation, an average family with school-age children will spend $688 this year on back to school shopping. That means that this tax exemption will save most families around $50! How’s that for a bonus?

Whether you’re trying to prepare your kids for school or just pick up a new iPad for yourself, the Back to School sales tax holiday is an incredible opportunity to save some money. So plan ahead and get as much of your shopping done as you can from August 4th through the 6th!

It’s hard to tell from the temperature outside, but July is starting to wind down and August is just around the corner. That means Summer Break is nearly over, and all the mayhem of Back to School season is almost here.

Making sure that your kids are ready for the school year involves a lot of planning and hard work. There are clothes to purchase, school supplies to get, and backpacks to fill. There’s a year worth of lunches just waiting to be made and a year worth of afternoons waiting to be spent helping with homework.

A lot of planning, preparation, and hard work goes into getting our kids ready for school. You want to make sure that your kids are ready to get the most out of their education. Just as important, though, is making sure that your kids’ schools are preparing them for a lifetime of success and high achievement.

No one knows the importance of a quality education better than our very own Wanda Peterson, who devoted years of her life to helping kids learn and grow as a public school teacher right here in St. Johns County. That’s why Team Kelly and Wanda is so proud to help families find homes in Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee. St. Johns County has some of the best public schools in the country, which is why Northeast Florida is such an amazing destination for anyone looking to buy a home.

Obviously, anyone looking to buy a home in Jacksonville knows about the fantastic weather, the wide variety of luxury neighborhoods, and the proximity to the Beach. What they don’t know is that buying a home in St. Johns County is one of the best investments you can make in giving your children a bright future.

Out of 67 school districts in the State of Florida, St. Johns County public schools have ranked first in every academic year since 2008-2009. The graduation rate from St. Johns County schools is more than 10% higher than the State average. Students in St. Johns County routinely outperform students in other districts at every grade level.

To learn more about how amazing the St. Johns County Public Schools are, check out this cool infographic!

Clearly, there are dozens of great reasons to buy a home in Ponte Vedra Beach or Nocatee. The weather, the beach, the golf courses, and the unique First Coast culture are all enough to make this a great place to live. For families, though, the chance to send your kids off to school every day knowing they’re getting a world-class education is literally priceless. If you want to learn more about everything St. Johns County has to offer your children, give us a call today!

Today is Memorial Day, the day we set aside to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. At Team Kelly and Wanda, we don’t just help families buy and sell homes in Jacksonville, we live, work, and volunteer in the community. NAS Mayport makes the military an essential part of the fabric of this city. We want to take this opportunity to not only remember those who were lost in service, but to thank all of Jacksonville’s service members and their families for being a huge part of what makes this such a great place to live.

Traditionally, Memorial Day marks the start of the Summer holiday season. From now until Labor Day, tourists will be flocking to the First Coast in droves to take advantage of Florida’s fabled sunshine. There’s a reason that Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach are such magnets for tourists. In addition to spectacular weather, Jacksonville is home to a host of unique spots and incredible activites.

This Memorial Day, start your summer vacation by enjoying some of Jacksonville’s special attractions with your friends and family. There’s no better way to honor what others sacrificed than by bonding with the people who are most important to you.

The Beach

Obviously, the beaches are what make this such an attractive destination to tourists. With miles of pristine beaches, Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra are one of the best places in the country to enjoy some sun, sand, and surf. Get your family together and enjoy the beach on Memorial Day. From private luxury beach clubs to public beach access, there’s no shortage of ways to get to the ocean.

Hanna Park

Located a short distance from the Naval Air Station, Hanna Park is one of the best ways to enjoy a microcosm of everything Northeast Florida has to offer. Whether your’d rather go for a bike ride with your family, enjoy a picnic on the beach, or maybe take a relaxing paddleboat ride, Hanna Park has something for you. And Memorial Day marks the opening of the Kids Splash Park, which is great for the little ones.

Visit the Wall

Memorial Day is a great opportunity to enjoy a day off and spend time with your loved ones, but ultimately it’s all about the bravery and dedication of those who lost their lives so that the rest of us could enjoy the benefits of peace and freedom. In that spirit, there’s no better family trip for Memorial Day than to the Veterans Memorial Wall down. The one-of-a-kind monument pays tribute to more than 1500 Jacksonville-area veterans from all six branches of service who paid the ultimate price on behalf of a grateful nation. Set in the middle of a beautiful park, it’s a great way to enjoy the sunshine with your family and also honor the memories of those who died for this country.

Whether you’re trying to sell your home in Jacksonville or just trying to turn your neighbors green with envy, it’s important for the overall presentation of your home to have a healthy, well-maintained lawn. “Curb appeal”, or how attractive your house looks to someone who pulls up at the curb outside, is the first thing people will notice about your home and the first thing potential buyers will consider. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, and properly maintaining your lawn is key to making your one chance count.

In Florida, with the high average temperatures and heavy rainfall, keeping a healthy, eye-catching lawn presents a unique set of challenges. Some people resort to hiring landscapers to do the heavy lifting for them. In truth, though, there are dozens of little things that you can easily do yourself to make sure the grass really is greener on your side of the fence.

1. Identify the Problem

Maybe the hardest part of dealing with lawn and garden pests is figuring out just exactly which little critter is damaging your lawn. Luckily, there’s an incredibly cheap and easy solution to your problem. First, just mix about two tablespoons of lemony dish detergent into two gallons of water. Then, pour it over a small area in your yard where you’ve noticed damage. If there are any hard-to-spot pests in the area, this will flush them out to the surface and make it easier to identify the culprits. At that point, the solution is a quick Google search away.

If that doesn’t work, try the “flotation method”. Just cut the bottom off of a can of paint or any can of similar size and then drive the cylinder you’re left with a few inches into any problem areas of your lawn. Then, just fill the cylinder with water and see what floats to the top. If you’ve got lawn pests, it’s a great way to figure out which ones without a costly call to the exterminator.

2. Pick The Right Grass

There are literally hundreds of types of grass, with different textures, looks, and ideal conditions. What works in one place may not work in another. Homeowners from other areas sometimes aren’t familiar with the rough conditions grass has to deal with in Jacksonville. A more durable, hearty strain of grass, like St. Augustine, is best equipped to deal with Jacksonville’s unique weather conditions.

3. Build a Buffer

Nothing helps highlight and enhance a lawn like a few well-placed trees. They offer shade, they break up the monotony of a yard, and they add hints of color to the sea of green you’ve hopefully built for yourself. The only problem is that they can be a huge hassle to mow around. An easy fix is to just surround your trees with a small circle of mulch. It not only adds another interesting visual element, it lets you easy mow around trees without fear of damaging them.

For flowerbeds, a good idea is to use plain bricks sunk into the lawn around every flower bed to create a barrier with the grass. That way, you can mow right over the brick area, keep your grass neat and orderly, and never worry about damaging the flowers you worked so hard to plant and maintain.

Obviously, these are just a few tips, and there are hundreds of others. Shoot us an e-mail and let us know how you keep your yard neat and beautiful. If you’re looking for for a yard (and a house) of your very own, give Team Kelly and Wanda a call. We’re Northeast Florida’s trust source of beautiful luxury homes for sale in Jacksonville.