If you’re looking for an excuse to spend a Saturday afternoon outside with good drinks, live music, great food, and some of your favorite people, I’ve got one for you. Even better, you can call it supporting the community, because technically, you are.
Island Hop Craft Beer & Spirits Fest is back Saturday, October 3, at Central Park in Fernandina Beach, and this year marks the festival’s sixth year. If you’ve been before, you already know it’s a good time. If you haven’t, this might be the year to change that.
Island Hop is Fernandina Beach Main Street’s largest annual fundraiser, so while we are all there sipping, eating, listening to music, and having a good time, the event is also raising money that goes right back into our downtown. Those funds help support local businesses, preservation, beautification, events, and the projects that help keep downtown Fernandina the place we all love.
So really, att ...

Older homes have a character that can be hard to replicate. Original architectural details, mature trees, established neighborhoods, unique floor plans and a sense of history can make them especially appealing to home buyers.
Across Northeast Florida, you can find homes representing many different decades and architectural styles. But with that character can come a few extra considerations.
If you are thinking about buying an older home in Jacksonville or the surrounding Northeast Florida area, here are some things worth paying attention to before making your move.
1. Start With the Roof
In Florida, the age and condition of a roof can be particularly important. Beyond the potential cost of replacement, roof condition can also factor into insurance considerations.
When looking at an older home, find out:


How old is the roof?


What type of roofing material was used?


Are there signs of leaks or previous water intrusion?


Have repairs or replacements been properly do. ...

Moving to Jacksonville, FL: The Complete Local Guide
Thinking about moving to Jacksonville, Florida? You’re not alone. With miles of coastline, the St. Johns River, a growing job market, diverse neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, and plenty of local personality, Jacksonville continues to attract people looking for a new place to call home.
But Jacksonville is big, and choosing where to live involves much more than finding a house you love. From the beaches to historic neighborhoods, suburban communities, new construction, and everything in between, each part of Northeast Florida offers something different.
As local real estate experts, EXIT 1 Stop Realty is here to help you get to know Jacksonville and make your move with confidence.
Where Is Jacksonville, Florida?
Jacksonville is located in Northeast Florida along the Atlantic Coast, just south of the Georgia state line. It is the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States, which is one reason Jacksonville ...

New construction is an exciting option for home buyers in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida. From choosing finishes and floor plans to enjoying newer systems and modern features, there is plenty to love about buying a brand-new home.
But before you walk into a model home or visit a builder's sales center, there are a few things you should know.
One of the most important? The builder's sales representative works for the builder.
Having your own real estate agent involved from the beginning can help you understand your options, ask the right questions and make informed decisions throughout the new construction process.
1. Talk to a Real Estate Agent Before Visiting the Builder
If you're considering new construction in Jacksonville, connecting with your own real estate agent before visiting communities is a smart first step.
The sales representatives you meet at a new construction community are there to represent the builder and sell the builder's homes. Your real estate. ...

One of the best parts about buying a home in Northeast Florida is the variety. You can fall in love with a historic bungalow filled with character, tour a brand-new home with modern finishes the same afternoon, and suddenly realize your home search has become a little more complicated.
So, which one is right for you?
When searching for a home in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida, choosing between an older home and new construction often comes down to your lifestyle, priorities, budget, and what you want your homeownership experience to look like.
The Appeal of Historic and Established Homes
Northeast Florida has no shortage of homes with personality. Areas throughout Jacksonville and St. Augustine feature homes from different architectural eras, giving buyers plenty of opportunities to find something that feels unique.
Historic and established homes may offer features such as:

Original architectural details
Mature landscaping
Established surroundings
Unique flo ...