Little Act of Kindness Can Make the World of Difference

I wanted to share a story that happened to me recently because it showed me how much kindness there is still out there in the world. With all the political ramblings and things I hear daily on the news, it was wonderful to experience this first hand.

My dear friend Katie from college was in town, and I had an extra ticket to the Jaguar pre-season game and wanted to take her. Katie was born in Alabama and had never attended a Jaguar or NFL game in her life. So, I was thrilled at the chance to take my good friend to the event.

We headed to the game, and I stopped for gas and asked Katie to grab some beer. When we got near the stadium,  I asked her to grab the parking pass out of my wallet. She said my wallet was not in the car. What?  Then, I remembered putting my wallet on top of my hood while filling up the car with gas, something I never do but did that day! I said I must have driven away with it on my hood, and it fell off.

So, we hurry a back to the gas station in hopes that someone returned it.

On the way there I thought about all the stuff I had in my wallet: the parking pass, game tickets, my IDs, my credit cards, and cash. When we arrived at the gas station, the wallet was nowhere in site. I checked inside, and no one had returned it. I was so upset because I wanted to show my friend the game and we were both so excited to go. Plus I’d now have to cancel all my cards and replace my driver’s license.  Ugh

We returned to my house, and I began calling the credit card companies and start thinking about where Katie and I should grab some food since we planned to get food at the game. Then, I got a phone call from Chili’s Restaurant. They said a gentleman found my wallet on the street and dropped it off. I was so thrilled and excited I didn't care if my money was in it, but I hoped my ID and driver’s license were. I kept my fingers crossed that the game tickets were, too. 

Katie and I drove to Chili’s and lo and behold; everything was inside including the cash! I couldn't believe it! I know I would have done the same, but I was thrilled and overjoyed by the honesty and kindness of a stranger. Luckily my business cards were inside because they matched with my ID. I asked who returned the wallet because I would have loved to have met and personally thanked them. The manager at Chili’s did not know who it was and said the gentleman had already left. So, we grabbed the wallet and headed to the game.

The reason I wanted to blog about this event was that a little act of kindness, however small or large, can make the world of difference to someone. The gentleman who returned my wallet did not know how much it meant to me. Now Katie was able to go to her first NFL game with me as you can see in the above picture. 

Jacksonville Market Overview

Thinking about selling your home? Now is the time! As you can see highlighted in yellow new listings, inventory of homes for sale and months supply is LOW meaning less options for buyers. Since there is less options for buyers we can see an increase average and media sales price highlighted in blue. Since there is such a high demand this has also increased the buyers chances of going full price or even over list price. Since homes are going multiple offers more often many buyers lead with their best foot forward from the beginning versus trying to play hard ball in a sellers market. With not enough homes on the market, days on the market decreasing (pink), average sales price increasing it is the time to put your home on the market.  If you would like a free market analysis done on your home please reach out to me via phone/text
904-673-2526 or email lauralander@watsonrealtycorp.com.

Jacksonville Market Update August 2016

Here is a great Market Update on the Jacksonville FL region. It shows the statistics from Year to Date as well as month to month data. Let me know if you have any questions and I would be happy to answer. If you would like a market update on your neighborhood I would also be happy to provide. Have a great rest of your week! 

Frogs of Mandarin

Have you seen any frogs around? One day while I was driving the twists and turns of Mandarin Road, I noticed a painted frog on the side of the road. To my delight I started spotting more and more. This became a game; how many more frogs could I find? I wondered who had been putting all these cute creatures around. Where did they come from? Recently, I read an article about “The Frog Man of Mandarin” on Jacksonville.com and loved learning his story. The frog man starting placing frogs along the road last summer. He makes them  using a mold he has had for years. Apparently there are now over 37 frogs placed around the community, so keep an eye open for them. I love that these frogs were created just to make someone smile. For me, the frogs represent the need to slow down and take time to notice the world around me. So, don't drive too fast and miss the frogs. Relax and be like the frog man, do something for someone else today. 

Jacksonville, FL Real Estate Market Update

As you may have heard the listing inventory is low. Meaning buyers do not have as many options when looking for their next home. November of 2015 had a drop of 19.9% listings versus the previous year. Year to date closed sales increased 11.6%. Listings may be down but buyers are ready and willing to purchase NOW. If you or anyone you know is thinking about putting their home on the market now is the time. Since the New Year has hit buyers are looking even more versus the last few months. If you are interested in the value of your home do not hesitate to call me and I will do a free market analysis on your home.  If you are out of the Jacksonville, FL area and need real estate assistance I can refer you a great agent too. I'm Local, I'm Global!

 

Football Fanatic

 

Being a 24-year-old somewhat girly girl, you might not believe that one of my passions is football. But, I became a football fan during my college years.  I did not know what to expect before my first year at Auburn. I'd heard about the eagle flying in the stadium and I learned a couple of chants, but I couldn't imagine the excitement.  No one can prepare you for your first day of tailgating or the anticipation of entering the stands for your first home game. Everywhere I looked; I saw is orange and blue. Let me tell you, collegiate football fans are fanatics! I got chills when the War Eagle soared above and landed on the 50 yard line. I jumped up and down with the roar of the crowd. I was glued to the Jumbotron during the pre-game videos. I was in heaven on the plains. Happily, Auburn continued their undefeated winning season. A sign posted on my dormitory door read 7-0 and I felt "great to be an Auburn Tiger."  I soon realized that Cam Newton, our quarterback, was an outstanding player- one of the best ever. But, I still didn't expect post season play. However, we kept winning and we’re going to the National Championship. I could hardly believe it. After Auburn won the final game, I joined all the other students at Toomers Corner to participate in the famous toilet papering of the trees. It looked more festive than Christmas with garlands of white toilet paper all around and I felt it, too.

 

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