EXIT 1 Stop Realty Blog

Monday, August 17, 2026   /   by Claire Morgan

Historic Homes vs. New Construction in Northeast Florida: Which Is Right for You?

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 ...

  real estate, buyers, ne florida, florida, blog

Tuesday, August 11, 2026   /   by Janell Smith

KITCHEN 251 BEGINS A DELICIOUS NEW CHAPTER IN DOWNTOWN FERNANDINA BEACH

 




For six years, Kitchen 251 was one of those Amelia Island spots where the food, the people, and the waterfront sunsets all seemed to work together. Tucked inside the Amelia Island Marina, it became a favorite for locals and visitors looking for fresh seafood, comforting Southern dishes, and a little Cajun flavor.
Now, Kitchen 251 has traded its marina views for historic charm, a much larger dining room, and plenty of room to grow.
The restaurant officially opened its new location at 801 Beech Street in January 2026, settling into the historic William Bell House in downtown Fernandina Beach. While the setting may be different, the familiar food and welcoming atmosphere that built Kitchen 251’s loyal following have made the move right along with it.
The new space is a major change from the restaurant’s former marina location, which only had a small number of indoor tables. Kitchen 251 can now welcome approximately 140 guests inside, with additional seatin ...

  real estate, buyers, sellers, florida life, ne florida, florida, fun, family, trips, kidfriendly, vacation, blog, kidapproved, kids, outside seating, pet approved

Monday, August 10, 2026   /   by Claire Morgan

Living in Northeast Florida: Jacksonville, St. Augustine & the Beaches

If you’re thinking about moving to Northeast Florida, one of the biggest questions may not be whether you want to live here, but where you want to call home.
From the energy of Jacksonville to the historic streets of St. Augustine and the laid-back communities along the Atlantic coast, Northeast Florida offers a little bit of everything. The right place depends on what matters most to you, your home search, and the lifestyle you picture outside your front door.
At EXIT 1 Stop Realty, we believe finding a home is about more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. It’s about finding the place that feels right for you.
The Bold City: Jacksonville
Jacksonville is big, and that’s part of what makes living here so interesting.
Instead of one single lifestyle, Jacksonville offers a collection of communities, each with its own character. You can find historic homes, new construction, established suburban communities, condos, waterfront properties, and plenty in b ...

  real estate, buyers, florida life, ne florida, blog

Tuesday, August 4, 2026   /   by Janell Smith

Indigo’s Limited Time Five Course Dinner Is the Perfect Excuse for Date Night

Sometimes it’s nice to shake up your normal dinner routine. Whether you’re celebrating something special, planning a date night, or simply looking for a reason to enjoy a nice evening out, Indigo in Fernandina Beach has created an experience that’s worth adding to your calendar.


For four nights only, Indigo is offering a five course prix fixe dinner for $75 per person, and the meal includes two glasses of wine. If you’ve been wanting to try Indigo for the first time, or you’ve been looking for an excuse to go back, this might be the perfect excuse to make a reservation.

 

Located inside the Amelia Island Williams House, Indigo has built a reputation for combining fresh ingredients, creative flavors, and an inviting atmosphere. While it certainly feels like the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, it’s also welcoming enough for anyone who simply enjoys a thoughtfully prepared meal. From anniversaries a ...

  real estate, florida life, ne florida, fun, family, trips, vacation, blog, florida lif

Monday, August 3, 2026   /   by Claire Morgan

House Hunting Mistakes Every Home Buyer Should Avoid

If you're buying a home in Northeast Florida, chances are you've already spent time browsing listings online and imagining yourself in your dream home. House hunting is one of the most exciting parts of the home buying process, but it can also be where buyers make some of the biggest mistakes.
Whether you're a first-time home buyer, relocating to the Jacksonville area, or searching for your next home, knowing what to watch for can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Here are some of the most common house hunting mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Falling in Love with the Home Before Looking at the Details
It's easy to get caught up in beautiful kitchens, updated bathrooms, and stylish finishes. While it's important to love the look of a home, remember to evaluate the entire property.
Ask yourself:

Does the location fit my daily routine?
Is the floor plan functional?
Will this home meet my needs in the coming years?
Are there any major repairs that may need a ...

  real estate, buyers, florida, ne florida, blog

EXIT 1 Stop Realty
13529 Beach Blvd., #307A
Jacksonville, FL 32224
904-733-3003


961687 Gateway Blvd. #101D
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-310-9257


download - 2024-09-25T115535.090.png
Gary Burmeister
11363 San Jose Blvd Building 200
Jacksonville, FL 32223
904-759-6837

IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS.
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than the owner of this site are marked with the listing broker's name and detailed information about such listings includes the name of the listing brokers. ©2026 Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved. Data last updated 9/10/2026 1:45 PM CST.
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