A Guide to Buying a Home in Jacksonville, Florida

Flag Football and Final Offers: Balancing Game Days and Showings Like a Pro On any given Saturday, my car smells faintly of turf, sweat, and fast food fries—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Between the flags tangled in the backseat, water bottles rolling around under the seats, and a laptop open in the passenger chair, my car is both a mobile locker room and a real estate command center. This is the season of life I’m in: raising a flag football player while helping clients navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Whether I’m watching my kid sprint down the field or negotiating a counteroffer in the parking lot, the game is always on—and I’m fully in it. Flag Football Taught Me to Hustle—and Be Present If you’ve ever been to a youth flag football game, you know it’s part chaos, part magic. Kids running in every direction, coaches shouting out plays, and parents doing their best to keep track of it all. It’s not unlike real estate: fast-moving, unpredictable, and full of moments that make all the stress worth it. Watching my child learn to pivot, listen, and lead on the field reminds me to do the same in business. Every game teaches resilience. Every showing teaches patience. And every phone call in between is a chance to connect, encourage, and get things done. Negotiation: On the Field and in the Office Whether it's convincing my quarterback-in-training to eat breakfast before the game or negotiating inspection repairs for a nervous buyer, it's all strategy. It’s reading people, anticipating moves, and keeping emotions in check. In both flag football and real estate, the best results come from preparation and communication. I might be huddling with my team in the kitchen at 7:00 a.m. and drawing up offer strategies with customers by 10:00 a.m.—same mindset, different field. My Car Is a Locker Room, an Office, and Sometimes a Sanctuary Let’s be honest: my car does it all. It's where I send quick emails, make deal-saving calls, debrief after practices, and scarf down lunch between showings. It’s also where I take a breath and remember why I do this. In the midst of all the movement, my car has become a symbol of balance—not because everything is perfect, but because it keeps moving forward. I used to chase the idea of “work-life balance” like it was something neat and organized. Now I know it’s more like organized chaos. And it works. For me, success isn’t about having a perfectly tidy schedule—it’s about being present where it counts. The Power of Priorities When my daughter looks up from the field and finds me on the sidelines (yes, sometimes answering a call with a clipboard in hand), I want her to know one thing: I show up. And I bring that same presence and dedication to my customers. The key? Knowing your priorities. I’ve had to get really clear about what matters most. That means saying yes to showing homes right after the final whistle blows. It means pausing a long negotiation call so I can help tie cleats or give a pre-game pep talk. It means knowing what can wait—and what can’t. Raising Winners at Home and at Work To me, “winning” isn’t just about trophies or closing gifts. It’s about raising confident kids and empowered customers. It’s about building trust, setting goals, and staying mentally tough even when things get messy. When I support my children in learning to lead, fail, try again, and celebrate the process, I’m reminded that real estate works the same way. Not every offer wins. Not every deal is smooth. But with the right mindset, both kids and customers come out stronger. Celebrating the Small Wins Sure, the big moments are fun—touchdowns and closings, new listings and new positions on the team—but it’s the small wins that keep me going. A “good job, Mom.” A customer saying “thank you, I feel seen.” A clean kitchen after a crazy week. These moments are easy to overlook, but they are everything. So, whether it’s a flag pulled on the field or a first-time homebuyer who finally feels confident, I celebrate. Because growth, success, and joy live in those in-between moments. If there’s one thing flag football has taught me as a REALTOR®, a mom, and a woman who runs on caffeine and heart—it’s this: we can do hard things, fast things, messy things... and still find meaning in all of it. Here’s to raising winners, writing offers from the bleachers, and knowing that showing up is the real victory. Let’s win—on and off the field! Rachael Martin, REALTOR® Mobile office queen. Flag football mom. Negotiator with a game plan. Let's Connect - Rachael@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #RachaelMartinRealtor

Excited to Join the REMI Realty Family! Hi friends! I’m Peyton Bass , and I’m beyond excited to officially be part of the REMI Realty team! Joining REMI feels like more than just a career move — it feels like stepping into a space where I can live out my purpose. I’m deeply rooted in faith and believe in leading with kindness, compassion, and integrity in every area of my life. Real estate isn’t just about properties to me — it’s about people, and I feel truly called to serve them well. As someone who’s always been family-focused, I know that a house becomes a home when it’s filled with love, safety, and memories. That’s why I don’t take it lightly when someone invites me into their home journey. Whether you're searching for that perfect space, selling a meaningful chapter, or just beginning to dream, I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way. And when I’m not working with customers, you’ll most likely find me hanging out with Timber — my sweet pup and sidekick. He keeps life fun and full of adventure (and yes, I’m totally obsessed with him). I’m so grateful to be part of a brokerage that values people and purpose as much as I do. Let’s chase your real estate dreams together — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of faith. With gratitude, Peyton Bass, REALTOR® Peyton@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #PeytonBassRealtor

From My Heart to Your Home: A Little About Me Hello, and thank you for taking a moment to get to know me. My name is Lee Botelho , and I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this new chapter as a real estate agent. After nearly 30 years in the mental health field, helping people navigate some of life’s most meaningful (and often challenging) journeys, I’ve found myself drawn to a new way of supporting others—by helping them find home. For me, real estate isn’t just about property. It’s about people, goals, and creating spaces where lives unfold. Over the years, I’ve seen how deeply our surroundings impact our well-being. A home is where we dream, grow, and build our futures—and I feel truly honored to be part of that process with my customers. I live in beautiful Putnam County , a community I’m proud to call my own. Serving my neighbors here is more than just business—it’s personal. I bring the same care, empathy, and insight to real estate that I brought to every conversation in my previous career. I listen carefully, advocate strongly, and always aim to make my clients feel seen and supported. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to downsize, or planning a big move, I’m here to walk beside you through every step. One of my favorite things in life is watching people achieve their goals—and I’d love to help you reach yours. Thank you again for welcoming me into this new role. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and helping you find the perfect place to call home. Warmly,  Lee Botelho Your Neighbor & Real Estate Agent Lee Botelho, REALTOR® LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor