Hammock Sotheby’s International Realty Get’s Ginn Hammock Beach Real Estate Listings
What was formerly known as Hammock Dunes Real Estate is rumored to have made a deal with the Ginn Company to acquire Ginn’s property listings at Hammock Beach.
Palm Coast, Florida – February 1, 2009 – RUMOR*: In these days, nothing is certain, but I’ve been told that the Hammock Dunes Real Estate people, now known as Hammock Sotheby’s International Realty will be taking over the Hammock Beach listings of Ginn Real Estate. Hammock Beach is located along the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Coast, FL. between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine and includes the four properties; Hammock Beach, Yacht Harbor Village, the Conservatory, and the Gardens. Ginn Real Estate closed abruptly on January 22nd.
While Ginn Real Estate had recently joined the Flagler County Association of Realtors®, it had not participated in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), meaning that properties listed with Ginn Real Estate were not generally known by or available to outside agents.
Ginn’s communications to property owners at the time of the closing stated:
After a careful analysis of our real estate sales business, we have made a strategic decision regarding Ginn Real Estate Company.
We believe that our owners will be better served by utilizing real estate professionals who have broader access to both domestic and international buyers.
As a result, we will be exiting the real estate resale business effective immediately.
We will be following up with you soon regarding a list of real estate sales companies we believe are knowledgeable, active resale experts in each local area from which you can choose.
I’ve been told that Hammock Sotheby’s will get Ginn’s existing listings. They will also have a presence at the Hammock Beach Resort and Lodge. If so, this visibility will give them an upper hand on other outside realtors, especially in regard to making contact with resort visitors. Former Ginn sales people are reportedly not part of the deal.
Selling in private communities presents challenges to outside realtors®. Access to the properties and amenities can be problematic, making it difficult to show properties and manage listings.Detailed knowledge of association fees, club membership structure, and dues are more difficult for outside agents to obtain. But there are realty firms owned and/or staffed by property owners from within the community that do not suffer these disadvantages. Such firms are able to give quality service to buyers or sellers and will provide maximum exposure to available properties through MLS.
I have no word on plans for listings at Ginn’s Reunion Resort or Bella Collina near Orlando.
Updated: 7-10-09 – It turns out that Craig Straky, former team leader at Hammock Dunes (Sotheby’s) and some of his ex-team mates grabbed the opportunity to handle the developer-owned property at Hammock Beach. They plan a re-launch of the Towers Condominiums at substantially lower prices than originally offered.
* Rumor: (noun) A current story or statement without confirmation or certainty as to facts
Wrong again!
Wrong again!