KIM MARTIN-FISHER & JENNIFER MARTIN FAULKNER

If you’re looking for a laidback lifestyle with luxury, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida is for you – and no one does luxury better than Kim Martin-Fisher...
KIM MARTIN-FISHER & JENNIFER MARTIN FAULKNER

If you're looking for a laidback lifestyle with luxury, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida is for you – and no one does luxury better than Kim Martin-Fisher and Jennifer Martin Faulkner, Ponte Vedra's mother-daughter real estate dream team.

From her early real estate days at her father's construction company where she started a marketing division and revolutionized sales to becoming the top real estate agent in the Ponte Vedra luxury market to partnering with her daughter, Kim continues climbing to the top in Jacksonville's top area for real estate. Since uniting their business just this year, Kim and her daughter Jennifer, who are Global Luxury agents with Coldwell Banker, are the top producers in the area in addition to being in the top one percent in the country. 

This upscale enclave featuring pristine beaches, outdoor activities and nationally recognized resorts has residents feeling like they're on perpetual vacation – it's no wonder so many people choose to call the area home, or at least their home away from home. Ponte Vedra Beach, which is located in the wealthiest county in the state of Florida, is only six miles long and three miles wide on an island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway – it doesn't get any more exclusive than that! 

"We're not your typical real estate agents," said Kim. We think outside the box and do full white-glove service, we go above and beyond. We're really there for our customers before, during and after their move and become their family in Florida – we've become known as the go-to people for taking care of all their needs throughout the process." 

This powerhouse duo which act as personal concierges for the elite, also do things differently when it comes to advertising their properties. They have syndicated ads and focus their media efforts and commercials on the properties rather than themselves. The pair currently represent the most luxurious homes in Ponte Vedra, including the highest priced oceanfront estate in the area at over $13 million – a small price to pay for a piece of paradise. Whether you're looking for an oceanfront compound or a cottage by the beach, there is truly something for everyone in this private, luxurious town which exudes Southern charm and hospitality.

While some of their customers are looking for investment properties or places to grow into, Ponte Vedra is a very active community with young families and children. Many of their customers also have strong ties to Manhattan, and it's not hard to see why! 

"If you compare us to South Florida, we're inexpensive still and I think that's why we have so many people from Manhattan coming here," said Jennifer. "It's a good time to buy, it's affordable (for now!) it offers convenience and we don't have all the traffic like Miami, this is much more relaxing."

The beachfront community is home to the historic Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, which has become an international destination for its sporting activities, gourmet dining options and world-renowned spa which also happens to be the region's largest spa with over 30,000 square feet. Ponte Vedra is also the home of the PGA, making it a golfer's paradise all year long, especially for those who like to play with a view of the ocean. The exclusive town is also recognized amongst tennis enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates perfect weather, scenic views and water sports. With so much to do in a relaxed setting, you'll feel like you're on a staycation all day, everyday. Many high profile residents including sports stars, celebrities and finance executives continue to flock to this tight-knit community. It might not be long before the South Florida community starts moving to North Florida! 

"Almost all of our customers with Manhattan ties have to go for work or live in the city and come every weekend," said ㅓJennifer. People are looking for a vacation house which still offers the same lavish amenities as their home in New York. You can be here in the same time than it takes to get to the Hamptons."

This top-producing agent also explained that "this year has seen a boom from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut due to the new tax laws. The area is home to many in the finance industry including those who work on Wall Street or run hedgefunds and have satellite offices in Ponte Vedra. A lot of families live and send their children to school here and fly back and forth several times a month or every weekend. Others wish to have a homestead property for the tax benefits."

Unlike other parts of Florida, Ponte Vedra offers a thriving community experience where people choose to stay and raise families who continue to call the area home for generations. The weather makes it a perfect place for children to partake in outdoor sports and ㅅthe Ponte Vedra Clubs offer many kid-friendly programs including tennis throughout the year. The area also boasts some of the best schools in the state.

While Ponte Vedra Beach features a lot of old homes which many people choose to update or renovate, the real estate duo have noticed a home design trend which New Yorkers are drawn to the most. 

"A lot of our homes look exactly like the Hamptons," said Jennifer. "They have a traditional cedar shake exterior and transition to a coastal modern design inside. Homes are more modern than what we've seen in the past; it's really appealing for the New Yorker who is looking for a cool, beachy vibe, but with all the high-end amenities like quartzite and Viking appliances you would expect in a luxury Manhattan apartment." 

The luxury resort town offers year-long fun in the sun with activities and water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. There are even several marinas closeby so you can dock your 80-foot yacht. For the beach lover, the only problem you'll have is deciding which beach to go to first! Atlantic Beach is eclectic and charming and features multi-million dollar homes while Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach are also great nearby destinations with each offering a different vibe. The charming town of St. Augustine is also just a short drive away from this luxurious piece of heaven. 

There are also plenty of charming boutique shopping options and fine dining destinations so you can relax after all those outdoor activities. From fine jewelry stores to the St. Johns Town Center, you'll be able to get your retail therapy on all day long! The spot has also drawn many celebrity chefs, turning it into a culinary hub with everything from exclusive dining areas to more laidback waterfront restaurants. Matt Lauer's former chef opened up his restaurant Doro in Atlantic Beach while Medure is also a popular spot – from hip to haute, Jacksonville's beaches have it all! 

With so many activities, resorts, beaches and Southern hospitality, the area continues to draw people looking to stay and play either part-time or all year round. In addition to Ponte Vedra's most lavish properties, 32081 is a novelty residential community which encompasses nearly the entire zip code and has become the 3rd best selling community of homes in the nation, featuring properties ranging from the mid-300s to $2 million. There is definitely a house for anyone who wants to make this part of Florida their home. 

Whether you're looking for a charming older home or new construction, Kim and Jennifer will not only find you the perfect place, they will be there for you throughout the process and beyond – after all, this family business makes you feel like part of the family. 

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