Colleen Gerke - Close with Colleen Real Estate Fernandina Beach

Colleen Gerke - Close with Colleen Real Estate Fernandina Beach Broker/Owner of Close with Colleen Real Estate serving Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, and Nassau County. Office located in Oyster Bay Harbour's Bay House.
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Specializing in luxury, waterfront, and coastal properties. Colleen Gerke is a Real Estate Advisor and Engel & Völkers Amelia Island and is recognized by the Amelia Island Nassau County Association of Realtors as a Top Producer. Colleen has more than 20 years experience in sales and marketing, an honest Midwestern work ethic, unmatched devotion to her clients, and is highly responsive to all your real estate needs. Colleen has a 5-Star rating on Zillow, Yelp, Realtor.com and Facebook. Her success is based almost exclusively on positive referrals. Prior to entering the Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island Real Estate Market, Colleen was an experienced entrepreneur who successfully started, built and sold a number of small businesses. She was also an eBusiness Manager and Advertising Copywriter at John Deere global, as well as a Senior Account Executive at FleishmanHillard International Public Relations and Digital Marketing agency. She received her bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly, SLO) in 2000 and her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Rockhurst University in 2004. Through her past entrepreneurial and education experiences, Colleen developed strong business, negotiation and communication skills that enable her to keep you “in the loop” and watch out for your best interest whether you’re buying or selling. If you’re looking to sell your home, Colleen understands how to innovatively market your property and to get it in front of many potential buyers for the best offer in this competitive market. She’s been nicknamed a “marketing wizard” in the Fernandina Beach, Florida real estate market. Top Producer Realtor Colleen develops an exclusive promotional plan for each property she lists for sale, with industry-leading marketing tactics such as drone fly-through and 360-virtual tours, professional photographs, and targeted direct mail programs. If you’re wanting to buy a home, Colleen takes time to listen to and understand your wants, needs, and goals for a property in the Florida real estate market. She develops a unique plan for each buyer on how to reach your goals and successfully close on the property you’re looking for. Outside of real estate, Colleen enjoys experiencing all the Fernandina Beach, Florida area has to offer including running, paddle boarding, playing tennis, enjoying meals in the quaint restaurants on Amelia Island, as well as exploring nature with her 15-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son.

Mortgage rates can move quickly—and the rate you see when you begin shopping for a home isn't necessarily the rate you'l...
09/25/2026

Mortgage rates can move quickly—and the rate you see when you begin shopping for a home isn't necessarily the rate you'll have at closing.

A mortgage rate lock is a lender’s agreement to hold a specified interest rate for a set period while your loan moves toward closing. This can provide valuable certainty when rates are fluctuating because even a modest change can affect your monthly payment and overall borrowing cost.

The important details are the lock period, any fee, what happens if closing is delayed, and whether the lender offers a “float-down” option if rates improve. Lock policies vary, so buyers should discuss the timing carefully with their lender rather than assuming a quoted rate is already protected.

If you're considering a home purchase in Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, or elsewhere in Northeast Florida, I'm always happy to help you coordinate the real estate side of the process and connect you with experienced local lending professionals.

Colleen Gerke
Broker & Owner
Close With Colleen Real Estate
[email protected]
(904) 866-1211
CloseWithColleen.com

August’s market numbers tell an interesting story, but they don’t tell the whole story.The Amelia Island and Nassau Coun...
09/23/2026

August’s market numbers tell an interesting story, but they don’t tell the whole story.

The Amelia Island and Nassau County Association of Realtors reported 522 active single-family listings, down 10.9% from August 2025. At the same time, 154 homes closed, up 48.1% year over year. With fewer active homes to choose from, that limited supply may be helping support prices, even as buyers face higher borrowing costs.

Here’s what I’m watching now: Freddie Mac’s average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 6.95% on September 17. In my own work, I’ve noticed fewer showings and fewer buyers actively looking over the past week or two. That’s a recent observation, so it won’t show up in this August report yet.

For sellers, limited inventory is encouraging, but pricing and presentation still matter. For buyers, a quieter stretch may create room for a more thoughtful conversation about terms, financing, and the right property. I wouldn’t assume every price range or neighborhood is moving the same way.

If you’re considering a move in Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, or Nassau County, I’m happy to look at the numbers for your specific area and price range.

Colleen Gerke, Broker/Owner
Close With Colleen Real Estate

The Fed raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points last week—and mortgage rates climbed close to 7%. What does that me...
09/23/2026

The Fed raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points last week—and mortgage rates climbed close to 7%. What does that mean if you're buying or selling a home?

It doesn't mean you should panic or put every plan on hold. It means the numbers and strategy you were using a few weeks ago may already be outdated.

For buyers, this is the week to ask your lender for a new payment estimate, compare more than one loan structure, and decide what matters most: purchase price, monthly payment, cash at closing, or the flexibility to refinance later. Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed rate rose from 6.76% to 6.95% in one week. On a $500,000 loan, that difference is roughly $63 per month in principal and interest.

For sellers, higher borrowing costs can reduce a buyer’s purchasing power quickly. Accurate pricing, strong presentation, and flexibility on terms—such as closing-cost assistance or a temporary rate buydown when appropriate—may be more effective than simply waiting for rates to improve.

My Tip Tuesday takeaway: when rates move, revisit the plan—not necessarily the goal.

If you are considering buying or selling on Amelia Island, in Fernandina Beach, Yulee, or elsewhere in Nassau County, I would be happy to help you evaluate today’s market and your options. Visit www.closewithcolleen.com.

Sources: Federal Reserve, Sept. 16, 2026 and Freddie Mac, Sept. 17, 2026.

09/21/2026

UNDER CONTRACT! 🎉

Big congratulations to my sellers at 85764 Blackmon Road in Yulee! I’m looking forward to working with everyone through the closing process and helping my sellers reach the finish line!

This sign says it all—85764 Blackmon Road in Yulee is officially UNDER CONTRACT! 🎉Set along beautiful Lofton Creek, this...
09/20/2026

This sign says it all—85764 Blackmon Road in Yulee is officially UNDER CONTRACT! 🎉

Set along beautiful Lofton Creek, this waterfront home offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private dock with a 6,000-pound boat lift, and a peaceful setting designed for enjoying life on the water.

Congratulations to my sellers on reaching this exciting milestone! I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with them and look forward to guiding the transaction smoothly through closing.

Under Contract!A big congratulations to my sellers at 85764 Blackmon Road in Yulee! I’m looking forward to working with ...
09/19/2026

Under Contract!

A big congratulations to my sellers at 85764 Blackmon Road in Yulee! I’m looking forward to working with everyone through the closing process and helping my sellers reach the finish line!

09/19/2026

What would your Saturday look like at 96558 Compass Point Drive?

Morning coffee overlooking the east-facing marsh. Lunch near the water at Oyster Bay Yacht Club. Effortless three-story living with a private elevator. Dinner at home surrounded by peaceful coastal views.

This elevated marshfront residence offers more than a beautiful place to live—it offers the relaxed Oyster Bay Harbour lifestyle so many buyers are searching for.

Could this be your next Saturday?

Explore the home at [www.96558CompassPtDr.com](http://www.96558CompassPtDr.com) or contact me to schedule a private showing.

Colleen Gerke
Broker & Owner
Close With Colleen Real Estate
(904) 866-1211

In Florida, a home’s roof and wind-resistant features can affect more than its ability to weather a storm—they may also ...
09/18/2026

In Florida, a home’s roof and wind-resistant features can affect more than its ability to weather a storm—they may also affect the windstorm portion of the homeowner’s insurance premium.

A wind mitigation inspection documents features such as the roof covering, roof-deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, roof shape, secondary water resistance and protection for windows and doors.

The completed report is submitted to the insurance company, which determines whether the home qualifies for available windstorm premium credits. An inspection does not guarantee a discount, but it can provide valuable information when comparing insurance options or preparing to buy or sell a home.

For buyers on Amelia Island and throughout Northeast Florida, I recommend discussing insurance early in the purchasing process. Understanding the home’s construction and available documentation can help prevent unwelcome surprises before closing.

If you are considering buying or selling a coastal Florida home, I’m always happy to help you identify the questions to ask.

Colleen Gerke
Broker & Owner
Close With Colleen Real Estate
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
(904) 866-1211
CloseWithColleen.com

If you're considering selling a home near the beach or on the marsh, don't wait until you're under contract to look for ...
09/16/2026

If you're considering selling a home near the beach or on the marsh, don't wait until you're under contract to look for the elevation certificate.

An elevation certificate documents property-specific information such as the building's first-floor height, foundation characteristics and elevation in relation to expected flood levels. A buyer's insurance agent may use that information to better understand the property's flood risk and determine whether it could affect the cost of flood insurance.

Start by checking your closing records and contacting the local floodplain, building or permitting office to see whether a certificate is already on file. If one can't be located, ask your real estate and insurance professionals whether ordering a new certificate before listing would be helpful.

It may not be required, and it doesn't guarantee a lower premium. However, having the right documentation available early can reduce uncertainty and help avoid an insurance question becoming a last-minute closing issue.

If you're preparing to sell on Amelia Island, in Fernandina Beach or elsewhere in Nassau County, I'm happy to help you identify the property information buyers are likely to request. Visit www.closewithcolleen.com or contact me for a thoughtful pre-listing conversation.

Address

96020 Oyster Bay Drive
Fernandina Beach, FL
32034

Telephone

+19048661211

Website

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