Lakefront Homes in North Central Florida
I'm Richard Schwartz. Friends call me Cardo.
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Find your place on the water in North Central Florida Lake Country.
I help buyers find lakefront homes and lake-community properties around Melrose, Keystone Heights, Interlachen, Florahome, Hawthorne, and Middleburg — especially if you are coming from Gainesville, Jacksonville, or out of state.
I look at a property from every side: what it is today, what it could become, and whether the value holds.
Lakefront Is Not the Same As Living Near a Lake
Some homes sit on the water, with a dock, a shoreline, and mornings that start on the lake. Some sit in a lake community: the water is close, the setting is quiet, and the price and upkeep can make more sense. I help you choose the version that matches how you want to live — not the listing photo that looked good at midnight.
Three Paths
Relocating
Looking for Water
Thinking like an Owner
Whether you're moving for work or retirement, I help you find the perfect lakefront or lake-community home in North Central Florida.  You want the slower pace without giving up Gainesville, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or Orlando when you need them.
From true lakefront to lake-community living, I guide you through the unique water environments that define the North Central Florida lifestyle.  You want lakefront, a quiet cove, or a lake-community home, and you need someone who knows which lakes actually work.
Understanding your long-term vision ensures you find a lasting home that meets your specific needs and provides lasting value.  You care about value, access, improvements, and what the property can become — not just what it looks like this week.
Where I Specialize
North Central Florida Lake Country is the western lakes: oaks, smaller towns, and water that still feels like water.
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Melrose — the crossroads town with Santa Fe Lake and a real center
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Keystone Heights — Lake Geneva, Lake Brooklyn, and daily conveniences
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Interlachen — between the lakes, more space, more options
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Florahome — quiet land and George’s Lake
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Hawthorne — closer to Gainesville, with lake pockets around it
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Middleburg — Clay County growth, still an easy run to the lakes
Palatka is home base. The lakes are the work.
How I Work
Most agents walk you through houses. I walk you through the decision.
I will tell you what a place is worth as it stands, what it could be with the right work, and when to walk away. I live here. The stories on this site are mine. The job is still the same — get you into the right property, with your eyes open.
