Posts Tagged ‘Jacksonville Beach Buyers’
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Maybe you have been considering a home purchase in the area; a place to go in Florida for the summer or winter. Or you are a first time home buyer? Right now affordability is the key with many home buyers with Jacksonville Florida being one of the major cities where owning a home is more cost effective than renting a home. This is due to all the repossessed homes hitting the market and a drop in the prices over the past few years in the Jacksonville Florida market making homes so affordable.
In fact home prices were down in the area for the 6th month in a row with all the foreclosures and short sales hitting the market. However homes sales were up in January for the third month in a row as home buyers have begun to discover the values are here especially in the condo and single-family home markets. Additionally there are rumblings from the market regarding an expected increase in the demand for multi-family housing which adds to the speculations for the area.
So What “DO” You Look For the First Time Through A Home? You might consider the following: Is there enough room for you now and the near future? A home can be an excellent investment but it should fit the way you live. It should have the space and features that fit the entire family. Pay close attention to the floor plan. How many bedrooms? Bathrooms? Smaller homes are in demand as space is at a premium. However is there enough storage space for you? How about the appliances? Will you have to replace them? The roof is not a major issue when purchasing a condo as they are maintained by the Home Owners Association. However you must consider the costs of the home owners association in your budget and the quality of the maintenance in the complex. You may at first glance think the condo fees are too high until you consider the added costs you would pay in a single family home that will be covered by the association dues that you don’t have to pay outside of these dues.
Maintenance is a major cost to consider in a home purchase. How much maintenance will you have to do right away? The next three years? Will your present furniture work in the home? Pay particular attention to any areas that could be a problem like additions, defects or areas that have been repaired.
These are just a few basic suggestions for the first time through. There are many considerations and feel free to review any and all articles I have posted over the last year regarding these additional considerations before purchasing a home or condo. It all depends upon your situation, your family and your particular requirements. Feel free to go to my web site at www.FindAPlaceWithStyleNGrace.com or click on Visit My Website to the left of this blog article to search for homes in the MLS area. My direct contact number is 904-233-1341 or you can text me at this number. Feel free to send your home search requests to: gracehughesjax@gmail.com and I’ll set-up a search for you. Thank you for reading my blog. I am always complimented when I receive comments from you.
Tags: Buying a House in Jacksonville Beach FL, First Time Home Shoppers, First Time Thru A Home, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Short Sale Homes, Jacksonville Florida Home Buyer, Looking Thru Home First Time Jacksonville Florida, Owning More Cost Effective Than Renting, Second home, short sales in florida, Short Sales in Jacksonville Florida, Things To Look For When Home Shopping
Posted in Buy a House, Buying a Home, First Time Home Buyer, Homes | 5 Comments »
Saturday, February 5th, 2011
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a loan to help you purchase a home AND pay for the remodeling. This is a great financing program for all Americans. A program that more people should consider. It was originally set-up to revitalize run-down neighborhoods. There are certain credit score guidelines that must be met in order to qualify for this type of loan however the HUD regulations are not quite as stringent as Conventional or other standard FHA loans.
This loan is called a 203-k loan and requires a minimum of $5,000 in home repair and should be completed within six months. Some remodeling projects for consideration with this loan are: the repair of structural damage to a home, making an addition to the structure, the installation of additional bathrooms or the remodeling of the attic, kitchen or basement. Additionally the loan can be used to replace the air conditioning or all the flooring or the roof; one could also move a wall, do major landscaping or site improvements and, of course, make improvements and improve accessibility for the disabled.
In addition to the typical home improvement loan projects, the FHA 203-k can be used to convert a one family dwelling to a two, three or four family dwelling or the reverse of this. As with any projects, there are certain restrictions, like no new construction, and the contractor has to be an approved contractor. One should consult a qualified mortgage professional or I can introduce you to a mortgage professional that handles these types of loans.
One additional item the borrower needs is enough cash reserve to pay for materials and labor until they are reimbursed through a draw, or an adequate credit card balance. The contractor may also choose to cover these upfront costs. If you would like to know more about it, please go to the Department of Housing and Urban development web site or call a qualified mortgage broker. I will be glad to introduce you to one from my office at Keller Williams Realty, the third largest real estate company in the world.
To search the Greater Jacksonville Florida MLS for any home that might need remodeling or any home for sale, go to my web site at: http://www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com. Questions, call me at 904-233-1341 or email: gracehughesjax@gmail.com. Thank you for reading my blog and please enter any comments below.
Tags: 203 k loan, Buying a House in Jacksonville Beach FL, Buying a Single-Family Home in Jacksonville Florida, department of housing and urban development, fha financing, finance purchase and remodel, finding a home to remodel in the mls, Home Buyers in Jacksonville Beach, Housing Market, HUD, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Homes for Sale, looking for a fixer upper, remodel homes in atlantic beach florida, remodeling a home in jacksonville florida, remodeling a home in Ponte Vedra Beach
Posted in Buying a Home, Home Improvement, Homes | 5 Comments »
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Advantages of Owning a Home In Jacksonville or Jacksonville Beach, Florida
- Equity builds over time
- Real Estate Taxes are Deductible
- Sense of Security and Stability
- Can Decorate, Remodel, Paint as you like
- Homes Can Appreciate in Value
- Housing Payments Are Usually Fixed
- The Payment Rate Whether Fixed or Adjustable is Your Choice
- In a Buyers Market Some or All Closing Costs could be paid by the Seller
Other Thoughts You Must Consider Before Purchasing a Home in Jacksonville or Jacksonville Beach, Florida
- You are Responsible for the Upkeep and Maintenance Costs
- Property taxes must be paid either once a year or escrowed and paid monthly
- Mortgage payments can be equal to or even higher than rental payments if you purchase too much home
- Must pay closing costs, real estate transfer taxes and other application fees or plan for these costs if seller doesn’t pay them
Real estate markets and deals vary from city to city and state to state. Do not purchase a home on a whim, even if you know it is ”the one’. Ask your real estate professional to help you determine it’s market value and the value of the homes around it.
I live and work in the heart of Jacksonvlle and Jacksonville Beach, including Duval and St John’s County and can help you run a report from the Multi-Listing database to determine the best offer to make on the home. My web site which is updated by the MLS daily is: www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com. You can search for properties by going to the Property Search page.
Call me at 904-233-1341 to find out how I can help or email or text me at: gracehughesjax@gmail.com
Tags: Buy a Home in Jacksonville Beach, Buying a House in Jacksonville Beach FL, Buying a Single-Family Home in Jacksonville Florida, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Condo, Jacksonville Beach Home Buyers, Jacksonville Florida Real Estate
Posted in Owning a Home | 21 Comments »
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
With baby boomers entering retirement, young adults delaying marriage, and the US economy in a state of flux, home buyers are beginning to purchase smaller homes again. Home sellers, this means you may have a greater chance of selling your home than you thought. Although home buyers still want luxury, they are beginning to put their stuff into smaller spaces.
According to the Census Bureau the square footage of new homes purchased in 2008 dropped to 2215 sq feet, down from 2277 sq feet. This is the first drop in square footage of new homes purchased since the recession of the early eighties.
However, to sell your home you still need to make it look larger than it’s actual size. Some ways to do this are: fresh paint using neutral coloring, blending colors in medium to light shades; having carpet and walls done in similar color tones. Also applying one continuous type of flooring throughout the home will make a home seem more spacious.
Additionally, move out all furniture except the bare essentials. Even if your china hutch is a family heirloom, it will serve you best in storage. Daddy may also have to give up his big, over-stuffed recliner for a few months in order to clear a path for potential buyers to walk from the living room and dining area to the kitchen area, when they view your home.
One of my dear friends asked me what they would need to do to sell their home. Theirs was one of the older homes in Jacksonville, Florida that had been maintained beautifully, and like some other older homes, had smaller, narrow rooms. We discussed several ideas and they took my suggestions to heart. He gave up his recliner, for one thing, and we had a sale within a short time. I am proud to say, at closing, he was quick to point out, “They sold their home by using some of their realtor’s suggestions, and that stuff works!”
Creating the feeling of space is the key, and there are numerous ways to do this. Stashing things away, for instance, lowering the ceiling in the hallway or raising the ceiling adjacent to it. The good thing is you don’t have to be as concerned about those smaller rooms because buyers are beginning to love the smaller spaces. However, as an article in Realtor.org magazine for February suggests, ”You have to create the illusion of space.”
If you have a particularly challenging situation with a home, or just need to sell your home and need the advise of an experienced professional, I will be glad to discuss your home by phone. My email is: gracehughesjax@gmail.com. You can find all homes on the MLS and in the Greater Jacksonville area on my site, including those in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Mandarin, and other cities of Duval, St Johns and Clay Counties: www. FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com. Go to the Property Search Page.
My direct line is 904-233-1341.
Tags: Buy a Home in Jacksonville Beach, Buying a House in Jacksonville Beach FL, Buying a Single-Family Home in Jacksonville Florida, First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, Housing Market, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Home Buyers, Jacksonville Florida Real Estate
Posted in Home Sellers | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Home sales are a matter of public record. You can get all the information you want about recent sales, including prices and time on the market, by asking your Realtor. This is valuable information when buying or selling a home.
If you’re interested in a particular home, we will be able to provide you with a list of comparable sale prices of homes in your area that are roughly the same size and age as the home you’re considering. If there are no homes FOR SALE in your neighborhood, the Realtor can give you advise regarding the way to determine the price. . .
Although there will certainly be some differences between the homes…the house next door may have an extra bedroom, or the one down the block may be older than the one you’re looking at…it’s a good way to evaluate the sellers asking price.
If you are considering buying or selling a home, call me Direct at 904-233-1341 and I’ll see how I can help, or send a quick email to: gracehughesjax@gmail.com. You can go to my web site where you can find any home listed in our five county Multi-Listing Service, including Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Amelia Island, and Fernandina Beach at www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com. Go to the Property Search Page.
Tags: Buy a Home in Jacksonville Beach, Buying a House in Jacksonville Beach FL, Buying a Single-Family Home in Jacksonville Florida, First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, Jacksonville Beach Buy a House, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach First Time Home Buyers
Posted in Buy a House | No Comments »
Monday, September 7th, 2009
I have used this phrase to emphasize a point. The point being how often someone tells me about the one home they didn’t purchase when they had a chance; the home they wished they had purchased due to it’s current “much higher” value! Unfortunately we will not hear a bell and the government can not say, or know, when we reach the bottom of the real estate market in Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville Beach, or anywhere else. However, if you have been considering purchasing that single-family home, condominium, second home, or, you are a first time home buyer, and you are interested in this data for this very reason, please find it below. This area and the State of Florida data is compelling, and so makes me think the bell should possibly be shined up a bit…so here you are:
State of Florida Home Sales 7/09 Compared to 7/08 + 28% Jacksonville Florida Home Sales +16% Same Period
Other areas and cities: Daytona Beach+20% Ft Lauderdale+35% Ft Myers+137% Ft Pierce+27% Ft Walton Beach+15% Lakewood+14% Melbourne+14% Miami+54% Ocala+63% Orlando+38% Panama City+15% Tampa+21%
Average Interest Rate Ending period Sept 3, 2009: 30 yr Fixed - 5.08% Freddie Mae
Low mortgage rates are helping to keep housing affordable, according to government housing VP and chief economist, Frank Mothaft. Seven of the top eight most affordable months for purchasing a home have occurred during the last twelve months, with the Most Affordable months being tracked since 1971! As a result, pending sales of existing homes rose for the sixth straight month in July of this year, and July sales were the strongest since June 2007. Call me with any questions about property, homes or financing.
All Single-Family Homes and Condominiums Available in the MLS, as well as Short Sales and Foreclosures are available on my web site at: http://FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com. My email is: gracehughesjax@gmail.com. My Direct contact number is 904-233-1341 with questions.
Tags: Bottom of Real Estate Market, Buy a Home in Jacksonville Beach, Buying a Single-Family Home in Jacksonville Florida, Home Buyers in Jacksonville Beach, Housing Market, Jacksonville Beach Buy a House, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Condo, Jacksonville Beach First Time Home Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Mortgage Rates, Jacksonville Beach Real Estate Market, Jacksonville Florida Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, Low mortgage rates, Pending Home Sales, pending sales of existing homes, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, State of Florida Home Sales
Posted in Bottom of Real Estate Market, Buy Condominium, Buy a House, Condos, First Time, First Time Home Buyer, Homes, Housing Affordable, Low mortgage rates, Pending Home sales in Jacksonville Florida, Property Investment, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, State of Florida Home Sales | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
Actually there are many things you need to know about a home before you make a purchase, and here are “just a few” of the questions you need to have answered before moving forward with that purchase of a home:
- What is the neighborhood (and your neighbors) like? Are there certain area features that would affect the value of this property after you buy or in the future?
- What are the realty taxes on the home and what are the costs of utilities?
- What home repairs have been made in the past three years?
- How far do I have to travel for schools, public transit, and shopping?
- What major repair expenses do I have to look forward to after the purchase or within two years after purchase?
- Are there any utility easements or encroachments over the property?
- Is there a fairly recent survey that shows all the buildings and additions on the property?
- Has the property had a Home Inspection done when the present owners bought that you could check to see what minor and major problems there were? Have your Realtor ask for a list of these problems, if there were any.
- Has the homeowner signed a Property Disclosure statement?
My goal is to have you fully informed before you make a costly home buying decision! If there are any of the above questions that you don’t have a clear answer to for any home in Jacksonville you are considering purchasing – call me, and I will see what I can do to find the answers for you. All of my services come with a satisfaction guarantee – and are completely free of charge to you. If you would like a “Complete” list of questions to ask, please respond by email to gracehughesjax@gmail.com or call direct to 904-233-1341 and leave a message, or send a message with a blog entry. My web site: http://FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com. (more…)
Tags: Add new tag, Buy a Home, Buy a Home in Jacksonville Beach, Buying a Single-Family Home in Jacksonville Florida, Housing Market, Jacksonville Beach Buy a House, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Condo, Jacksonville Beach Home Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Home Buying Process, Jacksonville Beach Short Sales, Jacksonville Florida Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, purchase dream home, Purchase Dream Home in Jacksonville Beach Florida, Purchase Dream Home in Jacksonville Florida, Purchase that dream home, Purchase That Dream Home in Jacksonvillel Florida, Real Estate Agent
Posted in Buy Condominium, Buy a House, First Time Home Buyer, Homes, Homes for Sale, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent | 5 Comments »
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
NEW CONSTRUCTION, RED OAK FLOORS, GRANITE & MANY UPGRADES!
BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOME! - 3 bedroom - 3 baths $ 590,000
2300+ SQ FT Granite – Wood Floors - Open Flr Plan
Florida Terrace – Stucco – Garage
NORTH BEACH in Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
mls #463698
New construction town home in the heart of the beaches with ocean and beach views. Real gourmet island kitchen w/ custom cabinets, granite counters & lots of high end finishes through out. Red oak wood flooring & stairs. Spacious ”Florida” terrace with great ocean views. This is not your typical town home, open floor plan w/ unique features & upgrades!
Tags: Add new tag, Buy a Home, Buy a Home in Jacksonville Beach, Buying a Single-Family Home in Jacksonville Florida, Home Buyers in Jacksonville Beach, Homeowners, Housing Market, Jacksonville Beach Buy a House, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Condo, Jacksonville Beach Home Appraisals, Jacksonville Beach Home Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Home Buying Process, Jacksonville Beach Homes, Jacksonville Beach Homes for Sale, Jacksonville Beach Real Estate, Jacksonville Beach Real Estate Market, Jacksonville Florida Real Estate, Ocean Views, Oceanfront Condominium, Real Estate Agent, Second home, Second home buyer, Sell a House, Upside Down Real Estate
Posted in Homes, Homes for Sale, Luxury Homes, MLS, MLS Service | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
- OCEAN FRONT CONDOMINIUM IN JACKSONVILLE BEACH FLORIDA AT A GREAT PRICE FOR “ANY” OCEANFRONT HOME OR CONDO!- GREAT BUY FOR SECOND HOME BUYER, TOO -
- 3 BEDROOM – 2 BATH CONDO HOME - End Unit $524,500
- OCEANFRONT VIEWS From Every Room - 1700 Square Feet -
- Beautifully appointed - with Granite, Marble & Wood - mls#474862
- The Waterford Condominiums at Jacksonville Beach, Florida
- Call Grace Hughes, Realtor, GRI, e-Pro, LMC with EXIT Real Estate Gallery - 904-233-1341 or email at gracehughesjax@gmail.com. See all MLS Listings at: http;//www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com
Tags: Buy a Home, Buy a Home in Jacksonville Beach, First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, Home Buyers in Jacksonville Beach, Housing Market, Jacksonville Beach Buy a House, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Condo, Jacksonville Beach Home Appraisals, Jacksonville Beach Home Buying Process, Jacksonville Beach Homes, Jacksonville Beach Real Estate Market, Jacksonville Florida Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, Oceanfront Condominium, Real Estate Agent, Second home, Second home buyer
Posted in Condos, MLS, TOWN HOME | No Comments »
Thursday, August 20th, 2009
THE DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE OR TAX CREDIT FOR “FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS” DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING!
Thinking about buying your first home! Act today and the Federal Government will give you free money in the form of a tax credit or down payment! As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S housing market and address the economic challenges of our nation, Congress passed legislation that grants a tax credit to “First Time Home Buyers” up to $8,000, if you purchase that home… soon! So if you are looking in the Beaches area of Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach or Jacksonville Beach, it’s time to purchase that home. Let me tell you how!
You have until Nov 30, THAT’S NOVERBER 30TH, 2009 to arrange financing, look at homes, make an offer, purchase the home, and close the transaction. To qualify as a “first time home buyer”, the buyer or his or her spouse may not have owned a home during the three years prior to purchasing the home. This “first time home buyer” credit applies to single-family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops.
The maximum allowable credit is $8,000 and is determined by two factors:
One: The buyer’s income – Single buyers with income up to $75,000, and married couples with an income up to $150,000.
Two: The purchase price – The credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home up to $8,000.
The credit is reduced if your income exceeds these limits; however, there is a credit. Check with your accountant to learn the exact amount. The buyer does not need to repay the credit, if she/or he occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.
Call or email me to get started toward making that home buying purchase! You can also go to my web site to search for homes in the Greater Jacksonville MLS area, including Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and Neptune Beach.
My email is: gracehughesjax@gmail.com. All MLS Listings and homes for sale: http://FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com Call me at 904-233-1341
Tags: Buying a Single-Family Home in Jacksonville Florida, Home Buyers in Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville Beach Buyers, Jacksonville Beach First Time Home Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Home Buyers, Jacksonville Beach Home Buying Process, Jacksonville Beach Homes for Sale
Posted in First Time Home Buyer | No Comments »
Avg. Sales Price: $180,000
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