The BIG buyers are back!!

How do you know when an opinion is actually a fact? When all the biggest and best are following suit! After months and months of speculation over whether or not the real estate market has regained its steam, one thing is for certain...the high net-worth buyers have zero doubt.

We have all heard about the mammoth development that is Nocatee. We all know that Nocatee has rapidly made its way to the third fastest community in the entire country, but do you know what is going on in Mandarin?

The Mandarin area of Duval County is expanding into an area that has never been seen in the south end of the county. There are three neighborhood developments currently in motion along the east bank of the St. Johns River. Believe it or not, Mandarin currently does not have a gated community. That will change after H. Smith, Inc, a local real estate developer completes a 40+ lot community ranging from $500,000 all the way over $1 million for the lot itself. The buyers of the lots will be able to build a custom home with limited restrictions. This new development brings a whole new light to South Jacksonville.

What would you do if you knew?

What would you do if you knew you could have a historically low interest rate on a mortgage loan for the home of your dreams?

     Most people move homes because of job changes and shifts in lifestyles. Rarely will a homeowner opt to move from one home to another specifically because of low interest rates. Until now, this statement has been true. However, with interest rates as low as 3%, a large number of buyers who previously purchased a home in the middle of a bubble economy with high interest rates are making the decision to dump the overly inflated and overpriced purchase in exchange for a more affordable interest rate and realistic purchase price for the home of their dreams.

One of the biggest misconceptions of homeowners who purchased a home during the previously inflated and unhealthy economy is that they are 'locked-in' to the mortgage loan. I beg to differ. With an ever-so roaring real estate market and home prices that are more affordable than ever, a second chance at finding peace with your mortgage payment is more achievable than ever.

New Construction on The St. Johns River is Back!!!

A roaring North Florida real estate market is on full display along the east bank of The St. Johns River. From San Marco all the way down through South Mandarin, new construction homes are being built faster than we have seen. There are ten homes currently under construction in this area that range from $1 million to $2 million.

The St. Johns River is without a doubt one of Jacksonville's greatest attributes. If history repeats itself, a thriving water-front home market is the introduction to many great years to come.

Can confidence be measured? Home builders say YES!!

You might be thinking the same thing I was at first - how can you accurately measure confidence? Well, home builders all across the country seem to think it is all in the numbers...the home buyer numbers that is...

Home builder's confidence levels hit a near nine year high in the month of September. The last time new home sales and new home interest in general was this high was November 2005. During the month of September, The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Market Index increased by 4 points.

Compare our current economy and home buying mindset to that of a wild animal that has been pinned up in a cage for years. What happens when that animal is finally set free? It runs faster and harder than it did before it was trapped. Our previously constrained economy had our buyers pinned in a cage...

Now that our job market has made a strong return...it is time for consumers to run free.

Jacksonville - A top buyer's market in The United States

With increasing home inventory, an improving economy and an ever-so-slow growth in human morale (regarding the recovering economy), all signs point in favor of a "Buyer's market."

Zillow reported Jacksonville, FL to be one of the premiere buyer's markets in the country. Reports say the average home in Jacksonville was listed at $208,000 - however, the average sale price came in at $191,500. 

While it is true we are in a strong economic recovery, there are still deals to be made...

Here's the report's top ten buyers' markets:

1. Providence, RI

2. Cleveland, OH

3. Philadelphia, PA

4. Milwaukee, WI

5. Chicago, IL

6. Pittsburgh, PA

7. Tampa, FL

8. New York/Northern NJ

9. Cincinnati, OH

10. Jacksonville, FL