It's hot as blue blazes in Jacksonville Florida!! Tips to enjoy your day in Jax Beach.

 With its super hot weather, Jacksonville Beach, FL offers a variety of activities to help you beat the heat and enjoy your time. Here are some ideas:

1. Beach Fun: The obvious choice is to hit the beach! Jacksonville Beach offers sandy shores and warm waters. You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

2. Water Sports: Embrace the heat by engaging in water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing. The ocean is your playground, and these activities can help you cool off while having a blast.

3. Fishing: Jacksonville Beach is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. You can fish from the pier or join a charter boat trip for deep-sea fishing.

4. Beach Volleyball: Many beaches have designated areas for beach volleyball. Gather your friends or join a pickup game to get active while enjoying the sea breeze.

5. Beachfront Dining: There's nothing like indulging in delicious seafood while overlooking the ocean. Check out beachfront restaurants and enjoy a meal with a view.

6. Ice Cream and Frozen Treats: Treat yourself to some ice cream, frozen yogurt, or other cold treats available in the area. It's a perfect way to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth.

7. Outdoor Events: Check for any outdoor events, concerts, or festivals happening in the area. These events can provide entertainment and distraction from the heat.

8. Shopping: If you prefer staying indoors, explore local boutiques and shops. Jacksonville Beach has a variety of stores where you can find unique souvenirs, clothing, and more.

9. Indoor Activities: To escape the heat, you might want to visit indoor attractions like museums, art galleries, or shopping malls. The Beaches Museum & History Park could be a good option.

10. Sunset Watching: The heat tends to lessen as the day goes on. Take advantage of the cooler evening temperatures by heading to the beach to watch the sunset. It's a beautiful and relaxing way to end the day.

11. Stay Hydrated: Regardless of the activity you choose, make sure to stay hydrated. Carry water with you to avoid dehydration in the hot weather.

Remember to take precautions when spending time in hot weather, such as applying sunscreen, wearing appropriate clothing, and taking breaks in the shade. Always prioritize your health and safety while enjoying the attractions Jacksonville Beach has to offer.

Down Payments for Lower-Priced Homes Double

Down Payments for Lower-Priced Homes Double     This is absolutely ridiculous.  It makes me sick. Thank you DODD FRANK for making it nearly impossible for anyone to buy a home in the lower price range.

Latest update on the Jacksonville FL real estate market

Wow! What a difference a few months make! The short and sweet version of what's going on in the Jacksonvile Market is this:

Our inventory is DOWN to a 6 and a half month supply. A "normal" or stable market is considered to be a 5-6 month supply.  We're almost back to normal! Break out the champagne!

Have you been house hunting lately? Good luck! The inventory is VERY low.  It's hard to find very many houses to look at. Guess what this (historically) means?  Yep. Supply vs Demand = Higher home prices.  Keep that in mind if you're still sitting on the fence.

Need more proof?  How about these factoids?  New listings crept up a little in February, but not nearly enough to keep up with the number of sold properties.. I'm thinking that means that we're exactly where we were this time last year. Know what that means? Yep. The bottom is here or so close I can almost see it!

More evidence?  The median sales price was down a whopping 0.2% over last year. I say that doesn't count. I'm going to call it a wash and say that the median sales price didn't fall. I mean seriously, 0.2%? I'm thinking that means that we're exactly where we were this time last year. Know what that means? Where are all of the REO's and Foreclosures that were headed to the market? They haven't made it here YET.  CAN IT BE THAT WE'VE HIT BOTTOM??

Just maybe. Pending sales are up 26.5%. Yes, you read that right UP 26.5%.  About half of those (47.4% to be exact) were distressed sales (short sales, foreclosures, REO's) and the rest were gool old fashioned seller owned properties.

Can it be?  Someone pinch me. I think we've hit bottom and maybe, just maybe, with this shortage of new listings, prices just might to start going up. I will be happy if they just stablize and stop falling. Afterall. All we want is a healthy market where Sellers can Sell and Buyers can afford to buy.....

I think we just might be there now. What do you think?

Working With A REALTOR More Important Than Ever!

I read this today and thought it was definitely worth sharing.

Working with a Real Estate Professional is More Important Than Ever in Today’s Real Estate Mark 

RISMEDIA, February 17, 2011—In a landmark study examining the home buying and selling preferences of consumers in the Mid-Atlantic region, 95% reported that working with a real estate professional is just as important, if not more important, than it was just a few years ago. The survey results were released in a new research paper entitled Keepin’ it Real, by MRIS, the area’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and a leading developer of real estate information technology.
According to the report, which can be found on www.MRIS.com, today’s consumers recognize this is not the time to complete a real estate transaction on their own, and are placing a stronger emphasis on the agent’s professional skills. As such, trustworthiness was ranked as the most critical factor in choosing an agent, followed by experience, willingness to look out for a client’s interest, expertise in negotiating contracts, responsiveness, familiarity with contracts and knowledge of the local community. These requirements are evidence that consumers are seeking more than simple guidance, they are looking for an expert they can trust to execute a step-by-step process throughout the entire transaction.

“In today’s housing market especially, this is no time to go it alone,” noted John L. Heithaus, Chief Marketing Officer of MRIS. “With 95% of all buyers and sellers reporting that working with a professional real estate agent or broker is important, it is evident that consumers understand how vital they are to the process. A real estate professional has the industry knowledge, networking ability and expert guidance on home buying and selling to deliver top notch customer service and advice, and provide a successful experience for consumers.”

Additionally, the Keepin’ it Real report reveals that 68% of buyers and sellers rated their agent with a six or seven, on a 7-point satisfaction scale. This high level of consumer confidence reinforces the credibility of the real estate professionals in the Mid-Atlantic area. Nearly half of the consumers surveyed, or 48%, found their agent by way of referral. Moreover, 80% of consumers stated that they would recommend their agent to a friend or family member, especially those that purchased or sold a home in the past twelve months.

Whereas in years past, the agent was the first step in the home buying or selling process, today, Internet-savvy consumers can gather information and educate themselves, long before contacting an agent. The Internet empowers consumers to search for homes and neighborhood information, compare pricing and explore financing options on their own. Yet, despite all of the tools and resources available, when it comes time to actually buy or sell a home, there is nothing more valuable than the industry knowledge, expertise and guidance a real estate professional brings to the table.

The Keepin’ it Real research paper is confirmation that today, more than ever, a real estate professional is an invaluable resource in the home buying and selling process.

Published by RISMedia.com