Thursday, June 15, 2023

Five Reasons People Are Moving to Northeast Florida from New York


I have a hundred reasons why people are leaving New York and coming to Northeast Florida.  Here are my top 5 reasons.

1. Affordable Cost of Living: Northeast Florida offers a more affordable cost of living compared to New York. Housing prices, property taxes, and general expenses tend to be lower, allowing individuals and families to stretch their budgets further.

2. Pleasant Climate: Northeast Florida enjoys a mild climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a break from New York's harsh winters. The region's pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities and a generally more relaxed lifestyle.

3. Outdoor Recreation Opportunities: Northeast Florida boasts beautiful beaches, rivers, and parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. From surfing and fishing to hiking and wildlife observation, residents can enjoy an active lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty.

4. Vibrant Cultural Scene: Northeast Florida offers a vibrant cultural scene with a mix of historical sites, museums, art galleries, and live performances. The region is home to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History, and the historic St. Augustine, attracting both residents and tourists alike.

5. Growing Job Market: The Northeast Florida region, including cities like Jacksonville and St. Augustine, has experienced a growing job market. The region has seen an increase in industries such as healthcare, technology, logistics, and finance, creating employment opportunities for professionals seeking new career prospects. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. New businesses are relocating here daily.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Save Money When You Buy a House



Saving money on a new home can be a wise financial decision. Here are a few tips to help you:


1. Set a budget: Determine your budget for a new home and stick to it. Consider your income, expenses, and long-term financial goals when setting the budget.

2. Research and compare: Look for multiple properties and compare their prices, locations, and features. Consider both new and existing homes to find the best value for your money.

3. Negotiate the price: When you find a home you’re interested in, try negotiating the price with the seller. Depending on the market conditions, you may be able to secure a better deal.

4. Consider a fixer-upper: Purchasing a fixer-upper home can be a cost-effective option. You may be able to buy at a lower price and make renovations gradually, which can save you money in the long run.

5. Look for incentives and discounts: Keep an eye out for any available incentives, discounts, or first-time homebuyer programs offered by developers, government agencies, or financial institutions. These can help lower the overall cost of the home.

6. Shop around for mortgages: Compare different mortgage lenders to find the best interest rates and terms. A small difference in interest rates can lead to significant savings over the life of the loan.

7. Save on closing costs: Ask the seller to cover some of the closing costs or negotiate for lower fees. Additionally, shop around for title insurance, home inspections, and other services to find competitive prices.

8. Consider long-term costs: Look beyond the purchase price and consider the long-term costs of owning a home, such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Choosing an energy-efficient home can help save on utility bills.


Remember, saving money on a new home involves careful research, negotiation, and financial planning. It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or a  real estate professional for personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Jacksonville Beach, Florida is a beautiful coastal city that offers a variety of activities for visitors. Here are some things to do in Jacksonville Beach: Spend a day at the beach: Jacksonville Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Visit the Jacksonville Beach Pier: This iconic pier offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as fishing and dining opportunities. Explore the Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk: Take a stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the many shops, restaurants, and bars. Visit the Beaches Museum and History Park: Learn about the history of the area at this museum, which features exhibits and artifacts related to Jacksonville Beach and the surrounding communities. Take a surf lesson: With its prime location on the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville Beach is a great place to learn how to surf. There are several surf schools in the area that offer lessons for all skill levels. Rent a bike: Rent a bike and explore the many bike trails that wind through Jacksonville Beach and the surrounding areas. Go kayaking or paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the local waterways, including the Intracoastal Waterway and the marshes. Visit the Jacksonville Beach Golf Club: This public golf course offers beautiful views and challenging holes for golfers of all skill levels. Attend a concert or event at the Seawalk Pavilion: This outdoor venue hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and events throughout the year. Take a day trip to nearby attractions: Jacksonville Beach is located near several other popular attractions, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

New Home Construction in Jacksonville FL

Friday, August 3, 2018

Condo for sale Jacksonville Beach FL 3/2 $399,000 Oceanfront


Monday, July 10, 2017

More Americans than ever say now is good time to sell their home

More Americans than ever say now is good time to sell their home: The share of Americans who are confident in the housing market rose to match its previous high even as the market shifts in the seller's favor. The number of consumers saying now is a good time to sell increased to an all-new high in June.

Monday, July 3, 2017

Not even housing inventory crisis can stop homebuyers

Not even housing inventory crisis can stop homebuyers: On the list of factors preventing potential homebuyers from entering the market, you can mark off rising home prices, dwindling inventory and fierce competition, which all seem to have little effect on the increasing demand for homes. In fact, Redfin’s Housing Demand Index hit an all-new high in May.

Friday, June 2, 2017

Movement Mortgage premieres zero down mortgages for first-time homebuyers

Movement Mortgage premieres zero down mortgages for first-time homebuyers: Movement Mortgage announced a new down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers that allows borrowers to put nothing down on a home. In order make this happen, the lender said it will provide grants up to 3% of a home's sales price, thus creating 97% conventional financing.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Home prices jump nearly 6% in March

Case-Shiller shows home prices jump nearly 6% in March: Home prices increased once again in March, hitting the highest pace in almost three years. Experts point out that while prices cannot rise indefinitely, there is no way to tell when rising prices and mortgage rates will force a slowdown in housing.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Lack of housing supply slows pending home sales in March

Lack of housing supply slows pending home sales in March: Pending home sales dipped slightly in March as low levels of housing inventory created a strain on the market. Low inventory levels are not only holding back home prices, but also creating more competition and increasing home prices. The National Association of Realtors forecasts the rate of home sales for 2017.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Here’s what these companies are doing to increase Hispanic homeownership

Here’s what these companies are doing to increase Hispanic homeownership: Hispanic homeownership continues to fuel the growth of the U.S. housing market, and now several companies have joined the Hispanic Wealth Project with the goal of tripling Hispanic household wealth by 2024. Here is what several companies pledged to do in 2017 to meet that goal.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

MBA: Despite flat mortgage apps, purchase loan size reaches new high

MBA: Despite flat mortgage apps, purchase loan size reaches new high: Despite another quiet week for mortgage applications overall, average purchase application loan size managed to post a new high, continuing recent trends. As a whole, mortgage applications increased 1.5% from one week earlier. Here’s how the rest of the data came in.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Trulia: Housing inventory tumbles to all-new low

Trulia: Housing inventory tumbles to all-new low: Housing inventory decreased in the first quarter of 2017, hitting an all-new low. But while inventory for starter and trade-up homes is shrinking, premium home inventory is increasing. Trulia explains the reasons for the dwindling inventory, and the new threat rising home prices impose.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Experts: Don’t read too deep into February’s existing home sales drop

Experts: Don’t read too deep into February’s existing home sales drop: Existing home sales came in lowest in February, however experts caution against determining a new trend based on just one month. In fact, they continue to predict a strong home-buying season this spring despite rising home prices, higher interest rates and decreasing inventory.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Homeowners tell all – bigger isn’t always better

Homeowners tell all – bigger isn’t always better: Homeowners aren’t satisfied with the size of their home, as bigger isn’t always better. Trulia’s new survey shows that the larger the homebuyer’s current home, the more likely they are to want to downsize. However, this varies widely between generations.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Case-Shiller: Home prices set 30-month high in December

Case-Shiller: Home prices set 30-month high in December: Home prices rose to their 30-month high in December and at their fastest pace in over 2.5 years, according to the latest Case-Shiller results. The Indices’ chairman explains why rates are rising so rapidly and if the speed of increase is a reason for alarm.

Friday, February 24, 2017

New home sales are up, but pace disappoints

New home sales are up, but pace disappoints: New home sales increased in December, but industry experts are not impressed. Given the unusually high temperatures throughout the winter and the high demand for housing, experts expected new home sales to come out with much stronger numbers.