Thursday, May 22, 2025

Lots to do this Memorial Day weekend in the Beaches area and Northeast Florida

 Unveiling the Neptune Festival 2025 Schedule: Plan Your Ultimate Beach ...

Memorial Day Weekend 2025: Your Guide to Jacksonville & the Beaches

Hey there, First Coast friends!

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner, and if you're in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, or Neptune Beach, you're in for a treat. Whether you're looking to honor our heroes, groove to some jazz, or just soak up the sun, there's something for everyone. Here's your casual guide to all the happenings:


🎷 Jacksonville Jazz Festival (May 22–25)

Downtown Jacksonville will be alive with the sounds of jazz during the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. This free event features performances by renowned artists like Kool & The Gang, Janelle Monae, and The Roots. Head over to Tailgaters Parking for live music, food, drinks, and a vibrant community atmosphere. (Visit Jacksonville, Visit Jacksonville, Visit Jacksonville)


Memorial Day Observance at Veterans Memorial Wall (May 26)

Join the community in honoring our fallen heroes at the Veterans Memorial Wall, located between EverBank Stadium and the baseball grounds. The pre-ceremony begins at 8:00 AM with music from Navy Band Southeast and Voices of Jacksonville, followed by the ceremony at 8:30 AM. Patriotic attire is encouraged, and parking is free. (Jacksonville)


🚗 Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise (May 27)

Car enthusiasts, rejoice! Head to Latham Plaza & Seawalk Pavilion from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM for the Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise. Admire a variety of classic cars and enjoy the coastal vibes. (Jacksonville Beach)


🎡 Adventure Landing Memorial Day Deal (May 23–26)

Looking for family fun? Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach is offering Memorial Weekend specials, including discounts on water park admissions and other attractions. It's a great way to beat the heat and have some fun with the kids. (Visit Jacksonville, Fun 4 First Coast Kids)


🏖️ Neptune Beach & Jacksonville Beach City Offices Closed (May 26)

Just a heads-up: City offices in both Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach will be closed on Memorial Day, May 26. Plan accordingly if you have any city business to attend to. (ci.neptune-beach.fl.us)


🦀 Palatka Blue Crab Festival (May 23–25)

If you're up for a short drive, the Palatka Blue Crab Festival is happening from May 23 to May 25. Enjoy live music, delicious seafood, arts and crafts, and more along the scenic St. Johns River. (Fun 4 First Coast Kids)


🌊 Beaches Museum Walk-a-Thon (May 31)

Extend your Memorial Day celebrations by participating in the Beaches Museum Walk-a-Thon on May 31. It's a great way to stay active and support local history. (Jacksonville Beach)


Final Thoughts

Whether you're paying tribute to our nation's heroes, enjoying live music, or spending quality time with family and friends, Jacksonville and its beaches offer a plethora of activities to make your Memorial Day Weekend memorable.

Stay safe, have fun, and don't forget to wear sunscreen!


Note: Event details are subject to change. Please check official event websites or contact organizers for the most up-to-date information.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Interest Rates Continue to Rise!

From Freddie Mac 04/17/2024
Mortgage Rates Exceed 7 Percent for the First Time this Year

MCLEAN, Va., April 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 7.10 percent.

“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage surpassed 7 percent for the first time this year, jumping from 6.88 percent to 7.10 percent this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “As rates trend higher, potential homebuyers are deciding whether to buy before rates rise even more or hold off in hopes of decreases later in the year. Last week, purchase applications rose modestly, but it remains unclear how many homebuyers can withstand increasing rates in the future.”

News Facts

  • The 30-year FRM averaged 7.10 percent as of April 18, 2024, up from last week when it averaged 6.88 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.39 percent.
  • The 15-year FRM averaged 6.39 percent, up from last week when it averaged 6.16 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.76 percent.

The PMMS® is focused on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20 percent down and have excellent credit. For more information, view our Frequently Asked Questions.

Freddie Mac’s mission is to make home possible for families across the nation. We promote liquidity, stability, affordability and equity in the housing market throughout all economic cycles. Since 1970, we have helped tens of millions of families buy, rent or keep their home. 


Thursday, February 29, 2024

No Sign of a Market Crash in Housing

Here is a condensed-quickie take on today's market vs 2008 and why I don't think the market is going to crash. Lending standards are very strict now. In 2008 if you had a pulse, you could get a loan. Wanted to buy 2 or 3 homes?? Let's check that pulse... APPROVED

Our inventory remains extremely low. We only have a 3 months supply of homes for sale (6 months is considered a healthy market).

 In 2008 we had a 10 months supply, driving the prices down. There were SO many foreclosures flooding the market, prices had no where to go but down. 

 People aren't using their homes as ATM's. In 2008 people tapped their home equity for cars, boats and vacations. You know, the "essentials". 


The available equity (before hitting 80% of loan to value) is at an all-time high. Only 1.1% of homeowners are underwater (owe more than their house is worth). People with equity have options to avoid foreclosure.

Without all of the foreclosures of 2008 prices will continue to go up in 2024. Slower than 2023, but still UP.

There ya go. Now you know why I think the real estate market isn't going to crash in 2024.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Home Prices Expected to Rise in 2024

According to Real Estate gurus at KCM (Keeping Current Matters): Prices aren’t likely to depreciate in 2024 because inventory is still tight and lower mortgage rates are leading to strong buyer demand. Those two factors will keep pushing prices up as the year goes on. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains: “With mortgage rates dropping, demand for homes in early 2024 is likely to be strong and will again put pressure on prices, similar to trends observed in early 2023 . . . Most markets will continue to reach new home price highs over the course of 2024.” What Does This Mean for You? Experts are saying home prices will go up this year, and that’s good news if you’re thinking about buying a home. When you become a homeowner, you want the value of your house to go up. That appreciation is what builds equity and makes homeownership such a good investment over time. Beyond that, expected home price appreciation also means if you’re ready, willing, and able to buy, waiting just means it will cost more later.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Why you really need to use a Realtor® when you sell your home

Home sellers reveal why they decided to bypass professional representation—and the mistakes they made without a trusted adviser. Homeowners who decline to use a real estate agent to sell their property are twice as likely to say they weren’t satisfied with the selling experience, according to a new survey from Clever Real Estate of 1,000 home sellers in 2022 and 2023. Survey respondents say they realize they likely made less money on their home sale and faced more stress by not having a professional representative.
Those who didn’t use a real estate agent said before their transaction that they think pros are overpaid for what they do and are not more knowledgeable about the homeselling process than the average seller. However, when these respondents reflected on their experience after the transaction, they admitted that they made some mistakes without the help of a pro. More than a third of non-agent sellers, such as FSBOs or those selling to an iBuyer, said the process was more difficult than they expected. What’s more, these sellers admitted: Buyers distrusted them because they didn’t have an agent (43%). They struggled to understand their contract (40%). They made legal mistakes because they didn’t use an agent (36%). 

The survey also found other consequences of going it alone as a seller: Lower sales price: Homeowners who sold without a real estate agent are three times more likely to say they lost money on their home sale. The Clever Real Estate survey found that those who sold their home with an agent tended to earn $46,603 more in average profits than those who sold without an agent in 2022 and 2023. About half of unrepresented sellers say they wish they had priced their home differently, and nearly half now believe their home would have sold for more if they would have used an agent. Longer selling process: Home sellers without an agent are nearly twice as likely to say they didn’t accept an offer for at least three months; 53% of sellers who used an agent say they accepted an offer within a month of listing their home. Ironically, many homeowners who didn’t use an agent said the primary reason for going it alone was to sell faster. More stress: Half of home sellers who did not use an agent admit to crying at some point in the process. Fifty-two percent of unrepresented home sellers said they felt overwhelmed by the entire sales process. 

On the flip side, homeowners who hired an agent were more likely to say they felt good about their sale and expressed less stress. To be fair, home sellers who used an agent also had some gripes about their experience, albeit much fewer. But those who were unhappy with their agent experience expressed feelings like their agent was only looking to make a sale and didn’t care about their interests, their agent “annoyed” them, or they thought the agent pressured them into decisions, the survey found. 

That said, 77% of respondents who used an agent say they were satisfied, and 72% say they would use their agent again. Even as the vast majority of home searches start online, most consumers still use real estate agents to buy or sell a home. Indeed, the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that 89% of buyers and sellers in the last year used a real estate agent, up from the previous year. Only 7% of homeowners sold as a FSBO over the last year—which matches the all-time low recorded in 2021, according to NAR data. FSBOs continue to not fare as well in the market as professionally represented homes: FSBOs sold at a median price of $310,000 in the last year, compared to $405,000 for listed homes, NAR’s data shows. “Having a REALTOR® help you navigate the homebuying and selling process provides peace of mind, especially in a challenging market with high prices, elevated mortgage rates and limited inventory,” says NAR President Tracy Kasper.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Why should I buy a home in Jacksonville Florida?

Jacksonville, Florida, is a vibrant city that offers a diverse and dynamic real estate market. As the largest city by area in the continental United States, Jacksonville boasts a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and characteristics. Whether you're considering buying or selling a property, understanding the key aspects of the Jacksonville real estate landscape is essential. 1. Market Diversity: One of the defining features of Jacksonville's real estate market is its diversity. From historic neighborhoods with charming bungalows to modern waterfront developments and suburban communities, Jacksonville caters to a variety of lifestyles. Understanding the distinct features of each area is crucial for finding the perfect fit for your needs. 2. Market Trends and Stability: In recent years, Jacksonville has experienced steady growth in its real estate market. The city's economy, fueled by a mix of industries including finance, healthcare, and logistics, has contributed to a stable housing market. Home values have seen consistent appreciation, making Jacksonville an attractive destination for both homebuyers and investors. 3. Affordability: Compared to many other cities in Florida, Jacksonville stands out for its affordability. The city offers a range of housing options at various price points, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of buyers. This affordability factor has contributed to the city's popularity among first-time homebuyers and those looking for a cost-effective yet vibrant place to live. 4. Waterfront Living: As a city situated along the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville provides unique opportunities for waterfront living. Waterfront properties, from riverfront homes to beachside condos, are highly sought after. These areas not only offer stunning views but also access to recreational activities and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. 5. Urban Revitalization: Jacksonville has undergone significant urban revitalization in recent years. Downtown, in particular, has seen a resurgence with the development of new residential spaces, entertainment venues, and cultural amenities. This revitalization has attracted young professionals and creatives, contributing to the city's evolving and dynamic real estate scene. 6. Investment Potential: For investors, Jacksonville presents a promising landscape. The city's strategic location, economic stability, and ongoing development projects make it an attractive option for those seeking real estate opportunities. Whether interested in traditional long-term rentals or short-term vacation rentals, Jacksonville provides diverse investment avenues. In conclusion, Jacksonville's real estate landscape is multifaceted, offering a blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and investment potential. As you navigate this market, consider the unique features of each neighborhood and stay attuned to the city's evolving trends for a successful and fulfilling real estate experience.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

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.

Monday, July 10, 2023

Rain Rain Go Away From Jacksonville Beach FL!

Okay.  So it's pouring down rain again in Jacksonville Florida. Here are some ideas of how to fill those vacation days if it's raining on your Beach vacation.

  1. Visit a Museum: Jacksonville is home to several interesting museums. You can explore the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) or the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Both offer engaging exhibits and collections that can keep you entertained and educated.


  2. Indoor Trampoline Park: Head to a local indoor trampoline park like Velocity Air Sports. These parks typically have a variety of activities such as trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, and obstacle courses. It's a great way to stay active and have fun even when it's raining outside.


  3. Bowling: Enjoy a friendly game of bowling at one of the bowling alleys in the area. Bowl America Southside is a popular option where you can have a good time with friends or family.


  4. Escape Room Adventure: Challenge your problem-solving skills by participating in an escape room adventure. Places like Mind Bender Escape Rooms or The Great Escape Room offer thrilling and immersive experiences where you have to solve puzzles and work together to escape within a time limit.


  5. Relax at a Coffee Shop or Bookstore: Rainy days can be the perfect opportunity to cozy up with a good book or enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Visit a local coffee shop, such as Southern Grounds or Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, and spend some time reading, writing, or simply enjoying the ambiance.

Remember to check the opening hours and availability of these activities, as they might be subject to change.