NORTHEAST FLORIDA BUILDERS ARE TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND FOR NEW HOMES. HERE’S HOW SOME BUILDERS ARE MANAGING THE PROCESS.

Persistence and patience are the name of the game in the current real estate market as every corner of the industry has been rattled by uncertainty as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The Northeast Florida real estate market is as hot as many in our industry have ever seen,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. “There are not enough homes on the market to satisfy buyer demand. Resale homes coming available are getting multiple offers usually within hours to a day and offers are mostly above list price. In May of this year, more than 41% of homes closed were over asking price,” Sherry continues. Even the new construction housing market has experienced challenges that are requiring home seekers to adapt. We’ve connected with some of the talented home builders in Northeast Florida to get an update on their current conditions. 

Riverside Homes

“Riverside Homes continues to see very strong demand and we have made a few changes to our process to ensure the very best quality homes and provide the great building experience the people expect from Riverside Homes. We limit the amount of sales in each of our communities so we can keep a smooth process for permitting and building our homes. We closely monitor increasing supply costs each month doing our best to offer the most competitive home pricing,” shares Riverside Homes Sales Manager, Jacki Matthews. Despite the building supply shortages plaguing builders across the country, Riverside Homes promises to maintain the integrity and quality of their homes. 

Ashley Homes

Ashley Homes experienced a surge in sales and are currently sold out in Silverleaf, and have been since February 2021. “During the pandemic, we had no limits on sales and sold everything that we had available. Ashley Homes includes escalation clauses in many of our contracts, as do other builders, to protect us and our buyers from unforeseen lumber and material increases. Our buyer may pay a modest increase just to cover the rising material costs, but Ashley Homes has no profit added, shares Ashley Homes’ very own Greg Souris. Ashley Homes is navigating the home building process with their buyers, many who have seen more than $40,000-$50,000 increase in their home value before their home construction even started. 

Providence Homes

“In E-Town we are not limiting pre-sales or inventory homes, however, some of our policies have changed on when we can release inventory homes for sales. In Nocatee, we are limiting the pace of sales so we can manage the construction process,” shares Brenda Harris, Sales Associate at Providence Homes. Build time is approximately eight months, but Providence Homes is asking for flexibility and understanding from customers as material shortages could cause delays. 

MasterCraft Builder Group

Brad Shee, MasterCraft Builder Group President, shared, “The shortage of materials began in March 2021 as suppliers burned through inventory. Based on the lumber futures chart, lumber prices should start dropping. Because of the shortages, MasterCraft Builder Group is limiting sales each month in TrailMark and Rivertown.” The demand for homes in Northeast Florida is unprecedented, but it’s no surprise as the attraction to the First Coast is clear from the ocean to the river to the affordable cost of living. 

With more than 30 years of experience, Davidson Realty has cultivated strong relationships with some of the area’s leading home builders in Northeast Florida. Davidson Realty Agents know the new constructions market in Northeast Florida and can help you find the perfect lot and design to fit your needs. “Our agents are constantly talking to builder site agents to stay current on which builders have inventory and how they are managing the sales process. This constant communication allows our agents to know if a sale falls through, what is available, and the timing and process of the homesites that will be released so our clients can take advantage,” shares Sherry Davidson. 

The real estate experts at Davidson Realty will be by your side throughout the construction process to ensure your expectations and vision comes to life! For more information on new construction homes in Northeast Florida, call Davidson Realty at (904) 940-5000.