Davidson Realty, Inc.

All is Well in Northeast Florida Real Estate: August Market Stats

September 24, 2019

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

I attended a great event hosted by NEFBA this week featuring Robert Dietz, the National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist. He shared some very positive information about the Jacksonville MSA (metropolitan statistical area) performing better than the state and nation in many areas. For instance, the population growth for 2018 in the U.S. was 0.6%, the state of Florida was 1.5% and the Jacksonville MSA was 2.0%.

 

Robert Dietz also shared that the Builder confidence index rose to 68 in September from an upwardly revised reading of 67 in August. A reading above 50 is considered positive.

 

Another interesting slide he shared shows the number of young adults between the ages of 25 to 34 living with their parents almost doubled since 2005. Approximately 12% were living with their parents in 2005 and around 22% are living with parents now. Many young adults in this age group have student loans and auto loans which make it difficult to afford housing payments. Student loans are 142% higher since the recession and auto loans are 60% higher. Housing formations for this group are being delayed.

 

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How Federal Reserve Rate Decisions Impact Mortgages

September 23, 2019

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

As mortgage loan originators, we are often the first phone call when customers hear the Fed (Federal Reserve) has “cut rates” during one of its Open Market Committee meetings.

 

Typically, if the Federal Reserve makes a cut, usually .25% at a time, it is designed to stimulate short term interest rates, encourage investment by businesses and encourage consumers to make durable goods purchases like automobiles, appliances or recreational vehicles. It is also meant to encourage homeowners to dip into home equity for home improvements, debt reduction or possibly college expenses for a child.

 

Short-term financing rates move in the same direction as the Federal Funds rate. So if you are considering a 3-5 Year adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), you may see a dip in those rates. I like to refer to these downward cuts as a “loosening” of credit.

 

As for fixed rate loans at 15-30 Year terms, the Federal Funds rate does not always have an impact. They are not directly linked to each other.

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Davidson Cares adds Builders Care as Clay Day beneficiary

September 19, 2019

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Posted by in Community Involvement, Events, News

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Builders Care as beneficiary of our 4th annual Davidson Cares Clay Day event on Thursday, October 24! Other sponsored charities include St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS) and Investing in Kids (INK!).

 

The charitable arm of Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), Builders Care was created in 2001 in conjunction with HabiJax to fill a very specific gap in services. While HabiJax builds homes for those in need, Builders Care focuses on home repairs for low income and elderly residents in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Clay and Baker counties.

 

“So many people have homes that desperately need repairs,” said Justin Brown, Executive Officer of Builders Care. “Many of them are older widows, many disabled, who need roof repairs or access ramps. We are the boots on the ground helping to keep them in their homes.”

 

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Congratulations to our TOP Producers for August!

September 18, 2019

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Posted by in News

As summer winds down and school begins, our top performing agents are still working hard.

 

Jennifer Todd is our Top Producer for August with the most closings for the month. Her closings were in the World Golf Village area and the Jacksonville Beach area. Jennifer was also our top sales agent for the Jacksonville Beach office.

 

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Pros and Cons of Living in a Master-Planned Community

September 17, 2019

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Posted by in Featured Neighborhood, Neighborhoods, News

Master planned communities continue to pop up all over Northeast Florida, offering a new option for buyers seeking a beautiful home and sense of community.  Just some of these communities include eTown, Nocatee, Wildlight, Beachwalk, RiverTown, Shearwater, Tamaya, TrailMark, Palencia, OakLeaf Plantation, World Golf Village and many more.

 

While there are plenty of upsides to master-planned community living, there are also a few downsides you may want to consider when making the move to one of these communities.

 

Pro: Nearby amenities and services

Perhaps the most highly regarded of pros people cite for living in a master-planned community is convenient proximity to stores, service providers and amenities. Gone are the days of driving 20+ minutes to one store! In a master-planned community, almost everything you need from Publix and dry cleaners to a UPS store and elementary school are just a short drive, bike ride or walk away.

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