Davidson Realty, Inc.

4 important questions to consider when upsizing your home

November 6, 2019

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

At some point in our lives, most of us find the need for more space. The next logical step is to move to a home with more square footage. But there are several important questions that should be addressed before you start looking for a bigger house.

 

Why do I need more room?

 

Whether you are growing by people or acquiring more stuff (or both), your space needs will differ. Many families are growing and looking to accommodate more children. That means you need additional bedrooms, bathrooms, a larger living room and perhaps a larger yard to accommodate a swing set and trampoline.

 

Maybe an elderly family member is moving in or you have frequent guests. In that case, you may want to seek out homes with a separate suite or an apartment above the garage. Have you started a business that requires more space? Plan for another room to accommodate your office or perhaps a larger garage for your new company’s inventory.

 

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The Northeast Florida real estate trends remain positive in September!

October 28, 2019

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats show buyers are responding to the low interest rates available with pending sales of 2,396 for September. Pending sales are up 2% over last September
and 6% year-to-date. There were 2,500 closings in September which is up 7% month-over-month and 5% year-to-date.

 

The median sales price of $235,000 is up 8% month-over-month and 4% year-to-date. The average price of $272,154 is up 6% month-over-month and 3% year-to-date.

 

New listings of 2,963 are down 7% from last September, but we are almost even year-to-date. The inventory
of homes for sale dropped 12% from last September to 8,920 homes. The months supply of homes for sale dropped 15% to 3.4 months.

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Is a Down Payment Assistance loan right for you?

October 15, 2019

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

Not having enough cash to make a down payment on a home is a common concern. But it doesn’t have to be the end of the road! I recently spoke with Mark Sherman of Atlantic Trust Mortgage, who provided valuable insights on another option: a DPA (Down Payment Assistance) loan.

 

Mark said in addition to understanding the ins and outs of traditional loan products (e.g. Conventional, Jumbo, USDA, VA, FHA), mortgage brokers are also responsible for being well-versed in a variety of niche and first-time homebuyer products. This includes knowing how and when these alternative products are valuable to buyers.

 

Key among these products is the DPA loan. Though there are 3% down, 3.5% down and even 100% conventional, government and USDA financing options, some buyers still can’t cover the down payment and closing costs. However, they might have good credit and the necessary income to qualify for the monthly payment.

 

For these buyers, Mark says the DPA portion of their financing is provided as a “second” mortgage “grant” that requires no payment (or a reduced interest-only monthly payment). Then they can apply the funds from their “grant” to their down payment and closing costs. In many cases, the buyer needs no cash at closing.

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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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