6 Events in Northeast Florida to get you into the Holiday Spirit

December 1, 2021

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There is a chill in the air which means it’s time to kick your holiday spirit into high gear! Thankfully, across Northeast Florida, there are ample opportunities to fill your calendar with family-friendly jolly good times. 

 

 

 

Deck the Chairs 

November 24 – January 1

Head down to Jacksonville Beach for chair decorating, music, hot chocolate, and plenty of twinkling lights. More than forty American Red Cross lifeguard chairs will be decked out in nautical-themed decor and lights. This free event has family fun for everyone. 

 

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ZOOLights

December 10-12, 17-19, 22-24 & 26

For the last ten years, ZOOLights has provided a magical holiday light experience amongst the zoo animals. The zoo truly comes alive at this nightly event where mesmerizing lights, musical performances, and Wildlife Carousel rides have you looking up, down, and around. 

 

Beaches North Pole Express

December 10 and December 11

All aboard! Chug over to the Beaches Museum to climb on the North Pole Express to write a letter to Santa, make crafts, and enjoy a night of holiday festivities. Pre-registration is required and can be completed by clicking here.  

 

19th Annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza

December 4-22, Closed Mondays and on December 19

The Jacksonville Historical Society will host their annual Gingerbread Extravaganza at Old St. Andrew’s Church, across from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Walk-ins are welcome, however pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged to tour the exhibit of gingerbread houses, holiday gift shop, bake shop, silent auction, and have the opportunity to vote for your favorite display!

 

First Coast Nutcracker

December 17-19

Experience the timeless Tchaikovsky ballet that is a time-honored family tradition with the only performance of The Nutcracker in Jacksonville with a full, live symphony orchestra. This spectacular performance will dazzle you from start to finish. Purchase tickets today! 

 

St. Augustine Nights of Lights Festival 

November 20, 2021 – January 31, 2022

The Nights of Lights Festival is perhaps the most iconic holiday tradition in Northeast Florida. This award-winning holiday lights display features more than three million lights dancing and dazzling across every corner of the St. Augustine historic district. Take a walk or schedule a tour for a night you’ll never forget. 

 

It is clear the holiday season is here, so take advantage of all the joyful festivities taking place on the First Coast. 

How Downsizing Your Home Can Upgrade Your Life

May 7, 2021

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If the COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s to appreciate the simple things of life. As millions of Americans have adjusted to a more simplified lifestyle, the notion that ‘less is more’ resonates more than ever before. Downsizing could be exactly what you need to maximize your life. 

 

“Many people downsize once they become empty nesters. Once their children have left the nest, homeowners begin to desire lightening their load,” shares Davidson Realty Realtor ®, Rebecca Schaffer

 

Perhaps the most obvious advantages of downsizing are financial. Selling your property with the intention of buying something smaller often means you have more money to afford upgrades in your new home that matter most to you.  But the savings don’t stop there. With less square feet under your roof, you’ll likely be spending less on your mortgage payment, utilities, and maintenance on your home. That extra cash in your pocket each month can help you go on vacations or have other experiences that will make lasting memories. 

 

Less house equals less upkeep. The time you would have spent cleaning and maintaining your home will now be cut significantly. Decreasing your space also means decreasing your belongings. Prior to your move, sort through items and only keep your more treasured pieces. A weight will be lifted off your shoulders as you say goodbye to the clutter and unused stuff that has occupied your space. Donate any items you are no longer keeping to those in need. A few of our favorite places to donate clothes and home goods are: Goodwill, BEAM Thrift, and Hope’s Closet

 

With less to worry about inside your home, the more time you can spend outside of your home. Spend your newfound free time to take up a new hobby, travel, and socialize with old and new friends. Northeast Florida is the perfect place to truly relax and live your best life. “Many downsizing buyers are taking advantage of Northeast Florida’s fifty-five and older communities for an active and social lifestyle. While others are opting for the beaches for a leisurely pace,” shares Davidson Realty Realtor ® Shelley Nemethy

 

From the beaches to the historic neighborhoods, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are interested in maximizing your life by minimizing your home, call the Northeast Florida real estate experts at Davidson Realty at (904) 940-5000.

First-Time Homebuyer? Call Davidson Realty. 

March 12, 2021

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Life is full of firsts. First car. First job. First child. First home. They are all memorable milestones that come with time and planning at various stages in life. Each first is unique and special in its own way. If buying your first home is a goal for you this year, Davidson Realty will be there. 

 

Like any first, you rely on the support and experience of friends, family, and industry experts. The same is true when buying a new home, especially with the current state of the real estate market, it is essential that a trusted real estate expert is by your side to help you navigate the process of buying a home. Davidson Realty has a team of real estate experts ready to educate and prepare you for what is to come. Davidson Realty Agents have the support and network that will give you a leg up when searching for your first home and sealing the deal. “With Davidson Realty, you have an ally in your corner and a real estate advisor for life to help and offer suggestions, repair vendors, community resources, and anything you need along your homeowners journey,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. 

 

Preparation is key in the real estate market. “Buyers have to be ready to make an offer quickly in this market. Establishing a budget, type of loan you will use, how much of a down payment you are prepared for, and how much escrow deposit you have available is critical when you begin looking for a home,” continues Sherry. The state of the real estate market may present some advantages to home buyers as interest rates are some of the lowest seen in years which means lower monthly mortgage payments and bigger home-buying budgets. However, low interest rates have created a fiercely competitive market. “Buyers must be prepared to make aggressive offers within days of the home hitting the market. Sellers are receiving multiple offers often at list price or above. It’s a seller’s market, buyers need to be ready to bring their best offer to the table,” shares Sherry. 

 

With the market this competitive, it’s important to not only know what you can afford but what features and areas you are looking for. Whether you are looking for a starter home or your forever home, spending time deciding what is on your wishlist is critical so when a home that fits your criteria comes on the market you can act quickly. “Davidson Realty’s knowledge of the Northeast Florida communities, builders, schools, and entertainment options are invaluable.  Your Davidson Realtor ®  will take the time to understand the needs of your family and what you need in a home,” continues Sherry.  

 

Whether your first home is your one and only or the first of many, Davidson Realty will be your real estate partner for life. If you are ready to purchase your first home, call the real estate experts at Davidson Realty at (904) 940-5000.

Davidson Realty named to Folio Weekly Best of St. Augustine 2019!

February 1, 2019

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Davidson Realty