Davidson Realty, Inc.

First-Time Homebuyer? Call Davidson Realty. 

March 12, 2021

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

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.

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It’s Wedding Season! We Have Great Tips for Buying Your First Home

July 11, 2011

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Posted by in News, Videos

picFirst time home ownership can be as exciting and stressful as getting married. And often the two often go hand-in-hand, so to speak. So, we have six key tips for new couples embarking on their first home purchase below and we had some of our knowledgeable Jacksonville Realtors give you more tips in the video above!

1. Check your credit. It’s wise to get this one out of the way before the wedding so both partners are clear about each other’s financial health. Check at least two of the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  Address any issues or misreporting. A FICO score of 720 or above is the best range for loan approval and favorable rates.  You may still get approved for a loan with a credit score of say 680 but you’ll most likely have a higher interest rate.  If you’re in the 660 range, you may be able to qualify for a FHA loan.

2. Agree on what you can afford. This is where those communication skills are key!  Make sure you’re both comfortable with the budget. Generally a home purchase should not be more than 2 ½ times your combined annual salary but perhaps you have student loans to consider.  It’s ideal to have a 20% down payment, but you may be able to qualify with less down, although that’s tougher in today’s real estate market.

3. Agree on top needs. Talk, talk and talk some more. Be able to agree on at least your top three must-haves.  For example, maybe it’s good schools, three bedrooms and an easy commute to work.

4. Find an experienced Real Estate Agent.  An experienced real estate professional can help ease the home buying process in many ways – from helping identify lenders to providing current market stats and advising you about what to offer on house. Ask around. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the best.

5. Get pre-approved. Getting pre-approved ensures you don’t waste time looking at houses you can’t afford.  It also puts you in a better position to make an offer when you find the right home. Pre-approval is a more in depth process than pre-qualified but it’s the smarter way to go.

6. Use a home inspector. Being a smart homebuyer means being informed. A home inspection will make you aware of any potential problems BEFORE you’ve signed on the dotted line.

For more information about first-time home buying, visit Davidson Realty’s First Time Homebuyers Webinar Library at http://www.davidsonrealtyinc.com/webinars/category/first-time-homebuyers.

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