Davidson Realty, Inc.

Real Estate Market Update

August 23, 2021

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“Your reputation is what people say about you. Your character is what God knows about you.” Bobby Bowden

 

Whether an FSU fan or not, most people respect and love Bobby Bowden.

 

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats for July have a few interesting twists. Prices continue to rise, pending and closed sales are down compared to July 2020, and new listings are up.

 

New listings of 3,915 are up 6.9% month over month and 5.3% year to date. The inventory of homes for sale of 4,668 is up slightly from the June number of 4,586. It is still down 40.6% from last July. The months supply of inventory is at 1.4 months which is the same as June but down 50% from last July. Since 5 to 6 months supply of inventory is a balanced market, we are still in a seller’s market.

 

There were 3,287 pending sales in July down 10.6% from last July. However, pending sales are up 13.4% year-to-date. There were 3,149 closings in July down 16.2% from last July but we are up 16.7% year-to-date. The month-to-month comparisons are difficult to interpret because last June and July were the two highest months for sales last year and July was the highest month for closings as a result of the slowdown in April and May 2020 due to Covid.

 

NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun is predicting interest rates to increase to 3.3% by the end of the year on 30-year fixed rate mortgages and average 3.6% in 2022. He predicts existing-home sales will decline marginally from 6 million in 2021 to 5.99 million in 2022.

 

Dr. Yun also predicts housing starts will improve to 1.65 million in 2022 from 1.565 in 2021 and existing-home prices will increase at a slower pace of 4.4% in 2022 compared to 14.1% in 2021.

 

The July median sales price is $303,600 up 15% month-over-month and 13.7% year-to-date. The average sales price is $381,499 up 18.4% month-over-month and 18.6% year-to-date. An amazing 45.6% of listings sold for an amount over list price.

 

It does appear the speed of the market is slowing a little and there may be more opportunities for first-time homebuyers and buyers using FHA or VA loans. Sellers were seeing so many cash offers and conventional loans, that many didn’t want to accept government backed loans because of their inflexibility. The market calming down a little will be good for everyone.

 

Please take a minute to go to DavidsonCares.com and sign up for Clay Day on October 21st or buy a ticket to one of our raffles. We have our YETI cooler full of alcoholic beverages and tickets for 8 people at Concerts for a Cause which is an amazing event watching live music outside.

 

Have a great Labor Day holiday and enjoy the rest of your summer. Please let us know if we can help you with any real estate questions.

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Pros and Cons: New Construction vs. Resale

July 2, 2021

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Posted by in New Home Construction, Northeast Florida Market Trends

Owning a home is likely more difficult now than ever before. With the slim inventory of homes for sale, homes are FLYING off the market. From the rise in home prices to competitive bidding wars, homeowners have to wonder: is it worth just buying new construction?

 

“This question is tough to answer these days. The inventory is slim and prices have gone up on both sides. For most buyers, timeline is the key decision driver when choosing between new construction or an existing home,” shares Davidson Realty agent Shelley Nemethy.

 

 

Pros of Building New Construction 

  • Newness – When buying new construction, you’ll be the first to call this house HOME! Buyers buying new homes enjoy the peace of mind of having a warranty through the builder and fewer renovations.
  • Design – New construction homes also often feature more modern architecture and floorplans. You’ll find more open floor plans, additional bathrooms and spaces that can adapt to the needs of your family. New homes will leave you and your family only to make minor modifications, if any, to feel at home.

 

Cons of Building New Construction

  • Supply Shortages – Due to the Covid pandemic, many industries have experienced limited supply, delays, and labor restrictions. This has trickled down to impact home building as the cost of lumber, metal and other supplies have been affected by the pandemic. In turn, the decreased supply has increased cost which of course is passed along to the homebuyer.
  • Longer Timeline – With a new home build, homebuyers usually have to wait months to get into a new home. With the current shortage of supplies, there is an even greater risk of delays. Some homebuilders limit the number of lots available for sale in an effort to keep on schedule. “If you have time to build, you have more time to save money for closing costs,” shares Davidson Realty agent, Terri Apodaca.

 

Pros of Buying Resale

  • Shorter Timeline – When buying a resale, the closing day is often negotiated in the offer. Typically, new home owners gain possession in one to two months after their offer is accepted.
  • Character – Existing homes generally have more traditional layouts and features that elevate the home. These charming touches provide a unique dimension to an existing home.
  • Location – “Older homes are often in areas more convenient to metro areas and in more established neighborhoods with more development surrounding. Yards are typically more spacious with mature landscaping. Buyers also won’t have to worry about the congestion of construction taking place,” shares Apodaca.

 

Cons of Buying Resale

  • Competitive Market – With so few homes for sale, most homes are receiving multiple offers. Prospective home buyers have to be patient, persistent, and ready to make their best offer quickly to achieve their dream of owning a home.
  • Increasing Home Prices – As a side effect of the low supply and high demand for homes, home prices have skyrocketed making it harder to afford a home that would normally be in reach.
  • Home Improvements – Often buying a resale comes with a few compromises. Upgrades, remodels, and projects could be on your to do list after closing to make your new home the home of your dreams.

 

If you are interested in buying or selling in Northeast Florida, trust the real estate experts at Davidson Realty. Davidson Realty has more than 30 years of experience and has built strong relationships with many of Northeast Florida’s leading home builders. This advantage along with their extensive experience buying and selling resale homes, make them the perfect partners to help you navigate the real estate market. For more information, contact Davidson Realty at (904) 940-5000.

 

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The Real Estate Market: How Long Will This Go On?

June 28, 2021

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Posted by in New Home Construction, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

The story of the real estate market has kept most real estate professionals and home buyers and sellers on the edge of their seats. With such unprecedented and unpredictable times, the biggest cliffhanger is: How long will the real estate market stay like this? 

 

There is no doubt that the real estate market has remained strong for longer than most predicted. “I believe the housing market could remain strong for a while longer. Currently, there is only a 1.1 months supply of homes available in our area. When a balanced market is between 5 to 6 months of inventory, it is clear that demand is still very strong for homes in Northeast Florida,” shares Sherry Davidson, President of Davidson Realty. Additionally, home builders have been building fewer new construction homes since the Great Recession which equates to 4 to 5.5 million fewer homes built, based on historical averages. 

 

As the market has continued to stay strong, more people are getting more “comfortable” with the current real estate market conditions. “Three different surveys indicate more sellers plan to put their homes on the market. This, coupled with homebuilders increasing the pace of new construction, will help increase the supply of homes for sale,” shares Davidson. “Interest rates may rise slightly which may slow demand. I predict we will see more normality in the real estate market by the end of this year or 2022,” Davidson continues. 

 

Because of the increased demand, home prices have been on the rise! “We have been seeing double-digit price increases during this time in the real estate market,” shares Davidson. The National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, predicts we will see median existing-home sales prices increase more than 7% in 2021. 

 

With the increase in home prices, those who have taken advantage of this seller’s market are finding it difficult to buy a new home. While some secured a home prior to selling, many are seeking rental homes or staying with family to buy some time. “If you want to avoid the multiple offer situation and frantic pace of the market, we may see less craziness as we get more inventory. Regardless, now more than ever before you need a real estate professional to help you navigate the market,” shares Davidson. 

 

This time in the real estate market will likely be a period that will go down in history as a story full of twists and turns. If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling their home, contact the Northeast Florida real estate experts at Davidson Realty today at (904) 940-5000. 

 

 

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Northeast Florida Real Estate Market Update

June 18, 2021

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“Dad: A son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love.” —Unknown

 

I want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to every Dad because you are incredibly special.

 

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats show that new listings of 3,785 are up 12.7% over last May and we are up 1.9% year-to-date. The Northeast Florida Builders Association shows building permits through April of 5,170 permits which is a 45% increase over the same period last year.

 

While new listings and new construction is great news, the inventory of available homes continues to fall. There were 3,847 homes available for sale in May compared to 9,147 last May for a 57.9% reduction. There is 1.1 months supply of inventory available. A balanced market is 5 to 6 months of inventory.

 

The reason inventory continues to fall is the increased demand. There were 3,672 pending sales in May which is up 18.5% over last May. Pending sales are up 25.5% over the same period year-to-date. The 3,276 closed sales are up 37.2% over last May and 25.0% over same period year-to-date.

 

The median sales price of $290,000 is up 16.9% over last May and the average sales price of $363,044 is up 26.1% over last May. A staggering 41% of homes closed in May sold over their list price.

 

The median sales price in May by county:

Baker $264,900

Clay $277,500

Duval $260,000

Nassau $344,893

Putnam $156,000

St. Johns $415,000

 

Many of the builders are limiting their sales currently due to supply and labor issues. While we keep hearing about lumber shortages, the National Association of Home Builders reports that appliances are the biggest issue with lumber a very close second. A key reason for the appliance shortage is the computer chips, which most now require.

 

The market still favors sellers; however, with some persistence, many buyers are successfully getting the home they want under contract. If we can help you with a purchase or a sale of your home, please let us know.

 

Please save the date for our Davidson Cares Clay Day 2021. Our event is October 21, 2021 at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

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The Things You Might NOT Know About the Real Estate Market in Northeast Florida

June 3, 2021

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Posted by in Ask Sherry, Neighborhoods, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

The real estate market is notorious for its ups and downs, however, this real estate market is unique. Inventory is low, demand is high, and homes are FLYING off the market faster than ever! With so much uncertainty in this unprecedented market, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate expert by your side to navigate the market.  Northeast Florida real estate expert Sherry Davidson, President of Davidson Realty, is answering some of the most common real estate questions from the community. 

 

How can I figure out how much my home is worth? 

Your home’s value is whatever the market is willing to pay. The market is changing very rapidly. It is in your best interest as a home seller to have a trusted real estate expert that knows the current market by your side to help you place a value on your home. Our team is selling homes daily and has the knowledge to ensure your home sells for TOP DOLLAR! 

 

Should I sell my home before buying a new one? 

The answer to this question has always been, YES! However, in the current real estate market conditions, the answer depends on your situation. If you sell, you need to have a rental home lined up or have the ability to live with family until you find your next home. If you put a new home under contract, you will probably not get a contingency to sell your existing home. You will risk losing your escrow deposit if you can’t close or you will have to acquire a bridge loan, extra savings, or a gift to close on the new home before you have the closing on your existing home.

 

Is World Golf Village expanding? 

With a few small exceptions, the only portion of World Golf Village not built out is Trailmark. There are new phases of homesites still becoming available in Trailmark.

 

What is the next go-to area to move to in Northeast Florida? 

There are so many incredible communities in Northeast Florida. However, Silverleaf is extremely popular right now. Silverleaf is located in highly desired St. Johns County, Florida, and just minutes from various shopping centers, beaches, golf courses, and entertainment.   The community will also be home to a first-class amenities center for residents to enjoy! 

 

If you are interested in buying or selling a home or have further questions about the market, contact Davidson Realty at (904) 940-5000.

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