Davidson Realty, Inc.

Real Estate Market Update

December 23, 2020

 | 
Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“God has given us two hands – one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.” Billy Graham

 

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats continue to show more buyer demand than seller supply. Pending sales were below normal in March, April, and May due to COVID-19; however, the year to date pending sales are up 11.6% over the same period last year. The 2,858 pending sales in November is 21.3% higher than last November.

 

The 2,680 closings in November are 13% higher than last November. We are up 6.7% year-to-date over the same period last year.

 

The homes available for sale is the lowest number on any reports I have seen. There are 5,211 homes available in Northeast Florida down 44.7% from 9,418 in November 2019 and 9,976 in November 2018.

 

There is 1.7 months supply of homes for sale which is down 51.4% from last year. A balanced market is 5 to 6 months of inventory.

 

The Northeast Florida builders are building more homes than in any year since 2005. There have been 11,343 permits issued in the Jacksonville MSA through November. That is 18% higher than 2019 in the same period. There were 10,345 permits in all 12 months of 2019.

 

The low supply and increased demand is causing prices to continue to rise. The median sales price of $262,000 is 12.9% higher than last November and we are up 8.8% year-to-date. The average sales price of $317,602 is 17.2% higher than last November and we are up 11.5% year-to-date.

 

Realtor.com has issued the first predictions for 2021. They are predicting a 7% growth in sales nationally and a 5.7% price increase. The 2021 prediction for the Jacksonville area is 9.4% growth in sales and 5.0% increase in prices.

 

Realtor.com is predicting more homes will hit the market in 2021, but buyers will struggle with affordability as home prices continue to rise. Mortgage rates will slowly rise toward 3.4%.

 

· Millennials will continue to drive the market. Older millennials will likely be trade-up buyers while the younger segment of the generation age into their key home-buying years.

· Affordability will become a growing obstacle.

· Inventory will begin the slow road toward recovery.

· Suburbs will shine if remote work stays around.

 

I wish you a wonderful holiday season and an amazing 2021. This year was full of ups and downs with COVID and the election. I wish you a wonderful and safe New Year!

Comments currently closed.

Real Estate Market Update

November 30, 2020

 | 
Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” David Steindl-Rast

 

I am very grateful to everyone that supported the 2020 Davidson Cares Clay Day! Thanks to your generosity we raised over $40,000 to be split evenly between Builders Care, St. Augustine Youth Services and Investing in Kids.

 

The Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service shows continued buyer demand and low supply. There were 3,192 closed sales in October which is 24.5% more than the 2,564 last October. The spring buying season got delayed, but we are up 5.6% for year-to-date closings over last year.

 

Pending sales of 3,153 are 18.4% more than the 2,663 pending sales last October. We are up 10.2% year-to-date.

 

There are 6,109 active listings which is down 34.5% from the 9,332 last October.

 

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2020 Buyer/Seller Survey has some interesting findings. “The coronavirus, without a doubt, led homebuyers to reassess their housing situations and even reconsider home sizes and destinations,” says Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights for NAR. “Buyers sought housing with more rooms, more square footage and more yard space, and they may have desired a home office or home gym. They also shopped for larger homes because extra space would allow households to better accommodate older adult relatives or young adults that are now living within the residence.”

 

The 7 Buyer pandemic-related trends:

  1. Multigenerational homes grow in popularity
  2. Homes are pricier
  3. Shorter house tenures expected
  4. More renters become owners
  5. Buyers love suburbia
  6. Searches speed up
  7. Certain buying segments grow

The 7 Seller pandemic-related trends:

  1. Looking to upsize
  2. Feeling urgency
  3. Technology’s importance grows
  4. Incentives haven’t disappeared
  5. Equity gains
  6. Long-timers appear more motivated to move
  7. Desire to live close to family remains strong

It will be interesting to see future housing trends. For now, we are seeing multiple offers on listings and many potential sellers are on the sidelines.

Comments currently closed.

HOW COVID IS AFFECTING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

October 21, 2020

 | 
Posted by in Neighborhoods, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

For nearly three decades, Mike and Felicia created memories and raised five children in their colonial home in Beverly, MA. With every passing winter and as it turned into spring, the Waldrons would begin to daydream about what life would be like living in the Sunshine State. As their two youngest children “flew the coup” as they say, and headed off to college, the Waldrons, looked around their 3,500 square foot home filled with years of memories and felt confident it was the right time to pack up, downsize and head south. “We wanted to move near my parents and my sister and her family who live in Bradenton,” shared Felicia Waldron, “We were ready to escape the hard winter weather of the northeast and the higher cost of living.”

 

The research began and the Waldrons landed on a move to Northeast Florida. Like most who relocate here, they appreciated the friendly and welcoming community, the weather which includes some cooler temperatures during the winter months, and of course, the close proximity to the beach. “As we were touring a home in World Golf Village, we happened to meet Mirtha Barzaga, a Davidson Realty Agent,” Felicia said, “We stayed in contact with Mirtha while we prepared our home in Beverly for market, then listed during COVID.”

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an interesting impact on the real estate market. While inventory is low and homes are selling quickly in most markets, the National Association of Realtors is reporting an influx of people moving to more rural areas from larger cities and moving south for a more moderate climate. These often cross-country moves are a result of a few reasons all COVID related: corporate offices have allowed employees to work from home as a measure to help stop the spread of the virus, homeowners living in congested areas are seeking rural life where COVID cases are typically significantly lower, and families have reprioritized and are looking for a slower pace of life.

 

While the Waldrons were searching St. Johns County for their new and perfect home, they were concerned about each passing day their home in Beverly sat on the market. “It took us more than four months to sell our Beverly house because COVID was ramping up and things were pretty closed down in MA,” Felicia explained, “Mirtha sent us uplifting notes and emails as we were becoming more dejected wondering if our dream of moving to Florida was ever going to come to fruition.”

 

During the early months of the pandemic, the Waldrons found themselves packing up and moving across the country. But more importantly what they found was a good friend in their Realtor, Mirtha. “Mirtha’s experience and expertise helped take some of the stress out of buying a property long-distance. She went above and beyond by recommending home and pest inspectors, title company, arranging for deep cleanings before we arrived, and being present at the walk-through when we were not able. All in all, Mirtha became a trusted friend.”

 

The Waldrons have happily traded in their boots for flip-flops and are enjoying the Florida lifestyle in their Marsh Creek Country Club home. Despite the challenges COVID continues to bring, they are enjoying welcoming neighbors, golfing, and social events. And are beginning to create new memories in their new and perfect Northeast Florida home.

Comments currently closed.

Real Estate Market Update

October 14, 2020

 | 
Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Christopher Reeve

 

2020 has certainly presented some overwhelming obstacles and I have seen many heroes step up to help others. Many generous people are supporting our Davidson Cares Clay Day on October 29th and the charities are so grateful. You can still register to shoot or buy raffle tickets at DavidsonCares.com.

 

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats for September show continued strong demand for homes in Northeast Florida. There were 3,307 pending sales in September 2020 which is 36% more than the 2,436 in September 2019. We are up 9% year-to-date over the same period last year.

 

The inventory of homes for sale of 5,869 is down 39% from last September. This is the lowest level of inventory we have seen in this market. During the 2003 to 2005 timeframe when inventory was very low, there were still around 7,000 homes on the market.

 

The month’s supply of inventory is at 2.0 months. A balanced market is 5 to 6 months of inventory.

 

The median sales price is up 8% and the average sales price is up 10% year-to-date due to the increased demand and low supply.

 

Dr. Brad O’Coonor, the Florida Realtors Chief Economist provided some insight at the recent Florida Realtors convention. “The pace of residential building is still behind last cycle’s highs, and while building has continued through the pandemic as construction was deemed an essential occupation, costs of materials and labor have increased. Safety protocols for workers, some disruption in supply chains, and increased demand for materials all have translated into cost increases. Coupled with some uncertainty in lending, relief on the supply side is not coming from new construction.  For existing homes, the tap is dwindling to a dribble as current homeowners are living in their homes for an average of 10 years compared to only seven during the early 2000s. Uncertainty in the economy is also prompting people who can to stay put. That said, demand continues to be strong, as those who were sitting on the sidelines are feeling the pull to jump into a home for the first time or finally trade up, fueled in large part by record-low interest rates and the desire to upgrade to more “pandemic friendly” homes and locations. This all leads to an imbalanced market with demand outstripping supply, particularly in the single-family home category.”

 

It is a great time to sell your home! If we can be of any assistance in understanding the market or the value of your home, please let us know.

 

Enjoy the baseball playoffs and all the other great sports. Go Braves!

Comments currently closed.

WE’RE NOT LIKE OTHER REAL ESTATE TEAMS. IT’S THE DAVIDSON DIFFERENCE.

September 25, 2020

 | 
Posted by in Community Involvement, News, Staff

Every year more and more people choose a career in real estate because of its flexibility, opportunities for career growth, earning potential, and job satisfaction. In an industry where success stems from hard work and a strong network, it is essential to be a part of a brokerage that can provide the resources to take your career to the next level.

 

Since 1989, Davidson Realty has been among Northeast Florida’s top real estate brokerages. What sets Davidson Realty apart is its focus and dedication to their agents. By providing ongoing, extensive training programs, agents are continuously sharpening their skills and knowledge of industry trends. “The professional support and the continued focus on industry education is invaluable,” shares longtime Davidson Realty Agent Jennifer Todd. Both new and experienced agents receive the technical and marketing support they need from in-house mentors who share their own industry knowledge. “Davidson Realty provides expertise in every aspect of the real estate industry, from land acquisition, development, permitting, construction, and sales. There is never a time when a question comes up and I don’t have someone to reach out to for support”, Todd continues. Davidson Realty provides the tools to ensure clients receive an exceptional experience and agents reach their goals.

 

Voted the area’s #1 “Best Place to Work” by Jacksonville Business Journal, Davidson Realty understands the importance of having confidence from the team members of your brokerage. Davidson Realty is a local, family-owned organization that celebrates the success of its agents. “Davidson Realty takes pride in the family-style camaraderie we have nurtured with our agents and staff,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. “That family culture coupled with our dynamic programming creates an environment where everyone helps each other. We all win, particularly our customers.”

 

Agents at Davidson Realty are drawn to the strong workplace community. Jennifer Todd, who began selling World Golf Village real estate in 2002, says there was no other real estate company she would have considered working with, and to this day she feels the same way. “The family environment at Davidson Realty is second to none. We have watched our children graduate from high school together, shared weddings, and the arrival of grandchildren. We have supported each other through family illnesses and the loss of family members. Jim Davidson even offered to sit with my son-in-law for the night shift while going through leukemia treatment. We laugh together, we cry together, and we celebrate our successes together.” Jennifer’s story is just one of many in the Davidson Realty team.

 

As families do, Davidson Realty’s team of agents love to have fun together. From outings to team-building contests, there is no shortage of excitement. An activities committee plans company-wide events that in the past have included Movie Nights, Kickball games, Bowling outings, St. Augustine Trolley Tour, and Jumbo Shrimp games. Davidson Realty and their agents also work together to continually give back to the community. Every other month, Davidson Realty’s World Golf Village office hosts a Blood Drive to benefit their community.

 

It’s clear that Davidson Realty is special. If you are interested in joining Davidson Realty’s team of real estate experts, contact Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson at 904-940-5000. Give yourself and your career the opportunity to thrive.

Comments currently closed.
« Newer Posts   Older Posts »

Davidson Realty