3 New Businesses in Northeast Florida You NEED to Visit

July 30, 2021

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The attraction to Northeast Florida is clear. From the beautiful beaches to the dynamic neighborhoods, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In such a fruitful area, new businesses are popping up all around town and we’re sharing a few that are a MUST to visit.

 

 

Jeremiah’s

A Northeast Florida favorite, Jeremiah’s recently opened a new location in Jacksonville Beach. The Orlando-based company has gained popularity across Florida and is the perfect addition to the array of businesses at the beaches. Located at 1500 Beach Boulevard, the new location is just 1.5 miles from the Jacksonville Beach Pier, making it the perfect cool-down hangout on hot summer days! Jeremiah’s iconic bold Italian Ice offers nearly limitless favor combinations for guests. Some fan-favorite pairings include Orange Smash and Vanilla Gelati and Cake Batter Gelati and Chocolate Ice Cream!

 

Buc-cee’s

Although this first of its kind in Florida establishment has been open since February, Buc-cee’s is still stirring up excitement! With more than 104 fueling stations and more then 52,000 square feet it is obvious this isn’t your average gas station. The Texas-based travel shop is located in St. Augustine on 200 World Commerce Parkway near World Golf Village. On February 22, 2021, the day of its grand opening, hundreds waited in line to be the first to experience the impressive display of food, drink, and merchandise. Buc-cee’s patrons can enjoy classic treats like homemade fudge, kolaches, and jerky and more adventurous snacks like pickled quail eggs. This new Northeast Florida landmark is worth a trip…you never know what you might find!

 

Estrella Cocina

And last, but certainly not least… Estrella Cocina – Downtown Jacksonville’s newest rooftop attraction! The Baja Coastal Mexican-style restaurant and bar is part of the new Vystar Credit Union corporate campus. Located on the seventh floor at 100 West Bay Street, Estrella Cocina provides stunning views of the Jacksonville skyline and the St. Johns River! This new downtown hot spot is owned and operated by local restaurateurs Jonathan Cobbs and Dwayne Beliakoff, founders of The Bread & Board. The menu offers unique and intriguing plates like Lobster Veracruzana Tacos and Birria de Res con Consome (a Tijuana- Style Beef Brisket), but don’t forget to sip on one of Estrella Cocina’s specialty cocktails like the Shoreline Smash or the Hibiscus Margarita!

 

Northeast Florida offers a wide variety of things to see, do, and enjoy. If you are interested in calling the First Coast home, don’t hesitate to contact the real estate experts at Davidson Realty. Not only do we love finding a new home for our clients to start their next chapter, we enjoy showing them all the best restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment options to take advantage of in their new neighborhood. Don’t be surprised if you stop by one of these exciting new additions to the area highlighted above!

Pros and Cons: New Construction vs. Resale

July 2, 2021

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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.

 

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

June 28, 2021

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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. 

 

 

5 Hidden Gem Neighborhoods in Northeast Florida Worth Visiting

May 17, 2021

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No matter where you explore in Northeast Florida you are bound to find beauty and interest. “Northeast Florida is richly diverse and provides residents a wide variety of activities, restaurants, and sites to enjoy and make wonderful memories. Each neighborhood has a unique culture that truly enriches the First Coast,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. We’re sharing some new, some old, and some neighborhoods you may have forgotten about in Northeast Florida you need to check out! 

 

San Marco

Take a stroll along tree-lined San Marco Square and you’ll see there is no shortage of incredible dining, boutiques, and art galleries. The Mediterranean-influenced neighborhood which is just a few minutes from Downtown Jacksonville is a perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring. A few of our favorite spots to visit in historic San Marco are Grape and Grain Exchange, Aardwolf Brewing Company, Stellers Gallery, and Heyday!

 

Springfield

As the oldest neighborhood in Jacksonville, Springfield offers residents a historic and eclectic experience. Established in 1869, Springfield, located just north of Downtown Jacksonville, was home to the city’s wealthiest residents. Today, the neighborhood is filled with restored mansions, hip restaurants, and locally-owned shops. Springfield also hosts popular festivals including Porchfest. Be sure to make a pit stop at Strings Sports Brewery while touring Springfield. 

 

Riverside/Avondale

Antique meets modern in charming, historic Riverside and Avondale! Home to the world-class Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, you won’t want to miss the charm and culture that Riverside and Avondale provide. Drive around the area and you’ll see gorgeous million dollar waterfront homes, locally-owned restaurants, and beautiful parks. Memorial Park, Pinegrove Market and Deli, and Kickback’s Gastropub are definitely places to visit in the area. Oh, and for dessert Whit’s Frozen Custard

 

Ponte Vedra Beach

If you have visited Ponte Vedra Beach before, you likely only skimmed the surface of what this stunning resort town has to offer. Prior to becoming a prominent luxury town with world-class golf courses, Ponte Vedra was a pristine wilderness home to valuable minerals giving it the nickname “Mineral City.” Discover Northeast Florida’s natural beauty with a hike at the GTM Reserve or play at TPC Sawgrass, one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Head to Ponte Vedra for date night and try LuLu’s Waterfront Grille or 3 Palms Grille.

 

Nocatee

Perhaps one of the newest go-to areas in Northeast Florida is Nocatee. Although this master-planned community hasn’t been around long, it’s definitely worth visiting! Enjoy lunch at Treylor Park (we suggest the Ahi Tuna Flatbread or the Treylor Park Nachos Grande!) or Timoti’s Seafood Shak before heading to Makk Fashions or Really Good Beer Stop. With new businesses popping up all around Nocatee, you’ll likely have more places to try each time you visit. 

 

Although all these neighborhoods have their own unique flair, one thing reigns true whether you call St. Augustine, Jacksonville, The Beaches, or anywhere in between home… Northeast Florida is the PERFECT place to live! 

Davidson Realty Welcomes New Agent Bonnie Weinstein

March 8, 2021

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Bonnie Weinstein knows all about making dreams come true. Growing up in Northeast Pennsylvania, Bonnie always dreamed of moving to Florida. Six years ago, she made her dream a reality by making Northeast Florida her new home. Now, Bonnie has joined the Davidson Realty team and is ready to help her clients’ dreams come true, too! 

 

Bonnie comes to Davidson Realty with an extensive background in both business and real estate. Her knowledge of the market, perseverance, and customer service skills make her a true joy to work with. “I believe my clients appreciate my flexibility, low-pressure sales, patience, and ability to hear what they want,” shares Bonnie. 

 

“Davidson Realty is very excited to have Bonnie on our team. Bonnie is a knowledgeable resource to her customers and truly takes the time to understand their needs. Bonnie is professional and we are proud to have her represent the Davidson Realty brand,” shares Andrea Gallagher, Davidson Realty Sales and Training Manager.

 

“Choosing Davidson Realty was easy. They have the same values and work ethic that I follow. Davidson Realty always puts people and relationships first. The support they provide is unparalleled which allows agents to fully focus on our clients and their needs. I’m so grateful to be part of a team that has a caring heart,” shares Bonnie. Bonnie is a Nocatee Certified Agent and looks forward to helping clients “love where they live” with Davidson Realty. 

 

When Bonnie isn’t helping her clients find their dream home, you can find her enjoying the beautiful beaches in Northeast Florida.  Bonnie, who recently celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary, loves spending time with her family, especially her two daughters and Shih Tzu named Hamilton. 

 

If you are ready to make your real estate dreams a reality, call Bonnie Weinstein at (570) 690-4432 or email her at bweinstein@davidsonrealtyinc.com.

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