Our Agents Answer Six Common Real Estate Questions

November 8, 2021

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For nearly two years, seemingly every industry has had to deal with unprecedented changes. The real estate industry is no exception as inventory of homes for sale and interest rates were at historic lows causing the market to be fiercely competitive. As the story of the real estate market continues to unfold, it’s vital to have an experienced real estate professional by your side. Northeast Florida real estate experts at Davidson Realty are answering some of the most common real estate questions. 

 

When is the best time to sell a home?

Quite a few people have asked me this lately and, honestly, in Florida or at least in our area, our selling season is year-round. Especially with the low inventory, we are experiencing, there doesn’t seem to be a wrong time to sell your home. Buyers are watching the market very closely for new listings to pop up. Some markets may slow down in the winter, but we have snowbirds who begin their search in January,” shares agent Shelley Nemethy

 

With the current market, should I still buy a new home before I sell my old one?

“If your current home is in an active community and in excellent condition, buying a new home before selling your current home could certainly be an option. However, if it is too much of a financial risk to put yourself in, in the event you had to carry both mortgages, I would advise against it,” shares agent Jennifer Todd

 

Is it still a seller’s market?

“It is still a seller’s market. Until we begin seeing a more balanced inventory in homes available, it will continue to be a seller’s market,” continues Nemethy. 

 

How should I prepare my home before selling it?

“Pack away or get rid of all clutter. The removal of clutter and items that you don’t need on a daily basis will enlarge your home. Eliminating excess furniture can also make a huge difference in how a home shows, “ shares agent Lynn Whitley. “You will recoup the cost of renting a storage unit and you will be a step ahead on packing when you accept an offer.”

 

What is your best advice for current home sellers?

“I suggest pricing your home to the current market and letting the market take the price to where it should be,” continues Todd. “ Always have your home spotless, no one wants to buy a dirty home!”

 

What is your best advice for current homebuyers?

“Hire an experienced real estate agent that knows how to help a buyer bid and win in this current competitive market. You’ll be glad you did,” continues Nemethy. 

 

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

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

June 3, 2021

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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.

Ask Sherry: Real Estate Questions Answered!

March 25, 2011

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This month on the Davidson Realty Facebook Page we asked if anyone had any real estate related questions for Davidson Realty President Sherry Davidson. Sherry has over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and is more than happy to answer your questions!

“I was laid off about six months ago and am looking for a new career. I saw you were having a Career Opportunity event in April, but I am out of town that week. Would you mind sharing what traits make a great Realtor and how much it would cost to get started? Funds are pretty tight right now…”

We are actually having three Career Opportunity events in April. There is a happy hour on April 7th at 6:30 PM, a lunch on April 15th at noon and a breakfast on April 22nd at 9:00 AM. I would love to see you at one of our events. The traits that make a great Realtor are:
1. Loves people. Is warm and friendly.
2. Has an entrepreneur spirit. Is a previous business owner or has a desire to have one.
3. Is willing to do whatever it takes to start their own business.
4. Is a problem solver. Is resourceful.
5. Is professional.
6. Is goal-oriented.
7. Is full-time and serious about making their job a #1 priority.
8. Is willing to go the extra mile and put the hours in!
9. Is computer literate.
10. Is trustworthy.
11. Is customer service-oriented.
12. Is resilient and has the ability to recover quickly from adverse situations.
13. Is a team player.

The cost to get started in a real estate career will vary depending on the firm you select. The first expense will be to get your real estate license. You can take the pre-licensing course online or attend class. The cost varies from $150 to $400.  You will also have to pay for fingerprinting, application and testing fees to take the State of Florida exam, which is approximately $100. After you are licensed, the largest expense will be joining the local real estate association. To join the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and the MLS will be approximately $1,500. The fees are pro-rated depending on what month you join. With Davidson Realty, that is your only expense initially. You must be prepared to wait a few months to receive your first commission check. As you can see, the cost to get started in a real estate career is approximately $2,000.

Davidson Realty