Davidson Realty, Inc.

Real Estate Market Update

February 16, 2021

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” John Wooden

 

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats for January 2021 confirms what we are seeing in the market every day. The Inventory of Homes for Sale is 4,296 homes, down 51.6% from last January when there were 8,876. We have 1.4 months supply of inventory which is down 57.6% from 3.3 months last January. These numbers are staggering. The available inventory is lower than in the crazy period of 2004 and 2005.

 

It is the perfect storm if you are considering selling your home. When a new listing comes available buyers are offering list price with escalation clauses to pay more. Some buyers are removing appraisal and inspection contingencies to get their offer accepted. It is a very competitive market and you need expert advice to manage the process.

 

Buyer demand is strong as evidenced by 2,970 pending sales in January up 17.9% from last January. Closed sales of 2,210 is up 11.2%. With strong buyer demand and lower than normal inventory, prices continue to increase. The median sales price in January is $256,995 up 10.8% over last January. The average price is $319,811 up 16.0%.

 

National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Chief Economist, Dr. Robert Dietz and Florida Realtors Chief Economist, Dr. Brad O’Connor spoke at a recent Florida Realtors event and shared some interesting insights. Dr. Dietz said Florida had strong growth in new construction with 2020 building permits up “an incredible 30% year-over-year.”

 

The NAHB chief economist said he tracked data to look at the often-cited “shift to the suburbs” for housing in the latter part of 2020 due to COVID-19. He found that large metro areas with high density in the urban core still experienced a year-over-year growth rate of about 5.7% in 3Q 2020, but the lower-density, lower-cost suburbs out from the cities reported a growth rate of about 15%. Dietz also looked further out from Florida’s urban cores at communities known for second homes, investment homes or retirement. He said those areas reported a year-over-year growth rate of about 23.2% in 3Q 2020.

 

Dr. O’Connor explained that buyer wealth and available inventory matter more than density. “So, I would hypothesize that’s why you’re seeing a suburban shift in new home sales. And, why you’re seeing an overall greater surge in sales of upper-priced and luxury homes in Florida is that these kinds of homes are more freely available, and because many of the folks who are able to afford these kinds of properties also tend to be those who will be most able to work from home going forward.”

 

The northeast Florida housing market remains strong. It will be interesting to see what happens in the spring which is typically our strongest season. Enjoy the great spring weather and all the sports that are resuming. Thank you for your continued support and please let us know if we can help you with any real estate needs

 

 

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Meet St. Johns County’s Newest Master-Planned Community – SilverLeaf

February 12, 2021

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Posted by in Featured Neighborhood, Neighborhoods, New Home Construction, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends, St. Johns County schools, Videos

If you drive around St. Johns County, you will see new businesses and developments popping up on every corner. And this growth has no plans of slowing down. St. Johns County is not going to stop growing any time soon. An upcoming jewel in the highly coveted area: SilverLeaf. SilverLeaf is a master-planned community that is family-friendly and features resort-style amenities with no CDD fees. “Our customers are drawn to SilverLeaf because of the location and convenience it provides as you can easily get to any destination from SilverLeaf. The community in St. Johns County is thriving and a wonderful place to call home,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. SilverLeaf is zoned for 10,700 dwelling units, 2,650,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space, and more than 3,500 acres of beautiful conservation land. Once complete, SilverLeaf will be one of the largest community development in Northeast Florida.

 

SilverLeaf will be home to several neighborhoods with homes for families and individuals with a size, price point, and style for everyone. SilverLeaf maintains the high standards of quality and detail that are a trademark of The Hutson Companies, well-respected developers of the community. The Hutson Companies bring more than forty years of development, construction, and community involvement to bring the vision of SilverLeaf to life. Each home in SilverLeaf will be expertly crafted to exceed expectations.

 

From the miles of walking and bike paths to the resort-style amenity center, this family-oriented community offers residents countless opportunities for activity and entertainment. However, the attraction to SilverLeaf doesn’t stop once you leave the community. St. Johns County is home to the #1 Public School District in the State of Florida with a one to eighteen educator to student ratio. It also doesn’t hurt that St. Johns County has the lowest property tax rate in the Northeast Florida Region and is ranked the healthiest county in Florida.

 

The builders in SilverLeaf are the best and brightest in Northeast Florida. Each builder brings unique character to their homes to ensure each home in SilverLeaf is distinctive.

 

Riverside Homes:

Award-winning homebuilder, Riverside Homes, is bringing its thoughtful floor plans and quality construction to SilverLeaf Village, one of the premier neighborhoods within SilverLeaf. Riverside Homes range from 1,570 square feet to more than 3,700 square feet on spacious 43′, 53’, and 63’ lots. With 18 plan options to choose from, there is a broad selection of home designs so you can find the perfect fit for your family. Home prices start in the $300s.

 

View an exclusive look at SilverLeaf’s ideal location (Part 1), amenity center (Part 2), and Riverside Homes model (Part 3) in our “Get to Know SilverLeaf” video series with Sherry Davidson and the owners of Riverside Homes, Matt Roberts, and Chris Wood.

 

MasterCraft Builder Group:

MasterCraft Builder Group is building semi-custom homes in SilverLeaf Village. Each home by MasterCraft Builder Group is thoughtfully designed and provide luxury features standard. Most of MasterCraft’s homesites offer preserve and lake views providing both privacy and serenity. MasterCraft Homes in SilverLeaf Village are starting in the $300,000s and will range from 1,480 to more than 3,980 square feet on 43’, 53’, and 63’ lots. 

 

Emerald Homes:

D.R. Horton is proud to bring Emerald Homes to SilverLeaf. Emerald Homes luxury homes will feature state of the art smart home technology for their one and two-story open concept home plans. Emerald Homes promises elegant exteriors and high-end features to deliver elevated design to your dream home. Homes will range from 1,646 to more than 2,896 square feet starting at $348,990. 

 

Dream Finders Homes:

Dream Finders Homes will offer both single-family homes and maintenance-free townhomes with a variety of designer features to customize your dream home to SilverLeaf neighborhoods, Holly Forest and Meadow Ridge. Homes in Holly Forest will feature 20’ and 24’ townhome lots and 53’ and 63’ single-family lots ranging from 1,250 to more than 3,000 square feet. The single-family homes in Meadow Ridge will place homes on 43’ and 53’ homesites. 

 

Ashley Homes:

With twenty-two floor plans to choose from, Ashley Homes is excited to bring their quality construction and unique floor plans to SilverLeaf. Ashley Homes provides the ability to customize your floor plan and feature to make your home your own. Standard features in Ashley Homes at SilverLeaf include gourmet kitchens and energy-efficient materials. 

 

With so many options to choose from and the current state of the real estate market, it is imperative to have a real estate agent help guide you through the new build process. “Davidson Realty agents work with builders continuously in various new construction communities. Our agents will get to know the needs of your family and will be able to suggest features and ideas you may not know about to ensure your family finds their perfect fit. The Davidson Team will help guide you through the process, help you negotiate with the builder to get the best pricing for your new home, and be your advocate if anything isn’t as you expected.”  The Davidson Realty Team is equipped with the knowledge of the area, market, and SilverLeaf community to help you successfully secure a new home for you and your family in SilverLeaf. Contact our office today at (904) 940-5000 to find your new home in SilverLeaf.

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QUALITY SUPPORT – LANDMARK TITLE SUPPORTS DAVIDSON CARES CLAY DAY

February 1, 2021

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Posted by in Community Involvement, Events, News

Since 2016, Landmark Title has been a gracious and generous sponsor of Davidson Cares Clay Day at the highest level. The relationship between Landmark Title and Davidson Realty dates back to the recession in 2009 when David Heekin, President and Founder of Landmark Title, was a vital resource in real estate short sales for Davidson Realty clients. During that time, David Heekin served on panels and provided training to help educate others in the real estate industry on short sale transactions. This partnership only continued to grow. In 2013, when William Li joined Landmark Title as a Vice President, Landmark Title rented executive suites in the Davidson Realty office due to their expanding business. William would often join Davidson Realty sales meetings, conduct contract training sessions, and serve as a valuable resource to Davidson Realty agents. 

 

“I admire the way Landmark Title has evolved over the years and has grown into a very large and successful Title Company. We are fortunate that Landmark Title has closed many Davidson Realty transactions over the years,” shares Sherry Davidson, President of Davidson Realty. “David Heekin, William Li, and their team are a lot of fun and work extremely hard. They provide many educational opportunities for Realtors © and generously give back to the real estate industry and community.”

 

In addition to the quality service they provide their clients, Landmark Title is dedicated to providing affordable and quality housing to those in need of a low-cost mortgage through The Landmark Foundation. The Landmark Foundation’s Home Initiative project rehabilitates homes in Northeast Florida and gives financing options to qualified buyers as well as provide education and support for these buyers as they navigate homeownership. With the help of local industry professionals and volunteers, The Landmark Foundation hopes to restore four to six homes to like-new condition in 2021. 

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day is proud to have the support and sponsorship from Landmark Title as they continue to support local charities. To learn more about Landmark Title, visit their website at www.landmarktitle.com or call (904) 998-9733.

 

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day

 

The 5th Annual Davidson Cares Clay Day was held on October 29, 2020 at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports. Davidson Cares Clay Day included two sport shooting events, beginner skeet and sporting clay. Individuals and teams from beginner to expert levels were invited to participate and enjoy a safe shooting experience with no group gatherings. 

 

In association with the event, there was also a raffle contest. Prizes included a 65-quart YETI cooler with 13 full-size liquors.

 

The $40,500 raised from the event and raffles went directly to Builders Care, St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), and Investing in Kids (INK!) in equal sums.

 

Visit DavidsonCares.com to learn more about these organizations and donate to support their causes.

 

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Real Estate Market Update

January 21, 2021

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

“Have enough courage to start and enough heart to finish.” – Jessica N. S. Yourko

 


This quote seems like a wonderful way to begin a new year that looks to be a wild ride. All predictions are for continued strong demand for homes in the northeast Florida area and nationwide.

 

I have huge respect for Dr. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist. At a recent event co-presented by RISMedia and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Dr. Yun indicated that the momentum from the second half of 2020 will continue into 2021. His predictions for the new year are interest rates at historic low levels, increased job creation due to the stimulus package recently passing and vaccines being widely distributed, improved unemployment rate, and more housing inventory.

 

He also expects the following:

– Strong home sales momentum, with sales up roughly 8 to 12 percent in 2021 vs. 2020

– Home prices rising more moderately, about 4 percent nationwide

 

The demand for homes in our area remains strong, but the supply of homes continues to decrease. There were 4,549 homes available for sale in December 2020 down 46.9% from the 8,569 available in December 2019 according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors market stats.

 

There is 1.5 months supply of homes for sale in our area down 53.1% from last December’s 3.2 months of supply. A balanced market is 5 to 6 months of supply. If you are buying or selling a home, you need guidance from a professional. We are seeing crazy things happening in this market on both sides of the transaction.

 

– Pending sales of 2,685 were up 25.7% December over December and up 12.9% year over year.

– Closed sales of 3,187 were up 15.2% December over December and up 8.2% year over year.

– Median sales price of $267,000 is up 11.3% December over December and 9.0% year over year.

– Average sales price of $331,242 is up 14.6% December over December and 11.8% year over year.

 

New home construction has increased and will help with the supply of homes, but builders are facing challenges also. From a blog posted today on the National Association of Homebuilders site, “Rising material costs led by a huge upsurge in lumber prices, along with a resurgence of the coronavirus across much of the nation, pushed builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes down three points to 83 in January, according to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. Despite the drop, builder sentiment remains at a strong level.” Any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.

 

Thank you for all the support of Davidson Realty and Davidson Property Management. If we can assist you with any of your real estate needs, please let us know.

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How COVID-19 Impacted Real Estate in 2020

January 15, 2021

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Posted by in News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

The resilience of the real estate market was perhaps the biggest surprise in 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of millions of jobs, and a crippled economy, millions of American’s made waves in the real estate industry by browsing and, oftentimes, purchasing a new home. With thousands of businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate market saw positive trends and record-setting numbers.

 

The 2020 real estate market was expected to see steady growth. Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist predicted there to be more than 750,000, for an 11% increase, in new home sales while existing homes sales would be repressed by low supply of homes to more than 5.56 million for a modest 4% increase. The median home price was anticipated to land at  $270,400 for an increase of 4.3%. Overall, the NAR was forecasting a healthy year for real estate. 

 

At the end of the first quarter of 2020, in the infancy of the pandemic, the real estate market was merely reacting to the sudden, bizarre changes that were happening in the world. With the new phrase called “social distancing” added to American vocabulary, all players in the real estate industry were in uncharted waters. With schools closing and businesses shut down, the needs of home seekers shifted.  

 

The COVID-19 pandemic made an interesting impact on the real estate market. While inventory was low and homes were selling quickly, the NAR reported a surge of people moving to more rural areas from larger, more crowded cities while desiring more moderate climates. “We are seeing many buyers coming from the Midwest, Northeast, and South Florida,” shares Sherry Davidson, President of Davidson Realty. This shift was caused by multiple COVID-19 related effects. Offices started allowing employees to work exclusively from home to successfully socially distance and people were enjoying the new routine COVID-19 brought and desired a slower pace of life. 

 

Throughout the changing times, Davidson Realty was able to adjust to new safety procedures and listen to the new needs of their clients. “Buyers were looking for homes that were more in tune to the daily needs of their families. Many were working from home and homeschooling their children, requiring more functional space for work and play,” shares Sherry Davidson. “Families were eager to purchase a home, but with inventory at record lows, we were seeing multiple offer situations and buyers were paying more than appraised values. Sellers were in a position to not consider offers with contingencies for financing and appraisals.” With interest rates at record-setting lows, buyers were eager to get their hands on their dream home. 

 

Although NAR has not yet released their year-end sales report, NAR reported in December they were expecting to reach 5.52 million in purchases in 2020, which is the highest annual mark since 2006. They also anticipate the median home price will hit a record-setting high at $293,000. Lawrence Yun has stated that the momentum from the second half of 2020 will carry into 2021.  Yun foresees interest rates remaining favorable and an increase in supply which will give home buyers more choices and repress home price growth. 

 

It’s safe to say the real estate market is still on fire. If you are interested in buying or selling your home, contact Davidson Realty today at (904) 940-5000. 

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