Jacksonville FL Real Estate Update

A Recent Study indicates that we may be killing ourselves by talking too much!

At the risk of getting smacked up side the head by my beautiful and charming wife I'll admit to being one of those 'typical males' who thinks women talk too much.  Okay... okay, I know--it's not just women, men are guilty of using 50 words when 10 would most likely get the job done just as easily.  Goodness knows, I've kicked myself more than once for having continued talking when I should have just shut up!

But I digress... (and use too many words - LOL).  I just wanted to share this 'study' with you to see what you think about this study and others like it.  Could this be a real risk to us or is this just another example of the media jumping on a story (or non-story) before the facts are clearly evident?  By the way, for those who wonder what the study is about, it indicates that cell phones are dangerous to our health.  In fact, the author of the study claims: "It is anticipated that this danger has far broader public health ramifications than asbestos and smoking," says Professor Khurana..."

I, for one, am a bit weary of all the 'scientific' claims of doom and gloom.  Perhaps we are 'killing' ourselves by worrying about things far too much.  Most of my great aunts and uncles were heavy smokers (something I personally find gross and disgusting) and most of them lived rather healthy lives well into their 80's.  They also loved butter, cream, and 'fatback' (I don't know what it is but it sure does make collard greens taste good!)

So, what do you think?  Should we try to 'relax' a little more and simply enjoy life to its fullest?  I'm all for giving it a try!

Okay, I suppose this is another COMPLAINT but I've just got to say it.

I'm sick of all the COMPLAINING about everything under the sun.  It seems that we have turned into a nation (perhaps a world) of WHINERS and COMPLAINERS!  Whatever happened to the CAN DO SPIRIT that once prevailed in our society?

It seems that our society simply thrives on negative news and loves to complain... but it seems that few people are willing to MAKE DECISIONS to do anything different!  Not only that but we seem to think that it is the GOVERNMENT'S responsibility to make our lives better.

THE GOVERNMENT AIN'T MY NANNY and I don't need one anyway. 

We are ADULTS, are we not?  And as such we are responsible for our own lives and WE ARE RESPONSIBLE for MAKING DECISIONS that can improve the things we are unhappy with. 

If I need more money for GAS then I guess I'll just have to spend LESS on something else... for goodness sake, I can think of a dozen things I spend money on every day that I do not NEED from coffee to beer to junk food to satellite TV, fast food, AC/Heating cooler or warmer than needed for survival (and even comfort), eating out, magazines, and on and on.

IT IS ALL ABOUT PERSONAL DECISIONS... and I can make the DECISION to ACT rather than COMPLAIN!

Anyone care to join me?

Good News About Jacksonville, Florida Real Estate Market - Post #1

GOOD NEWS IN THE JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA REAL ESTATE MARKET HIGHLIGHT #2

According to Sean Snaith, University of Central Florida:

Jacksonville Area Among The Most Likely To Attract New Residents!  
Sean Snaith is the director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida (in which our daughter is a Business Major in her Sophomore year. 

According to Mr. Snaith, Florida's lower-cost markets are most likely to attract rsidents.  He says that Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa Bay will recover more quickly than Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Naples/Fort Myers.

Our personal experience working in the Greater Jacksonville Market supports his belief about its future recovery.  We experienced an increase in our level of transactions throughout 2007 and that growth is continuing into this first quarter of 2008.  In fact, we have personally closed 2.5 times as many transactions during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007.

Don't wait for prices to start climbing before making your decision to buy.  Prices and interest rates are low - now is the time to act! 

Tim Fennell, PA and Susan Fennell, PA
Broker Associates
REALTY WORLD Executive Group, Inc.
904-568-4528 / 904-568-5468

www.BestHomesInJacksonville.com

We have seen it more than once over the past few months--buyers making a grave error that costs them a lot of money and time.  It's not their fault... really.  They are merely victims of pop-media coverage.  They are told over and over and over again that this is a buyers market and they can and should get GREAT deals.  These GREAT deals are described as paying far less than the asking price for the property.

So just what's the problem here?  What is the mistake? 

They don't factor in the fact that NOT ALL listings are over-priced and they lose their opportunity to purchase the home they want at a very good and fair price!

Certainly when the market was shifting from a strong sellers market to a buyers market many sellers were behind the curve.  This trend continued and is still happening but not at the same level it once was.  Most agents and many sellers now recognize the REALITY of the real estate market and are pricing homes accordingly--that is, they are pricing at fair market value or slightly below fair market value in order to 'stand out' and sell quickly.

The uninformed (or stubborn) buyer comes along and automatically offers a much lower price and unrealistic add-ons and addendums.  The seller knows his property is priced right so he holds firm or makes minor concessions just to show good faith in negotiating.  He has personally visited the competing properties with his agent and knows that he has the best value in the area.  But the buyer listens to the pop-media and refuses to pay the fair price.

Now the buyer moves on to the next property on his 'want list' and tries the same thing... eventually he gets to a seller who IS overpriced and IS willing to make the reduction and concessions and the contract is completed...

BUT now the buyer has his 3rd, 4th or maybe 10th choice and ends up paying the same amount (or nearly the same) as he could have on his number one choice.

Our advice to the buyer is to get with your agent, look closely at the comparable sold and pending sale properties and then at the available active properties.  If your number one choice is priced right then BUY IT... in short time you'll be so glad you did!

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA REAL ESTATE MARKET - THE GOOD NEWS! 

The common public perception is that all real estate markets are in trouble.  The FACT is, however, that all real estate is local and each market is behaving in its own unique way.  Much of the state has experienced a very large decline but Jacksonville, Florida has fared quite well in comparison.

That is not to say that we haven't had a decline from the boom markets of 2003-2005 but it has not be catastrophic.  In fact, unless you happen to be one of the people trying to sell a property that was purchased just prior to the 'shift' you are probably in pretty good shape. 

And, if you are in the market to buy now or to move up now you are in an excellent position.  This is the first of a series of articles I will be writing to highlight some of the positive news regarding the Jacksonville, Florida real estate market.

GOOD NEWS IN THE JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA REAL ESTATE MARKET HIGHLIGHT #1

According to Forbes.com, February 2008:

Jacksonville was named number eight out of the 10 Best Cities for Bargain Househunters!  
"Jacksonville didn't go through an obscene speculation boom, making its recovery cycle far less daunting than other Florida spots.  Job growth isn't outstanding, about average for the cities we measure, but the foreclosure rate is lower than any of the Florida cities we looked at, making the high inventory rate more likely to improve than get worse."

Personally, Susan and I are very bullish regarding the Jacksonville, Florida real estate market.  Not only are we busily assisting others with the purchase and sale of their own properties but we are also continuing to buy and sell our own investment properties.

We would be happy to assist you too!

Tim Fennell, PA
Broker Associate
REALTY WORLD Executive Group, Inc.
904-568-4528 / 904-568-5468

www.BestHomesInJacksonville.com

IS THIS WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR?

Recently one of our SELLERS told us, "Tim and Susan, we need to get these three listings sold.  Tell buyers that we are willing to deal significantly!"

Our initial reaction was, "What!? Are you crazy?  They're already priced well below every sold comparable in the area!  Just chill out and don't do anything rash.  The market is improving fast and they will sell soon."

But then we remembered that our obligation is to do what the seller asks us to do so we made sure he knew what he was asking "...but be prepared to get some ridiculously low offers."

He assured us that he was prepared and that he is not going to lose money but that he is willing and able to work with any qualified buyer as much as he possibly can.

We have no idea what he means by "deal significantly" (and we don't even want to know) but can only assume it means to bring any reasonable offer and he will do his best to meet the buyer's need... 

So that is what this post is all about... to let buyers know about these great opportunities to purchase a beautiful home that has been COMPLETELY REHABED AND UPDATED.  Call us to arrange an appointment to view any of them today (904-568-5468).

If the links don't work, just COPY/PASTE the web address into your browser to see numerous photos, a virtual tour and detailed information on each one.

NORMANDY AREA

http://pinecrest.bhij.com/

Built in 2004 - 3012 Square Feet - 4Bedrooms / 3.5Baths / Plus large Loft Area

Numerous upgrades; New carpet, new tile, all new kitchen appliances including side-by-side refrigerator. Spacious, open living areas and extra large master bedroom suite. Stunning view overlooking large pond and preserve behind home. In cul-de-sac too! (List Price: $259,900 NEFMLS# 406317)

GARDEN CITY AREA

http://northwyck.bhij.com/

Built in 1993 - 1302 Square Feet - 3Bedroom / 2Baths

SHOWS LIKE A BRAND NEW MODEL HOME - Completely remodeled with new upgraded low cut frieze carpet in bedrooms and CERAMIC TILE flooring in Great Room, Kitchen and Baths; ceiling fans; freshly painted inside and outside; new upgrade appliances. (List Price: $134,900 NEFMLS# 406317)

http://meadowlea.bhij.com/

Built in 1994 - 1272 Square Feet - 3Bedroom / 2Baths

ANOTHER HIGH QUALITY REMODEL - Completely remodeled with new upgraded low cut frieze carpet in bedrooms and Great Room, CERAMIC TILE flooring in Kitchen and Baths; ceiling fans; freshly painted inside and outside; new upgrade appliances.  (List Price: $134,900 NEFMLS# 406313)