If you’re a home buyer or seller looking for a real estate professional to help you maximize your opportunities, first and foremost, character counts.  Jon Singleton understands. During his years of local service in Jacksonville’s historic communities, Jon has built a reputation for his strong work ethic, for being true to his word and for acting only in his customers’ best interest.  Essentially, this dedicated professional has catapulted to the forefront of the industry because of his character.  Make the most of your move and give Jon a call today.

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BUYING REAL ESTATE IN TODAY'S MARKET

It feels like the tide is turning!  Years after the market slowed and crashed, things are changing.  The seller’s market of 2005 and 2006 is definitely gone.  With about 14,000 homes on the market (in MLS) in the greater Jacksonville area, and about 4,500 closings in the last three months, real estate sales have improved.  And, our inventory is down from a high of almost 25,000.  Articles in the press have gotten decidedly more positive over the last year, although the recent press has been gloomy.  Savvy investors are snapping up deals near what they feel is the bottom of the market.  It’s been a tough past two years, and the real estate industry is ready for a change.

 

Rates are still hovering near 5% for conventional mortgages, and lenders such as REGIONS, Bank of America and WELLS FARGO are offering great deals for qualified buyers.  New home buyers have done very well over the past 6 months with cut-rate builder sales.  With new incentives, the move-up market is reemerging as well.  Sales of upper-end properties are starting to move, and a number of properties are seeing steady buyer traffic.  Stand by for lots of open houses over the next few months, as Realtors reenergize the market.  It’s time to create a buzz and help people move to find their dream home.

 

While the market is great, it’s still confusing for buyers.  The choices are overwhelming, and successful negotiating tactics are tricky.  We only have about one home in ten selling each month, and not all sellers are desperate.  If an offer is too low, the sellers may be offended, and many prices have now been reduced to quite reasonable levels.  It’s important to understand the true values of property in each neighborhood, and compare that to the asking price.  Some areas offer wonderful deals for anyone looking now.  The Beach and Downtown offer several unbelievable waterfront condos, and many are at affordable prices.  The affluent communities now have many homes at 60-70% of their 2006 prices.