Ponte Vedra Focus Blog

Jacksonville Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

By Gwinn Volen

Q1 2025 home sales in the Jacksonville area were down 7% from Q1 2024. Economic uncertainty, triggered by increasing mortgage rates and a volatile stock market, is suppressing buyer demand.

Housing and financial experts are starting to release their projections for the balance of the year.

Mortgage Rates Expected to Dip Slightly

While a major drop isn’t expected, forecasters call for a slight drop in rates in the months ahead as the economic outlook becomes more certain. Should rates drop, more buyers would likely enter the market.

Currently, 30-year mortgage rates are averaging 7% nationally. The chart below shows where 5 major real estate players predict mortgage rates will be by year-end 2025. Even a small decline would be…

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Maximize Your Florida Property Tax Savings: Homestead Exemption & Portability in St. Johns and Duval Counties

 By Jenn Heller

Purchasing a home in Northeast Florida isn’t just a lifestyle investment — it’s also an opportunity to tap into valuable property tax savings. Two powerful tools available to Florida homeowners are the Homestead Exemption and Portability benefits. If you're buying or already own a home in St. Johns or Duval County, understanding how these work can lead to significant, long-term financial advantages.

Homestead Exemption: Built-In Tax Relief for Florida Homeowners

Florida’s Homestead Exemption is a tax benefit designed to reduce the taxable value of your primary residence. When approved, it can lower the amount of property taxes you pay each year — starting with an initial $25,000 exemption off your home’s assessed value. An…

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Luxury Waterfront Living at Mira Vista at Harbortown

by Jennifer Heller

If you're searching for luxury waterfront condominiums in Jacksonville, Florida, look no further than Mira Vista at Harbortown. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway on Atlantic Boulevard, this gated community offers the serenity of waterfront living with the convenience of being just minutes from the beach, downtown Jacksonville, shopping, and dining options.

Introducing Unit 807: A Spacious End-Unit with Stunning Views

Set within this sought-after community, unit 807 in Mira Vista is a rare corner-unit opportunity offering expansive marsh and waterway views.  With 2,694 square feet of living space, this second-floor condo lives more like a single-family home while still offering the low-maintenance perks of condo life.

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Chasing Pavements in St. Augustine, Florida: A Guide to Running in the Nation’s Oldest City

By Graci Flaherty

Just when you think you have a place all figured out, it finds a way to surprise you.

Ponte Vedra’s most historically significant neighbor, St. Augustine brings to mind less sneakers and races, and more museums and forts. But look close enough and you’ll find a thriving running community, from the Flagler Cross Country team to the Ancient City Road Runners. Growing up in St. Johns County, I thought I knew the area like the back of my hand, but after spending the past 2 years falling in love with running, I can attest to the fact that St. Augustine feels entirely different when you experience it on foot So, download Strava, grab your Garmin watch, and start chasing pavements!

ROUTES

From Bridge to Bridge and Back (6.5 miles)

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5 Easy Tips to Help Create Your Home Wellness Space

by Jennifer Heller

It's not always easy to carve out a little peace and serenity within your own home, yet it has never been more important. That’s why more people are turning to dedicated wellness spaces—a small, cozy space designed to focus on both body and mind. Whether you have a love for yoga, need a space for daily meditation, or simply want a quiet corner to unplug and breathe, a home wellness space can provide the tools needed to slow down and reconnect.

A wellness room is a deeply personal space in your home. It doesn’t have to follow any specific plan or blueprint—it’s all about what makes you feel calm, centered, and ideally, relaxed. Maybe that’s a yoga mat in front of a sunny window, a small art studio if painting or drawing is more of…

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Discover Your Ponte Vedra Beach Dream Home in TPC Sawgrass

by Jennifer Heller

Looking for the perfect blend of coastal living and world-class amenities? Welcome to 180 Bermuda Court in the exclusive, gated community of TPC Sawgrass. This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,633 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space on one of the largest lots in Bermuda Court. Priced under $600,000, this move-in-ready home is ideal for those seeking luxury and comfort in Ponte Vedra Beach real estate.

Modern Living with Stylish Upgrades

Step into a bright, open floor plan featuring elegant wood-look tile floors that add warmth and style throughout the home. The updated kitchen features sleek Quartz countertops and ample cabinetry, making it the heart of the home for entertaining and everyday…

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12 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

by Jennifer Heller

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. With Jacksonville's dynamic neighborhoods, diverse housing options, and growing real estate market, navigating the home-buying process can be challenging. To help you get started, we've put together 12 tips for first-time home buyers to alleviate some stress from the process.

Determine Your Budget

Start by looking over your financial situation. Consider your income, expenses, and existing debts to calculate how much you can comfortably afford. Use online mortgage calculators to get an estimate of your monthly payments.  A Mortgage Broker or Lender is a great source for helping to evaluate your financial viability for purchasing a home.  

…

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Exclusive Ponte Vedra Beach Oceanfront Real Estate with Stunning Views

by Jennifer Heller

Experience the epitome of luxury Ponte Vedra Beach real estate with this exceptional oceanfront home located at 959 Ponte Vedra Boulevard. Spanning 200 feet along the Atlantic coastline and extending over 430 feet in depth, this exclusive estate offers unmatched privacy with a gated entrance and lush landscaping. Located near the prestigious beach clubs, this prime piece of Ponte Vedra Beach real estate provides the ultimate in coastal living.

This gorgeous oceanfront property features two pristine pools—one with unobstructed ocean views and another at the front for breezier days—along with a private tennis court. Designed for both relaxation and entertainment, the estate includes a grand main residence and an elegant guest…

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Filling the Gaps: The Beaches Homeless Coalition's Unique Approach

by Ellen Glasser
President, Beaches Homeless Coalition Inc.

Working with many volunteers and several churches over the last two years,  the Beaches Homeless Coalition (BHC) recently became “official” as a 501c(3) non-profit organization.  It is our unwavering mission at the BHC to serve the homeless people of the beaches by meeting them "where they are" in life and providing services to them through a robust network of community partners who are dedicated to treating them with dignity and compassion.  

Formed as a corporation, the BHC is a secular organization that assists host organizations and volunteers to provide food, meals, temporary shelter, clothing, hygiene services, transportation, and other assistance to homeless people at the…

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Luxurious Coastal Living: Explore This Stunning Ponte Vedra Beach Home

by Jennifer Heller

Nestled in the idyllic Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is a luxurious 5-bedroom, 4 full and 2 half-bath pool home designed by architect Kevin Gray in 2022. This exquisite property at 179 Coastal Grove Court embodies the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living, catering to those who appreciate both style and functionality. With a range of high-end features and modern conveniences, this home is an ideal sanctuary for families and individuals alike.

Key Features:

• 5 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths
• 4294 SqFt
• Listed for $3,050,000
• MLS #2073782

Elegant Interior Features

Upon entering the residence, you are greeted by the striking aesthetic created by white oak wood floors and custom black Pella windows.…

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