by Aaron Bacus, First Coast Mortgage Funding

Are you dreaming of purchasing a home in Northeast Florida but worried you don’t have enough for a down payment? It’s true, this is one of the most crucial aspects of the home-buying process but that doesn’t mean that home ownership is out of reach. As a seasoned mortgage loan officer, I've guided countless individuals through this journey. Today, I'm here to demystify down payments and offer practical strategies to help you save for your future home.

Understanding Down Payment Basics

First things first, what exactly is a down payment? Simply put, it's the initial, upfront portion of the total cost of your home that you pay out of pocket. This amount varies depending on various factors, including…

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by Gwinn Volen

LOCAL STATS

Q3 stats indicate the Jacksonville real estate market is relatively flat. Sales prices were up 1.5% from Q2 and flat (0.0%) from Q3 2022. Closed sales are down -13.7% from Q2 and -9% from Q3 2022. Days on the Market is up 6.7% from Q2 and 14.3% from Q3 2022 as buyers stand on the sidelines watching mortgage rates and the economy.

If we look at the beach market only (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jax Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach) sales prices are down -2.6% from Q2 and -1.3% from Q3 2022 with closed sales down -16.7% from Q2 but up 12.4% from Q3 2022.

Nocatee sales prices are up 2.8% from Q2 and 3.2% from Q3 2022 with closed sales down -3.7% from Q2 and -9.9% from Q3 2022. If I were to speculate I would say those…

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas --- which means, holiday light displays! What better way to enjoy the holidays then to grab some hot chocolate and drive around town to see all the amazing light displays near the beach. It will make for a fun family night, get the kids out of the house and there's nothing better than hearing their excitement in the back seat while seeing all the incredible displays.

holiday lights

    

Deck the Chairs

Dates: November 27 thru January 1
Where: Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach

Deck the Chairs is celebrating it's 12th season in 2024. This community supported display showcases decorated lifeguard chairs to help promote arts and education.

    

Glowing Gardens

Dates: November 29 thru December 29, 2024
…

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Retirement opens up a world of possibilities, especially when it comes to where you want to live. No more being tied down by work – you’re free to choose a place that truly suits your lifestyle. It could be a warmer climate, a coastal paradise, or somewhere more affordable. Of course, the basics like cost of living, taxes, safety, and weather are essential factors in picking your ideal retirement spot, and yet there are some less obvious but equally important things to consider. With all these criteria, the decision can quickly become overwhelming. Here are five key things that Ponte Vedra Beach offers that make it the ideal spot to retire.

Ocean Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Golf and Club Options

For golf and club options there are plenty…

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by Aaron Bacus, First Coast Mortgage Funding

Ponte Vedra Beach, with its beautiful beaches and upscale neighborhoods, presents a compelling draw to real estate investment. Whether you're envisioning a sunlit second home for family vacations or a rental property to tap into our thriving tourist market, understanding the financing nuances is paramount. As a local mortgage broker, I'm here to guide you through the intricacies of financing your investment property.

Differentiating Between Second Homes and Investment Properties

First and foremost, lenders view second homes and investment properties differently. A second home is a property you intend to occupy for a portion of the year, while an investment property is primarily for generating rental…

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by Karen Tyrrell

Do you love the smell of a bookstore? Does the idea of curling up on the sofa or in bed with a good book on a rainy afternoon with hot tea and your dog and/or cat on your lap while everyone is away and you probably should be doing something else but you're not because the book is getting really good and you don't know when you'll have another chance to read again so you're doing it now sound good to you? Was that too specific a scenario? Either way, if you love to read then you might enjoy this article because I have read loads of terrific books recently and would love to share a few of them with you.

Before I get into the book suggestions, you may be asking yourself, "are there any small, locally owned bookstores or a used…

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by Jenn Heller

Selling a home can be a complex and often stressful process, especially when it comes to making necessary repairs to close the deal. However, in certain situations, the option of selling a property "as-is" can be an appealing alternative. When you sell a home as-is, you're essentially telling potential buyers that they will receive the property in its current condition, and negotiations won't involve major repairs or renovations. In this article, we'll explore what it means to sell a home as-is, how it works, and the key considerations for both sellers and buyers.

What Does Selling a Home "As-Is" Mean?

Selling a home as-is essentially means that the property is being offered in its current state, and the seller is not willing to…

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By Aaron Bacus

Are you thinking about buying a home? The prospect of being a homeowner is so exciting! However, before you dive headfirst into the whirlwind process, there's a step to consider: your credit score. Your credit score plays a pivotal role in determining the mortgage rate you'll qualify for, and understanding this relationship is vital for securing the best possible deal on your home loan.

Let's break down the ins and outs of how your credit score affects your mortgage rate and discuss ways to improve your creditworthiness.

credit score for mortgage

The Credit Score-Mortgage Rate Connection

Your credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness, providing lenders with a snapshot of your ability to manage debt responsibly. Mortgage…

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by Jenn Heller

Are you thinking about the idea of "aging in place?" Well, it's a pretty important decision, and the first thing you need to do is check if your current home can be adjusted to fit your needs as you get older. Let's break it down for you.

As we all get older, we face this choice: do we stay in our own homes or move to a senior living community? Nowadays, more and more families are choosing to stick with their homes, and they call it "aging in place."

Aging in place can mean different things to different people. We will summarize by saying that The National Institute on Aging says essentially it involves residing safely, independently, and comfortably in your own home and community, regardless of your age, income, or abilities. …

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by Jenn Heller

If you've noticed that pickleball has taken over the scene among all the rec fields in your neighborhood and all your friends are obsessed, you wouldn't be alone. Recent statistics show that pickleball has claimed the title of the swiftest-growing sport in the United States, with a nearly 40% boost in popularity over the last two years. The player count has risen to a national tally of more than 4.8 million with even noteworthy figures like Tom Brady and LeBron James heavily invested in the sport.

Looking to join in on the craze yet unsure of all the rules and lingo? In this article we're diving into the world of pickleball rules! We've got you covered from paddles to those fancy shots and any sneaky pickleball slang that might bounce…

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