by Gwinn Volen

Regardless of political affiliation, the upcoming election has become a hot topic in real estate discussions. Some buyers feel anxious about making a purchase just before the election, opting to wait for the outcome rather than committing to a decision.  

While it is common to see a slight slowdown in real estate activity before the November presidential election, historically, elections have not significantly impacted the market.

Slight Home Sales Decline Leading Up to Elections

Chart of  seasonal real estate sales

As you can see in the above chart, some buyers do choose to pause their home searches in anticipation of the election, though this trend has not been dramatic in the past. Additionally, this time of year typically sees a seasonal decline in…

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The US housing market has been a seller's market for the past few years. But is that changing as inventory rises?

What Is a Balanced Market?

A real estate market is considered balanced when there is a supply of approximately five to seven months of homes for sale. In a balanced market, neither the seller nor the buyer has a clear upper hand. Prices tend to balance out as more choices become available. It's supply and demand.

Nationally, the year started with a three-month supply which has increased throughout the year to four months, a signal that the US housing market is moving closer to a balanced market.  And yet, even with the increase in housing inventory, we aren't seeing a glut of inventory which would signal a crash. 

The below chart…

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by Gwinn Volen

“‘Massive’ Housing Bubble About to Burst.” “The Housing Market Hit A Wall In May/June.” “Why Are Home Prices Still Rising?” “Home Prices Are Still Sky-High.”

Even the experts can’t figure it out. But the general consensus is that high interest rates are keeping supply low as existing homeowners are hesitant to swap a low-interest rate mortgage for a high interest rate mortgage. Despite high interest rates deterring some, many buyers still need to move for various personal reasons, which is sustaining current inventory prices.


Market Overview

As most of you savvy readers know, real estate is a “local” business. What is happening in the broader marketplace may not be happening in your local market.

So, here is what is…

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by Aaron Bacus

As a mortgage broker, I understand the unique challenges that self-employed individuals face when trying to secure a mortgage. Traditional mortgage qualifications often rely heavily on W-2 forms and tax returns, which can be a significant hurdle for those who run their own businesses. However, there's an alternative solution for self-employed borrowers: bank statement loans. 

#Bank statement loans

What Are Bank Statement Loans?

Bank statement loans are a type of mortgage designed specifically for self-employed individuals who might not have the typical documentation required for a conventional loan. Instead of relying on tax returns and W-2s, these loans use the borrower's bank statements to determine their income. Lenders look at the deposits made…

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by Gwinn Volen

2023 was a year of home price course correction and normalization after 2 years of extreme appreciation. At a national level, 2023 saw the lowest number of home sales since 1995, yet prices still increased 1%, to a record high.

Quarterly Sales Price for Duval and St Johns County: 2019-2023

 real estate statistics

Duval and St. Johns County’s home prices closed out the year with a -0.1% decline. The above graph shows resale property home prices (single-family homes only) in Duval and St Johns County by quarter since 2019. Prices see-sawed from 2019-2021 but you then see the steady rise in prices we saw in 2021 and 2022. You can also see the flattening of prices in 2023, and though Q4 is a little down from Q3, overall prices are steady. Though the…

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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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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 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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