We hope you will find this series of thought provoking questions to be useful as you plan for a carefree retirement destination. While we all dream of the “perfect retirement” most people will need to strike a balance between the myriad of choices and considerations along with financial reality.
Popular North Jacksonville Communities & Sub-Divisions The links below will provide active MLS listings for the community Eagles Hammock. All listing reports by various brokers and agents provided as a courtesy to our website visitors. Some of the listing reports may include up to 30 listings depending on the community so they may take several minutes to load depending on the speed of the internet connection you have. Please be patient.
Eagles Hammock Listings - All Price Points
If you would like more information on any of these homes or wish to schedule a viewing, please email us at:
carollorenc@watsonrealtycorp.com or call us directly on 904.461.6074.
Popular Jacksonville and St Augustine Florida Communities & Sub-Divisions The links below will provide active MLS listings for the selected communities including Bartram Springs, Eagles Hammock, Glen Kernan, Heritage Landing at World Golf Village, Julington Creek, Marsh Creek, Palencia, Plantation Oaks, Queens Harbour, St Johns Golf & Country Club and South Hampton. All listing reports by various brokers and agents provided as a courtesy to our website visitors. Some of the listing reports may include up to 30 listings depending on the community so they may take several minutes to load depending on the speed of the internet connection you have. Please be patient.
World Golf Village Homes Under $400,000
World Golf Village Homes From $400,000 to $500,000
World Golf Village Homes From $500,000 to $600,000
World Golf Village Homes From $600,000 to $800,000
World Golf Village Homes From $800,000 and Above
Palencia Homes Under $450,000
Palencia Homes From $450,000 to $500,000
Palencia Homes From $500,000 to $600,000
Palencia Homes From $600,000 to $800,000
Palencia Homes From $800,000 to $1,000,000
Palencia Homes From $1,000,000 to $2,000,000
If you would like more information on any of these homes or wish to schedule a viewing, please email us at carollorenc@watsonrealtycorp.com or call us directly on 904.461.6074.
South Hampton Homes Under $400,000
South Hampton Homes From $400,000 to $500,000
South Hampton Homes From $500,000 and Above
Queen's Harbour Homes Under $700,000
Queen's Harbour Homes From $700,000 to $800,000
Queen's Harbour Homes From $800,000 to $1,000,000
Queen's Harbour Homes From $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
Bartram Springs Homes Under $300,000
Bartram Springs Homes From $300,000 to $350,000
Bartram Springs Homes From $350,000 to $400,000
Bartram Springs Homes From $400,000 and higher
The Florida Association of Realtors reported today that the sales of existing single-family houses in the greater Jacksonville area were down slightly in February compared to the same period last year and while sales were off by 5%, median prices increased by 1% to an average of $198,100.
Resale condos on the other hand were down 42% and prices fell by 2% to $163,000 for February 2007 compared to February 2006.
We just listed a beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bath condo in much sought after Lakecrest on the Southside in Jacksonville.
Community amenities include a beautiful clubhouse, 2 pools, exercise facility, tennis, boat & RV parking and more. Priced to sell at $168,500!
April is an active month for events and festivals in Jacksonville and surrounding towns in Duval County. Some of the most popular ones include:
Some of the highlights----Some of the programs
--1- 2 person household $60,300, and 3 or more $69,345--
Source: Countrywide Home Loans
The first rule in negotiating a real estate offer is to do your homework in advance of signing a contract to buy a residential property. Working with a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent will cost you little or nothing and can save you a great deal of money. In most areas of the country, existing and new home inventories are high levels and may represent from 6 months to over 1 year of supply.
There are basically 3 types of sellers; those that can or are willing to wait for the market to rebound regardless of whether they have realistically priced their home or not; those that have a strong desire to sell regardless of their rationale but can walk away from an offer; and those that are bound to sell due to whatever reasons they have for selling.
Start with having your real estate agent find out all the pricing history available for a given property. This will include all previous sales to the extent public information is available. Determine if possible what the seller paid when purchasing the property and the years and/or months of ownership. Assuming an MLS (Multiple Listing System) property, find out what the original asking price was and how it compared to comparable values at the time of listing. Determine what if any price changes have been made with the listing. Ask your real estate agent to do a history search not only on the specific MLS listing number but on the address as well to determine what other MLS listing numbers were assigned to the property. Done correctly, this will give you the full property pricing history and a very important foundation and first step in developing your offer strategy.
Please comeback later in the week for Part II – Formulating the Initial Offer
One of life’s exciting challenges is deciding on what type of home ownership fits best. First time buyers are trying to decide on a single-family starter house, townhouse or a condo? Homeowners decide they are tired of maintaining their house and yearn for someone else to do the upkeep allowing plenty of time to explore their interests. Others may be quite happy with their existing house but have their eye on a well-deserved vacation condo on the beach, waterfront or the countryside.
Before writing a check and putting their names on a contract to purchase a condo they may wish to consider the benefits and drawbacks of a communal lifestyle and what it means to live in a condo. Condominium Association By-Laws, Documents and all Amendments must be carefully reviewed. Buyers have a limited number of days as specified in the contract to review and accept or decline. The “Condo Docs” are in essence the rules and regulations one agrees to live by when living in a condo. The condo documents will specify if pets are allowed and restrictions on the number, types, weight and acceptable breeds. Common condo property will be described in detail. Carpeting may be required on floors above ground level (except kitchen) or is tile allowed anywhere? Remember flooring can become a significant noise factor for anyone living on lower floors in a condo.
Violations of the condo rules and regulations can be handled differently depending on the strength of the condo association board of directors. Lesser violations usually begin with written warnings to the condo owner. Violations that persist may result in monetary fines or legal action. A prospective buyer should understand the due process for an inconsiderate renter or owner that lives next door.
When it comes to maintenance, exactly what is the condo owner responsibility? Doors and windows are usually not considered common condo property. Unit decks on your condo may or may not be. Inside plumbing and electrical usually is a condo unit owner’s responsibility. Special consideration for oceanfront living including corrosive factors for the heating/cooling system, automobiles if left outside and doors and windows should be taken into account. Regular maintenance and monthly wash downs will increase useful life.
The financial condition of the Condo Association is as important as ones’ personal finances. The annual and monthly reports should be reviewed carefully. The Condo Association may be fully reserved for future financial obligations or only partially. Many Condo Associations partially reserve for future repairs/replacements and then assess all owners when the time comes. There are many pros and con’s of partial reserving but it generally favors the unit owners who sell prior to reserve calls and disfavors newer condo owners. The age of the complex should be considered carefully in determining upcoming major repairs.
Prospective condo buyers should consider whether they would like to become active in the Association or let others make decisions for them. Major changes and issues usually require the majority of unit owners for approval. The Board of Directors or the management company typically handles routine matters.
Communal living is not everyone’s ideal living situation. The proximity of neighbors, availability of parking for residents/visitors, pet noise and loud voices should be considered carefully. The floor level selected may enter into the decision process. Are there elevators or stairs to reach the upper floors? The top floor (or penthouse) assures no overhead noises like footsteps, paw steps, parties, guests et al but the adjoining units may be a different story. Condo Association rules signify if unit rentals are allowed and the minimum duration. The comings and goings of renters and their entourage of visitors can translate into a nuisance to some residents.
Condo complex property insurance must be sufficient to fully restore the unit or complex in the event of damage or destruction. Owners are required to purchase their own property insurance to cover the interior usually from the walls in. If an oceanfront condo is being considered, coverage may be expensive and difficult to obtain, particularly during hurricane season.
Condo resale potential should be considered. New units may still be available when its time to sell. In larger complexes, new phases may be planned in future years. Should circumstances dictate a sale prospective buyers may prefer a new condo.
Knowing what you are buying and all the considerations can make the difference between a carefree lifestyle and possibly regretting the condo buying decision.
When considering the purchase of an older home, consideration should be given to the overall condition and age of the structure, roof, heating & cooling systems, plumbing, electrical systems and appliances. Costly repairs or replacement of expensive systems may loom on the horizon and become budget busters.
To help alleviate some of the non-structural concerns many sellers and/or real estate agents will provide a home warranty as part of the sale price for a home. Warranties are offered by a number of companies and typically cover the first 12 months following the closing date and are usually renewable. Annual costs for home warranties vary by company but many range from $350 to $450.
Before going forward with a sales and purchase agreement to purchase a home being offered with a home warranty, be aware of exactly what components the warranty covers, the exclusions and the terms and conditions of the warranty contract. Most non-builder home warranties will come with a deductible for any service call. Deductibles vary by company but most will range from $50 to $85. Some appliances such as washers and dryers, hot tubs and others may be excluded and can be added for an additional annual cost. Obtain a sample copy of the warranty contract and read it. Don't rely on the company sales brochure or oral representations being made by the owner or real estate agent.
Considerations:
1. Who will provide the actual service? Most home warranty companies sub-contract the repair work to various local service providers but the warranty company will choose what firm will come to your home. 2. Who determines whether a component is repaired or replaced? Generally speaking, the service provider will be working with the warranty company's guidelines. For low cost items like garbage disposals and other difficult to service items, replacement is typical on the initial service call. For more costly items, repairs will typically be attempted and replacement made only as a last resort.3. For replacement parts, will new parts be used or are used parts allowed? Many home warranty companies have a contract provision that permits used replacement parts.4. For replacement systems, will the replacement be made with the same model and manufacturer? Home warranty companies may have a provision to replace with similar capacity components but not the same model or manufacturer.5. For major component replacement, what is the home warranty process for approval? Most home warranty companies will have a rigorous process prior to approving major component replacement. Depending on the component, the determination may be made the same day or may take much longer. Replacement systems may be provided by the home warranty company and not the service provider causing delays in replacement.6. Can the home warranty company deny approval for replacement systems? Most home warranty companies will have contract provisions requiring normal homeowner and/or service company maintenance for certain systems. Central air conditioning systems for example, if determined to be dirty due to homeowner negligence may not be covered or the home warranty company may offer to provide a reduced amount to be used against the cost of the replacement. Or the home warranty company may determine that the particular system installed in your home to be undersized for the house and deny coverage beyond a reduced offer to partially cover a replacement.
Once the extent of coverage is understood for the home warranty being offered a more informed decision can be made on next steps. Negotiating the repair or replacement of questionable appliances and/or systems with the seller prior to closing may be advisable. In lieu of repair or replacement, a reduction in offering price to reflect the risk may be prudent. Consider asking the seller or real estate agent to upgrade the home warranty being offered to include more covered appliances/systems and to provide a warranty with a lower per call deductible.
With the Winter market beginning in Northeast Florida, many visitors are contemplating the purchase of a retirement condo in or around St Augustine. The lure of the good life coupled with a hassle-free condo is compelling. While condo living suits many people, there are two nuisance factors to consider before signing a purchase agreement.
First, what about noise? The type, age and quality of construction coupled with the location of the unit will have a strong bearing on noise levels. Common complaints regarding noise include:
Second, what about automobile parking? The availability of sufficient space to park one or more unit owned autos and guest's autos varies greatly. Common complaints regarding parking include:
Ones tolerance levels can be severly tested when confronted with unwanted noise and parking issues that can turn hassle-free living into daily frustrations.
