THE JACKSONVILLE REAL ESTATE BLOGGER

"A Brand New Home...A Brand New Way"

Wow, I could've had a prime mortgage
A great article for "buyer beware."  When it comes to buying real estate in Jacksonville, we always make sure our customers speak with at least three lenders.  We do offer mortgage advice, but like to be up front with our customers that we are not mortgage lenders.  We do not hold a mortgage broker's license in the state of Florida.  Beware to those real estate agents who seem to be know it alls with regards to your lending needs.  Thay aren't all right!

http://money.cnn.com/2007/05/29/real_estate/could_have_had_a_prime/index.htm?postversion=2007053016

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 6/5/2007 12:14 PM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
Preditory Lending and Real Estate Investment Opportunities
This is one of my favorite topics recently.  I think many mortgage brokers and lenders will find themselves with questions to answer as foreclosures mount.  On the other side, this will lead into a great opportunty for Jacksonville real estate invesment in the coming years.  It has been said that many speculative investors are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the foreclosure market to peak and real estate prices to bottom at which point they will jump in a snatch up many opportunities.   

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17929461/

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 4/24/2007 11:47 AM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
Rising Foreclosures Have Widespread Fallout
Seems like more and more bad news effecting homeowner's ability for selling real estate in Jacksonville.  Our market has changed quite rapidly since two years ago when the average listing sat on the market for only 21 days.  However, most of the blame with today's foreclosure issues stem back, in my opinion, to the mortgage lenders and many with wreckless lending habits of two years ago.  I can certainly say that we all were expecting this to happen...one day.

http://realestate.msn.com/Buying/Article2.aspx?cp-documentid=4734564

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 4/24/2007 10:55 AM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
Take A Bite Out Of Closing Costs
Buying a new home in Jacksonville can involve many fees, especially if it is a resale these days.  Why mostly resales and property listings in Jacksonville?  Most builders these days now have captive (or private) mortgage companies that work with their clients ti capture their mortgage business.  Builders are giving customers who use their captive mortgage companies to buy new homes in Jacksonville a break when it comes to many mortgage fees and/or closing costs.  This has helped fueled the Jacksonville real estate market over the last few years by making it affordable for buyers to minimize their out of pocket closing costs on new property.

However, resales are something different.  Generally buyers and sellers have their own closing costs which each is responsible for paying.  Taking aim on these costs when buying real estate in Jacksonville can help you save thousands if negotiated correctly with you existing lender.

http://money.cnn.com/2004/03/22/pf/yourhome/closingcosts/index.htm

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 4/23/2007 8:29 AM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
What Real Estate Agents Won't Tell You
I've been asked many times while helping customers buy new homes in Jacksonville, Florida why is it that real estate agents will at times never give me a direct answer to specific questions I have regarding a certain neighborhoods.  Afterall, they say, these are important facts I need to know as a means to facilitating  my decision to buying real estate in Jacksonville.  Customers have said to me "Your a real estate agent...you have to tell me!"  Once you read this article, you will now understand what an agent is willing and at times unwilling to discuss with their customer.  Most of all, as a customer, think what your asking before asking it.  Like the rest of the country, a real estate agent in Jacksonville is bound by a pledge to uphold to a certain code of ethics as well as federal laws protecting consumer from a wide range of discrimination situations.

http://realestate.msn.com/Buying/Article_mw.aspx?cp-documentid=4220787&GT1=9226

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 4/20/2007 11:40 AM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
More Real Estate Brokers Are Reducing Their 6% Fees
North Florida New Homes has always offered discount property listing in Jacksonville, Florida.  Our services range from 4.0% to 4.5% for full entry into the Jacksonville MLS data base along with full seller representation.  Don't go at it alone!  Selling you home is much more complicated than you might think.  Our consultations are always free.  Call the larger "franchise" firms, then call us and compare.  We would be happy to give you the true low down on how the industry works!

http://www.smartmoney.com/home/buying/index.cfm?story=sixpercent

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 4/20/2007 11:31 AM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
Five Lousy Excuses For Not Buying A Home
Do you anyone like this?  I do!  Home ownership is one of the best ways in my opinion to contribute to one's overall long-term financial wealth.  Buying a brand new home in Jacksonville or considering an investment property in Northeast Florida is a great way to accomplish this.

http://realestate.msn.com/selling/Article2.aspx?cp-documentid=4706111&GT1=9323

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 4/20/2007 11:22 AM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
Bargain Time For Home Buyers!
A great article that helps explains what is going on with the today's real estate market.  Even real estate in Jacksonville is feeling the pinch of the nationwide slowdown.  Although new homes in Jacksonville continue to thrive, many builder are making concessions to sell inventory homes.  A great time to buy!

http://realestate.msn.com/Buying/Article_bankrate.aspx?cp-documentid=4185633

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 4/20/2007 11:16 AM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
New Property Listing in Doctor's Inlet Reserve!
Another new Jacksonville MLS listing!  Lovely less than two year old three bedroom, two bathroom home with additional studyin beautiful Doctor's Inlet Reserve! Owned by the builder's superintendent so you know this home was built right! Tons of upgraded features including 18" tile, upgraded hardware and all black appliances. Situated on a peaceful fenced lot overlooking wooded conservation. Low homeowner's assocaition fees in this neighborhood that boosts a community pool, kiddie playground and ball field. Great location near tons of shopping. Hurry...won't last!

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 3/12/2007 1:17 PM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)
Home prices: Don't expect quick rebound
Pulte Homes, Centex Homes, KB Homes and DR Horton Homes area all builders currently active the the Jacksonville, Florida real estate market.  All reporting recent losses with the exception of DR Horton.  ALthough DR Horton sees further write-offs due to unsold homes, lower value lands; expects '08 to be better.

http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/09/news/economy/home_price_slump/index.htm?postversion=2007030915

http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/07/real_estate/dr_horton.reut/index.htm?postversion=2007030717

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Posted by Sean O'Brien at 3/12/2007 1:09 PM | View Comments (0) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (0)