So, what can we say about money?  And how shall we tie it to Jacksonville FL?  Let me lay this out-- a non-REO, short sale, or severely damaged home in the general Jacksonville Florida area will run about $200,000
What that means is that your search should start at $150,000 and go to about $210,000.  Or to whatever amount you qualify for.  Note the qualify.  Before beginning a home search one should always visit and get to know a home loan person.  Preferably with a well known lender--one that other lenders and companies will recognize.  Are you with me, that part is important.
Once you have in hand that pre-approval letter, which these days may cost the amount of a credit pull, you are ready to GO!  Call your Realtor (me, at 904-238-6559) and pull up your MLS Portal Account, then meet with me, and let's view some homes!

This is where money comes in:  how much more does it cost, if you are approved at 210,000 to go to 220,000?  At let's say 6% interest.  $60.00 per month generally speaking, not always, but in general.  And how much more house does it buy...it can buy quite a bit, and sometimes not so much.
So as you are searching please make sure you are within your mortgage comfort zone, but also note the changes in just a little higher and lower.  They can make quite a difference in quality of life, without the impact in wallet.

Remember, talk to your mortgage broker-- they can best explain how a mortgage works and how to leverage your buying power!

Jacksonville Florida Real Estate is Number Six on Cheaper to Own and Rent

"Jacksonville Among Top 10 Cities Where Cheaper To Buy Than Rent
It's cheaper to buy a home rather than rent one in 72 percent of the 50 largest U.S. cities, according to Trulia's rent vs. buy index, which compares the total cost of homeownership to the cost of renting. "Since the start of the 'Great Recession,' many former homeowners have flooded the rental market," Pete Flint, CEO of Trulia, said in a news release about the index. "Following the principles of supply and demand, renting has become relatively more expensive than buying in most markets." The index compares the median sales price of homes with the median rent on two bedroom apartments, condos, and townhomes that were listed on Trulia as of Jan. 10, 2011. Here are the top 10 cities where it's best to buy than rent, according to the index:
1. Miami
2. Las Vegas
3. Arlington, Texas
4. Mesa, Ariz.
5. Phoenix, Ariz.
6. Jacksonville, Fla.
7. Sacramento, Calif.
8. San Antonio, Texas
9. Fresno, Calif.
10. El Paso, Texas

Source: "Cheaper to buy than to rent in 72 percent of largest U.S. cities," Inman News (Jan. 24, 2011)"  Christa's source:  www.nefar.com

Confirming what I've known, having lived far and wide across our gorgeous United States.  It is less expensive to own than rent.  But it is also comparing apples to oranges... there are long term benefits to owning and this is certainly the time to buy.  Similar to a 'perfect storm' there are great mortgage rates right now (and yes, they will go up)  and nice low pricing to homes-- creating the 'buyer market'.

So, Jacksonville FL is number six on the list above!  And that would be for our surrounding areas as well.  Give me a call today--and let's explore how buying a home can be the right choice for you!

Buying (and Selling) Jacksonville FL Foreclosures

Are you a buyer in the greater Jacksonville FL area?  And have you been searching for real estate online?  Have you looked at foreclosures, short sales, and the seller owned.  Have you noticed that there is a fascination with foreclosures.

And then, have you been watching the winter sports?  There is a morbid facination that grabs our attention as the skater falls.  The snowboarders run is not quite so clean.  The skier who is grabbed by the mountain and tossed in the air.  I have been watching these events, and though I celebrate the success of those who have success, I also will stop what I am doing and watch any  disaster.
Then talk about the 'oh my gosh' moment that it is---

Sort of like walking into a foreclosure and seeing the remains of a home left behind.  The walls that need to be painted.  The carpet that needs to be cleaned.  On occasion the fixtures that will need to be replaced, and of course the reminder to the buyer that they should check for all the parts that make the air conditioner function.  It is in this fascination of 'getting a deal' that grabs our attention as we view the remains of another's fall.

It is that 'oh my gosh' moment as you view the green pool with the wood structure and chicken wire so that all things will not get in the muck.
Are you a buyer in the greater Jacksonville FL area, and are you ready to watch sporting events from the luxury of your own, new to you, living room.  If you are--I am your Realtor, and I am happy to show you the short sale, foreclosure, and the seller owned.

Buying a Home In Jacksonville--minus the mistakes!

In Jacksonville FL these are the mistakes I am finding most common.  This reflects Jacksonville FL and the greater surrounding area(s).

• Someone else buys the house.  We search, we view, you ponder.  I understand the need to ponder.  I completely understand that you may not want to make a quick decision, but in this market you really need to, or you may miss your home.  I have seen this happen all to many times.  And we are both discouraged.  Moral:  if you see a house you like, offer.  I'll be ready, you should be as well.
• Your agent matters.  Ask questions.  How savvy at negotiating is your agent?  Is your agent willing to work around your schedule?  Will they be there during the entire process.  Will they be there for the inspections.  What are they expectations they have, and you have, and do they match.  Is your agent determined to have high volume or high satisfaction, or both.  And if both, do they have a team in play.
• The net number.  The offer needs to be appealing to the seller and the net number needs to be the best it can be.  How does your agent gauge what is or is not a good offer.  How do they help you get that home.  What will they do to make it work.  Is your agent about the money, or your experience, or both--which is completely okay as we are professionals and need to make sure our bottom line is met (hopefully exceeded) but not at your expense.  Find out--it matters.
• Know your lender.  Ask questions.  Know what is offered, and what is not.  What is your interest rate, and when does your rate lock expire.  Do you qualify for any programs or assistance.  How often do they miss closing dates, and why.  Set expectations up front so you will not be disappointed.  And, make sure they do the FHA 203k program, just in case....
• Think resale.  I know.  You are just moving in--why think about that?  I once bought a home, in Port Orchard Washington.  We stayed there exactly 14 months and then sold that house.  Profit--yes.  And we used the same agent.  She knew the house inside and out, and saw some improvements (fence, sod).  She sold it the first week, and it was good.  But, we had not considered resale.  If the average is 5 years with each home, then think ahead!

Homes are getting snapped up right and left in this market here in Jacksonville Florida.  It is an unusual market, and the foreclosures increase each day.  There is an increasing number of seller owned and they are coming on at reasonable pricing--my thought is so they will make the tax incentive with a move up!  Either way there is not a need to look at 20 homes any longer, we can do that online.  There is a need to keep moving in the process and to execute the offer as you find a home that works for you!

Great Reasons to Buy a Home in Jacksonville FL

There are some great reasons to buy a home!  First and foremost, if you have a family similar to mine, the best reason is a place to eat, sleep, and neglect homework!  But seriously, there are some great reasons to own a home in Jacksonville Florida, and here are just a few:

• Community.  Become a part of something bigger than yourself.  Arlington is a perfect example.  This older city is in the process of revitalization and many of the residents there are digging in and changing the environment for the better.  Community--key to the purchase, and something to choose carefully.
• Tax breaks.  I know!  Who knew:)  The interest you pay on a mortgage, the taxes, and some of the costs involved are deductible.  Which is amazing!  Then, if you do improvements that are in line with Federal Tax deductions you can deduct those as well.  Good stuff.
• Equity.  Money spent on rent is money, as my dad used to say, flushed.  However, despite the current economic condition it is possible to have equity in a home.  Example:  you decide to buy that cute little fixer-up foreclosure.  And as you add some paint, you (and your friend the Realtor) are amazed to find out that it has greater value--equity.  Typically speaking the house should gain equity along a nice slow sloping upward trend over great lengths of time.  Not quick spikes.  Think long term, not short!
• Stability.  We are a retired military family.  My eldest son has moved (we think) approximately 9 times in his 19 years.  Twice in Kindergarten, once in 3rd grade, once in 5th (I think), and multiple times before turning 5.  Remaining in one home gives a family, a person, a group, stability.  You know your neighbors, have a favorite dry-cleaner, develop lasting friendships.  Good stuff!
• Fixed expenses.  Rent goes up.  Taxes can go up (you vote on these, perhaps).  Insurance can go up, and you have the choice to change companies.  Your payment however, now that is an unchanging item.  You should always have a set interest rate, and that monthly payment will not decrease or increase--the mortgage part.  Fixed housing expense--good stuff!
• Savings.  Take it from one who knows--your investment in real estate is a savings plan in disguise.  Who knew?  The most brilliant minds in business invest in real estate.  Some in big ways, and others in little way, but all do--or are working to do so. 
• Freedom!  Yes, paint that wall blue, or purple, or green.  Please, choose shag carpet, or berber, or hardwood.  Sure, hang that picture Aunt Somebody painted for you....after all, it's yours!  All yours.  Live your life how you choose, from the interior of your own home!  Freedom, and it is good.

As you begin to search for your dream home remember the following:  narrow down the musts, wants, and do not wants.  Then remember to view the neighborhood.  I prefer viewing neighborhoods on Sunday afternoons, Friday nights, and after school is out.  And please, please, please keep in mind that your Realtor is educated in the art of listening and assisting you in finding your first or next home!

Your Guide to Jacksonville FL--Christa LaFarlette, Realtor at Your Choice Real Estate

Let me be your guide--as you search for a new home in the greater Jacksonville Florida area(s)---

* As a knowledgeable Realtor I can save you endless amounts of time and frustration
* As a knowledgeable Realtor I know the housing market inside and out and can help you avoid the 'wild goose chase'.
* As a knowledgeable Realtor I can help you with any home, even if it is listed elsewhere or if it is being sold directly by the owner.
* As a knowledgeable Realtor I know the best lenders in the area and can help you understand the importance of being pre-approved for a mortgage. I can also discuss down payments, closing costs, and monthly payment options that may suit you.
* As a knowledgeable Realtor, I am an excellent source for both general and specific information about the community such as schools, churches, shopping, and transportation--plus tips on home inspections and pricing.
* As a knowledgeable Realtor I am experienced at presenting your offer to the seller(s) and can assist you through the process of negotiating the best price. I will bring objectivity to the buying transaction, and will point out the advantages and disadvantages of a particular property.

As a licensed real estate professional I provide much more than the service of helping you find your ideal home. Realtors are the expert negotiators with other agents, seasoned advisers with customers, and superb navigators around the local neighborhood. They are members of the National Association of Realtors and must abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice enforced by NAR. A professional Realtor is your best resource when buying a home.

And the best thing about me as your Realtor is that all this help normally will not cost you a cent. Generally, the seller pays the commission to the Realtor!