How Downsizing Your Home Can Upgrade Your Life

May 7, 2021

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If the COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s to appreciate the simple things of life. As millions of Americans have adjusted to a more simplified lifestyle, the notion that ‘less is more’ resonates more than ever before. Downsizing could be exactly what you need to maximize your life. 

 

“Many people downsize once they become empty nesters. Once their children have left the nest, homeowners begin to desire lightening their load,” shares Davidson Realty Realtor ®, Rebecca Schaffer

 

Perhaps the most obvious advantages of downsizing are financial. Selling your property with the intention of buying something smaller often means you have more money to afford upgrades in your new home that matter most to you.  But the savings don’t stop there. With less square feet under your roof, you’ll likely be spending less on your mortgage payment, utilities, and maintenance on your home. That extra cash in your pocket each month can help you go on vacations or have other experiences that will make lasting memories. 

 

Less house equals less upkeep. The time you would have spent cleaning and maintaining your home will now be cut significantly. Decreasing your space also means decreasing your belongings. Prior to your move, sort through items and only keep your more treasured pieces. A weight will be lifted off your shoulders as you say goodbye to the clutter and unused stuff that has occupied your space. Donate any items you are no longer keeping to those in need. A few of our favorite places to donate clothes and home goods are: Goodwill, BEAM Thrift, and Hope’s Closet

 

With less to worry about inside your home, the more time you can spend outside of your home. Spend your newfound free time to take up a new hobby, travel, and socialize with old and new friends. Northeast Florida is the perfect place to truly relax and live your best life. “Many downsizing buyers are taking advantage of Northeast Florida’s fifty-five and older communities for an active and social lifestyle. While others are opting for the beaches for a leisurely pace,” shares Davidson Realty Realtor ® Shelley Nemethy

 

From the beaches to the historic neighborhoods, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are interested in maximizing your life by minimizing your home, call the Northeast Florida real estate experts at Davidson Realty at (904) 940-5000.

Update on Market Trends for October 2009

December 1, 2009

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Sherry DavidsonwebAfter reviewing the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors October Market Stats, I continue to see real estate in Jacksonville, FL stabilizing.

The pending sales in October are up 79% over last year, but that is misleading unless you put into context what the market was like last October. If you remember, the country was experiencing a financial market meltdown. The pending sales are good and improving every month. August pending sales were 1, 479, September was 1,535 and October was 1,729. That is a terrific trend.

The prices of homes in Northeast Florida seem to be stabilizing. The median sales price for August, September, and October were $149,900, $145,000, and $146,000. The average prices for the same months were $179,411, $175,108 and $179,205. The year to date average sales price is down about 20% from last year. Read more

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended!

November 16, 2009

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Posted by in News

Sherry DavidsonDavidson Realty has been working with many first-time buyers looking for homes in St. Augustine that have been unable to close by November 30, 2009, which would prevent them from qualifying for the awesome tax credit of $8,000. This was a huge problem for families taking advantage of the great pricing on short sales in St. Augustine. The lenders are getting better, but the short sale process can still be very lengthy.

But now there is good news for all of these buyers that are unable to close by November 30th. The tax credit for first time homebuyers has been extended so that you as long as you sign a contract to buy a home before April 30, 2010 and close on your home by June 30, 2010, you are eligible for the $8,000 credit. Read more

Positive Real Estate Market Trends Continue

November 2, 2009

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Sherry DavidsonThe positive trends that we have seen in the Northeast Florida real estate market are continuing.
• Pending sales and closed sales for September, 2009 have increased over the previous month and the previous year.
• The inventory of homes in Jacksonville, FL is down from last month and last year.
• Prices of homes in Jacksonville, FL are down slightly from last month but the change is much smaller than we have seen in past months.
• Prices of homes in St. Augustine in the 32092 zip code have increased slightly.  The 32092 zip code includes World Golf Village, Murabella, Sevilla, St. Johns Golf and Country Club, South Hampton and many more. The average sales price in 32092 was $179,860 in the first quarter of 2009, $206,254 in the second quarter, and $217,893 in the third quarter.

There is also good news to report regarding short sales. We are handling many short sales and they are complicated and frustrating; however, the process is improving over what we have experienced in the last couple of years.

Davidson Realty