Sales of vacation homes are on the rise, according to the Jan 10, 2011 WSJ.  Some levels of sales are equal to those in 2007, at the height of the housing market. According to the NAR, one in 10 real estate transactions in 2009 was for the purchase of a vacation home. And though a small fraction of the overall market, it is significant because vacation homes are often big-ticket properties and attract discretionary buyers.

Still, in most markets where demand has improved, prices haven’t.

Imagine looking out your window today and seeing sandy beaches and sunny skies. It’s here and it’s waiting for you. Whether you’re thinking of a single-family home, condominium, or an oceanfront retreat, Ponte Vedra Beach and the greater Jacksonville, Florida area is waiting for you.

According to the January 10, 2011 Wall Street Journal, vacation homes are on the rise. Some sales levels are equal to those in 2007, at the height of the real estate market. And while demand has increased in many areas, prices haven’t, making it the perfect time for you to consider buying your vacation home now. Combine that with the weak U.S dollar and there may be no better time for you to take the next step.

Foreign investors make up over 22% of home purchases in Florida, according to the National Association of Realtors. And with good reason. Ponte Vedra Beach and Northeast Florida real estate is desirable, profitable, and a relatively safe investment.  And have I mentioned “gorgeous” too?

Is it chilly where you are?  Snowing?  Raining?  Cloudy?  Perhaps just boring?  Whether you’re from Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, other parts of Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Venezuela, Brazil, other parts of Latin America, Asia, Australia…come here, come home, to sun, sea, a great investment, and friendly faces. We’re waiting just for you.

Posted by:  Nancy Herbkersman

The short sale nightmare is changing thanks to The Home Affordable Alternatives Program (HAFA). New guidelines are now established. When I first started working short sales, nothing was consistent. Each person you worked with had a different way of working through the short sale process.

The new program will help close deals sooner so homeowners can move on with their lives. The first question that needs to be asked when doing a short sale with the lender is “Do you work with the HAFA program?” Some of the great incentives if the seller qualifies are:

• Sellers can get the short sale approved in advance.
• Sellers will receive a pre-approval from the bank that allows you to know the net amount lenders will accept.
• Commissions are not reduced for the real estate agent.
• $1500 to sellers for relocating.
• Mortgage lenders can get $1,000 for a completed short sale.

As they develop, I will keep you informed. If you have any questions, call me or e-mail me at mstewart@watsonrealtycorp.com.

Posted by:  Michele Stewart

I have just listed a fabulously priced condo in downtown Jacksonville, in San Marco, directly on the St. Johns River and this link will take you to the listing with a virtual tour.

This 2 bedroom, 2 full bath is luxurious in every way. The building has every amenity desired, including health facility, club facilities, pool on the 9th floor, spa, library, business center, 24-hour security and concierge service.

Come visit Jacksonville through this listing and see what a wonderful lifestyle awaits you. Downtown where business and pleasure become one, offers fine arts, museums and wonderful nightlife and clubs.

I live at the beach in Ponte Vedra but what a great well kept secret this lovely area offers.

I will be back to tell you more…

Posted by:  Sue Hollis