Florida Real Estate News

 If you weren’t aware, the federal government has been offering a first time home buyer credit of $8,000  when you buy your first place.  Unfortunately, if you aren’t already actively involved in looking and making offers, the time to get that credit is soon to run out.  “Act Now” as they say on TV.

More good news may be on the horizon though.  We’re hearing word and seeing more evidence that some legislators are considering extending the $8,000 first time home buyer credit and adding a provision for existing homeowners to get a $6,500 credit for moving up.  Though it’s clear that many others are now buying in Florida and elsewhere, an extension and the new provision would be a welcome helping hand to the upticking economy. Whether you are a first time home buyer or an existing homeowner, it would be hard to argue that the we aren’t already seeing rock bottom prices for real estate in Florida so take advantage of the tax credit, low mortgage rates and the great deals now because buying and investing in real estate in Florida doesn’t get much better than what we’re seeing right now.

Here’s a quote supporting the possibility:

“We would help first-time home buyers, and we would also help homeowners looking to move up to a new home, but we would exclude from the credit speculators who may have recently purchased a home intending to flip it for a fast profit,” said Senator Max Baucus…”

Read more about it here.

UPDATE:  The proposal passed in the Senate and the House may be voting on it today (Thursday).

For those who have been living in Jacksonville, there are not a whole lot of great things that are able to be said about the season that the NFL’s “home team” – the Jacksonville Jaguars – accomplished. However, now that the post-season is in full swing and things have settled down a bit (with the exception of bowl games still being played in the area), there is reason to send kudos and congratulations to the Jag’s Assistant Coach Tom Williams:

(source) Jaguars assistant coach Tom Williams will make college football history today when he is named the Yale football coach.

Williams, 39, will become the first black coach in Ivy League history.

Although a Yale spokesman declined to confirm the hiring and said the university would have no comment until a news conference today, The Associated Press and several other media outlets reported that Williams was offered and accepted the job.

So, while those of us living on the First Coast – as well as Jacksonville fans from around the country – may still be a little bit disappointed in the way that the season played out, congrats to Williams. Breaking barriers and glass ceilings is always something to be celebrated – and this is no exception.

One of the great things that many people who are living in the coastal areas of Florida share is the natural landscape. Of course, a lot of that beauty is environmental, and as a result – from builders and construction companies to those who produce energy – a lot of the concerns about the energy movement and the need for a change in the way we do things isn’t as focused on drilling off the coast of Florida as it is on finding more environmentally friendly options:

(source)“Drill Baby Drill” was the theme of many of the election campaigns.

However, it is clear to us at the Florida Wildlife Federation that drilling for more oil – with the associated costs, pollution and results that will not be seen for many years – is not the best road to energy independence.

There is a way to produce more jobs and energy for Florida while protecting our fragile coastlines and habitats – clean energy.

Florida voters made it clear that they want a new direction on energy, the economy and the environment.

Majorities of voters viewed clean energy investments as a key means to boosting the U.S. economy, embracing the link between investing in clean energy and revitalizing America’s economy.

For those who are living in Florida’s coastal areas and who are passionate about the environment, there’s little surprise in this; if anything, it sounds like a great idea.

At the end of the day, everyone wants to have a chance to unwind. For some, this is easier than others.

When you live in a Jacksonville Beach condo, you’ll have the chance to take a quick walk to the beach and relax to the sound of the surf. But if you’re looking for a chance to unwind without really leaving home, there’s a simple alternative: relaxing by the pool:

When your Jacksonville Beach condo is at the Northshore Oceanside Condos, you’ll be able to head down to the community pool. Relax in a lounge chair on the marble deck. Swim a few laps to burn off steam. Relax in the heated spa and feel the tension just ease away.

Or, if you’d prefer to relax with friends, take advantage of a deckside barbecue: grill a great dinner, talk with your friends and just hang out. In no time, you’ll find that the stress of your day just starts to melt away – all without your having to go far from home.

Wouldn’t it be great to relax by the pool at your Jacksonville Beach condo? You wouldn’t have to worry about traveling far – and that would avoid adding the stress of getting out and getting back home afterwards.

Living in a Jacksonville Beach condo gives you access to the Jacksonville Beach lifestyle.

For some, that means easy access to the beach: you’ll be able to watch the waves roll in, comb the sand for shells when the tide comes out, have the chance to get fit running on the sand and a chance to just get out and enjoy having fun in the sun. After all, there are nearly 20 miles of wide, sandy beaches for you to spread out over so you’re sure to be able to avoid the crowds.

For others, the Jacksonville Beach lifestyle is all about access to the area’s great golf. You’ll find world class courses – private courses, public courses – where you can play a quick round or spend a long leisurely day with friends.

For others, it’s all about access to fishing and boating. You’ll be able to dock your boat at a nearby marina and take it out for long days of fishing. Or you’ll be able to fish from the pier or even the beach.

No matter which describes your sense of the Jacksonville Beach lifestyle, one thing is certain: you’ll be able to relax, unwind, and enjoy your life – and the views – from your Jacksonville Beach condo.

Lazy summer days: there’s nothing quite like spending them on the beach. From relaxing and meditating on a morning sunrise, to combing the sand after the tide has gone out looking for shells, to taking a refreshing swim to cool off, the shore has a lot to offer. Add building sandcastles, jumping over waves, boogie boarding and the kids have plenty to do to fill a summer afternoon. Run on the sand. Go fishing. Paddle near the coast in a kayak. Whatever you enjoy, you’re likely to find a way of taking advantage of it on the beach. There’s nothing like having easy access to the shore: nothing beats the convenience of having the beach in your backyard. When you have a Ponce Inlet Luxury oceanfront home with a dune walkover, you’ll recognize just how great it is to have the beach in your backyard (you may even wonder how you ever got by without it!).

When it comes to coastal Florida living, different people have different needs. Some are looking for the nightlife and a way to be on the go and involved. Some are looking for fun in the sun on the beach. Others are looking for some seclusion with beautiful views.

Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find a waterfront community in Coastal Florida that’s right for you.

If you’re looking for fun in the sun, access to night clubs, restaurants and shopping, look to Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach. In both areas, you’ll be able to find a waterfront community that keeps you close to the center of everything: a chance to be active and have fun.

If you’re a bit more laid back, still want activity and culture but with a little less kick, choose a waterfront community in St. Augustine, Florida, where you’ll be able to relax, unwind and still find plenty to do without having to stray far from home.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for quiet beauty, you’ll find the idea coastal Florida waterfront community in the less developed but beautiful area of Ponce Inlet. Just how great are the views near Ponce Inlet? Keep in mind that it has one of the country’s 10 best beaches or make a visit to see for yourself.

The diversity of coastal Florida creates a diverse group of waterfront communities. The only trick is finding the right one for you – but trust us, it’s there.

When you’ve found your home at a St. Augustine oceanfront condo, you’ll find yourself comfortable and enjoying all that the area has to offer.

Sure, you’ll be able to relax by the beach, watch the sunrise while you read the morning paper. You’ll be able to go swimming or take time off to fish – from the shore, the pier or by boat. You’ll be able to explore the rich history and culture of the area. You’ll be able to take advantage of boutique shopping, of fine dining and more.

But there are going to be times when you’re still looking for something more to do – whether it’s that you just want to get out or you feel like you need an evening to get out of your routine. The good news is this: when you’ve made your home in St. Augustine, it’s easy to find out what’s going on in the area.

Simply click over to the St. Augustine calendar of events on OldCity.com. Each day you’ll find a listing of city events – from theater presentations to concerts by the pier to great activities going on for the kids, you’ll find something great to do regardless of what your interests are.

Jacksonville Beach living isn’t for everyone. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not ideal for many people.

Those who love the beach lifestyle fare very well with Jacksonville Beach living. Having an ocean view condo in Jacksonville Beach reminds them of their love for the summer.

Living in Jacksonville Beach makes enjoying time on the sand something that can happen every day. Jacksonville Beach living makes it easy to go out for a swim, to spend the day fishing, to bike or run along the shoreline or to take it all in from above with an afternoon of parasailing.

As the summer starts winding down, many find that they can’t keep enjoying all of the summertime fun that they love. Those who live in Jacksonville Beach, on the other hand, are able to hang on to summer throughout much of the year – part of the reason why Jacksonville Beach living appeals to those with year round homes and vacation condos in the area.

Sleek and modern. Open style. Plenty of space to let your personality shine. These are just some of the reasons why Jacksonville loft living has such great appeal.

Others look into Jacksonville loft living because they want to own property in a new development. They want a home that overlooks Jacksonville’s historic district.

No matter why you’re looking into Jacksonville loft living, there’s going to be something that appeals to you beyond everything else.

For some, it will be the living space: high ceilings, concrete floor finishes, movable lighting or the open floor plans. For others, it will be the dining space: top of the line appliances, great space for preparing meals and a great dining area where you can share those meals with friends. Others will be drawn to the master suite and bath.

Of course, if you don’t look into Jacksonville loft living, you’ll never figure out which elements appeal the most to you.