Real Estate Forecast from Barbara Moore

What kind of year did you have in 2004?

Last year was a great year. We closed almost 450 homes in the area and have seen tremendous success in all of our communities. Some of this success can be attributed to high demand in popular areas like the Northside, where we're selling in Amelia View, and northern St. Johns County, where we're selling in South Hampton and Stonehurst Plantation.

How do you anticipate the market will be in 2005?

Interest rates have remained low and as long as there are no big surprises, we expect 2005 to be a continuation of the success of 2004.

What are the top three most important things buyers are looking for when they visit a new home?

Livability, location, and value. Families want a home they can use. They want comfortable and casual styling, but many buyers still want formal living and dining rooms as well. Either way, the most important thing is that every room is usable.

Location is key for many reasons, including schools, which has been a strong selling point for our St. Johns County communities. Also proximity to downtown, which is one of the reasons buyers choose our Northside location; and proximity to shopping and entertainment, which has been one reason for the success of Deerwood Place condominiums on the Southside.

Finally, buyers always keep value in mind. That's why we offer homes in a variety of price ranges, from townhomes starting in the low $100s to estate homes priced up to $500,000. We offer a quality home at a price for every budget.

What is the most notable trend in new home design and construction you've noticed in the past year?

There's a noticeable shift towards low-maintenance living. This trend has been evident not only in our success at Deerwood Place, but also at the townhomes and courtyard homes in Stonefield at Bartram Park and Cambridge at OakLeaf Plantation.

Another trend has been luxury upgrades. Homebuyers who purchase mid-level homes are opting for granite countertops, darker woods and rounded walls.