Real Estate Forecast from Walter Williams

What are the region's strongest selling points in terms of relocation?

The quality of life and the cost of living in comparison to other cities of similar size.

Interest rates have started to tick back up. What is your forecast for mortgage interest rates in 2005? How high would they have to go to hurt the market?

In today's uncertain economy, real estate is still an attractive investment. High consumer confidence and low interest rates have contributed to brisk sales in our area. Northeast Florida seems insulated from the national trend of dips in home sales.

What will be the three hottest areas in Northeast Florida for real estate in 2005?

The hottest area always has and always will be the Beaches. That's followed by the areas along the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns River. St. Johns and Flagler counties are also growing rapidly. Jacksonville's Northside is a sleeping giant, but most development there will be beyond 2005.

What is the most pleasant surprise that potential relocators discover about the region as they are home shopping?

The biggest misconception about the area is that Jacksonville is a sleepy little town, and that certainly isn't true. The area is filled with activities such as professional football, a terrific new baseball complex and a great zoo. There are also cultural events to attend and wonderful education opportunities.