What's the Forecast?

For a number of years, predicting how the real-estate market will perform in Northeast Florida has been comparable to being a local television weather forecaster.

"Highs in the 80s with a chance of afternoon thundershowers" is pretty likely to describe the weather nine days out of ten. "Another big year with record sales and price increases" is just as likely to describe the state of the homebuilding industry.

This coming year promises more of the same, with just subtle degrees of difference. The weather's still going to be terrific, of course. And the real estate market will be, too. But in the housing arena, look for an increasing trend toward multifamily development and close-in land becomes more scarce. The land shortage will also spur the launch of more big master-planned communities in once-rural areas.

And while home prices may not continue to rise at the kind of sizzling pace we saw in 2005, they will rise nonetheless. Still, look for Jacksonville to remain Florida's most affordable major market-at least for now. Price increases here, while high by historic standards, still aren't out of line with legitimate value. In other words, it's not a smart strategy to wait for the local real estate bubble to pop so you can snap up a bargain. Quite frankly, there just doesn't appear to be any bubble to pop.

So if you're in the market for a new home, conditions aren't likely to get any more favorable than they are right now. In fact, with interest rates ticking up a bit, your golden opportunity might very well be right now. That's why I think you'll be especially interested in this issue of Jacksonville Homebuyer, the general theme of which is "trends."

As we did last year, we've assembled panels of builders, developers, interior designers and other real estate professionals and asked them what to expect.

Their answers will provide information you'll need to make an informed decision.

Also in this issue, we profile West Westmoreland, president of Jaguar Builders. West believes he was given a second chance at life nearly 20 years ago, when a near-fatal motorcycle accident left him a quadriplegic. Through sheer determination and entrepreneurial savvy, he became one of the region's most respected and successful builders.

It's a terrific story even if it ended there. But it doesn't. West believes that God spared his life for a purpose-and that purpose is using his talent and his resources to help others.

You'll also learn about the top Jacksonville building-industry newsmakers in this issue-the people who make things happen in our community.

Plus, look for the usual detailed public school information, a revised regional roundup and much more. That's why Jacksonville Homebuyer is truly Northeast Florida in print.

So enjoy. And here's to a safe, happy and prosperous new year.