September 2013 Issue
Jacksonville New Homes and Communities Magazine and Guide
Northeast Florida has been called an undiscovered gem, but more people are recognizing the Jacksonville area for its southern hospitality, its rich history, its natural beauty and its unspoiled beaches. Lovely historic neighborhoods and amenity-rich master-planned communities offer an array of housing options and the arts are emphasized. Football fans can't enough of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.
FEATURE
Northeast Florida is known for its natural beauty, including forests and beaches, as well as its intriguing urban landscapes and its Old Florida ambiance. So it's no wonder artists love to depict the Jacksonville area's many charms.
Northeast Florida's coastline is the prettiest in the state. In fact, many people relocate to the region specifically because of its adjacency to the ocean.
THE LAST WORD
For an organization that's been around as long as the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), we've had remarkably few executive directors. I like to think it's because we're good at picking strong leaders - and once they get in place, they enjoy it so much that they don't want to leave.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
A decade ago, Randy Noles called me and asked if I would like to start a new-home publication in Jacksonville. Randy and I had worked together at Jacksonville Magazine in the mid-'90s, and enjoyed helping to make that magazine a success (and it still is).
SMART MOVES
So, you're thinking of buying your first new home? You're not alone. First-time buyers - all buyers, really - are suddenly everywhere, visiting model centers, browsing the web and perusing home-related magazines.
Decisions now being made in Washington, D.C., could have a major impact on your ability to buy a home - and to pay for it.
If you think your first home has to be somebody else's fixer-upper, think again. You can likely buy a new (or almost new) home with all the modern bells and whistles - and not spend any more per year.
There's certainly no shame in getting help from a family member - or anybody else in a position to offer assistance - when you're gathering money for the down payment on a home.
Here, in descending order, are the median prices for homes
sold in the month of June in various First Coast areas:
The Florida Housing Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program can help first-time homebuyers save money each year that they live in their home.
Despite what you may have read about how difficult it is to get a mortgage loan, the fact is that 60 percent of people who apply are eventually approved.