Jacksonville Real Estate and Community News

June 11, 2023

Unlocking Real Estate Success with NuView Realty in Jacksonville, Florida

As you venture into the bustling world of real estate, the importance of partnering with a trusted, reputable brokerage cannot be overstated. Here in Jacksonville, Florida, we're proud to introduce you to the real estate experts at NuView Realty.

 

### The NuView Realty Advantage

 

At NuView Realty, we're not just about buying and selling properties; we're about creating meaningful relationships with our clients and helping them realize their dreams. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell your property, we approach every client's unique needs with the same level of enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment.

 

### Full-Service Brokerage

 

What does it mean to be a full-service real estate brokerage? At NuView Realty, it means we're with you every step of the way. We provide a comprehensive range of services including property listing, purchasing, market research, valuation, and negotiation. By choosing us, you're not just getting a realtor; you're getting a team of experienced professionals committed to your success.

 

### Advanced Technology 

 

We understand that the real estate landscape is evolving rapidly, with technology at the forefront of this transformation. That's why we've invested in a user-friendly, technologically advanced website, providing our clients with access to real-time data from the official Realtor®'s database. This ensures that you stay informed about the latest listings, price changes, and sold data.

 

### An Expert Understanding of Jacksonville

 

Jacksonville, Florida, offers a diverse real estate market, with properties ranging from cozy single-family homes to luxurious waterfront estates. Our agents are Jacksonville natives, boasting extensive knowledge of the city's neighborhoods, schools, and market trends. This insider understanding allows us to guide you to areas that not only meet your property requirements but your lifestyle needs too.

 

### Conclusion

 

Whether you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Jacksonville, the team at NuView Realty is ready to help make your goals a reality. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellent service, our innovative use of technology, and our deep roots in the Jacksonville community. 

 

For more information about how NuView Realty can assist with your real estate needs, don't hesitate to contact us today. We can't wait to help you on your journey.

 

---

 

Author: Randall Wiggins - Licensed Real Estate Broker 

NuView Realty, Jacksonville, Florida

April 24, 2023

Discover the Perks of Homeownership in Jacksonville, FL and Save with My Exclusive Offer!

Are you considering purchasing a home in the Sunshine State? Look no further than Jacksonville, Florida! This vibrant city on the northeastern coast of Florida offers an exceptional quality of life with diverse neighborhoods, stunning beaches, and a thriving economy. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of owning a home in Jacksonville.

 

1. Affordable Housing Market:

 

One of the primary benefits of buying a home in Jacksonville is its affordability. Compared to other major Florida cities like Miami and Orlando, Jacksonville offers a more budget-friendly housing market. This means you can get more house for your money and enjoy lower mortgage payments.

 

2. Excellent Job Opportunities:

 

Jacksonville boasts a strong and diversified economy with numerous job opportunities. Major industries include healthcare, finance, logistics, and aviation. The city is also home to several military installations, providing additional employment prospects.

 

3. Great Quality of Life:

 

Living in Jacksonville means enjoying a high quality of life. With miles of pristine beaches, numerous parks, and a thriving arts and culture scene, there's always something to do. Plus, the city has a pleasant climate, allowing for outdoor activities year-round.

 

4. Top-rated Education:

 

Jacksonville is home to a robust education system, featuring highly-rated public and private schools, as well as prestigious colleges and universities. This ensures a bright future for families with children and contributes to the overall growth of the community.

 

Conclusion:

 

Owning a home in Jacksonville, Florida, is a wise investment, providing numerous benefits from affordable housing to a vibrant lifestyle. . Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make Jacksonville your new home! Contact us today to get started on your journey to homeownership.

April 11, 2023

PMI

Insurance is like protection from a rainy day,

so it makes sense that a mortgage lender

would require insurance on money being lent to

a buyer. When it comes to buying a home there

are a lot of expenses, some you may know about

and some you don't. I'm here to answer any

questions you may have, just send me a

message. #thehelpfulLO #home #house

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#icanhelp #themoreyouknow #househunting

#investment

April 10, 2023

Research Jacksonville FL schools

Are you in the process of buying a home in the Jacksonville, FL area? If so, one of the most important factors to consider is the quality of the local schools. Fortunately, researching schools in the area has never been easier thanks to our free GreatSchools school finder tool.

With our school finder tool, you can quickly and easily research schools in the Jacksonville area and make an informed decision about your investment. Our tool is powered by GreatSchools, a leading resource for school ratings and information, and provides detailed information on local schools, including ratings, test scores, and reviews from parents and students.

To get started, simply visit our website and enter the zip code or address of the area you're interested in. Our tool will provide you with a list of nearby schools, and you can dive deeper into each school's profile to learn more about their academic programs, extracurricular activities, and more.

Best of all, our tool is completely free to use. We believe that everyone should have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their investments, and we're committed to providing that information to our users.

So why wait? Start researching schools in the Jacksonville, FL area today and make an informed decision about your investment. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.

RESEARCH LOCAL SCHOOLS

April 9, 2023

The Top Neighborhoods to Buy a Home in Jacksonville

As a local expert, I know the Jacksonville area like the back of my hand - including all the best neighborhoods for buyers to consider. In this post, I'll highlight some of the top areas in the city, from historic districts like Riverside and Avondale to up-and-coming spots like Springfield and Murray Hill. I'll explain what makes each neighborhood unique, and how I make dreams of owning a home in one of these great communities a reality.

April 9, 2023

The Benefits of Working with NuView Realty for Your Jacksonville Real Estate Needs

NuView Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage that has been serving the Jacksonville area for years. In this post, I'll explain why I'm proud to be a part of the NuView team, and how our company's commitment to innovation, transparency, and customer satisfaction sets us apart from other brokerages in the area. Plus, I'll share some of the specific tools and resources we offer our clients to help them succeed in the competitive Jacksonville market.

April 9, 2023

Selling Your Jacksonville Home? Here's Why You Should Choose Me as Your Realtor

If you're thinking of selling your home in the Jacksonville area, you want an agent who can help you get the best possible price and sell quickly. In this post, I'll explain why I'm the right Realtor for the job, thanks to my deep knowledge of the local market, extensive marketing expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional customer service. 

April 9, 2023

How to Choose the Right Realtor for Your Jacksonville Home Purchase

Buying a home is a major investment, and you want to make sure you have the right Realtor on your side. In this post, I'll share some tips for choosing the best agent for your needs, including looking for someone with experience, local knowledge, and a track record of success. I'll also explain why I believe I'm the right Realtor for anyone looking to buy a home in the Jacksonville area, and how my 20% commission incentive can make a big difference.

April 9, 2023

Discover Your Dream Home: A Space That Grows With You

Experience the Benefits of Homeownership and Find the Perfect Home for Your Unique Needs

 

Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of homeownership? My team at NuView Realty is here to guide you every step of the way. We understand that buying a home is a significant decision driven by various motivations. That's why we're committed to helping you find a home that fulfills all your aspirations.

 

🏠 Financial Investment: Secure your future with a solid investment. Our team will help you find properties in high-potential areas, ensuring you benefit from long-term appreciation, tax benefits, and growing equity.

 

🏠 Stability and Security: Lay down roots in a vibrant community and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with owning your own home. Our expert agents will match you with neighborhoods that offer the stability and security your family deserves.

 

🏠 Pride of Ownership: Experience the satisfaction of owning a beautiful, high-quality home. We'll showcase properties that match your preferences, offering unique features that will make your home a symbol of achievement and independence.

 

🏠 Personalization and Control: Express yourself with a space that truly reflects your personality. We'll help you find a home that offers endless possibilities for customization, so you can create the perfect sanctuary without any landlord constraints.

 

🏠 Privacy: Savor the tranquility and privacy of owning your own home. Our agents will ensure your new home offers a retreat from the world, where you can relax and unwind without disturbance.

 

🏠 Family and Lifestyle: Raise your family in a supportive and nurturing environment. We'll connect you with homes near top-rated schools, parks, and community amenities, ensuring your family's well-being and happiness.

 

🏠 Relocation: Embrace new opportunities and a fresh start in a welcoming community. Whether you're relocating for work or personal reasons, we'll help you find the perfect home in an area that aligns with your new lifestyle.

 

Ready to find your dream home? Contact me today at 904-373-9648 or randy.wiggins@nuviewrealty.com to start your personalized home search. Let me and my experienced team at NuView Realty help turn your motivations into reality, one step at a time.

Posted in Buying a Home
March 25, 2010

Jacksonville Real Estate News

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- May 3, 2013 / 7:16 PM -- With an additional $1.1 billion to spend this year, there was less drama this session. Well, there was the incident this week when House Democrats protested the stalemate over healthcare reform by requiring all bills be read in full. The task was handed off to "Mary," a mechanical auto-reader that "read" bill texts aloud for two days.

The stall tactic didn't ultimately slow proceedings. In fact, the House moved through 75 percent of the day's agenda on Wednesday. Nor did it impact Florida Realtors' priorities. By Wednesday, most of our initiatives had either passed or were well on their way toward passage.

"As I travel the state, it's exciting to see the degree to which Florida's Realtors are involved in grassroots advocacy," says 2013 Florida Realtors President Dean Asher, a broker-owner with Don Asher & Associates Inc. in Orlando. "After meeting with lawmakers throughout the session, I'm happy to report that the Realtor Party has produced results you'll be happy with."

Following are highlights of the 2013 legislative session, which adjourned moments ago:

BILLS THAT PASSED

Much-needed funding for affordable housing programs. Lawmakers allocated more than $200 million from the large national mortgage settlement last year to numerous housing programs. Sen. Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando) negotiated the Senate's settlement spending plan, SB 1852 , which provides $50 million for rental assistance (State Apartment Incentive Loans or SAIL) and $40 million to refurbish existing homes for low-income families and provide down payment assistance and lease-purchase assistance (the State Housing Initiative Program, or SHIP). It also directs $20 million to Habitat for Humanity, $16 million for additional retired judges to help relieve the foreclosure caseload and $10 million in legal aid services for low- and middle-income homeowners facing foreclosure. While Florida Realtors prefers that funding for affordable housing programs come from the doc stamp taxes collected on every real estate transaction for the Sadowski Trust fund, we appreciate the Legislature's commitment to provide affordable housing for Florida's low-income families and the elderly. Effective when mortgage settlement money is deposited in Florida's general revenue fund.

Tax loophole closed. This goes into the win column for Florida Realtors. Working with several legislators, language was included in different bills to close a tax loophole used by for-profit affordable housing builders to exploit the law. They accomplish this by forming non-profit subsidiaries primarily to pay lower property taxes. Thanks to Reps. Daniel Davis (R-Jacksonville) and Doc Renuart (R-Ponte Vedra) for accomplishing this via HB 437, and Sen. Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) for placing this language in several Senate bills. Effective: July 1, 2013.

Lawmakers to squatters: Jig's up. Homes left unoccupied due to foreclosure have brought out all kinds of opportunists, including those seeking free rent in swanky digs under the veil of adverse possession. HB 903 by Rep. Daniel Davis (R-Jacksonville) amends Florida's long-standing adverse possession law to curb these abuses. Effective July 1, 2013, persons claiming adverse possession must:

  • pay all outstanding taxes and liens levied by the state, county or municipality within one year of claiming adverse possession;
  • provide the county property appraiser with their contact information, the date when the adverse possession claim began, a legal description of the property, and the dates when outstanding taxes and liens were paid. Filing this return with the property appraiser does not give an adverse possessor an enforceable interest in the property.

Squatters who don't file a return may be charged with trespassing. If an adverse possessor leases the property to a third party, they can be charged with theft.

Citizens will shrink, but not because of higher rates. A legislative session wouldn't be complete without an insurance reform bill. The bill that crossed the finish line, SB 1770 , started off big and controversial, calling for substantial rate increases for many of Citizens' nearly 1.3 million policyholders and all new policyholders. The end product is still big -- 75 pages -- and includes a Florida Realtors priority: create a clearinghouse to enforce Citizens' eligibility requirements. But it does not include a requirement sought by Sen. David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs) that all new policies be actuarially sound. Simmons chaired the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee this session and negotiated a compromise between an ambitious Citizens reform bill passed by the Senate and a "lighter" version proposed by the House.

"There were so many insurance bills this session that seemed to go in so many different directions, including huge rate increases. But early on we identified the one reform -- an eligibility clearinghouse -- that would do the most good for the most people without unleashing rate increases that could hurt Florida's economic recovery," says John Sebree, Senior Vice President of Public Policy. "The legislation that did pass was the result of many long hours of negotiations between legislators, insurance companies and agents, consumer groups and Realtors."

Here's what the bill accomplishes:

  • All applicants for Citizens coverage will have to go through a clearinghouse to establish eligibility. If applicants can obtain private market coverage at a cost that's within 15 percent of the Citizens' premium, they are ineligible for Citizens. Incidentally, this is current law but easily circumvented.
  • Currently, homes with a replacement cost of up to $1 million are eligible for Citizens coverage. Beginning in 2015, the maximum replacement cost will drop $100,000 a year for three years. In 2017, then, homes with a replacement cost greater than $700,000 will not be eligible for Citizens coverage. This won't apply to homes in areas where the Office of Insurance Regulation determines there's no "reasonable degree of competition," such as the Florida Keys.
  • Removes Citizens eligibility for homes built or substantially improved seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line after July 1, 2014.
  • Expands the Citizens Board of Governors to include a consumer advocate, who will be appointed by the governor.

Effective: July 1, 2013, unless otherwise provided.
 
Foreclosure reform. With buyer demand increasing and inventory levels at record lows, Realtors consider foreclosures lingering in the courts as prime housing stock. To be sure, foreclosing on a mortgage is a long process in Florida -- about 853 days, more than twice the national average. That should begin to change with the passage of HB 87 by Rep. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples). The bill allows lenders to ask the court to justify why a final order hasn't been entered, and gives condominium and homeowners associations the right to request the court move the process along where appropriate. Consumer interests are addressed in several provisions including: (1) requiring lenders to prove they own the loan for a property before foreclosing on it; (2) reducing the time lenders can seek deficiency judgments from five years to one year and (3) providing protections for innocent parties who purchase a property without knowledge that a previous owner may have a claim to the property. For the person whose home is erroneously foreclosed on, HB 87 provides for the recovery of damages (monetary, compensatory, punitive, statutory and consequential), injunctive relief and fees. Effective upon becoming law.

Rent out homestead every year, keep tax exemption. This initiative originated in Northeast Florida, where property owners sought to rent out their homestead during The Players Championship golf tournament and the Daytona 500 without jeopardizing their homestead status for several tax exemptions. Under current law, rental for any amount of time in the second of two consecutive years triggers abandonment of homestead and loss of the homestead exemption in the second year. SB 342 by Sen. John Thrasher (R-St. Augustine) provides a "safe harbor" that lets people rent their homestead for up to 30 days a year without losing the exemption. However, rentals that exceed 30 days for two consecutive years jeopardize the homestead exemption in year two. Note that the law doesn't address how many days beyond the 30-day threshold triggers abandonment of homestead. A Department of Revenue opinion allows for rentals of up to six months every other year if proof of substantial residency and other conditions are met. Effective: July 1, 2013.

New option: Electronic version of yearly property tax notices. Many businesses have cut down on the cost of paper and mailing by giving customers the option to check bills online. HB 247 by Sen. Jeremy Ring (D-Margate) and Rep. Bryan Nelson (R-Apopka) attempt to do the same thing for Florida, and it could impact a few real estate-related forms, such as the annual TRIM notices (property tax assessments). Currently, counties mail TRIM notices and other documents, including sample election ballots, to homeowners by first-class mail. Under HB 247, a county can opt for an online system, providing certain conditions are met, such as an "opt-in" system for collecting email addresses. Effective: Oct. 1, 2013.

Hidden liens no more. Sometimes governmental and quasi-governmental entities place liens on property that aren't known until closing, which can disrupt an otherwise good transaction. HB 267 by Realtor and Rep. John Wood (R-Winter Haven) requires these liens to be recorded in the county where the property is located in order to be valid. This bill only applies to liens entered by a governmental or quasi-governmental entity for services, fines, or penalties, and does not affect liens for taxes, non-ad valorem or special assessments, or utilities. Effective: Oct. 1, 2013.

New disclosure for residential leases. HB 77 by Rep. Elizabeth Porter (R-Lake City) contains a number of revisions to Florida's Landlord and Tenant Act. It also includes a new disclosure that must be given to tenants when they receive notice as to where their security deposits or advance rents are being held, if they'll receive interest on the money and so on. The bill also contains provisions about screens, recurring tenant violations of a lease, evictions after acceptance of partial rent, non-renewal notice requirements, writs of possession and the transfer of security deposits from a previous owner to a new landlord. Property managers are encouraged to review this legislation closely. Effective: July 1, 2013.

Green energy tax incentives. In 2008, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment providing tax breaks to residential property owners who install solar energy devices or wind-resistant materials. HB 277 by Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee) and Rep. Jose Felix Diaz (R-Miami) creates rules to implement the tax break for solar energy devices installed on or after Jan. 1, 2013. The bill does not, however, shield windstorm mitigation upgrades from property taxes. That exemption was stripped out of the bill to win support from the House Finance & Tax Subcommittee. Effective: July 1, 2013.

Licensure changes for brokers, appraisers. SB 852 by Sen. Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville) brings Florida appraisers into compliance with the Dodd-Frank Reform Act, enabling them to continue to perform appraisals on federally-related transactions. To help the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board complete disciplinary actions within a year -- a federal requirement -- the state budget appropriates funds for nine new staff positions. The bill also takes a tougher stance against brokers who lose their license in disciplinary actions. If the Florida Real Estate Commission revokes an individual's broker's license, it also revokes any multiple licenses the broker may hold. Effective upon becoming law, unless otherwise provided.

In other appraisal news, lawmakers passed SB 1398 by Sen. Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange), allowing online pre-licensing courses to be offered for appraisers. Unlike real estate salespersons and brokers, appraisers currently may only take post-licensing classes via the Internet. Effective: July 1, 2013.

Budget appropriations

  • $1.543 million for Florida International University to enhance the Florida Public Hurricane Loss Projection Model so it can assess flood damage resulting from hurricanes. Currently the model only assesses windstorm damage. This will help insurers better estimate the maximum loss that should be insured.
  • $700,000 for the final phase of a study on ways to reduce the amount of nitrogen released from conventional septic tank systems. The study also looks at septic tank technologies.
  • $500,000 to combat unlicensed activity.
  • Funding for nine new positions at the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board.

BILLS THAT DID NOT PASS

Phase out of the sales tax on commercial leases. Lawmakers understand that for Florida to be competitive with other states and online retailers, and considered pro-business by prospective employers and companies seeking to relocate, we must eliminate the sales tax on commercial leases. However, Florida still feels the pinch of lean budget years, and even a proposal to phase the tax out over six years failed to soften its $1.3 billion fiscal impact for some lawmakers. Florida Realtors will make this a priority next session, and will begin strategizing with all stakeholders early this summer. Working with Rep. Marlene O'Toole (R-Lady Lake) and Sen. Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange), who sponsored HB 629 and SB 656, respectively, Florida Realtors laid the groundwork on this key legislative initiative, and the House Speaker says he'll address this and other sales tax issues next session. That may also include sales tax on online purchases, a goal of SB 316 by Sen. Nancy Detert (R-Venice), which lost steam in the final weeks of the session. "This year was about educating legislators and stakeholders about the unfairness of Florida's sales tax on commercial leases," says Florida Realtors President Asher. "Because of the commitments we have received from legislative leaders, I feel confident we will be successful next year in our legislative efforts to roll back this tax."

Administrative review of property taxes. A bill sponsored by Polk County Realtor and attorney Rep. John Wood (R-Winter Haven) sought substantive changes to value adjustment boards and their review of property tax assessments. HB 1381 and its Senate companion, SB 1754 by Sen. Greg Evers (R-Crestview) contained improvements to current law, such as definitions for "just value," "market value" and "fair market value." However, the bills also included controversial provisions, prompting Rep. Wood to pull the measure.

Notifying tenants of pending foreclosure. HB 169 by Reps. Kionne McGhee (E-Miami) and Hazel Rogers (D-Lauderhill) and its companion Senate bill, SB 516 by Sen. Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando), sought to give prospective tenants more notice that the property they're about to rent is in foreclosure. Florida Realtors was concerned the bills were too big of a solution for a small problem. Landlords would have been required to provide written notice that the lease may end earlier than the stated end date.