Kim Dove

One of the builders that I like to use has just received a home back due to financing. I think it's a good deal here in Jacksonville especially since the new Florida bond rate is 6%.

Here is the email that I just received................

"Now for the secret one - It is a Marco, 3/2, with the beautiful B elevation, with a nice covered Front porch, in a cul-de-sac, and a very private, wooded, nature preserve behind it. (no back yard neighbor). No neighbor will be on one side of the home, either as it is also preser next to it. We even have a beautiful stacked stone accent on the bottom 18" of the front - a new addition to this community. As you know, all of our lots are oversized at 70 feet wide, with full sod and sprinkler system. All homes come with full appliances by GE, including Side by side fridge with thru the door water and icemaker, smooth top range, microwave, tall tub dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washer and dryer. This home also comes with garage door opener and full sod and sprinkler system. AND absolutely superior, energy efficient, low-e windows with a 14 seer heat pump. This home would normally be at $151,439. We can sell it for $142,000 and it can close in 30 days. You know we can help your buyer with closing costs and pre-paids. Or if a 2/1 buydown is what they really need to start out with EXTREMELY low first and second year payments - I can get it done at $144,000. Let me know how I can help you, Kim. Thank you so much. "

I think it's worth checking out!

We are coming up on that time of year again where it may be possible to lower your property taxes. In the month of August all Jacksonville, FL property owners will have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessment.

Many Jacksonville homeowners have taken a hit with the loss of value in the market and it is just too tough for the Duval County property appraiser’s office to keep up with fluctuating values. There is a Value Adjustment Board or “VAB” as it is sometimes called that reviews appeals.

Starting in the month of August each Duval county property owner will receive a form in which to appeal their tax assessment. In order to file the appeal you must obtain the form DR-486A form the Florida Department of Revenue or online at VAB Forms. You can find the VAB timeline here You only have until Sept 9 in order to file your appeal. If you wait until after that you will have to wait until the next year.

This is all assuming that if this is your primary residence that you have filed your homestead exemption. You have filed for your exemption this year haven’t you? If you have not then it will have to wait until next year as well.

Well the bad news for some Jacksonville, FL and Orange Park,FL first time homebuyers is the Florida Bond will require at least a 600 credit score for approval. The only exception will be when there are no FICO scores in which a manual underwrite will be acceptable. Believe it or not this has affected many potential Jacksonville, FL home buyers.

The good news is that the new issue from the Florida Housing bond program will be at a interest rate of 6%. This is great news! The former rate was at 6%.

So that said they have given a little and taken a little.

We are now skimming the bottom of the barrell. Just about every down payment and closing cost assistance program in Jacksonville is out of money!

Jacksonville SHIP was the first to run out. That meant hundreds of Jacksonville, FL residents lost access to up to $14,999. Clay county SHIP was next followed by the nail in the coffin the H2H program.

Well not to despair! The "Bond" program (Florida Housing Finance Corporation) is still around with assistance for first time buyers of up to $10,000. The FLHOP program is still going strong also. Funds are very limited for these programs.