The sale of
existing single-family houses in the Jacksonville area increased
during the past three months despite a decrease in home sales after
the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Existing home sales increased by 4 percent in the Jacksonville
area during the third quarter compared with sales in 2000, from
3,089 to 3,200, according to statistics from the Florida Association
of Realtors in Orlando.
In the Jacksonville area, the median sales price for a
single-family home increased by 9 percent from $105,900 to $115,800.
In comparison, statewide home sales increased 7 percent, and the
median price increased 9 percent, according to Realtors'
association.
September sales figures showed a halt in business after the
terrorist attacks.
In the Jacksonville area, existing home sales decreased by 4
percent in September compared with the same period last year.
Home sales were buoyed over the past quarter by lower interest
rates. Interest rates for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage reached an
average of 6.97 percent for that period, compared with 8.03 percent
reported during the same period in 2000.
Office park completed
Dav-Lin Construction Co. of Jacksonville recently completed the
Millennium Park Building Complex on Beach Boulevard, according to
David Searcy, president of Dav-Lin.
The facility consists of 60,000 square feet of office and
warehouse space in two buildings.
Remodeling program
In an effort to help home remodelers serve older homeowners, the
National Association of Home Builders will conduct a three-day
training program in Orlando in May.
The program will emphasize the needs and concerns of older
homeowners through a series of courses, including marketing,
assessing needs, design and installation, and customer service.
"Remodelers cannot afford to ignore the aging-in-place market,"
said Dan Bawden of the National Association of Home Builders
Remodelers Council. "Learning to work with homeowners in this age
group will improve remodelers' customer service delivery across the
board and will give [home builder association] members a competitive
advantage in reaching this currently underserved market."
Demographic trends indicate that homeowners who plan to stay in
their homes as they get older make up one of the fastest growing
segments of the residential remodeling market, according to housing
experts.
Many of those homeowners are expected to call on remodelers to
adapt their homes to their changing needs and lifestyles in order to
maintain their independence.
About 3.2 million people will turn 55 this year and represent the
first wave of baby boomers who will cross this threshold in the next
15 years, AARP said.
Earl Daniels may be reached by phone at , by fax at
359-4090 or by e-mail at edaniels.
