Are Jacksonville home prices expected to drop further?

Nobody can honestly promise a specific direction. Prices are down modestly year over year, not falling sharply, and the market is described as balanced to slightly seller-favoring by most current reporting — not a buyer's market in the way the term usually implies.

How many days does it actually take to buy a house in Jacksonville right now?

It depends heavily on the specific home. Current data shows a real split: well-priced homes in strong areas can go under contract in under two weeks, while others sit for three months or more. The citywide average sits somewhere in between and can be misleading on its own.

Is Jacksonville still a buyer's market or a seller's market?

Most current data puts it close to balanced, with a slight lean toward sellers overall — but this varies meaningfully by neighborhood and price point, which is why a citywide label only tells part of the story.

Should I wait for mortgage rates to drop before buying?

That's a real financial trade-off, not a simple yes or no — rates have actually trended up, not down, through this fall. A monthly-payment conversation based on your actual numbers is more useful than a guess about where rates go next.

253 BELL BRANCH Lane, St. Johns, FL 32259 (MLS# 2095579)

253 BELL BRANCH Lane, St. Johns, FL 32259

$595,000

Virtual Tour

https://www.zillow.com/view-imx/e1d44d1f-eb99-44d9-b40f-1a88275d4d2b?setAttribution=mls&wl=true&initialViewType=pano&utm_source=dashboard

mls-Combined-floor-plan-With Dim-253 Bel

mls-Floor-1-floor-plan-With Dim-253 Bell

mls-Floor-2-floor-plan-With Dim-253 Bell

Property Type: Residential Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 3 Square Footage: 2,603 Lot Size (sq. ft.): 9,583 Status: Closed

Current Price: $595,000 List Date: 6/27/2025 Last Modified: 5/06/2026

Overview

Description

Welcome to this beautifully maintained pool home in the heart of Julington Creek Plantation. With a thoughtful layout and inviting outdoor spaces, this home offers comfort, flexibility, and plenty of room to grow. Step inside to soaring ceilings, a formal dining room, and a dedicated office that's currently used as a professional recording studio—perfect for remote work, creative projects, or your next hobby space. The spacious primary suite includes two walk-in closets and a recently renovated spa-like bath with a stunning freestanding tub. Upstairs, you'll find a private fourth bedroom with a full bath—ideal for a teenager, in-law, or guest who wants their own space. Downstairs, there's a fun little surprise: a fifth room that's small but full of potential. Whether you need a cozy home office, a kids' reading nook, a mini playroom, storage spot, or compact home gym, this bonus room can do it all. The backyard is a true retreat, complete with a sparkling pool and a brand-new

Supplements: fence offering added privacy and peace of mind. Located in a top-rated school district with access to Julington Creek's sought-after amenities, this home truly has something for everyone.

Listing Details MLS# 2095579

General Property Information

Bedrooms Total: 4
Bathrooms Full: 3
Bathrooms Total: 3
Living Area: 2603
Living Area Source: Assessor
Year Built: 1999
Accessory Dwelling Unit Y/N: No
Homestead YN: Yes
Lot Size Acres: 0.22
Association YN: Yes
Association Fee: 480
Association Fee Frequency: Annually
CDD Fee YN: Yes
CDD Fee Amount: 1356.52
Accessibility Features YN: No
New Construction YN: No
Garage YN: Yes
Garage Spaces: 2
Carport YN: No
Pool Private YN: Yes
Water Body Access YN: No
Waterfront YN: No
Stories: 2
Senior Community YN: No
Directions: From SR13 turn onto Race Track Rd, Make a right onto Flora Branch, Left on Velvetleaf Dr (Sawmill Pointe), Left on Bell Branch. The home will be on the left.
Public Remarks: Welcome to this beautifully maintained pool home in the heart of Julington Creek Plantation. With a thoughtful layout and inviting outdoor spaces, this home offers comfort, flexibility, and plenty of room to grow. Step inside to soaring ceilings, a formal dining room, and a dedicated office that's currently used as a professional recording studio—perfect for remote work, creative projects, or your next hobby space. The spacious primary suite includes two walk-in closets and a recently renovated spa-like bath with a stunning freestanding tub. Upstairs, you'll find a private fourth bedroom with a full bath—ideal for a teenager, in-law, or guest who wants their own space. Downstairs, there's a fun little surprise: a fifth room that's small but full of potential. Whether you need a cozy home office, a kids' reading nook, a mini playroom, storage spot, or compact home gym, this bonus room can do it all. The backyard is a true retreat, complete with a sparkling pool and a brand-new
List Price/SqFt: 230.5
Sold Price/SqFt: 228.58

Property Features

Architectural Style: Traditional Levels: Two Appliances: Dishwasher; Disposal; Dryer; Electric Cooktop; Electric Oven; Electric Water Heater; Microwave; Refrigerator; Washer Fireplace Features: Gas Interior Features: Breakfast Bar; Ceiling Fan(s); Eat-in Kitchen; Entrance Foyer; His and Hers Closets; Jack and Jill Bath; Open Floorplan; Primary Bathroom -Tub with Separate Shower; Split Bedrooms; Walk-In Closet(s) Flooring: Carpet; Tile Utilities: Cable Available; Electricity Connected; Natural Gas Not Available; Sewer Connected; Water Connected Cooling: Central Air Heating: Central Water Source: Public Patio And Porch Features: Covered; Rear Porch; Screened Pool Features: In Ground; Electric Heat; Salt Water Parking Features: Attached; Garage Fencing: Full Current Use: Residential; Single Family Association Amenities: Basketball Court; Children's Pool; Clubhouse; Community Pool; Fitness Center; Golf Course; Jogging Path; Park; Pickleball; Playground; Tennis Court(s) Association Fee Includes: Maintenance Grounds Community Features: Suburban Possession: Close Of Escrow Listing Terms: Cash; Conventional; VA Loan Contingency Reason: Appraisal; Financing; Inspection