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.

420 TORTOISE Trace, St. Johns, FL 32259 (MLS# 1172024)

420 TORTOISE Trace, St. Johns, FL 32259

$525,000

Property Type: Residential Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 3 Square Footage: 2,474 Status: Closed

Current Price: $525,000 List Date: 6/01/2022 Last Modified: 5/19/2026

Overview

Description

This 3-bedroom, 3 bath home lives large with a total of 2474 sf of living space, a three-car garage on a large corner lot located in the coveted Julington Creek Plantation. A beautiful, beveled glass front door with matching side lights sets the bright and cheery tone as you enter. Spacious living and dining room along with a huge family room with Vaulted ceilings and a picturesque wall of windows is great for entertaining. An eat-in area along with a 5-seat breakfast bar which opens to the family room, ensures seating and room for everyone! The owner's suite was redone expanding the footprint. A beautiful custom closet was created, and wood-look tile floors were installed. Large secondary bedrooms share a Jack 'n Jill bath with double sink vanity and a separate shower area.

Supplements: A cabana bath with walk-in shower opens to the enclosed lanai with slide windows. An extended paver patio is ideal for sunning or to simply enjoy your backyard. Enjoy all the amenities this master-planned, golf course community has to offer. Location is close to shopping, restaurants, top rated schools, hospitals and interstate. 25 minutes to Beach ... (Read more)

Listing Details MLS# 1172024

General Property Information

Bedrooms Total: 3
Bathrooms Full: 3
Bathrooms Total: 3
Living Area: 2474
Living Area Source: Public Records
Year Built: 2003
Lot Size Dimensions: .36 Acres
Association YN: Yes
Association Fee: 480
Association Fee Frequency: Annually
CDD Fee YN: Yes
CDD Fee Amount: 769
New Construction YN: No
Garage Spaces: 3
Pool Private YN: No
Water Body Access YN: No
Waterfront YN: No
Stories: Yes
Directions: 9B Exit Payton Pkwy, turn L on Race Track, L on Durbin Creek, L on Flora Branch, L on Twining Trce, R on Talwood Trce and L on Tortoise Trce.
Public Remarks: This 3-bedroom, 3 bath home lives large with a total of 2474 sf of living space, a three-car garage on a large corner lot located in the coveted Julington Creek Plantation. A beautiful, beveled glass front door with matching side lights sets the bright and cheery tone as you enter. Spacious living and dining room along with a huge family room with Vaulted ceilings and a picturesque wall of windows is great for entertaining. An eat-in area along with a 5-seat breakfast bar which opens to the family room, ensures seating and room for everyone! The owner's suite was redone expanding the footprint. A beautiful custom closet was created, and wood-look tile floors were installed. Large secondary bedrooms share a Jack 'n Jill bath with double sink vanity and a separate shower area.
List Price/SqFt: 212.21
Sold Price/SqFt: 212.21

Property Features

Approx Parcel Size: .25 to .5 Acre Architectural Style: Traditional Appliances: Dishwasher; Disposal; Dryer; Electric Range; Electric Water Heater; Ice Maker; Microwave; Refrigerator; Washer; Water Softener Owned Fireplace Features: Gas Interior Features: Breakfast Bar; Breakfast Nook; Entrance Foyer; Pantry; Primary Bathroom -Tub with Separate Shower; Split Bedrooms; Vaulted Ceiling(s); Walk-In Closet(s) Flooring: Carpet; Tile; Wood Laundry Features: Electric Dryer Hookup; Washer Hookup Utilities: Cable Available; Propane Cooling: Central Air; Electric Heating: Electric Water Source: Public Sewer: Public Sewer Construction Materials: Frame; Stucco Patio And Porch Features: Glass Enclosed; Patio Pool Features: None Roof: Shingle Parking Features: Attached; Garage Lot Features: Corner Lot Current Use: Residential; Single Family Association Amenities: Basketball Court; Children's Pool; Clubhouse; Community Pool; Fitness Center; Golf Course; Jogging Path; Playground; Tennis Court(s) Road Surface Type: Asphalt Listing Terms: Cash; Conventional; FHA; VA Loan

Contract Information

Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence
Property Attached YN: No
Listing Contract Date: 2022-05-27

Location Tax and Legal

Street Number: 420
Street Name: TORTOISE
Street Suffix: Trace
County: St. Johns
State: FL
Postal Code: 32259
MLS Area Major: 301-Julington Creek/Switzerland
Subdivision Name: Julington Creek Plan

Status Change Information

Major Change Timestamp: 2022-07-11T17:26:44Z
Major Change Type: Status Change
Purchase Contract Date: 2022-06-24
Close Date: 2022-07-08
Close Price: 525000

Fireplace Features

Fireplaces Total: Yes

More Information

DPR Eligible

DPR Eligible: No

Historical Information

Public Historical Remarks 1: Football Field(s): Y, Self Cleaning Oven: Y, Kitchen-Solid Surface Countertops: Y, Structure Builder: David Weekley
Public Historical Remarks 2: Common Club Amenities-Club Facilities: Y, Bath-Garden Bath: Y, Interior Amenities-Ceiling 8+ Ft.: Y, Interior Amenities-French Door(s): Y, Structure Slab: Y
Public Historical Remarks 3: Intermediate School: Other

Room Information

Room Name
Living Room
Family Room
Utility Room

Documents

CDD Disclosure ›

HOA Disclosure ›

Seller's Disclosure ›

Listing Office: RE/MAX SPECIALISTS

Last Updated: May - 19 - 2026

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.