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.

488 BELL BRANCH Lane, St. Johns, FL 32259 (MLS# 2107264)

488 BELL BRANCH Lane, St. Johns, FL 32259

$525,000

Virtual Tour

https://www.zillow.com/view-imx/deaef559-8efc-474d-aed7-0937ca6d8f39?setAttribution=mls&wl=true&initialViewType=pano&utm_source=dashboard

6_Formal Dining Space - Virtually Staged

Property Type: Residential Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 3 Square Footage: 2,524 Lot Size (sq. ft.): 10,019 Status: Closed

Current Price: $525,000 List Date: 9/04/2025 Last Modified: 2/10/2026

Overview

Description

**Seller will provide a NEW ROOF prior to closing w/ an acceptable offer** Welcome to this beautifully maintained home in the highly sought-after Julington Creek Plantation, one of St. Johns County's premier master-planned communities. Offering a flexible layout, the home includes a formal living or flex space along w/ a dedicated dining room, ideal for entertaining. The open-concept design connects the kitchen & family room, which features a cozy fireplace & a bright breakfast nook. The kitchen is equipped w/ stainless steel appliances, a large center island, & wood flooring that extends throughout the first floor. The spacious primary suite showcases a tray ceiling, a spa-like en-suite bathroom w/ dual vanities, a garden tub, & a large walk-in closet. With a split floor plan, the home offers four bedrooms & three full baths, including a private upstairs retreat where the fourth bedroom doubles as a bonus room with its own full bath, making it perfect for guests or a home office.

Supplements: A large screened patio overlooks the fenced backyard and preserve, providing a serene outdoor living space. Updates include a newer HVAC system (2020). Julington Creek Plantation is renowned for its resort-style amenities, including multiple pools, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a fitness center, clubhouse, golf course, playgrounds, an ... (Read more)

Listing Details MLS# 2107264

General Property Information

Bedrooms Total: 4
Bathrooms Full: 3
Bathrooms Total: 3
Living Area: 2524
Living Area Source: Public Records
Year Built: 2000
Accessory Dwelling Unit Y/N: No
Homestead YN: No
Lot Size Acres: 0.23
Association YN: Yes
Association Fee: 560
Association Fee Frequency: Annually
CDD Fee YN: Yes
CDD Fee Amount: 1328.94
Accessibility Features YN: No
New Construction YN: No
Garage YN: Yes
Garage Spaces: 2
Carport YN: No
Pool Private YN: No
Water Body Access YN: No
Waterfront YN: No
Stories: 2
Entry Level: Yes
Senior Community YN: No
Directions: From Race Track Rd traveling East, turn Left onto Durbin Creek Blvd, then Left onto Flora Branch Blvd, Left onto Velvetleaf Dr, Right onto Bell Branch Ln, Your NEW Home is on the Left!
Public Remarks: **Seller will provide a NEW ROOF prior to closing w/ an acceptable offer** Welcome to this beautifully maintained home in the highly sought-after Julington Creek Plantation, one of St. Johns County's premier master-planned communities. Offering a flexible layout, the home includes a formal living or flex space along w/ a dedicated dining room, ideal for entertaining. The open-concept design connects the kitchen & family room, which features a cozy fireplace & a bright breakfast nook. The kitchen is equipped w/ stainless steel appliances, a large center island, & wood flooring that extends throughout the first floor. The spacious primary suite showcases a tray ceiling, a spa-like en-suite bathroom w/ dual vanities, a garden tub, & a large walk-in closet. With a split floor plan, the home offers four bedrooms & three full baths, including a private upstairs retreat where the fourth bedroom doubles as a bonus room with its own full bath, making it perfect for guests or a home office.
List Price/SqFt: 202.06
Sold Price/SqFt: 208

Property Features

Levels: Two Appliances: Dishwasher; Electric Range; Microwave; Refrigerator Interior Features: Breakfast Bar; Ceiling Fan(s); Open Floorplan; Pantry; Split Bedrooms; Vaulted Ceiling(s); Walk-In Closet(s) Flooring: Carpet; Wood Utilities: Sewer Connected; Water Connected Cooling: Central Air Heating: Central Water Source: Public Sewer: Public Sewer Patio And Porch Features: Patio; Screened Parking Features: Attached; Garage Fencing: Back Yard; Full Current Use: Residential Association Amenities: Basketball Court; Children's Pool; Clubhouse; Community Pool; Golf Course; Playground; Spa/Hot Tub; Tennis Court(s) Possession: Close Of Escrow Listing Terms: Cash; Conventional; FHA; VA Loan Contingency Reason: Financing; Inspection

Contract Information

Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence
Property Attached YN: No
Listing Contract Date: 2025-09-04

Location Tax and Legal

Street Number: 488
Street Name: BELL BRANCH
Street Suffix: Lane
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: 2026-02-10T21:47:14Z
Major Change Type: Status Change
Price Change Timestamp: 2025-12-06T04:45:34Z
Purchase Contract Date: 2026-01-07
Close Date: 2026-02-09
Close Price: 525000

Fireplace Features

Fireplaces Total: Yes

More Information

DPR Eligible

DPR Eligible: No

Documents

Floor Plan ›

Listing Office: EXP REALTY LLC

Last Updated: February - 10 - 2026

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.