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.

498 FRESHWATER Drive, St. Johns, FL 32259 (MLS# 2139003)

498 FRESHWATER Drive, St. Johns, FL 32259

$999,000

Property Type: Residential Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4 Square Footage: 3,582 Lot Size (sq. ft.): 17,424 Status: Closed

Current Price: $999,000 List Date: 4/08/2026 Last Modified: 7/31/2026

Overview

Description

Welcome Home to Julington Lakes newest listing on one of the largest lots in this gated community. This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers a thoughtfully designed layout with upscale finishes including wainscoting and custom details throughout. The kitchen features modern appliances, stylish finishes, and a fully customized pantry and utility room, complemented by barn doors and a dedicated office space. The primary suite includes a private thermostat and custom closet. Enjoy a spacious screened lanai and extended paver fire pit area, surrounded by lush landscaping and a fully fenced yard--perfect for year-round living and entertaining. Additional features include a whole home Generac generator, plantation shutters, custom garage storage, water softener, smart home features, and NO CDD FEE. Resort-style amenities include a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and more.

Listing Details MLS# 2139003

General Property Information

Bedrooms Total: 4
Bathrooms Full: 3
Bathrooms Half: Yes
Bathrooms Total: 4
Living Area: 3582
Living Area Source: Measured
Year Built: 2017
Accessory Dwelling Unit Y/N: No
Homestead YN: Yes
Lot Size Acres: 0.4
Association YN: Yes
Association Fee: 577.52
Association Fee Frequency: Quarterly
Association Name: May Management
Association Phone: 904-940-1002
CDD Fee YN: No
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 Racetrack Road, turn south onto Veterans Parkway. Continue to end and turn right onto Longleaf Pines Parkway. Make first right turn into community Julington Lakes.
Public Remarks: Welcome Home to Julington Lakes newest listing on one of the largest lots in this gated community. This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers a thoughtfully designed layout with upscale finishes including wainscoting and custom details throughout. The kitchen features modern appliances, stylish finishes, and a fully customized pantry and utility room, complemented by barn doors and a dedicated office space. The primary suite includes a private thermostat and custom closet. Enjoy a spacious screened lanai and extended paver fire pit area, surrounded by lush landscaping and a fully fenced yard--perfect for year-round living and entertaining. Additional features include a whole home Generac generator, plantation shutters, custom garage storage, water softener, smart home features, and NO CDD FEE. Resort-style amenities include a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and more.
List Price/SqFt: 293.13
Sold Price/SqFt: 278.89

Property Features

Architectural Style: A-Frame Levels: Two Appliances: Dishwasher; Disposal; Double Oven; Dryer; Gas Cooktop; Gas Water Heater; Ice Maker; Microwave; Refrigerator; Washer; Water Softener Owned Interior Features: Breakfast Bar; Built-in Features; Ceiling Fan(s); Eat-in Kitchen; Entrance Foyer; Kitchen Island; Open Floorplan; Pantry; Primary Bathroom - Shower No Tub; Primary Downstairs; Smart Thermostat; Walk-In Closet(s) Flooring: Carpet; Tile Laundry Features: Electric Dryer Hookup; In Unit; Washer Hookup Utilities: Electricity Connected; Sewer Connected; Water Connected Cooling: Central Air Heating: Central Electric: Whole House Generator Water Source: Public Sewer: Public Sewer Smart Home Features: Programmable Thermostat Security Features: Gated with Guard; Security System Owned; Smoke Detector(s) Construction Materials: Frame; Stucco; Other Exterior Features: Balcony; Fire Pit Patio And Porch Features: Covered; Front Porch; Patio; Screened Roof: Shingle Parking Features: Garage; Garage Door Opener Lot Features: Cul-De-Sac View: Trees/Woods Fencing: Fenced; Full Current Use: Single Family Association Amenities: Basketball Court; Clubhouse; Community Pool; Fitness Center; Gated; Jogging Path; Playground; Tennis Court(s) Community Features: Gated; Sidewalks Road Surface Type: Asphalt Possession: Close Of Escrow Listing Terms: Cash; Conventional; FHA; VA Loan