Best Homes in Jax

08/27/2026

https://www.flexmls.com/share/EWLVE/5902-SPRINGFIELD-Boulevard,-Jacksonville,-FL-32208
New Listing in Jax! Beautifully updated, ready for its new owner.

08/24/2026

Hey everyone, what do you think of this opinion:

You don't need to renovate everything before you sell.

I know. Every HGTV show, every "top 10 tips" to list/sell high, and every well-meaning neighbor, your in-laws, are telling you to gut the kitchen, redo the bathrooms, and then you just pray the market rewards you for it.

Here's the truth: sometimes it will. Sometimes it won't. And guessing wrong can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

I've had traditional sellers spend $40K on a kitchen remodel that added maybe $15K to their sale price. I've had investors over-rehab a flip trying to "make it perfect" and eat into their margin for zero extra return.

I've also had sellers do almost nothing; a deep clean, some paint, a little curb appeal, and walk away with multiple offers over asking.

The difference isn't how much money you spend. It's whether the spend matches the market, especially the "micro market" of your location.

Before you renovate anything, ask: What does this price point and neighborhood typically attract?

What does that pool of buyers actually pay more for? Will this fix move the needle on offers, or just make you feel better about selling?

Renovating without a strategy is likely more expensive than it's worth if you're planning on selling soon.

Figure out your market's driving factors of high/quick/easy selling listings, what did they do to get their price? Then figure out what's actually worth fixing or updating.

This can be done on your own, but do you want to do all the research on the comps in your neighborhood? See what they listed for vs. final price, how many days on the market, and what finishes were in the house at sale? Do you want to research renovation costs? Probably not.

That's where a knowledgeable agent can help tremendously. (Notice I didn't just say "experienced". Experience doesn't always = knowledge of the ever changing world of real estate. 😉 )

Until next time!

Jen

08/11/2026

INVESTORS: Know your strategy (or strategIES!) before or after closing?

I had a client call me three weeks after closing, asking whether they should flip the property or rent it out. Three weeks after closing.

07/11/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/edition-4-investing-remotely-good-deal-future-jennifer-fortier-4vvac

I got in the car a while back to walk a property for an out-of-state investor. Nothing dramatic — just doing what I always do before someone commits real money to a house they've never stood inside.

11/17/2025

What?! Search by payment range? YES! You know your budget better than we do:
https://www.besthomesinjax.com/pages/name-your-payment

10/08/2025

You want to know the truth? Zillow® and their Zestimate® may be costing you thousands! Click to get my guide; I'll show you why Zillow is fun for searching or for spying on your ex's house, but not for the pricing of your biggest asset. Click: www.idealrealestate.me/zestimateguide

05/22/2025

Open house in Arlington this Sunday 11-2!

04/06/2025

Brand new listing in Arlington! Under 300K, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom on a corner lot!

Your search for your new home in Jax is over! This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom, 1 car garage has been well maintained and is located on a large corner lot in Arlington, convenient to all that Jax has to offer. Well laid out floor plan, with gorgeous hardwood floors throughout, no carpet! Ensuite Master bat...

02/21/2025

Move in ready, just waiting for YOU!! 🙌🏻🤩 Ask me about low/no down payment and possible interest rate buy-downs!

02/05/2025

Check out our newest FULLY RENOVATED Listing in Jacksonville! And ask how you may qualify to get into this home with little to no money down! 🏡🗝