Contact:
Jayne Krichbaum
Northeast Florida Builders Association
904.725.4355
homebuyingexpo@nefba.com

Home Buying Expo Lifts Off

The 2008 First Coast New Home Buying Expo – the first event of its kind on the First Coast -- will open its doors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. A major media campaign will promote the event, and extensive information will be available online at www.firstcoastnewhomeexpo.com. The Expo will educate buyers about the local market and buying a home on the First Coast. Attendance is expected to be in the thousands by the event sponsors, The Florida Times-Union, the City of Jacksonville Housing and Neighborhoods Department, and the Northeast Florida Builders Association.

“NEFBA believes the Northeast Florida market is a very good market in terms of job growth and home values,” said Mark Downing, NEFBA president and managing partner at CornerStone Homes. “We believe this expo is a great opportunity to educate the public.”

Dynamic speakers will be scheduled throughout the day, discussing why the Jacksonville housing market is more resilient than others. Speakers also will discuss what type of financing is available, how to qualify for down payment assistance, and how to stage and price a home to sell. Expo visitors may register for $5,000 in down payment assistance at the event and at www.firstcoastnewhomeexpo.com. They will be allowed to enter the drawing by attending the Expo, and may enter the drawing twice by registering online and attending the Expo.

Developers will have booths with information on several communities and the lifestyles they offer. Twenty-five home builders will have booths showcasing hundreds of exciting new home designs. Financial institutions will have home financing information and the Housing and Neighborhoods Department will have financing information for first-time home buyers.

NEFBA members decided to take a proactive approach and hold the expo to educate buyers about new homes and housing developments in Jacksonville, home financing, and preparing a home for sale. Members also wanted to convey the message that it is a great time to buy a new home.

A third quarter Metrostudy report on the national and Jacksonville housing markets said the Jacksonville market will show signs of rebound before other areas.

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