Jacksonville, FL, is experiencing an unprecedented wave of new construction and development projects, transforming the city into an even more attractive destination for homebuyers and investors. With nearly $5 billion in development projects underway across downtown Jacksonville, the city is bustling with activity, aiming to double its downtown population and enhance its urban core with new amenities and facilities​. Several multifamily and mixed-use projects are among the notable new constructions reshaping Jacksonville's skyline and neighborhoods. These include the adaptive reuse of the Independent Life Building into a mixed-use project featuring market-rate apartments, a grocery store/food hall, a rooftop lounge and restaurant, and the construction of Johnson Commons, a 91-town home community in LaVilla. Furthermore, the Lofts at San Marco East are adding 172-unit affordable workforce apartments, and the significant One Riverside project in Brooklyn is set to include a Whole Foods Market, additional retail space, and riverfront apartments​. Riverfront development is a central theme, with several projects emphasizing waterfront dining and leisure spaces, including the nearly 7-acre Riverfront Plaza Park, featuring a flexible multipurpose lawn, destination playground, and beer garden. Moreover, the Jacksonville Jaguars are investing in the future with the Miller Electric Center, which will house team offices, weight training, and medical facilities, marking a step towards a "stadium of the future.". Downtown Jacksonville is also seeing a boost in cultural and recreational amenities, with plans to create a museum district and multiple riverfront residential units with restaurant or retail components. This development push is not just about buildings and facilities but about fostering a vibrant, liveable downtown area that attracts more residents and businesses​. With these ambitious projects, Jacksonville is on track to redefine itself as a city that balances modern living with its unique historical charm and natural beauty. For homebuyers, this means an opportunity to be part of a growing, dynamic community that offers a wide range of lifestyles, from urban living to quiet suburban comfort. The ongoing development ensures that Jacksonville will remain a haven for those seeking new construction homes with the latest amenities and a strong sense of community.

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VA Loans Can Help Veterans Achieve Their Dream of Homeownership For over 78 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have provided millions of veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes of their own. If you or a loved one have served, it’s important to understand this program and its benefits. Here are some things you should know about VA loans before you start the homebuying process. What Are VA Loans? VA home loans provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have served our nation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs describes the program like this: “VA helps Servicemembers, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. As part of our mission to serve you, we provide a home loan guaranty benefit and other housing-related programs to help you buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for your own personal occupancy.” Top Benefits of the VA Home Loan Program In addition to helping eligible buyers achieve their homeownership dreams, VA loans have several other great benefits for buyers who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. Many other loans with down payments under 20% require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). VA Loans do not require PMI, which means veterans can save on their monthly housing costs. VA-Backed Loans often offer competitive terms and mortgage interest rates. A recent article from Veterans United sums up just how impactful this loan option can be: “For the vast majority of military borrowers, VA loans represent the most powerful lending program on the market. These flexible, $0-down payment mortgages have helped more than 24 million service members become homeowners since 1944.” John Bell, Acting Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Service, also explains why this program is so powerful: “It provides early ownership for many people that would not have that opportunity to begin with. Since there’s no down payment, it allows people to hold their wealth and it gives them the ability to have long term financial security by being able to own a house and let that equity grow.” Bottom Line Homeownership is the American Dream. Our veterans sacrifice so much in service of our nation, and one way we can honor and thank them is to ensure they have the best information about the benefits of VA home loans. Thank you for your service.

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