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    How Much Money Do You Really Need to Invest in Real Estate?

    By Justin Petrucci | February 27, 2026

    How Much Money Do You Really Need to Invest in Real Estate? Is $5,000 Enough to Invest in Real Estate in Northeast Florida? If you are asking, “How much money do you really need to invest in real estate?” you are already ahead of most people. The better question is this: What type of real... Read More

    Pros and Cons of Living in Historic Downtown St. Augustine

    By Justin Petrucci | February 20, 2026

    The Pros of Living in Historic Downtown St. Augustine 1. Unmatched Character and Architecture Historic Downtown homes are not cookie cutter. You will find: 1800s coquina cottages Victorian and Colonial style properties Renovated historic homes with modern interiors Unique floor plans and craftsmanship you cannot replicate There is a reason Historic Downtown St. Augustine real... Read More

    Living In St. Augustine Beach Florida

    By Justin Petrucci | February 17, 2026

    Is St. Augustine Beach a great place to live? From pet-friendly beaches and outdoor recreation to real estate insights and local lifestyle, here's everything you need to know before making the move. Read More

    How to Apply for Homestead Exemption in St. Johns County, Florida

    By Justin Petrucci | January 9, 2025

    Owning a home in St. Johns County has perks like beautiful beaches and a close-knit community. Plus, Florida's Homestead Exemption can save you thousands on property taxes each year! If your home is your primary residence, you may qualify for this benefit. The application is quick and easy, with a deadline of March 1st. Need help? Contact Beach State Realty—we’re here to guide you! Read More

    What to Do When Your Appraisal Comes in Low: 3 Options for Home Buyers

    By Jessica Lech | June 13, 2024

    What to Do When Your Appraisal Comes in Low: 3 Options for Home Buyers Purchasing a home is an exciting journey, but it can come with its share of unexpected twists and turns. One such twist is when the appraisal value comes back lower than the agreed-upon purchase price. This situation can feel like a... Read More

    The Best Realtors in St Augustine

    By Justin Petrucci | October 25, 2023

    Are you in search of the best realtor in St. Augustine to help you buy or sell your dream property? Look no further than Beach State Realty, where excellence in service and a track record of success converge to make your real estate journey a seamless and rewarding experience. Read More

    VA Loans in Florida

    By Justin Petrucci | October 17, 2023

    Unlocking Homeownership in the Sunshine State: A Guide to Using a VA Loan in Florida Are you a veteran or active-duty service member dreaming of homeownership in the Sunshine State? Florida’s stunning beaches, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities make it an attractive place to settle down. If you’re looking to buy a property in Florida,... Read More

    Dealing with High Interest Rates

    By Justin Petrucci | July 17, 2023

    Purchasing a home is a significant milestone in one’s life, symbolizing stability, security, and an investment in the future. However, with fluctuating economic conditions, high interest rates can present a major challenge for aspiring homeowners. In this blog post, we will explore some effective strategies to help you navigate high interest rates when buying a... Read More

    The Palatka Blue Crab Festival!

    By Justin Petrucci | June 9, 2023

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    Inherited Properties

    By Justin Petrucci | May 26, 2023

    The passing of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and amidst the grief and sorrow, there are practical matters that need attention. One such matter is inheriting a property, which can be a complex process to navigate. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to inherit... Read More

    Marriage

    By Justin Petrucci | May 26, 2023

    Moving due to marriage is an exciting and transformative experience. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter in your life, filled with love, companionship, and shared adventures. While the idea of moving can be overwhelming, proper preparation and open communication can help make the transition smooth and enjoyable. In this blog post, we will... Read More

    Growing Families

    By Justin Petrucci | May 25, 2023

    As families grow and evolve, so do their housing needs. The pitter-patter of tiny feet, the joyful chaos of childhood, and the anticipation of new beginnings can all be catalysts for seeking a bigger house. Moving to a larger home is an exciting and significant decision that opens doors to increased comfort, more space, and... Read More

    Divorce

    By Justin Petrucci | May 25, 2023

    Divorce can be an emotionally challenging and life-altering experience. Along with the emotional aspects, there are numerous practical decisions to make, one of the most significant being the decision to move. Whether it’s a fresh start or a necessity brought about by the divorce, moving can provide an opportunity for personal growth and a new... Read More

    Yes, You Should Buy a House This Year

    By Justin Petrucci | February 8, 2023

    By Brian O’Connell – Posted on Florida Realtors Buyers who wait for more inventory, lower interest rates or something else may never own a home. And given history, 2023 is a pretty good year to commit. McDONOUGH, Ga. – Mortgage rates are finally falling across the fruited plains, with rates in the 5.6% range for... Read More

    St. Augustine Spotlight: Doggin’ It

    By Justin Petrucci | January 31, 2023

    In this St. Augustine spotlight, we go to Doggin’ It, located in the Magic Beach Hotel. Let us know in the comment where we should go next! Read More

    How we do it: Buyer, Seller, and Investment strategies

    By Justin Petrucci | January 18, 2023

    Each of our clients have unique wants and needs, so at Beach State Realty we research and train on multiple buyer, seller, and investment strategies. Our goal is to put you in the best position and that’s how we do it. Read More

    Don’t forget to file for Homestead Exemption!

    By Justin Petrucci | January 11, 2023

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    2022 Year in Review

    By Justin Petrucci | January 3, 2023

    Happy New Year from Beach State Realty! Read More

    Preparing your home for listing photos: Top 5 tips

    By Justin Petrucci | December 29, 2022

    Tidy up the yard by cutting the grass, sweeping the porch, and removing all the cards from thedriveway. Remove all pet items from the house. Clear appliances of magnet items. Turn on all of the lights and open window treatments. Remove unnecessary furniture & decor. Read More

    Selling your home during the holidays

    By Justin Petrucci | December 27, 2022

    In Florida seasonality in the real estate market isn’t as drastic, but selling during the holidays does havesome advantages. Buyers are still looking during the holidays and often those buyers are more seriousbuyers. During the holidays less homes are on the market leaving your home even more in demand. Soyou may want to rethink waiting... Read More

    November Market Update

    By Justin Petrucci | November 9, 2022

    November Real Estate Market Update Not a lot of change this month.We’re seeing 1140 Active listings on the market. (Which you can search here)266 homes under contract.Our average days on market is 42 days.List to sell ratio is 96.1%.With our average sales price of $522,842. (Down from last month) Read More

    How Much Is My House Worth?

    By Justin Petrucci | August 10, 2026

    Your home is worth what a ready, willing buyer will pay for it today, based on recent sales of similar nearby homes. The most reliable way to find that number is a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local agent, which weighs your home’s condition, size, location, and upgrades against comparable sales. Online estimates are... Read More

    How Much House Can I Actually Afford?

    By Justin Petrucci | August 5, 2026

    Opening Answer Most buyers can afford a home priced around 3 to 5 times their gross annual income, but the real answer depends on your monthly budget, not just the price. A common guideline, the 28/36 rule, says to keep housing costs at or below 28% of your gross monthly income and total debt at... Read More

    How Much House Can I Really Afford?

    By Justin Petrucci | August 3, 2026

    Wondering how much house you can afford in St. Augustine or Northeast Florida? Learn the real numbers behind your budget, taxes, and insurance. Read More

    Northeast Florida Real Estate Market Update: Homes Are Selling Faster Than They Have in a Year

    By Justin Petrucci | June 23, 2026

    Northeast Florida homes sold in a median of 35 days at 97.8% of list price in May 2026 — the fastest pace in a year. Here's what the latest realMLS data means for buyers and sellers in St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Read More

    st-augustine-home-selling-prep-guide

    By Justin Petrucci | May 20, 2026

    Thinking about selling your home in St. Augustine? Before listing, there are key steps that can make a major difference in buyer perception and overall value. Learn how to declutter, depersonalize, handle repairs, improve curb appeal, and prepare your home to stand out in the market. Read More