The 3 Fits: How to Know You’re Choosing the Right Home in Northeast Florida
When you’re buying a home—especially in a fast-moving market like St. Augustine and St. Johns County—the biggest challenge isn’t finding a house. It’s knowing whether it’s the right one.
In the video above, I break down a simple decision-making framework I call “The 3 Fits.” It cuts through stress, hesitation, and second-guessing so you can make a confident choice when the right home appears.
Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or moving across town, these three filters will keep you focused and prepared.
1. Does the Home FIT Your Lifestyle?
This is the first test—and the most important.
Ask yourself:
Does this home match how you live day to day?
Does it support what you do in your free time?
Does it put you close to what matters—water access, schools, work, health care, or recreation?
In Northeast Florida, lifestyle fit often centers around:
Proximity to beaches, boat ramps, and the Intracoastal
Walkability and community amenities
Lot size, privacy, and outdoor living spaces
Commute time and convenience
If the home doesn’t support your lifestyle, it fails immediately.
2. Does the Home FIT Your Stage of Life?
A home should make the next chapter easier, not harder.
This is where you consider:
Are you retiring or downsizing?
Do you need space for family visits?
Do you want low-maintenance living or room to grow?
Does the floor plan match your long-term needs?
For many of my clients—especially military families, first responders, and retirees—this question brings clarity fast. A home that feels perfect today but doesn’t support tomorrow creates friction. The right home will feel aligned with where you’re going.
3. Does the Home FIT Your Budget Without Stress?
This fit is non-negotiable.
You want a home that:
Is financially comfortable
Leaves room for savings and lifestyle
Doesn’t require stretching limits or taking unnecessary risks
In our area, this means reviewing:
Property taxes
CDD and HOA fees
Insurance costs
Utility expectations
Commuting and transportation expenses
A great house is only truly great if it keeps your life stable and stress-free.
Why These “3 Fits” Work
Homebuyers tend to get overwhelmed because there’s too much information and too many emotions involved. The 3 Fits method simplifies things by forcing clarity:
If a home fits your lifestyle, life stage, and budget, it deserves serious consideration.
If it fails any one of these, move on confidently.
This framework has helped countless buyers avoid regrets, wasted time, and emotional burnout—especially those relocating from out of state with tight schedules.
If You’re Thinking About Buying in Northeast Florida
Finding the right home here doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear plan and the right guidance, you can make this move with confidence.
If you’d like help applying the 3 Fits to your search—or want a personalized list of homes that match all three—contact me anytime.
Jim Armstrong
(904) 671-4161
Momentum Realty
ReelFloridaLiving.net
