Built in the bridge years

Before the Mathews Bridge, Arlington was a lightly settled area across the river from downtown. Once the bridge opened, subdivisions spread quickly along corridors such as the Arlington Expressway, Merrill Road, and University Boulevard. Many of the houses from that boom are one-story brick or block ranch homes, many with carports and screened back porches.

Arlington is a community of the consolidated City of Jacksonville, not a separate city, so permits, code enforcement, and city liens are handled by Jacksonville.

What a 1950s or 1960s house hides

Plenty of Arlington homes have had only partial updates over the years, so the real problems tend to sit behind the walls and under the floors:

  • Galvanized steel water pipes with low pressure or rust-colored water
  • Original wiring, two-prong outlets, and panels that insurers flag during a four-point inspection
  • Enclosed garages and carports, often done without a permit
  • Low-slope roof sections over additions that tend to leak
  • Ductwork and air handlers that were patched rather than replaced

Rentals, tenants, and landlords who are ready to be done

Over the decades, many Arlington houses became rentals, and so did the duplexes and small apartment buildings along the main roads. Homes near Jacksonville University sometimes rent to students, which adds wear and frequent turnover. If you own one and you're tired of repairs, vacancies, or a tenant who has stopped paying, you can sell with the tenant still in place. We review the lease, the rent history, and the property's condition, and you don't have to finish an eviction first.

River bluffs and creek edges

Arlington has more water than people expect. The St. Johns River runs along its western and northern sides, and creeks and marsh reach into several neighborhoods. Homes near Jacksonville University and out toward Fort Caroline include riverfront and river-view lots, some on higher ground and some in flood zones. We check the flood zone and any past flood claims for each Arlington property we review.

Selling an Arlington house for cash

You tell us about the house, we walk through it, and we put an offer in writing. If you accept, a title company handles the title work and the City of Jacksonville lien search and pays off what's owed from the proceeds. You choose a closing date that works, even if a tenant needs time to move.

Frequently asked questions

Who handles code violations on an Arlington property?

The City of Jacksonville, since Arlington is part of the consolidated city. Open code cases and fines show up in the lien search, and we can buy the house with them in place.

Will you buy my Arlington rental with the tenant still living there?

Yes, even if the rent is past due. Share the lease and payment history, and we'll factor the situation into our offer.

My house still has its original 1950s plumbing. Is that a problem?

Not for us. We price in the cost of replacing old supply and drain lines, and you don't need to repipe before selling.

Do you buy near Jacksonville University and Fort Caroline?

Yes, including riverfront and river-view homes. We review the flood zone and any dock or seawall as part of the offer.