Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog

Gainesville Homes For Sale:

306 NE 44th Street, Gainesville FL 32641

MLS# 311884

This three bedroom two bath home on the outskirts of town features new windows, exterior doors, floors and paint.  A bedroom and bath addition added in 2007 could be a guest suite or master suite.  It needs a few finishing touches but could make a nice home.

Learn more about 306 NE 44th Street and other Gainesville homes for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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Sometimes people have to sacrifice purchasing their dream home for a less perfect home in a better location. The buyer and family’s quality of life can be affected by their surroundings and features a neighborhood has to offer.  Choosing the best neighborhood is just as important as finding the perfect home.  Neighborhoods have numerous characteristics to consider when trying to make the right choice.

Schools

One of the most important things to look in to is the quality of schools in the area. Compare various public schools within a school system; some may be better than others. In order to keep all options open, also take a look at private schools in the area. Even if you do not have kids that will attend school, it is still a good idea to pick an area with good schools to help with reselling Gainesville Florida real estate.

Crime

Another crucial characteristic of a neighborhood to research is the crime. Contact the local police office to find out crime trends, types, and rates. Go online to find out if there are any sex offenders living near by. Do not judge a book by its cover, just because a neighborhood looks well kept and charming does not mean there are not any crime related issues.

For financial reasons, check in to the property values of homes in the neighborhood. Find out if the Gainesville Florida real estate values in various areas have been increasing or decreasing. If the neighborhood is in an up and coming area the value of the property is likely to go up. Where as, if the area is going down under, the property value will probably follow. See if there are any future construction and development projects to take place. Alterations to the surrounding area could drastically change the property value.

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Gainesville Real Estate For Sale:

20 SW 79th Drive, Gainesville FL 32607

MLS# 312530

Relax by the pool while enjoying the privacy of the granddaddy oaks and lush vegetation of this one acre lot.  Large sun room, living and family room afford lots of room for entertaining.  Five spacious bedrooms-one that is well suited for an office with it’s built-in shelves.  Fresh paint inside and outside, two new exterior doors, workshop off of garage, loads of storage space, pull down attic stairs and a wood burning fireplace with built-ins on each side are extra perks!  Price reflects need for updating of kitchen and baths but you’ll not find this kind of space anywhere else.  Make this home yours!!

Learn more about 20 SW 79th Drive and other Gainesville real estate for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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There were 1,523 Alachua County and Gainesville FL foreclosure homes in January with 231 new foreclosures, according to RealtyTrac.com. The average foreclosure sales price was $136,586 compared to an average sales price of $163,202, a $26,347 savings. 1 in every 490 housing units received a foreclosure filing in January 2010.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Home price appreciation remained the same in January and the number of new foreclosures totaled  231.

Alachua County foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice – each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Alachua County foreclosures are 0.05% below national statistics and 0.24% below state figures.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-owned properties decreased from 42 properties in December to 26 properties in January. The number of Auctions decreased from 58  to 41 while Pre-foreclosure activity jumped from 155 to 164.

Are you or someone you know behind on your mortgage payments and facing a Gainesville FL foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). Give me a call for a private consultation.

Gainesville Homes For Sale:

2818 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville FL 32607

MLS# 312183

Architectural marvel, absolutely unique home, practically indestructible, tri-level built by architect Prof/all Concrete.  Views of the UF golf course from all rooms on the front of the house.  Lots of large windows, light and bright thru out.  Three separate living areas, for different entertainment.  New roof in 2005, built up rubber roof.  Ceramic tile, hardwood and carpet interior flooring.  All appliances included.  Blends in with the low maintenance landscape.  The pool table stays.  Walk to law school, golf course!  This is a must see six bedroom, three bath home!  Seller will consider financing with down payment and good credit.  Possible second kitchen downstairs.

Learn more about 2818 SW 2nd Avenue and other Gainesville homes for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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Home sales surged in the fourth quarter of 2009 with many areas seeing double digit gains according to the National Association of Realtors. Total existing-home sales (single-family and condo) jumped 13.9 percent above the third quarter and 27.2 percent above the fourth quarter of 2008. Distressed property sales accounted for 32 percent of the fourth quarter transactions, down from 37 percent from 2008.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said the first-time home buyer tax credit, combined with record low interest rates, played a dominant role in fourth quarter sales. Yun went on to say, “With inventory levels trending down over the past 18 months, we expect broadly balanced housing market conditions in much of the country by late spring with more areas showing higher prices.”

Lets look at January Gainesville FL real estate sales statistics to see how the housing recovery is progressing locally.

Gainesville FL Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2010

The Gainesville FL area single family home sales saw sold listings remain consistant in January 2010, when compared against January 2009.  New listings saw an increase of 27%.  Pending sales saw a 9% increase and the average sales price increased by 8% to $132,701, while market times increased by 8 days.

The Gainesville FL area Condo/Townhome market saw the average sales price increased by 40% to $77,741 in January 2010 compared to January 2009.  While new listings were down 4% and sold listings decreased by 24% in January 2010.  Pending sales increased by 40% when compared to January 2009, while the average market times increased by 15 days.

For the latest Gainesville FL real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 888-424-8841 or visit MyGatorCondo.com.

Gainesville Real Estate For Sale:

19 Sombrero Boulevard, Other FL

MLS# 311714

Nice one bedroom one bath end unit top floor condo with a waterfront, golf course, and tennis court view.  Amenities include on site management, pool, tiki bar, restaurant, tennis courts and marina.  Unit is across the street from the Sombrero Golf Course.  Unit has a transient license and can be rented out by the association nightly, weekly or monthly.  HOA dues cover water, electric and cable.  This is not a short sale.

Learn more about 19 Sombrero Boulevard and other Gainesville real estate for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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Something to consider when selling your home is the Capital Gains ramifications. Will you owe Uncle Sam money after the sale of your Gainesville FL home? Capital Gains are calculated as the difference between what you paid for your property and what you sell it for. Here is how you calculate your Capital Gains.

Calculating Capital Gains

(+) PURCHASE PRICE – Price paid for property

(+) COST OF PURCHASE – Transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections

(+) COST OF SALE – Repairs, commissions, attorney fees, inspections

(+) COST OF IMPROVEMENT – Room additions, deck, for example, though not replacing existing

(=) ADJUSTED COST BASIS OF YOUR HOME

(-) AMOUNT YOU SELL YOUR HOME

(=) CAPITAL GAIN

A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains

Even though the above calculation may indicate you owe Capital Gains, there is a special real estate exemption. Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a Gainesville FL home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:

• You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.

• You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.

NOTE: As of 2003, you may also qualify for this exemption if you meet what the IRS calls “unforeseen circumstances” such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.

Learn more about selling your Gainesville FL home by visiting MyGatorHome.com and MyGator Condo.com.

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Always consult a tax attorney regarding current tax laws.

Gainesville Homes For Sale:

5299 NE 52nd Place, High Springs FL 32643

MLS# 311578

Nice three bedroom two bathroom home on 1 acre lot.  This home features laminate wood and tile floors.  There is a separate dining room and a 2 car garage.

Learn more about 5299NE 52nd Place and other Gainesville homes for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com

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The most important piece of a person’s financial life is their credit score. Whether buying a new Gainesville home, applying for a job, refinancing your Gainesville home, paying off debt, or getting utility service, your credit score will drive the outcome. One would think that Americans are all aware of what the scores are measuring and what factors play a part. But, most Americans do not know enough about the three digit rating or what is involved. Do not let these credit score myths get in your way when preparing for the purchase of your next Gainesville home.

Myth: Checking a credit report can either damage or lower your score.
A credit report can be conducted by you or someone like an employer as many times as desired with out having any impact on your credit score. Reviewing your credit report will never change your credit score. Just make sure that reports are retrieved through the bureaus or a legitimate score seller.

Myth: Age, sex, and income are factors that affect your score.
None of this information plays a role in determining your score. A higher income may make it easier to pay off debts, but income and net worth have no impact of credit scores.

Myth: A credit score can be destroyed by shopping for a loan.
When seeking to extend credit, too many inquiries can have a negative impact your credit score. However, when several inquiries are made by the same type of lender with in a 14 day period they only count as one inquiry against your credit.

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