Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog

Ways to prepare for Gainvesille home ownership:

1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

4. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment?  Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs – including taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees – average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

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Gainesville Homes For Sale:

3930 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville FL 32607

Space & location! Enjoy relaxing walks through this established neighborhood or walk to shopping, restaurants and the theater. Open spaces invite you back home to this owner occupied 4/2 with a converted bonus room. The resort-like back yard is perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Designer styled interior spaces and a location close to everything are just two of the features you get with this great Anglewood home!

Learn more about 3930 SW 2nd Avenue and other Gainesville real estate by visiting Gatorhomes.com and Mygatorcondo.com.

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Record low mortgage interest rates boosted pending home sales for the third consecutive month, with some benefit now from the first-time buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2 percent above April 2008 when it was 87.5.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market,” he said. “Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers.”

Gainesville Real Estate For Sale:

4015 NW 96th Street, Gainsville FL 32606

MLS#306046

Squirrels scurry on this 1 acre paradise conveniently located near shopping, I-75 and dining.  Beautiful 2006 remodeling includes kitchen with accessorized cabinets and stainless steel appliances, wood floors throughout living areas and fresh paint.  Other newer features include roof, heat/cooling system, pool pump, window treatments, carpet, pool refinishing, lush landscaping and remodeled baths.  This entertainment friendly home boast spectacular views of the sparkling screened pool & private park like back area from most rooms.  Zoned irrigation system, Reostats on all lighting, pvc fencing and architectural outdoor lighting speak to the owners attention to detail!  A must see and a joy to show!!

Learn more about 4015 NW 96th Street and other Gainesville real estate by visiting Gatorhomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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Alachua County foreclosure homes continued to rise during in June with 254 new foreclosures for a total of 1,262 forelcosed homes, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Alachua County Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Alachua County foreclosures jumped in June from April-May levels and home appreciation declined slightly.

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 Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Alachua County foreclosures are 0.04% below national statistics and 0.39% below state figures.

Alachua County Foreclosure Activity by Month

The high auction and pre-foreclosure numbers indicate we will see high foreclosure rates in the coming months.

Are you or someone you know behind on your mortgage payments and facing a Alachua County 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:

13200 W Newberry Road P-87, Gaineville FL 32669

MLS# 274925

Beautiful and spacious 2 bedroom 2.5 bath townhome with one car garage and screened lanai.  Gated community with convenient location and many amenities included clubhouse with exercise room.  Tennis courts, pool and basketball.  Walk in closets, double sinks in master bath, security systems, laundry room upstairs and computer lab.  Very motivated seller!

Learn more about 13200 W Newberry Road P-87 and other Gainesville homes for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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If you’re thinking of selling your Gainesville home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won’t cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don’t have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it. 

1. Consider loan modification first. If you are thinking of selling your Gainesville home because of financial difficulties and you anticipate a short sale, first contact your lender to see if it has any programs to help you stay in your home. Your lender may agree to a modification such as: 

• Refinancing your loan at a lower interest rate
• Providing a different payment plan to help you get caught up
• Providing a forbearance period if your situation is temporary 

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Gainesville Real Estate For Sale:

1029 SW 1st Avenue Unit #3, Gainesville FL 32601

MLS# 302313

Location, location, location  If you want the entire college experience, without paying the enormous new condo prices, this place is for you.  Walk to UF, and all the festivities, there is never a parking problems.  Wood floors throughout.  Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!  This is a great investment property, dues are low and its blocks from UF and rent of $925.00 per month.

Learn more about 1029 SW 1st Avenue Unit #3 and other Gainesville real estate by visiting GatorHomes.com or MyGatorCondo.com.

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Everyday life can get crazy at times, many Gainesville home owners fantasize about running off to their own personal retreat right here at. But how do you know which vacation home is best for you?

Choosing a location

Do you want to be in the middle of all the activity, or enjoy the peace and quiet of a secluded location?  Is a condo at the mountain your cup of tea or a farmhouse tucked away in the woods? Whichever environment you prefer, here are some things you should consider:

• Popularity.  A house in a hot vacation market will usually cost more than a place off the beaten path.  At the same time, continued popularity may help you profit from appreciation.
• Proximity to your home.  If you plan to visit regularly, look for a place that’s easy to get to. 
• Rental possibilities.  If you’re hoping to offset some costs by renting the home for part of the year, find out about seasonal demand for rentals in the area.

Maintaining your getaway

Regular upkeep is more difficult with a vacation home than with your primary residence, but no less important.  The value of the home, both as an investment and as a place you enjoy visiting, depends on good maintenance. 

If your Gainesville home is not far from your vacation home, you may want to make weekly visits to mow the lawn, water the garden, clean the gutters or shovel snow.  If doing it yourself is impractical, consider hiring a vacation property management company to provide maintenance services during the times when you’re not using the home. 

Visit GatorHomes.com to learn more about buying a vacation home or give me a call for more personal service.