Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog

There were 1,492 Alachua County foreclosure homes in December with 255 new foreclosures, according to RealtyTrac.com. The average foreclosure sales price was $135,922 compared to an average sales price of $181,968, a difference of $46,046. 1 in every 443 housing units received a foreclosure filing in December 2009.

Alachua County Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Home price appreciation was -0.36% in December and the number of foreclosures totaled  349,519.

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.

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Gainesville Homes For Sale:

12645 NW 198th Street, Micanopy FL 32667

MLS# 310652

Welcome home to this nice gated home located in Micanopy’s horse country on over 19 beautiful acres.  This home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate apartment and horse stalls.  The house is in need of some TLC.  There is abundant wildlife in the area including: fox, squirrels, wild turkeys and deer.  The home is as-is.

Learn more about 12645 NW 198th Street and other Gainesville homes for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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Contract activity for pending home sales fell after a surge of activity in preceding months to beat the original deadline for the first-time home buyer tax credit but remains comfortably above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in November, fell 16.0 percent to 96.0 from an upwardly revised 114.3 in October, but is 15.5 percent higher than November 2008 when it was 83.1.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a drop was expected. “It will be at least early spring before we see notable gains in sales activity as home buyers respond to the recently extended and expanded tax credit,” he said. “The fact that pending home sales are comfortably above year-ago levels shows the market has gained sufficient momentum on its own. We expect another surge in the spring as more home buyers take advantage of affordable housing conditions before the tax credit expires.” 

Let’s look at December Gainesville FL real estate sales statistics to see how the housing recovery is progressinglocally. 

The Gainesville FL area single family home sales saw a 20% increase in sold listings in December 2009, when compared against December 2008.  New listings saw an increase of 9%.  Pending sales saw a 8% increase and the average sales price decreased by 1% to $197,731, while market times decreased by 4 days.  

 The Gainesville FL area Condo/Townhome market saw the average sales price decrease by 19% to $121,802 in December 2009 compared to December 2008.  While new listings were down 5% and sold listings decreased by 5% in December 2009.  Pending sales decreased by 18% when compared to December 2008, while the average market times decreased by 18 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:

4414 NW 69th Street, Gainesville FL 32606

MLS# 311007

Beautiful home has it all!! Relax by the gas (propane) fireplace, serve dinner in the spacious dining area, entertain in the oversized Florida room from the island themed bar complete with mini fridge, electric for the blender and plumbed for a sink (this area is huge, currently has a pool table!!).  Then go to work in your 12’ X 16’ office (separate building out back) complete with high speed internet, phone, electric, cable and a/c.  Kitchen and baths have been remodeled, large garage with cabinets, workbench, pull down attic stairs and floored attic storage space are a bonus.  Office building has storage space for lawn equipment.  Well cared for home sits on large corner lot in rear of neighborhood – peaceful.  Home warranty included!!

Learn more about 4414 NW 69th Street and other Gainesville real estate 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.   

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Gainesville Homes For Sale:

6850 NE 150th Avenue, Williston FL 32696

MLS# 310798

Beautiful custom mansion on 20 acres.  This 5 bedroom 4 ½ bath home includes a mother-in-law suite with a full kitchen.  Over 7600 sq/ft of spacious living space and the floor plan is perfect for parties and entertaining.  There is a huge gourmet kitchen for fixing those fabulous family dinners.  This home also boasts a family game room, living room and office.  Many other custom touches and features like the wooded area that is abundant with wildlife.  This is a lot of home and land for the price!!

Learn more about 6850 NE 150th Avenue and other Gainesville homes for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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New tax code changes create benefits for owners of a Gainesville home. For years, many people have usually turned away from considering taking on the financial responsibilities of being a homeowner. Renters and prospective home owners are well aware of all the financial stress that comes with owning a home, which makes them hesitant to make the big step and commitment. What might not be known is that homeowners are receiving more tax benefits now than ever before. The Internal Revenue Services, known as the IRS, has made owning a Gainesville home a more favorable option in several ways. 

Monthly house payments bring the biggest tax benefit to home owners. The interest included in the monthly mortgage payments is tax deductible as long as the loan is for less than a million dollars. IRS guidelines also allow deductions for interest on refinancing and home equity loans. However, they do put limits on how much is actually allowed to be deducted. Borrowing against the equity of your Gainesville home is an option renters do not have. Renters also do not have the ability to file federal tax deductions on their monthly rental payments. 

Homeowners are also allowed to deduct the points paid in order to purchase their home. If the deductions are itemized, points can be deducted the same year the home is purchased. Every point is equal to 1% of the entire loan amount. When the seller pays certain fees during the purchase, points are also deducted. 

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Gainesville Real Estate For Sale:

4000 SW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville FL 32608

MLS# 310584

Welcome home to this nice 3rd floor unit conveniently located near shopping, the University of Florida, Shands, The VA and bus line. Amenities include a community pool, clubhouse, exercise room and basketball court.  As-is.

Learn more about 4000 SW 23rd Avenue and other Gainesville real estate for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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If you are thinking of buying Gainesville FL real estate and making it a rental property, there are a number of things to consider when choosing the property: 

1. Location

If you will be renting to a year ‘round tenant, look for a property convenient to major employers, schools, shopping facilities, transportation. If the property will be a vacation property, you will want to be near major tourist attractions. 

2. Price

If you hope the rental income will be more than the cost of the monthly mortgage, insurance and taxes on the home, you should be careful to invest no more per month than the local rental market can bear. If your goal for rental income is to “break even” or even to have a negative cash flow, price becomes somewhat less important. 

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