Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog http://blog.gatorhomes.com Gainesville FL real estate and homes for sale. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:45:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Things to do Gainesville: Watch the Big Game at AMF Alley Katz! http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-watch-the-big-game-at-amf-alley-katz/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-watch-the-big-game-at-amf-alley-katz/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:45:16 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1239 Are you looking for a place to watch the big game on Sunday in Gainesville, then head on down to AMF Alley Katz.  The bowling alley will be hosting Superbowling Extravaganza this year, where you will be able to watch the game on the monster big screen over the lanes.  They are having a bowling special starting at 5pm until the end of the game with all you can bowl for only $5.  Everyone in the family will enjoy this fun way to spend Super Bowl Sunday!

Alley Katz will also be serving up their fantastic food and will have drink special.  If you are not into bowling then you might want to try your hand at darts or shoot a little pool!  This will be a fun way for the entire family to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday in Gainesville. 

 

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-watch-the-big-game-at-amf-alley-katz/feed/ 0 Alachua County and Gainesville FL Foreclosure Trends – Dec 2011 http://blog.gatorhomes.com/alachua-county-and-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-dec-2011/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/alachua-county-and-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-dec-2011/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:22:22 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1233 There were 1,154 Alachua County and Gainesville FL foreclosure homes in December, 2011 according to RealtyTrac.com. The average foreclosure sales price was $92,111 compared to an average sales price of $139,836, a $47,725 savings. 1 in every 626 housing units received a foreclosure filing in December.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Gainesville interest rates averaged 3.96% in December while the number of foreclosed homes dropped from 195 in November to 185 in December.

 

Alachua County foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

The number of Alachua County and Gainesville FL foreclosures were equal to national statistics and 0.12% below state figures in December.

 

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity by Month


The number of  Bank-owned properties increased from 48 in November to 68 in December. The number of Auctions dropped from 40  to 34 while Pre-foreclosure activity dropped from 107 to 83. There is a 6 month rising trend.

 

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.

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Gainesville FL home, please call Linda toll free at 888-424-8841 or via email with our convenient contact form.

Search all Gainesville FL real estate and Gainesville FL homes for sale

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/alachua-county-and-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-dec-2011/feed/ 0 Things to do Gainesville: Step Back in Time at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-step-back-in-time-at-the-hoggetowne-medieval-faire/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-step-back-in-time-at-the-hoggetowne-medieval-faire/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:17:39 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1230 The bustling medieval market place of Hoggetowne is coming to Gainesville this weekend.  Go back to medieval times with the 26th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire at the Alachua County Fairgrounds January 28-29.  Pick your favorite knight to cheer for as he jousts in full plate armor.  As you stroll you will be entertained by minstrels playing period music, and street performers, who will dance, juggle and jest.

Eleanor of Aquitaine and her husband Henry II will be on hand to entertain you with their living chess match and you will have a chance to try it yourself.  There will also be over 160 artisans demonstrating their skills which include blacksmithing, weaving, leatherworking, woodcarving, and pottery.  After you have walked around and seen all the fun activities going on you will have worked up an appetite and you will not be disappointed in the food available that’s fit for a king, sweet potato fries, bloomin onions and the famous giant turkey legs.

Bring the entire family out to this wonderful faire in Gainesville to enjoy being part of the royal court.

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-step-back-in-time-at-the-hoggetowne-medieval-faire/feed/ 0 Good Debt vs Bad Debt – What Does It Mean http://blog.gatorhomes.com/good-debt-vs-bad-debt-what-does-it-mean/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/good-debt-vs-bad-debt-what-does-it-mean/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:42:16 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1225 Given the lengthy and heated debate going on about the country’s debt, this may well be a good time to think about your personal debt philosophy and/or situation.   While it’s almost impossible to live debt-free, it is important that we analyze and manage our loans; we all have seen in recent years the economic repercussions of taking on too much debt, both nationally and individually.  Experts say that ideally your total monthly long-term debt payments should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income, but the real challenge is to judge which debt makes sense and which does not.  Economic advisors suggest that you first recognize that some of your obligations are considered good debts, whereas some might fall into the category of bad debts. 

Good debts are those which can be looked at as investments and those which will contribute to your overall financial health.  The best example of good debt has been for many years the purchase of a Gainesville FL home and is still considered as such by many.  Another good debt would include a student loan to finance higher education.   Financing a car is also perceived as good debt provided that you make as large a down payment as you can reasonably afford and that you intend to keep the vehicle as long as you are paying for it. Generally speaking, good debt includes the purchase of items which you could not afford without wiping out your cash reserves or liquidating your investments.

On the other hand, bad debt occurs when you borrow to purchase a consumable item without fully comprehending the influence of that purchase on your financial well-being.  Excessive credit card use is an excellent example of bad debt, especially given the high interest rates charged.  One obvious flaw in the credit card system is that it encourages users to purchase things they can’t really afford, a posh vacation or the addition of a pool for their Gainesville FL home  e.g., without having to pay for them at the time.  It goes without saying that payday loans and paying pawn shop interest are very poor—and costly—practices which should be avoided entirely.

How to manage your debt?  You can begin by figuring out your credit utilization or your debt-to-credit ratio, which tells you how much you have borrowed of the total amount available to you.  The lower the percentage, the better for your credit rating.  Creating a plan to pay off your bad debts, especially those with high interest rates, is another important step in achieving financial stability.  Many financial counselors urge borrowers to pay off credit cards and car loans before considering taking on student debt or a mortgage for a Gainesville FL home.  Another strong caveat is not to pay off one loan with another, such as using a home equity loan to repay bad debt.  The best practice is to use cash to pay off debt.  One way to increase your available cash is to analyze your spending pattern and carefully monitor unnecessary expenses.  Other suggestions for managing debt include taking steps to lower household bills, refinancing a mortgage for a lower interest rate, and requesting a reduced rate of interest from credit card companies.

Search all Gainesville FL real estate and Gainesville FL homes for sale.

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Gainesville FL home, please call Linda toll free at 888-424-8841 or via email with our convenient contact form.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/good-debt-vs-bad-debt-what-does-it-mean/feed/ 0 Things to do Gainesville: Grand Opening of Sew Make Do! http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-grand-opening-of-sew-make-do/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-grand-opening-of-sew-make-do/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:58:53 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1220 Do you enjoy crafting, want to find a place that you and your friends can take crafting classes. Well look no farther Sew Make Do is opening in Gainesville.  Come out to the grand opening on January 21st from 7pm-10pm.  This is your chance to check out this wonderful space.  Learn about the classes that will be offered at Sew Make Do. This will be Gainesville’s only modern sewing and craft studio. 

The sudio will be holding a drawing to win a few sewing class.  If you have ever wanted to get more crafty or learn to sew you will not want to miss this evening of fun in Gainesville.

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-grand-opening-of-sew-make-do/feed/ 0 New Year Resolution For Gainesville FL Real Estate Owners http://blog.gatorhomes.com/new-year-resolution-for-gainesville-fl-real-estate-owners/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/new-year-resolution-for-gainesville-fl-real-estate-owners/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:12:25 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1217 Yes, it’s once again that time of year when we examine our life and vow to make positive changes by losing weight, becoming more active, quitting smoking or drinking, managing debt, etc.  But did you know that numerous recent polls indicate that a full 50% of Gainesville FL real estate owners resolve to spend less time working and more time enjoying family and friends and that 87% say that the stress of trying to balance their work and life schedules is adversely affecting their health? 

While we all need a certain amount of stress to spur us on and help us perform at our best, the key to managing stress lies in that one word: balance. Achieving a healthy work/life balance an attainable goal, but in order to do so you must make changes in your life.  Following are a few tips to ensure success:

  • Leave your work at work:  Use your commuting time to transition from work to home.  Rather than think about problems at work, shift gears and concentrate on your family responsibilities or enjoyable activities which await you at your Gainesville FL real estate. You can also use commuting time to unwind by listening to music or a book.  Change your clothes when you arrive home to strengthen the notion of being away from work.  Resist the urge to check any and all electronic devices for work related messages.
  • Inquire about flextime or telecommuting:  It just may be that your boss will recognize that you can do your work at different times or from different places.
  • Learn to say “NO” on occasion:  Be it for work or for home, you don’t always have to be the one to “step up to the plate” and volunteer for yet another responsibility.
  • Make time in your schedule for physical activity and fun:  Every Gainesville FL real estate owner knows that keeping fit by exercising and eating healthy foods is a remedy for stress and/or depression, but too many of us don’t make a concentrated effort to write in our calendars—in  ink—specific visits to the gym.  Consider, too, the benefits of taking up a new hobby, such as cooking, scrapbooking, or archery, that you can enjoy individually or with family or friends. 

If you have already tried most of the above recommendations but have still not succeeded in balancing the roles in your life, you might ponder this thought by author Jon Gordon and read his new book:  “Personally, I have never been able to balance the scales of work and life on a day-to-day basis. Rather, I’ve come to realize that the dance between work and life is more about rhythm than balance.

Search all Gainesville FL real estate and Gainesville FL homes for sale.

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Gainesville FL home, please call Linda toll free at 888-424-8841 or via email with our convenient contact form.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/new-year-resolution-for-gainesville-fl-real-estate-owners/feed/ 0 Things to do Gainesville: Learn about Our Energy Future at FL Museum of Natural History http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-learn-about-our-energy-future-at-fl-museum-of-natural-history/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-learn-about-our-energy-future-at-fl-museum-of-natural-history/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:56:21 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1215 Learn how Gainesville is reducing energy use at home.  The Florida Musum of Natural History is hosting Energy Future.  This fun exhibit will have hands-on activities like the Digital Playground, which will help you see with a touch of a finger how you can conserve and save energy at home.  These ideas are being put to use by your neighbors to help conserve energy in Gainesville.  One of the displays shows you how to choose lighting for your home that will be more energy efficient. There will be displays that focus on power strips, solar panels and thermostats.

This exhibit will help you conserve energy and save money at your own home.  Did you know that solar panels at University of Florida power 8% of the museum?  As the US rises to number 1 in the world for energy consumption per capita, we need to learn new ways to conserve energy.  Help Gainesville make some changes for the future.


Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-learn-about-our-energy-future-at-fl-museum-of-natural-history/feed/ 0 Alachua County and Gainesville FL Foreclosure Trends – November 2011 http://blog.gatorhomes.com/alachua-county-and-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-november-2011/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/alachua-county-and-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-november-2011/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:32:46 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1210

There were 1,187 Alachua County and Gainesville FL foreclosure homes in November, 2011 according to RealtyTrac.com. The average foreclosure sales price was $75,115 compared to an average sales price of $135,086, a $56,971 savings. 1 in every 594 housing units received a foreclosure filing in October.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

Gainesville interest rates averaged 3.99% in November while the number of foreclosed homes dropped from 219 in October to 195 in November.

Alachua County foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

The number of Alachua County and Gainesville FL foreclosures were equal to national statistics and 0.11% below state figures in November 2011.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity by Month


The number of  Bank-owned properties increased from 41 in October to 48 in November. The number of Auctions dropped from 75  to 40 while Pre-foreclosure activity increased from 103 to 107. There is a 6 month rising trend.

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.

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Gainesville FL home, please call Linda toll free at 888-424-8841 or via email with our convenient contact form.

Search all Gainesville FL real estate and Gainesville FL homes for sale

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/alachua-county-and-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-november-2011/feed/ 0 Things to do Gainesville: Get involved in Gainesville at the Nonprofit Expo http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-get-involved-in-gainesville-at-the-nonprofit-expo/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-get-involved-in-gainesville-at-the-nonprofit-expo/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:49:55 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1201 Start the New Year off by learning how you could help out nonprofit organizations in the Gainesville area.  This year’s Nonprofit Expo will be held at Gainesville’s new Senior Recreation Center.  The expo will be held on January 11th from 4pm-7pm.  There will be over 40 different organizations that you will be able to learn more about and see how you can make an impact in your community.  Bring the whole family and don’t miss the interactive Giggle while you do good area sponsored by Giggle Magazine. 

This event is a great way to start off your new year by looking at how you can do good in Gainesville.

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-get-involved-in-gainesville-at-the-nonprofit-expo/feed/ 0 A New Year For Gainesville FL Real Estate http://blog.gatorhomes.com/a-new-year-for-gainesville-fl-real-estate/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/a-new-year-for-gainesville-fl-real-estate/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:18:48 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1197 Yes, we’ve reached the end of what has been a difficult year for so many, and yet we’ll celebrate the coming of 2012—and a fresh start– with glittery hats, silly horns, champagne (or beer), and kisses at midnight.  We’ll reflect on the old year and make resolutions for the new one.  Forecasters of the future will capture our imaginations as we wonder what is to come in terms of scientific discoveries, political unrest, wars, health issues, and the economy.  So many questions—and so many possibilities…it’s enough to wear one out.  So sit back in the den of your Gainesville FL real estate, relax, and ponder these points.

  • Did you know that celebrating the New Year is a tradition that dates back nearly 4000 years? Or that Julius Caesar was the first person to designate January 1st as the start of the new year?
  • Did you know that the symbol of Baby New Year dates back to ancient Greece? The Greeks marked the rebirth of their god of fertility by parading a baby around in a basket.
  • 40 to 45 percent of American adults make one or more resolutions which include weight loss, exercise, quitting smoking, and money management. By the second week of January, 25 percent of people have abandoned their goals, however.
  • Certain foods play an important role in the kitchens of Gainesville FL real estate on New Year’s Day.  Circular foods such as donuts and cakes represent good fortune, while legumes, especially black-eyed peas and lentils, promise good luck and wealth.  Cabbage and other greens whose leaves resemble folded money are also popular, as is ham, which symbolizes progress and prosperity. 
  • As with many other holidays, numerous superstitions and traditional practices are connected with the onset of the new year.  It is thought that the first visitors to your Gainesville FL real estate will bring you good or bad luck, depending on who you keep as friends and enemies, and in Italy people wear red underwear on New Year’s Day as a symbol of good luck for the upcoming year.
  • And as for the future of Gainesville FL real estate?  Opinions vary from the cautiously optimistic to those far less rosy, with many financial gurus still sitting on the fence.  Oh, for a crystal ball!

As you reflect on the past year, do remember the good things that have occurred in your life and in the world and resolve to greet 2012 with a positive attitude and a sense of anticipation.

Search all Gainesville FL real estate and Gainesville FL homes for sale.

Linda Luetjen assists buyers looking for Gainesville FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Gainesville FL homes for sale.

She understands the purchase of any Gainesville FL home represents not only one of the largest and most significant investment a person can make, but also a decision that affects the entire life of a family. It should be handled with all the care and attention such a significant transaction deserves. You may rest assured that Linda never forgets this. Her reputation depends on your satisfaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Gainesville FL home, please call Linda toll free at 888-424-8841 or via email with our convenient contact form.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/a-new-year-for-gainesville-fl-real-estate/feed/ 0