• Supervise all children at all times, especially children ages 14 or younger.
• All pools should be completely surrounded by a barrier fence that is at least 5 feet tall with gates that automatically close and latch. Children drowning after wandering in to an unenclosed pool account for over half of the children who die from downing every year.
• Drain entrapment is another evil danger that haunts swimming pools. Pools must have anti-entrapment drain covers on all of the drains. There also needs to be a safety vacuum release system. This system prevents children from being trapped under water when they are captured by the drain’s powerful suction.
• It is a good idea to install pool alarms around you Gainesville FL home’s pool area. Pool alarms can be installed on gates to detect when someone is in the area. Specialized pool alarms can also be installed to detect when someone gets in the water.
• Get training and become certified to perform water rescue skills, like CPR and first aid.
• To take extra precautions complete a lifeguard certification course.
• Always keep rescue and first aid equipment readily available and easily accessible in the actual pool area.
  
• It is important to keep a phone handy in the pool area to make quick emergency calls.
• Keep toys and other pool accessories in secure storage while the pool area is unoccupied. These things can attract unsupervised children and block the view of potential emergencies.
• Encourage children to learn proper swimming techniques and develop strong swimming skills. Parents should enroll children in swimming lessons when they reach age 4. Many local Gainesville FL organizations offer free or affordable swimming lessons.
• Inflatable swimming devices, such as rafts, water wings, noodles, and lounge chairs are not flotation devices or rescue equipment and they do not prevent drowning.

Be safe!!

That’s right! Gator Homes Realty has 2 complimentary football tickets for each of the upcoming home games.

As a valued customer, you are invited to attend a southern style tailgate party before heading to the Swamp.

2010 Home Schedule includes:

September 4      Miami (OH)
September 11    South Florida
September 25    Kentucky
October 9            LSU
October 16         Mississippi State
November 13     South Carolina
November 20     Appalachian

Just email me at linda@gatorhomes.com and let me know which home game you and your family would like to attend. It’s that simple…Go GATORS!

Gainesville Real Estate For Sale:

4415 SW 34th Stree Unit 608 , Gainesville FL 32608

MLS# 302871

This is the one for you!  Great condo at a great price with two master suites, both upstairs and a half bath downstairs.  Spacious kitchen with a breakfast bar and wood cabinetry, and all appliances are included.  This condo boasts a large pantry in the dining room, laundry closet with washer and dryer, alarm system, newer carpet, ceramic tile in kitchen and foyer.  There are hardwood floors in the master bedroom.  Downstairs is painted in designer earth tone colors.  Open your back door to a sparkling pool.  Located on bus line this condo is perfect for students/professionals and is close to Publix Shopping Center, dining and entertainment.  Great community pool with low association fees.  Quite location, parking is never an issue.  This seller is motivated. 

Learn more about 4415 SW 34th Street Unit 608 and other Gainesville real estate for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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Too good to be true? Perhaps. Buyers of foreclosed property, especially if it has been unoccupied and not maintained for some time, must be acutely aware of possible problems and trouble spots involved in such a sale and may have to realistically face some unpleasant facts. As Vince Mastronardi, president of On-Site Specialty Cleaning and Restoration, observes, “Buyers need to educate themselves about the potential pitfalls of purchasing distressed property. It’s not so much what damage occurred, but the sources of that damage and how long before the problem was addressed.”

A cautious buyer should look for signs which indicate that all is not well with a piece of Gainesville FL real estate.

1. The presence of mold. Once mold takes hold, it is almost impossible to get rid of. Look for places which have been excessively painted in an attempt to cover up mold.

2. Lack of heat for months in a home not properly winterized. Result? Burst pipes and water damage.

3. Hints of water damage. Peeling, bubbling, or discolored paint may occur as a result of moisture. Other evidence of water damage includes swelling in walls/ceilings, stains, and             a musty odor.

4. Blocked drains or pipes may lead to sewage problems.

5. Evidence of vandalism or break-ins. Signs of such activity include holes punched in walls and broken windows. Theft of appliances, fixtures, air conditioning/heating units,             pipes, and electrical wiring is also of concern.  Were the stolen items properly removed or carelessly ripped from their location?

6. Indications of furnace malfunction or soot damage. Telltale signs include black cobwebs, greasy grey residue on walls, or an oily odor.

7. Renovations in an older home. You would be wise to check to see if permits were issued. Was the work performed by a professional? Does it conform to required ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Gainesville FL real estate building codes? Was asbestos disturbed during construction?

8. Debris dumped in the yard. You will be required to remove such refuse in a timely (and possibly expensive) manner.

9. Occupation by uninvited critters. Wild animals often live in abandoned structures. Look for snakes, rodent infestation, and unexpected “nests.”

Obviously, you must insist on a thorough inspection of your Gainesville FL real estate to avoid buying a badly flawed foreclosure filled with unpleasant and costly surprises. Be sure to request air quality and surface testing; it is well worth the little extra it costs. You should also inquire about any corrections that have been made to address damages and talk to the company who performed the repairs.

By diligently doing your homework and actively anticipating problems, you may just find the foreclosure which fits your needs and is indeed a bargain!

Gainesville Homes For Sale:

1122 SE County Road 234 SR, Windsor FL 32641

MLS# 316723

Enjoy some peace and quiet in this 3 bedroom 2 bath concrete block home situated on just over 2 acres of land.  This home boasts an open floor plan with an updated kitchen and a tiled common area.  Outside you will find a beautiful yard.  

Learn more about 1122 SE County Road 234 SR and other Gainesville homes for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

Search all Gainesville homes for sale.

1. Insulate. Insulate. Insulate. Use pipe insulators to keep hot water hot for a longer time and a hot water heater blanket ($10.00 to $20.00) to both prevent temperature loss and reduce the amount of electricity/gas needed to maintain the water temperature. Be aware that the further heat or air conditioning has to travel, the greater the temperature loss. Insulating your heating and cooling ducts can prevent up to 60% of this loss. Remember that even a small area of inadequate or damaged insulation can greatly reduce efficiency.

2. Reduce heating/cooling expenses. Replace or clean all filters on a regular basis to reduce inefficiency. Eliminate all sources of drafts by checking windows, doors, electrical outlets, fireplaces, and attic floors for leaks (even small cracks lead to energy loss) and by using caulking or weather stripping to seal them. In addition, for a cost of $200 to $400, you can run a blower door test to discover the main, and many times hidden, sources of energy leaks in your home.

It is also important to schedule a HVAC cleaning/checkup every two years and to investigate the need for a programmable thermostat to save energy while you sleep or are away from home. If your windows, aging appliances, furnace, or hot water heater needs to be replaced, you should certainly consider purchasing ENERGY STAR products to save 10% to 30% of the usual operating costs.

3. Consume less water. Since your Gainesville Florida home is located in a resort area, water bills are generally high. Take steps to reduce this expense by installing low flow showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators.

4. Don’t ignore the outside. Planting shade trees and shrubs in strategic locations on the grounds of your Gainesville Florida home can lower your cooling costs by as much as 25%, and because they also act as wind barriers, your heating costs can be reduced by up to 20%. In addition, the leafless trees will allow sunshine through in the winter (good for mental health as well as warmth). Also consider water conservation when landscaping. Look for lawn grasses and plants that are drought resistant and natural to the area.

The “Go Green” slogan is not a passing fad. Realistic buyers, who are both cost-conscious and ecologically aware, want to own a Gainesville Florida home that reduces their day-to-day utility expenses and allows them to play a part in preserving the environment. The purchase of a green home benefits both the buyer and the seller in today’s market.

Learn more about buying a Gainesville Florida home.

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Gainesville Real Estate For Sale:

49 SE 297 Avenue, Old Town FL 32680

MLS# 315722

This Cute 2 bedroom 2 bath house would make a great second home.  This home is located only a couple of blocks from the Suwannee river, in a quiet little neighborhood. 

Learn more about 49 SE 297 Avenue and other Gainesville real estate for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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1. Shop around for the best value. Check online for quotes from at least three reputable agencies. Be aware that some companies offer a discount of 30% to 40% if you buy online. Other possible discounts can result from insuring both the home and the contents or by insuring your home and your car with the same firm.

Also know the replacement value of your home, taking into consideration any unique features that will be expensive to replace. Keep in mind probable inflation increases at renewal time. Does your insurer automatically adjust your coverage or do you have to request the change?

2. Make periodic updates to your Gainesville FL home or property. Ways to reduce insurance costs include the following:

A) Replacing the existing heating system to one which is safer and more cost-efficient.

B) Keep plumbing in good working order and protect it from freezing.

C) Replace fuses. Inspectors are looking for circuit breakers and a safe wiring system

D) install fire detectors or even a central alarm system. Be sure to keep a record of all repairs/replacements and inform your insurance company of each one.

3. Maintain the building and grounds. Regular repainting or installing siding is essential to protecting your Gainesville FL home from moisture damage. Hire professionals to clean any chimneys and check for termites. Repair unsafe sidewalks and remove dangerous tree roots. Again, keep your insurance company current on your efforts to eliminate hazards.

4. Consider tenant-based liabilities. The type of dog you allow on your property influences your insurance rate, as does permitting smoking on the premises. You may also want to specify acceptable locations for outdoor grill use and make renters aware of their responsibility to cover damages caused by them and the need for renters’ insurance.

By following these tips and consulting with your insurance representative, you should be able to lower your premium, avoid cancellation, and stay off the industry’s “bad list.” Also think about raising your deductible amount and avoid making too many small claims to keep your premium costs down.

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419 SE 12th Street, Gainesville FL 32640

MLS# 314812

Nice home that is clean and easy to show.  The County records currently show it as a 2 bedroom 2 bath.

Learn more about 419SE 12th Street and other Gainesville homes for sale by visiting GatorHomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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Staging Tips For A Gainesville FL Open House

1. Remove the clutter.

Having a garage sale is out when removing clutter because the Open House is only a week away. You don’t want to stuff the garage or closets to the gills either. One solution is to rent an off-site storage facility or stack boxes neatly in a basement or crawlspace.

2. Stage each room.

The first thing to do is clean from top to bottom. Make sure windows and light fixtures shine and are in working order. If the room is crowded, put some furniture in the storage facility. Finally, pick a focal point that will attract buyers when they see the room. For example, the focal point of a bedroom is usually the bed, and for a music room, it’s the piano.

3. Use the rule of three.

First, remove everything from counters and table tops, including coffee tables and side tables. Then re-accessorize using the rule of three…using 3 items of varying heights. For example, on an end table you can place a lamp (high), a small plant (medium), and a book (low).

4. Make a child’s room more appealing.

Your goal is to appeal to the largest number of buyers and allow them to see themselves living in your home. Not all buyers will have children. Growth charts, posters, and school projects are personal items become a distraction and should be removed. Also, de-clutter shelves and closets. If you have time, tone down the colors. Bright wall colors can make a room appear smaller.

5. Remove signs of pets.

Not all potential Gainesville FL home buyers are pet lovers. Remove pets from the property and put away water bowls, food dishes and pet beds.

6. Make it odor free.

Cigarette smells, pet odors and distinctive cooling smells are not pleasant for buyers. Make your home odor free by airing out the house for a few days prior to the Open House or rent an air purifier.

7. Make the outside shine.

First impressions are important. If buyers are turned off by the outside of your home, they will never go inside. Clean off the driveway, mow the lawn, trim edges, pull the weeds and put down fresh mulch in the flower beds. Plant colorful annuals in beds or pots. Make sure the house is clean and paint the front door if needed.

8. Welcome buyers home.

Remember you want your home to say ‘Welcome Home’ to potential buyers. You want them to mentally move into your home and make it theirs. Bake a fresh batch of cookies and leave them on the kitchen table with a pitcher of lemonade. Then go to the park with the kids or visit friends. Somehow remove the family from the house and let your Realtor show the home off to its next owners!

Get more information on selling your Gainesville FL home.

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