Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog » Area Info http://blog.gatorhomes.com Gainesville FL real estate and homes for sale. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:16:44 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 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 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: 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 Thanksgiving Is A Time To Reflect http://blog.gatorhomes.com/thanksgiving-is-a-time-to-reflect/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/thanksgiving-is-a-time-to-reflect/#comments Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:03:00 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1158 turkey6Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the changes, to remember that we, too, grow and change from one season of life to another.  – Author unknown

Sarah Joespha Hale, author Mary Had a Little Lamb, campaigned vigorously for 20 years to have Thanksgiving made a national holiday.  Five presidents turned a deaf ear to her pleas, but Abraham Lincoln listened, and on October 3, 1863, he declared that the last Thursday in November would be a national holiday.  Sarah was also the one who urged that the Thanksgiving feast include such foods as turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes of two kinds.  Sound familiar?

And speaking of food, are you thankful for the abundance of our planet?  Show your gratitude by implementing these “green” suggestions for your holiday meal:

  • Use organic cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin
  • Shop at a famers’ market
  • Start a compost pile with all your leftovers

Click here for other earth-friendly holiday ideas.

Interested in giving traditional foods a modern twist?  Try baby greens with fennel, wheatberry stuffing, and wild mushroom gravy.  What about shredded Brussels sprouts or cranberry spinach salad?  For recipes for these dishes and other updated foods, visit the web sites of Good Housekeeping and Allrecipes.

What do you get when you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?  Pumpkin Pi!

 ”Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”
William Jennings Bryan

Giving back…Thanksgiving is a perfect time to share our blessings with those less fortunate than we are and to spread the spirit of friendship and community.  Opportunities for helping others during the holiday season are many and can involve one individual or the entire family.  Some ways to foster goodwill and embrace the idea of sharing include:

  • Collecting and contributing non-perishable foodstuffs for a local food bank.
  • Giving money to local agencies who feed the hungry.
  • Volunteering your time to sort supplies, set up and/or clean up, or serve meals on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Inviting a neighbor who lives alone to join you for dinner.
  • Taking a warm plate of Thanksgiving food–and a big smile–to a shut-in.
  • Contributing to holiday food collection bins in grocery stores.
  • Purchasing pre-packaged boxes of food (generally under $10.00) to be distributed by local grocers.
  • Checking with your local place of worship to see where you help is most needed.

troopsAnd remember our military personnel… by contacting A Million Thanks, a year-round campaign to show our appreciation for our U.S. military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers.  Over 5 million pieces of mail have been sent to date.  Zazzle will send free holiday cards to military folks, and Coupons to Troops has a great program in which you donate unwanted or expired coupons to military families living overseas.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!  Remember to be grateful for what you have and to “give thanks for unknown blessings already on the way.”  (Native American saying)

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/thanksgiving-is-a-time-to-reflect/feed/ 0 Gainesville FL Halloween Fun http://blog.gatorhomes.com/gainesville-fl-halloween-fun/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/gainesville-fl-halloween-fun/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:27:59 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1128 3236700_blogThere’s a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There’s a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.
- by Sandra Liatsos

It’s nearly that time of year again—Halloween, a time of ghosts and ghouls, tricks and treats, and costumes and candy!  Did you know that Halloween is second only to Christmas in terms of spending?  Yep–$1.2 million on costumes and another $2.5 million on candy, decorations, and other themed paraphernalia! 

Other little-known facts include:

  • 86% of Americans decorate their houses.                                                  
  • 10% of pet owners costume their pets. (Click here for unique ideas)
  • 35 million pounds of candy corn are produce yearly. (How many are consumed in your Gainesville home?)

5360677_blogHalloween traditions are many and varied.  “Tis the night for donning a costume, wearing a mask, bobbing for apples, and, the children’s favorite—trick-or-treating.  Looking for something different to give to the little ones coming to your Gainesville home this year?  How about juice boxes, mini-marshmallows, popcorn balls, fruit roll-ups, 4 pack crayons, small glo-sticks, silly erasers, themed pencils, or goldfish snacks?

Ghoulish Groaners:  

What is a mummy’s favorite music?    Wrap
Best Halloween insurance?  Mediscare
Favorite drink of ghosts and goblins?  Ghoulade    

Carving a Jack-o-Lantern: 

Be your pumpkin orange, white, green, and yes, even blue, you want the face on the porch of your Gainesville home to be individual and unique.  Get free templates to assist you in carving or for cut and paste faces here.

If you see a spider on Halloween, the spirit of a loved one is watching over you.

1777279_blogCostumes: 

Forget the old standbys of ghost and witch.  Get creative and think about the unusual.  A bearded lady? A cupcake?  Or perhaps popcorn or an aquarium?  Although the web is filled with sites which sell costumes, you can express yourself by making your own garb.  Check out CostumeIdeaZone.com for silly, serious, and/or super fast ideas.

A kid came up with a bright idea to dress up as an IRS Agent. This way he could take 28% of the man’s candy and leave without saying ‘Thank You!’ J)))

 Activities for the young and young at heart:

 Check out Caboose.com, Halloween.com, ZombiePumpkins.com, and TheTeachersCorner.net.  For creative ideas such as wicked wreaths, friendly ghosts, fright lights, tasty treats, and much, much more, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com.

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/gainesville-fl-halloween-fun/feed/ 0 Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Trends – July 2011 http://blog.gatorhomes.com/alachua-county-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-july-2011/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/alachua-county-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-july-2011/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:39:47 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1074 There were 1,335 Alachua County and Gainesville FL foreclosure homes in July 2011 according to RealtyTrac.com. The average foreclosure sales price was $119,635 compared to an average sales price of $160,226, a $40,592 savings. 1 in every 586 housing units received a foreclosure filing in July.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Home price appreciation remained was 0.0% in April and the number of new foreclosures totaled  198.

forecl-july 2011

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 and Gainesville FL foreclosures were 0.01% above national statistics and 0.18% below state figures in July 2011.

geo-july 2011

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of  Bank-owned increased from 21 in June to 44 in July. The number of Auctions increased from 47  to 73 while Pre-foreclosure activity increased from 96 to 81.

trend-july 2011

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-gainesville-fl-foreclosure-trends-july-2011/feed/ 0 Hot Tips For Staying Cool And Saving Money http://blog.gatorhomes.com/hot-tips-for-staying-cool-and-saving-money/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/hot-tips-for-staying-cool-and-saving-money/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:55:53 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1052 All owners of Gainesville FL homes recognize that keeping cool in hot summer months means paying higher utility bills. However, in the face of the ever-rising cost of living, family budgets strained by the spike in utility use, and the awareness of the need for environmental efficiency, the following money and energy saving tips can certainly help you manage both your comfort level and your finances this summer.

air conditioningAIR CONDITIONING:

  • Keep it off as long as possible.
  • Turn the thermostat up before leaving for work or for a vacation. You can save 1-3% per degree above 72.
  • Invest in an inexpensive programmable thermostat that will begin cooling your Gainesville FL home before you arrive home after an absence.
  • Use lights only when necessary in order to keep room temperatures cooler. Remember that LED lights use less energy and don’t produce heat.
  • Close blinds, shades, and curtains on the sunny side of your house.
  • Replace AC filters regularly. Saves another 1-2%.

REFRIGERATOR:

  • Cool hot foods before putting them into the refrigerator.
  • Be aware that a full refrigerator keeps it cooler. Reasons? The solid food retains the cold, and the tightly-packed items keep the cold air from rushing out an open door.
  • Refrain from opening the door too often.
  • Store wet foods in tightly-sealed containers to lessen the strain on the condenser.
  • Clean the condenser coils and check to ensure that the magnetic rubber seals around the door are tight.

DISHWASHER:

  • Save water and energy by doing only a full load.
  • Select a shorter cycle.
  • Let dishes air-dry.

WATER:

  • Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees.
  • When taking a shower to cool off, using cool rather than hot water will save energy and reduce the effect of humidity.
  • Wash clothes in cooler water and rinse in cold.

COOKING:

  • Whenever possible, use an outdoor grill, a crockpot, or a microwave rather than the oven in your Gainesville FL home.
  • When baking, avoid opening the oven door, an act which lets out 20% of the heat.

FANS:

  • Use ceiling fans to circulate air and decrease the use of air-conditioning.
  • Use the exhaust fan in the kitchen of your Gainesville FL home to remove hot air when you’re cooking.

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/hot-tips-for-staying-cool-and-saving-money/feed/ 0 Things to do Gainesville: Spectacular Theatre Camp Performance http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-spectacular-theatre-camp-performance/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-spectacular-theatre-camp-performance/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:18:14 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=1040 Children and teens from the greater Gainesville community will perform in four productions at the conclusion of the Junior and Teen Summer Spectacular Theatre Camps, four-week camps designed to cultivate lifelong appreciation in the arts.  Visit the Education page on our website to learn more about this and other education programs.

Little WomenLittle Women
By Betsy Foster
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Betsy Foster

Join Jo and the other March sisters in this adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy live with their mother in Massachusetts, struggling to get by while their father is off at war. The sisters never lack for adventure as they grow up together, perform plays, attend parties, and find love in unlikely places.  As they get older and the war ends, the girls grow apart and begin their own lives. Heartbreak reunites the family, and reminds them all what home really means.  This timeless story captures what it means to grow up, find friendship, and nurture family bonds. 

Little Women Show Times:

Session 2

Monday, August 1 at 6:00pm (Preview)
Tuesday, August 2 at 11:00am
Wednesday, August 3 at 11:00am

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/things-to-do-gainesville-spectacular-theatre-camp-performance/feed/ 0 Things to do Gainesville: Hippodrome presents The 39 Steps http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-hippodrome-presents-the-39-steps/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-hippodrome-presents-the-39-steps/#comments Tue, 26 Apr 2011 01:22:45 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=919 Come out to the Hippodrome in Gainesville to enjoy Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps.  This exciting productions that is packed with laughs as a cast of 4 portrays 150 zany characters.  This show takes the Hitchcock thriller and mixes it up to make it the wonderfully funny show that it is.  Some of the scene that takes place on stage is the handcuffs, missing fingers and there is even a little romance. 

This performance will be here in Gainesville from April 15 until May 8, so grab your friends for a hilarious night out on the town.

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/things-to-do-gainesville-hippodrome-presents-the-39-steps/feed/ 0 Things To Do Gainesville: Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival April 9 and 10 http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-santa-fe-spring-arts-festival-april-9-and-10/ http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-santa-fe-spring-arts-festival-april-9-and-10/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:23:41 +0000 North Central Florida Real Estate Agent http://blog.gatorhomes.com/?p=901 Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival is one of the three largest annual events in Gainesville and is known for its high quality, unique artwork. It is held in the downtown historic district, nestled amid restored turn-of-the century homes, stately palms and abundant azaleas. More than 130,000 visitors are anticipated each year.

Fun for the whole family, the Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival offers a wide selection of activities for all ages. Back again after a successful first year is a free jazz and blues concert at the 42nd Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival. The festival runs Saturday, April 9 from 9:00am until 5:30pm and Sunday, April 10 from 12:00pm until 5:30pm.

]]> http://blog.gatorhomes.com/things-to-do-gainesville-santa-fe-spring-arts-festival-april-9-and-10/feed/ 0