Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog

In December of 2007, Congress signed into law the Mortgage Debt Relief Act to aid distressed homeowners.  Under regular circumstances, when a lender chooses to forgive all or part of a borrower’s debt, that amount is considered income and the borrower is liable to be taxed on it.  However, this law offers relief to the owner of Gainesville FL real estate in that debts discharged through calendar year 2012 are not taxable.  Limited to primary residences only, the amount of forgiven mortgage debt allowed to be excluded from income tax is $2 million per year.  Debts reduced through mortgage restructuring as well as mortgage debts forgiven in connection with foreclosure qualify for this relief.

On the fence about selling your underwater Gainesville FL real estate as a short sale?  Consider this: if your home isn’t sold before January 1, 2013, and you owe $50,000 more than its market value, you could realistically end up paying more than $12,000 in taxes in 2013 if you’re in the 25% tax bracket! Once you decide on going the short sale or foreclosure route—and remember, short sales often take a long time to sell–the first thing you need to do is to request that your lender officially and in writing  waive any deficiency connected with your Gainesville FL real estate.  If this waiver is not granted, the lender has 20 years to obtain repayment from you via collection agencies, garnishments, and/or liens.

Because of the impending deadline and the length of time required for short sales and foreclosures, many real estate and financial gurus stress the importance of acting now to set wheels in motions.  They urge distressed owners of Gainesville FL real estate to realize that there is no tax exclusion allowed on pending closings/foreclosures.  Only transactions completed by December 31, 2012, are eligible for income tax relief—and there are no indications that the current deadline will be extended!

Tax Form 982, Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness (and Section 1082 Adjustment) is used to report the exclusion of forgiveness of qualified principal residence indebtedness.  After your receive Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, from your lender (required by law and submitted to the IRS), download and complete Form 982 and attach it to your tax return.

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.

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

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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.
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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

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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 1^st 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!
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A recent survey by Houselogic.com, the consumer website from the National Association of Realtors®, finds that jobs and the housing market will be two of the most important issues for voters in the 2012 election. Nearly one-third of respondents said housing will be the top issue on their mind when they head to the polls next November.

Respondents were asked “What issue area will have the greatest impact on your vote in 2012?” National security, healthcare, and energy/environment trailed housing and unemployment by wide margins:

• Jobs/unemployment – 54 percent
• Housing – 27 percent
• National security – 8 percent
• Healthcare – 4 percent
• Energy/Environment – 2 percent
• Other – 4 percent

With unemployment still high, it is easy to see why so many Americans are concerned about the job market. However, employment and the housing market are inextricably linked because economic growth and job creation cannot occur without a housing recovery.

Now take a look at how the Gainesville FL real estate market performed in November.

The Gainesville FL area single family home sales saw pending sales increase by 11% when compared with October 2010 numbers.  Sold listings decreased by 7%, while new listings decrease by 5%.  The average sales price decreased by 7% to $170,926, while market times decreased by 1 days or 1%.

The Gainesville FL area Condo/Townhome market saw sold listings increase by 11% in October 2011 when compared to October 2010.  Pending sales increased by 12%, while new listings decreased by 3%.  The average sales price decreased by 12% to $69,483 when compared to October 2010, while the average market times increased by 114 days or 38%. 

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.

Traditionally, both sellers of Gainesville FL real estate and those looking to purchase a home have avoided doing so during the winter months, especial in December.  Because the last month of the year is a time of many religious, social, and cultural celebrations, most people feel they are too busy to deal with real estate matters and/or are convinced that the market is pretty much dormant until at least early spring.  Not so, say many Realtors!  Not only do many folks have vacation time in December and are thus free to house shop, but the slower months are often the ones where buyers are really serious and prices have been reduced. 

According to Lendingtree there are five strong reasons to buy Gainesville FL real estate during this season:

• Lower prices. Because many people are too busy to house hunt now, the slackening of demand is reflected in softer house prices.
• Less competition. With fewer active house-hunters out there, you are unlikely to end up in a bidding war, and sellers will be willing to negotiate.
• Favorable mortgage terms. Because there is less demand for mortgage money during the holiday season, lenders may be willing to shave a few basis points off the interest rate or to forgo some of their fees in order to get your business.
• Tax deduction. If you close on or before December 31, you are likely to be eligible to deduct the interest component of your first monthly mortgage payment and any money you paid for points from your taxable income for this year.

If you’re a seller, check out Realtor.om for a long list of reasons that support their belief that December is a good time to sell your Gainesville FL real estate.  Some of their arguments include:

• Less competition.  People who look at your home over the holidays are serious buyers who have fewer homes from which to choose.
• Business moves.  January is traditionally a month where employers have to move so they can’t wait until spring.  They have to buy now– you’re there to capture that market.
• Advantage for you.  By selling now, you have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer for next year when houses are less and you’ll have more opportunities and properties to choose from.
• Timing.  Many potential buyers want to settle before the end of the year for tax reasons.
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There were 1,119 Alachua County and Gainesville FL foreclosure homes in October. 2011 according to RealtyTrac.com. The average foreclosure sales price was $109,678 compared to an average sales price of $149,937, a $40,259 savings. 1 in every 516 housing units received a foreclosure filing in October.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Home price appreciation remained was 0.0% in October and the number of new foreclosures totaled  219.

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 October 2011.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity by Month
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Ready to update the kitchen in your Gainesville FL home? Whether the renovation is for the purpose of increasing resale value or for your own personal use and enjoyment, it never hurts to know what the building industry sees as sustainable, in-demand, cost-effective, and efficient improvements for one of the most important rooms in your Gainesville FL home. As American lifestyles change, so do the needs and desires of your family members and/or potential buyers, especially in the areas of appliances, flooring, lighting, counter tops and backsplashes, cabinetry, energy efficiency, and color.

Basic design:

An energy-efficient and functional design is extremely popular right now. Function, maintenance, and appearance should be combined to provide a streamlined look, adequate storage, easy accessibility, maximum dining, prep space, and a welcoming appearance. More and more homeowners are opting for removal of walls to make the kitchen more open and family-friendly

Flooring:

Hardwood floors are still desirable, as are those made of renewable bamboo and cork. Stone and porcelain tiles are also in demand because of their longevity, easy maintenance, and the availability of a wide variety of shapes and designs. Some tiles even look like wood and come in plank configurations.

Cabinetry:

Practical and attractive are the order of the day for this feature. Cabinets are available in recycled materials and exotic woods, and darker woods are in demand. Mixing materials, such as glass and wood or two different types of wood or wood stains, has become popular in remodeled or brand new kitchens. Desired cabinetry features include many drawers, swing-out shelves, pull outs (for dishes, pots and pans, and bake ware, e.g.) and drawer organizers.

Countertops:

Granite is still the most popular material, but engineered surfaces are often used instead. Many kitchens of today feature island/peninsula combinations or dual or tiered islands to allow more than adequate space for food preparation, storage, and family dining.

Backsplashes:

No longer simply a feature to protect the kitchen walls, homeowners are now using this area to add color and decoration. Glass tiles in a wide array of hues, especially those made from recycled glass, are predominant this year and allow you easy maintenance and a way to express your own style.

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There were 1,219 Alachua County and Gainesville FL foreclosure homes in Sept. 2011 according to RealtyTrac.com. The average foreclosure sales price was $109,678 compared to an average sales price of $156,392, a $46,714 savings. 1 in every 852 housing units received a foreclosure filing in September.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Home price appreciation remained was 0.0% in September and the number of new foreclosures totaled  136.

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 0.05% below national statistics and 0.15% below state figures in Sept. 2011.

Alachua County & Gainesville FL Foreclosure Activity by Month

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