Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog

If you are looking for some of the best crafters in the Gainesville area, then you will have look no farther then the Monthly Craft Market at The Doris Art Center.  These wonderful crafters make everything from soaps, fiber crafts, jewelry, postcards, and hoola hoops.  This is a great opportunity for them to show off their abilities and for you to get wonderful homemade items.  The vendors change every time so there is not telling what kind of unique gifts you can find. 

As you stroll through the different vendors there will be live music for your listening enjoyment.  Don’t forget to stop at the food booths to help you keep your energy up so you can keep shopping.  This is a fun family event that has a little something for everyone.  Gainesville is home to many talented artists and crafters so you are sure to find that one of a kind item you are looking for.  The event will be held on August 27^th from 1pm until 5pm in Gainesville at The Doris Art Center.

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.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that over one million senior citizens are treated in emergency rooms for home-related injuries each year. CPSC believes that many of these accidents result from often-overlooked hazards which are easy to detect and correct. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be present in your Gainesville FL home and use it periodically to re-check your residence. This checklist is organized by areas in the home and will be presented in an easy-to-follow series of articles.

THE KITCHEN

                1. Store potholders, towels, plastic utensils, and the like away from the stove/oven.

                2. Shorten or remove curtains which are close to sources of heat.

                3. Roll back, pin up, or fasten with elastic bands long, loose sleeves which can easily catch on fire or get caught on pot handles.

                4. Use a stove fan, ventilation system, or open windows to clear air of smoke and vapors.

                5. Move cords and appliances away from sink area or heat. Try to avoid use of extension cords. Use wiring guides so that cords will not hang down or become tangled.

                6. Check with an electrician about installing new outlets (GFCIs) which detect electrical problems and shut off automatically.

                7. Ensure adequate lighting by opening curtains and blinds, using maximum wattage allowed bulbs (frosted ones reduce glare), and adding easy-to-install light strips under the cabinets or over the countertops of your Gainesville FL home.

                8. Do not exceed the printed maximum bulb wattage for use in lighting fixtures. If you don’t know the correct wattage, use nothing greater than 60 watts.

                9. Keep a working fire extinguisher handy at all times.

                10. Use a teakettle that has an automatic shutoff. Do the same for coffeemakers and irons, too.

                11. Wipe up all spills quickly and carefully.

(more…)

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 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:

(more…)

Whether you have decided to make improvements to your Gainesville FL home or have just realized that your air conditioning system will soon need to be replaced, you need to find a source of funds to pay for these expenses. Obtaining extra money has never been easier for homeowners than it is today, thanks to two type of home equity lending offers which help make paying for both planned improvements and unexpected expenses a less stressful situation. Before you start shopping around, however, you should decide whether you want a closed-end second mortgage home equity loan (HEL) or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Home Equity Loan

A Home Equity Loan refers to a second mortgage that is structured in a very similar way to your first. With a HEL, you choose a fixed amount that you want to borrow, close on the loan, and receive a check for the amount you have chosen. You have regular monthly principal and interest payments that are structured over a period of years. Upon completion of those payments, your Gainesville FL home equity loan will be paid in full. If you decide later that you would like to draw additional funds, you will need to arrange for an additional loan with additional closing costs. HELs usually carry a fixed interest rate. HELs offer a straightforward plan for paying the money back.

Home Equity Line Of Credit

A HELOC (Home Equity Line Of Credit), on the other hand, is a line of credit from which you can withdraw money again and again. In many ways, a HELOC is just like a credit card, but the interest you pay is tax-deductible. You will close on a HELOC only one time, but if you decide after a few months that you need to withdraw additional money, you will be able to do so up to the value of the loan. HELOCs offer payment flexibility not available on HELs; you can make interest only payments for a number of years on a HELOC.

Consumers should consider several things before jumping into either financing option, experts say. That’s because home equity lines of credit typically are a good deal for those who want a lower up-front rate and access to money at unpredictable times. However, home equity loans are better suited to those who need a specific amount of money and payment stability. Whichever you choose, be cautious about the amount that you borrow since both types of loans use your home as collateral. If you ever default on either type of loan, you put your Gainesville FL home at risk.

Consider, too, the time factor, the closing costs, and annual fees associated with each type. Generally the closing costs are about the same for the equity loan and the line of credit, and the application process for each takes approximately two weeks. Those who opt for the line of credit, however, will have to apply and pay closing costs only one time, and they are subject to lender credit reviews (usually based on your credit score) only every one to three years to keep the credit line open to them.

Credit line upkeep can still lead to annual maintenance fees similar to those charged by credit card issuers, and some borrowers will also be charged fees if they don’t use the line for a long enough period of time. The rate benefit of lines of credit can help offset those costs. The credit line rate is often even lower for at least some period because stiff competition among lenders has spurred many to offer introductory teaser rates and other incentives. Check local rates in your neighborhood. Despite all the benefits of a line of credit, experts still advise people who need to make purchases of predetermined amounts to go with a home equity loan. That is in part because payments will be locked in at signing, rather than fluctuate along with the outstanding balance.

(more…)

Despite the ups and downs of the housing market, home owners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream according to a survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, VA, and Lake Research Partners of Washington, D.C.

The survey results show that Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership. An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the home owners said they are happy with their decision to own a home.

One of the more striking aspects of the survey results is the intensity of sentiment among potential voters, according to Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners. “People believe overwhelmingly that owning a home is an anchor to the American Dream,” she says. “It’s an anchor to your retirement, and it’s an anchor to your personal economic well-being.”

Among the other survey results:

73 percent said owning a home is one of their goals
• Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
• 80 percent of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
• Saving for a down payment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership.
• Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.

Owning a home is not just a commodity to people. It is a core value.

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

The Gainesville FL area single family home sales saw pending sales increase 18% in May.  Sold listings decreased by 10%, and new listings decreased by 10%.  The average sales price decreased by 8% to $167,309, while market times decreased by 5 days or 3%.

The Gainesville FL area Condo/Townhome market saw pending sales increase by 20% in May 2011 when compared to May 2010.  Sold listings decreased by 16%, and new listings decreased by 28%.  The average sales price decreased by 20% to $83,495 when compared to May 2010, while the average market times decreased by 30 days. 

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.

If after exploring all other alternatives such as federal assistance programs, loan counseling and/or modifications, or a short sale, you are still faced with foreclosure, you need to be familiar with that process and what it means for you. The procedure varies from state to state, and your first step is to be aware of the regulations regarding your Gainesville FL home.

There are three types of foreclosures used by individual states, judicial, power of sale, and strict foreclosure.

            1. Judicial is allowed in all states. After the lender files with the judicial system, you will receive a notice for payment. After 30 days with no response from you, the property is sold at an auction conducted by the court.

            2. Power of sale, also known as statutory foreclosure, is allowed in many states if your mortgage contains a “power of sale” clause. In this case, the mortgage company, after sending out the required notices and waiting for an established period of time, carries out the auction of your Gainesville FL home.

            3. Strict foreclosure is allowed in some states and provides for the property, again after the required notices and time period, to revert directly to the lender. No auction is involved. Usually this type of foreclosure occurs only when the amount of the debt exceeds the value of the property.

If you cannot meet your mortgage obligations, the lender must notify you in writing as it proceeds with each step of the foreclosure process, designed as follows:

(more…)

Tired of paying the steep costs of hotel, cottage, or condo rentals for vacation stays? Think you’ve found the location of your dreams? Are you able to handle a second mortgage payment? Want an investment that includes a mortgage interest tax deduction? If your answer to these queries is yes, then you may well be ready to purchase a vacation home.

Increased home availability, lower prices, greatly reduced interest rates, and probable “end of the season” bargains make this an excellent time for you to explore adding a second home to your real estate holdings. Add to that the opportunities to make a safe long-term investment, defray mortgage costs by offering short-term rentals, and ensure a yearly getaway spot that’s sure to please, and you have a long list of reasons to explore the possibility of owning and enjoying a vacation home.

As with any large purchase or major decision, there are, of course, many factors which must be considered. Items to think about include the following:

            1. Expenses: Be aware that, unlike the mortgage on your Gainesville FL real estate, you will need at least a 15% down payment. Know, too, that in addition to your regular monthly mortgage cost, you will also have to factor in expenses for insurance (perhaps even required flood insurance), furniture, utilities, condo, club, or community fees, taxes, property management fees, travel costs, and maintenance expenses.

            2. Frequency of use: If you will be occupying the property only for a few weeks each year, is it really worth it to buy rather than rent? Is this the place in which you’ll want to vacation every year?

            3. Tax ramifications: owning a second property, especially if you gain rental income from it, will affect your tax situation in some way. Consult your accountant for advise to avoid surprises in April.

            4. Location: Have you spent much time in the area you have chosen? Is it near enough to your home to make traveling back and forth reasonable in terms of time and expense? Be sure to visit the community often and at different times of the year before deciding that this is the place for you. Talk to neighbors, consider your privacy needs, look for a level lot and landscaping, assess your need for a view and/or amenities. Ask the realtor who helped you find your Gainesville FL real estate to recommend an agent in the area you are considering and take advantage of his/her knowledge and services.

(more…)

The idea of purchasing your first home is an exciting one, but to novices the process may appear to be a daunting one. Fear not, however! There are numerous government agencies and programs available to help you purchase your Gainesville FL real estate. Listed below are online sites which provide a wide variety of resources for your assistance.

1. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers explanations and logical steps to home buying. Access this site to:

• determine how much you can afford to pay
• understand your rights
• learn about home buying programs
• find a home and a loan suited to your needs
• learn about price negotiations, inspections, insurance, and closing costs

2. FHAHomeLoans.com will provide you with

• a description of available programs
• qualification requirements
• an application to download

3. HUD.gov supplies information about

• available state programs
• HUD homes
• buying Gainesville FL real estate with bad credit
• counseling agencies
• types of loans (more…)