Many of today’s buyers in the market for a Gainesville Florida home are looking for one that is eco-friendly. They want a house that is energy-efficient and combats detriments to the environment. Listed below are some relative easy to do and cost-efficient ways you can appeal to potential eco-conscious buyers.
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.
You are selling your Gainesville FL home and the first Open House only a week away. The house is filled with clutter and things you don’t want to throw away. But the clutter is not appealing to potential Gainesville FL home buyers. What do you? Here are staging tips for an Open House.
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).
Although the interior of your home may be lovely, you can’t use that fact to your advantage if potential buyers don’t come inside to see it. The majority of house shoppers are influenced by first impressions, and, according to the National Association of Realtors, nearly 50% of them make their decision about your Gainesville Florida home before stepping through the door. Ensuring that prospective buyers will want to see more doesn’t have to be time-consuming or cost-prohibitive; there are numerous ways to strengthen your home’s curb appeal, to capture the interest of buyers, and most likely increase the selling value.
Appearances are Important
When selling your Gainesville Florida home, appearances are important. The exterior of the house should be attractive and in good condition, and the well-maintained grounds should be pleasing to the eye. The first thing to do is to look at the exterior objectively. Assess the color scheme (siding, trim, brick, roof) and determine if the architectural features of your house are in keeping with the rest of the neighborhood.
Perhaps the easiest way to boost curb appeal is to clean. Pressure wash to remove mold and mildew from siding, decks, walkways, and driveways. Make sure that your windows sparkle and remember to wash the screens. Gutters, too, may need cleaning–or replacing. Investigate snap-fit vinyl systems, decorative rain chains, or even a copper system for a high quality look.
Generate Interest with Landscaping
Another way to generate interest in your Gainesville Florida home is to pay attention to the grounds. Remove weeds, keep lawns mowed, and trim shrubs and trees. Add color by planting flowers and mulching (now available in a variety of colors) around plants and bushes. Prune areas which may appear overgrown or obscure architectural features which should be showcased and look at your landscaping design with a discerning eye.
Consider adding more trees–for three reasons. In addition to making the grounds more attractive, tree cover can also result in lower utility and water bills and increase your home’s selling value. Shop for trees which grow well in Gainesville Florida, provide variety in color and texture (fruit trees, Japanese maple and birch trees, for example), and are water efficient. Most area nurseries will gladly offer expert advice in selecting trees to improve your landscape plan.
An inviting entrance will also impress buyers. Your front door may need repainting or replacing since it should be an attractive focal point of your property. Think about color and design as well as hardware when making improvements. Polish or replace knobs, knockers, doorbells, and kick plates. Purchase a distinctive welcome mat and investigate the need for outdoor lighting. Porch, garden, and walkway lights not only enhance the landscape’s appearance, they also help to provide safety and security (a good selling point!).
And finally, spruce up the front porch or landing. Brightly colored plant/flower containers and hanging baskets add pizazz, as do a freshly painted porch floor and outdoor furniture. An eye-catching entrance way certainly helps ensure that buyers will gladly accept your invitation to come inside your Gainesville Florida home.
HAFA provides incentives to families to take advantage of selling their Gainesville Florida home by means of a short sale (the home is sold for less than the value of the loan), or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (the home owner voluntarily gives the deed to the lender.
HAFA helps families quickly sell their Gainesville Florida homes by giving them pre-approved short sales terms before listing the property. They are fully released from future liability for the first mortgage debt, and can receive $1,500 for borrower relocation assistance. HAFA also allows investors and servicers to receive financial assistance for administrative costs, processing fees, etc. The program sounds simple, but is actually quite complex with many guidelines and rules. HAFA officially began on Monday, April 5, 2010 and will end on Monday, December 31, 2012.
Here you can watch ‘An Animated HAFA Story’, an informative video explaining HAFA…
I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), trained in helping families in distress avoid foreclosure. Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments? You do have options! A short sale may be what is needed to save your, your family and your credit. Please contact me anytime for a private consultation.
In today’s rapidly changing economy, many Gainesville, Florida home owners wonder or worry about selling their home for the best price, and terms in the shortest period of time.
Here are 9 tips if you are considering selling your Gainesville, Florida home:
Be realistic, and price your home right by using market comparisons.
Know your true bottom line for both price and time.
As the market shifts, be prepared to evaluate your price.
Advertising your property with yard signs, local MLS and newspapers.
Get rid of the clutter! It makes your house appear smaller.
Clean your walls, floors, baseboards, stove and refrigerator. Buyers will know your house is well cared for.
Clean up outdoors! Remove tools, toys and be sure lawn and shrubs are neatly trimmed.
Have the carpets cleaned to eliminate odors, smoke, and pet smells.
Make minor repairs such as leaky faucets, sticky doors, etc.
Be sure to ask for updated Market Analysis before listing your property.
Home sales surged in the fourth quarter of 2009 with many areas seeing double digit gains according to the National Association of Realtors. Total existing-home sales (single-family and condo) jumped 13.9 percent above the third quarter and 27.2 percent above the fourth quarter of 2008. Distressed property sales accounted for 32 percent of the fourth quarter transactions, down from 37 percent from 2008.
Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said the first-time home buyer tax credit, combined with record low interest rates, played a dominant role in fourth quarter sales. Yun went on to say, “With inventory levels trending down over the past 18 months, we expect broadly balanced housing market conditions in much of the country by late spring with more areas showing higher prices.”
Lets look at January Gainesville FL real estate sales statistics to see how the housing recovery is progressing locally.
Gainesville FL Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2010
The Gainesville FL area single family home sales saw sold listings remain consistant in January 2010, when compared against January 2009. New listings saw an increase of 27%. Pending sales saw a 9% increase and the average sales price increased by 8% to $132,701, while market times increased by 8 days.
Gainseville Area Single Family
New Listings
Pending Sales
Sold Listings
Avg. Sales Price
Days on Market
Jan 2010
478
159
103
$132,701
128
Jan 2009
348
145
103
$122,645
120
The Gainesville FL area Condo/Townhome market saw the average sales price increased by 40% to $77,741 in January 2010 compared to January 2009. While new listings were down 4% and sold listings decreased by 24% in January 2010. Pending sales increased by 40% when compared to January 2009, while the average market times increased by 15 days.
Gainseville Area
Condo/TH
New Listings
Pending Sales
Sold Listings
Avg. Sales Price
Days on Market
Jan 2010
109
30
13
$77,741
163
Jan 2009
113
18
17
$46,607
148
For the latest Gainesville FL real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 888-424-8841 or visit MyGatorCondo.com.
Something to consider when selling your home is the Capital Gains ramifications. Will you owe Uncle Sam money after the sale of your Gainesville FL home? Capital Gains are calculated as the difference between what you paid for your property and what you sell it for. Here is how you calculate your Capital Gains.
Calculating Capital Gains
(+) PURCHASE PRICE – Price paid for property
(+) COST OF PURCHASE – Transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections
(+) COST OF SALE – Repairs, commissions, attorney fees, inspections
(+) COST OF IMPROVEMENT – Room additions, deck, for example, though not replacing existing
(=) ADJUSTED COST BASIS OF YOUR HOME
(-) AMOUNT YOU SELL YOUR HOME
(=) CAPITAL GAIN
A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains
Even though the above calculation may indicate you owe Capital Gains, there is a special real estate exemption. Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a Gainesville FL home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:
You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.
You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.
NOTE: As of 2003, you may also qualify for this exemption if you meet what the IRS calls “unforeseen circumstances” such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.
New tax code changes create benefits for owners of a Gainesville home. For years, many people have usually turned away from considering taking on the financial responsibilities of being a homeowner. Renters and prospective home owners are well aware of all the financial stress that comes with owning a home, which makes them hesitant to make the big step and commitment. What might not be known is that homeowners are receiving more tax benefits now than ever before. The Internal Revenue Services, known as the IRS, has made owning a Gainesville home a more favorable option in several ways.
Monthly house payments bring the biggest tax benefit to home owners. The interest included in the monthly mortgage payments is tax deductible as long as the loan is for less than a million dollars. IRS guidelines also allow deductions for interest on refinancing and home equity loans. However, they do put limits on how much is actually allowed to be deducted. Borrowing against the equity of your Gainesville home is an option renters do not have. Renters also do not have the ability to file federal tax deductions on their monthly rental payments.
Homeowners are also allowed to deduct the points paid in order to purchase their home. If the deductions are itemized, points can be deducted the same year the home is purchased. Every point is equal to 1% of the entire loan amount. When the seller pays certain fees during the purchase, points are also deducted.
Gainesville home buyers to benefit from more FREE money…
The $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit was scheduled to expire in just a few short weeks…Nov 30, 2009. I say ‘was’, because the Senate voted unanimously to extend the credit on Monday and the House of Representatives approved the extension yesterday afternoon by a vote of 403-12. The extension includes an expanded tax credit to repeat home buyers. The bill now goes to the President for his signature which is expected to happen today.
Home Buyer Tax Credit Expansion and Extension
The $8,000 tax credit will be extended and available for first-time home buyers through May 1, 2010.
A new $6,500 tax credit will be available for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009, and May 1, 2010. To qualify, buyers must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.
Prospective buyers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.
Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return.
Limitation on the cost of a purchased home is $800,000.
If you know anyone looking to buy their first Gainesville home at a time when prices and interest rates are still down, or if you are thinking of buying another Gainesville home and getting the new $6,500 credit please contact me today.
Selling your own home might sound like a good idea at first, but many Gainesville FL FSBO home sellers quickly realize they’ve gotten in over their heads or may have sold their home for much less than they would have had they worked with a Realtor®.
The 2008 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that two-thirds of “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sellers found some aspect of the home sale to be difficult.
Twelve percent of sellers who knew the buyer thought that getting the price right was the hardest task. Among FSBO sellers who didn’t know the buyer, 16 percent found it difficult to sell within the time planned, 15 percent found fixing up the home arduous, and 12 percent found it difficult to get the price right.
Statistics also show 25 percent of FSBO sellers took no action to market their home and 72 percent didn’t offer incentives to attract buyers?
If you are a Gainesville FL FSBO home seller and want to discuss other missteps FSBO sellers risk when attempting to go it alone, give me a call. I am glad to talk with you.
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.
1. Remove the clutter.
When 
Be realistic, and price your home right by using market comparisons.
Something to consider when selling your home is the Capital Gains ramifications. Will you owe Uncle Sam money after the sale of your Gainesville FL home? Capital Gains are calculated as the difference between what you paid for your property and what you sell it for. Here is how you calculate your Capital Gains.
Monthly house payments bring the biggest tax benefit to home owners. The interest included in the monthly mortgage payments is tax deductible as long as the loan is for less than a million dollars. IRS guidelines also allow deductions for interest on refinancing and home equity loans. However, they do put limits on how much is actually allowed to be deducted. Borrowing against the equity of your Gainesville home is an option renters do not have. Renters also do not have the ability to file federal tax deductions on their monthly rental payments. 