Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog

The clock is ticking on the Home Buyers Tax Credit! The deadline to have a ratified contract is April 30. This is an ideal time for both first-time and repeat buyers to purchase a Gainesville Florida home.

Basic facts Home Buyers Tax Credit:

• The new deadline is April 30, 2010 (June 30^th with a binding, signed contract)

• First-time buyers are eligible for a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price–up to $8000.00

• Repeat buyers (those who have lived in one residence for 5 consecutive years of the last can receive a credit of up to $6500.00.

• Income levels–$125,000 for individuals; $225,000 for couples.

• The credit may be claimed on this year’s tax return (for 2009).

***Remember that a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar deduction in what a taxpayer owes. If the credit exceeds the amount owed, a refund will be issued.

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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.

What’s your Gainesville, Florida home worth?

Sometimes people have to sacrifice purchasing their dream home for a less perfect home in a better location. The buyer and family’s quality of life can be affected by their surroundings and features a neighborhood has to offer.  Choosing the best neighborhood is just as important as finding the perfect home.  Neighborhoods have numerous characteristics to consider when trying to make the right choice.

Schools

One of the most important things to look in to is the quality of schools in the area. Compare various public schools within a school system; some may be better than others. In order to keep all options open, also take a look at private schools in the area. Even if you do not have kids that will attend school, it is still a good idea to pick an area with good schools to help with reselling Gainesville Florida real estate.

Crime

Another crucial characteristic of a neighborhood to research is the crime. Contact the local police office to find out crime trends, types, and rates. Go online to find out if there are any sex offenders living near by. Do not judge a book by its cover, just because a neighborhood looks well kept and charming does not mean there are not any crime related issues.

For financial reasons, check in to the property values of homes in the neighborhood. Find out if the Gainesville Florida real estate values in various areas have been increasing or decreasing. If the neighborhood is in an up and coming area the value of the property is likely to go up. Where as, if the area is going down under, the property value will probably follow. See if there are any future construction and development projects to take place. Alterations to the surrounding area could drastically change the property value.

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