1. Make sure that all security browsers on your computer are current and self-updating. The computer in your Gainesville home is only as safe as you make it.

2. NEVER give out your social security number!

3. Use only secure and reputable websites. Secure websites add the letter “s” after http on their order page. Another indicator is a closed lock seen at the bottom of your screen.  It is safer to use a website you’re familiar with or one found using a well-known search engine. You should also look for a physical address and customer service phone  number, although those things are not always a guarantee of safety. To check on the reliability of a site, contact the Better Business Bureau.

4. Limit the personal information you provide. In fact, because merchants sometimes sell your email address, you may wish to create an email account that you use only for online purchases. Also, use the same credit card for all online purchases to aid in tracking fraudulent transactions or a security breach.

5. Check out shipping and handling charges before ordering. Merchants often add as much as 10%-15% of the product’s cost to your order.

6. Print out copies of your order, shipping confirmation, etc. on your Gainesville home computer.

7. Be familiar with the return policy. Are returns allowed at all? Is there a time limit? Is there a “restocking” fee for returns? Who is responsible for paying shipping and handling         on returns? If return information is not posted on the website, request that it be sent to you.

8. Pay with a credit card. Paypal and debit cards require an immediate reporting of fraud in order to get your money back. Also, your liability for fraudulent credit card charges is zero when the card is used online. Check with your credit card company to see if they offer a virtual card, which masks out your real account number.

Cyber-shopping is fast and convenient. It provides you with a vast array of products from which to choose in the comfort of your Gainesville home and allows you to shop at any hour.. Buying online can be an efficient and pleasurable experience if you remain web-wise and security-savvy.

Myth: Checking a credit report can either damage or lower your score.
A credit report can be conducted by you or someone like an employer as many times as desired with out having any impact on your credit score. Reviewing your credit report will never change your credit score. Just make sure that reports are retrieved through the bureaus or a legitimate score seller.

Myth: Age, sex, and income are factors that affect your score.
None of this information plays a role in determining your score. A higher income may make it easier to pay off debts, but income and net worth have no impact of credit scores.

Myth: A credit score can be destroyed by shopping for a loan.
When seeking to extend credit, too many inquiries can have a negative impact your credit score. However, when several inquiries are made by the same type of lender with in a 14 day period they only count as one inquiry against your credit.

Myth: Your score can be hurt by credit card offers.
When companies offer you their credit cards it does not have any affect on your score. Unless, your take advantage of all the offers and carelessly use all of the credit available. The number of credit cards a person manages does not matter. The important thing is maintain a low ratio of used to available credit.

Myth: Credit scores of married couples are shared.
A credit score can only belong to one person, just as one person can only have one score. A married could does not share a credit score, but their scores could have an affect each others. When opening a joint account, the information accumulated from that account’s activity will be reflected on both people’s credit report. If all of the couple’s accounts are joint, then their scores will be somewhat similar.

Myth: Closing unused accounts improves credit scores.
Unused accounts most likely contain available credit, which is an important part of a credit score. Closing unused accounts removes available balances from the equation. This causes your ratio of used to available credit to increase, ultimately affecting your credit score.

Myth: Paying off bills is a quick way to boost credit.
Over time, a good record of properly paying bills will improve credit. Credit reports reflect your long term history, scores do not change overnight.

Learn more about how credit scores affect the amount of home you can buy.

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Organization is the first thing to be conquered when transforming a small living space. Getting rid of clutter and maximizing the use of storage space are the keys to success. Clutter will make any space appear smaller than it really is. Eliminating excessive knick-knacks is one way to reduce clutter. Multiple pieces of small, scattered furniture can also make a room look jumbled. Using a couple pieces of slightly larger furniture leads to a less cluttered look. Every inch of storage space should be taken advantage of in small living areas. Planning out storage space will allow for more walking room, functional closets, and more productive space. Use multipurpose furniture like ottomans, which can be used for storage and seating. Try installing an organizational system in the closets. These systems usually provide a perfect spot for everything. 

Colors, lighting, and decorations also affect the appearance of your Gainesville home. Colors play a big role in creating illusions of size. The color scheme of small living spaces should consist of light hues. Although white can be a boring color, it will ultimately maximize the illusion of a bigger space. Other colors that tend to open up space include beige, neutrals, and pastels. It is important to avoid contrasting colors. The furniture, especially larger pieces like the couch, should be in the same color family to match the color of the walls.

Lighting makes a big difference in small spaces. Take advantage of as much natural light as possible by avoiding heavy curtains and window treatments. Although natural lighting is always the most ideal, it isn’t always available. Track and recessed lighting work well as alternatives for lighting up the space. 

Décor should not take over small spaces. Using medium sized pieces of furniture can do a lot for small rooms versus one big piece or a bunch of cluttered small pieces. Mirrors compliment small spaces perfectly. Mirrors reflect light and color, creating the illusion of more space. Mirrors can be found in all shapes and sizes, with and with out frames. One large mirror or several small mirrors collaged on a wall can make a big difference in a small living area. There are tons of solutions to make a small area more livable.

Learn more about owning a Gainesville home.

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 

1. The $8,000 tax credit will be extended and available for first-time home buyers through May 1, 2010.
2. 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.
3. Prospective buyers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.
4. Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return.
5. 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.

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1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing. 

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this Gainesville home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in Gainesville home buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

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1. Will your inspection meet recognized standards? Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, such as the one adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors. Customers can view each group’s standards of practice and code of ethics online at www.Ashi.org or www.Nahi.org. ASHI’s Web site also provides a database of state regulations.

2. Do you belong to a professional home inspector association? There are many state and national associations for home inspectors, including the two groups mentioned in No. 1. Unfortunately, some groups confer questionable credentials or certifications in return for nothing more than a fee. Insist on members of reputable, nonprofit trade organizations; request to see a membership ID.

3. How experienced are you? Ask how long inspectors have been in the profession and how many inspections they’ve completed. They should provide customer referrals on request. New inspectors also may be highly qualified, but they should describe their training and let you know whether they plan to work with a more experienced partner.

4. How do you keep your expertise up to date? Inspectors’ commitment to continuing education is a good measure of their professionalism and service. Advanced knowledge is especially important in cases in which a home is older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

5. Do you focus on residential inspection? Make sure the inspector has training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection, which is very different from inspecting commercial buildings or a construction site. If your customers are buying a unique property, such as a historic home, they may want to ask whether the inspector has experience with that type of property in particular.

6. Will you offer to do repairs or improvements? Some state laws and trade associations allow the inspector to provide repair work on problems uncovered during the inspection. However, other states and associations forbid it as a conflict of interest. Contact your local ASHI chapter to learn about the rules in your state.

7. How long will the inspection take? On average, an inspector working alone inspects a typical single-family house in two to three hours; anything significantly less may not be thorough. If your customers are purchasing an especially large property, they may want to ask whether additional inspectors will be brought in.

8. What’s the cost? Costs can vary dramatically, depending on your region, the size and age of the house, and the scope of services. The national average for single-family homes is about $320, but customers with large homes can expect to pay more. Customers should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

9. What type of inspection report do you provide? Ask to see samples to determine whether you will understand the inspector’s reporting style. Also, most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.

10. Will I be able to attend the inspection? The answer should be yes. A home inspection is a valuable educational opportunity for the buyer. An inspector’s refusal to let the buyer attend should raise a red flag. 

Are you a Gainesville home buyer with questions concerning home inspections? Give me a call. I’m happy to answer all your questions. Also, visit GatorHomes.com to learn more about buying a Gainesville home.

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Information is courtesy of Realtor Magazine with permission by the National Association of Realtors.

Gainesville Homes For Sale:

504 NW 89th Street, Gainesville FL 32607

MLS# 304175

Super-sized!!  This home offers large rooms which include a living, family, and dining room.   The bedrooms boast large closets and the kitchen has an eat in space that accommodates a full dining table.  You can view the oversize pool and 1 acre private back yard with numerous fruit trees from the large screened porch.  Country setting that is close to everything.  Builder/owner has remodeled extensively, crown molding thru out, 2 Ac units (1 heat pump, 1 gas heat) Lots of beautiful oak cabinets, 3 year old appliances, 7 year old roof, foyer with lighted shadow boxes, cedar lined hall closet, solar heated pool and much more.  Must see to appreciate!

Learn more about 504 NW 89th Street and other Gainesville homes by visiting Gatorhomes.com and MyGatorCondo.com.

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1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

4. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment?  Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs – including taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees – average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of your credit, bad debts, and any late payments.
6. Determine your mortgage qualifications. How large of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan options – such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs – and decide what’s best for you.

7. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements.

8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you’ve saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable.

10. Contact a REALTOR®. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help guide you through the process. That’s us! Give us a call today!

Learn more about buying a Gainesville home by visiting GatorHomes.com.

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Choosing a location

Do you want to be in the middle of all the activity, or enjoy the peace and quiet of a secluded location?  Is a condo at the mountain your cup of tea or a farmhouse tucked away in the woods? Whichever environment you prefer, here are some things you should consider:

• Popularity.  A house in a hot vacation market will usually cost more than a place off the beaten path.  At the same time, continued popularity may help you profit from appreciation.
• Proximity to your home.  If you plan to visit regularly, look for a place that’s easy to get to. 
• Rental possibilities.  If you’re hoping to offset some costs by renting the home for part of the year, find out about seasonal demand for rentals in the area.

Maintaining your getaway

Regular upkeep is more difficult with a vacation home than with your primary residence, but no less important.  The value of the home, both as an investment and as a place you enjoy visiting, depends on good maintenance. 

If your Gainesville home is not far from your vacation home, you may want to make weekly visits to mow the lawn, water the garden, clean the gutters or shovel snow.  If doing it yourself is impractical, consider hiring a vacation property management company to provide maintenance services during the times when you’re not using the home. 

Visit GatorHomes.com to learn more about buying a vacation home or give me a call for more personal service.

Of course, there are exceptions. Well priced homes in desirable neighborhoods or foreclosed properties selling at ‘yard sale’ prices may generate multiple offers. But all in all, it is a buyer’s market.

So how do Gainesville home buyers prepare to make an offer and put themselves in the best negotiating position? Here are some suggestions made by Dian Hymer in a recent Inman news article:

1. Before you make an offer on a listing that’s priced over market, try to find out as much as possible about the sellers’ motivation, and if there’s any flexibility in their price. If the seller owes more than the house is currently worth, they may not have any negotiating room. They may want to sell the house, but really can’t sell at today’s prices.  A lot of time and emotional energy goes into making an offer. Save your efforts for listings where the sellers are motivated. That is, they don’t just want to sell — they need to sell.

Some sellers want to test the waters at a price that’s higher than the market will support. They usually feel that someone will appreciate the added value their home offers and pay more for it. However, these sellers will often negotiate with a legitimate buyer who offers a price that is less than the list price.

2. Make sure that your financing is in order and that you are able to show the seller that you are capable of closing the deal. The fallout ratio is high in the current market. Many of these transactions fail to close because the buyers couldn’t get financing.

It’s always a good idea to be preapproved for the financing you’ll need to buy a home before you make an offer. Preapproval involves making a formal loan application, having your credit checked, as well as verifying your funds for down payment and closing costs, and validating your income and employment. Lenders often want to know that you have enough surplus cash to make house payments (mortgage, property taxes and insurance) for two to three months.

3. Buyers who make an initial low offer and who aren’t in competition should make as clean an offer as possible. This means omitting anything that’s not necessary. However, you should include contingencies for loan and appraisal approval and an inspection contingency.

It’s a good idea to include a copy of your preapproval letter with your offer. If you are approved for a higher price than you are offering, ask your lender or mortgage broker to issue a preapproval letter for the price you’re offering.

4. Be prepared to negotiate. It may take several rounds of counter-offering back and forth to reach a mutually acceptable price.

Are you thinking about buying a Gainesville home? We are glad to help you with your preapproval process, show you homes with motivated sellers and craft an offer putting you in the best possible light with the seller and results in getting you the best possible deal.

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