Friends of the Library Book Sale Spring 2016Spring is Here and that means things are gearing up for The Friends of The Library SPRING Book Sale! This is the annual SPRING event in Beautiful Gainesville!  If you’ve never been to this book sale, make sure you go check it out.   Lots of treasures to find and all will benefit our Alachua County Library District. The Friends of the Library Book Sale starts Saturday April 16th, 2016 at 9am (See schedule below).Saturday, Apr 16: 9am – 6pmSunday, Apr 17: Noon-6pmMonday, Apr 18: Noon-6pmTuesday, Apr 19: Noon-6pm 1/2 price dayWednesday, Apr 20: Noon-6pm 10-cent dayTo download a floor plan of the sale area, click here.The money made during the book sales is used for budgeted library support, scholarships for library staff, special projects, and co... 04/15/2016

Gainesville Florida Real Estate Market Report for Single Family Homes Sold in January 2016.  Here you will find the recent three-month statistics for Gainesville real estate market report for single family homes during January 2016The chart below shows Gainesville’s NEW LISTINGS, PENDING SALES, and the CLOSED SALES for the last 3 Months.   New Listings are way UP to 324 for January.  Our PENDING contracts are also UP to 248. Closed Sales are down to 145 for January, but no worries on strength of market because of the high pending sales.The Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors® provides their statistics to the Florida Realtors® each month and they compile statewide data that allows them to compile these reports. Let’s look at stats for Jan 2015 compared to Jan 2016.  Closed... 03/13/2016

Gainesville Florida Condominium Market Report for January 2016. This Gainesville FL condominium market report is compiled from our local MLS and Florida Realtors Research Department. Our January 2016 stats shows a normal slow in our Gainesville condo market for winter season. The pending sales almost the same as last month, yet the new listing jumped up this month with 84 new listings on the market.This chart below shows the stats for November & December of 2015 and January 2016. New Active Listings,  Pending Sales, and Closed Sales are displays for comparison. This data is compiled from the Gainesville Multiple Listing Service & Florida Realtors® research and statistical reports. Each month we compile these posts, we plan to publish these monthly reports after the 23rd of each month. ... 03/13/2016

5 Low Cost Updates with Big-Impact for Gainesville Home SellersWhen preparing to sell your Gainesville home, there can be some low cost updates that will make positive impression to future buyers that view your home. Consider these simple projects that can deliver the biggest bang for your Do-It-Yourself bucks. Go ahead, make a list and take a trip to Home Depot, Lowes or Ace Hardware in your area.  Do some web surfing on Pinterest or Houzz to get ideas for the items listed below!1. Your Front Door: Replacing a worn-out front door with a new one OR just give it a good fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference.  If the door knob & hardware look worn out or discolored, then some new hardware too.2. Kitchen Cabinets: Giving kitchen cabinets a facelift doesn’t have to break your pi... 02/08/2016

Gainesville Florida Real Estate Market Report for Single Family Homes Sold in December 2015.  Here you will find the recent three-month statistics for Gainesville Florida single family homes real estate market in the 4th quarter (Oct. Nov & Dec).The chart below shows Gainesville’s NEW LISTINGS, PENDING SALES, and the CLOSED SALES for the last 3 Months.   New Listings are down with 185 for December.  Our PENDING contracts are stable for the current fall market. Closed Sales are up with 255 closing for a strong number for December.The Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors® provides their statistics to the Florida Realtors® each month and they compile statewide data that allows them to compile these reports. Let’s look at stats for December 2015 compared to December 2014.  Clo... 02/05/2016

Gainesville Florida real estate market report for Condominiums SOLD in December 2015.These stats for the Gainesville condominium market are compiled from our local MLS and Florida Realtors Research Department. Our December 2015 stats shows a normal slow in our Gainesville condo market for winter season. The pending sales almost the same as last month, yet the new listing are really down to only 35 new listings.  The end of the month (and end of the year) are up for December.This chart below shows the stats for October, November and December 2015. New Active Listings,  Pending Sales, and Closed Sales are displays for comparison. This data is compiled from the Gainesville Multiple Listing Service & Florida Realtors® research and statistical reports. Each month we compile these posts, we p... 02/05/2016

A few years ago, a buyer found me through a recommendation from a local rescue I support.  We began working together and hit it off because she is also an animal lover and has 4 dogs of her own, as do I!  We ultimately found a perfect property with over an acre for her and her dogs to enjoy. As we got to know each other, I learned that she offers pet sitting services.  Instead of boarding a pet or pets off premesis when traveling, the pets can remain in the home and she makes several visits to let them out, walk them, give them emotional attention and feed/water them.  This is fanastic for the pet as they can stay in their familiar environment and don't have to be crated, unless that is your personal preference.  It seems this method would be less stressful and healthier for both the pe... 01/31/2016

I am a Florida native and have lived in North Central Florida for my entire life with the exception of the 8 years that I spent in the Marine Corps.  I am married and we have 5-year-old twins, a boy and a girl named Reagan and Liberty.  I have been a mortgage lender for over 15 years and love helping my clients through the home loan process.  When I am not working I enjoy watching the Gators play as I am an avid University of Florida football fan.  I am excited to be a part of this great program and look forward to helping our Heroes! 01/27/2016

Features That Date Your HomeThere’s a fine line between “vintage” and “dated” when it comes to home features. Buyers tend to be willing to pay more for a contemporary-looking property. But how do you determine whether to invest in an update? Here are a few features it’s pretty safe to say are long past their expiration date.1. Popcorn ceilingsAlso known as acoustic, or cottage cheese ceilings, they were styled using a popular spray-on ceiling finish for decades. Fortunately, the finish is easy enough to remove using a variety of DIY methods.2. Tiled countertopsEven if they’re not from the 40s or 50s, once you’ve wasted time scrubbing grout clean, you’ll understand why these should go. Changing your countertops to a current feature such as granite, quartz, or solid surface can make a exc... 01/20/2016

Gainesville Florida Real Estate Market Report for Single Family Homes Sold in November 2015.  Here you will find the recent three-month statistics for Gainesville Florida single family homes real estate market September, October and November 2015.  Gainesville’s real estate market is in our fall season. Football time!The chart below shows Gainesville’s NEW LISTINGS, PENDING SALES, and the CLOSED SALES for the last 3 Months.   New Listings are down with 185 for November.  Our PENDING contracts are stable for the current fall market. Closed Sales are up with 239 closing for November.The Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors® provides their statistics to the Florida Realtors® each month and they compile statewide data that allows them to compile these reports. Let’s look at st... 01/05/2016

Gainesville Florida real estate market report for Condominiums SOLD in NOVEMBER 2015.These stats for the Gainesville condominium market are compiled from our local MLS and Florida Realtors Research Department. Our November 2015 stats shows a normal slow in our Gainesville condo market for winter season, although not much winter weather here. The pending sales are down, and new listings are stable for the slow season. Closed sales are down a bit from last month.This chart below shows the stats for September, October and November 2015. New Active Listings,  Pending Sales, and Closed Sales are displays for comparison. This data is compiled from the Gainesville Multiple Listing Service & Florida Realtors® research and statistical reports. Each month we compile these posts, we plan to publis... 01/05/2016

6 Things to Ponder if You’re Thinking DIY Home ImprovementsThe Do-It-Yourself Dilemma. Should you call a pro, or try to do the work yourself? Home-improvements?  Upgrades to your home?  There are so many options and potential projects.  After all, it looks so simple on TV and the Internet, Right?Here some good things to think about:1. Time is money.Doing the labor yourself will undoubtedly be less expensive than the labor costs for a professional, but don’t forget to factor in the value of your precious time.2. Can you spare the space?Some projects, like plumbing or flooring, may take entire rooms out of commission for the duration of the work. For example, if you’re re-tiling your bathroom, life’s certainly easier if you have another to use during the project. If not, hiring a pro who ... 01/03/2016

9 Tips For Compromising During Your Home SearchEveryone has their own unique vision of their dream home, which is why finding the “perfect” Gainesville house for both you and your spouse can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions to help you work together to find a place that makes everyone happy.1. Have a Board Meeting and Make Your Wish Lists.Each person should sit down and make a list of the top ten or so features he or she wants in the next home. Compare your lists and come up with features that are “Must haves” and “Maybe’s”.2. Want or need?Categorize each item on your list as a “want,” such as a magnificent view from the back deck, or a “need,” such as a home with a ranch layout to accommodate your achy knees.  Flat level or stairs? Spilt bedroom plan?  Screened Patio?   Discuss... 01/03/2016

City of Gainesville has developed a free app called 311GNVThe City of Gainesville is at your service! With the power of the 311GNV mobile app in the palm of your hand, you will be able to easily and quickly submit requests for assistance with city issues, such as report a pothole, let them know about overgrown lots, and report damaged or missing street signs. You can even report graffiti.  It’s a FREE app and easy!  Just click a photo to submit with the GPS location and this notifies the City of Gainesville. All reports will be routed to the appropriate City department to be addressed in a timely manner and you will receive notice when the work is complete.Thanks to 311GNV, it’s easier than ever to have Gainesville at your service. Download and start using this free app today and thank ... 12/12/2015

WILDS PLANTATION Neighborhoods in Gainesville FLWhy Do People Live here?WILDS PLANTATION and THE ESTATES OF WILDS PLANTATION are two beautiful neighborhoods of single family homes that is conveniently located in Southwest Gainesville. Wilds Plantation is now complete, and the new section is now under construction and has been named The Estates of Wilds Plantation and there will be 5 different luxury home builders and it is expected there will be an additional 80 homes being built there. The entrance to Wilds Plantation is located on SW 24th Avenue at SW 103rd Street. This community has easy access to several shopping areas such as Tioga Town Center, Haile Market Square, Haile Village Center, Tower Square, or Newberry Square.What’s the Neighborhood Like?The homes for sale in the Wilds Pl... 12/06/2015

FLETCHERS MILL Neighborhood in Gainesville FLWhy Do People Live here?FLETCHERS MILL  is a beautiful neighborhood of single family homes that is conveniently located in northwest Gainesville. The entrance to Fletchers Mill is located on West Newberry Road at NW 115th Street. This community has easy access to several shopping areas such as Tioga Town Center, Canterbury Publix in Jonesville, and Newberry Square at I-75/Tower Road.  You won’t be far from the West End Golf Course or Santa Fe College!What’s the Neighborhood Like?The homes for sale in the Fletchers Mill community are going to range between 1,300 and 3,000 square feet with a different variety of floor plans, and most are a minimum of 3 bedrooms with 2 baths and 2-Car Garage. The lot sizes can vary as there are many cul-de-sac s... 12/01/2015

Gainesville Florida Real Estate Market Report for Single Family Homes Sold in October 2015.  Here you will find the recent three-month statistics for Gainesville Florida single family homes real estate market August, September and October 2015.  Gainesville’s real estate market is in our fall season. Football time!The chart below shows Gainesville’s NEW LISTINGS, PENDING SALES, and the CLOSED SALES for the last 3 Months.   New Listings are steady at 282 for October compared to last month.  Our PENDING contracts are stable for the current fall market. Closed Sales are down for October and this is slow.The Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors® provides their statistics to the Florida Realtors® each month and they compile statewide data that allows them to compile these repor... 12/01/2015

Gainesville Florida real estate market report for Condominiums SOLD in October 2015.These stats for the Gainesville condominium market are compiled from our local MLS and Florida Realtors Research Department. The October 2015 stats shows a normal slow in our Gainesville condo market for fall season. The pending sales are down, and new listings are stable for the second month of our fall season. Closed sales are up a bit from last month.This chart below shows the stats for August, September and October 2015. New Active Listings,  Pending Sales, and Closed Sales are displays for comparison. This data is compiled from the Gainesville Multiple Listing Service & Florida Realtors® research and statistical reports. Each month we compile these posts, we plan to publish these monthly reports aft... 12/01/2015

CAPRI Neighborhood in Gainesville FLWhy Do People Live here?CAPRI is a beautiful neighborhood of single family homes that is conveniently located in northwest Gainesville. The entrance to CAPRI is located on NW 34th Street at NW 44th Place. This community has easy access to several shopping area such as Hunters Crossing, Millhopper area, and Walmart on NW 34th.  The YMCA is just north of the Capri neighborhood too.What’s the Neighborhood Like?The homes for sale in the CAPRI community are going to range between 1,300 and 2,800 square feet with a different variety of floor plans, and most are a minimum of 3 bedrooms with 2 baths and 2-Car Garage. The lot sizes can vary as there are many cul-de-sac streets throughout the neighborhood. The CAPRI community has a large community center and th... 11/17/2015

Real Estate Consumers & Agent Safety InformationSafety is a concern everywhere nowadays, even here in Gainesville-Alachua County area.  If you are a home buyer and have a called a Realtor to see a home, the agent may have asked you a few questions that you think are unusual.  It may be about safety issues.  You may not know, but throughout our country, there have been real estate agents that have be assaulted and injured while showing a home to strangers.So take a quick minute and watch this Realtor Safety Program video about Realtor and Consumer Safety. Showing Homes to Buyers Seller puts their home on the market Showing Vacant Homes Open Houses Meeting Strangers? In this video, consumers learn about the potential safety protocols they may encounter when working with a REALTOR®.Origina... 11/05/2015