Gainesville FL Real Estate

Who Picks the Closing Agent for Your Gainesville Transaction?

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:28:58 -0500

When buying or selling a home, condo or vacant land in Gainesville and Alachua County, it is customary for the SELLER to select the closing agent in your real estate transaction. Please note that this is standard for Alachua County, and other counties in Florida may be different.

Since it is the sellers burden(and expense) to provide the buyer with clear title via an Owners Title Policy - it is therefore the sellers choice. Normally, per our Florida Contract, the buyer will require the seller to provide title insurance to the buyer prior to closing.

Sellers may select a personal real estate attorney or a title company. The buyers' lender will coordinate the loan package and mortgage title policy with the sellers' closing agent. If the seller selects an attorney, that attorney represents the SELLER. If a buyer chooses their own real estate attorney, then their attorney must coordinate the transaction with the sellers attorney and/or title company.

Curious about homes for sale? Here's direct access to Search Homes for Sale in Gainesville FL & Alachua County.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Are you looking to buy a home in Gainesville FL area? please Visit the Gainesville Real Estate Talk wordpress site, full of information about beautiful Gainesville. Also visit our web site Gainesville FL Real Estate . Are you curious about your home value in Gainesville, Florida? Get a FREE Report with no strings attached.

I welcome the opportunity to serve you in Gainesville Florida!

What's the Difference? Pre-Qualification & Pre-Approval

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:59:55 -0500

Gainesville Home Buyers often wonder what is Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval? Normally, when a home buyer starts house-hunting in Gainesville and Alachua County, it is best for them to get pre-qualified with a local mortgage lender. Often the two different terms that are used during a loan inquiry and application. I wanted to get a good description of the two terms for people that are starting to buy a home in Gainesville.

I asked Leslie Remy at HomeBanc to give me a step by step description of the two terms: Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval. I'm hoping you will find these explanations helpful!

What is a prequalification?

A prequalification is a very basic look at a consumers income and credit to determine if they will be able to qualify for a mortgage loan. It consists of looking at the potential borrowers credit and income to see if credit scores meet the guidelines and also to see if their debt to income ratio will fit the guidelines.

When I look at a potential buyer for a prequalification I dig a little deeper to find out how long they have been on their job ( a very important factor) and if they are salaried, hourly, commissioned or self employed. I also inquire to see if they have down payment money. Another important factor is whether or not they are paying or receiving child support.

If accurate information is received then you will most likely have an accurate approval that will get you to the closing table.

What is a preapproval?

A preapproval is all of the above plus completing the loan application. Once the loan application has been completed it is run through the DU (desktop underwriting ) system. You will instantly know if you have an approval or not. Always remember garbage in is garbage out. To back that up I always like to get bank statements, paystubs, W-2’s and tax returns… two of everything. I generally will never give a preapproval for a self employed borrower without analyzing the tax returns.

**** Thanks to Leslie Remy at HomeBanc for this home loan information for buyers in Gainesville Florida.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Adorable Vintage Cottage For Sale in NW Gainesville

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:09:07 -0500

This is an adorable vintage cottage in the Suncrest neighborhood in NW Gainesville. Just a short drive north of the University of Florida on NW 13th Street, and the Suncrest neighborhood is on the east side and spans between NW 13th St. and NW 6th St. This home was built in 1926, but updated and NOT a handyman special!

Huge corner lot, with iron gate into the back yard! And yes, a white picket fence.

*** This is a Short Sale ***

Vintage Historic Home for Sale in Gainesville

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood

$89,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Interior: 984 sqft
Lot: 0.25 acre(s)

Location

3180 NW 12th Street
Gainesville, FL 32609
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Christine Bohn

RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.
(352) 375-1002
chris@ehomesgainesville.com
http://www.gainesvillerealestatetalk.com

Listed by: RE/MAX Professionals Inc.

Our recent listings

Vintage Historic Home for Sale in Gainesville
Cricket Club Condo with Covered Parking
Adorable Vintage Home Near UF & Shands
Black Acres Brick Home for Sale Near UF
Beautiful Brick Ranch on 5+ Acres in Newberry

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Gainesville Condo for Sale - Cricket Club Condominiums

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:05:25 -0500

Cricket Club Condominiums is located in SW Gainesville on Tower Road. This unit is in the orginal phase that has spacious flooplan of 1,384 sq.ft. This is an END UNIT in building D, with 2 assigned, covered parking spaces!

This is NOT a short sale.

Cricket Club Condo with Covered Parking

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood

$65,900

Condominium

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 1,384 sqft

Location

501 SW 75th Street
D-1
Gainesville, FL 32607
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Our recent listings

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Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Video Award 2012

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:11:13 -0500

The Gainesville Chamber of Commerce members have voted and given The Perry Family the highest award for their video submission for Life in Gainesville!

The video contest's purpose was to express the benefits of living in beautiful Gainesville, Florida.

Congratulations to the Perry Family! So, take a look at " Gainesville: Come See For Yourself "

And, you know I am always telling you.....Gainesville is a great place to Live, Work and Play!

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Unemployment Rate is Down in Gainesville FL & The Effect on Our Local Real Estate Market

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:19:47 -0500

The Florida area was one of the hardest hit by the downturn in the economy and other conditions, such as rising unemployment. The good news is that in the last part of 2011 and going forward, the economy unemployment is starting to go down in a few areas. Gainesville is one of the Florida communities that have shown marked improvement in unemployment.

Florida unemployment dropped below the 10% level in 2011, the lowest since 2009. The Gainesville area in particular, including Alachua and Gilchrist counties, has a jobless rate of 7.7 percent as of the close of 2011. The state of Florida has dropped from 10 percent unemployment in November 2011 to 9.9 percent in December 2011. These rates come from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Due to this drop in unemployment and an overall improvement in the economy, the real estate market in Gainesville could stand to see some effects. More job growth in certain sectors is starting to translate into the possibility of improved home sales and less days on the market for homes.

Gainesville has seen a significant improvement in the residential real estate market in a number of areas recently. In the last quarter of 2011, the number of closed sales steadily increased in an upward trend through October, November & December. Days on the market (DOM) for a listing steadily decreased throughout the quarter from a high of 179 in October to a low of 96 days at the end of December. Pending sales enjoyed continued growth as well from a start of 108, a slight dip to 99 in mid-quarter, to a high of 155 by the end of December 2011.

Playing along with lower rates of unemployment locally, buyers could be swayed back into the market by rising rental rates and lower mortgage rates. Gainesville apartments continue to jump, accruing a $130 increase in average rate in 2011. Mortgage rates being at record lows can also be a prime factor, especially considering the rental rates are going in an opposite direction.

In the year of 2011, the state of Florida gained 114,600 jobs overall and this is the best showing the state has had since January of 2007. This is ahead of the national pace of 1.3 percent for the U.S. overall. In 2011, Florida added 7,300 jobs in the months of November and December alone.

This upward trend looks promising to support the growing Gainesville economy as well as the possibility of the local real estate market. As this trend continues, more improvement looks to be the result as 2012 progresses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**Contributor for this post: Special Thanks to Emma Crawford, a creative writer from Murray State University. As an aspiring writer who specializes in writing about travel destinations and tourism.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Thinking About Buying a Fixer Upper?

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:15:47 -0500

We find such great articles in our real estate publications. Here is a great summary of Pros and Cons when a buyer thinks about purchasing a Fixer Upper. Everything is LOCAL in real estate, so this information is true about our Gainesville & Alachua County area.

When purchasing a fixer upper home there is certainly some risk involved, but for many, the benefits far exceed the risks. There are several things to consider first, some positive and some negative. I found this article on one of the publication that I read, The TBR and it was suggested to repost this information to our clients.

Things to Consider When Buying A Fixer Upper

Anytime that you purchase a home, whether it needs love or if it is move-in ready, you already need to be considering the resale of that home, no matter what your plans for the future might be. This will better enable you to make the right choices at the right time. Making good buying choices will help you make good selling choices later, and you wouldn’t want to make a purchase that will not return your investment plus a profit later.

The Perks

The price of a house that needs some attention is one of the main draws behind purchasing a fixer upper. A large number of buyers are looking for something that is move-in ready so the competition for fixer-upper properties won’t be as high. Many people are not willing to look beyond a building’s flaws to see its amazing potential, and sometimes you can find killer deals on overlooked homes because of some torn up carpet and a few broken windows. There is also the ultimate advantage of being able to transform the home with your own ideas and visions, giving it the character you’ve always wanted in a home without spending a fortune.

The Downsides

Since the price of many fixer uppers seem so affordable up front, many people focus on “today’s costs” and don’t think about the costs of tomorrow. While many common issues with fixer uppers are relatively inexpensive to solve, some are not. Painting, replacing carpet or adding a deck are pretty affordable, while replacing HVAC systems or re-roofing can get pricey. Having inspections performed by professionals is never a bad idea before you buy, but make sure you look for experienced inspectors, as they are not regulated by state.

Location, Location, Location

It stands true no matter how you look at it. Location is the first thing to consider when purchasing any home whether it’s move-in ready or a fixer upper. Buyers will be more interested in appealing neighborhoods, than the character of the home. Fixer uppers in nice neighborhoods that are owner friendly will always sell more successfully than those that are close to industrial areas, or less accessible to schools, and other necessities. Take the neighborhood’s growth into account when you purchase as well. If it is in an area where new housing developments are being built there will be a lot of buyers in the area in the future.

Layout

Consider the layout of the home carefully. What are its biggest selling points? Buyers that have small children may not want to purchase a home where the bedrooms are too far away from one another. Also, consider the size of the home. Buyers looking for a certain size home may buy something larger, but rarely buy something smaller that what they had in mind. Kitchens that have more than one entrance are a selling point, as is homes that open to a common room with multiple entrances.

***** This article is a RE-BLOG from Today's Buyer Newsletter on Feb 2, 2012 and provided by Linda Hare who specializes in helping investors find real estate in Merritt Island.

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Gainesville & Alachua County Gated Communities

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:54:35 -0500

Many home buyers are curious as to which homes for sale in the Gainesville Florida area are in gated communities. If you prefer a gated community this search will narrow down your search. Here we’ve provided a preset advanced search that provides you with full details of every home or condo for sale in a gated community in Gainesville and Alachua County.

If you are not familiar with the Gainesville area, please know that there are many luxury home areas that are not a gated community. Yet, if living in a gated community is onyour wish list – this is a great place to start your search!

There are gated communities all over Alachua County. Most are in the NW and SW areas of our county and are west of I-75. Please contact us if you would like more information about gated communities in the Gainesville area.

Search Gainesville Gated Communities

Here is a list of Gated Subdivisions in Gainesville and surrounding areas in Alachua County. If there are homes currently for sale in Gated Communities, they will appear in the search button above. We have designated a special tab on the web site for “SEARCH GATED COMMUNITIES” in Gainesville Florida. Please bookmark it for future references! We want to by your Buyers agent in Gainesville!

~ Abbey Glen ~ Balmoral ~ Biltmore~ Breckenridge~ Carrington Greens ~

~Cinnamon Hills Estates ~ Dry Creek ~ Farms of Kanapaha ~ Gaineswood ~

~ The Grove ~ Hampton Ridge ~ Meadowbrook ~ Millhopper Forest ~

~Parkwest ~ Saddlebrook Farms ~ San Felasco Estates ~ Sanctuary ~

~Santa Fe Forest ~ Sawbuck ~ Splitrail ~ Steeplechase Farms ~ Stonegate~

~The Gables ~ The Greens at West End ~ Thornehill ~ Turkey Creek~

~White Oaks at Turkey Creek ~ Williamsburg ~ Willow Croft ~ Windsor Glen~

~Wyndsong ~ Wyndswept Hills~

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Gainesville FL's Hoggetowne Faire is Here - Come Have Some Fun!

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:12:51 -0500

It’s that time again for Gainesville’s annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire!

Historic Days and Medieval Knights

Experience a world of medieval magic, where jousting knights, dancing gypsies and historic heroes mingle with visitors at the26^thAnnual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. It is great family fun in Gainesville FL. During the last weekend in January and the first weekend in February, on Jan. 28 and 29 and Feb. 4 and 5, the Alachua County Fairgrounds transforms into a medieval marketplace filled with hundreds of artisans and entertainers.

A special School Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 3 features half-price ticket sales for all guests.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
Save time at the gate by purchasing online and enjoy the Faire!
Tickets include a convenience fee and are non-refundable.

Faire Hours:
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28-29
& Feb. 4-5, 2012 from 10-6
Friday, February 3 from 9:30-3

Admission:
$14 for adults — $7 for ages 5-17
Friday admission is half price and
discounted prices for school groups.
No credit cards accepted for admission.

Location:
Alachua County Fairgrounds
2900 NE 39th Ave, 32609
Next to the Gainesville Regional Airport on SR 222

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Hot Rodding for Heros in Gainesville - Fun Family Event

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:04:42 -0500

The Hot Rodding For Heros Classic Auto Tour and Show is coming February 11, 2012. The road tour begins at Santa Fe College with a police escort. The classic car show will begin at 11:00am with the arrival of the road tour at the Haile Village Center and Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club, and end at 4:00pm with the “Best of Show” presentation followed by the Grand Departure.

It’s a FAMILY Fun Filled Event! Music Festival with live bands, Military Drill Team,Military Color Guard, Military fly over, Parachutists on the Golf Course, Vendor and Sponsor Area, Kids bounce house, R/C car race track on the Golf Course

The Hot Rodding for Heroes Classic Auto Tour and Showmission is to turn our passion for cars into local support for our nation’s veterans. It has been designed with the principals of featuring our favorite parts of owning a classic car; driving it and sharing it with the public while benefitting a tremendous charity, theGainesville Fisher House Foundation.

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need by providing shelter and support during a medical crises; in this case by constructing a location at the Randall Veteran’s Affairs Medical Complex here in Gainesville, Fl. All of this year’s proceeds will go towards its construction.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Gainesville FL Home for Sale Near UF - Adorable Cottage Style!

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:37:28 -0500

This home for sale in SW Gainesville sits on a quiet oak canopy street off Williston Rd on the south side of the University of Florida and Shands Hospital.

The large lot 100' x 148' is beautifully landscaped with screened rear porch, fenced back yard and courtyard area for entertaining. Don't miss this adorable cottage style home that is biking distance from UF, Shands or the VA Medical Center!

Take a moment and watch the virtual tour to get a feel of the comfort and relaxation this home brings. This home shows pride of ownership!

MLS# 325957 4013 SW 20th Street, Gainesville, Fl 32608

Adorable Vintage Home Near UF & Shands

OverviewMaps Photos Features Description Neighborhood

$108,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom Interior: 1,164 sqft Lot: 14,800 sqft

Location

4013 SW 20th Street Gainesville, FL 32608 USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Our recent listings

Adorable Vintage Home Near UF & Shands Black Acres Brick Home for Sale Near UF Beautiful Brick Ranch on 5+ Acres in Newberry The Oaks at Hague - Ranch Home on 1/2 Acre Great Location for NW Gainesville in Landmark Woods

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Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Postage Rate Increase - Got Your Stamps?

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:00:42 -0500

It will sure payoff if you have been using FOREVER STAMPS!

I’ve just learned that we are in for another postage increase this month. Thank goodness, I have been buying the “forever stamps“. So that will save me a few cents on the stamps I’ve got in my desk.

If you haven’t used the forever stamps, then you’re going to need some penny stamps. The rate is going from 44 cents to 45 cents on January 22, 2012 for mailing a first class envelope.

And yes, I still use STAMPS!

The best thing for heartfelt thoughts is a handwritten personal note or card with a real stamp (not run through a postal meter).

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Get Your Spring Garden Planned in Gainesville FL

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:02:37 -0500

Here we are in mid-January, and it’s time for me to start planning for my garden this year. Ever since moving to Gainesville, I’ve enjoyed my yard and my garden. I try to emulate Martha Stewart, and know I am NOT as good as she is. But, for years I have gotten great advice from Alachua County Feed & Seed. They are so friendly there, and will give great you information on the to HOW-TO and WHEN-TO for YOUR vegetable gardens too.

I know I have to get my soil prepped and tilled. The folks at Alachua County Feed and Seed on NW 6th Street, have given me great advice and pointers on the HOW-TO’s and WHEN-TO’s. I’ve been told that my seed potatoes need to be in the ground by Valentines Day.

They are my source for all the seeds & starter plants each year. They have taught me how to plant, and fertilize. You will find a great selection of seeds, starter plants, bulbs, shrubs and more for your garden and lawn here in Gainesville.

I hope to have a great garden this year! Here’s a shot of one of my best gardens in 2010.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Gainesville FL Homes Market Report – December 2011

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:33:14 -0500

Gainesville Florida Single Family Homes Market Report – December 2011

Here are the statistics for Gainesville Florida single family homes real estate market for the months of October, November and December 2011.

This chart below shows you the number of CLOSED SALES for the months of October, November and December 2011. Also the relationship of (DOM) the average days on the market for those sales, and the current PENDING SALES.

This chart below provides a graph as the number of ACTIVE LISTINGS in the Gainesville Florida Multiple Listing Service for this same three month period. You will see that our total inventory has declined.

The single family homes inventory(Active Listings) has fallen in December. The number of closed sales has increased from November also. This data & inventory amounts covers all areas & communities in Alachua County as per the Gainesville-Alachua County MLS.

These numbers to NOT include vacant land, condominiums, or commercial properties.

Click Here to View November Reports

Please subscribe to this blog to keep up on our MONTHLY MARKET Reports.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Gainesville Condominium Market Report December 2011

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:31:59 -0500

Here is the (3) Month Statistics on the Gainesville Florida Condominium & Townhouse Market. These charts reflect OCTOBER, NOVEMBER and DECEMBER 2011 data compiled from theGainesville Multiple Listing Service.

This chart shows the total number of active listings in the MLS and how that compares to the number of pending sales, and the closed sales for each month.

This chart shows the average days on the market for the Gainesville Condominium market and that numbers relationship to Closed Sales and Pending Sales.

The Gainesville condominium market is good for buyers, the prices are down, and the inventory of active units is high. The biggest obstacle for condominium sales is a buyer’s ability to obtain a mortgage. Each condominium complex will be analyzed by the mortgage lender & underwriters for loan approval. Cash Buyers and Investors have excellent opportunities in the Gainesville market.

Click Here for November 2011 Condo Report

If you are interested in buying a townhome or condominium in Gainesville, please call me! I’d love to help you.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Free iPhone App for Homes for Sale in Gainesville FL

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:45:39 -0500

We’ve found a new tool for home buyers in Gainesville. This iPhone App will give YOU mobile access to homes for sale in Gainesville Florida and all areas of Alachua County. This app is free on iTunes!

The app is called “My Agent by IDX” and is available for your iPad and iPhone. After installing the app, be sure to ENTER the agent code of 12034

This app gives you access to the current listings in Gainesville-Alachua County multiple listing service (MLS). It’s current and right at your fingertips. So when you are out previewing homes, or exploring neighborhoods this app provides you with instant information on a home that you just drove by. Instant information is a very good thing.

If you have QR reader, then just capture this QR code and it will take you directly to the app. You’re gonna love it! Use agent code 12034

We want to be YOUR information source for homes for sale in Gainesville, Florida.

If you are at your desktop now, then check out the different search tabs on our Gainesville MLS Search site. The advanced search tab will let you see specific neighborhoods.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Unique Architecture: Federal Courthouse in Gainesville FL

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:05:18 -0500

This Federal Building and Post Office was completed in 1964 under the designs of architect Reynolds, Smith & Lee. U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida and as the main post office for downtown Gainesville.

Please visit this site if you are interested in other Historic Buildings & Structures in Gainesville.

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Time for New ActiveRain Blog Header for the New Year

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:01:00 -0500

If you've been a blogger here on ActiveRain, I am sure you've learned with all the tutorials on how to make a customized blog header. I haven't changed mine is a long time.

With the NEW YEAR, I thought it was a good time to have a new header.

We've all become such good photographers, and we follow other's photos too! I've discovered iStockphoto recently, while upgrading my wordpress blog to a full Wordpress site. I went to iStockphoto looking for photos that "FEEL" like the Gainesville Florida area. I found some good stuff.

Yeah, I know you say you don't want to BUY photos.....but when you find great shots, and don't want to steal copy/paste others work, you will BUY good shots at iStock Photo. Plus, here's a tip! There are weekly FREE photos at their site you can download. I've gotten into the habit of visiting there weekly.

So, I did a SEARCH here on AR to find a tutorial for the customized header HOW-TO.....as I could not remember how to do it. (It's been awhile). But, there it was! Full instructions. (See you can search for and find just about anything here on ActiveRain).

Following the instructions, I used PICASA 3 to design myself a new header with one of my purchased iStockphotos.

I've got it uploaded and installed on the HEADER and on my PROFILE PAGE.

What a nice, quick project to make me feel like my ActiveRain blog has a fresh feel, kinda like rearranging the furniture!

Happy Blogging fellow Rainers!

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Gainesville FL Real Estate - Active Listings Report for January 2012

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:01:35 -0500

Here is the ACTIVE LISTINGS Report for the Gainesville-Alachua County Multiple Listing Service.

These are the Active Listings as of January 3, 2012

Happy New Year! It’s a great time to buy real estate in Gainesville Florida!

Our single family home inventory has fallen since December 2011.

If you need additional information about real estate for sale in Gainesville, Florida -please contact us!

Gainesville is A Great Place to Live, Work and Play!

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Gainesville FL Homes Market Report – November 2011

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:56:03 -0500

Gainesville Florida Single Family Homes Market Report – November 2011

Here are the statistics for Gainesville Florida single family homes real estate market for the months of November, October, and September 2011.

This chart below shows you the number of CLOSED SALES for the months of September, October, and November 2011. Also the relationship of (DOM) the average days on the market for those sales, and the current PENDING SALES.

This chart below provides a graph as the number of ACTIVE LISTINGS in the Gainesville Florida Multiple Listing Service for this same three month period.

The single family homes inventory is stable and this inventory amount covers all areas & communities in Alachua County as per the Gainesville-Alachua County MLS.

These numbers to NOT include vacant land, condominiums, or commercial properties.

Please subscribe to this blog to keep up on our MONTHLY MARKET Reports.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Gainesville Condominium Market Report November 2011

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:48:58 -0500

Here is the (3) Month Statistics on the Gainesville Florida Condominium & Townhouse Market. These charts reflect SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, and NOVEMBER 2011 data compiled from theGainesville Multiple Listing Service.

This chart shows the total number of active listings in the MLS and how that compares to the number of pending sales, and the closed sales for each month.

This chart shows the average days on the market for the Gainesville Condominium market and that numbers relationship to Closed Sales and Pending Sales.

If you are interested in buying a townhome or condominium in Gainesville, please call me! I’d love to help you.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Trust Grows By Relationships

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:37:32 -0500

This evening I have been thinking of how to describe TRUST, in my personal life and my business life. As an adult, trust is a feeling. A gut reaction to what has developed over time in a relationship. Trust is mutually earned between two people, and can also diminish and be lost. These are adult reactions and feelings. But this has gotten me thinking as to how I learned trust as a child.

I grew up in a big city. As a child, I vividly remember that my parents taught me NOT to trust people. Specifically, I was always told "Don't talk to strangers". "Don't wander off in the stores". "Don't open the front door when home alone". We learned there were dangers as a child. I didn't trust strangers.

Mom and Dad taught us that the Policeman and the Fireman were good people. We had to do what they told us to do. We had to listen and obey our teachers. We had to brush our teeth just like the Dentist told us to. And we had to do what the Doctor said. My childhood neighborhood was very family oriented, there were 8 families on our block. We all knew each other. We had to call the other parent either Miss Mary or Mr. Joe. And we sure better respect the other parents and do what they told us to do also. But we lived across the street from a public park. So we had to stay away from the strangers. All of us kids had a learned behavior of which people to trust and people not to trust.

This type of distrust of strangers flowed into college, as we were told to "Not to walk alone on campus". "Don't park in dark lots". "Don't accept rides from strangers". There were so many do's and don't that just cultivated fear and distrust of others. It was a safety issue. You only trusted people you knew.

Trust is built by knowing someone.....relationships that begin and grow.

Once you are out of college and start your professional career, things do change. All of the childhood distrust you learned while growing up can make an adult a bit out of tune with what is needed as a working professional in a service business in the real world.

My business in real estate is a service business. I get calls and emails from so many people that I don't know. Strangers! I have to have a positive attitude that this stranger is not a bad guy. That first phone call or email is the start of a relationship. From day one, we have to keep an open mind that they are trustworthy and honest. We must offer the same to them.

As a service professional we have to earn their trust in order to do business with them and for them. We offer this blindly, in hopes that the relationship develops into mutual trust and respect.

Good service breeds your customer's approval. This is what builds trust. Your word-of-mouth referrals from your clients helps to lay a strong foundation for your future business.

Trust grows from your relationships. It is a two-way street.

**This post was a submission to the ActiveRain / Adobe EchoSign Challenge, January 2012.

You can find out about the contest by clicking here

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Hard Freeze Forecast in Gainesville FL - Time to Prepare!

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:45:28 -0500

I’d like to share what I do to prepare my home and yard for the weatherman’s forecast of a hard freeze in Gainesville FL and Alachua County.

We consider a freeze warning that occurs when we have widespread temperatures at or below 32 °F for 3 hours or more during the growing season. A freeze may occur with or without frost. A hard freeze occurs with temperatures below 28 °F for 3 hours or more.

Here is what I do to prepare:

Disconnect all hoses from the hose bibs on the home & in the yard.
Make sure all hoses are open at each end.
All hose bibs are slightly open allowing a small, constant drip.
Thoroughly water all beds and potted plants, as the moisture will preserve the heat, and reduce the cold-stress.
Bring all orchids, ferns, and ultra-sensitive tropical plants inside.
Cover plants that need frost protection.
Use cloth for covering materials, not plastic.
Provide additional heat if needed via outdoor trouble lights or outdoor Christmas light strings. The light-bulbs provide extra protection.

I have so many potted plants on my front porch. I sure don’t want to take them in and out with each freeze warning. So, I’ve come up with a way to protect them. This comes from trial and error over the years. I use a breathable cloth, like paint drop cloths. I use wooden survey stakes to make a support for the perimeter of the cloth covers. I place trouble lights under the cloth tents for just a bit of extra heat.

Our temperature was 75 on New Years Day, so this is just our normal North Florida winter weather temperature swing! Our forecast is for the upper 20′s by 4am tomorrow morning! Winter temperatures are rolling in on January 3rd.

Brrrrrrr!

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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Happy New Year 2012 in Gainesville Florida

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:55:50 -0500

Happy New Year to YOU and YOUR family!

I hope that you've had great fun family plans over the holiday! I’ve got a nice dinner planned and we will be watching college football on TV most of the day. Go Gators!! It’s a beautiful day outside too, but we are expecting a hard freeze tonight. So, I hope to have a really nice fire going in the fireplace tonight. Plenty of TV/Football munchies too!

I’ve got a positive attitude about what the new year will bring. I am hoping that my business will continue to prosper. I’ve got my goals set, and look forward to helping my clients reach their goals too.

My Gainesville Real estate business is my PASSION. I’ve upgraded this site to a full WordPress site, and it’s new features in place and not all are complete yet. But I am very excited about the changes, and I hope this will become one of your favorite sites about Life and Living in Gainesville FL.

I will keep you posted on the NEWS and UPDATES to the site and about the eHomes Gainesville Team!

2012 will be a great year to buy a home, so if you know anyone that needs a Realtor® in Gainesville Florida, then send them our way! We are here to be at your service with real estate in Gainesville and all surrounding communities in Alachua County!

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Master Your Craft

Christine Bohn, Gainesville, FL Realtor® (RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:30:15 -0500

As a child we have dreams of the future, and what life will be like when we grow up. Here on the last day of 2011, historically it has been a day of reflection of life’s events throughout the year. Whether it be your personal milestones or business failures & successes. The saying is out with the old and in with the new.

For me, I have to be careful with the term out with the old. I’m not a child anymore. Yet, I still wonder and wish for what “will be” when I grow up. Have I mastered my craft in life? When will I feel grown up?

We are taught to have a plan with goals. The best plans and goals are written and measurable. Think of this as a pattern for a quilt. You must determine the best plan and pattern. Analyze the materials and the tools you will need to accomplish the goal.

You will have to compare for textures and colors that are visually pleasing and what will work best for the big picture, the finished product. You may question your selections. You study and prepare. Then the true commitment to the plan begins with the first cut of the fabrics you have selected.

Once you are on the road of life, you may make wrong turns and have to regroup. Success is NOT a gift. It is earned with hard work and learning from daily experiences.

The truth lies in mastering your craft. Your craft does evolve, with new methods, new techniques, and we must be attentive to it’s changes. Whatever your profession, is it your passion? If it is, then you are on the right road. Your passion and profession is your craft.

You should piece together the fabrics of your life that provide you with comfort, a warm heart and well being. With hard work, passion, and a relentless drive, success will come.

Happy New Year 2012

** This Batik Quilt is a beautiful hand-made Christmas gift I received from my best friend, my sister Lisa.

Originally Posted at: Gainesville Real Estate Talk

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