The Good News in Gainesville Blog

Super Cute Home Just Reduced to $164,500!!

2009-06-09T12:14:00.001-04:00

Just Reduced to $174,000! Best Price on a 3/2 Site-Built Home in Haile

2009-06-08T14:59:00.003-04:00

New roof, newer stainless steel appliances, upgraded lighting and fixtures. Fabulous Founders Hill in Haile Plantation cul-de-sac location within walking distance to Haile Village Center. Priced to sell!!

http://www.postlets.com/rem/2067726

Happy Two Year House-Iversary Steve and Sandy Kostros

2009-05-31T09:55:00.000-04:00

Happy House-iversary!!

DONOVAN ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT'S HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT CAN IMMEDIATELY HELP THOUSANDS OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS TO BUY A HOME

2009-05-30T17:47:00.000-04:00

HUD No. 09-072
Lemar Wooley
(202) 708-0685
www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm For Release
Friday
May 29, 2009

DONOVAN ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT'S HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT CAN IMMEDIATELY HELP THOUSANDS OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS TO BUY A HOME

FHA plan will stimulate new home sales and help stabilize housing market
WASHINGTON - Speaking to the National Association of Home Builders Spring Board of Directors Meeting, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow homebuyers to apply the Obama Administration's new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit toward the purchase costs of a FHA-insured home. Donovan said that today's action will help stabilize the nation's housing market by stimulating home sales across the country.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers homebuyers a tax credit of up to $8,000 for purchasing their first home. Families can only access this credit after filing their tax returns with the IRS. Today's announcement details FHA's rules allowing state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits to "monetize" up to the full amount of the tax credit (depending on the amount of the mortgage) so that borrowers can immediately apply the funds toward their down payments. Home buyers using FHA-approved lenders can apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.5 percent of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. To read the FHA's new mortgagee letter, visit HUD's website.

"We believe this is a real win for everyone," said Donovan. "Today, the Obama Administration is taking another important step toward accelerating the recovery of the nation's housing market. Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away. At the same time we are putting safeguards in place to ensure that consumers will be protected from unscrupulous lenders. What we're doing today will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing."

Currently, borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are required to make a minimum 3.5 percent downpayment on the purchase of their home. Current law does not permit approved lenders to monetize the tax credit to meet the required 3.5 percent minimum down payment, but, under the terms of today's announcement, lenders can now monetize the tax credit for use as additional down payment, or for other closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. Buyers financing through state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits will be able to use the tax credit for their downpayments via secondary financing provided by the HFA or non-profit. In addition to the borrower's own cash investment, FHA allows parents, employers and other governmental entities to contribute towards the downpayment. Today's action permits the first-time homebuyer's anticipated tax credit under the Recovery Act to be applied toward the family's home purchase right away. Unlike seller-funded down-payment assistance, which was a vehicle for abuse, this program will allow homebuyers to shop for the best home price and services using their anticipated tax credit.

According to estimates by the National Association of Home Builders, the Administration's homebuyer tax credit will stimulate 160,000 home sales across the nation - 101,000 of which will be first-time buyers who will receive the credit. Another 59,000 existing homeowners will be able to buy another home because a first-time buyer purchased their home. Given FHA's current market share, it's estimated that thousands of families will be able to purchase a home by allowing the anticipated tax credit to be applied toward their purchase together with an FHA-insured mortgage.

Homebuyers should beware of mortgage scams and carefully compare benefits and costs when seeking out tax credit monetization services. Programs will vary from organization to organization and borrowers should consider whether the services make sense for them, as well as what company offers the most suitable and affordable option.

For every FHA borrower who is assisted through the tax credit program, FHA will collect the name and employer identification number of the organization providing the service as well as associated fees and charges. FHA will use this information to track the business closely and will refer any questionable practices to the appropriate regulatory agencies, as necessary.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

Open House Sat May 23 1pm - 3pm

2009-05-22T12:42:00.002-04:00

8423 SW 46th Road, Gainesville, FL

SW 46th Blvd. (Haile Blvd) to north on SW 83rd Terrace. Turn Right. Take first left to SW 46th Rd. to house at end of cul-de-sac
3/2 $179,900

privacy and seclusion in a wooded cul-de-sac location, but is within walking distance to the bustling Haile Plantation Village Center shops and dining! The roof is brand new and the stainless steel kitchen appliances are only a few years old. Lighting and ceiling fans have all recently been tastefully upgraded and compliment the abundant wood trim and built-in shelving throughout the home.The woodburning fireplace is the focal point of the great room with vaulted ceilings, centerpiece of the excellent floor plan. The third bedroom with french doors, built-in bookshelves and desk is currently used as an office/den. Private, shady back yard. Close to jogging trails. Short drive to Shands, UF and I-75. This is the perfect home for the buyer who wants Haile living at a fantastic price. You won't be disappointed!

http://www.postlets.com/rem/2067726

Polar Bear Art Exhibit

2009-04-21T10:15:00.002-04:00

Presenting Marie Hammer's new exhibition of paintings

Now showing at Terranova, 14 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL

The show will hang until May 18th and we’re having a reception during Art Walk on Friday, April 24th from 7-10 pm

Hope you can come.

And don’t forget to check for news about Gainesville’s Art Scene at www.freshsqueezedart.blogspot.com

Current Problems Arts for the Elements

2009-04-20T10:04:00.002-04:00

Join us for April’s Art Walk Downtown for a Print and Poster Extravaganza to benefit Current Problems/Adopt A River.

All donations benefit Current Problems and its programs as well as the Sweetwater Print CoOp.

No poster or print will be over $25. There will be a live auction for two signed Jerry Uelsmann Posters at 8:30 in the Sweetwater Print CoOp

Help us continue to organize volunteers, remove garbage, plant shorelines, and educate our citizens about the impact every one of us has on our drinking water.

“Arts for the Elements”. April 24th Art Walk, 117 S. Main Street , Downtown Gainesville . 7-10pm

Live the Haile Plantation Livestyle at an Affordable Price

2009-04-19T12:09:00.002-04:00

Just Listed! 3/2 in Haile Plantation Founders Hill. View details and watch the full featured video tour below:

Tea Party - Gainesville - April 15, 3:00 - 6:00

2009-04-12T13:28:00.002-04:00

The Alachua County Fair Tax Group is invited to participate in the Tea Party, Wednesday, April 15 at the Gainesville downtown plaza from 3 – 6pm. Fair Tax has been given a slot on the program.

Fair Tax will have a table set up for distribution of literature, congressional contact names and addresses, and most importantly will have petitions for gathering signatures.

Alachua County Fair Tax Group is in need of a new meeting place without a fee to meet. If you are aware of such a place, centrally located on the west side of Gainesville please, let me know for follow-up.

If you are available to attend Wednesday, and willing to give a hand with out Fair Tax table at the Tea Party, please stop by. We will share our Fair Tax knowledge and add to our Fair Tax petition.

Cheers, Roz Miller
Alachua County Fair Tax Coordinator

Ashley Creek CleanUp

2009-04-08T10:53:00.000-04:00

Hello All

A great group of UF students known as the Animal Activists of Alachua are going to clean Ashley Creek on Saturday, April 18. Just 5 of them have already removed an unbelievable amount of trash. This time, they are hoping to recruit a few more volunteers to help. Please join them if you can. It's a creek that is in bad need, so consider coming to help

Meet Tommasina right inside the apartment complex called Ashley Creek, at the corner of NW 16th Terrace and NW 19th Lane. The best way to get there is to go north on NW 13th Street from University Ave, turn left on NW 16th Ave, make your first right at NW 16th Terrace, make a right on NW 19th Lane (blinking yellow light at the top of the hill), park on the street. Walk into Ashley Creek apartment complex, turn right and head towards the dumpsters. Join her in kicking out the litter Saturday April 18 from 9-noon. Wear old clothes, sneakers, a hat and sunscreen. Bring a water bottle and a snack, as well as your gardening tools- shovels, trowels, gloves etc. Lock your bikes at Gainesville High School next to the softball field (you can park there in your cars too if you must).

Let me know if you plan to help, please. Thanks so much

Fritzi

Fritzi S. Olson
Executive Director
Current Problems, Inc
PO Box 357098
Gainesville, Florida 32635
aar@currentproblems.org
352-264-6827

Rates

2009-03-23T18:50:00.001-04:00

Rates dropped below 5% late Wednesday after the FED’s announcement to pump more money into lending chanels. They came back up to just under 5% average late Friday [ 30 year fixed with no points.]

---------------
Bill Mauffray
CountryWide Home Loan

Westwood Middle School Summer Activities Fair

2009-03-09T14:32:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m., the Westwood Middle School Parent Teacher Association is hosting the Summer Activities Fair geared toward parents and children of all ages looking for fun things to do this summer.

The Summer Activities Fair will feature information about all of the summer camps, sports, programs and events taking place in the Gainesville and Alachua County area this summer. Local organizations will be at the fair to share information about their summer happenings for children of all ages, abilities and interests.

Event Chair Lori McGriff said the fair is a really great opportunity for parents and kids to find out what kinds of fun programs are being held this summer.

"This event is always a big draw for parents," McGriff said. "It's a great way to learn about summer programs and activities for kids!"

The Fair will take place at Westwood Middle School. For more information, please contact Lori McGriff at 352-376-2444 or lori@emmergroup.com.

Cross Posted from http://emmergroup.gainesvillevoice.com/default.asp?item=2331475

Just Reduced and Owner/Agent to Pay $8,000 toward Closing Costs!

2009-02-26T13:06:00.000-05:00

Weekly Mortgage Commentary

2009-02-23T12:10:00.003-05:00

Rates have remained around 5% most of the last week for 30 year fixed with no points.

For people refinancing their primary residence, they will be able to refinance their Fannie and Freddie loans up tp 105% of a new appraised value, and maybe not have to pay PMI insurance. Full details expected March 4.

As for the 4% rate-that did not make it out of congress. The 5% rates we have now should be jumped on quickly.

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e-bits: A weekly news letter brought to you as a public service by BILL MAUFFRAY, Countrywide Home Loans, a div of Countrywide Bank, FSB. 352-219-3141

Bargain Alert $5 Coupon for Sonny's Barbeque

2009-02-21T11:55:00.002-05:00

And...who doesn't LOVE Sonny's? Sign up on their website for a newsletter subscription and you'll receive a $5 of $25 coupon in your email.

http://www.sonnysbbq.com/

Who's up for Sonny's? :-)

Home Maintenance Tip

2009-02-19T15:26:00.001-05:00

Home Maintenance Tip -

Instead of using chemical drain cleaners to clear a tub or sink stoppage, pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of salt down the drain, and then follow with 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it sit 15 - 20 minutes, then follow with a pot of boiling water.

To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and odor free, try this: Fill an ice cube tray with a mixture of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water. Once the cubes are frozen, place 2 - 3 cubes down the disposal a week for about a month. This will not only sharpen the blades, but also keep your disposal clean and odor-free at the same time! (Grinding lemon peels in your disposer will also work well for odors).

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Cross posted from Todd Powell, Old Republic Home Warranty Service

Who Could Use $8,000? A First-Time Homebuyer, That's Who!

2009-02-17T10:31:00.001-05:00

Cross posted from e-bits: A weekly news letter brought to you as a public service by BILL MAUFFRAY, Countrywide Home Loans, a div of Countrywide Bank, FSB. 352-219-3141
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Rates have dropped and averaged around 5% most of the last week for 30 year fixed with no points.

We are all waiting to see what the final version of the new economic stimulus package is and what parts will help the construction, real estate and mortgage industries. One part of it will increases the size of an existing temporary and refundable first-time home buyer credit to $8,000, up from $7,500. It also removes the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least three years. And it would extend the credit's expiration date to Dec. 1, 2009, from July 1. Those eligible for this credit must have purchased a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009.

Creek Cleanup Saturday

2009-02-16T11:30:00.001-05:00

Please come help us clean up a portion of Sweetwater Branch this coming Saturday, Feb. 21. Meet Elliot Hart on SE 8th St. at the bridge going over the creek. We will start work at 9 and be finished by noon. This little part of the creek always needs work, so please come if you can. I'd appreciate knowing if you plan to attend, but come regardless. We'll look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks
Fritzi

Fritzi S. Olson
Executive Director
Current Problems, Inc
PO Box 357098
Gainesville, Florida 32635
aar@current problems.org
352-264-6827

Did You Know??? Surprising Facts and Figures about The Housing Market...Then and Now.

2009-02-14T18:28:00.003-05:00

Some Facts to Know:

More than 100 banks closed in 1930 - only 14 U.S. banks had been taken over in 2008.
There are 76 million households in the U.S. that own their home - 24 million of these are free and clear
There are 52 million homes with mortgages - 97.2% of these are NOT in foreclosure. 93.8% of these homes are current on their payments

On a Sobering Note:

Over 20% of homeowners with a mortgage owe more than their home is worth
40% of all foreclosures are non-owner occupied

How did we Get Here?

Decade....Homes Sold High.........Homes Sold Average

1970's...............3.9 million........................3 million
1980's..............4.0 million.....................3.3 million
1990's..............4.9 million.....................3.9 million
2000's..............7.1 million.....................5.6 million

(resale numbers - the above does not include new home sales.)

Sources: Wall Street Journal/Moody's Economy.com/RealtyTrac/NAR/Forbes

Happy One Year House-Iversary Justin Keels!

2009-02-13T10:06:00.002-05:00

Motivated Seller Says "Bring an Offer"

2009-02-12T11:09:00.002-05:00

Gorgeous +/- 30 acres in popular Newberry off NW 202nd St.
Sturdy 4/3 concrete block home with inlaw suite & generator prewired. Extensive hardwood floors throughout. Wood stove.
Several out buildings including kennel, paddocks, barn, & chicken coop. Seven pastures, fenced and cross-fenced.

Reduced to Only $599,000.

Photos and Virtual Tour:

http://www.gainesvilla.net/cedar/

Opportunity Knocks...Make an Offer!

2009-02-12T10:29:00.002-05:00

JUST LISTED!! Prime Lease Location Near Downtown Gainesville
607 East University Ave. * 3,057 Sq. Ft. in Three Story Victorian
Just $2,700 per Month

What a Nice Surprise!

2009-02-02T18:12:00.002-05:00

In December, the sale of previously owned homes increased 6.5%, the first upswing since September. The government's initiatives to stop foreclosures and lower interest rates are starting to have an effect, presenting fantastic opportunities for first time homebuyers and bargain saavy buyers snapping up distressed properties. The increase in sales volume, however, has done nothing to curb the downslide in pricing, about a 15% decline since this time last year.

Not so fun fact: Our economy has been stuck in recession since December, 2007. The collapse of the US housing market triggered the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Well...it's a start to clear out the huge inventory of homes on the market and may mark the end of the worst housing market in decades. If you are or know someone looking for a great bargain, there hasn't been a better time in years. There is a pent up demand for housing, and when the market breaks loose...these great bargains will be in short supply, so now is the time to get buying!

Mortgage Rates Drop Again!

2009-01-16T14:08:00.003-05:00

Crossposted from FAR News:

"Rates on 30-year mortgages set a record for a fifth straight week by dropping to below 5 percent, the lowest mark since Freddie Mac started tracking the data in 1971.

Mortgage rates have been dropping since late November, when the Federal Reserve said it was going to pump money into the banking system by buying $500 billion in mortgage-backed securities to get banks to lend more money and perhaps aid the ailing U.S. housing market.

Freddie Mac reported Thursday that average rates on 30-year fixed mortgages dropped to 4.96 percent this week, down from the previous record of 5.01 percent established last week. It was the 11th straight weekly drop, and way below the rate of 5.69 percent at the same time last year.

Rates at are their lowest since the company started its survey in April 1971, Freddie Mac said."

This is great news, and consistent with this, lenders that we have been talking to tell us that they have seen mortgage applications more than double since this began. Between this and there still being 14 months residential inventory on the market, it should be all the motivation buyers need to get off the fence and get out and find themselves a great deal!

-Kyle

Grow Your Business in East Gainesville!

2009-01-08T12:59:00.002-05:00

Fantastic opportunity to purchase a high visibility .68 acre MOL commercially zoned corner on busy four-lane East University Avenue. Thousands of Vehicles from Jacksonville, Palatka, St. Augustine and coastal Florida towns pass this location daily, as East University Avenue is the major thorofare to Gainesville from all points east. Just a few blocks away is downtown Gainesville with many sidewalk cafes, the Hippodrome, a thriving nightlife scene and a popular farmers market every Wednesday afternoon. The property borders the historic Duckpond neighborhood and is less than two miles to the University of Florida. East Gainesville is popular business location because of it's short distance to Gainesville Regional Airport, Shands, the VA and UF and is host to some of the most thriving businesses in town. The property is about a mile from the new 206,000 sq. ft. Wal-Mart Supercenter, the first in Alachua County. Many attorneys "hang their shingle" in the area due to its proximity to the Alachua County Courthouse. The best in Gainesville dining is so close at at Satchel's, Cafe C, The Topp, The Jones, Leonardo's 706, Juniors and the beautiful Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed and Breakfast. (Old duplex on property to be moved after closing or may be purchased with property at additional cost.)