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Gainesville, FL Real Estate News

By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
5/14/2008 I moved to Gainesville, FL in the middle of 4th grade and we moved to The Hammock on one of the last designated scenic roads in Alachua County, Millhopper Road.  Millhopper Road is home to Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site, which is a park containing a giant sinkhole you can walk down into.  The walk back up is not very fun though! Millhopper Road is also home to the 7000 acre San Felasco State Park, which has miles of walking trails.  San Felasco has another entrance off of HWY 441 in the Alachua/Progress Park area and on this side of the park you may walk, cycle or ride horses.  The Millhopper Road side is strcitly for walking. There are not many lakes within Gainesville, but The Hammock does have one.  Most of the homes on the west side of the neighborhood are lake f...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
    The Top is one of my all time favorite restaurants in town.  I really like "different" food and get tired of the same old run of the mill stuff.  The Top definitely delivers.  My favorite appetizers from The Top are the corn fritter nuggets & garlic dipping sauce and sweet potato fries.  The Top has seared sashimi grade tuna dishes, filet, vegetarian selections featuring plenty of tofu (try it blackend) and tempeh, pastas and homemade desserts (try the vegan chocolate cake and peanut butter pie).  The Top also has a full service bar and are renowned for their Mojitos.  I usually get the Bombay and Tonic - extra lime. We pulled up at the Top at around 9:30 p.m. last Saturday night.  Parking can be difficult, but by some unknown stroke of luck, not only did we get a parking spot, we ...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
    La Fiesta is a mexican restaurant that is on my recommended places to eat in Gainesville, Florida.  I was going to the Newberry road location for years, but now there is one in NW Gainesville, which is in my "neck of the woods", so I go here.  Mexican is a pretty serious debate in this town.  I haven't eaten at every single Mexican joint in Gainesville, but I've been to a lot of them.  I've never had a good experience with Las Margaritas (I had a terrible pitcher of margaritas one time there too), although most Mexican fans love it.  I order food for take out often and everyime I get the food home it's cold, despite arriving early and the 5 minute drive home. I've never had a bad experience with La Fiesta.  I love their mild refried beans, their queso and their vegetarian offerings,...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
5/13/2008 Blues Creek is a neighborhood located in the NW quadrant of Gainesville, FL in the North 43rd Street area.  The community features a clubhouse, pool (both pictured below) and a tennis court for its residents.  Blues Creek is zoned for Talbot Elementary, an A-rated Elementary which I attended in my "formulative years".  Blues Creek is also zoned for Fort Clarke Middle school and Gainesville High School.  I have lived in Gainesville for 17 years now and I can say Blues Creek is one of my favorite neighborhoods.  I know all the "secret" trails and how to connect over to the TV20 Park, or Deer Run, or even Spring Forest.  Blues Creek is located just minutes from the Hunter's Crossing shopping center which contains Publix, Millhopper Cafe (Mexican Restaurant), Starbucks, Subway, C...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
                                                  If you have not been to the Gainesville Downtown Farmer's Market (specifically known as the Union Street Farmer's Market due to its location), you need to quit procrastinating.  Every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m. and running until 7 p.m., vendors are in place at the Sun Center (surrounding the Hippodrome State Theatre), ready to tantalize your taste buds and offer fresh wares from herbs and produce to organic milk, homemade soaps, handmade jewelery, and a variety of other local goods/trades. Visit the Union Street Farmer's Market Website to explore the vendors you will run into while attending.  One of my favorites is the Terranova Catering Company.  I can't go to the market without buying some of their fig & kalamata olive tapenade.  I ...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
     Liquid Ginger is another one of Gainesville, FL's independently owned, ridiculously good restaurants.  The prices are phenomenal for the quality of food that is served, as well as the portions.  Unfortunately, Liquid Ginger does not have an online menu, but I will outline just a few of their tastings below: Soups & Salads: Your choice of Miso or Tofu & Spinach soup, both of which are good.  Salads come with a choice of ginger, sesame, lime or soy vinaigrette dressing. Appetizers: Some of the appetizers you will find on the menu include Calamari (tender, not chewy, cooked to perfection, fresh and flavorful.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Served with a spicy dipping sauce that I liked but didn't eat), garlic eggplant, fried eel with spicy sauce (eel in a light panko breading, drizzled wi...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
 The good news is that the Gainesville real estate market has remained relatively afloat as compared to the rest of the country.  However, we are being affected by the media's constant barrage of negativity and buyer's from out of town are having trouble digesting the fact that they are not going to get a bargain basement deal here.  It takes some educating to show the buyers "what they can get away with", and the greatest tool is a CMA (comparative market analysis) to show the buyer's what comparable properties are selling for.  Since buyers are being tough on the market, home seller's need to come out with guns blazing.  No, don't shoot the Realtor!  The Florida Association of Realtors posted an article today outlining some things sellers really should consider to not only capture a b...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
Are you a first time homebuyer?  You may be trying to decide if buying a home is the right move as compared to continuing to rent.  You have concerns about what kind of downpayment you're going to be responsible for, what your closing costs are going to be, what other costs are associated with buying a home, and a multitude of other questions flooding your mind in the quest to determine if this is the best option for you. I have compiled a list of articles I wrote specifically geared toward First Time Homebuyers, but those who have already purchased a residence before might pick up some interesting information/refresh themselves to the process. FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER'S INFORMATION PACKAGE/RESOURCES: Things to know about buying a home/understanding the process Costs associated with buying ...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
Click to view Slideshow & Information for Haile Plantation Neighborhood Part 1: Community and Golf Course HAILE VILLAGE CENTER: The second portion of the slideshow features the Haile Village Center. Here residents can walk shady brick lined sidewalks and enjoy restaurants like The Third Place Pub and Grille, Sisters for Breakfast, and The Village Market, as well as browse shops and boutiques such as The Village Jeweler and Blue Bird Boutique. Relax and pamper yourself at Escape Day Spa and Hair Salon or perhaps indulge in a pedicure at Charm Shoes and Pedicures. The charming Village Center even has condos above and around the action if you'd like a New Orleans type feel but with a much quieter atmosphere. Don't miss the Haile Farmer's market!The Village Center is pictured in the slidesh...
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By Christine Bohn, The Bohn Team, Gainesville FL
(RE/MAX Professionals)
Anyone living in a "college town" knows what the meaning of "TURN OVER" time.   At the end of each semester, you have students moving in and moving out....Turn Over Time. Property management companies that deal with rentals know this is their high stress season.  But, I don't want to talk about rentals, let's talk about the Residential Real Estate Market in Gainesville FL. Today was Graduation Day for the University of Florida.  You can't get a hotel room in town this weekend, and you will be waiting for tables at most of the restaurants in town too.   I spent my day showing homes to buyers from St. Pete.  They are looking for a single family home in a nice neighborhood that is close to UF/Shands for their sons that are starting school here soon.  It was a great day!  In one neighborhoo...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
  Ichiban Sushi is my recomended sushi restaurant in Gainesville, FL. I have been going here for almost 8 years, and it has become a tradition to celebrate anything (a closing, birthday, etc.) by getting sushi from Ichiban.  There are other good places to get sushi in Gainesville such as Dragonfly, Kotobuki, Miya, Yamato...the list goes on.  However, I've been coming here for years, it is conveniently in my "quadrant" of town, the prices are great and the food is wonderful. Sushi and sashimi not your thing? Ichiban offers everything from Teriyaki to tempura, to katsu and Udon dishes.  Ichiban also offers Pad Thai, a variety of appetizers including spring rolls, kimchi, fried tofu, edamame, gyoza, etc., salads (the wakame salad is excellent, as is the spicy tuna salad with wakame added ...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
  Chutnees is a fabulous Indian Restaurant in Gainesville, FL that features traditional Indian Cuisine in an elegantly decorated setting (click to view interior restaurant shots). Location: 3833 NW 97th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 333-1133 Vegetarian Entrees start at $7.95  Other Entrees start at $14.95 Appetizers  include traditional favorites such as samasos and dahi wade, or more unique plates such as the Tandoori chicken pizza or chicken spring rolls served with chutney. Chutnees offers an extensive selection of - what else!- chutney.  I usually get the tamarind chutney, but the mango chutney (mangoes simmered in sugar syrup & lemon juice) or pomegranate chutney (pomegranate pureed and flavored with ginger, cumin and red pepper) is a welcome departure. Whenever I go to Chutne...
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By Jeremy Butts, Investor
(Real Estate Entrepreneur)
Since using "del.icio.us" I have collected links to the majority of real estate news headlines in the Gainesville Sun for April, 2008. For daily doses, check out my Squidoo page.Stunted developmentSuperfund showdown: Any progress at Cabot-Koppers?City hears power plant options Center for girls to get renovation Loans to help storm victims Group helping keep homes in shape Far from home: Gainesville's continuing struggle with homlessness County foreclosure filings up 175% Alachua County's first Wal-Mart Supercenter readies for opening SW 8th Avenue to get makeover Residents: Turn former church into Tower Road community center Mill Creek work draws scrutiny City's homeless site options open $2 million resurface job on SW 8th Avenue to start in May Mill Creek Preserve opening coincides wi...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
Why rent when you can own? This end unit Gainesville townhouse is move-in ready with brand new carpet and paint, kitchen cabinets and counters updated in 2005, an approximately 3 year old roof, 2 years new washer & dryer, and new tile in kitchen area.Each bedroom upstairs has its own half bath (including vanity/sink/mirror/toilet. The bedrooms share the tub and shower Jack and Jill style. There is also a half-bath downstairs.The location is fantastic: only about 2.5 miles to UF or SFCC, on Gainesville RTS city bus route, low association fees at only $127/month. Property manager says NO PET RESTRICTIONS! Community has a clubhouse and pool and is close to shopping and restaurants. Seller will consider contributing towards a portion of buyer's closing costs or give an appliance allowance w...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
 Dear Parents, Congratulations on your son or daughter being accepted to the University of Florida!  Now comes the stressful part: Moving them and all their worldly possessions up here!  When it comes to living arrangements, the most common options are 1st year in the dormRENTBUY Now, you may have had a fleeting thought about purchasing real estate in Gainesville, but dismissed it as a hassle.  I'm here to hopefully help you reconsider it as a solid financial decision.  Why is now the time to buy in Gainesville, FL?  Let me run down some reasons why you want to entertain this thought for your relocating child:1. Interest rates are still low2. Gainesville tops the list of 7 most recession proof places to retire 3. Gainesville voted #1 city to live in the nation for 2007 by Cities Ranked ...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
This article is written with Florida residents in mind.  Laws vary from state to state and it is highly advised that you consult an attorney and CPA regarding how the following options can affect you.   Short sales vs. foreclosures: A lot of consumers don't understand the difference between a short sale and a foreclosure.  This article is intended to help shed some light about the difference between the two and answer questions you might have about the process. SHORT SALE: With a short sale a settlement is negotiated between the parties involved, like a "regular" sale.  The liens on the property are negotiated with the 1st lien holder taking precedence.  When doing a short sale, the seller's credit is typically bruised versus totally destroyed, at which point the seller may be able to b...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
Welcome to Gainesville, FL, where the multitude of live oaks whisper secrets from their moss draped boughs, if only you take the time to listen.  We're a small college town with big city amenities and, I think you'll agree, BIG BEAUTY.  From bahia pasture to hardwood forests, to our magnificent sunsets and beautiful UF campus, Gainesville harbors plenty of scenic vistas, parks, hospitals, golf courses, restaurants and entertainment.  Below are a few shots from the Gainesville area countryside and out-lying areas, as well as Downtown Alachua (which sits just to the northwest of Gainesville).  Please enjoy and be sure to visit my article index to view my area slideshows!                  Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. P...
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By Jeremy Butts, Investor
(Real Estate Entrepreneur)
I spend part of each day reading the real estate section of several websites and recently discovered the social linking network, "del.icio.us". So, for a few weeks I have been adding links each day as I surf my usual news sites. Today, I am sharing my del.icio.us with you! Since I'm reading these sites anyway, at least I can save you the time of surfing around. You'll notice that there are many tags on the right side to explore. One in particular that i added is the "vendors" tag group. If you would like me to add a link to your website, then just let me know with an email or comment.  I've also created a Squidoo page, which basically mirrors my del.icio.us page. I did it mostly out of curiosity, but maybe someone has a preference. My Squidoo page has a lot more ads with it, including ...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
I currently have a townhouse listed in Gainesville, FL that is priced at $119,900.  View townhouse listing.I had a lender I work with estimate the monthly mortgage payment which includes Principle, Interest, Taxes and Insurance (home owner's insurance), or PITI.  She also included the condo association fee so that my customers would have the full picture.There is a condo on the market here that is not a listing of mine, but it is priced at $99,000.  I have a set of customers that are interested in purchasing a condo or townhome, and they would like the lowest mortgage payment possible.  I had the same lender calculate the PITI and add the association fee for this condo to estimate the total mortgage payment for my customers.In both instances she was using a 6% interest rate (since she r...
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By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
Gainesville, Florida real estate Blog Index featuring Gainesville Listings, Buyer/Seller Resources, Area Info, Photos/Slideshows & Restaurant Profiles.   An eye for real estate  View my listings MY ARTICLES: Gainesville/Alachua County area SLIDESHOWS and area INFO: Slideshow of Alachua County/Gainesville area Countryside Slideshow & Info for Haile Plantation Neighborhood in Gainesville Part 1:Community and Golf Course Slideshow & Info for Haile Plantation Part 2: Haile Village Center and Shops Slideshow of Alachua, FL FARMS Slideshow of Downtown Alachua, FL  Gainesville, FL PHOTOS  Blues Creek Neighborhood Profile The Hammock Neighborhood Profile Gainesville Historic Home Sites: Duck Pond, Pleasant St. & SE Historic Districts Gainesville Real Estate Market Report 1/1/08 - 5/14/2008   Bu...
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