Gainesville, FL Real Estate Blog

NEW LISTING 4/3.5 2635sqft home built in 2007 on 5 acres $385,000

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:18:34 -0500

This amazing home is barely lived in and features an open floor plan with lots of natural lighting, wood floors, high ceilings, crown molding, quartz counters in the kitchen and wood cabinets. This 4/3.5 home spread out over 2635 sqft sits in the middle of 5 beautiful and serenely quiet acres of bahia grass studded with large Grandaddy Oaks. Sit out on your covered patio or ENORMOUS wood deck and enjoy the peace and quiet of country living. A very quick trip to Alachua shops, restaurants and grocery or zip up 441 or CR 241 into Gainesville. MLS®: 306336

Please call or e-mail for more information! Click here for additional photos and a VIRTUAL TOUR

Angela Elliott | Century 21 Classic Properties | 352-256-7038

NW 218th Avenue, Alachua, FL

Gorgeous home!

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $385,000

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	2,635
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor
- Dining room	- Breakfast nook	- Granite countertop
- Stainless steel appliances	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 2	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 3
Photo 4	Photo 1

Contact info:

Angela Elliott

Century 21 Classic Properties

352-256-7038

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 30, 2009, 6:18am PDT

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com. A portion of all my closed sales will be donated to the Alachua Co. Humane Society (View my mission statement). Follow all my services on MyBlogLog.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Gainesville, FL is NOW OPEN

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:05:07 -0500

The Flying Biscuit Cafe had its GRAND OPENING yesterday. After leaving my Tuesday morning office meeting, I decided that I would sneak over to the biscuit before my next appointment. I pulled in off of 43rd and before I even rounded the Hollywood Video corner, I noticed cars as far as the eye could see. Apparently, half the town also thought they would be "sneaky". Unfortunately, the 20 minute wait did not fit in with my strict time schedule, or I would probably (hopefully) be effusing about how good the place is by now.

So what is the Flying Biscuit? Well, the first restaurant opened 15 years ago in Atlanta. The owner of the Moe's Southwest Grill and Heavenly Ham franchises here in Gainesville is opening up one of less than 10 Flying Biscuit franchises in existence.

The novelty about the biscuit is that you can have breakfast all day, or you can partake of their lunch or dinner menus. This is also a vegetarian friendly restaurant, offering Morningstar Sausages, Hummus Wraps, Black Bean Quesedilla, Veggie burgers, scrambled tofu, and so much more. They even offer a Vegan BBQ burrito.

For those who are meat eaters, the selection is no slouch. They have shrimp and grits, a traditional low country favorite, a BLT with fried green tomatoes, turkey bacon, cashew-jalepeno relish and goat cheese, meatloaf, chicken dishes...a whole variety of different things.

Check out the menu to see what speaks to you. There are a few things on the paper to go menu that I took the other day that I do not see on the online version, but this should give you a taste of their offerings:

The Flying Biscuit Cafe Menu, Gainesville, FL

The Flying Biscuit is located in the old Golden Lights Restaurant in between Hollywood Video and The Fresh Market (and next to Dorn's Liquor)

4150 NW 16th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32605

Restaurant & Catering Phone:

352.373.9500

*Make sure to visit my Article Index for more Gainesville Restaurant Profiles, Gainesville real estate and other Gainesville Info.*

Active Rain members: Make sure to join Active Rain Foodaholics!

Help the Alachua County Humane Society acquire a new facility!

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:20:10 -0500

The Alachua County Humane Society has been at its current location for over 30 years at 2031 NW 6th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609. The size of the current facility is somewhat limiting the amount of lives that they can save and they are seeking donations to help them towards their goal of a larger facility. ACHS needs a larger space so that they can house more deservering companion animals and help them find their forever homes with good people and families.

You can make a donation online by visiting this Building Donation Fund Page on their website. You can also e-mail Kirk Eppenstein at keppenstein@alachuahumane.org or call 352.373.5855 to make a donation otherwise.

Please consider making a donation today to help save the lives of animals in need tomorrow.

There are many loving and wonderful cats and dogs at the ACHS, if you're looking for a new addition to your home and family. Please visit the Alachua County Humane Society website to view the animals available!

Kids Karnival: Largest turnout to date, ACHS dogs find homes!

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:59:10 -0500

Thank you to all who stopped by the Gator Gold Team booth at this year's 6th annual Kids Karnival. Over 10,000 people came through at the O'Connell center to see Nick Live slime some kids, Spongebob Squarepants, a BMX bike show and visit booths with games, fun, food and more.

Our booth had a hula-hoop contest and basketball throw. We also held a drawing for tickets to the Butterfly Rainforest Exhibit at the Museum of Natural History. Congratulations again to Melissa S. of Newberry, FL on winning your 2 adult and 2 children tix!

Gator Gold Team is a proud supporter of the Alachua County Humane Society and we were thrilled to be next to their booth this year. 3 precious companion dogs were adopted at the event and I was lucky enough to snap photos of 2 of the adopted dogs and their new families.

Gator Gold Team Booth at Kids Karvival 2009:

RUGER with his new family

REUBEN with his new family

Thank you again to all who attended! A portion of every completed sale is donated to the Alachua County Humane Society.

Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream CHOCOLATE NIGHT 4/19/2009!!

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:56:42 -0500

CHOCOLATE NIGHT IS HERE AGAIN!

At long last, it is time for another Chocolate Night Featuring 36 Chocolate Flavors and Live Music! Make a point to mark this on your calendars now before you forget so you can delight in such flavors as Mexican Dulce Brownie, White Chocolate, Chocolate Rum Cake, Milk Chocolate, Super Honeycomb and so many more.

If you're man or woman enough to partake of THE FAMOUS MYSTERY FLAVOR, step up to the plate and enter your guess to win prizes. Here are some guesses from a previous chocolate night:

WHO: You and everyone you know

WHAT: 36 Flavors of Chocolate Ice Cream!

WHEN: Sunday, April 19, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE: Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream

3437 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL
(352) 378-0532

Map it with Google Maps

WHY: 36 Flavors of Chocolate Ice Cream!

Make sure to stop by my Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream Restaurant Profile for more pictures and unique flavors!

*Make sure to visit my Article Index for more Gainesville Restaurant Profiles, Gainesville real estate and other Gainesville Info.*

Active Rain members: Make sure to join Active Rain Foodaholics!

Rockwood Villas Gainesville, FL Neighborhood Profile

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:06:58 -0500

Rockwood Villas is a condo and PUD community on the coveted list of FHA approved condos for Gainesville, FL. This means that qualified buyers can use the FHA loan program, which allows as little as 3.5% downpayment and up to 6% in seller concessions/contributions.

Rockwood Villas is located at the 900 block of SW 62nd Blvd., which conveniently runs between Newberry Road, past the mall, and connects to SW 24th, which will take you over to 34th and then on to University Avenue! Rockwood is located on a bus route and offers part-time ON SITE property management, 2 community pools, a tennis court and a volleyball court. It is a quiet complex with plenty of trees to shade your car in the summer. Plenty of open parking and places to walk your dog(s) as well!

The Rockwood Villas Association covers the following items with your monthly dues:

1. Exterior repairs, roofs included, with exception to windows, screens, doors and porches.

2. Exterior painting including front doors.

3. Building Hazard Insurance (Owner should purchase additional coverage for the INTERIOR contents. This is called an HO6 policy.)

4. Pest control on exterior bi-monthly and interior pest control by appointment.

5. Termite Contract on the building.

6. Trash compactor and recycling of corrugated cardboard, glass, newspaper and aluminum cans.

7. Lawn and tree maintenance. Owner maintains, plants and waters within their own courtyard areas, however.

8. Recreational facilities: 2 pools, 2 tennis courts and a volleyball court.

9. Road maintenance, common area maintenance, sidewalks and streetlights

10. On-Site Management open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(The above information summarized from the Rockwood Villas association fees form from the property management office). All information is believed to be correct at the time of this article.

Pool 1 (Tennis Court in background):

Tennis Court (View from street):

2nd Pool:

Beautifully Treed Complex:

Please visit my current 2/2 1106 sqft Updated Rockwood Villas Townhouse listing, offered at $115,000. Interested in Rockwood Villas or any other real estate in Gainesville, FL? Give me a call, I'd be happy to help!

New Listing: Updated 2/2 Townhouse in Rockwood Villas only $115,000!!

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:42:35 -0500

If you're thinking about renting an apartment, condo or house and have your first, last and security deposit, reconsider putting that money towards the downpayment on this FHA approved townhouse in the attractive and popular community of Rockwood Villas! Your downpayment using FHA (3.5% downpayment required) would be $4025 on this $115,000 unit!

Rockwood Villas is located on SW 62nd Blvd on a bus route. The community features 2 swimming pools, a tennis court, volleyball court and open parking under shady trees. Please see below for additional pictures and a list of upgrades! Call today and allow my to assist you in getting pre-qualified and to view this light and bright end unit! This is the BEST PRICED FOR THE UPGRADES and one of the lowest priced in the complex! Don't pay more for less!

Please Click Here for VIRTUAL TOUR/MORE PICS!

Please Visit My Rockwood Villas neighborhood profile for more information about Rockwood, what the Association Dues Cover, and photos of the area.

Angela Elliott | Century 21 Classic Properties | 352-256-7038

944 SW 55th Terrace, Gainesville, FL

2BR/2BA Townhouse

offered at $115,000

Year Built	1987
Sq Footage	1,106
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$175 per month

DESCRIPTION

Turn Key end unit townhouse in FHA approved Rockwood Villas. Beautiful new wood laminate floors throughout LR, dining area & upstairs bonus/office. Updated tile in kitchen & baths, newer paint, carpet & water heater. Excellent condition & priced to sell! This unit is a MUST SEE on bus route near mall, shopping & restaurants & located in a community offering 2 pools, a tennis court, & open parking. A/C only approx. 6.5 years old. Unit wired for security system, Direct TV and cable.

Unit also features a tile breakast bar, some updated lighting fixtures, updated mirrors in both baths, vaulted ceiling in living room and screened porch.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	High/Vaulted ceiling	Tile floor
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Dining room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Swimming pool(s)

Tennis court(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 2	Photo 1
Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 2

Contact info:

Angela Elliott

Century 21 Classic Properties

352-256-7038

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 24, 2009, 10:04am PDT

KIDS KARNIVAL 3/21/09 10-3: Click here for ticket locations!

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:06:21 -0500

The Kids Karnival is an annual event put on by Shands, Cox Cable and the Sky 97.3. There will be lots of fun, games, contests, pet adoptions, a petting zoo and more, so bring your little ones by for all the fun! Nick Live! and SpongeBob SquarePants will also be there.

The event takes place on Saturday, March 21st from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center

Make sure to stop by and visit the GATOR GOLD TEAM booth and sign your kids up for a chance to win tickets to the butterfly rainforest exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History! There will also be a chance for the kids to shoot hoops to win candy and butterfly mix seed packets (because we know kids love to watch things grow and they will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when their seeds start to sprout!).

The event is FREE, but you will need to pick up TICKETS. You can get your Kids Karnival tickets at the follwing vendors:

O2B Kids Newberry Rd.

Jiffy Lube Gainesville

Gainesville Health & Fitness Center

Moe's Southwest Grill

Panera Bread

Gatorland Toyota

McCall's Pest Control

Alachua County Humane Society

Pinch A Penny

Mash this link for a full list of vendors where you can pick up tickets!

The press for Kids Karnival will START it's launch today, so please call these vendors ahead of time to make sure they have their tickets already before you go!

For more community events, please visit the Sky 97.3 community events webpage!

Fannie Mae Instructs its servicers NOT TO CUT COMMISSIONS ON SHORT SALES!! (100th post!)

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:07:27 -0600

I am thrilled to share this news, on my 100th blog post (!), about the changes to how our commission will be effected during a short sale process. For any of you who have completed a short sale before, you are well aware that lenders try to slash your commission while negotiating an offer, most of the time. This effects the process negatively in regards to getting the listing sold as Realtors are timid to bring buyers by because there is a widespread belief that they may not even get paid or their earnings will be significantly less than they may have been thinking they would receive. Also, as the listing agent, you spend your money advertising, your time showing and holding open houses, not to mention all the time chasing down the short sale specialist, helping your customers fill out their package, etc. etc., only for your commission to be butchered. I know a lot of Realtors that won't even take short sale listings because of this. They wonder, "Why am I going to do this obscene amount of work only to make very little?" It doesn't add up. Slashing commissions is not fair to the sellers trying desperately to sell their home prior to foreclosure, it's not fair to the buyers who might not be getting to see this house because their Realtor might have strategically "left that one off the list", and it is not fair to the Realtors who are just plugging away, trying to make a living.

I am proud to present this e-mail that I received today, which may help these languishing listings that are just as marketable as some of the non short-sale listings:

"Fannie Instructs Its Servicers Not to Cut Commissions on Short Sales On
February 24, 2009, Fannie Mae sent Announcement 09-03 to its servicers
instructing them not to negotiate commissions on short sales below the
amount negotiated by the listing agent (unless the commission exceeds 6
percent). The requirement took effect March 1, 2009. Fannie Mae recognizes
that
(a) negotiating commissions for short sales is unfair because getting a
short sale to closing requires intensive work over many months, often
requiring working with numerous buyers, and (b) compensating real estate
agents fairly benefits Fannie Mae because agents play a crucial role in
short sales.
The Announcement reminds servicers that third party approvals (i.e., private
mortgage insurers) may be required and can affect commissions. NAR has
asked both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to strengthen their policies against
reducing short sales commissions, welcomes Fannie's announcement, and has
urged Freddie to follow Fannie's lead.

Fannie Mae Announcement 09-03 (2/24/09)

Video Listings: The NEXT REVOLUTION? (Or How to Stand Apart From The Crowd)

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:34:54 -0600

Internet is inarguably the #1 source for home buyers and sellers looking for real estate information and listings. A few years ago it was fringe, then it became a revolution. Those who did not jump on the internet bandwagon missed an opportunity to be "cutting edge".

Fast forward into the past few years. This is the age of the BLOGGER. This is the newest "revolution" so to speak, and more and more Realtors are realizing the incredible SEO benefits of blogging and the unbelievable platform they have...if they are just willing to take the time necessary to create quality information-rich articles.

So what is the next revolution? Once blogging is widespread enough, it won't be so impressive to present your blog and the hundreds of articles of your condensed extensive knowledge of the real estate market, because everyone else will be using that card in their back pocket too!

I am searching for the next trend, the one that will put me ahead of the curve and set me a part. After all, sellers are looking for the Realtor that is going to give them the most exposure, but they will also most likely be impressed most by the agent that presents a fresh idea: a new way of thinking and approaching the market, if you will. We all provide a "Free market evaluation", so why is a seller going to call YOU specifically?

I have decided to provide my sellers with a video listing platform. I have 2 completed so far and they are showcased below. Obviously a video listing is only an asset to properties in good condition, and to sellers who are willing to price their property accordingly to sell. A video listing might be useful in the case of a handyman special, if you are appropriately marketing the listing as such and have it priced properly. It would be a hindrance and confusing to the customer, however, if you were trying to market a disheveled property with classical music playing in the background and pricing it at the level of a move-in condition property (lol).

I think the video listing is going to be a useful tool and one I intend to employ as my secret weapon on listing presentations. If the house seems like something that will showcase well on video, after my visual inspection of the home, then I will whip that wildcard out. I think buyers would love to tour listings in video format and avoid the nauseating 360 degree rollercoaster ride that is the virtual tour.

Here are the video listings that we just completed. Unfortunately for the first one, all of the original footage was destroyed by the tape rewinder, so this is what could be salvaged. I have heard the 2nd video is a bit long, but the house is enormous and it was the first one we ever did. Quality is usually compromised when uploading to sites like youtube, etc. and this video appears broadcast quality on the TV. I found that YAHOO VIDEO offers a way higher quality picture (less grainy/blurry/messy looking) and even the audio file is a lot better.

Thoughts are appreciated, but more importantly, I want to know your strategy to be cutting edge and set yourself apart in this current market, while setting yourself up for the future.

Granite Parke Listing @ Yahoo! Video

Ridgewood Listing @ Yahoo! Video

Being Successful In Any Market: BRANDING YOURSELF & Important Tenets To Abide By

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:14:29 -0600

In our current Real Estate Market, Realtors should be considering the following tactics to BRAND THEMSELVES. Things will turn around and when they do, you will be fresh in the customers' minds, as long as you position yourself in the forefront:

* ADVERTISE: Even though your budget may be affected with potentially less closings, this is not the time to fade away and be cheap on your advertising. Do, however, cut out things that aren't working, no matter how much you like them. Now is the time to step up your game while the other Realtors are starting to cut corners to save money. We're all feeling the heat, but you must keep your presence in the market, lest you fade away.

* MARKET NICHE: Is there an event in your community you are particularly fond of? Does this event have a sponsor or spokesperson? Can you volunteer and brand yourself while doing so? You can create a market niche in several ways:

1) By connecting with an organization in your community. My particular interest is the Alachua County Humane Society and I like to donate with every completed sale. I have a project I am gearing up to undertake (in the form of fundraising) and in the course of helping and doing some good for animals, there are people that will remember me and my profession for when they need real estate services.

2) Your other market niche can come in the form of a specialty. You need to OWN your specialty. I have worked with a ton of first-time homebuyers. I have written a pretty consice first-time homebuyers "Guide to Survival" and am working on marketing to assist this group. You may consider being a short sale specialist if you are in an area that is higher in pre-foreclosures than actual foreclosures. The key is repetition and showcasing that you are the foremost authority on that niche.

* COMMUNICATION, CONSISTENCY, QUALITY AND FOLLOW-THROUGH: I have had a lot of customers that I work with compliment me for being so responsive. I feel that I am simply doing my job by responding to phone calls and e-mails and following through with customer inquires. It's amazing how time and time again I will hear about the "Realtor that never called back" or the "Realtor that promised to _____ and never did". These simple things are the foundation of this business, and if you cannot stay in communication and follow up with a response to customer questions or concerns, then you need to take some time to reflect on whether or not THAT is the reason for your lack of closed transactions. It's easy to blame your lack fo success on the economic woes, but you will weed yourself right out of this business if you continue to make EXCUSES. Service is the basic tenant for this profession and if you find you are not service oriented, you might need to re-evaluate your career choice.

* BE POSITIVE: Coming off the heels of that last paragraph, it struck me that it is imperative to mention the need to be positive. YES there are a lot of problems with the current market, lending, yada yada. Are you going to continue to place blame, create a negative mindset and energy about yourself, make excuses and continue on GIVING UP and being DEFEATED?? That is all you're doing by being negative: setting yourself up for defeat and to abandon a business that mandates perserverence in the face of adversity! THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS CYCLICAL and what comes up, must go down. We are going through an adjustment period and it could last some time while this mess is sorted out. But if you continue to operate under the assumption that there IS NO LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, how do you plan on surviving in this business? However bad the situation may be, there are still buyers and sellers that need your services. People still need a roof over their heads, and when that is no longer commonplace, then I'll cool my jets.

Get in the habit of thinking "It is a good time to buy because interest rates are awesome, there is a lot of inventory and selction and prices are LOW" NOT "The market sucks. No one is buying anything, foreclosures are everywhere, I can't make any money". The negativity is absolutely transferred to your buyers and they can SENSE it about you, even if you're faking a smile and "acting natural". You might inadvertently scare buyers who are already on the fence by not believing in your product and being negative!

* CONTINUE TO EDUCATE YOURSELF & KEEP YOUR EARS OPEN FOR PROGRAMS THAT HELP PEOPLE: If your business is slow and you already went to write a {positive} blog and you just went to update your incredibly organized and easy to navigate website, take some time to research something real estate related. How much do you know about Starker Exchanges? What is AmeriDream? What are the FHA approved condos in your area? What are some tips to increase energy efficiency in your home and your customer's homes? No one has all the answers and there is always something new to digest. Knowledge really IS power: the power to realize that you are successful because you have the right tools in your tool box and the resources to help people when you are presented with a challenge that your competion might not know how to overcome.

* ASK FOR REFERRALS AND NEVER STOP PROSPECTING: This is so well known it is almost embarressing to bring up, but when was the last time you asked a past customer for a referral? Think about all of the customers you've worked with over the years and how many people they all know. Someone is bound to need a Realtor. Continue to keep prospects in your pipeline, even if they are 6 months+ out from buying a home. 6 months goes by really fast and you could help that prospect with something when they are ready.

* KEEP IN TOUCH: When was the last time you spoke with a past customer? Did you remember to send out holiday cards? Have you sent a useful article (real estate related or not) to anyone via e-mail recently? Have you offered to perform an up-to-date market analysis of the home that bought 3 years ago? Did you link a customer to a community events calender so they can stay up to date with fun things to do in the area? Or have you recently simply said "Hi, just wanted to check on you and make sure everything is going well". Your job does not end with the commission check, my friends and not keeping in touch is just throwing away an opportunity to be that customer's friend/relative/co-worker/etc.'s Realtor in the future, if your past customer doesn't think of you and only you when they think real estate. No matter how close you were during the real estate transaction, people move on and will forget about you, unless you keep in contact periodically.

* KEEP WEBSITE FRESH: Websites are not something you can "set and forget". Sure, your basic template, theme, and even most of the content may stay the same for a long time. But make it a point to add a new link, article, photo(s), section, etc. so you can keep your content updated and let the search engine optimization work for you. No one ever got to page one of google overnight, so make sure no matter how busy you are, do NOT neglect your website (and ideally you won't neglect your blog either!).

OK, NOW GO SELL SOMETHING!

What are some things you're doing to rework your plan of action and stay in the business? How are you branching out to be noticed in your community and how are you acquiring prospects (write a blog about it and post the link here).

Granite Parke VIDEO LISTING ~ 4/3 POOL home Gainesville, FL

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:34:49 -0600

PRICE REDUCED 1/28/2009 TO $340,000! INCREDIBLE HOME!

Granite Parke Listing @ Yahoo! Video

You will be floored upon entering this impeccable 4/3 pool home. Luxurious Brazilian wood floors, maple wood cabinents, SS appliances, wainscoting, extensive crown molding, designer paint, FP and den with built-ins are just a few of the features in this magnificent home. Spoil yourself with these beautiful updates and architectual details. Relax in the 24.5 x 14 living room or spill out on to the large lanai (both with Surround Sound) overlooking your hot tub, screened pool and privacy fenced yard. Home offered at $340,000. MLS# 298160. Please contact me for more information.

Ridgewood VIDEO Listing ~ Gainesville, FL

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:04:33 -0600

Featured in this video is a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom POOL home which is spread out over 3403 square feet and located in NW Gainesville. This home has been meticulously updated from the kitchen to the bathrooms, flooring, paint, roof, AC and more and it also features a 3-way split plan. The large and modern open floor plan is perfect for entertaining while the abundant natural light creates a warm and welcoming feeling. This listing is currently offered at $450,000. Please feel free to contact me for more information or if you have any questions about this home.

Ridgewood Listing @ Yahoo! Video

Wait...do I live in Florida??

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:59:00 -0600

As the Northern US gets beaten up by oblierating snow storms and chilling below zero temperatures, I should hold my tongue and be thankful to live in Gainesville, FL. However, it is not all sun and fun as you might expect. We have been contending with below freezing nights, getting in to the 20s and crippling our plants. I took my dog out in the yard the other morning to notice that my flowing fountain had chunks of something in the second tier, only to discover that the chunks were clusters of ice, and the 1st tier had frozen a bit as well. Icicles also adorned the top tier - something which I have not seen in Florida for years.The next morning the water in the fountain was frozen solid, so I am going to keep it off until our climate is more tolerable.

Today's weather is pretty hospitable. The most notable problem with our climate is that one day it is freezing cold, the next is balmy or moderate. This back and forth can encourage illness as your body is constantly trying to understand what is going on with this instable weather.

Here are some photos of the icicles on the fountain:

One thing I cannot dispute, however, is that the climate in the Gainesville real estate market is just right for purchasing real estate! Interest rates are ridiculously good right now and home prices are more attractive than ever! Don't get left out in the cold; contact me for your free Gainesville home search today!

FEATURED PETS from Alachua Co. Humane Society - Jan/Feb '08

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:38:17 -0600

Meet BUTTERBALL and ARIES, the featured pets in the January/February issue of Natural Awakenings Magazine of North Central Florida! Every 2 months my partner and I advertise a new set of loving animals that want to go home with you. You can pick up a copy of Natural Awakenings at over 400 locations in Alachua and Marion County, such as Mother Earth Market, Falafel King, La Fiesta, or read the digital issue by clicking the above link to the magazine.

The Alachua County Humane Society ACHS is currently raising donations to build a new, larger facility that will better serve the needs of those in the care of ACHS. A larger facility also means that there are more potential lives to save, so please consider making a donation through their website, e-mail Kirk Eppenstein at keppenstein@alachuahumane.org

or call 352.373.5855

BREAKING NEWS: New Downpayment Assistance Legislation

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:50:05 -0600

As most of you are aware, Downpayment assistance programs like Nehemiah and AmeriDream were abolished on October 1st, 2008. I supported HR 6694 in favor of downpayment assitance programs last year and received an e-mail update today, which reads as follows:

"January 12, 2009

We have been informed that a bill to reinstate reformed downpayment assistance will be introduced as early as tomorrow. The bill is expected to be introduced by Congressman Al Green (TX) with bipartisan support. The bill will have the same language as unanimously passed last year by the House Financial Services Committee.

We will keep you informed as we continue to support efforts to reinstate downpayment assistance.

AmeriDream

"Doing things right for America's homebuyers"

www.AmeriDream.org"

I found AmeriDream to be a great tool to help credit worthy first time homebuyers get into a home of their very own. My customers that took advantage of this program are current on the mortgage and thrilled to be away from throwing their money away on rent. They started out in a reasonable, qualified price range that wasn't beyond their means. I understand there are a lot of economic problems, those defaulting on mortgages, lenders extending loans to those who never should have qualified, but now that the lending guidelines have become stricter and less forgiving, I'd like to see downpayment programs being extended to deserving individuals again. We need to kickstart this economy back into action. AmeriDream is a PRIVATELY FUNDED Housing Program that is not the burden of tax payers.

Watch the video. Get the facts.

Alachua County Homestead Exemption Application: Don't forget to file!

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:21:21 -0600

CONGRATULATIONS to all who closed on a home between January 1st and December 31st, 2008! I'm certain that your real estate representative advised you file for your homestead exemtion (if you are eligible).

The invaluable place that you will visit is the Alachua County Property Appraiser Website. Here you will find FAQs that cover everything from Save Our Homes PORTABILITY, which allows you to transfer a portion of your SOH benefit from your previous Florida homestead to your new Florida homestead, to questions concerning the "double homestead".

You MUST FILE FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION BEFORE MARCH 1ST, so don't delay! Just get it out of the way so you can clear your plate to deal with the next big project of the year....<groan>...taxes.

AVAILABLE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS AND HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THEM

A wonderful guide covering all questions related specifically to homestead exemption and other exemptions available (i.e. widows/Widower's Exemption, Disability Exemption, etc.)

***CLICK HERE FOR HOMESTEAD APPLICATION***

Click the TOP LINK. Fill out all of the information required on the application; it is one page. Your legal description can be located on your DEED.

The Property Appraiser's office is located at:

12 Southeast 1st Street Room 213
Gainesville, FL 32601

Mailing Address is:

P.O. Box 23817

Gainesville, FL 32602-3817

Phone: 352.374.5230

Fax: 352.374.5278

Homesteads/Customer Service: First Floor

Home Staging Tips for Sellers VIDEO

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:49:34 -0600

For many sellers, preparing a home for market can be a daunting task filled with a veritable laundry list of things to accomplish. Most sellers realize that in order to sell their home quickly and for the most money, they need to price the home to sell, make sure it is CLEAN, assure the home has curb appeal and absolutely make certain that the home smells good as well! I sold a beautiful home in Millhopper Forest and I seriously think that the home's unbelievable fragrance was a strong portion of my customer's falling in love with it!

Please enjoy this helpful video, courteousy of UBoxes. Then call me for your free market analysis and to discuss listing your home in Gainesville, FL!

Please visit my website for more tips and resources to help you market your home efficiently!

Save 10% on Moving Boxes
and Moving Supplies

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*Make sure to visit my Article Index for more Gainesville Restaurant Profiles, Gainesville real estate and other Gainesville Info.*

Active Rain members: Make sure to join Active Rain Foodaholics!

Hearty Vegetable Naan Wrap

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:44:52 -0600

So I head to the local grocery today to pick up a pre-made veggie wrap and they are out. Rather than be overcome with the bitter hopelessness and despair that you could imagine I was feeling, I composed myself and formulated a new plan which consisted of making my own veggie wrap. I found some plain hand stretched Naan, a new item at my local Publix, and decided to give it a go. Pitas are usually too dry for me and tortillas, while having a great flavor, are kind of yeasty tasting and a little sour, so I was ready to give the Naan a go. I love garlic Naan with a good palak paneer and was skeptical as to how this packaged and preserved version was going to taste.

This wrap ended up being really tasty and satisfying (not to mention easy). You can mix it up any way you choose; I'm just posting what I did as a guideline. Recipe details follow:

I got home and set the broiler to HIGH and heated the Naan until it was golden brown and warm.

Spread a thin even layer of artichoke lemon hummus on the Naan

Cut about 4 grape tomatoes in half and place along center of wrap

Sprinkle lettuce or greens of your choice along the middle of the wrap. I chose the Fresh Express Field Greens since they had carrots and a few different greens.

Now drizzle salad dressing of choice over the greens. I highly recommend the Annie's Naturals Artichoke Parmesan dressing. It is vinegar free (I'm not a vinegar fan) and creamy without being too thick. It also has a wonderful, fresh taste and is not chock full of fillers and chemicals - just a few basic ingredients.

I purchased a container of pre-diced onions, green peppers and celery from the produce section that I sprinkled on top of the dressed lettuce.

Next, slice a few pieces of avocado on top and top with a little fresh ground black pepper and a dust of garlic salt. Then inhale it! Delicious accompanied by Stacy's Tuscan Herb Pita Chips.

I would have put some sliced black olives in the wrap if I had any. I'm looking forward to making one of these with feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, artichokes, lettuce, black olives, scallions, the artichoke dressing mentioned above and a little garlic salt later.

Salad dressing and hummus were purchased at Mother Earth Market at 521 NW 13th Street.
Map to Mother Earth

All other ingredients were purchased at the Hunter's Crossing Publix on the corner of 43rd and Millhopper Road.
Map to Publix Supermarket

*Make sure to visit my Article Index for more Gainesville Restaurant Profiles, Gainesville real estate and other Gainesville Info.*

Active Rain members: Make sure to join Active Rain Foodaholics!

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com. A portion of all my closed sales will be donated to the Alachua Co. Humane Society (View my mission statement). Follow all my services on MyBlogLog.

Gainesville, FL Restaurant Profile: Uppercrust Bakery

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:51:00 -0600

One of my favorite treats in Gainesville, FL is Uppercrust Bakery. I honestly don't think there is anything here that doesn't taste amazing. My favorite staple here is the rosemary-garlic baguette, which is crunchy and very flavorful. It is delicious with cream cheese and smoked salmon, tapenade, chevre or simply plain or with butter. It makes an excellent addition to a pasta based meal or as a sandwich with petit basque, avocado, tomato and red onion. The rosemary-garlic bread is also available in ficelles and large and small batards, and sometimes as petit rolls. You need to purchase this, as well as other savory items from Uppercrust early in the day as these are the first to sell.

Rosemary-garlic Baguette:

Also pictured above is the White Bean Mousse, one of several spreads Uppercrust makes from scratch. It has a smooth texture and a strong garlic flavor. It contains olive oil and rosemary, as well as other spices. It is delicious on the aforementioned rosemary-garlic baguette. The artichoke mousse is another delicious spread made with garlic, olive and truffle oils, spices and artichokes that Uppercrust offers. They also make hummus, tapenade, chevre in olive oil with herbs de provance as staple offerings located in the cooler near the register. All are delicious, especially paired with one of Uppercrust's artisan breads.

Uppercrust also makes savory and sweet stuffed croissants and plain croissants. They are pillowy soft and buttery. One of my absolute favorites is the spinach and feta stuffed croissant, pictured below. Make sure not to miss the turkey and gruyere stuffed croissant or the ham and emmenthal croissant. These make wonderful light lunch items when you don't have the time for a sit-down lunch.

Uppercrust also offers this ridiculousy delicious artichoke, swiss and red onion stuffed soft roll, showered with rosemary and parsely. This thing should be illegal. The roll is huge, and a lunch in itself. This roll also comes in a calamata olive and cheese flavor, which is also delicious, but the artichoke one is my personal favorite.

Artichoke roll:

During Christmas I purchased a pumpkin cream cheese danish that was fantastic. The pastry was soft and flaky and the filling was not overly-sweet. Topped with a dust of confectioner's sugar. Pictured below:

Uppercrust has been in business since 1981, so you know they must be doing something right. They also carry fine wine, cheeses and jams, spreads, pasta and other items.

If you are new to Gainesville and are trying to locate a bakery, make sure to stop by Uppercrust located at:

4116 NW 16th Blvd., next to The Fresh Market Gainesville, FL

Click for Map

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Uppercrust Website

*Make sure to visit my Article Index for more Gainesville Restaurant Profiles, Gainesville real estate and other Gainesville Info.*

Active Rain members: Make sure to join Active Rain Foodaholics!

Vacant...for months....and then POOF, 3 offers come in (Or my real estate curse)

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:06:14 -0600

I was reading this blog article by Sandy Shores and it made me think about a scenario that I am all too frequently faced with.

It seems that about 80% of the time (no joke) when I am working with buyers, we'll find the greatest house, go to submit an offer and learn 3 more are coming in. Did I mention that the house has been on the market for MONTHS? Is this some type of cosmic joke? A property sits for months and then all of a sudden, the universe decides to smile upon it and make it the star listing that everyone wants? This has happened to me a few times when I have spotted a really good deal on a new listing, take my buyers immediately and another savvy Realtor had the same idea, but more often than not, this cosmic joke happens with long standing listings.

I'm not even kidding - it happens so often that whenever I take my buyers to the office to write an offer, I now have to tell them about my "curse" up front and encourage them not to low-ball because another offer might come in! I tell them that I KNOW it sounds like a sales pitch to get them to offer a high price and I say that my buyers don't believe me until it happens to them. They offer respectably and then, guess what? Another offer comes in! Then they are REALLY glad that they didn't play games.

If you're looking to buy a home and find something that you would really prefer not to get away, consider if you really want to lowball the home or if you'd rather offer something respectable so you don't run the risk of losing your "perfect house". I just had a set of buyers that were looking at a foreclosure (a cream puff awesome house!) that was a GREAT price. I showed them the CMA and they went in full price. The home was on the market maybe a week. We submitted the offer and the listing agent informed me (upon Fannie Mae's verbal acceptance) that it was good we didn't wait any longer because 2 offers came in right after ours had been accepted!

So buyers: if you're looking for a "good deal" and your Realtor presents you with a market analysis well below comps (as this one was), what are you going to do? Good deals are out there, and they DON'T have to necessarily be foreclosures or short sales for you to get them!

Does anyone else ever have MOS (Multiple Offer Syndrome)? It's not exactly a curse if you're the listing agent, but when working with buyers, aye yaye yaye!

Who among us participates in YELP? PAGE 1? FREE? YOU BET!!

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:28:16 -0600

I started the group here on Active Rain called the Active Rain Foodaholics. The focus of this group is everything food with a strong encouragement to post profiles of your local restaurants and to become the authority of your local restaurant scene. I have done several profiles here on my Active Rain blog for the Gainesville, FL area.

As we are all aware, Active Rain has extremely high "google juice". In the food (and other businesses) world, yelp is super high ranking. If you google the name of a local restaurant, you will most likely see yelp on the first page. So it may be a long overdue addition to my internet services, but I have joined yelp today. I posted a link to all of the full restaurant reviews I have done locally and created my profile as Gainesville, FL Realtor. I also made sure to add my yelp ID to my BlogLog services.

So who here yelps? Have you connected to any members in the community because of it? Due to yelp's incredibly high page 1 ranking, I think it is a valuable free tool for us and something to help with our Search Engine Optimization!

Post your yelp ID here!

Mine is http://gvillerealtor.yelp.com

	http://activerain.com/blogs/angela_elliott

Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this!

Gainesville, FL Restaurant Profile: Falafel King

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:23:36 -0600

Whenever I am near Archer Road area, I make sure to stop by Falafel King and stock up on goodies. My absolute favorite things to get there are, of course, falafel sandwiches, lentil pies, spinach pies and their zatar bread. I prefer my falafel with the yogurt sauce as oppossed to tahini. I always purchase a gyro for my boyfriend.

I have tried Gyro Plus and did not feel it compared even remotely with Falafel King's soft, pillow dough and fresh flavors. Although Gyro Plus has a very very good veggie kibbie sandwich (crushed wheat, mashed potatoes, fresh parsley, homemade spices, mixed and baked. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, parsley).

Lentil Pies and Spinach Pies pictured below. The lentil pies have soft onions and a pleasant cumin flavor. The lentils are tender, the dough pillowy - a pocket of heaven. The spinach pies have a refreshing lemon flavor, coupled with cooked onion and soft spinach. The spinach pies are my favorite thing from Falafel King.

Zaatar Bread and Gyro pictured below. The Zaatar Bread contains lemon, lots of seasame seeds and herbs. It is enjoyable by itself or with fresh hummus or baba ghanoush.

Falafel is a blend of ground lentils. Fava beans are usually included. The falafel is blended with five spice and other seasonings, formed into a ball and fried. It is delicious coupled with the yogurt sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickle, as pictured below (sorry it is a bit blurry):

I also enjoy Falafel King's Grape Leaves, which are served warm and are very lemony.

Falafel King is located at:

3252 SW 35th Blvd
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 375-6342

CLICK TO VIEW FALAFEL KING'S MENU

CLICK TO VIEW GYRO PLUS' MENU

Make sure to put it on your list to try next time you are near Butler Plaza. Falafel King is located right next door to Cici's Pizza.

For more Gainesville, FL restaurant reviews, make sure to visit my blog index by clicking the Index button below.

Gainesville, FL real estate buyers & sellers: Work with me and SAVE on Moving Expenses!

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:55:29 -0600

Help Save Dudley Historic Farm! Click here to find out how you can help.

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:10:01 -0600

Dudley Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It showcases the evolution of farming techniques and has been owned and operated as a working farm for three generations.

In order to reduce the Division of Recreation and Park's statewide expenditures, 19 parks in Florida have been slated to close. The close is supposed to be temporary. Dudley Farm is one of the parks that has been slated to close.

It is a valuable place to visit and see the operational cane syrup complex, the family's original farmstead with original furnishings, and to witness the park staff performing daily farm chores, raise livestock and raise crops - all in period clothing!

SO HOW CAN YOU HELP? Please visit the Save Dudley Farm website for more information on what you can do to keep this valuable long standing park operational.

WANT TO VISIT DUDLEY FARM FOR YOURSELF? This would make a great family trip - very educational and interesting!

Admission fees are only $4.00 per vehicle and $1.00 for pedestrians, cyclists, extra passengers or passengers in a vehicle with a holder of an annual individual entrance permit.

Dudley Farm is located 4 miles west of Newberry, FL at 18730 W. Newberry Road. Park phone # is 352.472.1142

Gainesville, FL Real Estate Blog

NEW LISTING 4/3.5 2635sqft home built in 2007 on 5 acres $385,000

The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Gainesville, FL is NOW OPEN

Help the Alachua County Humane Society acquire a new facility!

Kids Karnival: Largest turnout to date, ACHS dogs find homes!

Sweet Dreams Homemade Ice Cream CHOCOLATE NIGHT 4/19/2009!!

Rockwood Villas Gainesville, FL Neighborhood Profile

New Listing: Updated 2/2 Townhouse in Rockwood Villas only $115,000!!

KIDS KARNIVAL 3/21/09 10-3: Click here for ticket locations!

Fannie Mae Instructs its servicers NOT TO CUT COMMISSIONS ON SHORT SALES!! (100th post!)

Video Listings: The NEXT REVOLUTION? (Or How to Stand Apart From The Crowd)

Being Successful In Any Market: BRANDING YOURSELF & Important Tenets To Abide By

Granite Parke *VIDEO LISTING* ~ 4/3 POOL home Gainesville, FL

Ridgewood *VIDEO* Listing ~ Gainesville, FL

Wait...do I live in Florida??

FEATURED PETS from Alachua Co. Humane Society - Jan/Feb '08

BREAKING NEWS: New Downpayment Assistance Legislation

Alachua County Homestead Exemption Application: Don't forget to file!

Home Staging Tips for Sellers *VIDEO*

Hearty Vegetable Naan Wrap

Gainesville, FL Restaurant Profile: Uppercrust Bakery

Vacant...for months....and then *POOF*, 3 offers come in (Or my real estate curse)

Who among us participates in YELP? PAGE 1? FREE? YOU BET!!

Gainesville, FL Restaurant Profile: Falafel King

Gainesville, FL real estate buyers & sellers: Work with me and SAVE on Moving Expenses!

Help Save Dudley Historic Farm! Click here to find out how you can help.

Granite Parke VIDEO LISTING ~ 4/3 POOL home Gainesville, FL

Ridgewood VIDEO Listing ~ Gainesville, FL

Home Staging Tips for Sellers VIDEO

Vacant...for months....and then POOF, 3 offers come in (Or my real estate curse)