Melisa Miller found her calling at age 14 or 15 on a church youth mission trip to Mexico, where she first hung drywall at an orphanage expansion.   Today, she leads a nonprofit organization of 400 volunteers who repair 25 homes a year for low-income homeowners around Gainesville.   Read the full inspiring story here, in today's Gainesville Sun:   http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090419/ARTICLES/904189982/1002/NEWS01?Title=Rebuilding-Gainesville-one-home-at-a-time 04/20/2009

On April 25, 2009, Rebuilding Together North Central Florida joins thousands of volunteers throughout the nation in National Rebuilding Day 2009! Approximately 80 volunteers will donate their time on Saturday to provide free emergency repairs for 5 Gainesville area families in need. Sponsoring this year's event are Rotary International, Charles Perry Construction, Gainesville Jaycees, and GRU.  Please contact miller@rebuildgainesville.org or visit http://www.rebuildgainesville.org to learn how you can get involved.     04/20/2009

Southwest Gainesville Home SalesJanuary 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009 **Information compiled from GACAR MLS sales statistics.**Total homes sold in Southwest Gainesville 1Q09:    62    Broken down by area:Arredondo/Kanapaha        17    Haile Area            18    Idylwild             4    Newberry Rd. South    19    North of UF        2    South Gainesville Area    1    South Parker Road Area    1    Arredondo/Kanapaha AreaListing Price Average     $279,997         (1Q08:  $291,563)Selling Price Average     $265,204         (1Q08:  $278,744)List-to-Sell Percent         94.72        (1Q08: 95.6)Average Days on Market     124         (1Q08: 142)     Neighborhoods Sold:  Kanapaha Pines-2; Meadows on the Prairie-5; Long Leaf-5; Mentone-1;  Meadows of Kanapaha-1; Willow Oak Plantation-1;  Farms ... 04/19/2009

On Sunday, April 26, 2009, from 8 to 10 AM,  The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society at UF´s College of Medicine is hosting its first ever Trot for Tots, a 5K run/walk to raise money for the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation. A healthy, happy 3 year old, Sebastian Ferrero died  at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida in October 2007 as a result of a medication overdose followed by a series of preventable medical errors. Sebastian's parents, Horst and Luisa Ferrero, formed the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation to advocate and fundraise for a state-of-the-art, full service children's hospital in Gainesville while promoting excellence in patient safety and insuring that all families are treated with compassion, courtesy, and dignity. Born from their worst nightmare come true, the Ferreros efforts hav... 04/15/2009

Just when I thought the Sparrow Condos website for residents couldn't get any better, I found this page!   Newly updated (since the last time I'd visited), not only does this Sparrow Condo webpage outline the amenities available to its residents, it also has great pics of the Sparrow community!   For anyone considering building a new "nest" at Sparrow, this is invaluable info.....check it out!   http://sparrowcondos.com/amenities-sparrow-condominiums.php 04/15/2009

I have to say, I have not seen many sites of condo communities that provide such wonderful up-to-date information for their residents!  I stumbled upon this link when I was dinking around on the Internets one day (because, frankly, I have no life).....thought I'd share it with you all!   http://sparrowcondos.com/ 04/15/2009

I just saw this video and I filled up with emotion.....it expresses so well what Mahatma Gandhi said..... "You must be the change you want to see in the world"   Watching this brought me into my happy place, and I just wanted to share it with the rest of you.   Have a great day, and blessings to you all!   Coleen :)   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq6b9bMBXpg 04/15/2009

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 ... 04/15/2009

  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... 03/25/2009

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 ... 03/25/2009

    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 ... 03/25/2009

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 Associati... 03/24/2009

    3rd Annual WALK NOW FOR AUTISM Sponsored by the Newberry Lions Club   Where:    Oak View Middle School Track                   1203 SW 250th St, Newberry When:     Saturday, March 28, 2009                    Registration at 10AM                    Walk begins at  11AM What:     Help raise money to fight Autism              Form a team, raise money, have fun!           Info:       Call Lion Ron Harper @ 682-1718 or                 Lion Bob Respess @ 472-5434 03/17/2009

Last week I received informative information from Matt Peck, one of my "preferred" home inspectors here in Gainesville, Florida.   Matt Peck with Housemaster is on my business to business directory here in Gainesville.   The brochure is titled, "The Right Move for today's Home Sellers".   It provides great advice to anyone considering putting their home on the market with their Realtor. It's an explanation for sellers getting a home inspection on their home before it goes on the market.  It's a great marketing tool.  A pre-inspection can give the homeowner/seller peace-of-mind as to the condition of their own home.  And if there are things that need attention or repair, you will know first - not potential buyers.   If you are considering selling a home, consider the benefits of a Pre-In... 03/15/2009

  Those of you who know me, have heard me say "don't use the phone book".    If you are needing a handyman, painter, or plumber....please ask me who I have used AND who I would recommend.     I have compiled MY BUSINESS REFERRAL DIRECTORY and want to share it with everyone in the Gainesville Area.   If you know someone that has done a great job and want to recommend them, let me know who they are and I will add them to this list!   If you go to my web site, there is a list of tabs on the left.  The image on this post shows where to click and get to my Business Referral Directory.     This is a morphing, and changing list!   And the directory may be changing regularly.  I look forward to your comments!          Remember, we all appreciate referrals !!         Written and Posted By: Chri... 03/15/2009

Get out your date book, and mark you calendars!   This annual event at the University of Florida and the Florida Museum of Natural History is set for Thursday, March 19th, 2009 from 5pm to 9pm. Some of my great clients keep me up to date on this event!    (Thanks Jennifer)  It's fun for your whole family!   Bring your science kids and ENJOY!!   Fun for all Ages!   Free Admission ! Posted By: Chris Bohn, GRI- ABR-ePro- The Gainesville FL Real Estate Blog.   Copyright © 2009 Chris Bohn, RE/MAX Professionals, Inc., is a Florida Realtor® who specializes in Gainesville, FL and communities in Alachua County, FL . To find out more information about her real estate services please visit her profile . You are welcome to contact her by phone at 352-375-1002  or by email at chris@eHomesGainesville... 03/11/2009

Here we are in March, which is the beginning of the condo season in Gainesville, Florida.   Each year, new students come to the University of Florida.  Some come here for their first 4 years of college education, but there are others coming for the various post-graduate programs at the University. As a buyers agent, I like to provide information to students and their parents that help them make the right decisions for buying a condo in Gainesville.  So let's take a look at many of the questions parents have about buying condos for their student.  Some of these topics will make you think about what is best for you  - as parents and/or as investors in real estate.How to take "Title" to the property? Check with your CPA or tax adviser.  How the property is titled will have different effect... 03/09/2009

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 sprou... 03/09/2009

Here is the Gainesville-Alachua County Real Estate Market Update for FEBRUARY 2009.   The stats for this report are pulled directly from the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors database.   These statistics are for Residential Sales only and do not include commercial properties or vacant land sales. Selling Price Range Closed Single-Family Units Number of Bedrooms Condos / Townhomes From Through -2 3 4+ All Total Avg DOM 0 19999 1 1 20 20000 29999 3 1 4 242 30000 39999 2 2 42 40000 49999 6 2 2 10 184 50000 59999 2 1 1 4 137 60000 69999 1 4 1 6 125 70000 79999 2 1 3 154 80000 89999 2 3 5 159 90000 99999 2 1 1 4 195 100000 119999 8 1 1 10 122 120000 139999 4 11 5 20 133 140000 159999 4 4 3 2 13 154 160000 179999 4 3 7 110 180000 199999 10 3 13 138 200000 249999 6 5 1 12 217 ... 03/09/2009

Here is the Gainesville-Alachua County Real Estate Market Update for JANUARY 2009.   The stats for this report are pulled directly from the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors database.   These statistics are for Residential Sales only and do not include commercial properties or vacant land sales. Selling Price Range Closed Single-Family Units Number of Bedrooms Condos / Townhomes From Through -2 3 4+ All Total Avg DOM 0 19999 20000 29999 2 2 33 30000 39999 1 1 2 11 40000 49999 2 1 3 49 50000 59999 1 1 2 201 60000 69999 1 1 154 70000 79999 1 1 239 80000 89999 4 4 87 90000 99999 3 2 5 140 100000 119999 1 5 2 8 193 120000 139999 4 1 5 201 140000 159999 1 5 1 1 8 177 160000 179999 6 1 7 130 180000 199999 3 3 112 200000 249999 7 6 2 15 200 250000 299999 3 3 6 174 300000 39999... 03/09/2009