It's Our Turn to Cheer on Our Leading Cheerleader

From: Michelle Florence at Keller Williams:

George Edmunson, THE Mr. Two Bits, will be hanging up his whistle and retiring the yellow oxford this season.

Since coming to his first game in 1949 Mr. Two Bits has lead Gator fans in spirit, and he wasn’t even here to cheer on the Gators (he was here to watch them play the Citadel – his alma mater). No one has ever captured the true Gator pride like this guy!

Now it is our turn to cheer on our leading cheerleader.We are starting an ‘unofficial’ campaign to get as many Mr. Two Bits fans – I mean Gator fans – to wear that signature oxford yellow shirt and orange and blue tie to this seasons’ Homecoming game, 25 October against Kentucky so that we can cheer on our biggest cheerleader!!!

Until we make it official, pass this message along to as many people as possible! We will continue to provide updates and details as we approach Homecoming. For now, he and his wife will be in the Homecoming Parade with the players – pulled by a Florence Recycling truck of course ;) .

Over the Long Term, Owning is Better than Renting

In today’s market, an increasing number of savvy consumers are asking themselves whether they should rent or own a home. While there are many factors to consider in deciding whether to buy or rent, the most important questions to ask are:

"Can I afford to buy?"
"Is homeownership a good investment?" and
"How long do I plan to stay in my home?"

The answer to the first question may well be that you can’t afford NOT to buy, None of the money you spend on rent is returned to you, either through savings or as an investment.
Homeownership, on the other hand, has tax advantages over renting. And homeownership allows you to leverage your money.

When considering the investment value of a home, think about this: Dollar for dollar, the rate of return on an individual’s cash downpayment on a house is substantial. Buyers typically use their own money to cover only a small portion of the purchase price, but the home appreciation they realize is based on the total value of the property.

Homeowners benefit from the power of leverage. Over 10 years, a $10,000 investment in the stock market at a normal 10 percent market rate of return would yield $23,600. The same investment as a down payment on a $200,000 home at a normal appreciation rate of 5 percent would return nearly five times the average stock market return, at $110,300.

Homeownership is how many American families begin to accumulate wealth. According to data from the Federal Reserve Board, a homeowner’s net worth is 46 times that of a renter’s.

Housing is not a quick-in, quick-out investment. When purchased for the long term, housing is one of the safest investments consumers can make. In addition to the savings accumulated through a buildup of equity and tax advantages, a home provides shelter. No paper investment provides this benefit.

Of course, homeownership is not just about money. Homeownership provides shelter and security to families, and fosters involvement in community life as well as participation in democratic institutions. Homeownership also provides important social and economic benefits. It is the cornerstone of a healthy community and the basis for positive community involvement.

Picturesque 15+ Acre Turn-Key Equestrian Estate Centrally Located Between Gainesville and Ocala

Luxury Florida Ranch Living
Offered at $699,000
3 BR/2 BA 2396 Sq. Ft.
Year Built: 1999

Experience the finest in Florida ranch living on this picturesque, 15 acre turn-key equestrian estate. Centrally located between Gainesville, the University of Florida & Shands and Ocala, the Horse Capital of the World, the elegant home features: a three (3) bedroom split plan, two (2) full baths, a half (1/2) bath off the screen enclosed pool and lanai - great for entertaining, bright and open kitchen with skylights, center island with breakfast bar and double sinks, oak cabinets, breakfast nook, great room with formal living and dining areas, separate family room, luxury master bath with jetted marble tub, dual vanities, walk-in shower, double closets, built-in tv shelf in master bedroom, extensive marble in both baths, mud/laundry room with shower, utility sink and pantry, a bonus office off the three (3) car, side entry garage with attic storage, high ceilings and trey ceilings, central vacuum, water softener, all appliances convey, including washer and dryer and refrigerator with icemaker, irrigation system and an automatic whole house generator (propane) to back up house, barn and mobile. The home's filled concrete block construction meets Dade County hurricane standards.

Past the property's gated entry are the most beautiful 15 acres of fenced and crossed fenced pasture, a pond and a topnotch six-stall center isle barn with tack rooom, loft, water and electric, stallion stalls, concrete flooring, a run-in, hitching posts and a cattle chute.

Additional residence on-site perfect for guests or farm help is a 1989 3/2 mobile home in excellent condition (however, conveyed "as is") with washer and dryer.

This property presents the best opportunity for the modern day rancher to operate with ultimate convenience and comfort in the premium North Central Location of historic Micanopy, Florida. Shown by appointment only, so be sure to call Kyle or Mona today at 352-358-4117 to schedule a showing. Thank you for your interest!

Does It Make Sense to Lock-In Your Mortgage Rate?

Locking in a mortgage rate with a lender is one way to ensure that same rate still will be available when you need it. Lock-ins make sense when borrowers expect rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, which is the usual length of time lock-ins are available. A lock-in given at the time of application is useful because it may take the lender several weeks or longer to prepare a loan application (though automated loan practices are cutting this time dramatically). However, some lenders require borrowers to pay lock-in fees to assure particular rates and terms. Be sure to check that the rates and points are guaranteed and that your lock-in period is long enough. If your lock-in expires, most lenders will offer the loan based on the prevailing interest rate and points. Lenders may have preprinted forms that set out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement. Others may only make an oral lock-in promise on the telephone or at the time of application.

More Resources:
* "A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins," is an online brochure, published by the Federal Reserve Board and Office of Thrift Supervision, Washington, D.C.

Another Tip of the Hat to Alachua County Commissioners

The Florida Department of Corrections has not filed a formal request but is considering a site on NE 39th Ave. for a state prison and possibly a mental health facility for female inmates.

County commissioners immediately slammed the idea. "Plan East Gainesville" has been set in motion for economic development on Gainesville's eastside. Eastside is becoming a popular and affordable area for homebuyers due to easy access to UF, Shands and the VA. What the DOC has in mind would surely be a detriment to East Gainesville's future.

Good News For Florida's Youth

Good news for the entire state! This week, Governor Crist signed a bill that will increase physical education in middle schools. This is a huge success, considering few students in Florida receive daily quality physical education.

Did you know that physical inactivity and poor nutrition comprise the second leading actual cause of preventable death? Increasing physical education in middle schools is a positive step forward. Let's celebrate bringing P.E. back to our children, whether they are happy about it or not!

A Tip of the Hat to Alachua County Commissioners

On May 27, the Alachua County Commissioners earmarked $250,000 from the county's general fund to establish a clinic in East Gainesville for residents on limited income that will provide spay and neuter surgeries for their pets.

No More Homeless Pets, Inc. had asked for a pledge of $200,000 to match the $200,000 pledge made by Gainesville resident Gladys Cofrin for the clinic. However, when the Commissioners were informed that efforts were short $100,000 toward the initial $500,000 projected for startup and operating costs, Commissioner Paula DeLaney proposed that the County pledge another $50,000-which was approved!

This matching grant is intended to be a one-time grant to No More Homeless Pets of Alachua County. Once the $200,000 is repaid, the funds could be used for future Spay/Neuter efforts. A successful program will potentially reduce the amount of space required for future expansion of the Animal Shelter.