While Gainesville, Florida may not have the name recognition of Orlando or Miami, it is nonetheless one of the most important cities in the state, especially as home to the University of Florida. So, here is a closer look at this city’s housing market, and tips to get a mortgage in Gainesville, Florida.
Gainesville, Florida Real Estate
At first glance, real estate in Gainesville, Florida is significantly less expensive than other important cities in the region. Gainesville’s median home price is currently $155,900, notably lower than the national average of $191,200 and the Florida state average of $198,000.
If you are thinking about buying a home in Florida, moving to Gainesville will save you a significant amount of money, while also providing an excellent lifestyle.
While homes in Gainesville are very affordable, the real estate market in the city remains very stable, as home prices are expected to continue to rise. Last year, the median home price rose 8.1%, and Zillow predicts homes in Gainesville will continue to rise 3.1% within the next year.
Why is Gainesville a Great Place to Live?
Gainesville, Florida is one of the highest ranked cities in the U.S., including:
- #2 Leading Metros for Economic and Job Growth in Florida in 2014
- #1 “Cities on the Rise” in 2013
- #5 Best Small Metros in the U.S. in 2013
- #1 “Best Florida City for Business,” Forbes in 2012
- #1 “Best Place for Business and Careers” in Florida in 2012
- #1 “Top College Towns” in 2010
- #1 Hotspots for Young Professionals to Live and Work in 2009
- #1 “Best City to Live and Play” in 2008
- #1 “Best City in America” in 2007
- #1 “Top Tech Cities” in Florida in 2005
So, why is Gainesville so highly ranked?
For starters, the University of Florida is in Gainesville, and is the 8th largest University in the U.S. by enrollment. The school’s well-known “Gators” athletic department has been a source of pride, and brings people together in the community and throughout the state of Florida.
Additionally, Gainesville has a bustling music scene, and has produced some of the most notable music acts in recent memory with bands like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and musicians like Stephen Stills.
For its size, Gainesville provides area residents with significant culture experiences, while also providing diverse activities for all ages in a small town that’s surrounded by rural America. Plus, Gainesville is only 75 miles from historic St. Augustine, and Atlantic Ocean beaches. And, Gainesville is only 60 miles from Cedar Key and the Gulf Coast.
Getting a Mortgage in Gainesville Florida
When you buy a home in Gainesville, you can close on a mortgage in less than 30 days from the time you put a contract on a home.
The first step to getting a mortgage is becoming pre-qualified for a home loan, which can be accomplished in a few minutes over the phone. Then, you can immediately start working with a Realtor as a pre-qualified buyer.
Next, as you look for a new home with a Realtor, work with your mortgage broker to become pre-approved for a mortgage.
Once you have a contract on a home and you are pre-approved for a mortgage, the lender will request a few more things, which your mortgage broker will help you accomplish. Then you’ll receive a “clear to close,” and the lender will send the paperwork for closing to the title company/closing agent.
Marimark Mortgage
Marimark Mortgage is a Gainesville, Florida mortgage broker, serving the mortgage needs of homeowners and investors in all of Florida.
We specialize in conventional home mortgages, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgage options, refinance loans, and reverse mortgages. We’ve worked extensively with cash-out refinancing and help clients to lower their monthly mortgage payments.
To get started with a mortgage to buy your next home, please fill out our Quick Mortgage Application, or contact us direct.
The Marimark Mortgage Newsletter will keep you informed with important events in the mortgage industry that could impact your finances.
We especially focus on ways to save money on your current and future mortgages. And, we continually share the information we share with our clients, because we believe informed consumers are the best consumers.
Real estate agents, and other professionals in the industry, will receive an ongoing wealth of information that will help them serve their clients.
