Here is a site that Scott Britt from Britt Surveying showed me that is very helpful with property elevations ect….. http://www.labins.org/
This is a topo site that is run by FSU with input from surveyers around the state.

From Burbach Realty Services, Real Estate Agents in the Lake City, FL area.

Columbia County - Lake City FL Houses for Sale - Market Data - Real Estate

Interesting Columbia County, Lake City FL Housing market stats to ponder:

• Current residential home total listing inventory in Columbia County is 396.

• Closed sales since Jan 1 total 296 and annualized this will be around 322 closed sales which shows a current inventory supply of 14+ months. (A normal functioning real estate market will have a 6-8 month inventory supply)

Sold stats by price/current active listings in this price range: (closed sales only through Dec 8 not to Dec 31)

100k or less: 111 sales/106 active listings
100-150k: 92 sales/95 active listings
150-200k: 51 sales/75 active listings
200-300k: 36 sales/80 active listings
300-400k: 4 sales/21 active listings
400k +: 2 sales/19 active listings

• YOU CAN DEFINITELY SEE WHERE THE ACTION HAS BEEN! 150k OR LESS THERE HAS BEEN OVER 200 SALES IN 11 MONTHS CUTTING THE INVENTORY IN THAT PRICE RANGE TO AROUND 10 MONTHS
• THE MID RANGE OF 150-200k HAS BEEN SOFT AND SHOWS 16 MONTHS OF INVENTORY. (A HEALTHY MARKET IS 6-8 MOS. INVENTORY)
• THE UGLY PART IS 200k AND UP WITH THE DEAD ZONE ABOVE 300k WHERE ONLY 6 SALES HAVE OCCURRED. WITH ONLY 42 SALES IN THIS PRICE RANGE, AND 120 CURRENT LISTINGS, WE SHOW A 30 MONTH SUPPLY IN THIS PRICE RANGE!

Information Gathered from Lake City, FL MLS From Charlie Sparks, My former Broker With Westfield Realty Group

Lake City FL Commercial Office & Retail Space for Lease

We have several excellent centers in Lake City, FL with commercial office or retails space available for lease. These are top quality centers are a variety of locations & prices.

These are location owned by Westfield Realty Group's sister company, Westfield Investment Group.

See the flyers here. PDF file.

J.P. Morgan - 4th Qtr 2010 - Guide to the Markets

Here is tons of data regarding the markets, real estate, economy, business & more. Lots of charts, graphs & statistics.
Here is the report. Opens PDF.

Columbia County General Flood Zone Info

Here is some general information from Columbia County about Flood Zone information for the area. Helpful info to have when buying land & real estate in the Lake City, FL area

Click here for the info

10 Things You Can Do Today To Improve Your Credit

10 things you can do to improve your credit.. There are some incredible deasl when buying a house right now, but if your credit is less than 620 range, you may miss out on the great prices & interest rates.

Now is the time to take a closer look at your credit & do all you can to get it as best you can.

http://credit.about.com/od/creditrepair/tp/improvecredit.htm

Lake City FL has great houses for sale right now in many price ranges, contact a quality lender today to get started on your loan application & find out your score.

For all your real estate, housing, MLS search, foreclosure needs for the Lake City, FL area. Come back to http://www.chadstewart.com/ & start searching.

Lake City - Columbia County FL - Inland Port

This is from Florida Trend - & Cynthia Barnett - all credit goes to them.


Off U.S. Highway 90 outside Columbia County's Lake City, a big white sign stands incongruously in front of a forest of young pine trees: "Future Site of Inland Port." After years of work, the state and 14 counties launched the 2,500-acre industrial-development project this fall to create a catalyst for business investment in a region that suffered low wages and high unemployment rates well before the economic downturn.


http://www.floridatrend.com/article.asp?aID=53684

This is great news for the Lake City - Columbia County Florida area. This brings not only long term recognition to the area, but along with it brings new higher wage jobs, more regional county industry & business growth, and  positive planned growth.

Just up the road on Hwy 90 from this site is a great multi use industrial facility for sale. Check it out here. http://www.industrialpropertyfl.com/

Also in Live Oak, FL is a prime retail & commercial development tract. See link http://commercialpropertyfla.com/

 - Chad Stewart - Pro Realtor - Westfield Realty Group.

New Real Estate Home Listing in Lake City FL by Chad Stewart - Westfield Realty

Cute & Affordable Home listed in Lake City, FL. This home is in a great location close to town , schools, & shopping. In good condition & great price for this house at $89,900. The house is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath,  and is on a 1/2 acre lot.
Furniture & all Appliances included, Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher, Washer & Dryer, 2 sheds.

First get pre-qualified by a local Lake City, FL lender, then contact me or your Realtor for a showing. If you need a local lender recommendation. Click here. http://www.chadstewart.com/Featured_Lenders.html
Here is a map link to the property.

Updated Video Tour - Lake City FL Real Estate

Lake City, FL Real Estate - Home for Sale in Callawy Subdivision. Very Nice. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath. Upscale Interior, Quality Built, Huge Back Porch, large kitchen, 2,293 sq ft heated. 3698 sq ft under roof, plus workshop.

Upscale House & Real Estate for Sale in Lake City FL

Very nice house for sale in Callaway here in Lake City, FL. Well built with lots of features. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, about 2,293 sq ft. Large enclosed back porch with disappearing sliding doors! Wow, Check this out today. Link to youtube here. Call to schedule your tour today.


Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Commercial Real Estate in Live Oak, FL - Suwannee County

55 +/- acre prime development tract located across the street from Wal-Mart on Hwy 129 in Live Oak, FL. This is in high commercial activity growth corridor ½ mile south of Interstate 10, in Suwannee County, FL.


http://www.commercialpropertyfla.com/

The Inland Port project in Lake City got good press in the Gainesville Sun today.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100807/ARTICLES/8071009&tc=email_newsletter

The Psychology of Real Esate - Interesting

Here is an interesting article about how people think & see real estate choices & options.
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/the-psychology-of-real-estate.html

I definetly would reccomend painting and recarpeting if your home is showing too many signs of aging or wear an tear. This will help the buyers get past the cost & hassle of having to redo it themselves after they purchase. Most buyers will over compensate about 2-3 times for these type of items.

Example: If a buyer walks into a moderate home that needs new paint & flooring, rather than see or estimate it till take $2,500 for paint & carpet, they will estimate $5,000 to $7,500 just to be safe & offer that much less. Its good for both buyers & sellers to understand this & think logically about it to make the best decisions.

Thanks. Check back again - Chad Stewart - Westfield Realty Group - Lake City FL Real Estate Broker Associate.

Homes are extremely affordable, Especially Lake City FL Homes & Real Estate

FAR affordability index. Still running at historic highs. The average buyer has nearly twice the income necessary to buy the median priced home financed with the average fixed rate mortgage loan.

Click Here

Columbia County - Lake City FL Regional Inustrial Development News

RePost from Columbia County FL Industrial Development Authority newsletter. Lake City, FL is definetly a up & coming place for regional development, and long term growth & stability for Florida.

The Columbia County Industrial Development Authority is busy working on several projects for the betterment of Columbia County, the region and the state. To keep you up to date with activities involving economic development in Columbia County, we have attached several articles for your perusal. If you missed previously released articles and columns, they can be viewed by visiting our link on the County’s website, http://www.columbiacountyfla.com/IDA.asp  or you may click on one of the links to previous articles provided below. We are working diligently to develop our own website and will notify you upon completion.

Recent links relevant to economic development in Columbia County:

IDA Column: Historic meeting marks unified effort to transforms area’s economy : http://www.lakecityjournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=15&SubSectionID=75&ArticleID=6172
Jacksonville Business Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2010/06/28/daily4.html?ana=e_du_pap
St. Leo University preparing students for International Trade: Here

Officials discuss major projects to prepare Columbia County as Inland Port: Article Here

Poole, Huddleston and Reynolds selected for Florida Chamber Foundation’s Caucus System: Link Here

Plum Creek and Columbia County Team Up for Job Creation: http://www.plumcreek.com/tabid/73/itemid/981/Plum-Creek-and-Columbia-County-Team-Up-for-Job-Cre.aspx

Foundation Grants Making Impact on Education: Read here
The Columbia County Industrial Development Authority Board meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. at the Lake Shore Hospital Authority. The meetings are open to the public and we welcome your attendance.

Posted by Chad Stewart, Westfield Realty Group, Credit goes to article writers, and CCFLIda

Homebuyer Tax credit extension.

Repost of FL Realtors Information:
Congress extends homebuyer tax credit and flood insurance

The U.S. Senate passed two bills last evening previously passed by the House. Both bills still need President Obama's signature to become law, but that's expected to happen quickly.

Homebuyer tax credit:
The Senate passed HR 5623, which extends the mandatory closing date to qualify for the homebuyer tax credit. The contract deadline does not change - homebuyers must have a contract signed by April 30, 2010 (an exception for active duty military) - but the previous closing deadline of June 30, 2010, has been extended to Sept. 30, 2010. The National Association of Realtors estimates that the approved bill will benefit more than 14,000 deals in Florida.

Lake City FL Phone Book & Directories

If you are looking for a Phone Book for the Lake City, FL area. Here are a couple resources for you. Of course Google is what I use for searching for real estate or anything about a city like Lake City, FL, but sometimes it might be nice to just browse the phone book.

Local Edge - the Talking Phone Book - Lake City - Live Oak
http://www.localedge.com/laci

At&t - Bellsouth - Real Yellow Pages for Lake City
http://www.realpageslive.com/WebProject.asp?BookCode=lkf09htm&from=2


Google Local

Here is an encouraging report. We continue to build on the good news momentum.


http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=238713

More Keep up with Mortgage Payments

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=237847
This is a good sign. Note the comment about strategic foreclosures. I think you will see this problem fade as the banks toughen up and the economy strengthens. I think we will look back at 2010 as the big washout year. It will carry into future year(s) but this may be the high water mark this year. - from: Charlie Sparks. Broker at Westfield Realty Group.

Open House - Come Visit Me in Lake City, FL

Come Visit me April 10-11. We are participating in a statewide Florida Open House even, April 10-11.

I will be at a house located at 205 SW Scott Place, Lake City, FL. This is in the Russwood subdivision. A brand new top quality home. Spacious Floor Plan, has 4 bedrooms plus an office. Two living areas, two dining areass, covered porch and a triple garage. All of this priced at only $298,900! Give me a call 386-867-1782. Directions, Take Branford Hwy (SR 247) south to Troy Rd, west to Russwood subdivision, go to back of development to house. Click Here for a Map.

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Florida Open House Event April 10-11

Statewide Open House Event April 10-11. Come visit me in Lake City, FL

Housing Tax Credits at a Glance

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/glance.php

Short Sale Sellers - Read the Paperwork

Attention Short Sale Sellers... Read the Fine Print..

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=233552

Flood Zone Mapping & Information

Finding FEMA flood zone maps for real estate properties has become easier & easier.

I wanted all to know that for the counties around there in North Florida its even easier than ever.

First get the parcel # of the property, land or home you are looking at.

Second, go to http://www.srwmdfloodreport.com/ Click the county are inquiring about, click go, and type in or past the parcel number you are interested in. This will map the property with a nice aerial map & highlited your parcel. I will show any flood zones in the are. You can also click the legend button to see what everythign means.

If the property is in a flood zone, this does not mean the end of it. Flood insurance is very affordable, usually costing only around $300 per year. Ask a Realtor for more details.

Here are the county property appraisers sites along with the corresponding flood zone site.

Columbia County - Lake City, FL - Fort White, FL

http://g2.columbia.floridapa.com/

http://www.srwmdfloodreport.com/

Suwannee County - Live Oak, FL - Branford, FL

http://www.suwanneepa.com/

http://www.srwmdfloodreport.com/

Hamilton County - Jasper, FL - Jennings, FL - White Springs, FL

http://www.hamiltonpa.com/

http://www.srwmdfloodreport.com/

Union County - Lake Butler, FL - Providence, FL

http://g2.union.floridapa.com/index.asp?

http://www.srwmdfloodreport.com/

The FEMA - Suwannee River map site also has the following counties: Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Union.

Lake City FL Real Estate Listing - New Video Tour Just Posted

Great property. This is a1,776 sq ft concrete block stucco house with some nice acreage. 4 acres is fenced for animals or horses, with small farm shelter. Nice trees on front part of property.

House is open style floor plan, upgraded Corian kitchen countertops. Big back room could be used for 3rd bedroom or den with access to back patio. Price has just been reduced. This place is well worth the visit.
.. Property is just over the border in Suwannee county, but has a Lake City, FL address.

Custom Home In Preserve at Laurel Lake - Great Value

We now have the Cambridge model available in the Preserve at Laurel Lakes. This is a great value at $194,900 customized to your preferences. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. This comes out to an amazing price of only $106.50 per sq ft. Quality home by Isaac Construction.



Download flyer..

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Walk Away or Short Sale

NOW YOU KNOW
Banks pursuing payback from walkaways
Increasingly aggressive mortgage lenders seek money from former owners who had a short sale or walked away. Read more.

Short sales are no easy deal. Be sure you know what the terms are when you sell, many times there be not be many options. But so you know, many Banks are not looking too favorably on Short sales that are more walk aways than real hardship issues.

FHA incentive to buy Now!

If you were planning to go the FHA loan route when buying your house, you might want to move quickly...

The Federal Housing Administration is strenthening thier reserves... but what this means for the average homeowner is tighter criteria & higher PMI rates...

• MIP, mortgage insurance premium will increase.
• Higher Credit score required
• Seller concessions lowered from 6% to 3%

Just another reason for buyers to make their move NOW!
Here are some more details on it... or contact one of our preferred lenders now to get prequalified... For all other real estate questions for the Lake City area, feel free to call or email.
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=230552

Best Month to Sell your House

Do you want to sell a home in 2010? You may want to think January instead of June.. With the new tax credit expiring in April, you will probably see more early year home buyers vs the May-June market.

New Listing! 944 acre regional development potential.

One of a kind property at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 75, here in Lake City, this 944 acre is prime long term development potential. With the expansion of the port in Jacksonville and distribution and overall development potential of north central Florida, this property is worth a serious look.

All the details are at a new site launched called http://www.flahub.com/ Welcome to the new HUB of distribution & industrial growth in Florida.

Homebuyer and Home Buyers Tax Credit $8,000.

Greetings,

2010 is here!  As you may know the tax credit is back again with $8,000 for first time Home Buyers, and now also qualified REPEAT BUYERS can receive a credit of up to $6,500 for homes purchased between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

There are a few items that you need to make sure you qualify for, so I have attached some useful documents for you to print out & read, but this is very much real money. And its a tax credit not tax deduction. If you file your taxes individually, and you make over $125,000 per year the tax credit phases out. Anything less and you get the full credit.  Over $225,000 for married couples filing jointly it begins to phase out.

Downloads:

• $8,000 tax credit flyer.
• Save now with Tax Credit Details flyer.
• Tax Credit Changes FAQ
• Tax Credit Changes Comparison Chart.

US now renters' market.

U.S. now a renters' market


Reis Inc. says the apartment vacancy rate ended 2009 at 8%, and rents dipped 3%, led by cities that once had brisk growth. Read more. Click the title link.

Great Rates Today! Check this out from preferred lender