Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL- The Alachua County Department of Growth Management is pleased to announce that purchase offers are now being accepted for two recently renovated homes purchased by Alachua County through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, (NSP).  Both are three bedroom, two bath homes.  The sales price for the home located at 12017 NW 164^th Terrace, Alachua, is $118,000, and the sales price for the home located at 22532 SE 59^th Place, Hawthorne, is $92,000. 

Each home features a new roof, Energy Star windows, appliances  and has been painted inside and out, providing an excellent opportunity for a low to moderate income family to buy a home at an affordable price. Homes are being renovated to bring them into compliance with the standards of the minimum housing code as well as to increase the energy efficiency of each home. Three NSP homes have been sold to date, two more NSP homes are under contract, and two more homes are being renovated prior to sale.

Alachua County was awarded NSP funding by the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs to stabilize neighborhoods impacted by high rates of foreclosure or abandonment. Foreclosed homes have been acquired and rehabilitated within designated areas of the community. Homebuyers must meet NSP income requirements. For example, a family of 4 earning $69,960 would qualify to buy an NSP home. Buyers are required to complete an approved home buyer’s education course, and cannot currently own a home at the time of an NSP purchase. Other program requirements must be met as well such as being approved by an institutional lender for primary financing to buy the home. Secondary financing is also available through NSP to ensure affordability. Alachua County requires that all offers be submitted by a licensed Realtor to ensure the buyer’s interest is fully represented in the transaction. Buyer’s Realtor will be paid a 3.5% commission from the proceeds of the sale.

Photos and prices of both homes as well as the NSP Information Packet are available on the Alachua County Department of Growth Management’s website, by calling Jenny Poole, Housing Programs Coordinator, at 352-337-6283 or by contacting her at jopoole@alachuacounty.us  Homes are offered for sale at appraised value after repairs have been completed. Offers are now being accepted and are due by 5 p.m., September 2, 2011, at the Alachua County Department of Growth Management (10 SW 2^nd Avenue, Gainesville).  Offers must be submitted by a State of Florida licensed Realtor. Offers submitted after the deadline may be accepted as back-up offers only, at the discretion of Alachua County.  Homes are sold on a first-come, first-qualified, first-served basis.  The Board of County Commissioners makes the final decision as to which offer to accept.

Realtors interested in showing NSP homes and submitting offers must contact Jenny Poole, Housing Programs Coordinator at jopoole@alachuacounty.us. to obtain an offer package.