SHOP TIL YOU DROP ON THE BUSIEST SHOPPING DAY OF THE YEAR A must stop is the Trash and Treasure Yard Sale at the Old School Square Grounds, being held 8 am to 1 pm. For you treasure hunters, THIS is the place to be! Recycle and reuse previously loved items and find hand-crafted treasures by local artists and non-profits. The kids will love to ride on the Holiday Carousel. Booths are still available for a $25 tax deductible entry fee for 10’x10’,,, clean out your closets, cupboards, garages and storage units. Participants are residents, artists, crafters and non-profits; no dealers no free market vendors. Sign up by November 25th with cash or check at the Administrative Offices in the Crest Theatre building, 1st floor, from 9-5 Monday thru Friday. Make checks payable to Old School Square. Call 561-243-7922 X391 or email volunteer@oldschoo.org. Unsold “stuff” can be taken away after the sales by a GOODWILL donation truck.

 

A must stop is the Trash and Treasure Yard Sale at the Old School Square Grounds, being held 8 am to 1 pm on November 27th.  For you treasure hunters, THIS is the place to be!  Recycle and reuse previously loved items and find hand-crafted treasures by local artists and non-profits.  The kids will love to ride on the Holiday Carousel.   Booths are still available for a $25 tax deductible entry fee for 10’x10’,,, clean out your closets, cupboards, garages and storage units.  Participants are residents, artists, crafters and non-profits; no dealers no free market vendors.  Sign up by November 25^th with cash or check at the Administrative Offices in the Crest Theatre building, 1^st floor, from 9-5 Monday thru Friday.  Make checks payable to Old School Square.  Call 561-243-7922 X391 or email volunteer@oldschoo.org.  Unsold “stuff” can be taken away after the sales by a  GOODWILL donation truck.

MIZNER PARK MALL OWNER TO EXIT BANKRUPTCY BY 2010

According to Reuters, General Growth Properties, the second-largest mall owner in the U.S., which operates Boca Raton's Mizner Park mall, has reached a deal with its lenders to extend loans, a move that will allow it to exit bankruptcy by 2010. Representatives from 70 of General Growth's loans, some of which exceeded $1 billion in value, agreed to extensions averaging six years. The Chicago-based company's financial woes, marking the biggest real estate failure in U.S. history, according to a report from Reuters, have underscored the nationwide retail crisis, as vacancies in the retail real estate sector have continued to mount as the holiday season approaches.

DEED FOR LEASE PROGRAM (DL-4)

New program announced by Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) to keep mortgage-challenged borrowers in their homes.  Qualified borrowers relinquish the deed to their property and rent their home at market rate for 12 months.  To read more about it, see Chris Thorman’s informative blog.   Your comments are most welcome!

CAN LIFE SETTLEMENTS WORK FOR YOU AS A NEW SOURCE FOR FUNDS?

·        Your term policy can be evaluated in the Life Settlement Market if it can be converted to Universal Life; it would be converted during the closing process

o      If your health has deteriorated to the point where premiums on new life insurance would be cost prohibitive converting term to universal or whole life may be the only viable option

·        Have your whole life premiums escalated making you consider surrender or lapsing the policy perhaps for low cash payout?  A Life Settlement MAY BE THE BEST SOLUTION – cash out under performing insurance and use the proceeds to purchase more appropriate coverage.

·        Does your business hold life insurance that may no longer be necessary, and in need of reevaluation and change to life settlement or other solution, e.g.

o      due to retirement of key executive

o      partnership dissolution

o      executives who do not wish to keep a policy in a retirement package in force

o      change of business ownership

o      exit strategies for benefit programs

o      proper market asset valuation of business owned life insurance

·        Do you have life insurance providing a deferred benefit to a charity, and if so, would you prefer a solution that will make more immediate donations during your lifetime?  If yes, consider a life settlement solution.  The charities then will not have premium obligations when you pass on.

MORE INFORMATION

 

UP

LAURELS 7:30  pm on Sunday, November 22nd

THE HOUSE THAT SOARED

An Animated Flight of Fancy

Disney-Pixar takes us on flight with an animated

comedy adventure about a 78-year old balloon

salesman who ties thousands of balloons to his

house and flies away, with an 8 year old stowaway.

Reviews: One of the years best… uplifting…

creative… brilliant… cinematic magic

Starring Ed Asner and Christopher Plummer

1st TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2010

The $8000 tax break for first-time home buyers would require a signed purchase agreement contract, and will have a 60-day cushion beyond the end of April to complete the closing.

In addition, existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for at least 5 years but want to relocate to a new primary residence can use a $6,500 tax credit.

Income limits for both would be $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

The tax break would be offered on homes priced at $800,000 or less Recipients who sell the home or stop using it as their primary residence within 3 years would be required to repay the credit

ART REIGNS SUPREME

The New York Times reports that prices at Sotheby’s Auction far surpass estimates. A recent auction was well represented by buyers from the US, China, Latin America and Russia. A Derain, “Barque au Port de Collioure sold for $14MM recently, the highest price for one of the artists works at auction. It was estimated to sell for $8MM but there were 3 bidders and one was determined to win the painting.

Looking for life insurance? Watch your weight and kick the habit first

Important issues relating to getting coverage and the amount your premium will be include smoking and being overweight. One UK study found that the average smoker paid 56% more than a non-smoker for life insurance. Companies consider you a non-smoker if you have not used tobacco for the previous 12 months, others for a 5 year period. Folks with a BMI (body mass index) of 28 or more may have to pay and extra 50% in premium. This is a recent industry reduction of 16%. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight by your height and the result squared. Other factors that underwriters consider include current and past health history, drug or alcohol use, your profession/avocation, medications, travel. For information on life and health insurances go to http://www.MarilynJacobs.com and scroll down homepage watching red tabs on left side and click on the one you want information about or call Marilyn at 561-988-0070.

Written and Directed by
WOODY ALLEN

opening night film for
2009 Tribeca Film Festival

Starring
Ed Begley, Jr.

7 pm in Laurels
Thursday, November 5th

GUESTS WELCOME

TIME FOR A RETURN TO THE VICTORIAN ERA?

Are you interested in Victorian homes in Palm Beach or Broward County? Call Marilyn at 561-302-3388 for more information.

Meanwhile, mark your calendar now for a very interesting afternoon. Enjoy a “Harvest Tea” and treats with Victorian hostesses in costume and your personal butler, most elegantly done by The Mad Platter Catering and Befitting Just Your Style at Robb & Stucky at 200 Plaza Real in Mizner Park on Wednesday, November 23 at 2 pm. See a traditional Victorian Thanksgiving… and get new ideas for your own holiday. Tips will be offered on blending older furnishings with today’s lifestyle with your own distinctive touch. Reserve by calling 800-838-5931 for pricing and reservations. Design Professionals: Did you know that Robb & Stucky offers CEU Classes for you? See http://www.robbstucky.com/CEU-Classes-for-Design-Professionals.aspx?Id=10 for list of classes.

AUCTIONS: BEST BUYS IN TOWN & HISTORIC HOMES: WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

For BEST BUYS IN TOWN and WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN See The Examiner.

DELRAY BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FEATURES EXHIBITS

Looking for a unique outfit? Cason Cottage, originally built in 1915, will feature a Vintage Clothing Exhibit and Sale and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until November 27^th, from 11 am to 3 pm. $4 per person; 10% of clothing sales will be donated to the Delray Beach Historical Society located at 3 NE 1st Street, Delray Beach.

“Ride and Remember” Quilting Exhibit – 5-7 pm Receiption at ESW Learning Center within Historical Society location.

Boooo… Halloween Fair, “Celebration of Generations includes candy hunt, face paintings, costume parade and more, Saturday Oct 31 from 11-3 within Historical Society location

For more details go to http://www.db-hs.org/ and http://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/1160268 .

WEEK OF 10-12-09 PENDING SALES ROSE BY 2% IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Buyers are becoming aware that NOW is the BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida, and the best properties are being bought up as you read this. Front runner Palm Beach County was up 3%. Have you been out looking for the best possible deal? Better hurry….

Thursday, October 22nd
7 pm - Laurels

THE GIFT

starring
Cate Blanchette, Keanu Reeves,
Katie Holmes
re EXTRA-SENSORY PERCEPTION: does it work?

Thursday, October 15th
7:00 pm in the Bamboo Room

"Disney/BBC Earth"

Join us for a 1.5 Hour Journey adapted from
the acclaimed BBC series - Planet Earth

Narrated by James Earl Jones.

STATE OF PLAY (2009)

A team of investigative reporters work alongside a police detective

to try to solve the murder

of a congressman's mistress

Starring RUSSELL CROWE, BEN AFLECK,

HELEN MIRREN

7 pm, Laurels, Thursday, October 8th

HOW LONG WILL FOODS STAY OKAY IN YOUR HOME?

Keep it or toss it? Head over to http://www.stilltasty.com, and find out shelf life, and length of time it’s ok in the refrigerator or freezer. Search for the foods you want to know about. You might find some surprises!

529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN CHANGES PROPOSED

Among recommendations from the White House Task Force on Middle-Class Working Families (Treasury Department) here are some proposals:

• 529 plans getting greater availability of age-based index funds that shed equities and add fixed-income assets as beneficiary approaches college
• eliminating a “home-state bias” for fee and state tax assessments which currently force families to use funds offered in their home state rather than in others
• put limits on balances on a per-beneficiary bases rather than on state-by-state basis
• Treasury should collect data from surveys re 529 plan participation and investments
• Strengthen compliance and monitoring of Section 529 accounts and disbursements
• Simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which currently has 153 questions, some having no impact on student aid – over 1MM eligible students fail to fill out this currently complex form
• Tailoring the form to individual students
• Allowing students to electronically retrieve their tax info from the IRS and enter it into the online FAFSA

MARILYN FARBER JACOBS is a Licensed Advisor / Independent Insurance Agent – who has College Savings Plans to tell you about, using 529 plans, term, universal or whole life plans, so that you or someone you know can make an educated choice.

THE LATEST HOUSING NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2009 HOUSING NEWS

Thursday, October 1st at 7:00 pm

Laurels

"Two Lovers"

starring Joaquin Phoenix & Gwyneth Paltrow

HOUSING INDUSTRY GROUPS WORKING ON APPRAISAL REFORMS

Things are looking up as this thorny appraisal vs comparables problem is faced at last. Among the issues being discussed jointly by the NAR (National Association of Realtors), NAHB (National Association of Builders), MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association and appraisal groups are:

· Appraisers not using proper adjustments on comps (comparables) on foreclosed or other distressed properties

· The HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) impacting the ability to get quality appraisals in distressed markets

· Some appraisers for comps in area they are not familiar with and that impacts the appraisals, driving down home values

· Urging federal regulators to adopt and enforce more clear regulatory guidance on appraisals for distressed and foreclosed properties for realistic valuations and truly comparable sales

· Calling for immediate action to address these appraisal-related claims

· Sometimes appraisers do a “drive by,” only looking at the exteriors of homes as they do not have access, and distressed properties often have apparent problems inside as compared to new, updated, and “market-ready” homes.

Okay government, let’s get this fixed. It IS BROKE.

FOR THOSE WITH PROBLEMS PAYING THEIR MORTGAGES THESE LINKS MAY BE OF INTEREST

MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE PROGRAM

BUYING FORECLOSURES

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION

SHORT SALE GUIDE, ISSUES, PITFALLS AND MORE

Keep in mind: Marilyn's team includes CDPE Graduates (CERTIFIED DISTRESSED PROPERTY EXPERTS) and if you know someone who could use help, please let us know who they are, or suggest they call us. We will do the best that we can to be of help. Call Marilyn at 561-988-0070 for more information.

JOINT COMMISSION FOR PRIMARY STROKE CENTERS GIVES BOCA RATON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL

The 3^rd large cause of death, about 700,000 people each year experience a new or recurrent stroke. Someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. It is also a leading cause of long-term disability. With timing following the stroke being critical, having a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center nearby that is staffed with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, is most welcome. The Certification is based on primary stroke center recommendations published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Join Commission was founded in 1951 and strives to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public.

Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 pm in the Laurels

Nominated for
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
Grand Jury Prize for
DRAMA

Starring ALAN ARKIN

THE POLO PUB OFFERS EASY LISTENING LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT

Saturday, September 5^th, enjoy Polo’s 2-for-1 Dink Specials, sit back, relax and listen to our singer, Julie Liddle singing your favorites. C’mon by after dinner. Cozy, comfortable… the place to be!

GREATER BOCA RATON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AFTER-HOURS NETWORKING

The 4^th Tuesday of every month an event is held with nearly 250 attendees getting networking opportunities. In August the event was held at the Boca Resort Hotel. Your editor attended with friend John Allison, and we had a wonderful time mingling, dancing and... YES!… sampling the delicious foods and wines. The event was called WINE & ALL THAT JAZZ… AND MORE… 2009. Along with lots of people, great food, lots of new hellos, it was a night of wonderful wine from Southern Wine & Spirits of South Florida and fabulous food from Bogart's Bar & Grille, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Saba Asian Dining and Sushi Bar, The Addison Boca Raton, The Capital Grille, Truluck's, and ZED 451. YUM. Belly dancers performed and worked their way through the crowd – one gave Marilyn a lesson… hey! That is great exercise! There is a fee to attend. The Boca Resort Hotel just opened a new huge room – turn right when you enter the main doors and go to the end. It is filled with dark blue banquette lounge seats, and there was a “Neil Diamond-type” singer. $15 buys you 2 drinks and a comfortable seat. Nice place to while away the hours. Every seat was taken! Drop by and enjoy!

DID YOUR PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX BILL GO UP?

While local headlines SCREAM that Florida properties were devalued even more this year (did I hear 18%?), the property taxes, inexplicably, are going UP UP AND AWAY. Appeals to the county’s Value Adjustment Board by angry taxpayers for their 2009 property tax bills are expected to climb, perhaps by over 20% up from 13,200 appeals in 2008, challenging property assessments and homestead and tax exemption classifications. Petitions can be file online or in person at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, until September 14th, and there is a $15 filing fee. For more information call the Clerk and Comptroller's office at (561) 355- 6289. The Clerks office says that while the increase in appeals may be due to the economic downturn, a state law has changed requiring the property appraisers office to prove their assessments are accurate. In the past the property owner had to prove the assessment was wrong. Special magistrates must be hired to settle disputes between property owners and the county property appraisers office. Responsibility for processing petitions and scheduling hearings lies with the Clerks office. Preliminary tax notices were mailed Friday to all county property owners.

POLO CLUB ACTIVITIES UPDATES…

Coming to the LABOR DAY COOKOUT? What a choice of foods… soups and salad bar, Polo’s famous BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Broiled Atlantic Salmon, BBQ Chicken, Beef Hot Dogs, Grilled Serloin Burgers, Desserts GALORE. $19.95 per adult; $10,95 per child. Lobster and NY Strip Steak available for additional charge. Get your reservation in now for Sunday, September 6th! Call 561-995-1105. Here’s your chance to brush up on BALLROOM DANCING… foxtrot, waltz, rhumba, tango and chacha… be sure to wear dance clothing and comfortable shoes. Tuesdays 7-8 pm in Aerobic Studio One-$10 per person per lesson. POLO PUB ENTERTAINMENT 9-11 Saturday, September 5^th. Every Thursday in September, “2 CAN DINE FOR $32” – al la carte menu available too. Special Price at the Spa for REFLEXOLOGY… reduce stress, open energy paths and soothe the soul… $42.50.

NEXT IN OUR
BILLY WILDER FESTIVAL:

LOST WEEKEND

Starring RAY MILLAND,
JANE WYMAN


Laurels

Thursday, August 27 at 7 pm

Join Us for another

BILLY WILDER CLASSIC FILM NOIR

Cynial, Witty, a THRILLER!

Thursday, August 21^st at 7 pm

In Laurels

DOUBLE INDEMNITY

Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray

Edward G. Robinson

MURDER, MAYHEM… this is one NOT TO MISS!

STIMULUS PACKAGE’S FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT MAY BE EXPANDED

The $8000 tax credit for new buyers using FHA-insured loans can be used for additional down payment funds or towards closing costs, and is set to expire November 30^th. It has been very popular among first time home buyers to the extent of recent home sales to 1^st time home buyers are estimated to be 40% of the market. There is talk from Senate and Congress of:

· extending the tax credit by the end of the year

· raising the tax credit to 15% or 10% of the home’s purchase price, whichever is lower

· removing income restrictions (currently available only to households making $75,000 or less)

· extending tax credit to ALL home purchasers, not just first-timers

· Estimates are that just upping the credit to $15000 would lead to 400,000 more home sales

Foreclosures weighing down many markets would be sold and absorbed. Let’s see if these ideas are passed and implemented.

GUESS HOW MANY 100-YEAR OLDS THERE ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN 2050?

The Wellness and Memory Class at FAU shows and tells how to increase your life span, and that includes dancing, lack of stress, proper eating and other factors. Your editor recently attended this very informative course and highly recommends it. For more information contact Anna Lisa Curtis at brainsgain@aol.com.

A 10-month pilot program conducted by AARP in Minnesota includes getting around the city by bike or foot, developing social networks and providing healthier fast-food options, to extend the life span of residents by 2 years.

New medical advances, improved diets and aggressive medical treatments are changing the definition of “old”. By midcentury, the projection is that the world’s population of centenarians may reach nearly 6,000,000 creating a median age of 50 in many developed nations, with the Census Bureau reporting there are now 340,000 centenarians worldwide.

New needs will be created, such as more nursing homes, assisted living facilities and special needs housing. Reconsideration will be needed to reevaluate retirement benefits, for the age limits on driving, and perhaps a revamping of Medicare coverage, which is already straining. With declining birth rates, fewer family members will be there to provide support for a sick elderly parent. Consider this: in 2017 there will be more 65-year olds than children under the age of 5. Obesity in the US from a sedentary life or overeating can take a toll on life expectancy.

If the new health care plan passes, how will it affect the life spans predicted above?

FORBES SAYS DUE TO INVENTORIES, HERE ARE THE 10 BEST CONDO MARKETS RIGHT NOW AND THEIR ZIP CODES

1. Olympic Village, Calif., 96146

2. Tahoe City, Calif., 96145

3. Terra Linda, Calif., 94903

4. Fisher Island, Fla., 33109

5. Dallas, Texas, 75205

6. Malibu, Calif., 90265

7. Bal Harbour Fla., 33154

8. Key Biscayne, Fla., 33149

9. Lake Forest, Ill., 60045

10. New York City (Upper West Side), 10069

FAR REPORTS CLIMB IN LUXURY HOME SALES

The pace of luxury home sales has picked up according to the Florida Association of Realtors.

... More lenders are willing to make jumbo loans for mortgages (Jumbo Loans are defined as more than $432,750 in south Florida)

... Foreign buyers are renewing their interest in buying, coming looking for waterfront palaces on sale

... Values in south Florida are seen as depressed and borrowers in the super luxury home market are seen as a very unlikely default candidate.

... First-rate properties are selling for 25% less now and attracting interest, sometimes with multiple offers.

Heftier down payments are now required, some up to 50% of the purchase price, and stringent verification of income and assets, though many in the ultra-luxury category ($5,000,000+) do not finance.

Luxury prices hold up better in downturns and take less of a hit, and usually are first to recover.

In July 2009, two ultra-luxury properties sold in Palm Beach County, a Manalapan estate reaching from ocean to ICW with boat dock for yacht on ICW, 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, 11,000 living sq ft sold for $9,475,000, listed for $11,000,000, on market 144 days. One other such property, a Highland Beach Ocean Place oceanfront estate with 6 bedrooms, 8 full and 2 half baths, 9,525 living sq ft, sold for $5,750,000, listed for $6,900,000, on market for 273 days. 48 homes sold in July 2009 in Palm Beach County between $1,000,000 and $4,999,000.

Since January 1, 2009, 3 homes in Polo Club have sold for between $1,100,000 and $1,885,000.

SUMMER ART WORKSHOPS for YEAR ‘ROUNDERS by CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE

Polo offers art workshops STARTING AT 10 AM. Classes limited to first 20 to sign up. Call Admin office at 995-1200 to reserve.

Wednesday, August 12: Artist Chris Burlini will discuss his journey to becoming a fine artist and all attendees will be given the change to create a mini-painting of their own.

Wednesday, September 9: Artist Eydi Lampasona will create a collage/mixed media painting by demonstrating the principles and elements of design.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

SUNSET BOULEVARD

Starring
Gloria Swanson
William Holden

Directed by
Billy Wilder

1950 American Film Noir

7 pm in LAURELS

WANT TO SEE THE US DEBT and PER CITIZEN LIABILITIES?

US DEBT CLOCK

CASE-SHILLER HOME PRICE INDEX RISES

A May 2009 increase of 0.5% in the closely watched Case-Shiller home price index indicates that the US housing recovery is seen possible now. Prices tumbled more than 32% from their peak in 2Q 2006. Case said that prices may be at the bottom now.

· Preventative risk--management must be a priority going forward, according to Shiller.

· He also stated that the mortgage contract structure must be made to protect home-buyers in case of a downturn. “The new standard for mortgage should be a continuous work-out mortgage,” so that “if home prices fall then your mortgage payment will go down.”

· Shiller cautioned that recent bank bailouts were “extraordinary events that we should want to prevent as much as possible in the future.”

· In June new home sales jumped 11%, the biggest monthly gain in 8 years according the US Commerce Department.

· National association of Realtors said existing home sales rose for the 3^rd straight month in June.

But, with unemployment and foreclosures still rising, caution was advised. Shiller said that confidence in the US financial system is crucial for an economic recovery, and can be best restored by having a clear regulatory framework for investors. He mentioned that foreign investors who were thinking about putting money in this country are feeling somewhat less assured.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS for 33484 from zipskinny.com

Economic Indicators
Household Income			Occupation
<$10,000	9.4%		(among employed persons over 16)
$10,000-$14,999	9%		Mgt./Professional	34.6%
$15,000-$24,999	18.3%		Service	14.8%
$25,000-$34,999	15.7%		Sales/Office	36%
$35,000-$49,999	17.8%		Farm/Fishing/Forestry	0.2%
$50,000-$74,999	14.7%		Construction/Extraction/Maint.	6.5%
$75,000-$99,999	7%		Production/Transportation	8%
$100,000-$149,999	6.2%		Unemployment/Poverty
$150,000-$199,999	1%		Unemployed	1%
$200,000+	1.1%		Below Poverty Line	5.9%
Median Household Income: $33,395

ECONOMIC INDICATORS for 33496 from zipskinny.com

Economic Indicators
Household Income			Occupation
<$10,000	5.3%		(among employed persons over 16)
$10,000-$14,999	2.3%		Mgt./Professional	51.4%
$15,000-$24,999	6.9%		Service	10.8%
$25,000-$34,999	8.6%		Sales/Office	32.4%
$35,000-$49,999	11.1%		Farm/Fishing/Forestry	0.4%
$50,000-$74,999	16.1%		Construction/Extraction/Maint.	2.4%
$75,000-$99,999	10.3%		Production/Transportation	2.5%
$100,000-$149,999	14.7%		Unemployment/Poverty
$150,000-$199,999	7.4%		Unemployed	1.6%
$200,000+	17.6%		Below Poverty Line	4.6%
Median Household Income: $74,769

REPORTS SHOWING HOUSING MARKET ON THE MEND

With sales up in all four regions of the United States, and the number of previously occupied homes sold in June being the third month in a row to go up, this kind of expansion has not been seen in almost 5 years.

Sales roses 3.6% according to the National Association of Realtors. The foreclosure market is shrinking. It is meaningful that about on third of homes sold in June were foreclosure related, down from nearly half of those sold earlier this year. See the Federal Housing Finance Agency report showing home prices rose almost 1% in May.

There has never been a better time to buy a home in Florida with interest rates down and home prices so much lower than in recent years. The “best buys” are starting to be snatched up now.

NEW PLAN BEING DISCUSSED FOR HOUSES IN FORECLOSURE

According to the Florida Association of Realtors, a plan being developed by both Obama and Congress will allow homeowners to rent their foreclosed home for at least 5 years, maybe as long as 10 years. Motivated by the thought that Florida doesn’t need any more vacant homes, and that the modification plans have not been as successful as Congress hoped, the overall economy as well as the real estate situation in Florida could change for the better with this plan. Florida’s foreclosure rate remains third highest in the nation. One in every 33 households received a default notice, auction notice or bank repossession. One plan is for lenders selling foreclosed homes to approved professional landlords. Another idea is for lenders to sell to private investors, or keep the home and hire a management firm to handle the rental. However, some warn of banks wanting to shed properties rather than become landlords and selling to low-balling investors, which would knock prices farther down.

YOUR ART COULD BE EXHIBITED... AND SOLD... IN PUBLIC PLACES

Your work can be exhibited and sold at the 4-month long Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach. Those waiting for flights could keep busy with looking at the art exhibit that will be held from September 17, 2009 to December 17, 2009. The theme is “Solar Abstrations” and will feature works that explore the power and brilliance of the sun’s splendor here in Palm Beach County. Sponsored by “Art in Public Places.” Go to http://pbcgov.com/fdo/art/calls.htm or email esinger@pbcgov.org for more details. Entry deadline is August 20^th. Entry fee is $10. Pick up your paint brush NOW… and GO FOR IT!

POLO CLUB ACTIVITIES UPDATES…

…Stop by and see the renovations in the Physical Therapy Office and the Pilates Studion. Standing Appointments can begin August 1^st for the Spa and Fitness Programs.

…Spa Treatment of the Month for July is AROMATHERAPY

…Check out the PoloClub.net website… did you know you can reserve online for parties of 8 or less, a minimum of 2 days in advance and maximum of 28 days

…Check out the list of clubs we are reciprocating dining privileges with and go have a good time dining out at Bocaire, Wycliffe, Gleneagles, Delray Beach Club, broken Sound, Addison Reserve or Stonebridge – you can reserve at our reservations number, 995-1105

…Budding artist, wannabee or experienced, look into our two Sumemr Art Workshops planned by the Cultural Arts Committee, Wednesday, August 12^th (create a mini-painting) and Wednesday, September 9^th (watch a collage/mixed media painting be created)

…Go to our new beautiful Polo Club website at poloclub.net, sign in (clear instructions given) and you can read the BOG meeting minutes to be updated on what is happening at our beautiful clubhouse, the gorgeous facilities, and to entice new members including discussion of a legacy plan with substantial discounts to heirs.

LIAM NEESON
IN
TAKEN

A former spy relies on his old skills
to save his estranged daughter,
who has been forced into the slave trade.

This Thursday Night
7 pm


Check Display Case
for movie location

IS THE REAL ESTATE MARKET SHIFTING?

MLS reports and charts for June 2009, compared to June 2008 show prices on single family residences down 25%, but just starting to inch up. Inventories of single family homes are down 26%. With real data showing market improvement on the upside, indications are that there will never be a better time to buy a home in Palm Beach County, Florida than now!

MOVIE JULY 16TH: REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

Enjoy this movie about a
1950's couple in a Connecticut suburb raising their children
NOMINATED FOR THREE OSCARS!

7 PM IN LAURELS

LET IT SNOW… LET IT SNOW… and BRING YOUR MITTENS to a “COOL” EVENT

The last time your editor saw snow in Palm Beach County was when visiting during the winter of 1976, when snow briefly fell in Palm Beach near the water. Palm Beach County will have it’s own winter wonderland this weekend at the Palm Beach Zoo in Dreher Park, Southern Boulevard just east of I-95, for “little kids” and “big kids”. “Winter in July” will be held from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Forty… yes FORTY TONS of snow will fall. Many ice-age fossils will be on display. You can go on a fossil dig, make a fossil shark-tooth necklace, enjoy children’s entertainment, have animal encounters, visit the “sand box” to create your own cool treat, relax in the Florida Pioneer House and hear Arctic-themed stories, meet the “Snow Queen” and learn about sun safety. Go “ice-fishing” and see what prize you can reel in. Admission for adults is $12.95, Seniors 60 and up $9.95, Children 3-12 $8.95, children under 3 and zoo embers are free. The purpose is to educate children about the importance of sun safety and let them experience the wonders of winter without leaving Palm Beach County. The event is co-sponsored by South Florida Parenting Magazine and Panera Bread Company. Sun Safety materials are provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation and Armchem. Daily events at The Zoo include an interactive “Wings Over Water” show with 20 trained birds, 11-3 weekdays and 11-2 weekends This is sponsored by AirTran. The “Wild Things Show’ includes New Guinea Singing Dogs Mic and Sidney, Scooter the South Asian binturong, Xena the African pygmy hedgehog and Boris the Scarlet Macaw and a Brazilian rainbow boa. Come visit and enjoy seeing all the animals!

THE USUALLY GLOOMY CASE-SHILLER INDEX STARTING TO REPORT REAL ESTATE GAINS

With the overall report slightly negative for last month, if Dallas, Denver, DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston and Cleveland are showing small increase in home sales, will FLORIDA BE NEXT? According to Realty Times, “even the most bearish of researchers agree: prices are bottoming out, even in some of the hardest hit areas.” They report that detached houses resales were up 56% over a year ago, and condo sales up 30%. Sale prices, however, were down, e.g., down 38% in Phoenix. Consumer confidence is up, especially in willingness to consider “big ticket” items, such as a home. With mortgage rates still very low, this may be THE LAST BEST TIME to buy, RIGHT NOW. Keep in mind that with so many job losses every month and unemployment rates very high, touch credit and underwriting, it is not yet “happy days are here again” by any means. But how nice it is to see a start to home sales trending UP.

INSURANCE PURCHASE TRENDS

According to an article in the July issue of Insurance News Net Magazine, “After Americans lost their shirts in the federally regulated equities market, they were able to find refuge with the guarantees afforded by indexed annuities… Americans who placed over $150 billion in these secure products since 1995 have been sleeping easier at night because of the guarantees.”

Seeking a flight to safety for their reduced holdings, and this includes families who now have one income instead of two, many are placing funds in affordable term insurance, applications for which have climbed steadily over the years.

Marilyn can tell you about term policies that can be converted to cash value universal or whole life policies when you are ready to increase premiums as the economy improves. Meanwhile, your family will be protected. For example Marilyn just wrote an application for a 47 year old male, non-smoker, preferred status, for $750,000. Term is 15 years; convertible. Premium: under $72/month. Premiums will vary with age, tobacco usage and health status. It is predicted that in the future longer term policies will not be available or will be disproportionally more expensive.

Fixed annuities were up 74% for 1Q09 vs. 1Q08. Life insurance applications for the age 60+ group climbed 11.3% in May-09 compared to May-08.

Marilyn Farber Jacobs (561-988-0070) is a Licensed Advisor / Insurance Agent with American Life & Health Group, Inc.