Polo Club Homes for Sale

BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS IN FT LAUDERDALE - HAVE A MEMORABLE DAY!

2012-02-01T08:10:00.002-05:00

Picture a day of sunshine, fluffy white clouds, and the scent of ocean breezes all around beautiful gardens. Head over to Bonnet House, on 35 acres of beachfront property in the heart of Ft Lauderdale. There are indications that the grounds already witnessed 4000 years of Florida history. Human activity may date back to 2000 BC, and other archaeological evidence indicates it was one of the first sties of Spanish contact with the New World.

The house was purchased in 1895 and given to the buyer’s daughter as a wedding gift in the 1920’s. Construction began to build a haven where the daughter could pursue music and poetry and the husband could pursue his artwork. Frederic Clay Bartlett left behind his family’s hardware business, was schooled in Munich’s prestigious Royal Academy, and developed a prolific and prosperous career as an artist. He created murals and created faux painting throughout the house, including murals on the ceilings. He and his wife were also art collectors and amassed a priceless collection by artists including Gaugin, Picasso and Seurat which he gave, after her death, to the Art Institute of Chicago.

When the wife died in 1925, until he remarried in 1931, visits were infrequent. Soon a renaissance and renewal of the house began, adding many new decorations and embellishments. Along with the main house were a separate artist’s studio and meditation house. His third wife, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett began painting, with his encouragement, in 1933 and her works were well-received by many galleries. Ponds with bonnet water lilies and lush tropical gardens surround the property today. There are several interesting gazebos and covered sitting areas on the property. Trip Advisor lists Bonnet House Museum and Gardens as the 2^nd best out of 47 Ft. Lauderdale attractions.

After the husband died in 1953, the wife returned each winter to Bonnet House and later donated the property to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. It was soon listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2002 the City of Ft. Lauderdale declared the property a historic landmark and it is now one of America’s 11 most endangered sites in 2008. The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums. It is one of the last examples in south Florida of a native barrier island habitat with five distinct ecosystems including the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a fresh water slough, secondary dune including the house site, mangrove wetlands and a maritime forest. There is a Desert Garden, hibiscus garden and, as Evelyn was a passionate orchid collector, Bonnet house comprised one of the largest orchid collections in the southeast US.

Today there are events scheduled during the day including orchid shows with booth after booth of magnificent orchids to view and purchase, orchid classes, composting and cooking classes by well-known vendors. Adult birding, art, calligraphy and orchid classes are offered along with school classes. An annual orchid festival and a juried art exhibit is held on the grounds as well as symphony concerts. A gift shop offers garden ornaments, books, jewelry and other items. Lovely orchids are shown and being purchased including cattleyas, dendrobiums. Tour costs vary from $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $16 for children and those under age 6 are free. Admission to the grounds only is $10. Group tours are available for $13 each. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10-4. Call 954-563-5393 ext. to reserve. Take Sunrise Boulevard East from I-95 and turn right on North Birch Road to get to the property.

Tours, musical events and art classes are scheduled regularly and this pretty site is used for corporate events and weddings. For more information see http://www.bonnethouse.org.

2012-01-27T22:15:00.002-05:00

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY & SCIENCE IN FT LAUDERDALE OFFERS THE WHOLE FAMILY A MEMORABLE DAY

2012-01-27T04:57:00.001-05:00

From the IMAX theater with 3D films for viewers wearing special glasses to the live shark tank which holds a giant megalodon shark, to a cyclone chair demonstrating inertia, you can see more than 200 interactive exhibits.

Enjoy a Turtle walk, watch the playful antics of river otters in their habitat and take a ride through the Everglades in the virtual pressurized airboat in the new $25MM 34,000 foot Ecodiscovery Center which houses the Living in the Everglades exhibit. Dig for fossils, hang out with bats, see alligators and iguanas. Experience hurricane force winds in the Storm Center. Watch the exciting science theater shows. In one of the nine cockpit simulators you will test your pilot skills. At the space exhibit, Runways to Rockets, take a simulated trip or Mars or the Moon.

Across the street you can follow the one-mile Riverwalk Path on ther Las Olas riverfront and watch the boats going by, have lunch or dinner, and partake in the various outdoor fairs and exhibits held occasionally in the Esplanade Park. A little farther down the block is the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, where you can end the day watching a Broadway play with spectacular sets, music and performers.

Hold your children’s next Birthday Party at the Museum or hold a special event. Day camp is available for children. The Explore Store has many educational and exciting games, toys, books and other unique gifts. Open 7 days a week, admission prices vary. The Museum strives to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults using exhibits, programs and films, and hosts about 400,000 people a year. The Museum is located off Broward Boulevard, east of I-95; you can follow the signs to SW 5^th Avenue (Commodore Brook Avenue) and turn right- garage is on right and museum on left.

“THE SKINNY” ON FORECLOSURES IMPACTING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET & SHADOW INVENTORY

2012-01-14T09:33:00.003-05:00

150,000 properties were repossessed by lenders in the tri-county southeast Florida area since the 2007 crash. CondoVultures.com reports that the repossessions equal about half the nearly 300,000 foreclosure actions filed during the same 5-year period. They estimate than less than half of those properties repossessed by lenders have been resold to buyers. They further estimate that this rate will continue steadily for the foreseeable future.

There was a 36% drop in year-over-year bank repossessions but that is rooted in part to issues related to the “foreclosure freeze” in 4Q 2010. Some investors are concerned that purchasing bank-owned properties could lead to future title issues.

With nearly 299,000 notices of default filed against borrowers, the Florida court system was over whelmed with foreclosure actions. Today lenders plan for a 700-day repossession process with a cost of about $100,000 per property. Generally bank owned properties generate lower average prices than short sales.

CoreLogic reports that at the end of October 2011 lenders had a “shadow inventory” of 1.6MM distressed properties and repossessed homes they had not yet put up for sale, down 16% from a year ago. Florida is one of 6 sates accounting for half of these. CoreLogic says in a healthy market shadow inventory should represent less than one month supply of homes; currently the figure is five months.

National Association of Realtors says 29% of November 2011 sales were short sales and bank owned sales. Lender Processing Services estimates that there were almost 4MM homes in the foreclosure process or 90-days delinquent at the end of October.

No matter whose estimate we look at, it’s not a pretty picture!

DO YOU LOVE TO READ... BUT WISH IT WAS NOT SUCH A SOLITARY EXPERIENCE

2012-01-09T07:53:00.002-05:00

Join almost 1.5MM readers and check out a social network for avid readers. List your personal collection and connect with “like [or unlike] minds.” Then browse THEIR collections and share ideas and opinions with reviews. You can join for free and can upgrade your account to catalog as many books as you want to. Head over to http://www.librarything.com.

Click the TALK section tab and then look at a topic of interest. Join one of the groups. Browse the Local entries for lists of book stores and libraries that are nearby. Click MORE and you can get free books and review them, e.g. for Amazon.com. Click Zeitgeist for 25 most reviewed books and other statistics. It probably won’t surprise you to find that J.K. Rowling and Stephen King are the top two of 75 authors. William Shakespeare is #7. TheTop 25 Books list gives places 1 through 8 to the Harry Potter Books.

2011-12-30T18:27:00.003-05:00

THERE ARE 50MM UNEMPLOYED IN THE US - HERE'S A PHARMACY DISCOUNT CARD!

FOR A CARD WITH YOUR NAME ON IT
EMAIL marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

CHECK OUT LIFELONG LEARNING SERIES & GREENMARKET

2011-12-28T17:55:00.001-05:00

CONCERNED ABOUT A NUCLEAR ATTACK ON THE US? HERE IS A SOLUTION!

2011-12-21T00:08:00.002-05:00

Silo missle sites in various states have been and are being converted into underground homes.

Taxpayers spent $3.3MM for a silo in Topeka, Kasas which has been converted to underground living quarters. The silo was purchased for $40,000, in bad shape, in the 1980’s by a school teacher who, with his wife, has lived there comfortably ever after.

A 3’ layer of earth covers the top layer of reinforced concrete. Floors are 3’ thick, walls and ceilings 18” thick and 15’ high. The special concrete structure was built by the government to withstand a nuclear blast. The folks who live in it say, “We love the solid, quiet feel of the place. Not only is it very well built – it is very easy to heat and cool.” This home has a large greenhouse around the hatch, which brings sunlight into the living space and was formerly used for heavy equipment to manipulate the missiles.

About half of these former military sites are owned privately or by cities, counties, school districts, water companies and other commercial entities. This is a niche market for a unique home for real estate agents. The schoolteacher has made 55 sales, of which 5 have turned over more than once. They said that buyers include some military or former military personnel who are familiar with the silos, and know the benefits. Others are looking for interesting projects to restore, and some want the seclusion, privacy and security. Some buyers are survival-oriented.”

Mortgages and appraisals are a challenge. “Prices have increased and are rising,” they said.

A former 14.5 acre Nike missile base in southeastern Indiana has been converted to three 5,000 sq ft residential spaces. One features a kitchen, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an exercise room indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi tub. All have single-phase electric, city water, paved access with remote-control rolling front gates and high security chain link fencing topped with barbed wire.

An Atlas F site is for sale now in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Diameter is 52’ and depth is 180’. It holds a 2300 sq ft 2-story contemporary home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, finished interiors, a spiral staircase, fiber-optic lighting, a generator and new well. The floor plan is open, there is a large garage and wraparound porch that hides the underground entryway. Price has been reduced from $4.6mm to $750,000. The entrance features heavy security doors that were built to withstand a 2000-lb blast. Location is on part of an exclusive airport subdivision on a 2050 foot Federal Aviation Administration-approved runway.

A communications vault in Paris, Missouri near the Mark Twain recreational lake is available, needing “fix-up”. There are 8200 sq ft of usable underground floor space on this 13-acre site. Ceilings and walls are 24” thick and 2’ to 4’ of earth cover the underground area. A metal shield envelopes the structure and there are heavy blast doors with an emergency-escape hatch exit. The property is available for $295,000. Electricity works and most rooms have heaters and dehumidifiers.

Here is a unique living style which has a following of those seeking secure homes in hardened cold war facilities.

DECLINE OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN US JANUARY 2007 - APRIL 2011

2011-12-13T00:31:00.002-05:00

multimediafinal

2011-12-10T20:18:00.000-05:00

2011-12-06T15:34:00.003-05:00

DID YOU KNOW…

That a recent US census, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper, showed that 65+ age seniors now account for the largest segment, about 13%, of the population. In 2000, it was 12.4% in 1900 the number was 4.1%. That 13% equates to 40.3-million people.

Soon current baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) will further grow the senior ranks. Florida maintains its #1 spot, up 17.3%, with West Virginia, Maine, Pennsylvania and Iowa following. Alaska has the lowest amount of seniors.

FLORIDA STAGE JOINS DELRAY'S ARTS GARAGE... performances coming...

2011-12-04T08:34:00.002-05:00

Founding producing director, Louis Tyrrell, the spark plug who, for the last 24 years, built a startup into the nation's largest professional theater dedicated exclusively to producing new and emerging American plays, will soon make presentations at the Arts Garage, a multidisciplinary cultural hub on the ground floor of a Pineapple Grove parking lot in trendy downtown Delray, just off Atlantic Avenue.

The Theater at Arts Garage encompasses many arts covered by the Arts Garage, including music, dance and visual arts - a good partnership! Starting event will be in February with a Master Playwright Series, four weekly play-readings/lectures on Tuesday evenings. The New Play Festival will be unveiled in early March featuring readings of 6 evolving scripts, play writing workshops and a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marshal Norman. With reduced space, productions will be smaller. Tyrrell says that intimate theater "is the new normal."

A musical play, "Woody Sez" will be presented from March 16-April 8, based on the music of folk troubadour Wood Guthrie. Those subscribers to Florida Stage left with canceled tickets when it closed, can use them for admission on a space-available basis.

Future plans include the opening of The Arts Warehouse in a 15,000 sq ft facility, not yet renovated, perhaps opening in 2014.

This is a "win-win," a great addition to Delray Beach's vibrant arts scene.

MIZNER PARK AMPHITHEATER COMING EVENTS

2011-11-30T09:05:00.003-05:00

2011-11-28T07:45:00.001-05:00

Planning a flight soon? Head over to SeatGuru.com and see more than 700 airline seat maps from most carriers and read 25,000+ reviews from other fliers.

Get tips on which seats have:

limited recline
reduced legroom
misaligned windows
superior and substandard seats identified by color
compare seats from different carriers

and have a wonderful flight!

2011-11-22T22:59:00.003-05:00

2011-11-16T09:20:00.003-05:00

2011-11-12T06:09:00.002-05:00

EVER WONDERED WHAT THE INTERNET ECONOMY IS?

2011-11-08T08:38:00.001-05:00

McKinsey estimates that the 200 million-person global economy has reached $8-trillion. The report is limited to the G-8 countries plus Brazil, China, India and South Korea.

· Private consumption refers to, electronic equipment, e-commerce, broadband subscriptions, mobile internet and hardware and software consumption

· Private investment refers to, from telecommunications industry and maintenance of extranet, intranet and websites

· Public expenditure refers to, government buying and spending of hardware and services

· Trade refers to, exports of internet equipment and b-2-b services with overseas companies

The internet contributes more to the economy than mining, utilities, agriculture or education. In France since the mid-1990’s, McKinsey states that the internet created twice the number of jobs that it destroyed. World leader of the online industry is the United States with 30% of global internet revenues, but the UK is the world leader in online retail sales. China’s and India’s internet economies rely on exporting online services for most of their economies.

NOTE THAT REAL ESTATE HAS THE GREATEST WEIGHT IN THE GDP....

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER

2011-11-06T18:43:00.002-05:00

You might remember a news story several months ago about a crotchety old man who defied his homeowners association and refused to take down
the flagpole on his property and the large flag that flew on it. Now you can
find out who, exactly, that old man was.
On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburg -- probably
didn't make much news back then. twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano , Italy , Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the US Army in 1940, set out to
flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers. He advanced through a minefield, took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war.

If that wasn't enough for a day's work, he later took on and
destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.

That probably didn't make much news either, given the scope of the
war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after
also serving in Korea and Vietnam , a Congressional Medal of Honor.

What did make news was a neighborhood association's quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home. Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoot's 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable.

He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn't take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association has rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells among them.

"In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference," Barfoot told The Associated Press. As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he's not real good at backing down.
Van T. Barfoot's Medal of Honor citation:
This 1944 Medal of Honor citation, listed with the National Medal of Honor Society, is for Second Lieutenant Van T. Barfoot, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry:
WE ONLY LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE... BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! AND, BECAUSE OF OLD MEN LIKE VAN BARFOOT!

FORBES: MOST EXPENSIVE GATED COMMUNITIES IN AMERICA

2011-11-03T08:28:00.002-04:00

RELAX TO MUSIC FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF JAZZ, SHOW TUNES, SWING, CLASSIC JAZZ, BEBOP, BOSSA NOVA – DOORS OPEN 7 PM, MUSIC STARTS AT 7:30 PM

2011-11-02T05:30:00.002-04:00

FAU MAKES BOCA RATON MORE AND MORE OF A COLLEGE TOWN

2011-10-30T00:52:00.002-04:00

New 1200-bed apartment opens near new Florida Atlantic University football stadium, offering large pool, sand volleyball court and bbq grills. Resident card access for elevators increases security. Campus has a fitness and recreation center, movie house and mall-style food court.

Cost to student for a semester is $4400-$4800. This $121-MM complex has a 7- and 8-story buildings separated by a courtyard, with 2- and 4-bedroom apartments, two baths, kitchens, cable tv and high speed internet access. Each student has their own bedroom and full size bed. Apartments are all rented for this semester.

AWARD WINNING PALM BEACH COUNTY THRIVES.

2011-10-24T01:59:00.002-04:00

Palm Beach County maintains a strong internet presence by offering many web-based applications to easily and transparently access service and do business with county departments and agencies. The 2011 Digital Counties Survey, partnering with the National Association of Counties, awarded our county #1 in digital technology, #1 in counties with populations over 500,000.

The annual survey takes into account achievements using technology both regarding operating efficiencies and realizing strategic objectives. ePZV refers to planning, zoning and building. ePermits is used for land development. WbEOC is for emergency management,e911for emergency dispatch, LEX for law enforcement data sharing, HRIS for human services and myGeoNav (GIS).

Many government, education and nonprofit organizations are connected to the county fiber optic network, allowing an open access public network. Internet service is provided to the network by Florida LambdaRail.

For making government information easily accessible, the county website, www.pbcgov.com won the 2011 Sunny Award from Sunshine Review which recognizes government websites exceeding standards aimed at encouraging open government, and the 2010 NACo Achievement Award for outstanding promotion of government transparency was presented to the Palm Beach County Ethics Initiative.

2011-10-18T00:47:00.002-04:00

2011-10-13T02:54:00.004-04:00

2011-10-09T23:01:00.002-04:00

PALM BEACH PROPERTY OWNERS PETITION TO LOWER MARKET VALUES OF PROPERTIES

2011-10-07T09:06:00.000-04:00

Palm Beach Property Appraiser’s total market value includes land and improvements and determines the assessed value.

Nearly 350 property owners in Palm Beach filed to challenge the total market value assigned to their properties by Palm Beach County Appraiser Gary Nikolit’s office. Market value is part of the formula used to determine property-tax rates for the tax rolls. Hearings will begin shortly and continue most likely for several months. Appeals will be held at the county courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, and each petitioner is notified 30 days in advance of when their petition is scheduled to be heard.

Last year, petitions were filed in the area for 462 properties. There was also a big drop in countywide challenges from 10,941 to about 7,600 this year. Part of the reason for dwindling numbers might be because fewer properties are changing ownership. In 2010, about 37% of countywide petitioners received adjustments.

Properties with highest market values in Palm Beach included six commercial buildings and developments and four residences, none with homestead exemptions. On September 19^th the 25-day period ended for filing a petition.

INVENTORIES CONTINUE DOWN; PENDINGS REMAIN THE SAME

2011-09-21T02:46:00.001-04:00

HERE WE GO AGAIN…

2011-09-16T21:01:00.000-04:00

RealtyTrac advises that while foreclosure activity fell for the 11th straight month on a yearly basis in August, it rose compared to July. In August the nation’s foreclosure rate was 1 in 570 housing units. The increase in foreclosure activity was driven by a 33% jump in default notices, largest monthly increase since August 2007. RealtyTrac’s CEO stated that, “The big increase in new foreclosure actions may be a signal that lenders are starting to push thru some of the foreclosures delayed by robo-signing and other documentation problems.” Scheduled auctions and bank repos fell both month-to-month and year-over-year in August. In Florida 23,569 properties received a foreclosure filing in August, a 59% drop from August 2010. That accounts for 1 in 376 units.

Banks are offering incentives of $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 to sellers who go to foreclosure to help with a new start and a new bill, Homestead Act 2, being introduced shortly, will propose offering $20,000 to foreclosure buyers for down payment assistance. A similar offer was made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 for Union Army veterans to file an application and claim up to 160 acres of government land; the homesteader was required to improve the land building a home and growing crops. It would come in the form of a loan and be forgiven each year in the first 5 years of the homestead, by 1/5th each year.

MARKET HEADING UP?

2011-09-15T01:54:00.000-04:00

Realtor.com reports that homes, condo and townhouses for-sale inventories shrunk for 4th month in a row to 19% less than a year ago among the 146 markets most searched by Realtor.com users. Miami, Orlando and Fort Myers had declines of nearly 50%. 11 of the 20 markets that whose inventories declined in August were in Florida.

This may reflect a slowdown in homes moving thru the foreclosure process. Areas with high unemployment rates and many seriously delinquent borrowers could swell up inventories. Realtor.com states that , “Florida is a judicial foreclosure state that’s been ground zero in the robo-signing scandal.” Fears remain of a foreclosure glut.

Median list prices were up by 1% in 64 of the 146 markets tracked, down in 49 and unchanged in the other 33, a steady improvement trending. In 14 Florida markets, the median price list was down.

CREST THEATRE PRESENTING WORLD CLASS HOLIDAY ART ICE SHOW

2011-09-01T22:49:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this award winning spectacular ice show featuring music from the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's on December 16, 17 and 18. Choose evening or matinee performances. Combine Big Band, Abba and many other music genre sounds with world class ice skating, elaborate costumes, and artistic athelticism, and you wind up with a most memorable performance.

The Crest Theatre is located within Old School Square at 51 North Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach. Call the Crest Theatre Box Office: 561.243.7922 ext. 1. Individual ticket price is $42.

2002 PRICES PREVAIL FOR SOME SOUTH FLORIDA HOMES

2011-08-31T05:28:00.000-04:00

According to the Chairman of the Index Committee and S&P indices, “No cities made new lows in June 2011,” and “this month’s S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Index report showed mixed signals for recovery in home prices.” Home sales, they say, are at the same levels in June as they were in 2002. Homes in the tri-county area were up .6% from May but down 5.1% from the same period in 2010. Keep in mind that “2002 prices prevail” does not refer to all sales. When homes are well located for the buyers needs and have extra features such as pools, boat docks, sizeable lots, and upgraded kitchens and baths, the seller may get a higher price than the “2002 value.” Investors looking for income earning properties, on the other hand, bid low, so those sales are at the 2002 level, and maybe lower if not in good condition.

Pending sales have declined, and until we have easier access to credit, an increase in job opportunities, and the financial markets stabilize, the housing market will continue to struggle to recover. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, “The market can easily move into a healthy expansion if mortgage underwriting standards return to normalcy… proper comparables [must be] used in appraisal valuations” and he added that the short sale process must be streamlined. He also stated that, “investors are buying real estate as a future inflation hedge.”

Nevertheless, this remains the best time ever to buy in Florida, and discerning cash buyers are buying. Those looking at higher end houses realize that if they buy now, they can live in a beautiful home, in due time it will appreciate in value while they are enjoying the lifestyle… and real estate has ALWAYS “COME BACK”.

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES - CHECK IT OUT!

2011-08-25T03:25:00.000-04:00

WEBSITE LINK

WHAT IS SHADOW INVENTORY?

2011-08-20T09:23:00.002-04:00

The chart above represents the balance of distressed loans

for total US markets - excuse blurriness - had to blow it up to see it at all

bottom up: reo, foreclosures, 90-days delinquent, [unreadable]

MIT's Value of All Us Properties to Jan 2011 - down 50% since 2008

Shadow inventory represents homes that are in the foreclosure system but haven’t hit the market yet. Standard &Poor defines shadow inventory as foreclosure and REO properties in 90-day delinquency or worse and says that shadow inventories are slowing down market recovery.

The National Association of Realtors says that Standard & Poor estimates that there are 47 months of shadow inventory to work it’s way through the system. 1Q/2011 estimate was 52 months, so the number has gone down.

RealtyTrac, who tracks foreclosures, said that delays from mortgage servicers in processing foreclosures likely will cause more than 1 million foreclosures to be postponed until next year. This is a “Catch 22” because releasing many of these homes for sale will further drive down home prices.

SPENDING LESS FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR LIVES

2011-08-10T10:21:00.000-04:00

You do not have to give up quality for price. Some of today’s suppliers are giving great prices for items you may need. Power shopping pays off!

Have a small space, e.g. next to a sofa, or in a corner, where you need to put an end table, perhaps a narrow one with a lamp? Here are different types of narrow sofa tables, high, low, some double as magazine racks, some have room for storage. Pick from all wood, wood with glass tops, metal frames.

Storage is often a concern, especially when traveling. How about getting over the door hanging pocket organizers for shoes or jewelry. Some can roll up into carry-ons for travel. They can have clear pockets, solid colors or patterned fabric covered designs.

Are bugs a problem? You can find outdoor umbrella flexible screen covers to keep the bugs out, hanging screen doors in various sizes, and if your garage is your laundry or workshop how about a double garage door hanging screen?

We need improvements in our lives, at low costs. Here are a few to consider. This site shops everywhere for us to find these items and many more.

WHAT'S UP?

2011-08-08T05:36:00.001-04:00

Are we facing the loss of the interest deduction and would that threaten a housing market recovery?

Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, says, "the mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy." He further says, "facilities home ownership by reducing the carrying costs of owning a home, and it makes a real difference to hard-working middle-class families."

With all the cuts coming up soon, would this be a positive or negative cut for the economy if it reduces the number of home buyers who counted on the interest deduction?

BOCA FESTIVAL 2011 RAISES FUNDS FOR CHARITIES

2011-08-08T00:20:00.000-04:00

Boca Festival 2011 events begin August 8th with Martinis and Manicures from 6-9 pm benefiting the American Cancer Society at Tipsy Spa Salon, 100 Plaza Real South, Suite J, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Phone: 561-394-7751 x 5308.

The Festival runs for the whole month of August. See EVENTS.

Have fun while groups are fund raising this month in various areas in downtown Boca.

DON'T LIKE WAITING ON LINE?

2011-07-30T02:44:00.002-04:00

Here is a helpful idea when you need drivers licensing services. If you have a mobile device, you can text waitpbc to 41411, says Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, and you will receive back a text message shoing the number of people currently in line for a license and the approximate wait minutes. Appointments for drivers license services can be scheduled up to three months in advance and wait times can be viewed at www.taxcollectorpbc.com. Payment options include cash, check or money order; credit cards cannot be processed. For office locations go to http://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.

Since 2010 the Legislature transferred the job of issuing Real ID driver licenses from the DMV to local tax collectors. One must go in person to prove their identity, according to the Federal Real ID Act. With their service centers now in small offices, Gannon says, “We are harnessing the power of technology to put new tools directly in the customers’ hands.

Other implementations to assist those waiting on line include a mobile receptionist issuing Q-flow tickets to clients standing in line so they can circumvent the line; mobile receptionist can process simple motor vehicle transactions including license plate surrender or renewal and handicapped parking permits. An employee checks the line in peak times so if you do not have required documentation you don’t wait needlessly.

CREST THEATRE IN DELRAY BEACH TO PRESENT INTERESTING LECTURES

2011-07-21T08:42:00.002-04:00

Thursdays at 2 pm, “come winter,” the Robert D. Chapin 2012 Lecture Series presents the following programs and you may want to note them on your calendar now:

January 12: Author and Today Show correspondent JENNA BUSH HAGER may tell stories of inspirational people doing great things across America, which she contributes to the Today Show. Jenna is the daughter of former President George and Laura Bush and granddaughter of former President George H.W. and Barbara Bush. Jenna wrote “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope”, inspired through working with UNICEF which became a New York Times Best Seller.

February 2: US Ambassador to the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, ROBERT “Skip” ORR, is former President of Boeing Japan, and former Vice President of Motorola’s European Affairs Division. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1976, received his Master’s Degree from Georgetown University, and Doctorate in Political Science from Tokyo University.

March 15: host of The Newlywed Game and former disc jockey BOB EUBANKS will share with us untold stories and funny anecdotes about some Hollywood and Music Industry moments. His six rules for success are motivational. He will also review hilarious moments from The Newlywed Game. In 2000 Bob became the only tv personality to ever host the same show format for 5 decades.

April 5: Journalist, Producer, Author and Writer STEVEN BOGART is also the son of legendary acting greats Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. His non-fiction “Bogart: In Search of My Father” was a bestseller. He will share with us his personal insights and funny stories about his parents and some rarely seen home movies.

General Admission is $25 for open balcony seating; reserved seating on the main floor is $40. Reserved tickets include a post-lecture reception.

============================================================

WHAT IS AGING ABOUT?

2011-07-17T06:26:00.002-04:00

MIT RESEARCH:

Understanding how the body ages

via an aging suit

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND..

2011-07-09T06:43:00.000-04:00

Looking for TREASURES at Bargain Rates? Be at Bruce Kodner Galleries on Sunday, July 10^th at 1 pm for all kinds of goodies to bid on from stunning jewelry to sculpture to porcelain to watches to oriental room size rugs and much, much more. Located just below Lake Avenue in Lake Worth on east side of Dixie.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria was an early presentation, still popular after 17 years, featuring classic baroque imagery and a timeless theme of age. Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, an indoor arena, presents this and other shows this month.

Mizner Park Amphitheater presents “Summer in the City,” a Neil Diamond Tribute on July 29, 2011 at 7 pm. It is a free concert. You can bring along a chair or blanket, relax and enjoy the best of entertainment under the stars and bring the whole family. Lots of great eateries for dinner in Mizner Park!

Crafts fan? Be at the South Florida Expo Center, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach starting at 10 am July 9 to see unique one-of-a-kind items and gifts, try on custom made gold and silver jewelry, find handcrafted furniture, fudge and gourmet delights, folk art, dolls, candies, artwork, pet items, quilts, wearable art, and many other collectable items.

=======================================================

NAR COMMENTS RE PENDING HOME SALES TRENDING UP

2011-06-30T09:49:00.002-04:00

While inventories are falling, pendings have trended up in 7 of the last 11 months.

Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, said that the upward trending of home sale pendings bodes well for home prices. “Absorption of inventory is the key to price improvement, and this solid gain in contract signings implies that home values in many localities are or will soon be stabilizing as inventories get absorbed at a faster pace,” he said. “Home sales still could be 15 to 20 percent higher,” Yun said.

“If banks would simply return to normal sound underwriting standards and begin lending to more creditworthy borrowers, we’d get a much faster recovery in the housing sector.” Yun, as is the common thread, said that healthy job creation is necessary to ensure a solid recovery both in home sales and the overall economy.

A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

2011-06-22T03:49:00.003-04:00

NOTE THAT INVENTORIES ARE DOWN

AND PENDINGS ARE UP

NOW IS THE BEST TIME EVER

TO BUY IN FLORIDA...

BEFORE ALL THE BEST PROPERTIES

ARE GONE...

Marilyn Jacobs will show you properties that fit

your criteria, negotiate for you,

explain the purchase and sale process

... and work with you AFTER the sale as well

561-302-2288 or marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

Note in sidebar: two of Marilyn's POLO CLUB listings

have just come down in price... beautiful buys

in a country club setting

TESTIMONIALS

A WONDERFUL EVENING COMING UP IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH!

2011-06-15T10:04:00.003-04:00

NAR reports that Foreign purchasers buy U.S. property for investment, vacation, and locational reasons.

2011-06-09T08:10:00.000-04:00

National Association of Realltor’s 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity reports that foreigners view U.S. properties as a secure investment, one that provides rental and long-term appreciation possibilities.
Homes in this country are less expensive than comparable foreign properties.
International purchasers buy properties for both vacation and rental purposes

FLORIDA CFO WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK ON IMPROVING THE FLORIDA HOME INSURANCE MARKET

2011-06-08T23:09:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend,

With the 2011 hurricane season now underway, I am hopeful that we will continue the good fortune we have experienced for the past five years.

The past two legislative sessions have shown the delicate balance needed to attract the private insurance industry back to Florida while ensuring fair and equitable rates for Floridians. These legislative reforms should signal to the insurance industry that Florida is open, competitive and ready for their business.

Attached are two recent articles regarding the need for further discussion and reforms surrounding the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Company. I found them to be thought-provoking and worthy of discussion.

I look forward to your feedback on these articles and any other insurance-related topics. It is an honor to serve as your Chief Financial Officer.

Sincerely,

Jeff Atwater
Florida's Chief Financial Officer

Jeff.Atwater@myfloridacfo.com

Attachments:
Wall Street Journal Editorial on 5-21-2011
Guest Column by Don Brown in Tallahassee Democrat

ACTIVE LISTINGS DWINDLE WHILE PENDINGS ARE UP

2011-06-07T19:06:00.001-04:00

    ACTIVE listings are properties
   where no current sale contract
   exists

   PENDING sales are properties in
   which a contract for sale has
   been executed but not yet closed.

HOUSING AND OTHER NEWS

2011-05-26T05:55:00.000-04:00

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY HITS NEW HIGH;

BANKFORECLOSURE ABUSE SETTLEMENTS

UNDER DISCUSSION;

PUBLIC SCHOOL CUTS SOLUTIONS

With the national median family income at $64,400, the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo announced that 74.6% of new and existing homes sold in 1Q-2011 were affordable to these families. This is the highest level recorded in more than 20 years since the index has been measured. In 2010 73.9% was the figure. Interest rates are at historically low levels, but credit is very tight.

Freddie Mac is offering up to 3.5% closing-cost assistance and a $1200 bonus to buyers agents on sales of HomeSteps properties. Offers must be received by July 31 with escrow closing onor before September 30.

Five of the nation’s largest banks were told by state attorneys general that they face liability of at least $17BB in civil lawsuits unless they can reach a settlement regarding improper foreclosure practices. There are additional potential claims of billions of dollars from federal agencies including HUD and DOJ. Banks have proposed a $5BB settlement to compensate any previously wronged borrowers and to provide transition assistance for borrowers ousted from their homes. Federal and state officials say that is insufficient and want $20BB to resolve these problems which the state attorneys general from all 50 states and DC have been investigating since last fall.

New home sales April gains as opposed to March gains were 7.1%. However, this is down 23% from sales in April 2010.

Budget cuts are causing some public schools to shift costs to students for enrolling in some courses and activities. Parents are being asked to pay for supplemental materials such as printer ink, biology lab safety goggles and algebra workbooks, some schools offering installment pay plans and others accepting credit cards for a small fee. Some fees are waived for low-income families. In California, the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the State for allowing districts to charge a wide array of fees. Enrichment programs have been cut or eliminated such as advanced math and science, music, art, drama, foreign languages, sports, gifted student courses and help for struggling readers in order to meet budget. Some teachers noted that many students have taken on part time jobs to pay for activities they want to take part in such as athletics and music.

2011-05-23T03:52:00.000-04:00

DELRAY BEACH
ART GARAGE PRESENTED

MULTI-MEDIA ART SHOW & SALE

May 21, 2011 7-10 pm

to benefit SUNSET HOUSE

a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

substance abuse treatment center for men

EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

THREE DIMENSIONAL WALL PIECES

SCULPTURE

PATRONS ADMIRING ARTWORK

CROWD MINGLING AND ADMIRING PAINTINGS

ORIGINAL CATERING

COMPLIMENTARY WINE AND SOFT DRINKS

FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO, WEST PALM BEACH - PERFORMANCES

MATTHEW FARMER, SINGER

MODELS, AMY SPEAKING, CROWD WATCHING DANCERS

RAFFLE & CHINESE AUCTION PRIZES and ANNOUNCING WINNERS

JAZZ, BLUES AND ORIGINAL MUSIC BY

JOHN EPSTEIN

PAINTINGS BY

MICHAEL PEREZ, LAURENT SHAPIRO, DOUG KINCHLEY

HAZEL FIMMANO, ASHLEY CURTIS, ED ELLERS, LEA VENDETTA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

RUSSELL LEVINE, JONATHAN DVORETZ, SEAN MURDOCK, FRED LOVE

PRESENTED JOINTLY BY

CREATIVE CITY COLLABORATIVE OF DELRAY BEACH and

MICHAEL PEREZ POP ART

WONDERFUL FUND-RAISING EVENT

ENJOYED BY ALL

SINAI RESIDENCES NEWEST CONTINUING CARE FACILITY IN 25 YEARS TO OPEN IN BOCA RATON

2011-05-14T05:28:00.003-04:00

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s West Boca Campus, on 22 acres on the east side of the 95^th Avenue South security gate, directly across from the Hillel offices will have a new complex with 232 independent living units, 60 assisted living apartments, 60 skilled nursing suites and 24 studio suites for the memory impaired. Construction is estimated to take 24 months, once those are sold and the shovels go into the ground.

Two connecting buildings will have walkways, a contiguous garden and a fitness center. Before starting construction, 70% of the units must be pre-sold. The facility will offer a blend of housing, health care, hospitality, recreational and social services. Plans include a life-care benefit which offers discounts for independent living residents on assisted living and nursing care.

Prices are estimated to be $200,000 to $400,000. ROI will be on a sliding scale. There have been “Plans in the making” for many years, due to the demand, determined by several surveys. Lifecare Services will be managing the facility.

It is anticipated that the project will project an annual cash flow of $1.5MM-$4MM. First phase of financing consisted of issuing a tax-free $9MM pre-development industrial revenue bond for preconstruction costs over a 24-36 month period. It will also fund pre-marketing, design development and other pre-development costs.

For more information contact Sarah Bitton at 561-852-6015 or email sarahb@bocafed.org.

2011-05-04T18:14:00.002-04:00

By Asher Price AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 5:38 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Published: 9:57 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A  demolition whiz, an expert parachutist and diver, a pilot of   mini-submarines and, at one point, an aspiring journalist if Rambo were a   Renaissance man, and a lot thinner and taller, he might look like Bill   McRaven.

Long  before he devised the strategy for how to capture or  kill Osama bin  Laden, McRaven began preparing for a career as a  super-commando while  he was an undergraduate at the University of Texas.

McRaven,   55  and now a vice admiral, had been something of a bin Laden hunter   for at least a half-dozen years before successfully directing the attack   Sunday as the leader of the Joint Special Operations Command.

McRaven,   who hails from San Antonio, began preparing for his storied career  with  the Navy SEALs, the elite special operations forces, while still a   member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at UT, from which he   graduated in 1977 as a journalism major.

"He  had drive," said  James Gruetzner, who was in the same Navy ROTC  battalion as McRaven. "He  went on extraordinarily long runs to stay in  shape. He was very  dedicated."

McRaven  grew up in a military family — his father, a  former football player,  had served as a pilot in World War II — and  early outings as a  10-year-old to scuba dive at the YMCA put him on the  Navy path, said  his sister  Nan McRaven, an Austin public affairs  consultant who serves  on the board of Austin Community College.

"He   became  very focused on SEAL training," said Curtis Raetz, who also  was  in the ROTC battalion. "He was able to lap us all no matter how  hard we  tried."

Students aiming to become SEALs were "fanatical" about physical training, said Greg Colchin, another member of the battalion.

"People   think of it as a physical thing, but it's also a mental thing," said   Nan McRaven, who said her brother has loved to read ever since their   mother compelled him to recite poetry as a boy. "He's focused, and he   has the humility for real leadership."

Eventually  he would become a  qualified diver, parachutist, demolition expert and  submersible pilot.  He also had smarts. He earned a master's degree in  national security  affairs,  and in 1995, he wrote "Spec Ops: Case  Studies in Special  Operations Warfare Theory and Practice," in which he  developed his own  definition of a special operation as one "conducted  by forces specially  trained, equipped, and supported for a specific  target whose  destruction, elimination, or rescue (in the case of  hostages), is a  political or military imperative."

Nominating  McRaven for a fourth  star this year, Defense Secretary Robert Gates  said the Joint Special  Operations Command "ruthlessly and effectively  (took) the fight to  American's most dangerous and vicious enemies."

At  its head was  McRaven, who "is reputed to be the smartest SEAL that  ever lived. He is  physically tough, compassionate and can drive a knife  through your ribs  in a nanosecond," a former commander told Newsweek  in 2004.

He   also has shown a capacity for contrition. In April 2010, a couple of   months after a special forces  team mistakenly killed an Afghan police   chief, a prosecutor and three unarmed women, McRaven pleaded for   forgiveness from a local patriarch, bringing with him an offering of two   sheep as part of a custom to make amends.

That followed McRaven's decision to tamp down commando raids in Afghanistan to avoid civilian deaths.

Whatever   successes he achieved remained outstripped by the specter of bin  Laden,  whose elimination, to use McRaven's own word, remained an  "imperative."

As   long ago as 2004, having already commanded the team that helped  capture  Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein — soldiers based at Fort Hood  also were  involved — he turned his attention to capturing Public Enemy  No. 1.

But he was stymied until this spring, when intelligence officers determined that bin Laden was in hiding in Pakistan.

McRaven   spent weeks working with the CIA on the commando operation, The New   York Times has reported, coming up with three options: a helicopter   assault using American commandos, a strike with B-2 bombers that would   obliterate the compound or a joint raid with Pakistani intelligence   operatives who would be told about the mission hours before the launch.

The decision, to swoop in with a crew of American commandos, was in keeping with McRaven's view of special operations.

In   2001 congressional testimony on military training, McRaven described   the two primary missions of Navy SEALs: "Reconnaissance and what we call   direct action: raids, ambushes, swimmer sneak attacks and optical   clearance for amphibious landings," he said. "Most of these missions   originate from the water and require us to work in small units, behind   enemy lines at night, with little or no outside support."

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/seal-who-directed-bin-laden-effort-started-journey-1452367.html

ARTIST? PHOTOGRAPHER? CHECK THIS OUT!

2011-04-26T09:32:00.000-04:00

2011-04-25T08:15:00.001-04:00

HOW TO SAVE ON GAS

AS PRICES RISE THIS SUMMER

WHERE IS THE

LOWEST PRICED LOCAL GAS?

FLORIDA CHAMBER FOUNDATION SEEKS TO GUIDE FLORIDA TO ITS NEXT ECONOMY

2011-04-24T12:30:00.002-04:00

The Florida Chamber Foundation will use the Six Pillars Caucus System, a qualitative research program to engage the best and brightest minds in the state, as a method of starting the first-ever statewide strategic plan to help guide Florida toward its next economy. Their plan will include an economy that offers high-wage jobs, global competitiveness and vibrant communities by 2030.

Now in its second year, construction of a plan has already begun and deliberations will be more focused in order to finalize the first draft.

The group is seeking volunteer caucus members to engage and collaborate with others with a commitment to Florida’s future. Find information here or contact Sara Patterson spatterson@FLFoundation.org, (850) 521-1226

2011-04-07T03:54:00.002-04:00

Art & Design Walk: 6-9 p.m. April 7 at Royal Palm Place, 308 S. Federal Highway, 561-392-8920 ext. 361.

Lladro Sculptor Event: 4-7 p.m. April 12 at Best Wishes. 2000 NE Fifth Ave., RSVP 561-392-7688.

Historic Trolley Tour: 10 a.m. April 14. Leaving from Boca Raton Historical Society, Town Hall, 71 N. Federal Highway. $30. RSVP 561-395-6766.

Giant Flea Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. April 16 at Unitarian Universalist, 2601 St. Andrews Blvd., 561-482- 2001.

Boca Raton Historical Society Hotel Tour: 2 p.m. April 19 at Boca Raton Resort and Club, 501 E. Camino Real. Cost $15 with $10 valet fee. RSVP 561-395-6766.

SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2011 AT SUNDY HOUSE: REAL MEN BAKE

2011-04-06T04:58:00.002-04:00

Come to an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT feast of baked goods, sweet and savory at Sundy House Restaurant, 6-8 pm this Sunday, April 11, 106 S. Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach. Choose between sweet and savory... or eat both!

This is the first annual REAL MEN BAKE event, prepared by two dozen male volunteer bakers including Mayor Nelson S. "Woodie" McDuffie and Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Malone.

Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities supported by the event host, the Delray Beach Woman’s Club. Charities include the Caring Kitchen, the Achievement Centers for Children and Families, and scholarships for Atlantic High School students. $10. Call (561) 613-1039 for additional information.

IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING… HERE IT IS ... TIGER’S NEW HOME IN JUPITER

2011-04-03T12:06:00.002-04:00

Tiger Woods’ new home in Jupiter has a 4-hole golf course and running track and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Price ticket? $60MM.

Prior to his split with now ex-wife Ellen Nordegren, they spent many months planning every detail together. The 10,000 sq ft house is on Jupiter Island. Meant to be a family home, now it is a state-of-the-art bachelor pad. The huge master bedroom has “his-and-hers” bathrooms and there are three more bedroom suites. There is a glass-fronted elevator. Other features are a basement wine cellar, and perhaps a move theatre and game room for the Woods’ children, Sam and Charlie.

Many tall trees and high boundary walls surround the plot, giving the privacy desired, but aerial photos, which appeared on Tiger’s blog, show the compound nicely.

Four more buildings are adjoined to the main house, including a boathouse, golf training studio, stand-alone garage and huge guesthouse. There is a tennis court, gym, diving pool, lap lane, 100’ running track and a 3.5 acre 4-hole golf course. The short-game area has four greens, six sand traps with different depths and kinds of sand, a video center and putting studio.

A pair of boat docks on the Intracoastal side of the property will hold Woods’ 155 ft yacht, named Privacy.

IS THIS ANY WAY TO RUN A COMPANY? YOU BETCHA IT IS!

2011-04-01T01:09:00.001-04:00

I rarely put an item on my blogs with just a link, but this is a "must see", just one story about a work ethic that makes America great! Watch the video!

http://www.blogsouthwest.com/video/luv-stories-unexpected-thank-you

EL CID HISTORIC HOME TOUR from 2-5 pm ON APRIL 3rd

2011-03-30T03:20:00.001-04:00

Here’s your chance to see thirteen homes in the grand West Palm Beach historic neighborhood of El Cid, an area of 285 homes of which 185 are listed as historic.

The 1925 house and gardens at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach, listed on the National register of Historic places, is included and after the tour, come and enjoy the wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music there. This is also where the tour begins.

Homes will be examples of Mediterranean Revival and Mission Revival, built in the 1920’s, many of them renovated, some taken down to the studs and with redone foundations. Others are mostly “original”. West Palm Beach has 14 historic districts.

Parking is available at Unity of the Palm Beaches, 1957 S.Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Trolley is available.

Advance admission is $55; $65 the day of the tour. For information call 954-270-6081.

THERE IS MUCH VALUE IN RECENT QUOTES FROM WARREN BUFFETT

2011-03-28T19:12:00.005-04:00

Tagged in the annual shareholder letter that came out last month, Buffett cited the industry-leading 2010 performance of one of his company’s holdings, which sells and finances manufactured homes. He said, ‘HOME OWNERSHIP MAKES SENSE FOR MOST AMERICANS, PARTICULARLY AT TODAY’S LOWER PRICES AND BARGAIN INTEREST RATES.”

He also said that the purchase of his home was the 3^rd best investment he ever made. What were numbers 1 and 2? “WEDDING RINGS.”

He cautioned not to wait too long to buy while prices are low, as market prices “WILL MOVE HIGHER, PERHAPS SUBSTANTIALLY SO, WELL BEFORE EITHER SENTIMENT OR THE ECONOMY TURNS UP.”

CENSUS: FLORIDA HAD 7TH CONSECUTIVE DECADE OF DOUBLE-DIGIT POPULATION GROWTH

2011-03-21T15:56:00.001-04:00

Florida remains one of the top places to move to in the United States. The US population grew by 9.7%, and Sunshine State residents grew by 17.6 percent with a 2.8MM increase in residents between 2000 and 2010.

This growth swelled despite a high rate of unemployment and a housing slump. While 1.7MM new residential units were built over the past decade, the number of vacant properties climbed nearly 63% during the same time frame, according to the New York Times.

NEW BILLS ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION NEXT WEEK IN TALLAHASSEE RELATING TO REAL ESTATE PROBLEMS

2011-03-09T00:03:00.002-05:00

With Florida having hundreds of thousands of foreclosures, millions of underwater mortgages and four years of depreciating values, lawmakers meeting next week in Tallahassee are considering new real estate laws. They generally affect help for condo associations, property tax reform or changes to the foreclosure process.

The Distressed Condo Relief Act passed last year gave condo associations the authority to collect rent directly from tenants of delinquent owners until delinquencies are paid up, and to bar non-paying condo owners from using common amenities like pools and clubhouses. The bill also provides protections for condo associations that file foreclosure against delinquent unit owners, ensuring that they are not held liable for that owner’s past due assessments when they take title.

A bill being considered this year would give condo associations the power to restrict cable television service and internet access from owners of delinquent condos. It was pointed out that the reason many homeowners are in default is lack of jobs; this could mean less access to job opportunities.

Another Bill will change a portion of the Save Our Homes Law by eliminating the Recapture Rule. If voters approve, a home’s property value assessment would not be increased during years when the home’s market value decreases. More than 300,000 homes were affected by rising property taxes while property values fell 13% in 2010. However with governments struggling with budget cuts, less property revenue means MORE cuts.

A bill is being considered to potentially lower property taxes for new and 2^nd homeowners, and the annual cap on increases for non-homesteaded properties would be reduced from 10% down to 3%. An additional homestead exemption would be given to first-time homebuyers, worth 50% of the property value.

A bill is up for consideration to provide banks and mortgage lenders the option of conducting foreclosure on commercial properties outside the courtroom rather than going to court to repossess delinquent properties, allowing lenders to reclaim a property through a trustee foreclosure which is usually faster than a judicial foreclosure. According to the Miami Herald, about 100,000 foreclosed residential homes are stymied within the processes right now.

There will be an attempt to direct funds for affordable housing away from new housing to instead renovate vacant abandoned properties and tenants will be given 90 days notice to move out of repossessed foreclosed homes.

Nevertheless it is apparent that current problems will not be solved quickly, and that there are pros and cons with every change.

UPDATES ON THE HOME FRONT - PRICES DOWN, SALES UP

2011-03-03T05:14:00.002-05:00

Realtytrac reports that 26% of all home sales are foreclosures, nationally and Bank repossessions level off, down slightly from 2009 but up from 2008.

Case-Schiller reports that during the 6 months ending December 31, home prices fell nearly 6%.

National Association of Realtors reports that sales of existing homes rose for the third straight month.

In 2010, Nevada, Arizona, California and Florida had the highest percentage of foreclosures, in that order.

Cash buyers are offering very low bids, especially for distressed homes being sold at deep discounts, pulling the median price down.

According to Zillow, nearly 30% of mortgage borrowers are underwater on loans and very vulnerable to foreclosure.

THE GOOD NEWS

2011-02-24T02:51:00.002-05:00

According to the National Association of Realtors:

· Existing home sales increased 2.7% nationally

· This is the first time in 7 months that sales activity was higher than a year earlier

· Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says

o Home sales uptrend is consistent with improvements in the economy and jobs

o Consumer confidence is boosting

o Affordability conditions are a big factor

o Tight credit has resulted in high levels of all-cash purchases primarily for distressed homes sold at deep discounts – which pulls the median price downward but traditional homes in good condition have held their value

o Investor activity is another factor re purchasing undervalued homes

· In January, first time buyers bought 29% of homes sold

· Investors bought 23% of purchases in January

· Housing inventory is at a 7.6 month supply, lowest level since 12/2009

· Existing-home sales increased 3.6% in the South

NAR is America’s largest real estate trade association, representing 1.1MM mebers involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

DELRAY BEACH IS THRIVING

2011-02-16T03:18:00.002-05:00

Soon to become Delray Beach’s first bed and breakfast complex, Hartman House sat on a corner, surrounded by almost century-old fruit trees, half-renovated, neglected and empty. The theme will be, “step back in time to an easier way of life.

With three separate areas, the main house has over 3200 sq ft with 5 bedrooms ensuite (each with its own bathroom) and a 2-story townhouse over 2400 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and another 3-story townhouse/guesthouse with 2600+ sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, the property at 307 NE 7th Avenue was the home of Gustav Hartman, a former assistant postmaster of Delray Beach in the early 1900's.

There are 5 garage spaces, pool, spa, and game room with wet bar.

Purchased for $400,000 in February 2010, the owners are intent on restoring it’s natural 1920’s beauty by re-creating the original crown molding, restoring the Dade County pine floors and building a 75-foot pool surrounded by an oasis of 80-year-old mango, starfruit and avocado trees and native palms. They are creating an ambiance “of a slower, gentler time.” Key lime scone scents will awaken you for your homemade breakfast.

Located 4 blocks north of trendy downtown Atlantic avenue with shops, restaurants and local events, it is a short walk to the intracoastal waterway and the beach. Near I-95 and two major airports.

In a different mode, Kotler Group of West Palm Beach paid $3.7MM for vacant land just north of the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center, with plans to build a 4-story 134-room hotel. The hotel will also be adjacent to the livelty Pineapple Grove arts and entertainment center, and prices are planned to range from $100-$200 per night.

The tonier British Colonial style Seagate Hotel on Atlantic Avenue is close to the beach, the Marriot and Residence in are old standbys, familiar to many vacationers, and just north on A1A a luxury complex is going up, 4001 North Ocean, on the ocean, with 34 units, ranging from $1.4MM to $3MM. Almost half the units are sold or “in the works”.

A recent New York Times travel article dubbed Delray Beach as being on the verge of becoming “a national destination".

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS ON THE HOME FRONT

2011-02-12T01:43:00.002-05:00

Zillow reported that south Florida home values are down 15.4% year-over-year in 4Q2010. Home Value Index fell to $139,100 from $160,000 at end of 2009.

Housing bargain sales wins prevail with big losses for many sellers. This IS THE BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida.

Foreclosures in Florida fell 54% according to Realty Trac year-over-year in January 2011. Foreclosure filings last month were 21,671 in Florida, one for every 409 housing units in the state which is 15.4% lower from December 2010.

What to make of this? An interesting 9-acre man-made island between Aventura and Sunny Isles Beach is on the market for $49.5MM reports Condo Vultures. In the 1950’s the DOT created the island as part of a massive dredging effort. Assessed value? $3MM or $7.90 per sq ft according to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraisers Office. Sounds like an interesting deal… so let’s wait and see who (if anyone) buys this island!

Mortgage interest rates are going up… rate topped 5% for the first time since last April. Rates, however, are still historically low according to Florida Realtors organization, and there is actually a $100 a month jump on a $200,000 loan since the lowest rate in November. Rates follow the 10-year Treasury note yields, heading up with inflation fears. Many buyers are paying cash.

WANT TO SEE THE NEWEST DECORATOR MODELS?

2011-02-03T06:38:00.000-05:00

Model Tour: 1200 Hillsboro Mile, Before & After – 2/8/2011 at 2 pm

Join the Robb & Stucky Design Team of Rene Evans, ASID and Richard Ramus at 1200 Hillsboro Mile for a private tour of their beautiful model. This is an opportunity to see the “before” unfurnished unit and the “after” decorated model–and the transformation is amazing. This event is offsite. The model is located about 1 mile south of Hillsboro on the west side of A1A. Reservations are required so please call early to reserve your space and to receive directions. No cameras, please.

Model Tour: Villas By The Sea, Before & After – 2/16/2011 at 2 pm

Have you ever wondered how a designer finds inspiration and then transforms it into a design concept? Join Robb & Stucky Design Associate Ron Acosta on-site at Villas by the Sea. Ron will start the tour in an unfurnished unit, then continue to the completed model for comparison. He will share his design process, and the secret that inspired the special look of this incredible Oceanside model project. Meet first at the Sales office for Villas by the Sea, located off A1A just north of Commercial Blvd in Lauderdale by the Sea. Reservations are required so please call early to reserve your space and to receive directions. No cameras, please.

Please call (561) 862-5597 to reserve; reservations are limited!

RECENT STUDY SHOWS WALKABILITY ADDS VALUE TO A PROPERTY

2011-01-27T06:18:00.002-05:00

Ceo’S FOR Cities, a national consortium of civic and business leaders, did a 2009 study and found that homes where you can walk to the supermarket and other stores, schools and parks will be valued at $4,000 to $34,000 more than those with less walkability where you have to drive to get to amenities. The bigger, more urban the city, such as Miami, the higher value walkability adds. Nearby public transportation also boosts value.

The study covered 94,000 real estate sales of comparable homes in 15 major markets.

You can use Walkscore to rate the walkability of your home or a home you are considering purchasing.

DELRAY BEACH KNOWS HOW TO HAVE FUN

2011-01-25T07:29:00.004-05:00

A PEEK AT DELRAY BEACH

Delray Beach is the type of coastal town that has it all: unobstructed beaches, shops, the restaurants and definitely, the entertainment. A little bit for everyone to enjoy. Delray does a great job with its festivals and fairs. They close a main street and fill it to capacity with vendors, musicians and artists in a blink of an eye. When is all over done with, it comes down just as fast as it went up.

Come on downtown on Thursday, January 27^th for Art & Jazz On The Avenue. Once a month, during the season, and on a Thursday from 6-10 pm, live musical entertainment is presented, On the Avenue. Open house specials, and gallery exhibitions are will be browsed at the very least. Even though it is On the Avenue, it will also extend to the SW 5th Avenue Plaza.

Highlights will include:

Florida Panthers’ Partymobile --- interactive games and the launch of the team’s new video game --- at the Delray Beach Magazine booth in the 300 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Palm Beach Makos and Cheerleaders in the 400 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Exhilarating skateboard course designed and constructed by Stoner Skateboards in the 600 block of East Atlantic Avenue;
Sports clinics led by Atlantic High School sports leaders on the Great Lawn by Old School Square.
City of Delray Beach Parks & Recreation sponsored dance and fitness demonstrations and performances led by the Delray Divas, Diamonds and Pearls and Delray Rocks and Cheerleaders Dance, also on the Great Lawn by Old School Square.
Yankee great Roy White, the Roger Dean Stadium inflatable hitting bay and the Allianz golf hitting bay – all in Worthing Park.
Representatives of the International Tennis Championships and the US Tennis Association in the 200 and 400 blocks of East Atlantic Avenue.
Cycling on Your Mark in the 300 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Miss Geico 50-foot racing boat with jet turbine engine will be on display in the 500 block of East Atlantic Avenue and sports car along NE 1^st Avenue.
Roaming Drew Tucker Stomp Band
The Heavy Pets, a production of 102 Degrees, will be performing on the Old School Square Entertainment Pavilion with Stampede as the opening act. The concert will benefit Delray Beach’s Caring Kitchen through donations collected by volunteers. An after-party hosted by the new Pineapple Groove will start just after the concert.
Jim Kolvacik Trio in the 100 block of East Atlantic Avenue
Groove Merchant and Atlantic High School Jazz Band on SE 4^th Avenue.
Jazz Stream in the 400 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Al Johnson in the 500 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Visitors to the Vista BMW tent will be invited to register for a chance to win a new BMW 135i. Details will be available on site.
Representatives of the Boca Artists Guild in the 100 East Atlantic block.
Avalon Gallery at 425 E Atlantic Ave.
Blue Coast Art Exhibit at 110 E Atlantic Ave.
Blue Gallery at 600 E Atlantic Ave.
Cacace Fine Art Studio & Gallery at 135 E Atlantic Ave.
DeBilzan Gallery at 38 E Atlantic Ave.
Delray Art & Framing at 321 E Atlantic Ave.
Ford Fine Art at 235 NE 4^th Ave. #101
Forms Gallery at 415 E Atlantic Ave.
Kevro’s Gallery, Media Studio & Art Bar at 166 SE 2^nd Ave.
Ora Sorensen Gallery at 445 E Atlantic Ave.

Art & Jazz will extend to the SW 5^th Ave Plaza with entertainment from:

Beacon Center first- and second-grade classes, creative dance team and Village Academy praise dancers.
Creative dance team, Step Club and Drum Line of the Family Resource Center.

FREE ADMISSION!

THE GOOD NEWS: FALLING REAL ESTATE PRICES MAY ENCOURAGE BUSINESSES TO MOVE TO PALM BEACH COUNTY

2011-01-21T22:39:00.000-05:00

Palm Beach is 40^th on the list of top 55 cities of cheapest places to run a corporate headquarters. The average age of Boca Raton residents is 42, and in Delray Beach is 44.

They were ranked by Boyd Company, Princeton, NJ, comparing the cost of running a hypothetical 75,000 sq ft office with 300 employees. The first 3 on the list were New York, San Francisco and San Jose. Orlando was #55.

Boyd Company helps many of America’s best-known companies plan real estate expansions and does surveys in many industries.

WALL STREET JOURNAL REPORTS SALES OF EXISTING HOMES PERK UP

2011-01-21T03:29:00.001-05:00

WSJ reports buyers seeing a low point and opportunities to make good purchases.

According to the WSJ, while the real estate market is not yet close to recovery, low interest rates which are slowly inching up and bargain prices fuel 12.3% gain for existing homes in December 2010. Buyers are locking in interest rates and closing on existing homes. Sales of distressed homes such as foreclosures and short sales rose to a 36% market share which spurred more discounting, with prices falling 1% in December.

According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, "The market is getting much closer to an adequate, sustainable level. The recovery will likely continue as job growth gains momentum and rising rents encourage more renters into ownership, while exceptional affordability conditions remain."

4th ANNUAL DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH ART SHOW

2011-01-14T03:05:00.001-05:00

January 15th & 16th, 2011

Located on Atlantic Ave starting at US1 East over the Intracoastal Waterway all the way to A1A on the Atlantic Ocean.

Browse, walk, observe and buy... enjoy the day in this fabulous "All American Town." Stop in one of the eateries for some glorious food. Mingle, people-watch, and talk to the artisans.

Lovely way to spend the day.

SEE VIDEO