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 $15 filing fee. For more information call the Clerk and Comptroller's office at (561) 355- 6289. The Clerks office says that while the increase in appeals may be due to the economic downturn, a state law has changed requiring the property appraisers office to prove their assessments are accurate. In the past the property owner had to prove the assessment was wrong. Special magistrates must be hired to settle disputes between property owners and the county property appraisers office. Responsibility for processing petitions and scheduling hearings lies with the Clerks office. Preliminary tax notices were mailed Friday to all county property owners.
POLO CLUB, a prestigious, exclusive address: largest 145,000 sq ft clubhouse in county, 2 championship golf courses, 29 tennis courts. 5 dining rooms. Social activities abound, childrens center, dinner dances, star studded shows, discussion groups, movies. Resort pool & cafe. Condos to multi-million$ palatial homes, golf + lake views. MARILYN KNOWS POLO CLUB and sold properties quickly. BUY the HOME OF YOUR DREAMS in Polo. Call or text 561-302-3388 for mandatory dues & fees schedule.
Friday, August 28, 2009
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 5th. 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.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
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 30th. It has been very popular among first time home buyers to the extent of recent home sales to 1st 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
Saturday, August 08, 2009
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.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
FORBES SAYS DUE TO INVENTORIES, HERE ARE THE 10 BEST CONDO MARKETS RIGHT NOW AND THEIR ZIP CODES
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
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.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
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, September 9: Artist Eydi Lampasona will create a collage/mixed media painting by demonstrating the principles and elements of design.
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
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 3rd straight month in June.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
ECONOMIC INDICATORS for 33484 from zipskinny.com
| Economic Indicators | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| 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 | ||||
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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.
Monday, July 20, 2009
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 20th. Entry fee is $10. Pick up your paint brush NOW… and GO FOR IT!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
POLO CLUB ACTIVITIES UPDATES…
…Stop by and see the renovations in the Physical Therapy Office and the Pilates Studion. Standing Appointments can begin August 1st 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 12th (create a mini-painting) and Wednesday, September 9th (watch a collage/mixed media painting be created)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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!
Friday, July 10, 2009
MOVIE JULY 16TH: REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
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!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
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.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
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.
Friday, July 03, 2009
WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY




- Beautiful white, sandy beaches
- Miles of scenic parks and nature preserves
- Oceans, rivers and lakes offering boating, fishing, swimming and other water recreation
- A rich and varied history, which includes the city of St. Augustine, the oldest permanent European settlement in the mainland United States
- Unique family-friendly attractions
- World Class Entertainment Facilities, Museums, Theatres
- Cultural activities offer residents and visitors music, dance and arts events
- Florida’s climate featuring an average annual high of 81 degrees Fahrenheit and an average annual low of 60 degrees
- The state’s homeownership rate currently stands at about 70 percent, well above the national average
- In many ways, Florida’s cost of living is below that of other states with similar economic growth and in-migration rates
Monday, June 29, 2009
PALM BEACH COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RECIEVES “A” FOR 5th CONSECUTIVE YEAR
The Florida School Recognition Program rewards schools that sustained high student performance or demonstrated substantial improvement in student performance. If schools receive an “A” or improve one or more performance grades from the previous year, they are eligible to receive an additional $75 per student.· All Boca Raton elementary and middle schools received As with one, Coral Sunset Elementary School moving up from B to A this year.
· While Olympic Heights High School dropped to a B this year from an A, all other Boca high schools got As including West Boca High School.
· Five schools in the district jumped from Cs to As and a school in the Glades went from a D to an A.
FCAT standards will be increased next year, and Palm Beach County will increase teacher training and provide coaches. Moving to departmentalization for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, all elementary school teachers will teach two or three subjects instead of all six. E.g., math teachers will teach math and science and a language arts teacher may teach social studies, not needing to shift from one content to another. Classrooms will be located next to each other and students will only change classrooms two to three times a day. The Palm Beach County School District is the only urban school district to have received an A for 5 consecutive years. Statewide, more than ¾ of all public schools were named as high performing (A or B). The number of schools earning an F decreased to the smallest number in the last 3 years.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
DELRAY BEACH FACTS UPDATE
BOCA RATON FACTS UPDATE
Monday, June 22, 2009
PALM BEACH DINING OPPORTUNITIES DURING JUNE 2009





Lunch for $20.09 or have dinner for $35 per person for a 3-course meal – appetizer, main course, dessert. Beverages, tax and gratuity are additional. Here are the restaurants, addresses and phone number for reservations in alphabetical order:
Bice, 313 ½ Worth Avenue, 561-835-1600
Café Boulud at Brazllian Court, 301 Australian Ave, 561-655-6060
Café L’Europe, 331 So County Rd, 561-655-4020
Charley’s Crab, 456 So Ocean Blvd, 561-659-1500
Leopard Lounge and Restaurant at Chesterfield Hotel, 363 Cocoanut Row, 561-659-5800
Coco Palm Beach, Bradley Park Hotel, 290 Sunset Ave, 561-832-3734
Flagler Steakhouse at Breakers, One South County Road, 561-659-8488
Italian Restaurant at Breakers, One South County Road, 561-659-8488
Seafood Bar at Breakers, One South County Road (reservations not accepted)
Ocean Bistro at Four Seasons, 2800 So Ocean Blvd, 561-582-2800
Renato’s, 87 Via Mizner off Worth Avenue, 561-655-9752
Temple Orange at Ritz-Carlton, 100 So Ocean Blvd, 561-533-6000
Ta-Boo, 221 Worth Avenue, 561-835-3500
- Trevini, 150 Worth Ave, 561-833-3883
Enjoy these “gifts of summer.” Great way to try out new restaurants, or go back to old favorites!
Friday, June 19, 2009
SOME NEW THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME…OR ANYTIME
Heard the expression “VOCs”? That stands for VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS. Consider that the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says that out of about 300MM Americans, 60MM have allergies or asthma.
Painting your home to show it off? Be sure to get paints that have low VOCs as those with VOCs can have smells that linger and cause symptoms such as eye irritations
Re-staining your floors? Ask for low VOC stains and use pre-treated floors rather than raw wood where you have to apply polyurethane on top so the house is not chemically offensive
New flooring going down? Be aware that carpets harbor dirt and moisture which can cause mold and mildew. You might want to choose tile and consider area rugs. Avoid biocide-treated (moth repellent) wool or cotton carpets. Remember that the padding under carpets is tough to clean or to remove for drying.
Don’t use PVC shower curtains as they might release over 100 VOCs, some which could be hazardous pollutants
Instead of cleaning with bleach, which has a strong odor, use hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate to avoid allergic relations when prospects com to look at your property.
When replacing wallboard, use mold resistant products.
Cracks in foundation can be mold sources
If windows are not completely sealed, a mold problem could occur
Thursday, June 18, 2009
NEWSWEEK NAMES THEIR TOP 100 PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE US
Boca Community High School was listed as #83, Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, ranked 52, Dreyfoos School of the Arts ranked 50 and Suncoast in Riviera Beach ranked 7. Schools are ranked considering the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school in 2008, then divided by the number of graduating seniors.
More students taking advanced courses resulted in some schools moving up to higher numbers.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
SUPERBOWL CHAMP ALAN VEINGRAD SPEAKS AT DOWNTOWN CHABAD TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 11:55-1:30
Alan Veingrad is a professional motivational speaker, a member of the national speakers association, and ”just happens to wear a Superbowl ring”. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Boca Jewish Business Network, Chabad of East Boca, and J.A.C.O.B. ( Jewish American Chamber of Business) Investment of $20. at the door is all inclusive for food, beverages, tax, tip, etc...
Business Introductions
Card Networking
Door Prizes
Celebrity Speaker
Former offensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys & Green Bay Packers, and a member of the Super Bowl XXVII World Champion Dallas Cowboy Team in 1992, Alan Veingrad uses sports metaphors to characterize his journey, and vividly relates the discipline of being a professional football player to success in life. For information on the even go to http://bocaratonbusinessnetworking-rss.eventbrite.com/. For details about Alan, go to http://www.alanveingrad.com/. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime business luncheon! Address: 120 NE 1st Avenue, just south of Mizner Park.










