Stunning golf, lake and lush garden views are visible from most rooms in this Tamarisk villa. White tile flooring is in the living areas, including the enclosed and leveled terrace. The home is set back, with a long driveway which gives you a sense of privacy while you enjoy outdoor living in the courtyard. Please see for yourself. . . this view is one of the best in Quail Ridge! Offered at $395,000. You may view all of our listings on our website: http://QuailRidgeCC.com

De golf exceptionnel, le lac et vue sur les jardins luxuriants sont visibles de la plupart des chambres dans cette villa tamaris. White carrelage est dans les zones de vie, y compris le joint et nivelé terrasse. La maison est située en retrait, avec une longue allée qui vous donne un sentiment d'intimité tandis que vous appréciez vie en plein air dans la cour. S'il vous plaît voir par vous-même. . . ce point de vue est l'un des meilleurs au Quail Ridge! Offert à $ 395,000. Vous mai afficher toutes nos annonces sur notre site Internet: http://QuailRidgeCC.com

Ah, the lazy days of summer are upon us, except the real estate office has been very busy indeed!  As I write this, we have had 38 sales since January 1^st! 2008 had 33 sales for the year....

A big THANK YOU to all of you who refer your friends and family to us.  Quail Ridge has always relied on its current members as the best source for new members and that continues to be the case.  To me, there is no bigger compliment than a referral from you!  Your enthusiasm and support is greatly appreciated and actively sought.  Did you know that supporting your member-owned real estate office also benefits you financially?  Our real estate office generates an annual profit, which goes to the POA and helps keep the amount of your quarterly assessments in check.

How do you tell the Quail Ridge "story" to your friends?  One of our members recently summed it up quite accurately in my opinion.  His son had been visiting him here at Quail Ridge and marveled at the fun lifestyle and many activities that are planned.  "I'm so happy for you - It's as if you and your friends are part of a big day camp for adults", he said.  The father relayed this to me saying "You know how smart the younger generation is, he was dead on! In a short sentence he summarized everything about this place."   There is so much to love here - flowers putting on a spectacular show, top notch golf and tennis, smiling faces of friends and staff, memorable parties and intimate dinners.......

The Quail Ridge story still has many chapters to write!  Seasons yet to come, new friends to be made, fun times and special memories...quite a page turner indeed!

Attractive prices and a great selection on homes plus a tremendous membership value are available - so don't delay.  Have you visited the real estate section of the new website?  All our listings are there, along with beautiful photography & virtual tours.  You can also view the recent and pending sales.  Just click "real estate" - "view listings" - "click here to view recent sales". 

Legislative update:  Keep an eye on SB 532 by Sen. Evelyn Lynn (R-Ormond Beach).  

Property Tax Limit:  The State Constitution generally limits the maximum annual increase in the assessed value of nonhomestead property to 10 percent annually. This proposed amendment reduces the maximum annual increase in the assessed values of those properties to 5 percent annually.

As always, we invite you to call us at any time to discuss our services. We are here to assist you in making a smooth transition, whether moving in... out.... or just across the street in Quail Ridge.

Have you heard the news? We have a beautiful new home!  Our entire staff joins me in thanking and congratulating the membership on the completion of the new Business Center.  This 12,000 sq.ft. building now accomodates real estate, property owner's association, accounting, administration and management offices for Quail Ridge. We have modern, efficient offices and ample meeting space.   

The real estate market continues to be challenging.  Quail Ridge currently has 26 sales year to date.  In light of the market conditions existing in South Florida and across the country, this is actually very good.  As of this writing, Quail Ridge Realty has 70 listings, which is still only a little over seven percent (7%) of the total homes in Quail Ridge.

What determines a home's value? Typically, it is what a buyer is willing pay for a certain property that dictates the market conditions.  Property prices rising and falling are guided by the number of buyers willing to purchase (demand) in the marketplace in proportion to the number of available properties (supply).  If there are a number of other properties that a buyer may choose from simultaneously available on the market, then the seller may well be willing to accept a lower than asking price in order not to lose the buyer to another competing property. 

 At the moment, our supply exceeds the demand.  So, what's a seller to do?

• Price competitively from the beginning.
• Look at recent comparable sales (price, condition and location) to determine your price. (Anything sold more than 6 months ago is not recent.)
• Let go of the past
• Expect  to be negotiable, flexible and patient.
• Present  your home in tip-top condition.

 While this may not be welcome news for sellers, it has certainly created a time of unparalleled opportunity for prospective Quail Ridge members.  Selection, quality and value are all readily available!  As so many of you have graciously demonstrated in the past, it is you, our members, who frequently introduce new community residents.  May I suggest that now is the perfect time to remind your friends and northern neighbors of the high quality and enviable lifestyle residents of Quail Ridge enjoy?

As the new Real Estate Director at Quail Ridge Country Club Realty, I am really enjoying this community and all it has to offer.  Quail Ridge has two championship golf courses, 16 tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse and all the world-class amenities one would expect from a privtae, member-owned country club community in South Florida.

The best part of Quail Ridge?  Truly, it has to be the people!  The slogan here is "Championship Golf...Championship Neighbors" - and I am finding that to be absolutely true.  I have experienced such a warm welcome from the club members.  People who recently have moved in tell me the same thing as well.  Quail Ridge is a special place - you can feel it as soon as you come through the gate.  The atmosphere is peaceful, tranquil and beautiful.  Flowers, birds and trees abound in this lush Audubon certified community.

Quite a nice place to call home!

Have you visited Grand Bahamas Professional Park in Delray Beach?  It a small enclave of 15 Key West style offices, conveniently located in the Delray Park of Commerce.  Each cottage has its own charm and was custom designed for the buyer.  The cottages are nestled together in a lushly landscaped park-like setting, joined by walking paths & a gazebo.  Ahhhhh - What a peaceful environment to work in!

Available for sale or lease is a 2,400 sq. ft. 2 story beautiful cottage office.  To use a cliche - it's a must see!  The features include bamboo floors, granite counters, 2 restrooms (1 has a shower) top quality trim, lighting and accents. 

 Delray Beach Office for sale

Ah - the million dollar question!  I get asked this almost everyday, and the answer is............... maybe!  The real answer is there is never a "good" or "bad" time that applies to all buyers/sellers and their situations.  That question can only be answered for each individual, depending on their current goals & circumstances.

Real Estate is a long-term investment.  The boom created a misconception that real estate is a high yield, short term investment.  It's not, so don't treat it as such or get "caught-up" in the news.  For most people, real estate, either through their homes or additional investment properties, provides an excellent investment.  Choose wisely, and you will be happy with your investment for years to come.

In today's market, buyers have more choices & favorable interest rates. That just might make it a good time to invest in real estate!

Now heading into its 9^th year, the Delray Beach Garlic Fest continues to offer garlic fans the opportunity to celebrate the most widely used and loved food in the world...GARLIC... and the tradition of some of the greatest entertainment in downtown Delray Beach

The Delray Beach Garlic Fest offers something for everyone with a wide array of activities and entertainment. The Main Stage offers all-day entertainment including national acts on all three days of the fest. Past entertainers have included Little Feat, The Gin Blossoms, Dickey Betts and the Great Southern, Dave Mason, Jonny Lang, Little River Band, Three Dog Night, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Sister Hazel, Alan Parsons Live Project, and The Wreckers. Test your knowledge at "Garlic University" and check out the fun, hands-on activities for kids. The children's area offers up fun for the whole family with rides, games and educational activities. 

People come from all over come to feast on unique garlic inspired dishes including fest favorite - shrimp scampi - in addition to garlic crab cakes, garlic bruschetta, garlic pizza, garlic Argentine BBQ with garlic black beans and rice, garlic Portobello sandwich and many other delicious and delectable dishes.  Don't forget to try the garlic ice cream!

Delray Beach Garlic Fest

Well, it's almost that time again!  The annual Girl Scout cookie sale officially begins next Thursday, January 17th.

I have certainly eaten my share of cookies over the years, but I have a different perspective this year.  I am the leader of a junior girl scout troop - a "newbie" as we say.  I am very excited & a little overwhelmed at our first cookie sale, as my troop in past years has set record-setting sales!  And, yes, I have to pick-up, distribute & keep track of thousands of boxes over the next 3 weeks.

Please support your local girl scout troops - this fundraiser goes to support many fine programs that develop the character, leadership, and confidence in our girls that we definitely need!

Our council (not sure if this is nation-wide) also supports the 3rd annual "Cookies for the Military".  You can donate any amount you wish (a case of 12 boxes costs just $42.00) & the troop will use that money to send cookies to our military troops overseas.  Last year, because of your donations, we sent over 11,000 boxes through Soldier's Angels & The Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.  Let's keep them smiling & eating a little taste of home!

It's a great deal for all involved - please consider helping.  All your favorites are back - Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Shortbread, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Lemonades & new for this year - Cinna-spins packaged in 5 100 calories packs per box!

Don't miss the annual lighting of the famous 100 ft. Delray Beach Christmas Tree!

The tree lighting ceremony is Thursday, November 29th beginning at 5 PM.  Santa arrives & the tree lighting are both at 5:30 PM. 

The tree & it's surrounding decorations & entertainment have always been a community effort.  This year, however, it takes on new meaning as over 1,100 7th & 8th grade students helped with the monumental task of building the tree & other decorating preparations.  My son, an eighth grader at Trinity Lutheran School in Delray, took part in this last Tuesday.  Our family always visits the tree, ice skating rink & generally enjoys the downtown area all through the holidays - but I can tell you this year is much more meaningful to him!  He can't wait to see the tree that "he built".  An important lesson in giving back to your community!

Events to Enjoy:

Nov. 29 - Tree Lighting, entertainment & the ever-popular Jazz on the Avenue- Bring a book & a toy to the tree.  Books are being collected for the Palm Beach Literacy Coalition.  New, unwrapped toys for children up to age 16 are being collected for the Delray Beach Police department.

The downtown merchants will be decorated & ready for you to shop!  Enjoy a gallery & stroll & progressive open house.  Many bands to enjoy too!  Click here for complete details

Nov. 30 - Dec. 31 - 6 & 7 PM Nightly entertainment in the Office Depot entertainment tent by schools, community groups & churches.

Nov. 29 - Dec. 23 - 6-10 PM Thurs.-Sun Visit with Santa

Nov. 29 - Jan. 6 - Outdoor Ice Skating - $6 per 45 minute session

Nov. 23 - Jan 6 - Carousel - Enjoy a leisurely ride on this nostalgic carousel - Weekdays 5-9PM Weekends & school holidays 1-9 PM $2 per ride

Horse & Carriage Rides - Travel down Atlantic Ave. in a horse-drawn carriage all decked out for the holidays! Daily 6-11 PM

Dec. 8 - 10 AM - 4 PM - Kids Day at the Tree

A new weekly green market is arriving on the grounds of  the Schoolhouse Children's Museum on Ocean Ave. in downtown Boynton Beach!  About 25 vendors will showcase their handmade and homegrown items from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through May 3rd.

Items include jewelry, produce, juices, flowers, quilts, smoothies, barbecue, Haitian, Caribbean and other culturally diverse food, fresh herbs, baked goods and local honey.

In an effort to showcase local talent, the market also will include cultural celebrations with music, themed holiday events, dance lessons, aerobics, cooking demonstrations and mini-festivals.  It's modeled after the Weaver Street Market in Carrboro, N.C., a co-op run by members which also serves as a community gathering spot for festivals.

Boynton's greenmarket kicks off with the Pumpkin Patch where families can hear stories, paint pumpkins and have pictures taken among the gourds. Future plans include a wine tasting, art and garden shows, a seafood festival, and celebrations for Cinco de Mayo, Easter, Mardi Gras, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

An interesting tidbit: If you have extra fruit from your trees, you can take it to exchange for other fruit or to donate to the Community Caring Center food pantry.