I was shocked to receive an email update from theRealtors Association of the Palm Beaches (RAPB), which I am a member of, that expressed support for candidate Robert Wexler. Some of the others they are supporting I have concerns about as well but at least, to my knowledge, they live in the area and contribute to the taxes, schools, local economy and everything else a RESIDENT contributes to.

As many are now aware, Wexler does not even live in the area he represents!!  He lives in Maryland.  But he uses the tax breaks such as no income tax that Florida provides its RESIDENTS for his own purposes. He then uses Maryland for the taxes they halp him wiht like the lower taxes on real estate, etc...  And he has been hiding behind his in-laws for years!!! I think this is disgusting and Wexler should be ashamed for supposedly caring so much about Palm Beach County and representing the county while living in another state and not even owning a residence in the area!! What a joke!!  I don't care if you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent - this should get under your skin.  This should really burn you.  A politician - elected by the residents of the area - has been pulling one over on all of us suckers. Brutal I know but reality is reality.

And now the Realtors Association - the association that is supposed to be looking out for Realtors and the residents of Palm Beach County - announce their support for this guy?  This is beyond reason to me.  The email is as follows and I copy and pasted this portion directly from their email:

·         RAPB Political Election Slate - The decisions and actions of elected officials affect how real estate is bought, sold, financed, taxed and more. That is why RAPB takes the time before the elections to speak directly to each candidate in order to give members recommendations that will assist in making informed decisions. RAPB strongly encourages all Realtors^® to vote on Tuesday, August 26^th and November 4^th and let the real estate industry's priorities be known.The RAPB Board of Directors recommends support of the following political candidates for office:

US Representative, District 19- Robert Wexler

There were many other candidates listed that I removed to try and keep this post somewhat smaller - even though I know it is a long one!!! But he was THE FIRST name listed!!! 

So, as a member of the RAPB and a resident of Palm Beach County for 21 years and a life long Florida (3rd Generation FL Native) resident I felt compelled to email the RAPB regarding this insane decision.  My email is as follows:

 RAPB Board Members,

I just wanted to say that I am shocked to see RAPB's support for Robert Wexler after everything has come to light about his living situation, his abuse of our state taxes and his unwillingness to purchase a residence in the county.  We are the Realtors Association supporting a guy who has not even lived in the area for 10 years?  That does not make any sense at all to me.  The guy should be BUYING in our area (not renting) and paying taxes and everything else a home owner does in our area.  Instead he hides behind his in-laws property and now RENTS an apartment to try and satisfy the uproar that has been made about this situation?  And WE - THE REALTORS ASSOCIATION supports him?  Not me!!!   And I am sure many others will feel the same when they see this. 

 To put this in the email:

The decisions and actions of elected officials affect how real estate is bought, sold, financed, taxed and more. That is why RAPB takes the time before the elections to speak directly to each candidate in order to give members recommendations that will assist in making informed decisions.

 Seems funny to me since Robert Wexler does not buy, sell, finance, pay taxes on or do anything else with regard to real estate in Palm Beach County!!!!  He has been abusing the system for tax purposes and misleading his constituents for all these many years. He should be ashamed as should the RAPB for throwing their support behind this guy.

I appreciate everything the RAPB tries to do and does do for its members and the folks who live in our beautiful communities in Palm Beach County but this one is a BIG issue and Robert Wexler is a stain on our community in my opinion. I am disappointed to see your support placed behind this person.  Please feel free to forward this to all board members.

 Thanks.

One of your loyal dues paying RAPB members and full time Realtor,

BB

I will update the post if I do hear a response to this email.

As always, thanks for reading and your comments are always appreciated! Fire away...

There has been constant back and forth about taxes in Palm Beach County.  Many have moved out, the schools have seen a decrease in students and I had even heard of some teachers being let go!  Crazy.  Especially since my own brother is an elementary school teacher. I have personally helped some teachers and police officers move from Palm Beach County north to Martin County so they can find better priced homes and lower taxes.  Looks like this is all changing. 

With the increase in foreclosure properties, short sale / pre-foreclosure opportunities and overall lowered property values, combined with the latest breaks on taxes, Palm Beach County is looking better and better for families, investors and the current residents. It is about time the County Commission did some things to help everyone out! 

In the past election cycle the residents of the county voted to lower taxes and increase the homestead exemption doubling it from $25,000 to $50,000 for next year!  Most recently the County Commissioners have been considering raising taxes for the county again!!!  With strong support of the community and the Realtors Association, I am proud to say that the County Commission unanimously voted to set the maximum tax rate at $3.7811 per every $1,000 of taxable value.  This results in a decrease in taxes when combined with the doubled homestead exemption. 

The following is an email I just received from the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches:

After months of hard work Palm Beach County's property tax rate will not increase!

Thank you for your help

and

 Commissioner Kanjian for leading the battle

The commission unanimously voted to set the maximum tax rate at $3.7811 for every $1,000 of taxable value. This results in a tax decrease!

At this rate, the owner of a home valued at $350,000 this year, with a homestead exemption, will pay $1,174.03 in taxes to the county next year. That's because the homestead exemption is doubling to $50,000 while most homes' taxable assessments are rising 3 percent. This does not include taxes paid to the school board or other taxing districts.

So things are looking brighter here in Palm Beach County.  If you are interested in living, investing or selling to upgrade in Palm Beach County, please do not hesitate to contact me!

And for all my friends here on AR, I also do referrals!!!!!

***7/21/2008****  Announcing HUGE Prcie Reduction.  Was $3,999,000.00.  Now reduced by $499,000.00!!!!!  New Asking Price is $3,500,000.00.  This is THE deal in this area.  Gotta see this!!!!!

Calling all investors, developers, boaters, vacationers, corporate buyers, etc... Come see this or contact me for more info.  This is a great opportunity.  

 The Admiral's Club!  Property is middle property with boats in slips and yes, that is the Atlantic Ocean in the background.  Just a couple short blocks to walk to dip your toes in the sand and about 60 miles in your boat to the West End of the Bahamas!  Boaters should be drooling right about now!

The above building is the eastern most building on the property.  This building has 4 units in it.  All units are the same with 2 bedrooms, living room, 1 bathroom and a full kitchen w/ eat-in area!! NICE!!!!

Above we find the middle building.  This building contains 3 units.  The bottom 2 units are the 2 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen and living room units.  The entire top level has been converted into a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, kitchen unit.  Beautiful.  Look at the boats on the water in the Intracoastal Waterway from the balcony on both buildings!

Above we see the interior of the apartment units.  All are stylish and spacious.  Here we see the living room with the door ways to the 2 bedrooms. To the left is the kitchen and eat-in area. 

 The above picture captures the studio apartment and the single family home. To the right of the shot is the studio which shares a wall with the home.  This studio has living area, kitchenette and bathroom.  The single family has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, an awesome teak wood kitchen (boaters!), dining room, living room, family room and a 1 car garage. Bring the wall down between the home and the studio and make the home even larger!  The gate to the left leads you to a nice open BBQ and lounge area with a rock waterfall which falls into a rock hot tub on the water overlooking the water and boat docks.  I have personally BBQ'd here with the owners and the sunsets and relaxation level is unmatched!!!

The above photos says it all!  5 newer boat slips,a dock and fishing pier at the end.  Slips can hold vessels over 50 ft for deep water and there is the possibility to add more boat slips through a variance. FYI for those of you not on the water or in FL, boat slips can go for as much as a couple hundred thousand dollars in this area!  Under this dock is an artificial living reef!  When the old dock was demolished, the cement and stones were constructed under the new slips and have sea life living there year round - eels, fish, rays, etc...  Just unreal.  Local dive shops actual rent this space out to teach classes sometimes!!  

I am happy to present to you - The Admiral's Club - Singer Island Intracoastal Waterfront! Asking $3,999,000.00. Now $3,500,00.00!!!!!!!!!

Intracoastal Waterfront Opportunity for investors/builders/developers--Closest point 2 Bahamas--Direct Ocean Access Through Palm Beach / Lake Worth Inlet--5 Newer Boat Slips. Put 5 plus boats in slips and around.  Zoned RMH-15 for Residential/Hotel/Motel/Single Family.

More Info here - http://listing.loopnet.com/14823795

Highly desirable and rapidly expanding island. This is THE opportunity you serious buyers and boaters have been seeking. Priced right and owners ready to sell. Bring your boaters and water lovers to see this property. You will be happy you did! So many options with this property - rental property, family compound, covert to condos, redevelop 3 story town homes, corporate retreat, etc... Land value on this alone is huge and will only go up up up!! Also have information on zoning, variance procedure, survey, complete building breakdowns, current rental breakdowns (which is low for area), DEP approval and stamps for the newer slips, survey of slips and more photos.  Let's get this sold.  Seller's are open to consider all reasonable offers!!!

Don't mean to bother everyonewithone of my newest listings but this one is a must see.   I wish I had 10 more of these listings not only because of the price and the great property but because this one has the phone ringing off the hook and the email coming in heavy.   Now if only one of them would buy it!! Of course I would LOVE to make this sale happen with one of my fellow AR friends!! So grab your investors, groups and large buyers.  Check it out and see what you think. 

Calling all investors.  Here is a GREAT opportunity to own an income producing duplex and triplex community in West Palm Beach, FL.  That's right I said COMMUNITY.  This property consists of 31 units together as a community and 12 more units located 3 streets to the East of the 31 units. 

31 Units on 54th Trl S

12 Units on Laura Ln

All 43 Units

 The breakdown of units is as follows:

• 2 Units @ 3 bed / 2 bath
• 33 Units @ 2 bed / 2 bath
• 8 Units @ 2 bed / 1 bath
• Total of 43 Units

These units are very, very well kept and clean.  2 of the owners live on-site and maintain the property on a daily basis. When renters move they will replace carpets, appliances if necessary, paint and make any repairs needed to bring the unit up to nice condition.  The owners have given many units new roofs, exterior paint, replaced soffits with new wood and paint and pressure clean as well. Lawn and landscaping alive and well - fresh and green.  Again, this is a very well cared for property.

The folks living in these units are on annual leases.  Some of these renters have been here for years.  Others have just signed new leases.  All units are rented out minus 2 units that the owners occupy and live in, one that is used as the management office and one unit that is open for showings.  Rental rates vary from one unit rented out at $650/M to others rented out at $850/M.  These are all below other like units in the area. Many units in the area rent for $900 to over $1,000 a month and many are in inferior condition to these units.  The rental breakdown as it stands today (7/17/08) is as follows:

• # of Units       Rent/month             Total
• 13        @         $850                 $11,050.00
• 1          @         $825                 $825.00
• 12         @         $800                 $9,600.00
• 2          @         $775                 $1,550.00
• 9          @         $750                 $6,750.00
• 2          @         $725                 $1,450.00
• 1          @         $650                 $650.00
• 40        @Avg. $796.88 / M = $31,875 / Month = $384,500.00 / Y

Again, if these rents were adjusted to just an average of $850 /M at 40 units your total would be $34,000.00 /M = $408,000.00 / Y.   At $900 a month, your figures would be 40 units @ $900/M = $36,000.00/M = $432,000.00 / Y.   And if you were to rent out all 43 units annually at $900 /M then your numbers jump to $38,700 /M = $464,400.00 /Y.  Adding nearly $100,000.00 per year to the income the property currently generates. Move those rents to $1,000 / M and well, you get the idea.

The owners will consider selling off the 31 units by themselves at $3,100,000.00 and the 12 units at $1,100,000.00.  They are open to offers and the property has been receiving some really good traffic since it went on the market just a couple weeks ago.  If you are an investor, member of an investment group, real estate broker , agent, mortgage broker, lender, etc... then this is one property you MUST consider.  On the following link there are some additional photos of the property to view and you can also see this great property on LoopNet here - http://listing.loopnet.com/15758859 . 

Thanks and I look forward to your comments, suggestions and offers!

I sent a potential buyer a message the other day on Trulia.  This person asked the question - is Royal Palm Beach a good place to raise kids?  How are the schools and is it safe?  This came from a single mother with 3 kids so I can understand her desire and need for a nice family neighborhood and great schools for her kids.  This is what we all want, right?

A couple others had responded to this question and one person went on to say that Royal Palm is basically rural and dirt roads.  He was obviously trying to push her to Wellington which is the neighboring Village and another beautiful place to live and raise a family.  I also serve this area as well.  But I found it funny since I have been living in the Wellington / Royal Palm Beach area for 8 years now and have only driven down a couple dirt roads which are all in the horse country area of The Acreage.  The Acreage is a beautiful place - more rural.  Homes from older to brand new.  Everyone has around 1.25 acres or larger.  There are also small farms, orange groves and nurseries but this is mainly a residential family area.  These people just want a bit more land and no HOA.  Trust me, this is not some po-dunk area.  Some of these homes are high dollar, beautiful places with garages large enough to house your 40 ft. RV, and 4 cars and horse stables for your 4 or 5 horses.   Hey, my in-laws live there and they are from Chicago!!!  No horses on their property but my father in-law - an avid golfer - did make a small par 3 course between his property and his neighbors so we will often hang out back and play some up and down (you golfers know what I am talking about!)

So back to my letter.  Here it is:

I am a Realtor living and working in Royal Palm Beach.  I am a 3rd generation FL native and have lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, New Smyrna Beach, Tampa and St. Petersburg and I love Royal Palm.

 I have to disagree with the first answer but will say that Wellington is a beautiful place and it is our neighboring city / Village and it is known as one of the centers of the Equine world.  I work in this area and help people buy and sell homes in Wellington often.  Wellington plays home to the Winter Equestrian Festival and top level Polo so it has its share of acreage too. 

 As far as Royal Palm Beach goes, yes, there is the Acreage and Loxahatchee which are mainly 1.25 acre parcels and larger - some with ponds. There are also dirt roads in this area as well but the people living in these areas want it that way as they ride horses and like the country living.   But there are also many great family style neighborhoods.  Some newer and some a little older.  Some with HOA's and some without.  And prices are very affordable now.  For newer with HOA there are neighborhoods such as the ones listed by the above agent as well as Madison Green, Porto Sol which is under construction, Crestwood which is a great area and the is around $20 a month there, Bella Terra and Olympia are some others that are newer and have the HOA's.  There are many more.  Unfortunately in some of these neighborhoods you will find that many living there are renters due to speculative buyers and some people don't like to buy a home and have renters living all around them.  Could happen in any neighborhood but seems to be a lot of this in Olympia and some others.  That being said I know people who are buying there and this means more owners will be taking residence there which could be a great thing.

 Then there are great neighborhoods without HOA's such as La Mancha, The Willows, areas of Crestwood, etc... and within walking distance to schools and parks.  Willows and La Mancha actually have their own parks within the neighborhoods for the residents to enjoy - and we do! Many great sports leagues and other things for kids and parents to do and meet new friends here in Royal Palm.  Top level youth baseball, softball, football and soccer. 

 There are so many parks (over 15 in this 11 sq/mile area of Royal Palm) The Village planners reserve 7.5 acres of park space per 1,000 residents so there is no lack of parks and fun things to do.  They also have many celebrations, Green markets, Halloween parties, Veterans Day celebrations, 4th of July parties, etc... in these parks for families to enjoy.  Then there are times when they will have musicians playing in different parks jsut for pure entertainment.  I have a friend who lives here wiht his family and is a musician.  He and a few others will bring their equipment and guitars to the new Veterans Park and play songs and sing some Saturday mornings.  We all bring the kids out and they enjoy the spray ground at the park while our friends entertain.  It really is an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning.

 The schools are excellent.  A rated and full of great staff.  I am currently helping a couple teachers from 2 different elementary schools find homes and my own child has been in H.L Johnson Elementary School since Kindergarten.  We love the school and the staff and my child enjoys going to school and is excelling there.  Great staff, activities, family nights, etc...  Plus A rated for years and years.  My neighbor's kids went there.  They are both now in their mid 20's and it was A rated when they attended so they have a high standard and maintain it well.

 So yes, Royal Palm has many great options for you and many terrific schools for you kids to learn at and parks to play in.  It has the small town feel but close proximity to West Palm Beach (Downtown and City Place) and Wellington (Wellington Green Mall).  Feel free to contact me is you would like help in finding the right home in the area.

Hope this was helpful and somewhat enjoyable!!! Thanks for stopping by...

I have not posted in a loooong time but thought this would be a decent topic to get back into the game with. My buyers are picking up and there is action but not like it should be considering the amount of deal out there right now.  I have been having the same conversation with many people almost daily.  The same question comes up over and over again -

"Should I buy now or will the prices still keep going down?"

Yeah.  Maybe. Who knows? Maybe your crystal ball is more clear than mine is.  All I can say is that the prices are low, so are interest rates (historically); there are many, many deals to be had, foreclosures, short sales, seller concessions, etc... and if you want to buy a home - now is a great time to do it.  Period. Who was it that said, "It is always a good time to buy real estate."? I forget - I am sure someone will let me know! But now is for sure.

Yes, prices will continue to drop as more short sales become foreclosed properties and sellers realize this is not 2005 and they must price appropriately to compete against all the short sales and foreclosures.  Once all of this happens and the extra supply becomes less, then prices will even out - stop dropping.  But that might be a year away. Maybe less, maybe more. Again, my crystal ball is too cloudy today to see that far. 

I know there will be those who are going to send me comments on how now might not be the best time for people in this situation or that (if their situation is that dire then it may never be a good time for them to buy!) but in general - now is a good time to buy people.  I see it every day in the deals I am helping my buyers with. Last week we closed on 2 town homes.  One closed at $103K with $5K back to cover buyers closing costs.  This same unit sold for $179,900 in 2005.  Is that not a good buy?  The other was sold for $140K. Similar units were being bought in the high $200K's just a year and a half ago.  Today I executed a contract on a house that appraised at the end of last year for $290K.  Buyer is going into it at $203K with closing cost assistance from the sellers.  And yet another contract I am submitting tomorrow is for $350K on a 3500 sq/ft, 5 bedroom, 4 bath, 3 car garage home which was selling in the high $600K's just 2 years ago.  Again - a good deal and none of them are short sales or bank owned!! Easy deals that close quickly for my buyers.

And we (real estate professionals) should be screaming it from the rooftops. Obviously we can't leave it up to the media scare mongers out there.  They are too busy trying to scare the hell out of the general public by telling them there are 5,000 named hurricanes going to happen so go to Home Depot and spend spend spend those checks the Government sent, we will all be flooding this year, gas will be $10 a gallon soon, all the political candidates are crazy / liars / stupid (depending on who you support and what news channel you watch), global warming will kill us all (because we all know there were no ice ages, dinosaur extinctions or other extreme environmental conditions before humans were on the planet - not that we have been helping...), the 6% commission is etched in stone and Realtors are not worth the money!!  AHHHH - it makes me sick.  Why not tell lawyers, doctors and other licensed professionals to lower their prices?  I mean a 10 minute doctor visit costs a couple hundred bucks?  I dislocated my should a year ago and literally saw a doctor for all of 3 or 4 minutes at the hospital but the doctor charge was $900!!!!  For a couple minutes!!!  Why can't we negotiate those prices?  He really did nothing anyway for me - the nurses helped a lot but he did nothing. An attorney will charge you $250 - $300 or more for an hour to talk or write up some paperwork.  And there are good and bad in those professions to!!!!!  But Realtors are the major issue in these poor economic times.  I hope you are catching the sarcasm.

I, as a full time professional working in real estate daily, know that now is a great time to buy and I tell everyone that now is the time.  I use the "Blue Light Special" as an example all the time.  I let people know "Now is the Blue Light Special on real estate."  This helps people relate to "savings" or a "good buy". Get their minds thinking in the right direction.

Then of course there is the "I want to hold off on buying until the market starts to turn!"  This to me is CRAZY!! It is turning NOW!! We are in the turn - wake up and get with it people.  Get in the "here and now" not the "what was" or the "I think will be".

I just don't understand why people view real estate purchases differently from other investments.  It simply makes no sense. Yes, it can be the largest purchase you make but the approach should be the same - buy low - sell high!!!

Why was this same person willing to buy a place when the market was on fire?  They would have been buying the property at its high price point.  Now they can buy the same one for far less. Far far less with less out of pocket due to willing sellers, short sales and foreclosures!  HELLO?? Now YOU can go buy that same house that was purchased 2 or 3 years ago for $500K or $600K.  That's right you can buy that same house - probably in a short sale or from the bank out of foreclosure - for far less.  Again, I have been helping buyers purchase homes that sold for $500K or $600K a few years ago for $300K's and low $400K's now.  And these are NOT short sales - these are motivated sellers who are willing to make a deal and probably pay off most or all of your closing costs.  So why is it not a good time to buy again? 

I guess the point of this post is that we (those of us in the real estate, mortgage, lending professions) should all be spreading the word to everyone we know and through every outlet we can find.  I think NAR should be doing major advertising campaigns on-line, in print, the radio and on television directed at buyers and buyers only right now. Local boards should be holding information events at large local events in their markets to educate the public about CURRENT market conditions. Of course they could hit on the facts about Realtors and how we help sellers and buyers get better pricing, negotiate rebates, introduce you to licensed and proven inspectors, contractors, mortgage professionals and attorneys, guide you through the stressful time of buying or selling, help you to understand the contracts, provide and explain addendum's such as mold, termites, make sure all paperwork is completed correctly and all funds accounted for, price a property correctly to move, show you current market conditions, etc... but if they did major efforts to attract buyers and change the mindset out there and let everyone know it is buying time then the sellers would be coming to us to utilize our professional services in droves.  They would want the help and realize that buyers are going to have a professional representing them through negotiations and contracts - and they should have one too. 

Seriously, why are there not major major efforts going on right now?  Maybe there are but I have not seen any.  Other than the "clean up" actions they try to do after 60 minutes or 20/20 runs a piece ripping Realtors to shreds.  Why wait?  Why can't they do something on their own to educate the public instead of trying to band aid every negative story that comes out about our profession and the market? 

Why are NAR and our local associations not PROACTIVE instead of REACTIVE all the time?? Seriously, let's get PROACTIVE and MAKE SOME CHANGES instead of waiting for the media to bash our profession and our market and then react.

It is not enough to sit around and wait for the market to turn around with the attitude "Oh, this market will change.  Its just a cycle and we are heading into a low point in the cycle." Man do I hate hearing those same lame talking points - thanks Captain Obvious!!  That is the laziest, no action taking response I have ever heard.  Lay down and let the market run you over?  No way. Let's make it change.  We cannot sit back and wait for the media or anyone else to spread the word for us (my fellow professionals).  We must start at the grassroots level and work up from there.  And if it is hitting a low point then why would you not buy - if you were in the position to do so. 

Maybe then NAR and the others who are "looking out for Realtors" will start a major, major push to turn things around for the real estate market. Maybe they will really LOOK OUT FOR REALTORS!!!!

In closing I would say that if you are a renter with a decent job, decent credit and a little cash in the bank or have a relative who would like to help you get into your first place then you should be seeking out a mortgage professional or calling a Realtor who can direct you to a few for GFE's (Good Faith Estimates - these are FREE) to see what kind of programs you qualify for.  First time home buyers assistance, Government Grants - there are a slew of programs out there to help you out.

Or, maybe you are a person or couple who have been in the same house for a few years.  You bought it right (maybe in 2003 or before) at a decent price and did not refi, refi, refi it and pull out all of your equity or get yourself upside down.  Maybe you have been at your same job for a few years and you both make a decent income.  Maybe you just had a baby or a second one and want to upgrade to a bigger home.  Now is a great time to do that!!  Especially in places like Palm Beach County with the drastic price reductions and the portability of homestead.  Again, if you are in this scenario you should really be thinking about now as a good time to move forward - to start looking!  And this goes for you professionals, Government workers, teachers, cops, firefighters, nurses - you all should be looking around now if you are currently renting or need more space in your home.

Go ahead - fire away!!!

Intracoastal FL 1/1 Condo for $125,000??? YES!

This is to update this past post.  This property has now been lowered to $125,000.00!!!!  Yes, that is right, $125K!! This is down from the original low price of $135K which was already low low low! This seller wants to sell and will also do a lease to own if needed!!!! 

If you have a a buyer or are a buyer who is single, a married couple without kids or a retiree who is looking for a vacation condo in FL that is close to everything WPB has to offer and directly across the street from the Intracoastal Waterway with the beach just over the bridge - THIS IS IT!!!  See the below description and then call me!! 

I hinted on this property on one of my last blogs - http://activerain.com/blogsview/233815/Season-Is-Coming-My but thought I would do a full piece on it to show more detail.  This is a waterfront building located just across the street from the Intracoastal Waterway. Just over the small bridge is a nice bird sanctuary and a small public beach area.  Just a bit further East and you are on Palm Beach Island with world class beaches and world class shopping - Worth Ave.  Just to the north and literally 2 minutes away is the areas finest shopping and entertainment areas which include City Place - http://www.cityplace.com/ and Downtown West Palm Beach - http://www.westpalmbeach.com/clematis/index.html - which is home to the main business district, nightlife, arts and the weekly arts, music and family festival - Clematis By Night - http://www.clematisbynight.net/ .

This is a 1 bedroom 1 bath condo w/ kitchen and living room. Nice small building so not a lot of people all over the place and quiet living with only 3 floors and a beautiful pool that is just the right size for this building.

The unit is located on the second floor. The east end of the second floor walkway provides views that you would pay big bucks for here in Palm Beach County. To the east and the south you have expansive views of the Intracoastal waterway and you can watch boats go by all day long.

Living Room:

Kitchen:

Bathroom:

Bedroom with 2 floor to ceiling closets and leads to the enclosed back porch / sitting area which is perfect for relaxing, storage or a home office:

Pool:

This is the small bridge you can walk or drive over to the beach you can relax at in the evening, mid day picnic, fishing or just enjoying the South Florida sun:

Beach over the bridge with Palm Beach in the background:

Another water shot and that is downtown West Palm Beach to the left and a small island to the right:

So there you have it.  All you could want to enjoy the true South Florida lifestyle for under $140,000.00.  This is perfect for the seasonal owner, single person or anyone who wants to live near the beach for minimal cost. If you or a client has interest - please feel free to contact me - Billy B!! 

I posted this a while back and did not get much response so I am posting it again and adding more information to see if I can get some feedback.  

I know you are all over the country and specialize in all things real estate.  So I figured this would be a good place to try and get some feedback.  Please let me know on the below.  Your time to respond is very appreciated and will prove very useful to me.  I woudl love to hear your input and suggestions. Thanks and here it is:

1) Are you an agent, broker or firm that specializes in or often works with properties on the water- ocean, gulf, great lake, intracoastal, islands, etc...? No man made community lake properties but actual waterfront properties.  Listing and assisting buyers, sellers and investors with these property types.

2)Are you an agent, broker or firm that specializes in or often works with properties on or near mountains - cabins, ski resort areas, Rocky, Smokey Mountains, etc...? Not properties in the surrounding areas or suburbs but properties literally on the side of a mountain with mountain type views. Listing and assisting buyers, sellers and investors with these property types.

3)If you are either of the above, do you have any societies, groups, industry associations, etc... that you belong to that focus solely on real estate professionals who sell waterfront or mountain side properties and the buyers and sellers in those markets?

4) Would you have interest in a centralized online location for these 2 specific niche types and an exchange of ideas, referrals and a national MLS of these property types only and the professionals who work with them? Marketing materials for these specific property types and databases of potential buyers and sellers of these property types?

If you are a professional who works with waterfront or mountain properties anywhere in the country, please take a minute and let me know. I am very interested to learn about these specialties and the experts who specialize in them. I am in FL and work with some waterfront properties myself.

But to be completely above board and honest, I am working with some folks in an attempt to create something very unique and beneficial to these specific niche agents, buyers and sellers. This is out of personal need and thought it would be beneficial to all of the professionals in the country who have these specific niche areas of concentration with their business and even the agent who picks up one of these property types here and there. I know that a buyer of waterfront property (who I work with) will often purchase a cabin or something in the mountains for skiing or just pleasure and the owners of the cabins or ski resort properties will purchase waterfront for the same purpose.  I often have clients who buy waterfront and then ask me about log cabins but I do not have a specific person or online location to help them with.  I also have buyers who sell here in FL and look to other areas to purchase something in the mountains and more away from the "hustle and bustle of S FL".  If I had a specific location online - again like a national MLS of these property types, then this would be extremely beneficial to me and my clients.  What do you think? Would this help your business or equal more referral business for you? 

I can get into this much more in detail for those who are interested to hear about it but I believe this would be a HUGE help and streamline business for these niche professionals - myself included - and the buyers and sellers we work with.  I also believe this would be a tremendous benefit for referral business.  If I could log onto a specific site - like a national MLS - and view these properties (waterfront and mountainside ONLY) then it would be extremely helpful to me and my clients. And, if the general public could log on and see these specific property types ONLY then their search and reach to the professional would be that much more streamline. 

Again, I can get very deep into it with those who are interested and the website is laid out and ready to go into production.  I am just curious how many would view this of interest, if it was done the right way and to benefit these professionals - people like myself and many of you here on AR who utilize the Internet for information, business and referrals. Your feedback, input and ideas are very appreciated.

Hey all.  First I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the people of S CA.  Having lived in Pacific Beach for a bit, working in LA and enjoying the CA lifestyle I must say that this is an extremely sad situation and completely devastating for homeowners, people and the economy. 

Being 3rd generation FL Native and lifelong resident (other then my short stint in CA) I find it a bit - what's the word I am looking for? - not funny - anyway it seems a bit (insert word) to me that people's main objection to FL is the hurricanes. I have been through only a few in my 32 years here and there are only a couple major ones that I remember.  The oldest - in my time that I remember vividly - was Andrew and then the few a couple years ago.  But compared to mud slides, wild fires, earthquakes(happen often in CA), blizzards, heating up your car to go to work, etc...(in the North East) that other states have, I will take the few hurricanes any day.  At least we have good notice and time to board up and get out if need be.

But all that is beside the point and in no way, shape or form am I trying to make light of the situation.  Right now, as you sit and read this, there are people loosing everything they have.  Their homes, cars, videos of the wedding and kids births, the photos of the fun times and vacations, family pets, etc... total devastation.  So say a prayer for the folks there and donate if you can.

Here are 3 photos sent from a friend in S. CA from his balcony. Scary stuff to see thus coming your way! God Bless them!

This is to update this past post.  This property has now been lowered to $125,000.00!!!!  Yes, that is right, $125K!!  This seller wants to sell and will also do a lease to own if needed!!!! 

If you have a a buyer or are a buyer who is single, a married couple without kids or a retiree who is looking for a vacation condo in FL that is close to everything WPB has to offer and directly across the street from the Intracoastal Waterway with the beach just over the bridge - THIS IS IT!!!  See the below description and then call me!! 

I hinted on this property on one of my last blogs - http://activerain.com/blogsview/233815/Season-Is-Coming-My but thought I would do a full piece on it to show more detail.  This is a waterfront building located just across the street from the Intracoastal Waterway. Just over the small bridge is a nice bird sanctuary and a small public beach area.  Just a bit further East and you are on Palm Beach Island with world class beaches and world class shopping - Worth Ave.  Just to the north and literally 2 minutes away is the areas finest shopping and entertainment areas which include City Place - http://www.cityplace.com/ and Downtown West Palm Beach - http://www.westpalmbeach.com/clematis/index.html - which is home to the main business district, nightlife, arts and the weekly arts, music and family festival - Clematis By Night - http://www.clematisbynight.net/ .

This is a 1 bedroom 1 bath condo w/ kitchen and living room. Nice small building so not a lot of people all over the place and quiet living with only 3 floors and a beautiful pool that is just the right size for this building.

The unit is located on the second floor. The east end of the second floor walkway provides views that you would pay big bucks for here in Palm Beach County. To the east and the south you have expansive views of the Intracoastal waterway and you can watch boats go by all day long.

Living Room:

Kitchen:

Bathroom:

Bedroom with 2 floor to ceiling closets and leads to the enclosed back porch / sitting area which is perfect for relaxing, storage or a home office:

Pool:

This is the small bridge you can walk or drive over to the beach you can relax at in the evening, mid day picnic, fishing or just enjoying the South Florida sun:

Beach over the bridge with Palm Beach in the background:

Another water shot and that is downtown West Palm Beach to the left and a small island to the right:

So there you have it.  All you could want to enjoy the true South Florida lifestyle for under $140,000.00.  This is perfect for the seasonal owner, single person or anyone who wants to live near the beach for minimal cost. If you or a client has interest - please feel free to contact me - Billy B!!