Boca Raton Real Estate Blog

What They Did Not Teach You in Real Estate School!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:33:53 -0600

We all had to sit through this boring class learn about how many days to turn in a deposit check, and how long you have in order to request an EDO (Escrow Disbursement Order), but what they did not teach you was common sense.

I was reading Jim Crawfords Blog about the Potty Stop, and got me thinking. This is so very true. So I have composed a list of items that Real Estate School should have taught you, but didn't

When showing property please do not show up in Shorts and a Tank Top it may be inappropriate.
Make sure your clients and your self have fully gone to the bathroom prior to showing property. We do not want any accidents when I tell you that you cannot use the bathroom.
When making appointments. Keep them or if you cannot Call to Cancel. If you don't call I expect to read about you in the obituary.
To open the sliding glass door make sure you click to open, and their is no stopper or wooden bar to hold it back. (I just had a realtor break a sliding glass door in my clients home)
When under contract make sure you actually have the escrow deposit checks prior to telling the realtor you have them.
Make sure you do not tell the realtor that your buyer is approved if he or she is not.
When stepping in dog shit or gum outside, make sure you clean it off before entering a home you are showing.
When showing property with children make sure your customers are equipped to handle them so they do not break anything. (Mace can, a hitting stick, and a leash)
Make sure you bring a business card so you may give to the owner or listing agent.
When showing the home do not pull on or tear drapes.
When talking to other realtors remember if you have nothing nice to say do not say it all.
Please remember the objective and that is to get the deal done not who is right or wrong.
Please do not act as a lawyer when trying to represent your client. As they are not a client they are a customer.
Please do not bring your bathing suit and go swimming in the property you are showing. (yes this really happened)
If you have not eaten please do not help yourself to the my client's food in the refrigerator.
If it is a hot day, and you see bottles of water in the refrigerator THEY ARE NOT YOURS so please do not let your clients take them.
Please return phone calls within 4 days. After 4 days it becomes very rude.
If you do not know the answer to a question do not make it up.
If there are pets in the home do not let them out of the home. If you accidentally do so then call the agent to let them know.
If there is an alarm code please do not forget it, and when the alarm goes off do not just decide to go on to the other house without letting anyone know.

Most of these scenarios happened to all of us. You think that we would have some common sense, but many do not. Here is wishing we all need to go Back to Real Estate School.

FHA Limits Decreasing in Florida?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:30:35 -0600

With all the problems with the financing industry, FHA has been a savior for many buyers especially first time home buyers. FHA temporarily increased the FHA limits in Palm Beach County to $423,500. To purchase a home for around that number you would basically get a 3 or 4 bedroom home, 2300 square feet in an average community. Now they are decreasing it to $345,000 effective January 1st, 2009. This is absurd. It is going to force many buyers to rent instead of buy. We need to make a permanent fix to the FHA limits as well as the jumbo limits. That will definitely help our real estate market. If FHA would be a little more like conventional, and create requirements for the increased loan amount it would help the real estate market rather than hurt it.

For example: If you would like a $345,000 loan than you need a 580 credit score, and 3 months reserves. If you want a $423,500 loan you need a 620 credit score and d6 month reserves.

The government has bailed everyone out including the banks, and now the car industry, but what they have not done is bailout the consumers. They have made it worse for the consumer not better. They should use some of the bailout money to subsidize the FHA loans and increase the loan amounts not decrease them.

Are You Ready for a Good Season!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:09:01 -0600

In my local real estate market in Boca Raton, and Highland Beach FL it is very seasonal. Many of the Highland Beach condos or Boca Raton Country Club Homes sell from December till April. We are definitely gearing up for a great season. While it is getting increasingly colder up North and around the country it is unseasonably warm and pleasant in South Florida. I look at the pending sales and they have increased over the last couple months, and I am noticing a sort of new found feverish perception of the Boca Raton real estate market.

In January we will have a new President.
The media and the so called experts are starting to talk more positively about the real estate landscape.
The stock market is so volatile that many investors are starting to invest in long term real estate.
The builders are realizing it less expensive to build and finish the properties then to have their contractors sit around and do nothing.

So with new construction gaining, a spike in consumer confidence, a new President, and the media talking positively about the real estate market we should see a little spike in our season. How is your local market doing? I am interested in seeing what other markets are doing around the country.

Are We Just Real Estate Prostitutes?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:18:38 -0500

It seems like everyday we need to prostitute oursleves. I mean look at the similarities:

Prostitutes advertise themselves as voluptious, and ready to please

Real Estate Agents advertise themselves as Selling Big Huge Properties, and Aim to Please.

Prostitutes make appointments at hotels

Real Estate Agents make appointments at homes

Prostitutes work for themselves or with an escort agency

Real Estate Agents work for themselves or a brokerage

Prostitutes work the streets, and sometimes the sheets

Real Estate Agents Pound on Doors, work the roads, and sometimes sell the linens and sheets with the home.

Prostitutes give their clients a very big smile upon closing

Real Estate Agents show up with a very big smile at the closing table

Prostitutes promise to show you a good time

Real Estate Agents promise to take very good care of you

Prostitutes may be very good at a 1 and done that keeps you coming back for more (no pun intended)

Real Estate Agents are good at a 1 time sale, and keep you calling for more.

So the moral of the story is maybe we all need to be prostitutes. Actually that may not be a bad hands on training thing. Do you think NAR would have a problem with coming up with the PBR (Prostituting Buyer Representative) Designation?

In all seriousness we need to show our customers the appreciation they deserve. Our customer service for agents have gone way down, and we need to keep them coming back for more!!!

What Halloween and This Election Have in Common?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:56:50 -0500

They are both pretty spooky. We are going into one of the most historical election in this last century, and we still have significant questions about both of the canidates character. That is pretty spooky. Here are some other things I find Spooky.

Barack Obama associates himself with the likes of Tony Rezko, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, and such. That is pretty spooky.
John McCain picked Sarah Palin, and he thought that because he selected a woman for his running mate that women who have supported Hillary Clinton were going to automatically support a McCain/Palin ticket. That is pretty spooky.
BOO Obama scares me with the amount of money he has raised, and some of it cannot be traced. Pretty BooHoo.
McCain looks like he is going to explode when making public experiences. Democrats portray him as a war mongur. He kind of looks the part. Down Right Spooky.
Obama says he is going to lower taxes to 95% of the people including the middle class. The last person who said that was Bill Clinton, and the first thing he did when he became President is he Raised taxes across the board.
McCain is going to tax health care benefits. Won't that increase the amount of the uninsured. It sounds pretty Scary.
Obama is going to "Spread My Wealth" around so people who he deems need my wealth should receive it. I thought this was a country born on Democracy. Sounds like Socialism to me. I should be able to choose who I deem needs my charitable contributions. Government when involved usually does not turn out right.
McCain is going to continue to give tax cuts to Large Oil Corporations. Ummm. John didn't Exxon Mobile turn in 15 billion dollars in the last quarter in profit. I am thinking they do not need it. Scary Spooky.

Does anyone else believe this is a very spooky election? I hope this turns out well. Maybe I will write in Ross Perot. Where is he anyway?

Happy Halloween!!!

Why Boca Raton?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:16:21 -0500

Why Boca Raton?
With so many new homes and communities to choose from, Boca Raton is still the place to be. It seems to be the only city where it is nice, upscale and affluent throughout the city. Boca Raton has character and history. There is that Old Florida Charm when driving through the City of Boca Raton. One of the biggest misconceptions (mainly from Seinfeld) is that only seniors live in Boca Raton. That could not be further from the truth. Boca Raton caters to its family. From the gourgeous Parks & recreation facilities to its beaches to its 4 libraries to its restaurants. In Boca Raton you won't just find a town you want to live in you will find a lifestyle. If you would like to find out more information on Boca Raton from communities, resources including museums, schools, to Boca Raton Homes please visit www.SearchPalmBeachHomes.com, www.HighlandBeachViews.com or www.SunnyBocaRatonHomes.com

Boca Raton Real Estate Agent

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:11:14 -0500

Boca Raton Real Estate Agent

When looking for an agent just do not look for his or her plaques on the wall. Make sure he or she has your best interests at heart. Here are a few questions you should ask.

1: How are you going to market my property?
2: Where do you pull your Buyers from?
3: In a slow market why should I choose you as my Boca Raton Real Estate Agent.
4: Do you have an internet marketing plan?
5: How often are you going to communicate with me?
6: If I have a problem with you can I cancel our listing agreement without penalty?
7: How long is our Listing Agreement?
8: If you bring the buyer and receive the total commission will you discount your commission?
9: Are you a Enhanced Showcase Member of Realtor.com?
10: As my Boca Raton Real Estate Agent, are you going to work hard for me?

These are just a few questions to ask your prospective real estate agent. You should probably interview at least 3. Generally speaking, you should interview one from a large company, one from a small company, and one who sends you a newsletter or postcard of somekind who seems eager to get your business as this is his area of expertise. Maybe the 4th should be someone who you were referred to by a friend or family member that has done business with him.

You may also want to know that this is not a bad market. It is a market where the cream definitely rises to the top and sells. If your home is priced correctly, and is clean, upgraded, and free of clutter your home will sell. You should definitely listen to experts that do not have emotional ties to your furniture or accessories as you may believe your home is clean or shows great, but it may need some tinkering around. Good Selling!!

Who is better for real estate Obama or McCain?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:28:28 -0500

Maybe I am missing something, but I do not believe NAR endorsed anyone as of yet. Neither did my local board RAPB. What are they waiting for? Maybe they want to endorse the canidate that is going to win so they do not feel stupid.

I am so tired of hearing about Joe the Plumber, and my taxes. If you look at both tax proposals they both suck. With Obama he keeps mentioning how he is going to give a tax break to 95% of people, but he is going to close the corporate tax loopholes. Many of those expire in 2010 so what that is going to do is many of us may be a LLC or a PA. We are considered small businesses so it is going to increase our taxes because many of these loopholes we have been benefiting from whether I made 500,000 or 100,000 my taxes will go up. It is the same thing Bill CLinton did. He kept saying how he is going to reduce taxes reduce taxes, and then 4 months into his first term he raised taxes across the board. Do they really think we are that stupid. Democrats raise taxes that is what they do.

John McCain's tax policy continues to give tax cuts to corporations, to big oil companies, and to corporations that continue to send business and manufacturing overseas. He gives nothing to the middle class, and Obama is right about how trickle down economics these days is just not trickling. However, it worked with Reagan.

Obama wants to eliminate the capital gains exemptions, and tax estates from $600,000 instead of the 2 million currently. McCain chose Sarah Palin.

Both canidates just tell us what we want to hear. It sure would be better to do what McCain suggested in the beginning and that was to be more engaging to people across the country, and have 2 townhall meetings a week. This would have really helped in really getting to know where these canidates stand.

For most people voting it is not a vote for it is a vote against. When I ask many of my friends, family or colleagues who they are thinking of voting for. They all say well I just dont trust Obama so I am going to vote for McCain or McCain is a war mongur, and very old so I am going to vote for Obama. I think we should demand a better way, and better canidates.

Obama does not have the experience or the leadership to be President of the United States. McCain is pretty old, and if god forbid anything happened to him most would not feel comfortable with Sarah Palin running the show. Obama is eloquent and charismatic. McCain is a true warrior and statesman with great character. Obama has some associations that we have to question seriously. McCain is so concerned with winning the war despite the possibility of the impossible.

So who is better. I do not know. I guess I am going to write in Ron Paul.

The Shores at Boca Raton

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:03:37 -0500

The Shores at Boca Raton

Established in 1993 and built by Kenco Communities, The Shores at Boca Raton is a premier 330 single family home subdivision located in southwest Palm Beach County that offers paradise the minute you drive through the gate. The grounds of The Shores at Boca Raton are lushly landscaped with thath "Old Florida" charm including Royal Palms throughout the community. The Shores offers the ammenities of a country club without the equity membership, including an upscale clubhouse, modern fitness room, tot lot & playground, kids club, pool area & spa, four lit tennis courts, basketball half-court and much much more. Across the street from South County Regional Park, our community has easy access to additional amenities for those that love the outdoors.. Click this link to access information regarding South County Regional Park.

At the top, you will notice a couple pages about our community and upcoming events. Take a look at these and get involved in the community we call home.

I am Your Residential Shores and Boca Raton Real Estate Specialist. I am putting together The Shores at Boca Raton Business Networking Group. If you live in The Shores at Boca Raton and are interested, we will be getting together for lunch or breakfast to be determined by the group please either email me at DSerle@SearchPalmBeachHomes.com or call me at 561-756-3104. Thank you and please check back frequently as our community information is updated daily.

I Live in The Shores at Boca Raton. I Sell in The Shores at Boca Raton!

Schools

The Shores at Boca Raton offers our children access to the best of the best. Whether it's Sunrise Park Elementary, Eagles Landing Middle School or Olympic Heights High, The Shores at Boca Raton's children receive a wonderful education in the facilities located just minutes from our entrance. There is even a program for gifted elementary students located at Waters Edge, which provides a school bus that picks up and drops off the children in front of the Clubhouse.

Facilities

The heart of The Shores community life is our Clubhouse area, which includes the Kids' Club, Tot Lot, Gym, Multi-Purpose Room, pool, spa, four tennis courts, and a half-size basketball court. There are also six lakes throughout the community for those of you who enjoy waterfront property.

Contact Information

Click here for Clubhouse and Guardhouse contact information

The pool and spa open at dawn, or when the Clubhouse opens (whichever occurs later). Both close at dusk, or when the Clubhouse closes (whichever occurs earlier). Use of the pool and/or spa is at your own risk. The spa is only to be used by people who are 12 years of age or older for safety reasons. There is no lifeguard on duty at any time.

Gym

The fitness equipment is used at your own risk. Children under 15 are not permitted in the gym.

Membership Overview One of the "extras" you receive by living at The Shores at Boca Raton is the use of four tennis courts. The tennis courts are opened at 6:30AM Monday-Friday and 8:00AM on Saturday and Sunday.

Two of the tennis courts have wind screens for your convenience, as well as lights for those of you who would like to play at night.

Be sure to view all the latest listings in The Shores at Boca Raton!

Photos and information courtesy of The Shores at Boca Raton Home Owners Association.

New Floresta Boca Raton

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:59:18 -0500

NEW FLORESTA

New Floresta consists of nearly 200 single family homes all from the mediterranean and spanish colonial style. These styles present a unique divulgence into one of the most sought after communities in Boca Raton. Neslted between the Town Center Mall and some of the most amazing parks and recreation makes for a perfect Central Boca location. From the moment you drive into New Floresta you notice the character of the homes, and the neighborhood. You will find many neighbors walking their dogs, taking a family walk, and adults and children playing outside their home. New Floresta has that real community feel that you do not see in many communities in Boca Raton. Between the Happy hour block parties, and the July 4th get togethers New Floresta is a great place to call home. This is a non-gated community and is close to shopping, A+ rated schools, & places of worship. The maintenance fees are low (around $100 a month) and include basic cable and landscaping maintenance for the community and common areas.

If you would like more information about the community of New Floresta or you would like to see what homes are available please contact me at DSerle@SearchPalmBeachHomes.com

The Excelsior Boca Raton

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:55:33 -0500





THE EXCELSIOR
Boca Raton, Florida

Search Listings in The Excelsior Truly a masterpiece The Excelsior affords the luxury you deserve. Located along "The Magnificent Mile" in Boca Raton these one of a kind turn key residences have
been designed meticulously by Alfred Karrman, II. Designer Marble, Onyx & Woods are lavishly placed in these elegant homes. With only 28 residences, The Excelsior offers some features no other building does. One of the most unique features of these residences is its 9000 square feet of outdoor living. Each residence has a tropical oasis with lush landscaping, 31 foot long inground pool, fountains and strategically placed columns which confirms the ultimate in luxury. The Views are spectacular. With its East West pass through units you are blown away with the panaramic views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Intracoastal and City. This 10 story building has influences of Addison Mizner, and shows in its attention to detail. From its 2 story Magnificent Lobby Entrance to its mediterranean columns and chandeliers, The Excelsior is the "talk of the town". Features & Amenities One of a kind residences with over 4300 square feet of masterful desin & architecture Full Service Concierge & 24 Hour Valet Over 300 feet of private beach that includes a Lagoon Style Pool & Spa, private cabanas, a card room, social room & bar, a state of the art fitness facility & more. Private boat slips up to 100 feet additionally. Sophisticated surveliance and security system that uses finger print technology and motion cameras All residences also have a personal state of the art security system 2 parking spots per unit are assigned Hurricane Impact Floor to Ceiling Windows and French Doors Private Entry Elevators Voted the "Best Address in Boca Raton" by The Home & Garden Magazine along with other awards, The Excelsior is the luxury you deserve. Priced from over 3 million to over 6 million The Excelsior offers you the convenience and amenities you have come to expect from the most luxurious of buildings. Search for the available listings in The Excelsior For more information on The Excelsior or other buildings in Boca Raton or Highland Beach please contact me. Address: 400 South Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33432

The Oaks at Boca Raton

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:52:46 -0500

The Oaks at Boca Raton

The Oaks at Boca Raton is a prestigious community spanning 282 acres of magnficently landscaping in that "Old Florida" Charm. With approximately 469 homes to be built The Oaks at Boca Raton has widely becoming the most popular estate community in South Florida. Prices start at around 900,000 and go up to over 5 million. The Oaks at Boca Raton offers a truly luxurious club lifestyle without the high costs of an equity club. The Oaks Club features a spacious Santa Barbara style of Clubhouse, Tennis Complex with 12 lit courts and tennis pro, Resort Style Pool with cabanas, World Class Spa, Cafe, Children's Wing indoor and outdoor play areas, and a Theatre Room.

For more information on The Oaks at Boca Raton, please contact me or call me at 561-756-3104.

Toscana at Highland Beach Condo

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:51:14 -0500

TOSCANA HIGHLAND BEACH

Highland Beach is a residential community with a year-round population of approx. 4,000 which more than doubles during the season. The season in Florida are the months of December through April.

Toscana is nestled in between the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean, and has become the most prestigious resort style condominum in South Florida. With its dramatic entrance, and luxurious elegance it makes for one of the more popular residences for the rich and famous. There are 455 condo residences in the 3 Towers that make up Toscana ranging in square footage from just over 2000 to well over 5000 square feet in living space. Toscana is one of the only Buildings in Highland Beach that offers a Beach Club directly on the Atlantic Ocean. If you are in the area you can't miss the Maginficence and sheer size of these Towers as they are easily observed from almost anywhere in Eastern Boca Raton, and Delray Beach. For more information on Toscana or for a Private Viewing of Condos in Toscana please Contact me or call me at 561-756-3104.

Below you will find some of the Builder's Features that came standard. However, some owners have customized it significantly. The Deed Restrictions of the community are as follows:

MONTHLY FEE INCLUDES

Common area maintenance
Exterior building
Roof maintenance
Building insurance
Cable TV
Water
Lawn Care
Trash Removal
Pest Control
Security
Manager
Valet Parking

RESTRICTIONS

Pets allowed (2)
Rentals with restrictions
No truck or RV parking
Buyer approval required

Toscana Highland Beach Features

· Formal Rotunda Reception Gallery Foyers

· Luxury 2 and 3 Bedroom Spacious Units

· Spacious Master Bedroom Suite

· Stunning Living Room with Breathtaking Boca Coast Views

Security

· Individual Residence Security Alarm System

· Smoke detectors

· Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors

· 24-Hour Manned Security Entrance

· 24-Hour Manned Lobby

Electrical

· Hi-Efficiency AC And Heating System

· Pre-Wired Cable, Telephone And Facsimile

· Pre-wired for multi-lined phones

· Pre-wired for cable television

· Pre-wired for paddle fans

· Protective GFI outlets in garage, kitchen and bathrooms

Energy Savings

· High-efficiency air conditioning and heating system

· Individual, Quick Recovery Hot Water Heater

· Energy saving factory-tinted windows and sliding doors

· Weatherproofing on all exterior doors

Gourmet Kitchen and Laundry Room

· Full Kitchen Aid built-in appliances package featuring:

· Built-in refrigerator with cabinet panels

· Built-in microwave

· Electric Stove Top

· Built-in self cleaning double-wall oven

· Energy-efficient multi-cycle dishwasher with stainless steel interior

· In-sink food waste disposal

· Poggenpohl ® Kitchen Cabinets

· Granite kitchen counter tops

· Oversized built in pantry providing abundant storage

· Instant Hot Water In Kitchen

Luxurious Master Bath

· Custom Marble Bath W/Elongated 1-Piece Kohler ® Water • Closet/Bidet In Mst Bath

· Luxurious Jacuzzi Tub

· Custom & Raised Vanities With Marble Top

· Oversized and full width framed vanity mirrors with decorative lighting

· Frameless, Glass Enclosed Marble Shower In Master Bathroom

· Designer Faucets

· Shower seat and shampoo recess

· Private toilet room with Kohler one-piece water closet

· Recessed hi-hat lighting

· Oversized, mirrored medicine cabinets

Outstanding Toscana Features...

The Amenities

· Premier location in the Boca Raton, Florida area

· 24-Hour Manned Gated entrance with Electric Gate and tropical landscaping

· State of the art fitness center

· Heated Resort-style pools and Beach Front Mediterranean style clubhouse

· Poolside Chaise Lounge & Towel Services

· Poolside Beverage Service

· Beachside Beverage Service

· Barbeque Area

· Tennis Courts

· 24-HourManned Lobby

· Dramatic Entry With Porte-Cochére

· Valet Parking

· Concierge

· Assigned Covered Parking

· Private High-Speed Elevators With Limited Key Access

· Building Manager On Site

· Business Center

· Media, Entertainment & Function Room

· Social Room With Bar And Serving Pantry

· Card Rooms

· Mail & Package Receiving

· Social Activities

· Men's And Women's Locker Room With Sauna, Steam and Shower

· Catering & Party Planning

· Grocery Delivery Arrangements

· Dry Cleaning Pick-Up and Delivery Arrangements

· Personal Shopper Arrangements

· Apartment-Sitting And Plant Maintenance Arrangements

· Personal Fitness Trainer Arrangements

· Pet-Sitting Arrangements

· Limousine Service Arrangements

· Child Care Arrangements

· Maid Service Arrangements

· Massage Arrangements

· Beauty Salon Arrangements

· Facial and Skin Treatment Arrangements

Interior Features

· 9' High Coffered Ceilings

· Solid Core, Double-Door Entry

· Separate Dining Room for Formal Entertainment

· Spacious Terrace(s)

· Water Purification System

· Powder Room With Pedestal Sink & Elongated Kohler ® Water Closet

· His & Hers Walk-In Closets

· Wet Bar Optional

· On-Premise Storage

· Controlled access Elevators

· Spacious luxury Master Bedroom Suite

· Stunning Living Room With Breathtaking Views

Azura Boca Raton

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:49:30 -0500

Azura Boca Raton

An absolute masterpiece. Gordon Homes is developing 92 estate homes on a former parcel of Royal Palm Polo in Boca Raton. Nesttled in between what is being declared "Millionaire's Row" on Jog Road North of Clintmore, Azura is going to bring an elegance to the already prestigious area.

With its magnificent entrance, and sophisticated Spanish designs this community is soon going to be the talk of the town. Azura is on over 37 acres and will offer 7 home designs. These homes will range from 3800 to nearly 8000 square feet under air, and will be customized with dramatic marble staircases, marble floors, elevators, high volume cathedral ceilings in the foyers, state of the art kitchens with granite countertops and top of the line appliances including natural gas to water heater, dryer, pool heater & generator, central vacuum, hurricane impact windows and doors, back up generators, Heated Pool or Spa (per plan), and much more.

The Resort Style Clubhouse includes a state of the art fitness facility with spa and treatment rooms, and mens & ladies locker rooms, Library, Private Buisness facilities with conference room, Heated Lagoon Swimming Pool, Putting Green, and Interactive Childrens park & Play area.

Azura is a lifestyle, and not just a place to call home. Maintenance Fees include Full Concierge Services, Landscape Maintenance, Clubhouse, Common Area Maintenance, A manned control-accessed gatehouse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and more.

For more information on the Azura Lifestyle or to inquire on homes available in Azura please contact me at DSerle@SearchPalmBeachHomes.com.

Have You Noticed How all The Newcomers Just Blog for Points!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:00:52 -0500

So here we are many of us has been supporting AR for awhile now, and mainly blog and contribute to the success of this great forum (except for this post. Sorry). Now I have found many of my competitors have decided to just post for points. I think it is unfair as it rewards people who post 10 posts a week with nothing of substance versus the person who posts 1 or 2 great posts a week. Not every one can be a Lenn Harley's of the world who contribute with both quality, and many posts. Now she has no shot of being caught as her points are through the roof, but I guess we should increase the word count to 150 in order to receive points or at least 100. We have nmany people posting daily motivational quotes or I can't believe I made it to my 200th post. Anyway, another rant from someone who would rather contribute to this forum then take advantage of it.

Funny Halloween Jokes!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:46:48 -0500

In the spirit of Halloween. I thought these jokes may not be funny, but it should lighten up your mood.

Why Pumpkins are better than Men?

Each year you get a brand new crop to choose from. Also, they are always on the doorstep there waiting to greet you.
How do you address a pumpkin with three heads?

.

Hello, hello, hello.
What did one jack-o-lantern say to the other?
Cut it out!
What is a pumpkin's favorite sport?
Squash
John, a city slicker from Boston, bought a pumpkin patch. He thought that he could make more money from chickens than the previous owner made from pumpkins, so he went to a poultry farm and bought 50 chickens.

'50 is a lot of chickens for that little pumpkin patch,' commented the proprietor. 'I am used to big business' John replied.'

A week later John was back at the farm. 'I need another 50 chickens,' he said. 'Boy, you are serious about this chicken farming,' the poultry farmer told him.

'Oh yes,' John replied. 'It' will be Ok if I can just iron out a few problems.' 'Problems?', asked the farmer. 'Yeah,' replied the John, 'I think I planted that first batch too close together.

Enjoy!!! Happy Halloween!!!

Are you on the Internet Bandwagon or Not?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:24:29 -0500

Let me be the first one to say that I am one of the biggest advocators of the internet, and its potential in increased business. I have however seen an alarming trend. Many agents have become increasingly lazy. I mean to the point where they stay in front of their computers all day waiting for business. Many do not even answer the phones. They either text or email. Isn't real estate a people business? Aren't we actually supposed to speak to people in order to make relationships, and create business?

Since the average agent has only been in the business less then 5 years, many do not know the normal times. They do not know thta we had to beg and plead with people to just get them in your car. Sometimes we even had to promise them Burger King. When we got them in the car we did not let them out until they signed. If we did this in today's world they may call that Kidnapping, but we did business, and a lot of it. We were more savvy. More agressive. Less worried about confrontation or rejection. In this modern real estate market we need to get back to those ABC (Always Be Closing) days.

There is so much business out there, and those who work hard, and go over and above are having banner years. It is those people who were making $500,000 a year, and buying investment properties, and nice cars, and taking lavish trips that are having a hard time at looking towards the future as they always seem to revert back to what was rather then what is and what's to become.

We need the internet. The internet does not need us. We need the internet because:

Consumers demand it. We need an internet presence that portrays our professional image. Consumers want to see properties. They want to research properties before they see them.
It makes our job easier. As I said above because Consumers know the properties they want to see we just have to justify the properties to our consumers so they can make the educated choice. We are not decision makers. We are facilitators.
Advertising on the internet is relatively inexpensive yet very effective if performed correctly.

We don't need the internet because:

It enables us to be complacent.
We tend to forget about getting back to the basics. We forget our roots.
Too much Knowledge is not always a good thing. It can be a dangerous thing.

We do need to find our humble beginnings again. We need to start knocking on doors, canvassing neighborhoods for our clients. We need to use the internet to our advantage, and utilize it as a resource not as a defining way to do business. I hope this post is helpful. We are in this together and although they say not to look back we need to get back to the basics, and in time we will develop our real estate market into a thriving enterprise that it once was.

When Is this Election Going to End?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:52:23 -0500

I just can't take it anymore. Eveytime i turn on the Television a negative attack on one or the other canidate is on. Everyone is talking about well after the election we will have this..., or when this president gets elected we are going to have a great economy. Are people so shallow to think the President matters to our economy. He doesn't. We are going to have some tough years ahead of us no matter who the president. Presidents are basically figureheads, and in most cases ecomomies are cyclical with not much you can do to change it. Yes we need to increase our consumer confidence, and the confidence in our country, but this has become a global economy now so there are many more factors that have to be revisited before our economy starts to stabilize.

Has anyone seen the show Boston Legal? I think that show is amazing. The political innuendos, and little tidbits about both canidates are genius. Plus how can you not like Denny Krane. I think Boston Legal should be a real life election. Maybe then we could have James Spader vs. the "your a hoot guy".

My daily rant is over.

Bailouts They DO Not Work!!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:48:09 -0500

If you are like me then you are tired of hearing about bailouts and financial crisis. I prefer to talk about the positive. With all this negative attention to our markets there has come some greater good.

The old adage applies here. "He who does not learn from history is deemed to repeat it" We all know where this is going.
Competition is a lot less. We locally have lost 30% of our membership with probably another 20% to come after the board and MLS Fees become due early next year.
We are tougher now. Most of us will remember these times, and will reflect on them when considering on living above our means.

We need to build from the ground up, and get stronger with our selling skills, our cooperation with other realtors, and responsibly representing our customers. Till next time. Lets stop reading the news and listening to the media as it may kill our spirit!!

History Repeats Its Self. I guess we Knew about Fannie Mae!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:42:12 -0500

I was looking around in the NY Times Archives, and found this article showing we knew the risks of Fannie Mae, but did nothing about it. This is pretty serious as we predicted exactly what happened. See below the highlighted article.

Fannie Mae Eases credit To Aid Mortgage Lending- New york times

September 3, 1999

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending

By STEVENA , HOLMES

ln a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae

Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.

The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York

metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not

good enough to qualifu for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by

next spring.

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton

In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more

loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough

to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates --

anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.

"Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment

requirements," said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. "Yet there remain too many

borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying

significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market."

Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that l8 percent of the loans in

the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.

In moving. even tentativelv. into this new area of lending. Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk. which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn. prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.

"From the perspective of many people, including me, this is another thrift industry growing up around us," said Peter

Wallison a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. "If they fail. the government will have to step up and ,

bail them out the way it stepped up and bailed out the thrift industry."

Under Fannie Mae's pilot program, consurners who qualiff can secure a mortgage with an interest rate one percentage

point above that of a conventional, 30-year fixed rate mortgage of less than $240,000 -- a rate that currently averages

about 7 .76 per cent. If the borrower makes his or her monthly payments on time for two years, the one percentage point

premium is dropped.

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, does not lend money directly to consumers. Instead, it

purchasesl oans that banks make on what is called the secondarym arket. By expandingt he type of loans that it will buy,

Fannie Mae is hoping to spur banks to make more loans to people with less-than-stellarc redit ratings.

Fannie Mae officials stress that the new mortgages will be extended to all potential borrowers who can qualifi, for a

mortgage. But they add that the move is intended in part to increase the number of minority and low income home

(owners who tend to have worse credit ratings than non-Hispanic whites.

Home ownership has, in fact, exploded among minorities during the economic boom of the 1990's. The number of

mortgages extended to Hispanic applicants jumped by 57.2 per cent from 1993 to 1998, according to Harvard

University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. During that same period the number of African Americans who got

mortgages to buy a home increased by 71.9 per cent and the number of Asian Americans by 46.3 per cent.

In contrast, the number of non-Hispanic whites who received loans for homes increased by 31.2 per cent.

Despite these gains, home ownership rates for minorities continue to lag behind non-Hispanic whites, in part because

blacks and Hispanics in particular tend to have on average worse credit ratings.

In July, the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed that by the year 2001,50 percent of Fannie Mae's

and Freddie Mac's portfolio be made up of loans to low and moderate-income borrowers. Last year, 44 percent of the

loans Fannie Mae purchased were from these groups.

The change in policy also comes at the same time that HUD is investigating allegations of racial discrimination in the

automated underwriting systems used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to determine the credit-worthiness of credit

applicants.

Comments Way Down on AR!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:07:48 -0500

I thought I was a good writer with interesting topics, and good information. Either I am less of a blogger or everyone's comments have been declining almost as much as housing prices. I guess I need to write about something that sells. Maybe you can help me. Let me know a topic I should write about, and I will write it, and perhaps I may get more then 0 comments. The last 3 or 4 posts I had no comments on. I do not typically blog just for points that is why I tend to go a little while before postings. ANyway.

Give me a topic. Come on I can handle it. Try me. You know you want to!!!

Bailout's for Everyone!!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:25:40 -0500

Maybe I am naive, but I am not understanding why we need to bailout banks that have got us in this mess time and time before. The Federal Government is going to buy 700 billion of bad debt from the banks so that the banks can lend and make a profit. If the banks could not get out from under this then what makes the governement think that they can. The government's plan is to hold onto these bad debts till they are worth at least as much as they purchased it for which could be 5 years or more. During that time we as taxpayers are going to frront the money so now important programs are going to be cut, spending will need to be cut, and our taxes will need to go up. How is this good for the American peopl? How is this good for us in the real estate industry?

My plan would be a little different. I am not sure about other real estate markets, but in Boca Raton, FL it is suffering not because of strict lending, but because of the instability of the market, and lack of jumbo financing as well as low limits on FHA. The premise of everyone on the bandwagon, everyone off the bandwagon is in effect. I would propose to double the FHA and Jumbo limit. In our market at least the hardest hit price range is that $500,000 - 1 million price range. In order to purchase a home or condo in that price range you must put down 20% which many of us have lost a lot of money over the last 2 years in both the stock and real estate markets. We simply do not have a lot of cash at hand.

I would also force not just tell banks to negotiate with the people that have the defaulted mortgages. If you gave the benefit to the homeowner instead of a buyer in a short sale situation the banks would receive the interest, and more money in the long run as well. Obviously there would have to be some regulation and guidelines, but this would definitely not be difficult to implement.

The last thing I would do is to reward the homeowners who are not in a default situation by allowing them to renegotiate there balances to today's value. We can have the governement pay for the part of difference that the banks lose, but this way we are forcing banks to work with existing borrowers. By doing this we will:

Decrease our supply of homes by giving advantages to the borrowers to stay. As it sits now the borrower has no reason to not default on the loan. The value is less then what he is paying on, and the banks are not being reasonable so they are forced to short sell or walk away.
No Bailout. We will be funding the deficiency, but we will still be holding the banks accountable for their actions by forcing them to work with borrowers. We will also not be just giving banks money without consequences so they can repeat history like they continue to do every 20 years or so.
Lessen the taxpayers obligations which will free up money to spend on important programs such as healthcare, national security, controlling our borders, stem-cell research, and alternative energy.
Increase the stability of our financial markets by increasing consumer confidence.

We need to get back to basics. My grandfather's generation got it right. They would only spend what they had. Everything was in cash. Nothing was borrowed not even some milk without repaying it immediately. We have become a borrow first country, and if we continue to keep doing this we will be bankrupt just like the banks.

Oh by the way, what happened to all the profits the banks made for the previous 15 years? Where did that money go. I heard that for 24 straight years Countrywide made a profit in every quarter. That is 24 years that is nuts. Yet they went bankrupt with 3 bad quarters. Hmm, makes me think we may not have been fiscally responsible. I say hold these people accountable and put them in jail right besides the Enron executives.

L'Shana Tova to all my Jewish Friends Out There

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:32:47 -0500

I do not claim to be hugely religious, but there are certain days of the year that I honor the tradition of my heritage. Rosh Hashanah is one of them, and the other is Yom Kippur. I am a very hard worker, and never miss any days of work whether I am sick or what have you. I do however take off on Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. I have heard many mutterings around the office that they do not understand why Jews have so many holidays, and take off for them. It is important to understand the Jewish religion in order to answer that question. The Jewish religion has several very Holy Days during the year. The first one is Rosh Hashanah which is the Jewish New Year. Like most of us are off on January 1st, 2008, Jews take off on their Jewish New Year, and as for Yom Kippur this is a Day of Atonement which is the Good Friday of the Jewish Religion.

I hope this explains a little. I want to wish everyone out there a phenomenal last quarter. Till then, L'Shana Tova!

New Floresta Boca Raton

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:06:14 -0500

NEW FLORESTA

If you would like more information about the community of New Floresta or you would like to see what homes are available please contact me at DSerle@SearchPalmBeachHomes.com

What Words and Phrases Are you Tired of Hearing!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:08:07 -0500

I have to preface this post by saying I love my job, and I love politics. However, I did compile a list of words and phrases that I am tired of hearing:

Economy
Political Debates
Sarah Palin
Barack Obama (not tired of hearing the name Joe Biden as we do not really hear from him)
John McCain
Bailout
Banks Failed
Recession
Walk Off Home Run
Financial Crisis
Economic Downturn
My belly is too big
The market is stabilizing
foreclosures
short sales
commission split 50/50
negotiator
bpo
that home not appraise
Why have you not sold my home?

That is just a few of my phrases. Any others?