Boca Raton Homes, Highland Beach Condos, Boca Raton Real Estate Opinions and Advice

You Can't Want the Deal to Close More than Your Buyer!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:46:26 -0600

It is the first thing many of us were taught in the real estate business. I can hear my mentor 10 years ago say now "You Can't Want the Deal to Close More than your Buyer or Seller".

We all know this, but why don't we always practice this?

We need the deal to close because we need the lights on. We must pay the electric bill on the day of closing.
We have such a vested interest in the deal closing because in our mind we already cashed the check.
We need the deal to close because the last day to pay for private school is the day of closing.
We need the deal to close so we can continue to take showers. We all know the water companies are ruthless and if we do not pay the water bill than it is going to be a little harder to sell real estate without taking a shower for a week or two.
We need the deal to close because we do not want to continue to eat maccaroni and cheese and roman noodles for dinner. The kids are getting tired of jelly sandwiches too.
We need the deal to close so when the ice cream truck comes around we can afford to buy our kids a Chipwich.
We need the deal to close so we can pay back thee family and friends you borrowed from last month citing this deal would close on this date and I will pay you back then. I promise.
We need the deal to close so we can stay in this business and continue to provide for the family. We love the real estate business so we do not want to leave it.
We need the deal to close because our dog has cancer and needs surgery.
We need the deal to close so we can go on a vacation as we have not been on a vacation since last Thursday.

We all want to take care of our clients, and sometimes our fear of losing the deal dictates how we react to our client, and perhaps is not in the best interest of our client. The amazing thing here is that if you truly take care of your client, and do not fear losing the deal it comes back 10 fold.

Buyers are very sophisticated now. Even the retired school teacher from the midwest will try and steal a home in South Florida. They will have all the statistics and information about the market. Buyers are very sophisticated.

Since Buyers are so sophisticated you must make sure you have their best interest or not only will you lose that buyer, but you will also lose your reputation. In order to stay in the business and be successful take care of your clients, and do not push deals on your buyers because you need to pay your electric bill. Push deals on your buyers because you believe it is the best thing for them.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Give Me Money or Give Me Short Sale!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:06:50 -0500

We all like to bring up the Short Sale Process. We all like to tout what we know about Short Sales, and how we are the specialist or the expert, but the truth is no one knows much about Short Sales.

The reason why none of us know about Short Sales is because the bank changes their guidelines everyday. I almost think that the executives in the banks sit around laughing at us realtors and clients as they change another guideline to make it more difficult and to make it longer than what it used to be.

The average short sale for us has been taking about 58 days. It would be less days if it were not for Countrywide which is 162 days.

We have found a refreshing trend out there that I wanted to share with everyone. A couple banks have been changing their guidelines for the better. Wachovia in some cases will call the listing agent and or the seller and offer $2000 and an extra 1% to the listing agent if they close by a specific time. One of my agents had 1 where they received an offer and were able to get an approval in 2 days and close prior to the specified time. Kudos to Wachovia as they are one of the only banks trying to shorten the process and being proactive about it. This program is not for all loans, but for some it really gives the seller an true incentive to move quickly as well as the agent.

I also saw where FHA backed loans are giving struggling homeowners $2500 in a program called "Cash for Keys". They are giving a homeowner who looks as though they will be facing foreclosure $2500 in order to move out quickly. They will essentially be doing a deed in lieu of foreclosure signing over the property to the bank. There are a couple stipulations:

It must be a FHA backed loan
It must be on the market for at least 90 days at a realistic list price.
It must be left in good condition including the leaving of appliances and so forth.
The homeowner must leave within a reasonable time period in which the bank sets.

The above are just some examples of why no one is an expert in a short sale. Many may know a little more than most, but like the old adage "He who speaks the loudest, knows very little"

It is a little funny in that Short Sales have become such a sensitive topic with most. We all become so defensive when a buyer's agent calls up and asks about multiple offers or how we process a short sale. The listing agent all of a sudden becomes that annoying kid in elementary class. You know the one. The kid who raises his or her hand and spouts off they know the answer to everything and goes on and on not just answering the question, but showing that they know everything about everything.

My advice to everyone who processes short sales is be knowledgeable, but be open minded. Maybe you do not know all the answers.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Amazing Commercial Property in Downtown Delray Beach!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:22:53 -0500

David Serle | RE/MAX Services | dserle@searchpalmbeachhomes.com | 561-756-3104

354 NE 1st Avenue, Delray Beach, FL

Great Opportunity to Buy Commercial Property in Downtown Delray Beach at Amazing Price!! Great for a Law Office or Accounting Firm!

Retail/Commercial

offered at $450,000

Year Built	1929
Sq Footage	1,928
Floors	1
Parking	Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	13,939 sqft
Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!. AMAZING LOCATION. THIS BUILDING IS LOCATED ON A DOUBLE CORNER LOT WITH PLENTY OF PARKING AND GREAT EXPOSURE!. GREAT FOR LAW FIRM, ACCOUNTING FIRM OR TITLE COMPANY. WHY LEASE WHEN YOU CAN BUY FOR LESS!! BUILDING IS CURRENTLY SET UP WITH 3 OFFICES, 2 CONFERENCE ROOMS, A WAITING AREA, AND SEPARATE HUGE SPACE IN THE BACK OF THE BUILDING WITH SEPARATE ENTRANCE THAT HAS INDIVIDUAL CUBICLES!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- 3 Huge Offices

- 2 Conference Rooms

- Separate Space with 5 Individual Cubicles

- Wood Floors

- Lobby and Reception Area

LOCATION FEATURES

- Downtown Delray Beach 1 block east of swinton north of atlantic

- Within the Historic Delray District

- Double Corner Lot

- Great Exposure off of Swinton and North of Atlantic

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Lots of Parking

- Incredible Location

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Exterior Photo	Exterior Photo
Conference Room	Lobby Area
Second Space	Exterior Photo
Office	Street View
2nd Conference Room	Conference Room

Contact info:

David Serle

RE/MAX Services

dserle@searchpalmbeachhomes.com

561-756-3104

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 9, 2009, 10:45am PDT

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Agents and Brokers can Get SBA Loans!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:12:55 -0500

I saw this article and thought it would be of interest to some of my colleagues:

NAR: Agents and brokers can get SBA help

WASHINGTON - Oct. 1, 2009 - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SNA) has clarified its rules, saying that individual real estate practitioners and brokers are eligible for the agency's loans, which many could find helpful during tough economic times.

According to analysts with the National Association of Realtors, brokers may apply for America's Recovery Capital (ARC) loans, Section 7(a) loans, and Section 504 small business loans.

An initiative of the Obama administration's economic stimulus package, the ARC program offers no-interest, no-fee, deferred-payment short-term loans up to $35,000 that can be used to make payments on or replace existing business debt.

Under the 7(a) Guaranty Loan Program, individual practitioners can use money from participating lenders for working capital or debt replacement. Intended for long-term needs, the maximum loan amount is $2 million.

The 504 Loan Program, facilitated through community agencies, is ideal for individual practitioners expanding their business and in need of money to pay for fixed assets.

For more information, visit the Small Business Administration website.

Source: Realtor (10/09) Vol. 42, No. 9, P. 10; Freedman, Robert

© Copyright 2009 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Regional MLS Just Does Not Get it!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:45:19 -0500

I am currently with RMLS, and over the last couple years have been frustrated with the level of service they are giving their members. I and a few brokers represent about 1000 agents, and are seriously considering leaving to go to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Board of Realtors. So I decided to have a tele-conference call with the Board of Realtors and RMLS to express my concerns and give them the opportunity to make myself and the agents we represent feel good about possibly some changes and upgrades in their customer service.

The call was supposed to be a very cordial professional call to explain our concerns. Instead it turned into what it always seems to be with the RMLS and that is:

Defensive
Condescending
Smug
An Attack

This was the president of the board of directors that is supposed to be helpful and serve its members impartially that really was so out of line I was absolutely appalled. The problem with the RMLS is that they will never get it. They have this entitlement and power attitude that they do not need to serve its members as we will never leave them. Well, although we were considering leaving the RMLS prior to this phone call we already have meetings lined up with the other boards and have one foot out the door.

It is this attitude that continues to me prevalent throughout the staff of RMLS. Customer Service is so imperative in this day and age. Customers demand it. I thought we were the customers, but are not treated as such. We would rather be at a MLS that appreciates us than one that could care less.

This is in know way a reflection on the realtors association of the palm beaches (RAPB) as I believe they have been very helpful. The reason why we are leaving is because of the attitudes of the RMLS. Who has time to fight with their board these days. Especially one that fails to appreciate its members.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

I cannot believe the Boca Raton News has gone paperless.

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:38:36 -0500

Isn't that an oxymoron. Here is a local newspaper that has been in all the luxury hotels for almost 60 years, and a fixture in the Boca community for that same time. We have relied on our news for so long, and it is such ashame that the downward trend of the economy has forced the Boca News to go digital at www.BocaNews.com. They call it the interactive newspaper, but I still like to read my newspaper. I still like to feel the paper rather than look online and read. It is much nicer to drink a cup of coffee while reading the Sunday paper then going online to look at a computer screen. I want my Boca News back.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

The Long and the Short of Short Sales!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:36:52 -0500

So many of us continue to look as Short Sales as a negative. So I have prepared a list of what and why it takes so long, and what is short about Short Sales.

First the:

Short of it

When you call the bank to find out an update on your file you get a very SHORT answer.
When you submit a package to the lender you will hear back SHORT-LY (10-14 business days)
A Lender's definition of SHORT is a lot different then a client's definition of SHORT.
For some reason we think that if we call the bank 3 and 4 times a week that the bank will SHORT-EN the process when we know that is not the case.
There is nothing that is SHORT about a SHORT sale.
When dealing with banks some banks are much SHORT-ER than others (Countrywide)
Many think that banks think like most people that is logical, but there is nothing logical about a bank when dealing with a SHORT sale.

The Long of it

Unfortunately, everything takes a LONG time when dealing with short sales
With managing expectations buyers and sellers will wait a LONG time before answering on whether to accept the offer or not.
The LONG frustrating process becomes manageable when you communicate with all parties.
The biggest problem with this LONG process is that lenders continually change their processes without communicating it to the people negotiating with them.
Communication is key to make a LONG process SHORT-ER

I believe that Short Sales listings are very important. Besides being lucrative, it fufills our original objective and that is to help people make a tough situation better. I got in the business t help people now my motto is "I got into business to help those Long Sales become Short"

Good luck to all and may everyone educate themselves before taking these short sale listings.

If looking for an agent to help you sell your Short Sale in Palm Beach County please make sure you use a Certified Distressed Property Expert.

David Serle, CDPE, EPRO

RE/MAX Services

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

The Media is Finally Talking About Short Sales!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:27:52 -0500

Everyone is talking about it.

Everyone knows someone who has done one.

Everyone has thought of doing one themselves

Everyone thinks they know everything about it.

So why are Short Sales not talked about in the media? I am not sure, but recently I found an article that many in the real estate industry have been jumping up and down about. Why does a short sale take so long?

Short Sales, why Sellers are Frustrated by them

Foreclosures, Foreclosures, Foreclosures. That is what the media talks about. Why? Foreclosures are usually not great deals, and have many repairs that may be required. Foreclosures are prevalent in the Boca Raton market, but Short Sales are probably 2 to 1. Many economists and so called experts have been saying in order for the real estate market to recover we must stop the amount of Foreclosures.

The governments answer is for the banks to modify there loans so there payment is more affordable. Doesn't that just prolong the inevitable for most? Why not figure out a way to shorten the process for short sales. If we streamline the process and make it more efficient, Guess what we will have:

stopped the amount of foreclosures.
Put prideful homeowners in the homes that will maintain their home.
Bring a boost to the real estate industry including more transaction sides and volume which will trickle down to everyone involved in the real estate from the painter to the general contractor.
Increase consumer confidence and increase consumer spending. Statistics show that when homeowners feel safe and well in their home they spend more on durable goods.

Just by streamlining the process of a Short Sale we have solved most of the domestic problems. Just as there is no logic when it comes to banks there is no logic when it comes to our government. Everything becomes a filibuster. Moving towards the future we have to become more proactive rather then reactive. When you are reactive history repeats its self.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Obama wants to have homeowners rent back their foreclosed homes. What are your thoughts?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:20:52 -0500

I just came across this from www.FloridaRealtors.org

I think this would be horrible. The problem with foreclosures is not that the lenders are forcing people out of their homes and into the street. The problem with foreclosures is that there are a lot of them, and they are flooding the market. They also are bringing the value of the neighborhoods way down because lenders just want them off their books.

This program still will allow the lenders to keep the homes on the market which they will, but the homeowner will get to stay until the lease is over. Interesting article.

Rent plan may keep people in homes

TAMPA, Fla. - July 22, 2009 - Losing your home to foreclosure may no longer mean you have to leave.

Congress and the Obama administration are considering a controversial plan that would allow homeowners to rent their foreclosed home for at least five years. The proposal is setting the real estate community abuzz.

"It's clear that the modification plans have not been as successful as Congress had hoped," said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economics and Policy Research. "We need something that will make more of an impact."

The program could reshape Florida's real estate market and the overall economy. Experts disagree on whether the effects would be positive or negative. One thing everyone agrees on is this: Florida doesn't need any more vacant homes.

The Sunshine State's foreclosure rate remains the third highest in the nation. During the first six months of the year, foreclosure filings jumped 50 percent from the same period last year. One in every 33 households received a default notice, auction notice or bank repossession.

Details of the rental plan are sketchy, but the idea is gaining momentum, according to U.S. Treasury Assistant Secretary Herbert Allison. He told the Senate Banking Committee last week that the proposal was being considered for homeowners whose mortgages did not qualify for modification programs to make them affordable.

Some versions of the plan involve lenders selling foreclosed homes to approved professional landlords. In other versions, the lenders would sell to private investors or keep the home and hire a management firm to handle the rental arrangement.

The rent would be determined by the market-rate rent in the area, determined by a professional appraiser.

Jack Rodriguez, president of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, said the plan would "tinker with the free-market enterprise."

"I know where Congress is coming from," he said. "But my gut tells me investors would shy away from this, and banks will end up stuck in the real estate market."

Baker, who first proposed the plan two years ago, said it has evolved and continues to be tweaked. Even though people who take advantage of the plan would still lose their homes, Baker said, the plan could keep that from happening to others.

"The lender would have more of an incentive to work something out through a modification because the home would be worth less," Baker said.

Under the plan, the lender still could sell the home but, Baker said, "The homeowner would come with the home."

The homeowner, turned renter, would be allowed to stay until the lease runs out, which could last as long as 10 years.

One potential problem, however, is that many homeowners who lose their properties aren't interested in staying as renters, according to William Apgar, senior mortgage advisor for the Department of Housing an Urban Development.

The program could have an unintended consequence, Rodriguez said. Lenders would feel pressure to shed properties to avoid becoming a landlord. Investors, who would have to give up some property rights, would low-ball lenders. The result could drag down housing prices even more. (The median sales price in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater area was $141,100 in May, down 20 percent from $176,100 in May 2008, according to the Florida Association of Realtors.) Others think the plan is a win-win for everyone involved.

Don Burnham, a real estate investor in the Tampa area and co-founder of the Wealth Restoration Institute LLC, said the plan could be a hit.

Investors, he said, would want to buy the homes because they will know they have a long-term tenant and a steady revenue source. Lenders will like the plan, he said, because they'll be able to find buyers faster. Homeowners would be happy because they'll have a secure lease and not have to foot the bill to move.

Mike Larson, a real estate analyst with Weiss Research in Jupiter, said the plan is one of several the Obama administration is hoping will keep more homes from becoming vacant.

"We don't yet know fully how the plan would work," he said. "But if you have a warm body in the house who will keep it from going into disrepair and keep the lawn mowed, that will be at least somewhat helpful."

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Why does Obama not think about the Consequences before enforcing a plan of action?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:07:23 -0500

Although I did not vote for Obama, I still believed he was the better choice. He was what our country needed as many of us needed hope. However, he is really doing some things that just do not make a whole lot of sense.

I recently read about Obama's helath care reform. He wants to subsidize the plan by taxing people making over $280,000.

Lets just distribute the wealth. We can be a socialized society. How many socialized societies work? The people that make over $280,000 are those who employ many of the average workers making $30,000-$50,000. What do you think will happen to the employees of the worker making over $280,000?

The problem with Obama is that he does not seem to think of the consequences before he acts. Everything just has to get done and fast with him.

An example: He went and decided to push this Housing Recovery Act. A part of the Housing Recovery Act dealt with appraisals. Normally, a mortgage broker would just call up one of the 2 or 3 appraisers he works with and they would appraise the property.

With Obama's plan, the appraiser cannot talk to the mortgage broker. The mortgage broker does not select the appraiser. The Asset Management Company does. So the mortgage broker orders the appraisal. 3 days later the appraiser calls the listing agent and meets them at the home. Then about 7-10 days later the appraisal goes into the system, and they contact the mortgage broker and the appraisal is uploaded so the mortgage broker can access it.

On the surface this looks fine. Here are the problems.

In my last 3 appraisals the appraiser did not know the area. I know the appraiser is supposed to have an office within 20-30 miles. The problem with that is many have virtual offices in many locations. So you have an appraiser that mainly appraises property 50 miles away that knows nothing of the area, and the mortgage broker cannot even speak to them.
The intention of the appraiser not speaking to the mortgage broker is right, but the problem is that the appraiser is allowed to speak to the real estate agent which has more of a vested interest in the transaction.
If the appraiser did a poor job on comparables then the mortgage broker has to submit a request for review to the asset management company which in turn will contact the appraiser. This can be a lengthy process
The time frame is just too long. Where we were able to get appraisals back in 2-5 days they are now taking 10-14 days. That does not seem like a huge difference in time, but it is as the seller is taking this home off the market for an extra 8 or 9 days.
The appraisers now make less and do more work. This system has forced out many appraisal companies because they are making half as much for the appraisal and are doing twice as much work as the guidelines of the Asset Management Company is much more detailed.

In conclusion of this program:

This system forced people to look for new jobs.
Forced seller to keep properties off the market for a longer period of time and in many cases received less money for their home because of this.
You have appraisers appraising property that knows nothing about the area, and you can't even make an argument with them as you have to go through the asset management company if you have a problem. Seem like bureaucracy to you?
Appraisers can't speak to mortgage brokers, but can speak to real estate agents.

This program has unintended consequences, and this is what I am afraid of with health care reform. We need to make sure we get it right, and have listened to every argument and consequence before instituting another multi-billion dollar program.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Why Do You Blog?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:16:41 -0500

I blog to inspire people.
I blog because I always have something to say.
I blog because I have a large audience and not everyone will listen to me otherwise if I am telling a story face to face.
I blog to give advice and help to my fellow colleagues.
I blog to inject good in the air.
I blog on AR because I love the people here. I feel at home with this community.
I blog to show people that even dummies can blog.
I blog to receive advice on particular situations.
I blog to vent on my frustrations.
I blog for humor. I love humor, and continue to try and make people laugh on a weekly basis.
I blog because people who do not blog thinks it is stupid.
I blog because google blogs.
I blog because many people are not blogging.
I blog because I never liked journals.
I blog because I have a passion about real estate that I try to make come through in my writing.
I blog because I can.
I blog because I want to.
I blog to show people if I can do it then all of you can.
I blog for my agents.
I blog to blog.

Why do you blog?

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Short Sale Boca Raton Realtor Earns CDPE Designation!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:41:32 -0500

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE

DATE: 07/13/2009

DAVID SERLE EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

David Serle of RE/MAX Services in Boca Raton has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Boca Raton area, more than 670 homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

"This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales," said David Serle "It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as David Serle with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

"Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible," Charfen said.

For more information about CDPE designation or to find a certified distressed Realtor in your area, please call 1-800-482-0335.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Check out My Enhanced Twitter Page

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:53:36 -0500

So I was reading a post by David Daniels the other day as to how you can enhance your twitter page. I called him up, and I really think he did a great job. Take a look.

www.twitter.com/bocaratonremax

Thank you David I appreciate it now he is doing my email stationery as well. It is so important to brand everything you do on the web, and so I am revamping everything I do on the web to have that same consistent theme. Check out my website as an example.

Highland Beach Condos

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Why do Real Estate Agents Need So Many Vacations?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:42:19 -0500

I have several reasons why we need to get away, and get away a lot.

As real estate agents we need to wear many hats. We deal with people on a daily basis so we have to hear all of our client's personal, family, and medical problems.
We also have to play secretary by scheduling their moving dates, inspection dates, appaisal dates, when to put kippy the dog for boarding, and anything else you can dream up.
We have to cater to our client's every need. Sure I can pick up your groceries just give me the list. No probelm I would love to pick you up from the airport 50 miles away and show you homes that you cannot afford. Not a problem I would love to continue to show you homes because you have nothing to do, and would love to look at nice homes. Would you like me to change your bed pan too.
We have to be knowledgeable about 3421 communities. Make sure we do not slip up or the homeowners will let you know.

I do make fun, but I seriously love what I do, but in order to continue to be successful especially in this market you must take vacations even if it is a day or 2. I decided to take my family on a boat on a Thursday last week because I needed to get away we boated all through Boca Raton and Jupiter. A great day, and now I am even more refreshed.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Miami Heat Past & Present Stars Help to Educate Struggling Homeowners

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:55:15 -0500

We all know that the real estate market has declined and that foreclosures and short sales are on the rise. The problem with people being in trouble is that there are always some that will pray on those same people. There are many loan modification "scam" companies that charge upfront fees of up to $4000 to do a loan modification, and don't really provide much of a service if any.

Now the Miami Heat's players Dwayne Wade, and Alonzo Mourning are taking their show on the road, and helping educate people who are facing foreclosure. Here is a link to the interesting article. Kudos to Dwayne Wade.

Boca Raton Short Sale and Foreclosure Help

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

I Can't do everything Can I?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:33:43 -0500

With all this social networking with websites like facebook, twitter, multiply, active rain, and more how do you find the time to do what we do best. Sell Real Estate. I mean I am on all of these websites, as well as updating my Boca Raton Homes Website, and my Highland Beach Condos website.

I update the content on all of my websites.
I constantly am letting people know what I am doing on facebook.
I follow people and post on twitter.
I try and play the SEO card with my websites.

I wonder however if I just stopped doing the internet thing and just concentrated on traditional methods of listing and selling real estate if I would be as successful or even more successful then I am now. I average selling around 5 - 6 million a year. I am sure my competition would like for me to give the internet stuff up then they could rank higher and bring in more leads. However, I really believe if fyou work hard at selling real estate whether through traditional or alternative methods you will be successful.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

I am a Real Estate Agent...Get Me Out of Here!!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:36:02 -0500

I know I am a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here is probably the worst show on television, but have you noticed that we are a society that likes to watch other people suffer. If you do not know the show. They basically round up the worst actors, celebrities, and sports figures and put them in a jungle wearing shirts with a phone number on it. Then the people watching at home call in to send the person they want to be sent home. They do all kinds of really tough challenges, and all their food is rationed as well.

I guess it is kind of like we as real estate agents are in a television show on a daily basis. We run around:

Dodging Snakes
Cooking up Goosip
Trying to be Leaders in the Community
Deal with really Bad Actors
Deal with really annoying people
Deal with agents who once was, but are not anymore

It got me thinking that society really likes to see real estate agents suffer kind of like the television show.

The Buyers come and ask you to show them property for several months only to find out that they can't afford to purchase a home.
The Sellers lie to you about what they really know about their home
The other real estate agents swear to you that they know what a short sale is and is going to facilitate the sale very quickly.

So I am a Real Estate Agent, but I want to stay so Society stop watching people suffer, and lets do something about it.

I am a Real Estate Agent.... I am Out of Here!

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

I Love My Job and You Should Too!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:44:23 -0500

How many of you have come across real estate agents that say they love selling real estate only to have bad attitudes when negotiating with them?

How many of you call the listing agent for showing instructions only to get a negative sigh on the phone like they do not want to be bothered by you?

How many of you call an agent to get feedback, and they can't remember the home?

How many of you are a little soured on dealing with real estate agents you do not know?

Well I am here to tell you that I absolutely love my job. I can remember there was a time when I may have been the agent making those negative sighs or having an attitude with other agents, but no more will I do that.

I believe over the last couple years LIFO (Last in First Out) has occured. This means the last agents to come into the market were the first to leave. Yes we have lost many good real estate agents, but most of the good agents have stayed. The agents we are dealing with now are considerate respectful and seem like they love their job.

If you do not love your job then leave the business and find something else worth doing. This is no time to not think of how fortunate you are to be in a business that you love, and make pretty good money doing.

You get to pick your own hours.
Choose who you want to work for
Be in control of the transactions
Flexibility in vacations
Be your own boss
Skys the limit in income

The point of this is just remember who you are working for. You, and you must love what you do or Get Out!!

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Boca Raton, Florida Real Estate is on the rise!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:32:47 -0500

We can call this a blip or a little upswing, but make no mostake about it the Boca Raton Real Estate market has picked up. There are a number of factors that have contributed to this.

One is the pent up demand. Buyers have been on the fences, and with the low interest rates it pushed them off the fence.
The second is the affordability of a home in Boca Raton has increased. Now more than ever is a great time to buy a home as we have not seen these values since 2000.
The third is an interesting factor but definitely a truism. When Chinese Drywall came out it has effected a number of neighboring cities, but not Boca Raton because Boca is an already established city with very little new construction. This has brought buyers and renters into Boca Raton from Parkland, FL and Boynton Beach, FL.
The last one is the perception of Boca Raton Real Estate has changed. Buyers believe it is a good time to purchase. Perception is reallity and the reallity of it is it is a good time to buy Boca Raton Real Estate.

Boca is one of those unique cities that combines history, entertainment, and now affordabity. If you are interested to learn more about Boca Raton or you have any referrals looking in the area please contact me.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Nexstore Closed Without Notice!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:39:58 -0500

I went to Nexstore the other day as I usually do and pick up some prepared meals for dinner, and to my surprise it was closed. There was a large Sysco truck and some workers taking the food and loading it on the truck. Apparently, they have not been paying their rent for some time, and the owner has closed them down till further notice. I really liked that place. Hopefully they will bounce back.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Thank you for the invite

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:14:14 -0500

I am looking forward to contributing to the group, and reading many of your posts. Speak to you soon.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

If I hear the news say Twitter one more time I may just Tweet you!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:56:19 -0500

Okay, its hip, its the cool thing to do. Tweet away. Follow me. Please follow me. Come on you know you want to follow me.

I am just not sure why everyone loves twitter so much. I use it, I follow people, I get some followers, but what are you really following. Did you really want to know how many times I went to the bathroom today. I guess if thats your thing who am I to tell you differently.

I have grown a little fonder of twitter recently, and continue to learn a lot from tweetdeck, and twibs, but the founders of twitter must have paid celebrities and the media to report on how great twitter is. I can't tell you how many times I have heard the local, regional, and national news media mention twiiter in a news report.

What do you tweet about? How do you use it for business?

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Boca Raton trys to regulate Wireless Carriers.

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:30:18 -0500

Boca Raton city officials continue to review and research the proposed new ordinance that would regulate wireless communications towers.

Originally, it has been interpreted that wireless carriers do not need to seek permits to expand their network or build new towers. The City is trying to find out how they can regulate these wireless carriers.

What brought this to light was last year Palm Beach Farms residents heard that T-Mobile was going to build a cell phone tower in the community. Needless to say many were outraged to find out they really could do nothing about it. However, Boca Raton officials have tried to work with these wireless carriers, and talks are ongoing about the tower, and future towers in their city.

The city of Boca and wireless representatives were set for the 3rd time to have ea meeting, but that has been put off due to the complexity of the meeting.

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Should Realtors Start Taking Steroids?

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:21:37 -0500

With many of the realtors having problems staying in their career they love, maybe realtors should turn to taking steroids. It worked for Mark Mcgwire who all of a sudden starting hitting 70 home runs. It worked for Barry Bonds who broke the home run record. Maybe it will work for you too. Maybe we can partner with a lab. Possibly Balco as they are looking for some more clients.

We have to make sure that the steroids make us stronger so we can keep the buyers in our car until they write the check.
We have to make sure that the steroids make us faster so we can out run our competing realtors to the expired listings.
We have to make sure that the steroids make us bulkier so we can lift the sellers out of their house when they are being uncooperative.
We have to make sure the steroids make us scarier so we can scare our buyers into closing on a home rather than just making offers.
We have to make sure the steroids don't shrink our brain so we can still satisfy the needs of our clients.
We have to make sure that no one finds out about the steroids or everyone will start doing it.
We have to make sure that if the National Association of Realtors finds out about it that we all deny it. "We knowingly did not take any steroids".
We must make sure that we just don't deny that we took steroids, but we have to write a book about not taking steroids.

I believe if we resort to steroids the market will be better, and we as realtors will continue to make lots of money. Like Latrell Sprewell said "We have to feed our family, I can't do it on this salary".

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

East Boca Raton Home in Waterfront Community!

Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services) — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:02:06 -0500

David Serle | RE/MAX Services | 561-756-3104

7725 NE. Spanish Trail, Boca Raton, FL

Great Deal in Waterfront Neighborhood East of Federal Highway in
Boca Raton.

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $549,777

Year Built	1979
Sq Footage	2,392
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.25 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Lowest Priced Home in Neighborhood by over $250,000. Great Deal. Beautiful 3 Bedroom Pool Home totally renovated a few years ago with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, raised panel cabinets, new plumbing, new electric, 20" porcelain tile floors, New Dual Zone A/C's and much more. This home is a deal!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Attic	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Yard
Swimming pool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Totally Renovated

Totally Private Home in Multi Million Dollar Neighborhood

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Exterior Photo	Kitchen
Living Room
Pool and Yard	Master Bedroom

Contact info:

David Serle

RE/MAX Services

561-756-3104

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 19, 2009, 9:28am PDT

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile