Christine's Florida Home Blog

Exciting Changes

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:01:54 -0500

Hi! Just wanted to tell you some exciting changes have been made lately in the life of Christine Adler! I'm proud to announce the opening of my brokerage, Adler Realty. As owner and broker, I am very excited to start this new venture and look forward to the Adler Team's continuing success selling homes in Broward County and the surrounding areas.

Waterfront living in Fort Lauderdale - Things to think about

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Fri, 11 May 2007 11:07:40 -0500

Welcome back to our series on Waterfront living. When you talk about living on the water, you usually assume that the price goes up due to your location. I wanted to show you that this isn't exactly true and talk about what to consider when looking at water front property. We have talked about how living near the water can range anywhere from $300,000 and up. There are so many waterfronts here in Fort Lauderdale that you can choose from anywhere you want by just walking the shores. But, of course, talking with me, we can narrow that down a little to find the perfect place for you to live. For more informaion in this article click here.

What Do You Expect for 2007?

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:02:46 -0600

A. Misery and problems?

B. Ups and downs?

C. The same as 2006?

D. Moderate success?

E. Wild success?

If you selected A, B, C, D or E, that is what you will get!

Real and Unreal Expectations

Most people WISH for a successful future, but they EXPECT problems and failure. They get what they expect and not what they wish.

For example, if you have no money, you might think it is stupid or unrealistic to imagine great wealth. Of course, if you don't expect it, you won't get it.

Losers agree it is stupid to imagine wild success. Maybe that is why they are losers. For example:

"I knew this restaurant would fail." "In the back of my mind, I expected this marriage would end in divorce." "I really didn't think I could become a doctor."

However, everyone who achieves a wonderful marriage or great wealth or any type of success will tell you the same thing: "I knew that sooner or later, I would get what I expected."

Make Up Your Mind

"Just imagine to yourself being able to conquer the whole cockeyed universe, doing anything you want to do, being utterly, completely unrestricted and free in all directions to do whatever you pleased--bad, good or indifferent--and being strong, powerful and unassailable."

You can be healthy, powerful, rich, attractive, successful, smart, popular, honest, happy, in love, influential and more.

You can also be poor, unproductive, miserable, sickly, stupid, unfaithful, dishonest, worthless, depressed and so on.

What do you expect?

Making a decision is the first step.

"If at this moment you simply made up your mind that you were handsome, beautiful, strong, dangerous, powerful, that you knew everything there was to know, that you were totally capable in any job that you undertook or any sport you undertook, and if you really believed that--and you CAN believe it--some of your faces would change physically before my eyes."

Give it a try!

1. Look at yourself in a mirror. Now close your eyes.

2. Make up your mind that you are more handsome or beautiful than ever before. Make the decision.

3. Look in the mirror again.

Recommendations

You do not need to be almost wealthy to visualize great wealth. You just visualize great wealth!

You do not need to be in love to imagine a wonderful marriage. You can have a horrible, hateful marriage and still expect a loving marriage . . . even with the same person!

You do not need proof that you will be successful to expect it.

1. Visualize yourself succeeding. For great wealth, visualize yourself in possession of great wealth. Think of some of the things you would do with that money and then mentally start doing them.

2. You will run into opposition in your own mind. Your past decisions or past expectations will pop up to ruin your vision. If you hold on to your expectation of success, these mental oppositions will vanish.

Winners constantly think, "I can," "I will" and "I am."

Losers think, "I can't," "I won't" and "I'm not."

You, and only you, can control your imagination.

3. The physical universe will also throw opposition at you. For example, you expect good health and then you get sick. You expect to be a great painter and then no one will buy your paintings.

If this opposition comes at you, so what? Do not change your mind. The problem is temporary. You will still get what you expect.

HOW you accomplish your expectations may vary, but if you hold on to your visions, they eventually happen.

Many people say, "Seeing is believing." They might say, "I'll believe I'll get rich as soon as I see the checks arriving in the mail." They have no vision.

If instead you have a vision for your future, you will say, "What I see (in my mind) is what I get."

Simply persist. Hold on to your vision of success, despite all reasons you should not, and your dreams will become reality.

The first step is to make up your mind. What do you expect for 2007?

Time for a Laugh

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 20:46:58 -0600

This is the funniest thing you have ever seen. Watching this laughing child will bring you to tears laughing. I think we could all use something to laugh about. It has been a great year. Next year will be better. Make you goals lofty and laugh a lot all the way to success.

Here is wishing you and your family and co workers a blessed Christmas and New Year.

Christine Adler

Are you a dreamer

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 17:50:55 -0600

Moonstones, gems named for their resemblance to the familiar glowing orb in the night sky, offer us more than mere beauty. Their association with moon goddesses throughout the world may explain why moonstones' qualities seem to reach out to assist all those who find themselves under the moon's light, from travelers and those at sea to lovers and dreamers. Throughout the world, moonstones have been imbued with mystical properties that extend the fabled powers of the moon into daylight hours.

In India, they are thought to give sweet, beautiful dreams by night but have gained a reputation for enhancing intuitive sensitivity and spiritual vision of the "third eye" at any time of the day. This connection to the subconscious was also recognized in the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was believed that gazing into a moonstone would cause you to fall into a deep sleep that allowed you to see the future. This extends to the power of fertility, where in Arabia, women sew moonstones into their garments to enhance their fertility. This association with fertility even extends to the fertility of crops, which is why moonstone amulets have been seen hanging in fruit trees before harvest. To further enhance the power of your moonstone, try putting them outside in the light of the full moon.

Moonstones, sometimes likened to a raindrop or tear, have long reminded people in Asia that the moon cannot be seen during the rain, just as it is difficult to see through our tears. By bringing love and abundance into our lives today and helping us to see the future, moonstones allow us to bring the hope of all good things into our lives.

You can acheive what you believe and conceive

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:04:30 -0600

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE, BELIEVE AND FEEL IT WILL ACHIEVE

This is one of the SECRETS of the Universe. Before you can attain Success & Happiness you must first CONCEIVE it, you must see yourself Happy and Successful in your mind regardless of what your present situation is. Once you can see it, then you must BELIEVE it. This means that no matter the condition you want, you already have the abliity to ACHIEVE it because GOD does not give you the ability to conceive and believe without the ability to achieve it. Now comes the third and most important part of the equation. You must be able to FEEL it. This will always come in the form of a positive EMOTION. Once you achieve all three, it's a done deal.

The Mind controls your world.

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 12:03:31 -0600

THE MIND

"Whatever the mind can concieve and believe, it can achieve." Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

Your Subconscious Mind is your controls your world. Humankind is seperate from all other creations by giving Humankind free will, which is the ability to think, to love, to create and to know The Secrets of the Universe.

Most of the people on this planet do not know how the Subconscious Mind works or how to use it to gain Success and Happiness. Our Subconscious Mind creates into reality ALL of our thoughts and words.

It is YOUR responsibility to control your thoughts and words for just as your mind will create your positive thoughts it will create your negative thoughts and words as well. No longer must you be the "victim" of circumstance, luck or prejudices. You are the master of your ship, the captain of your soul. You carry within you The Secret of Success and Happiness twenty-four hours a day in your Subconscious Mind and it will make into reality whatever you ask of it.

Daily Affirmation: I AM ... happy and successful in all my endeavors.

I AM ... an empowered being who is in control of my body, mind and my spirit

Self Criticism does not help you Succeed

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:13:06 -0600

"Are you treating yourself as you were treated by others? Do you punish yourself far more than anyone would ever punish you?

How have people treated you in the past?

Have you ever noticed that you treat yourself the same way?

Unless everyone has always treated you with respect and kindness, you might criticize yourself from time to time. And self-criticism or self-invalidation, ruins your success.

Negative Thoughts

At some point, you may have accepted these ideas to be true.

"If I cut myself down before anyone else cuts me down, I win!"

"I respect Joe's opinion. Joe thinks I'm an idiot. So I must be an idiot."

"If I punish myself, maybe others will leave me alone."

"I've heard it's sinful to like myself, so I'd better hate myself."

"No one knows my deep, dark secret: I'm actually a bad person."

Of course, all of these ideas are nonsense.

Good Thoughts

To succeed, you need to treat yourself with respect and admiration. To succeed, you need a high opinion of yourself. You need to remember that you are a good person.

Three Tips for Improving Your Success

1. Every time you criticize yourself about something, add a solution. Decide on a way to fix the weakness. Focus on improvement instead of problems.

For example, "I'm so stupid! Why didn't I ask him about his other company when I had the chance? No wonder I'm such a loser . . . wait, how can I fix this? From now on, I'm taking five minutes before each important meeting and writing a list of things to do so I don't mess up again. Great idea!"

2. Write down things about yourself of which you are proud. If necessary, start with small things, such as good personal habits. Keep writing until you improve your opinion.

For example, "I might be fat, but I brush my teeth regularly. I'm eating more vegetables these days. I haven't gotten angry at my kids for a month. I'm earning more money this year. I'm helping Joe with his drinking problem . . . ."

You are great - the only thing that is wrong with you is the things you are saying to yourself. Be kind to yourself. If you won't who will?

The Wisdom of Sharing

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 10:08:12 -0600

There are many variations on the story of stone soup, but they all involve a traveler coming into a town beset by famine. The inhabitants try to discourage the traveler from staying, fearing he wants them to give him food. They tell him in no uncertain terms that there's no food anywhere to be found. The traveler explains that he doesn't need any food and that, in fact, he was planning to make a soup to share with all of them. The villagers watch suspiciously as he builds a fire and fills a cauldron with water. With great ceremony, he pulls a stone from a bag, dropping the stone into the pot of water. He sniffs the brew extravagantly and exclaims how delicious stone soup is. As the villagers begin to show interest, he mentions how good the soup would be with just a little cabbage in it. A villager brings out a cabbage to share. This episode repeats itself until the soup has cabbage, carrots, onions, and beets-indeed, a substantial soup that feeds everyone in the village.
This story addresses the human tendency to hoard in times of deprivation. When resources are scarce, we pull back and put all of our energy into self-preservation. We isolate ourselves and shut out others. As the story of stone soup reveals, in doing so, we often deprive ourselves and everyone else of a feast. This metaphor plays out beyond the realm of food. We hoard ideas, love, and energy, thinking we will be richer if we keep to them to ourselves, when in truth we make the world, and ourselves, poorer whenever we greedily stockpile our reserves. The traveler was able to see that the villagers were holding back, and he had the genius to draw them out and inspire them to give, thus creating a spread that none of them could have created alone.

Are you like one of the villagers, holding back? If you come forward and share your gifts, you will inspire others to do the same. The reward is a banquet that can nourish many.

Isn't this why we are here on active rain to share.

A Nice Poem

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:41:33 -0600

What is life if full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

and state as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass

Where squerres hide their nuts in grass

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night

No time to turn at Beauty;s glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time t stand and stare

Addendum to use when there is a sellers contribution to make sure it is legal.

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 14:27:19 -0600

Here is a new addendum I just put together with my attoryney to keep other customers and realtors from doing fraud on my deals.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Buyer and Seller hereby agree that the Seller shall give to Buyer a credit for repair and closing costs not to exceed the limit Buyer’s Lender shall allow. Further, the Buyer and Seller hereby agree that the information regarding the above repair credit and closing cost credit shall be disclosed to the Lender in the application to the Lender. The Buyer and Seller further agree that the denial of Mortgage financing based on this clause shall not be a valid reason for the cancellation of this contract.

The credit shall be for the amount of ______________________________ and be used as a credit towards ( ) Closing Costs ( ) Repairs.

All other terms and conditions of the contract for sale and purchase of real property shall remain in full force and effect.

Here is your Real Estate Quiz - See how well you can answer these questions.

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:41:38 -0600

How can you know the deadlines in the contract.

Title Company has deposit both parties make a claim for it what do you do

What constitutes a clean mortgage commitment

Contact falls apart what from must be signed

You have 15 days to inspect and on the 16^th day a roofer says you need a new roof what happens.

How many days do you have to close on a 1031 exchange property.

How long do you have to inspect the property and how long to report any problems.

Property style is T52 what is it.

Property style is R35 what is it.

How many floors is a low rise condo.

Does ocean access mean it has no fixed bridges.

Who pays the title insurance.

Who gets the interest on the deposit.

Who has to sign the sales contract.

Is self inspections OK and does the seller need to make repairs the buyer is stating.

Can you discriminate based on a persons income.

Is the inspection period business or calendar days.

A home has termites does it need to be tented.

Is the ICW a natural waterway

A seller sells his home 14 months after purchase how much is his income tax

Is second deposit at risk if buyer defaults before he make the second deposit.

How many days does a buyer have to make condo application.

How many days do you have to find a replacement property for a 1031 Exchange

My LOVE it or LEAVE it GUARANTEE

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:37:54 -0600

Love it or Leave it Guarantee

It's true, you have less worry and anxiety about those future uncertainties.

What if you just decide that the home or neighborhood just isn't what you wanted?
What if you win the lottery and want a bigger home?

Answer:
Within 6 months after you close, we will market and sell your home FREE of any commission to us. There may be an obligation to pay a buyer's specialist commission and other closing costs, but you will owe us nothing.

Why do We Make Such an Offer?
We are so confident that our team of professionals are dedicated and trained to listen to finding the Perfect Home for you, this is why we are willing to work for FREE. If your home isn't everything you expected it to be you have nothing to loose, it's guaranteed!

Terms of Guarantee
We guarantee that if you are not happy with your purchase of your property through Christine Adler PA & the Adler Team, and decide to sell within 3 months after possession, Christine will sell it for FREE! It is agreed that the property will be put on the Multiple Listing Service system and Christine will waive her listing side of the commission. You will owe us nothing! You will be responsible for the selling side of the commission. This selling commission will be no less than 2.5%, plus applicable closing cost. It is understood that Christine Adler has to approve the listing price of the home (if it is over 2% greater than the purchase price).

Now, you're probably asking, "what's the catch?" Fair enough. I pride myself in being honest and straight forward with my clients. Here are the two main conditions to this Offer:

1) you must by your next house with me

2) you must list within $5000 of your Home's Market Value at the time of its Market analysis.

Help your home sell

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 22:13:08 -0600

35 QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOUR HOME

SELL FASTER….

Get Ready …Start Outside!

Stand across the street, and take a look at your home from a potential buyer’s viewpoint…

1. Too many cars parked in front?

2. Is the lawn trimmed and are spots in need of re-seeding. Get landscaping in top shape. In the winter is the driveway and pathways shoveled clear of snow?

3. Remove all refuse, leaves or clutter from yards, sidewalks, porches and decks. In the summer, plant and have flowers.

4. Fencing straight? Need stain or paint. Does any part of the house, trim, decks, gates, and front door need painted?Remember, when a buyer comes to look at your house, the first thing he sees is your front door.

5. In the summer, wash screens and windows outside and buy things that will enhance the house for showing that you can take with you…A new welcome mat, big potted plants for inside, pots of geraniums for the patio or deck.

Freshen Up The Inside…

The emotions you’re trying to stimulate are triggered by sensory experiences. Aim for the senses, especially smell & sight. Clean, fresh smelling homes will sell faster!

6. Badly faded walls or worn woodwork reduce appeal…selective painting will help to add a fresh look.

7. Dress up windows in freshly laundered curtains. Colorful curtains in harmony with countertops & floors add warmth to kitchens, baths, etc.

8. Check all light bulbs and detail all light fixtures.

9. Oven ranges and sink clear and neat?

10. Take things out of closets & cabinets that are not essential to your life and pack them away.

11. Remove unnecessary articles, which have accumulated in basements/utility & storage areas.

12. Clear stairway and hallways to open them up.

13. Too much furniture??? Put it in the basement/garage or better yet…store or sell it.

14. Brighten dull basement & storage areas by painting the walls & using high watt bulbs.

15. Bathrooms that sparkle, sell homes & the opposite is true…dirty baths can turn off a buyer.

16. New towels are an excellent investment.

17. Does the interior need painted? $100 worth of paint may balance

$500.00 in a price cut. Make rooms sparkle.

18. Keep all steps clear of hazards.

19. Have all light sockets filled with bulbs. Illumination is like a welcome sign.

20. Wash dishes, put away clothes, straighten up newspapers, etc.

21. Does the carpet need cleaning or replacing?

22. Are all appliances clean and in good working order?

23. Remove an ornate item that a buyer may want as part of the house that you intend to keep, for example a special chandelier.

Minor Repairs Make Sense…..

Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from your homes value. Don’t make major changes, except for new carpeting and new paint( in a neutral color).

24.Dripping faucets lead buyers to question the plumbing system.

25.Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers or doors?

26.Fix all caulking, especially in the bathrooms.

27.In general, if it’s busted…fix it!

Ok, It’s ShowTime…

28.Turn off the television. It is very difficult for an agent to keep the attention of a prospect focused on your home when an interesting special is on the tube competing for their attention.

29.Turn on the stereo. Tune in your best stereo station to a soft “easy listening” station, and turn the volume down low. Most buyers will imagine themselves living in a peaceful, serene environment.

30.Let the sun shine in! Open all window shades, drapes and curtains.

31.Build a fire…If you have enough notice.

32.Remember the Golden Rule…Treat your prospective buyer the way you would like to be treated. Most feel they are imposing on you when looking at your home. It is natural for them to want to get out as soon as possible. Make them feel welcome invite them to take their time looking and tell them you’ll be leaving to run errands.

33.Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way, preferably out of the house.

34.Check the temperature…toasty warm in the winter, please.

35.Turn on every light in the house just before leaving the house. Turn on all lights including closet lights and special heat lamps in the bathrooms. This makes the house seem bright and cheery.

How you affect others daily

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 22:04:31 -0600

As the pace and fullness of modern life serve to isolate us from one another, the contact we do share becomes vastly more significant. We unconsciously absorb each other's energy, adopting the temperament of those with whom we share close quarters, and find ourselves changed after the briefest encounters. Everything we do or say has the potential to affect not only the individuals we live, work, and play with but also those we've just met. Though we may never know the impact we have had or the scope of our influence, accepting and understanding that our attitudes and choices will affect others can help us remember to conduct ourselves with grace at all times. When we seek always to be friendly, helpful, and responsive, we effortlessly create an atmosphere around ourselves that is both uplifting and inspiring.

Most people rarely give thought to the effect they have had or will have on others. When we take a few moments to contemplate how our individual modes of being affect the people we spend time with each day, we come one step closer to seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. By asking ourselves whether those we encounter walk away feeling appreciated, respected, and liked, we can heighten our awareness of the effect we ultimately have. Something as simple as a smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person's entire world. Our value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can even prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By simply being ourselves, we influence other's lives in both subtle and life-altering ways.

To ensure that the effect we have is positive, we must strive to stay true to ourselves while realizing that it is the demeanor we project and not the quality of our wondrous inner landscapes that people see. Thus, as we interact with others, how we behave can be as important as who we are. If we project our passion for life, our warmth, and our tolerance in our facial features, voice, and choice of words, every person who enters our circle of influence will leave our presence feeling at peace with themselves and with us. You never know whose life you are affecting, big or small. Try to remember this as you go out into the world each day.

I think we are not seeing the true picture - Are you paying attention to the details?

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:56:30 -0600

READ BEFORE CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW:

Can you see the truth in a picture. Are you really paying attention to the details

There are two identical pictures that will appear on the screen.

Almost 8,000 people were tested to see if they could find the 3

differences in the two pictures and only 19 found all 3. See how

observant you are. If you find all 3, you're one of very few

people who are able to do this.

http://members.home.nl/saen/Special/Zoeken.swf

10 Worst Things to do in a Meeting

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:18:31 -0600

I read this article today and though it was worth sharing.

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Meetings have been hailed as the No. 1 time-waster in corporate America, and -- unless food is served to offset the boredom -- the most tortuous part of the work day.

Who among us hasn't cringed as the office windbag launched into a self-aggrandizing discourse that was completely off-point? Pitied a meek co-worker who got trounced by the office bully? Or marveled at a colleagues' ability to string together an array of buzzwords that mean absolutely nothing?

Yet no matter how mind-numbing things get, don't be lulled into thinking that meetings aren't important. The fact is, they can make -- or break -- your career. Here are 10 things you should never do in a meeting:

1. Show Up Late.
Nothing says "I'm disorganized" like walking into a meeting already in progress. Arriving a few minutes early not only demonstrates that you respect your colleagues' time, but guarantees you get a good seat as well.

2. Be Unprepared.
If you've been given an agenda or materials beforehand, read them. Think of any questions you have or contributions you could make to the subjects being discussed.

3. Monopolize the Conversation.
When discussion ensues, it's protocol to let more senior figures contribute first. Once they've said their piece, concisely make your points. Don't drone on -- or feel compelled to speak at all if you don't have anything purposeful to say. As the old adage goes, "Better to be thought a fool, than speak and remove all doubt."

4. Make Your Statements Sound Like Questions.
Phrasing your statements as questions invites others to say no, argue or take credit for your ideas. Speak in declarative sentences, such as "Let's do more research on that."

5. Misread Signals.
Try to gauge the needs and mood of those in the room. Listen carefully to what people are saying to discern how receptive they might be to your ideas. You need to make your message relevant to your audience. For example, if everyone is focused on cutting costs, and you're angling for a system upgrade, you'll either want to stress how the new software will save money -- or table your request for another day.

6. Get Intimidated.
Unfortunately, some of your co-workers may view meetings as a battleground and themselves as verbal gladiators, sparring for the boss' favor. If you become the victim of a put-down or accusation, calmly defend yourself. If you need to buy time to think, do so with a question that will make your attacker accountable. For example: "Andrew, when did you start thinking I don't care about our sales results?"

7. Chew Gum.
The smacking, popping, cracking and cow-like chewing are annoying. Plus, it's rude and unprofessional. 'Nuff said.

8. Keep Your Cell Phone On.
You turn it off in restaurants and at the movies. Turn it off for your meeting. A ringing phone interrupts the presenter and distracts the audience. And whatever you do, never take a call in the middle of a meeting.

9. Wander Off Topic.
Don't hijack the agenda. Stay focused on what you and your team are trying to accomplish. If you must digress into unrelated areas, make sure it's alright with the others present. A good way to handle important issues not related to the topic at hand is to record them on a flipchart and revisit them at an appropriate time.

10. Skip It.
Sure, you might get more done if you forgo a meeting to stay at your desk and do your actual work. But if the meeting was called by someone higher up in the organization, you'll miss an opportunity to make yourself known. Remember, in the end, meetings aren't about productivity, they're about projecting a positive image and forming and building relationships that are crucial to your success.

End of the Month Closing Crunch

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:14:21 -0600

The end of the month closing crunch is an occurrence that all of us in the real estate community experience twelve (12) times per year. More recently the Friday closest to the 15th of the month also has its own mini crunch. The symptoms include stress, stomach discomfort and headaches. Does life have to be this way or is there an option, one where life is less stressful, where closings occur throughout the month and where you don’t have to drive like a maniac to get to the several closings all happening on the last day of the month? The answer is maybe, maybe there is a way to lower the stress level, to get real estate clients better service from the vendors that provide services relating to closings and to change the way we do business.

Over the years there have been many real estate professionals blamed for the end of the month closing crunch. In my experience mortgage officers are the likely culprits with real estate agents following based on what they have learned from the mortgage officers about keeping closing costs low. Everyone tries to keep closing costs as low as possible. This is accomplished, in part, by showing a very low amount for pre-paid interest. As many of you know the borrower, at closing, pays pre-paid interest for each day prior to the end of the month in which a closing takes place. The closer to the end of the month, the less the pre-paid interest the borrower pays. What no one seems to realize is that while interest is being paid to the end of the month of closing, the borrower’s first payment is being delayed to the first of the following month. So for instance, a closing on the 30th of April results in a payment due June 1st. Meanwhile, a closing that takes place on the 3rd of May results in a first payment not due until July 1st. So paying pre-paid interest at closing delays the borrowers’ first payment by almost a month in our example. Once explained to most borrowers, they invariably care much less about when in the month they are closing.

All of us in the industry try to give the best service we can to each and every client. Attorneys’ offices, mortgage closing departments and insurance agencies in particular are very much affected by the end of the month closing crunch. Typically our office will do one quarter to one third of our business in the last two (2) to four (4) days of the month. That is an incredible burden on any system. Lenders are struggling with the same problem as they try to underwrite loans and then prepare closing packages for shipment to attorneys. All parties are left hoping that it can all be pulled together in time and no one gets the kind of attention they deserve for such an important transaction.

It is up to all involved in the closing process to provide the best service to our clients in moving through the closing process. Please try to keep in mind, as you write your next contract, that everyone can help make this a less stressful process for by considering a closing date other than the last week of the month or the Friday closest to the 15th of the month. Everyone can expect better service and less stress during the process if closings are scheduled for the 5th, 10th or the 20th of the month . Everyone will benefit in the end.

Coral Springs Area Information

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 15:22:28 -0500

CORAL SPRINGS

Welcome to Coral Springs, a gracious, inviting, upscale city where the sun shines most of the year and the average daily temperature is a balmy 77 degrees. Ideally located in southwest Florida, just minutes from the sugar sand beaches of the Gold Coast, northwest of Fort Lauderdale, between West Palm Beach and Miami, Coral Springs is right in the heart of an exciting metropolitan area yet far enough away from it all that locals like to refer to it as the, "city in the country."

For more information about Coral Springs and the surrounding area go to here.

Hollywood Florida Home for Sale

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 15:19:47 -0500

LIVE IN LUXURY ON THE EAST SIDE OF HOLLYWOOD. LOCATED JUST SECONDS TO THE OCEAN & MARINA. PARK YOUR BOAT BEHIND THE HOME VIA A LARGE REAR DRIVEWAY. ENTIRE HOME WAS RECENTLY REMODELED W/ EXQUISITE UPGRADES & DESINGER TOUCHES IN MINT COND. ADORNED W/ MARBLE FLOORS, GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, WOOD CABINETS, CUSTOM BASE & CROWN MOLDING, KNOCKDOWN TEXTURED WALLS, STAINLESS APPLIANCES -- INCLUDING A CHEF'S GAS STOVE!! ADDT'L FEATURES INCLUDE A WALK-IN PANTRY, OPEN AIRY FLOOR PLAN, SPACIOUS ROOMS, FENCED REAR YARD.

RIVIERA ISLES 5/ 2 and a half bath home for sale in Miramar

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 15:17:30 -0500

Priced to Sell!! Immaculate 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 3 car garage estate that sits on a corner lot overlooking a canal view & shows like a model home! It is located a few minutes from highway acess to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. This home has a unique open floorplan, is decorated with style, and offers neutral decor throughout. Riviera Isles is a 5 star resort style community that offers magnificent amenities including a big clubhouse w/ fitness center, lagoon-style pool w/ waterfall, and 24 hr gated security.

Cooper City Area Information

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:25:26 -0500

Cooper City

A vibrant community with exceptional schools, and abundance of parks, friendly neighbors, and strong community and family values, Cooper City has been called “Someplace Special.” A relaxed community with a country atmosphere, you find lakes, parks, and horse farms throughout the area. Its close to 30,000 residents enjoy the best of southern Florida with pristine beaches close at hand, and recreation ranging from more passive activities such as watching sporting events, to participatory ones such as trail riding and hiking.

For more information on Cooper City and the surrounding area click here.

Davie Area Information

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 06:24:00 -0500

Davie

When you think of southern Florida you probably think of beaches and orange groves. Well, combine that vision with horse and cattle ranches, huge expanses of green areas, over 165 miles of trails, and a one of the nation’s largest educational complexes—then you have Davie.

Davie stands out. It’s a unique place for those who love warm sub-tropical weather, rodeos, equestrian events, and the outdoors. It is also for those who want something unique, but also stay close to the amenities of larger cities.

For more information on Davie and the surrounding area click here.

Pembroke Pines Area Information

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:07:52 -0500

Pembroke Pines

The approximate 140,000 residents of Pembroke Pines live in close proximity to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. They have many opportunities to enjoy fine recreation in the beautiful outdoors of southern Florida. A visit to the exotic Everglades National Park is always an adventure; or enjoy a visit to the Seminole and Miccosukee Indian Reservations.

For more information on Pembroke Pines and the surrounding area click here.

JACARANDA LAKES ENCLAVE HOME FOR SALE ON PLANTATION, FLORIDA

Christine Adler (Adler Realty) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:02:10 -0500

REMODELED SPACIOUS 4 BED/2.5 BATH ESTATE IN GATED ENCLAVE SUBD. OF JACARANDA LAKES. FEATURES OVERSIZED LOT, HURRICANE SHUTTERS, OPEN FLOOR-PLAN, VAULTED CEILINGS, NEW UPGRADED KITCHEN W/ GRANITE COUNTERTOPS & CUSTUM WOOD CABINETS W/ UPGRADES, NEW APPLIANCES, OVERSIZED CERAMIC TILE & LAMINATE WOOD FLOORS. ADDT'L FEATURES INCLUDE NEW ROOF, NEW DIAMOND BRITE POOL, GRANITE WET BAR & WIDE OPEN AREAS FOR ENTERTAINING. LOCATED NEAR 4 MALLS, HIGHWAYS & LOTS OF RESTAURANTS. 599,000