A few years ago we were within the top ten growing cities now we are number one in Foreclosures. Yesterday local paper reported our top rank as realty trac (California based Company) announces our county having one of the most Foreclosure Listings in the state. However, on the bright side hopefully many investors will want to scoop up these deals and deplete this never ending flood of homes. Here's looking at hope....

About a year ago I implemented a new strategy to keeping current tenants aware that we appreciate rent payments on time. About every three months I not only drive by the property but we also do an inspection. As a reminder  of the inspection period I also include in the letter our appreciation of the condition of the property (i.e. lawn kept up, landscapping added etc.,) numerous tenants have called our office thanking us for noticing even the smallest details. We have seen a decrease in deliquent tenants. I believe it has to do with this new strategy. This in turn makes a happy landlord as they are getting the rent on time every month. So for today my advise is show a little appreciation to everyone you never know how it can pay off.

With home prices dropping many investors have jumped in and I welcome them. Right now I have seen an increase in buyers who bought cheap and need to rent. I know many are upset due to investors scooping up deals in the long run it is showing a better opportunity for people as myself that base almost all of their livelyhood on rentals.

I recently put new rentals on the market, much to my surprise my phone started ringing off the hook. In a weeks time I had about 10 calls refering to a property I had put on the MLS but these calls were saying the property was $200 less than I had listed it. I inquired to see where they had seen the house and everyone said Craigslist. I quickly became a member trying to see who had the property listed. Much to my surprise all the photos I had on the Multiple Listing Services were on this craigslist ad. I inquired as a perspective and quicly received an email with wiring information and a really low price on my property. I was furious, reported as fraud and contacted an attorney. So today my advise is even if you don't advertise on Craigslist do your homework and make sure your listing is not being used by someone else. I explained to many of the callers that it was a scam and although they were understanding they of course were not in the price range of the property I was trying to rent.

We all know working from home is the best and easiest ways to sometimes get work done. Recently I received a bill that had my cable, Internet and phone. After reviewing the increase in rate I started to shop around. Once I found a plan that worked for me I went back to my current carrier. Much to my surprise after speaking with the rep and letting her know I will be changing companies they were truly interested in keeping my business. She suggested doing a $15/mnth credit on the bill until Sept when a new deal program was coming out. I of course took the deal considering the difference was going to safe me a couple of dollars a month. And of course in Sept if the deal doesn't match up to where I want to me then I can always switch. Just a little advise before you switch carries or companies check to see how much your current carrier really wants to keep you as a customer.

Newly remodeled Lake View home. Just move in. Beautiful front porch, back patio, full kitchen, lake view, tiled high ceilings, and much more. Very interested in Renting bring offer today. Only $1150

Lake Forest:

This communityconsists of 689 individual single family homes. It is a diverse community. They have two swimming pools, a spa, a horseshoe pit and a separate exercise building which contains state of the art exercise machines. The Clubhouse sits adjacent to the exercise facility and overlooks the lake. You will enjoy all the luxury amenities of this community without paying a high price. In addition the community is situated in Saint Lucie West which is centrally located to local area supermarkets, dinning and strip malls.  Don't wait this property will not last at this price. Very little moves you in. So call today.

10 tips for better gas mileage

Unless you drive a hybrid car or ride your bike to work, there's no way to escape the high gas prices. But there are ways you can get better gas mileage out of our vehicles - which will save you money in the long run, according to Edmunds.com, an online resource for automotive information.

Here are 10 to help you get better gas mileage:

1. Follow the Recommended Maintenance - A well-maintained vehicle will operate more efficiently. Fouled spark plugs, dirty air filters and clogged fuel filters will diminish fuel economy.
2. Keep Tires Properly Inflated - Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll; properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by as much as 3 percent.
3. Take a Load Off - Heavier vehicles require more energy to move. Pack light and remove unnecessary items from the car.
4. Don't Drive Aggressively - Hitting the gas pedal hard after stopping, slamming on the brakes and speeding all decrease fuel efficiency.
5. Use the Highest Gear Possible - Lower gears use more power, so manual transmission drivers should switch to a higher gear when driving at a steady speed, and automatic transmission drivers should avoid using "sport" mode.
6. Use Cruise Control Selectively - Cruise control is a great asset on flat roads, but isn't the most efficient on hilly terrain.
7. Think Clean - Keeping your car washed and waxed improves its aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel efficiency. On a long trip, a quick run through a gas station car wash might more than pay for itself.
8. Avoid Excessive Idling - An idling car burns fuel. Whenever possible, turn your car off while waiting, and try to avoid drive-through windows and long toll booth lines.
9. Think Before You Ventilate - Air conditioning consumes more fuel, while rolled down windows decreases aerodynamics. Roll down windows when in slow-moving traffic; use the air conditioner when traveling at high speeds.
10. Combine Your Errands - Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines. Combining errands means the engine will be warmer for more of the trip.

Finally Port Saint Lucie is recognized. The Kiplinger Magazine did an article claiming that we are one of top 10 places to retire. Kiplinger is known for advising on managing money and achieving financial security. Reas the full story at www.Kiplinger.com

Lifestyles

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA.

BEST CITY FOR RETIREES

Population: 374,713
Cost-of-Living Index: 103 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 27%
Bohemian Indicator: 81
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 18.9% Annual

They don't call this slice of Florida the Treasure Coast for nothing. It is nicely, not overly, developed and boasts two rivers as well as beachfront. If you want to improve your golf game, there's the PGA learning center nearby. And you're less than an hour away from Palm Beach and less than two hours from Miami.

By far, Port Saint Lucie, Florida is a perfect spot for many looking to retire. With so much to do. We are minutes away from the best fishing either in Stuart or Fort Pierce and don't forget the Saint Lucie Inlet, Port St. Lucie is the place for retirees. We have beautiful golf courses like Club Med, Ballantre Golf Course, PGA Village and a like. Yet we are reasonably priced compared to West Palm Beach. Our area is still unspoiled. So if someone is looking to relax and invest their hard earned money. So come an enjoy our secluded, undiscovered Treasure Coast.

For many of us in Florida the winter month's are behind us and although the market has been rough a new Month has set upon us. Summer for us as agents is a time for movers, relocating families, and well money. I've spoken to many individuals that are relocating to the Treasure Coast due to jobs (i.e. coast guard, power plant etc.,) however many seem to be renting for the time. This is a  nice sign to see that business are pushing people to our little yet unspoiled coast. I am very excited about this summer and I want to encourage other agents who still call this their full-time job.Have hope and hang in there. With a new summer, I believe we have a great opportunity to service new comers. So today if your day is slow and your phone is not ringing have some hope and just wait ,only good things can happen from here on out.

 Please don't bash me if the market dives more.:)

With the Real Estate Market as slow as it is many are asking should I wait it out and just rent. As an agent I have realized that the home buying is not going to change soon. Many are waiting for the tax and insurance reforms. But as many of us know change is slow and grueling for any business.

However, with an increase in movers still flocking the Florida Sun, rentals seems to be the business on which to be in. Renting in Port Saint Lucie and doing property management seems at least for me what has kept my business going. More and more I'm doing rental as a full time job and selling as a part-time. When a sale does close it puts a huge relief on me but in order to stay in this business full time, changing with it is the only way to stay afloat.