STAGE IT TO SELL IT! - 05/29/09 01:30 PM
Staging a property in any market is important but in a slow market it may very well be the deciding factor if the property is going to sell at all.  Staging can mean hiring a professional staging company and paying thousands of dollars to create the impression you want or it could just be going to Walmart or Home Depot and spending what you can to give your potential buyers a great first impression.
You really don't have to spend alot to add some accessories to the home that will greatly improve the appearance.  They even have inexpensive fake cardboard furniture that comes with coverings to … (0 comments)

Summer Camps in Boca Raton - 05/28/09 08:00 AM
With the summer season upon us here in Boca Raton many families are looking into activities and many will seek out some summer camp opportunities.  There is so much to do in the area that its not easy to choose with so many camps geared to many different interest.  Everything from surf camp to nature oriented activities to sports can be found in Boca Raton.  Check out your options and sign up early as there are more families and children than ever before now living here in Boca Raton.
Below are two great camps that are popular in the area.
Soccer
www.TeamBoca.com
561.212.6085
 
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Every Property Sells! - 05/27/09 08:46 PM
Even in slow markets the one thing you can count on is that every property sells. There is no exception to this. Even if it takes longer than you would like, you can be sure your property will sell if you use a good Realtor and you do everything your supposed to do.
The most important thing you must do is price your property correctly now.  This may be painful, but if you really want to sell you must price your property ahead of the market to get it sold. Don't chase the market all over the place.
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The Off-Season in Boca Raton,Florida - 05/26/09 10:54 AM
As we head into the real estate off-season here in Boca Raton, Florida many serious buyers are showing up looking to purchase great properties at great prices.  Its a great time of year because its the time we deal with serious buyers who have been watching the market and planning a purchase.  Sellers should keep their properties ready to show and expect an active off-season in Boca Raton and the surrounding areas.
 
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Insurance Companies - 05/25/09 08:49 AM
Insurance companies sure do have it made.  They get to charge what they want and when a customer makes a claim they try everything they can to pay as least as possible than they either raise the customers rates or they cancel their policy.  What a great business to be in!  This is the only business in America where you can take everyones money and when a major storm hits and your customers file alot of claims you can just go bankrupt.  I'm not sure who is worse, the insurance company executives or the politicians who let them operate in the way that they do.
At this … (0 comments)

Memorial Day - 05/22/09 08:02 AM
Memorial Day is another great time to be in Boca Raton and South Florida.  There are so many things to do this weekend its hard to make a choice.
Lets not forget the meaning behind Memorial Day which is to honor all the men and women who have died while serving their country.  Memorial Day was originally called Declaration Day to honor the Union soldiers of the American Civil War but now honors all military personnel.
 
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Helping Families Save Their Homes Act - 05/21/09 09:20 AM
The government continues to try to get housing back on track with the passing of the "Helping Families Save Their Homes Act."  This bill is designed to make it easier for homeowners to modify or refinance their mortgages and stay in their homes so the number of foreclosures is reduced.  Foreclosures eventually lower everyones property values.
The bill also gives homeowners the right to know who owns their mortgage.  Something that is often difficult to find out.  Tenants will be happy as well with this new bill which now requires the banks to honor their current lease or give them 90 … (0 comments)

South Beach Park - Boca Raton, Florida - 05/20/09 09:38 AM
One of the nicest beaches in Boca Raton, Florida is South Beach Park located right at the end of Palmetto Park Rd.  This beach is very popular and has a nice gazebo you can sit under to take a good look at the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean. Its in a great part of town just up the road from the Boca Resort and Lake Boca.  Check out the link below for more information and pictures.
 
http://evsboca.netfirms.com
 
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First Time Home Buyers Now is the Time! - 05/19/09 09:26 AM
First time home buyers should really take a good look at all the advantages of buying a home at this time.  With low interest rates and lots of homes in all price ranges to choose from, people who are on the fence or renting should really consider getting into the market.
This is the perfect time to move to a location that normally would be out of reach for your budget. The fact that you can now use the first time home buyer $8,000 tax credit as a down payment should make this an easy decision.  Find out if you are qualified.  Many people … (0 comments)

Boca Raton Water Restrictions - 05/18/09 09:04 AM
The rainfall we have been getting is great and hopefully it will continue. Below are the watering guidlines for Boca Raton and Palm Beach County. Be sure to set your timers accordingly.
All Property Sizes
Landscape irrigation for all property types and sizes is allowed two days a week.
Odd number addresses:  Wednesday and Saturday - 12am to 10am  and/or  4pm to 11:59 pm.
Even number addresses: Thursday and Sunday - 12am to 10am  and/or  4pm to 11:59 pm.
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Palm Beach County, Florida Market Report May 2009 - 05/15/09 09:01 AM
Activity is up and inventory is decreasing which is just what we need to keep happening to get into a more balanced market. Many buyers are in town buying properties and taking advantage of the great conditions before they fade. Below are the numbers for Palm Beach County for the past 30 days and the numbers are great! Lets hope this trend continues and if it does this will be the turn we are all waiting for.
 
Total Properties Available   26,091
Total Properties Pending  2675
Total Properties Sold  1693
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Now is the Time to Move Up! - 05/14/09 08:56 AM
The numbers never lie and with the recent increase in activity its becoming crystal clear why its a great time to buy.  Many of my customers have been waiting for just this time to move up for various reasons and most of them just need more space.  A buyer's market is the perfect time to move up.  Though your present home sale may be lower, the smaller loss will be made up with a huge savings when you purchase.
Lets say you paid $500,000 for your present home and prices dropped 10%.  You would sell it for $450,000, which is $50,000 less. When you … (0 comments)

Buying Foreclosures - 05/13/09 01:50 PM
Though its true many people get deals buying foreclosures what you never here about are the buyers who have problems and get bad deals. Some buyers get so blinded when they here the word foreclosure that often they lose their better judgment.  Much of this is caused by not really knowing how the system works.  Many of these buyers remember the foreclosures of years ago when you bought the property for whatever was owed on the mortgage.
Those days are over and the banks are looking to make money and have no problem hiring a brokerage to sell their properties just like … (0 comments)

Boca Raton and Highland Beach, Florida - 05/12/09 09:37 AM
When it comes to quality of life and location you won't find a better place in the country than the Boca Raton and Highland Beach, Florida area. This jewel of South Florida features pristine tropical beaches, easy access to all airports, fine dining, and entertainment. Strict code enforcement is in place so the look of this piece of A1A remains unspoiled.
Surrounded by beautiful palm trees and blue ocean its very easy to be active all year round in this tropical playground. When considering a move to South Florida be sure to check this area out and find out why the most successful people in the … (0 comments)

Now is the Time to Buy! - 05/11/09 07:46 AM
This is the perfect time to buy here in South Florida as the end of the busy season is here and there are plenty of motivated sellers looking to move on. Activity is increasing and it should be a very active off season as people sense the market turning and want to take advantage of the best buyers market in years before it fades. Remember, nothing last forever and the future looks very bright here in Boca Raton and across all of South Florida.
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Know The Value - 05/08/09 09:00 AM
Activity is really up and many deals are getting done!  I still see many buyers willing to pay anything as long as the property is advertised as a short sale or a foreclosure.  Many people continue to buy these properties, especially foreclosures and not do so well.  Bottom line is you must know the current value and remember that the bank must approve all short sales and many times will make you wait months and then ask for more money. 
There are opportunities in both short sales and foreclosures but you must educate yourself and know your values.
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New Florida Seat Belt Law - 05/07/09 10:12 AM
Our Governor has signed the new seat belt law into effect for all of Florida including Boca Raton which says the police department can pull a driver over just for not wearing a seat belt.  In the past they could only give out tickets for this offense if they pulled you over for something else. The state will get funds from the federal government for signing this into law and it is sure to be a good revenue stream for the state as well.
The ticket can cost you from around $30 up to $120. We should all be in the … (0 comments)

Decreasing Inventory and Multiple Offers - 05/06/09 10:20 AM
Activity is up across South Florida and across the country as buyers continue to secure great properties at great prices!  The areas that were hit the hardest are showing the most activity and many communities in South Florida are seeing packed open houses and multiple offers! Inventory is decreasing. The incentives offered by the government combined with cheap money and great pricing is driving the activity. If this continues, the long awaited turn of the market is here.
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Don't Forget Part 2 of a Short Sale - 05/05/09 10:22 AM
You found a patient buyer who submitted an offer.  Your Realtor worked night and day getting it approved. You are ready to close this deal and put all this behind you.  Make sure you take care of part 2 of negotiating a short sale with your bank.
Most people are so happy to be closing on their short sale property that they forget this all important step.  Just because your bank has agreed to let you do this deal does not mean they have agreed to forget about the monies that you are shorting them.  Most banks don't bring this topic up … (0 comments)

Tax Changes Going on the Ballot - 05/04/09 09:51 AM
Taxes are always a big issue and its nice to see that things are still being worked on even though some other issues seem to be dominating the news these days. 
Currently there is a proposal to give first time homeowners a tax break by lowering their assessed value and there is also a proposal to lower the tax cap for second homes and vacation properties from 10% to 5%. Any and all tax reductions are a good thing big or small.
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Boca Raton, Florida Luxury Property Market Report - 05/01/09 10:27 AM
The luxury single family home market is very active and the numbers are great for the past thirty days.  Luxury condos remain sluggish but should improve slightly even though we are coming into the slower months because people are in town looking to buy. Below are the numbers for the Boca Raton luxury home market for the past thirty days.
 
Luxury Single Family Homes
Total Properties Available  605
Price Range  $1,000,000  --  $25,000,000
Total Properties Pending   9
Total Properties Sold    12
Price Range $1,050,000  --  $5,950,000
Average Days On Market   272
Average Price Per Square Ft.  $359

Luxury Condominiums
Total Properties … (0 comments)