It seems that all priced right listings are selling here in the Coral Springs / Parkland area. Because of decreasing inventories of homes for sale, low interest rates and government incentives it is becomming a sellers market.It is an excellent time to sell because you never know when interest rates will go up. There are qualified buyers out there right now. So if anyone out there is undecided whether to sell now is the time because the market is getting hot.

Not only is it a great time to buy but also a great time to sell. Low interest rates,tax credits, and low prices are fueling the market here in Coral Springs,Fl. Selling inventories are way down and quality listings are hard to find. Now is the time to move! You never know when interest rates will go up and when the government will start upping taxes to control deficits.

Down here in Florida there is one sure way to reduce the high unemployment rate and that is to get the builders building new homes again. Every new home produces about 4 new  jobs. Builders are producing about 20% of what they would build in a normal year. That translates into about half the unemployment in Florida. Customers are purchasing short sales and reo's because they are about 25% less than a new home can be constructed for. Normally they would pay 10% more for a new home because it needs no work. So to make up the difference why not have the counties wave these super high impact fees and water meter fees. And why not have the federal government give builders loans, and tax credits to sell affordable housing.The benefit to all is undeniable and will get the housing market moving again.

There is much talk about going green. What are we as real estate professional doing about it? For one thing we are trying to save paper by emailing,text,presentingand advertising thru the Internet. Someday soon all newspapers,magazines,books,bills will be available thru the Internet. We now have paperless and virtual closings happening more often. And most of us have home offices from which we can do much of our business, take courses and to pay our bills. And I'm definitely for doing something for the environment and the economy , every little bit helps and we all need to contribute. But I want to remember that we are in the people business and that by treating everyone with respect,honesty and loyalty, we are also contributing to the good of all. 

Yesterday, I had a short sale contract offer accepted by the seller of a very nice home. It will be submitted to the bank for approval and hopefully soon the bank will respond and will close by the end of November. My buyer,a single woman, is a first time home buyer. She is hoping to get the $8,000 tax credit. This tax credit has been a boom to our area here in Coral Springs, FL. and I'm sure it has helped other markets as well. It makes me feel good to know that the tax credit is not only helping this young person in purchasing a home, it is helping many other people and the economy as well. I support the extension of this tax credit for another year.

What does it mean to be a professional in the business of real estate? The mother of a client of mine recently said to me that even though her daughter wouldn't take any advice from her she would listen to me because I was the professional. This really hit home for me. If I don't advise my clients on how, what and where to buy and sell real estate then what am I doing. Of course everyone has preferences, but I'm the one that must guide them through the process and help them realize what their goals and needs are and help them get there. With all the experience that I have, I promise to listen and to then give an opinion on how best to proceed.  I will then go and do the best I possibly can for everyone.

I like doing open houses. It's a great way to a sell property that you belive in,  meet neighbors who might one day sell their home,  or cultivate referrals in the area.Basically it's a great way to meet new people and to become an expert! Usually, I make sure to  invite about 20 neighbors to my open house.

While knocking on doors. one gentleman told me that there was no soliciting, and that he could call the police, or report the HOA. I apologized.

The next day I had my open house and it went well with positive results. I've decide I'm going to keep knocking  on doors because I feel I can add much to a community by being freindly, professional and selling in the development.

Tomorrow I'm doing an open house for another agent, but today I decided to first clean up the house somewhat and meet as many of the neighbors that I could. Cleaning someone else's home and listing, is not one of my favorite things to do, but I did it because I wanted to be proud of what I was selling. Walking up and down the street in the Florida heat and knockig on doors is not normally on my to do list. I met some really nice people and I learned an a lot about the neighbothood. I may or may not sell that home tomorrow but I'll bet I get one solid lead out of this weekend. I'll do whatever it takes.

Yesterday, I went out to preview some properties  in a 66 home development that I had built. While driving around the block, I noticed that a garage door was open, so I called the owner and friend up and he invited me in. He had made many improvements over the years, and still loved the home and the neighborhood. It gave me great joy to visit, seeing one of his teenage sons, and to realize that I had been a part of their lives and they a part of mine. I promise to keep in touch with friends and clients that I enjoyed working with.

Through Facebook, I've been in contact with some old friends from Decker Avenue in Elizabeth, N.J. -- where I grew up. It brought backsome special memories. What made it special was that it was one short narrow block where everyone knew and hung around together. People were outside a lot, there was football, wiffle ball, and basketball and a lot of sitting on front stoops. People lived in their homes for long periods of time. I hope some of the buyers I work with will experience the good feelings of living and growing in a small community. The people living there are the amenities.