Delray Beach Homes for Sale

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY & SCIENCE IN FT LAUDERDALE OFFERS THE WHOLE FAMILY A MEMORABLE DAY

2012-01-27T04:59:00.002-05:00

From the IMAX theater with 3D films for viewers wearing special glasses to the live shark tank which holds a giant megalodon shark, to a cyclone chair demonstrating inertia, you can see more than 200 interactive exhibits.

Enjoy a Turtle walk, watch the playful antics of river otters in their habitat and take a ride through the Everglades in the virtual pressurized airboat in the new $25MM 34,000 foot Ecodiscovery Center which houses the Living in the Everglades exhibit. Dig for fossils, hang out with bats, see alligators and iguanas. Experience hurricane force winds in the Storm Center. Watch the exciting science theater shows. In one of the nine cockpit simulators you will test your pilot skills. At the space exhibit, Runways to Rockets, take a simulated trip or Mars or the Moon.

Across the street you can follow the one-mile Riverwalk Path on ther Las Olas riverfront and watch the boats going by, have lunch or dinner, and partake in the various outdoor fairs and exhibits held occasionally in the Esplanade Park. A little farther down the block is the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, where you can end the day watching a Broadway play with spectacular sets, music and performers.

Hold your children’s next Birthday Party at the Museum or hold a special event. Day camp is available for children. The Explore Store has many educational and exciting games, toys, books and other unique gifts. Open 7 days a week, admission prices vary. The Museum strives to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults using exhibits, programs and films, and hosts about 400,000 people a year. The Museum is located off Broward Boulevard, east of I-95; you can follow the signs to SW 5^th Avenue (Commodore Brook Avenue) and turn right- garage is on right and museum on left.

“THE SKINNY” ON FORECLOSURES IMPACTING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET & SHADOW INVENTORY

2012-01-14T09:36:00.003-05:00

150,000 properties were repossessed by lenders in the tri-county southeast Florida area since the 2007 crash. CondoVultures.com reports that the repossessions equal about half the nearly 300,000 foreclosure actions filed during the same 5-year period. They estimate than less than half of those properties repossessed by lenders have been resold to buyers. They further estimate that this rate will continue steadily for the foreseeable future.

There was a 36% drop in year-over-year bank repossessions but that is rooted in part to issues related to the “foreclosure freeze” in 4Q 2010. Some investors are concerned that purchasing bank-owned properties could lead to future title issues.

With nearly 299,000 notices of default filed against borrowers, the Florida court system was over whelmed with foreclosure actions. Today lenders plan for a 700-day repossession process with a cost of about $100,000 per property. Generally bank owned properties generate lower average prices than short sales.

CoreLogic reports that at the end of October 2011 lenders had a “shadow inventory” of 1.6MM distressed properties and repossessed homes they had not yet put up for sale, down 16% from a year ago. Florida is one of 6 sates accounting for half of these. CoreLogic says in a healthy market shadow inventory should represent less than one month supply of homes; currently the figure is five months.

National Association of Realtors says 29% of November 2011 sales were short sales and bank owned sales. Lender Processing Services estimates that there were almost 4MM homes in the foreclosure process or 90-days delinquent at the end of October.

No matter whose estimate we look at, it’s not a pretty picture!

DO YOU LOVE TO READ... BUT WISH IT WAS NOT SUCH A SOLITARY EXPERIENCE

2012-01-09T10:50:00.002-05:00

Join almost 1.5MM readers and check out a social network for avid readers. List your personal collection and connect with “like [or unlike] minds.” Then browse THEIR collections and share ideas and opinions with reviews. You can join for free and can upgrade your account to catalog as many books as you want to. Head over to http://www.librarything.com.

Click the TALK section tab and then look at a topic of interest. Join one of the groups. Browse the Local entries for lists of book stores and libraries that are nearby. Click MORE and you can get free books and review them, e.g. for Amazon.com. Click Zeitgeist for 25 most reviewed books and other statistics. It probably won’t surprise you to find that J.K. Rowling and Stephen King are the top two of 75 authors. William Shakespeare is #7. TheTop 25 Books list gives places 1 through 8 to the Harry Potter Books.

2011-12-30T18:27:00.001-05:00

THERE ARE 50MM UNEMPLOYED IN THE US - HERE'S A PHARMACY DISCOUNT CARD!

FOR A CARD WITH YOUR NAME ON IT
EMAIL marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

CHECK OUT LIFELONG LEARNING SERIES & GREENMARKET

2011-12-28T17:53:00.001-05:00

CONCERNED ABOUT A NUCLEAR ATTACK ON THE US? HERE IS A SOLUTION!

2011-12-21T00:07:00.001-05:00

Silo missle sites in various states have been and are being converted into underground homes.

Taxpayers spent $3.3MM for a silo in Topeka, Kasas which has been converted to underground living quarters. The silo was purchased for $40,000, in bad shape, in the 1980’s by a school teacher who, with his wife, has lived there comfortably ever after.

A 3’ layer of earth covers the top layer of reinforced concrete. Floors are 3’ thick, walls and ceilings 18” thick and 15’ high. The special concrete structure was built by the government to withstand a nuclear blast. The folks who live in it say, “We love the solid, quiet feel of the place. Not only is it very well built – it is very easy to heat and cool.” This home has a large greenhouse around the hatch, which brings sunlight into the living space and was formerly used for heavy equipment to manipulate the missiles.

About half of these former military sites are owned privately or by cities, counties, school districts, water companies and other commercial entities. This is a niche market for a unique home for real estate agents. The schoolteacher has made 55 sales, of which 5 have turned over more than once. They said that buyers include some military or former military personnel who are familiar with the silos, and know the benefits. Others are looking for interesting projects to restore, and some want the seclusion, privacy and security. Some buyers are survival-oriented.”

Mortgages and appraisals are a challenge. “Prices have increased and are rising,” they said.

A former 14.5 acre Nike missile base in southeastern Indiana has been converted to three 5,000 sq ft residential spaces. One features a kitchen, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an exercise room indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi tub. All have single-phase electric, city water, paved access with remote-control rolling front gates and high security chain link fencing topped with barbed wire.

An Atlas F site is for sale now in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Diameter is 52’ and depth is 180’. It holds a 2300 sq ft 2-story contemporary home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, finished interiors, a spiral staircase, fiber-optic lighting, a generator and new well. The floor plan is open, there is a large garage and wraparound porch that hides the underground entryway. Price has been reduced from $4.6mm to $750,000. The entrance features heavy security doors that were built to withstand a 2000-lb blast. Location is on part of an exclusive airport subdivision on a 2050 foot Federal Aviation Administration-approved runway.

A communications vault in Paris, Missouri near the Mark Twain recreational lake is available, needing “fix-up”. There are 8200 sq ft of usable underground floor space on this 13-acre site. Ceilings and walls are 24” thick and 2’ to 4’ of earth cover the underground area. A metal shield envelopes the structure and there are heavy blast doors with an emergency-escape hatch exit. The property is available for $295,000. Electricity works and most rooms have heaters and dehumidifiers.

Here is a unique living style which has a following of those seeking secure homes in hardened cold war facilities.

DECLINE OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN US JANUARY 2007 - APRIL 2011

2011-12-13T00:32:00.002-05:00

multimediafinal

2011-12-10T20:20:00.000-05:00

2011-12-06T15:38:00.001-05:00

DID YOU KNOW…

That a recent US census, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper, showed that 65+ age seniors now account for the largest segment, about 13%, of the population. In 2000, it was 12.4% in 1900 the number was 4.1%. That 13% equates to 40.3-million people.

Soon current baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) will further grow the senior ranks. Florida maintains its #1 spot, up 17.3%, with West Virginia, Maine, Pennsylvania and Iowa following. Alaska has the lowest amount of seniors.

FLORIDA STAGE JOINS DELRAY'S ARTS GARAGE... performances coming...

2011-12-04T03:43:00.000-05:00

Founding producing director, Louis Tyrrell, the spark plug who, for the last 24 years, built a startup into the nation's largest professional theater dedicated exclusively to producing new and emerging American plays, will soon make presentations at the Arts Garage, a multidisciplinary cultural hub on the ground floor of a Pineapple Grove parking lot in trendy downtown Delray, just off Atlantic Avenue.

The Theater at Arts Garage encompasses many arts covered by the Arts Garage, including music, dance and visual arts - a good partnership! Starting event will be in February with a Master Playwright Series, four weekly play-readings/lectures on Tuesday evenings. The New Play Festival will be unveiled in early March featuring readings of 6 evolving scripts, play writing workshops and a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marshal Norman. With reduced space, productions will be smaller. Tyrrell says that intimate theater "is the new normal."

A musical play, "Woody Sez" will be presented from March 16-April 8, based on the music of folk troubadour Wood Guthrie. Those subscribers to Florida Stage left with canceled tickets when it closed, can use them for admission on a space-available basis.

Future plans include the opening of The Arts Warehouse in a 15,000 sq ft facility, not yet renovated, perhaps opening in 2014.

This is a "win-win," a great addition to Delray Beach's vibrant arts scene.

WHAT's HAPPENING IN TOWN TONIGHT

2011-12-01T08:11:00.000-05:00

MIZNER PARK AMPHITHEATER COMING EVENTS

2011-11-30T09:04:00.002-05:00

2011-11-28T08:16:00.002-05:00

Planning a flight soon? Head over to SeatGuru.com and see more than 700 airline seat maps from most carriers and read 25,000+ reviews from other fliers.

Get tips on which seats have:

limited recline
reduced legroom
misaligned windows
superior and substandard seats identified by color
compare seats from different carriers

and have a wonderful flight!

2011-11-22T22:56:00.000-05:00

11-11-2011 FORECLOSURE STATS

2011-11-12T06:11:00.001-05:00

EVER WONDERED WHAT THE INTERNET ECONOMY IS?

2011-11-08T08:38:00.001-05:00

McKinsey estimates that the 200 million-person global economy has reached $8-trillion. The report is limited to the G-8 countries plus Brazil, China, India and South Korea.

· Private consumption refers to, electronic equipment, e-commerce, broadband subscriptions, mobile internet and hardware and software consumption

· Private investment refers to, from telecommunications industry and maintenance of extranet, intranet and websites

· Public expenditure refers to, government buying and spending of hardware and services

· Trade refers to, exports of internet equipment and b-2-b services with overseas companies

The internet contributes more to the economy than mining, utilities, agriculture or education. In France since the mid-1990’s, McKinsey states that the internet created twice the number of jobs that it destroyed. World leader of the online industry is the United States with 30% of global internet revenues, but the UK is the world leader in online retail sales. China’s and India’s internet economies rely on exporting online services for most of their economies.

NOTE THAT REAL ESTATE HAS THE GREATEST WEIGHT IN THE GDP....

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER

2011-11-06T18:45:00.001-05:00

You might remember a news story several months ago about a crotchety old man who defied his homeowners association and refused to take down
the flagpole on his property and the large flag that flew on it. Now you can
find out who, exactly, that old man was.
On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburg -- probably
didn't make much news back then. twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano , Italy , Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the US Army in 1940, set out to
flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers. He advanced through a minefield, took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war.

If that wasn't enough for a day's work, he later took on and
destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.

That probably didn't make much news either, given the scope of the
war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after
also serving in Korea and Vietnam , a Congressional Medal of Honor.

What did make news was a neighborhood association's quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home. Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoot's 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable.

He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn't take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association has rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells among them.

"In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference," Barfoot told The Associated Press. As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he's not real good at backing down.
Van T. Barfoot's Medal of Honor citation:
This 1944 Medal of Honor citation, listed with the National Medal of Honor Society, is for Second Lieutenant Van T. Barfoot, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry:
WE ONLY LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE... BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! AND, BECAUSE OF OLD MEN LIKE VAN BARFOOT!

DELRAY BEACH ATHLETIC CLUB EVENT NOV 4, 6-8 PM - COME AND HAVE FUN!

2011-11-02T06:07:00.001-04:00

RELAX TO MUSIC FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF JAZZ, SHOW TUNES, SWING, CLASSIC JAZZ, BEBOP, BOSSA NOVA – DOORS OPEN 7 PM, MUSIC STARTS AT 7:30 PM

2011-11-02T05:53:00.000-04:00

FAU MAKES BOCA RATON MORE AND MORE OF A COLLEGE TOWN

2011-10-30T00:54:00.001-04:00

New 1200-bed apartment opens near new Florida Atlantic University football stadium, offering large pool, sand volleyball court and bbq grills. Resident card access for elevators increases security. Campus has a fitness and recreation center, movie house and mall-style food court.

Cost to student for a semester is $4400-$4800. This $121-MM complex has a 7- and 8-story buildings separated by a courtyard, with 2- and 4-bedroom apartments, two baths, kitchens, cable tv and high speed internet access. Each student has their own bedroom and full size bed. Apartments are all rented for this semester.

AWARD WINNING PALM BEACH COUNTY THRIVES.

2011-10-24T01:57:00.000-04:00

Palm Beach County maintains a strong internet presence by offering many web-based applications to easily and transparently access service and do business with county departments and agencies. The 2011 Digital Counties Survey, partnering with the National Association of Counties, awarded our county #1 in digital technology, #1 in counties with populations over 500,000.

The annual survey takes into account achievements using technology both regarding operating efficiencies and realizing strategic objectives. ePZV refers to planning, zoning and building. ePermits is used for land development. WbEOC is for emergency management,e911for emergency dispatch, LEX for law enforcement data sharing, HRIS for human services and myGeoNav (GIS).

Many government, education and nonprofit organizations are connected to the county fiber optic network, allowing an open access public network. Internet service is provided to the network by Florida LambdaRail.

For making government information easily accessible, the county website, www.pbcgov.com won the 2011 Sunny Award from Sunshine Review which recognizes government websites exceeding standards aimed at encouraging open government, and the 2010 NACo Achievement Award for outstanding promotion of government transparency was presented to the Palm Beach County Ethics Initiative.

2011-10-18T01:13:00.002-04:00

2011-10-13T02:46:00.001-04:00

INVENTORIES CONTINUE DOWN; PENDINGS REMAIN THE SAME

2011-09-21T02:29:00.000-04:00

HERE WE GO AGAIN...

2011-09-16T21:07:00.000-04:00

RealtyTrac advises that while foreclosure activity fell for the 11th straight month on a yearly basis in August, it rose compared to July. In August the nation’s foreclosure rate was 1 in 570 housing units. The increase in foreclosure activity was driven by a 33% jump in default notices, largest monthly increase since August 2007. RealtyTrac’s CEO stated that, “The big increase in new foreclosure actions may be a signal that lenders are starting to push thru some of the foreclosures delayed by robo-signing and other documentation problems.” Scheduled auctions and bank repos fell both month-to-month and year-over-year in August. In Florida 23,569 properties received a foreclosure filing in August, a 59% drop from August 2010. That accounts for 1 in 376 units.

Banks are offering incentives of $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 to sellers who go to foreclosure to help with a new start and a new bill, Homestead Act 2, being introduced shortly, will propose offering $20,000 to foreclosure buyers for down payment assistance. A similar offer was made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 for Union Army veterans to file an application and claim up to 160 acres of government land; the homesteader was required to improve the land building a home and growing crops. It would come in the form of a loan and be forgiven each year in the first 5 years of the homestead, by 1/5th each year.

CREST THEATRE FEATURES ICE SHOW AT HOLIDAY TIME

2011-09-01T22:47:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this award winning spectacular ice show featuring music from the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's on December 16, 17 and 18. Choose evening or matinee performances. Combine Big Band, Abba and many other music genre sounds with world class ice skating, elaborate costumes, and artistic athelticism, and you wind up with a most memorable performance.

The Crest Theatre is located within Old School Square at 51 North Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach. Call the Crest Theatre Box Office: 561.243.7922 ext. 1. Individual ticket price is $42.

2002 PRICES PREVAIL FOR SOME SOUTH FLORIDA HOMES

2011-08-31T05:33:00.000-04:00

According to the Chairman of the Index Committee and S&P indices, “No cities made new lows in June 2011,” and “this month’s S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Index report showed mixed signals for recovery in home prices.” Home sales, they say, are at the same levels in June as they were in 2002. Homes in the tri-county area were up .6% from May but down 5.1% from the same period in 2010. Keep in mind that “2002 prices prevail” does not refer to all sales. When homes are well located for the buyers needs and have extra features such as pools, boat docks, sizeable lots, and upgraded kitchens and baths, the seller may get a higher price than the “2002 value.” Investors looking for income earning properties, on the other hand, bid low, so those sales are at the 2002 level, and maybe lower if not in good condition.

Pending sales have declined, and until we have easier access to credit, an increase in job opportunities, and the financial markets stabilize, the housing market will continue to struggle to recover. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, “The market can easily move into a healthy expansion if mortgage underwriting standards return to normalcy… proper comparables [must be] used in appraisal valuations” and he added that the short sale process must be streamlined. He also stated that, “investors are buying real estate as a future inflation hedge.”

Nevertheless, this remains the best time ever to buy in Florida, and discerning cash buyers are buying. Those looking at higher end houses realize that if they buy now, they can live in a beautiful home, in due time it will appreciate in value while they are enjoying the lifestyle… and real estate has ALWAYS “COME BACK”.

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES - CHECK IT OUT!

2011-08-25T03:19:00.003-04:00

WEBSITE LINK

WHAT IS SHADOW INVENTORY?

2011-08-20T09:00:00.005-04:00

The chart above represents the balance of distressed loans

for total US markets - excuse blurriness - had to blow it up to see it at all

bottom up: reo, foreclosures, 90-days delinquent, [unreadable]

MIT's Value of All Us Properties to Jan 2011 - down 50% since 2008

Shadow inventory represents homes that are in the foreclosure system but haven’t hit the market yet. Standard &Poor defines shadow inventory as foreclosure and REO properties in 90-day delinquency or worse and says that shadow inventories are slowing down market recovery.

The National Association of Realtors says that Standard & Poor estimates that there are 47 months of shadow inventory to work it’s way through the system. 1Q/2011 estimate was 52 months, so the number has gone down.

RealtyTrac, who tracks foreclosures, said that delays from mortgage servicers in processing foreclosures likely will cause more than 1 million foreclosures to be postponed until next year. This is a “Catch 22” because releasing many of these homes for sale will further drive down home prices.

WHAT TO DO IN DELRAY BEACH

2011-08-17T20:02:00.000-04:00

ASPIRING WRITER? Saturdays in September attend The Writer's Studio at the Delray Beach Public Library. Contact John Truxton at 561-736-8044 for more information.

WANT TO LEARN KNIT 1, PURL 1: The Delray Beach Public Library offers a Craft Series on Thursday, Sept. 8 and 22nd at 10:30 am. A quilting bee is offered and there are various book clubs. Check out the calendar. Other events as well. Call for information on free computer clubs: Christopher Leary, 561-819-6403.

Special events at Old School Square include Gallery Nights, Art Classes, Prom Night Event and more.

Crest Theater plays, ice shows, Chamber Music, Symphonies.

Lecture Series featuring Jenna Bush Hager telling inspirational stories about people doing great things across America; RObert "Skip" Orr, Bob Eubanks and Steven Bogart, son of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

Arts Garage events includes musical presentations.

RESTAURANTS GALORE to choose from. Historical tours. Don't miss these wonderful activities!

WHAT'S UP?

2011-08-08T05:34:00.002-04:00

Are we facing the loss of the interest deduction and would that threaten a housing market recovery?

Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, says, "the mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy." He further says, "facilities home ownership by reducing the carrying costs of owning a home, and it makes a real difference to hard-working middle-class families."

With all the cuts coming up soon, would this be a positive or negative cut for the economy if it reduces the number of home buyers who counted on the interest deduction?

Information on how to contact the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office to challenge the value of your property

2011-08-07T21:55:00.000-04:00

The Final Property Tax Notice is mailed by the Tax Collector on or about November 1, 2011. These taxes are collectible from November 1, 2011 until March 31, 2012.

A discount in the total tax payment may be provided for early payment. For more information on TRIM (Truth in Millage) Notices and property taxes, visit Palm Beach County's website and select Property Tax under Services.

Downtown Roundabout Free Shuttle Service Extended through September 30, 2011

2011-08-07T21:49:00.000-04:00

The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will continue to provide funding to support free "park and ride" public transportation on the Downtown Roundabout Shuttle Bus in the downtown core area.

This funding ($148,648.50) was included within an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Delray Beach and approved by the City Commission on June 21, 2011, and will support all costs associated with the Shuttle's operations through the end of September 2011.

DON'T LIKE WAITING ON LINE?

2011-07-30T02:45:00.002-04:00

Here is a helpful idea when you need drivers licensing services. If you have a mobile device, you can text waitpbc to 41411, says Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, and you will receive back a text message shoing the number of people currently in line for a license and the approximate wait minutes. Appointments for drivers license services can be scheduled up to three months in advance and wait times can be viewed at www.taxcollectorpbc.com. Payment options include cash, check or money order; credit cards cannot be processed. For office locations go to http://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.

Since 2010 the Legislature transferred the job of issuing Real ID driver licenses from the DMV to local tax collectors. One must go in person to prove their identity, according to the Federal Real ID Act. With their service centers now in small offices, Gannon says, “We are harnessing the power of technology to put new tools directly in the customers’ hands.

Other implementations to assist those waiting on line include a mobile receptionist issuing Q-flow tickets to clients standing in line so they can circumvent the line; mobile receptionist can process simple motor vehicle transactions including license plate surrender or renewal and handicapped parking permits. An employee checks the line in peak times so if you do not have required documentation you don’t wait needlessly.

CREST THEATRE IN DELRAY BEACH TO PRESENT INTERESTING LECTURES

2011-07-21T08:41:00.001-04:00

Thursdays at 2 pm, “come winter,” the Robert D. Chapin 2012 Lecture Series presents the following programs and you may want to note them on your calendar now:

January 12: Author and Today Show correspondent JENNA BUSH HAGER may tell stories of inspirational people doing great things across America, which she contributes to the Today Show. Jenna is the daughter of former President George and Laura Bush and granddaughter of former President George H.W. and Barbara Bush. Jenna wrote “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope”, inspired through working with UNICEF which became a New York Times Best Seller.

February 2: US Ambassador to the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, ROBERT “Skip” ORR, is former President of Boeing Japan, and former Vice President of Motorola’s European Affairs Division. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1976, received his Master’s Degree from Georgetown University, and Doctorate in Political Science from Tokyo University.

March 15: host of The Newlywed Game and former disc jockey BOB EUBANKS will share with us untold stories and funny anecdotes about some Hollywood and Music Industry moments. His six rules for success are motivational. He will also review hilarious moments from The Newlywed Game. In 2000 Bob became the only tv personality to ever host the same show format for 5 decades.

April 5: Journalist, Producer, Author and Writer STEVEN BOGART is also the son of legendary acting greats Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. His non-fiction “Bogart: In Search of My Father” was a bestseller. He will share with us his personal insights and funny stories about his parents and some rarely seen home movies.

General Admission is $25 for open balcony seating; reserved seating on the main floor is $40. Reserved tickets include a post-lecture reception.

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WHAT IS AGING ABOUT?

2011-07-17T06:27:00.001-04:00

MIT RESEARCH:

Understanding how the body ages

via an aging suit

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND..

2011-07-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

Looking for TREASURES at Bargain Rates? Be at Bruce Kodner Galleries on Sunday, July 10^th at 1 pm for all kinds of goodies to bid on from stunning jewelry to sculpture to porcelain to watches to oriental room size rugs and much, much more. Located just below Lake Avenue in Lake Worth on east side of Dixie.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria was an early presentation, still popular after 17 years, featuring classic baroque imagery and a timeless theme of age. Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, an indoor arena, presents this and other shows this month.

Mizner Park Amphitheater presents “Summer in the City,” a Neil Diamond Tribute on July 29, 2011 at 7 pm. It is a free concert. You can bring along a chair or blanket, relax and enjoy the best of entertainment under the stars and bring the whole family. Lots of great eateries for dinner in Mizner Park!

Crafts fan? Be at the South Florida Expo Center, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach starting at 10 am July 9 to see unique one-of-a-kind items and gifts, try on custom made gold and silver jewelry, find handcrafted furniture, fudge and gourmet delights, folk art, dolls, candies, artwork, pet items, quilts, wearable art, and many other collectable items.

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NAR COMMENTS RE PENDING HOME SALES TRENDING UP

2011-06-30T09:46:00.004-04:00

While inventories are falling, pendings have trended up in 7 of the last 11 months.

Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, said that the upward trending of home sale pendings bodes well for home prices. “Absorption of inventory is the key to price improvement, and this solid gain in contract signings implies that home values in many localities are or will soon be stabilizing as inventories get absorbed at a faster pace,” he said. “Home sales still could be 15 to 20 percent higher,” Yun said.

“If banks would simply return to normal sound underwriting standards and begin lending to more creditworthy borrowers, we’d get a much faster recovery in the housing sector.” Yun, as is the common thread, said that healthy job creation is necessary to ensure a solid recovery both in home sales and the overall economy.

A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

2011-06-22T04:00:00.003-04:00

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

NOTE THAT INVENTORIES ARE DOWN

AND PENDINGS ARE UP

NOW IS THE BEST TIME EVER

TO BUY IN FLORIDA...

BEFORE ALL THE BEST PROPERTIES

ARE GONE...

Marilyn Jacobs will show you properties that fit

your criteria, negotiate for you,

explain the purchase and sale process

... and work with you AFTER the sale as well

561-302-2288 or marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

Note in sidebar: two of Marilyn's POLO CLUB listings

have just come down in price... beautiful buys

in a country club setting

TESTIMONIALS

A WONDERFUL EVEING COMING UP IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH!

2011-06-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

NAR reports that Foreign purchasers buy U.S. property for investment, vacation, and locational reasons.

2011-06-09T08:06:00.001-04:00

National Association of Realltor’s 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity reports that foreigners view U.S. properties as a secure investment, one that provides rental and long-term appreciation possibilities.
Homes in this country are less expensive than comparable foreign properties.
International purchasers buy properties for both vacation and rental purposes

FLORIDA CFO WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK ON IMPROVING THE FLORIDA HOME INSURANCE MARKET

2011-06-08T23:16:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend,

With the 2011 hurricane season now underway, I am hopeful that we will continue the good fortune we have experienced for the past five years.

The past two legislative sessions have shown the delicate balance needed to attract the private insurance industry back to Florida while ensuring fair and equitable rates for Floridians. These legislative reforms should signal to the insurance industry that Florida is open, competitive and ready for their business.

Attached are two recent articles regarding the need for further discussion and reforms surrounding the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Company. I found them to be thought-provoking and worthy of discussion.

I look forward to your feedback on these articles and any other insurance-related topics. It is an honor to serve as your Chief Financial Officer.

Sincerely,

Jeff Atwater
Florida's Chief Financial Officer

Jeff.Atwater@myfloridacfo.com

Attachments:
Wall Street Journal Editorial on 5-21-2011
Guest Column by Don Brown in Tallahassee Democrat

RESIDENTIAL INVENTORY DWINDLES AND PENDINGS ARE UP

2011-06-07T18:58:00.001-04:00

    ACTIVE listings are properties
   where no current sale contract
   exists

   PENDING sales are properties in
   which a contract for sale has
   been executed but not yet closed.

DELRAY BEACH 1931 HISTORIC HOUSE SOLD AFTER NEARLY A YEAR ON THE MARKET

2011-06-05T20:21:00.002-04:00

With a possible two buildable lots, needing city approval to split, the property at 1604 North Swinton measures .6127 acres. There is a 1608 living sq ft house with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a two car garage on the property that fronts on west side of Swinton where other homes of that era have been rebuilt, torn down and restored. This charming wood cottage needs work. The subdivision is High Acres Delray.

The property sold for $418,000, originally priced at $1MM in 2007, then off the market and back in 2009 for $750,000. Realist shows sale price as $209,000 but MLS shows it as $418,000. The property shows closed in May 2011, but the transfer is not yet recorded on the property records.

There is a “1 bath efficiency” guest house on the property. Lf Style Homes is the buyer.

HOUSING AND OTHER NEWS

2011-05-26T05:58:00.000-04:00

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY HITS NEW HIGH;

BANK FORECLOSURE ABUSE SETTLEMENTS

UNDER DISCUSSION;

PUBLIC SCHOOL CUTS SOLUTIONS

With the national median family income at $64,400, the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo announced that 74.6% of new and existing homes sold in 1Q-2011 were affordable to these families. This is the highest level recorded in more than 20 years since the index has been measured. In 2010 73.9% was the figure. Interest rates are at historically low levels, but credit is very tight.

Freddie Mac is offering up to 3.5% closing-cost assistance and a $1200 bonus to buyers agents on sales of HomeSteps properties. Offers must be received by July 31 with escrow closing onor before September 30.

Five of the nation’s largest banks were told by state attorneys general that they face liability of at least $17BB in civil lawsuits unless they can reach a settlement regarding improper foreclosure practices. There are additional potential claims of billions of dollars from federal agencies including HUD and DOJ. Banks have proposed a $5BB settlement to compensate any previously wronged borrowers and to provide transition assistance for borrowers ousted from their homes. Federal and state officials say that is insufficient and want $20BB to resolve these problems which the state attorneys general from all 50 states and DC have been investigating since last fall.

New home sales April gains as opposed to March gains were 7.1%. However, this is down 23% from sales in April 2010.

Budget cuts are causing some public schools to shift costs to students for enrolling in some courses and activities. Parents are being asked to pay for supplemental materials such as printer ink, biology lab safety goggles and algebra workbooks, some schools offering installment pay plans and others accepting credit cards for a small fee. Some fees are waived for low-income families. In California, the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the State for allowing districts to charge a wide array of fees. Enrichment programs have been cut or eliminated such as advanced math and science, music, art, drama, foreign languages, sports, gifted student courses and help for struggling readers in order to meet budget. Some teachers noted that many students have taken on part time jobs to pay for activities they want to take part in such as athletics and music.

ARTS GARAGE GALA EVENT

2011-05-23T03:40:00.002-04:00

MULTI-MEDIA ART SHOW & SALE

May 21, 2011 7-10 pm

to benefit SUNSET HOUSE

a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

substance abuse treatment center for men

EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

THREE DIMENSIONAL WALL PIECES

SCULPTURE

PATRONS ADMIRING ARTWORK

CROWD MINGLING AND ADMIRING PAINTINGS

ORIGINAL CATERING

COMPLIMENTARY WINE AND SOFT DRINKS

FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO, WEST PALM BEACH - PERFORMANCES

MATTHEW FARMER, SINGER

MODELS, AMY SPEAKING, CROWD WATCHING DANCERS

RAFFLE & CHINESE AUCTION PRIZES and ANNOUNCING WINNERS

JAZZ, BLUES AND ORIGINAL MUSIC BY

JOHN EPSTEIN

PAINTINGS BY

MICHAEL PEREZ, LAURENT SHAPIRO, DOUG KINCHLEY

HAZEL FIMMANO, ASHLEY CURTIS, ED ELLERS, LEA VENDETTA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

RUSSELL LEVINE, JONATHAN DVORETZ
SEAN MURDOCK, FRED LOVE

PRESENTED JOINTLY BY

CREATIVE CITY COLLABORATIVE OF DELRAY BEACH and

MICHAEL PEREZ POP ART

WONDERFUL FUND-RAISING EVENT

ENJOYED BY ALL

======================================================================

NOT BUSY SATURDAY NIGHT? COME DINE AND BROWSE IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH

2011-05-19T08:18:00.007-04:00

2011-05-15T22:57:00.002-04:00

SINAI RESIDENCES

NEWEST CONTINUING CARE FACILITY

IN 25 YEARS

TO OPEN IN BOCA RATON

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s West Boca Campus, on 22 acres on the east side of the 95^th Avenue South security gate, directly across from the Hillel offices will have a new complex with 232 independent living units, 60 assisted living apartments, 60 skilled nursing suites and 24 studio suites for the memory impaired. Construction is estimated to take 24 months, once those are sold and the shovels go into the ground.

Two connecting buildings will have walkways, a contiguous garden and a fitness center. Before starting construction, 70% of the units must be pre-sold. The facility will offer a blend of housing, health care, hospitality, recreational and social services. Plans include a life-care benefit which offers discounts for independent living residents on assisted living and nursing care.

Prices are estimated to be $200,000 to $400,000. ROI will be on a sliding scale. There have been “Plans in the making” for many years, due to the demand, determined by several surveys. Lifecare Services will be managing the facility.

It is anticipated that the project will project an annual cash flow of $1.5MM-$4MM. First phase of financing consisted of issuing a tax-free $9MM pre-development industrial revenue bond for preconstruction costs over a 24-36 month period. It will also fund pre-marketing, design development and other pre-development costs.

For more information contact sarahb@bocafed.org.

THE INFINITE POWER OF ONE... THE JOY OF BEING A VOLUNTEER

2011-05-06T09:49:00.002-04:00

Brad Koogler, Community Development Specialist, Arthritis Foundation, Broward/Miami-Dade Region reports that, " We've raised $11K OVER our goal of $50K - so we've raised $61.8K to date". Brad organized and oversaw this event, the Arthritis Walk, held in Broward County on Saturday, April 30th.

Ingrid Velarde is the Director of Development.

Dr. W. Vincent Burke is the Director of the Joint Replacement Center at Broward General Medical Center and our 2011 Honorary Medical Chair.

"Alligator" Ron Bergeron is our 2011 Honorary Corporate Chair.

The dance troupe is Backstreet Dance and they come from different schools.

Volunteers manned the booths, registering the walkers and pets, setting up, serving and cleaning up the food areas, distributing information.

Pets were included - we had many.

The walk included children and adults who had arthritis, and many who did not but were very supportive.

Warming up exercises were done prior to the walk

For more information on arthritis.

2011-05-04T18:15:00.002-04:00

By Asher Price AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 5:38 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Published: 9:57 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A   demolition whiz, an expert parachutist and diver, a pilot of    mini-submarines and, at one point, an aspiring journalist if Rambo were a    Renaissance man, and a lot thinner and taller, he might look like  Bill   McRaven.

Long   before he devised the strategy for how to capture or  kill Osama bin   Laden, McRaven began preparing for a career as a  super-commando while   he was an undergraduate at the University of Texas.

McRaven,    55  and now a vice admiral, had been something of a bin Laden hunter    for at least a half-dozen years before successfully directing the  attack   Sunday as the leader of the Joint Special Operations Command.

McRaven,    who hails from San Antonio, began preparing for his storied career   with  the Navy SEALs, the elite special operations forces, while still a    member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at UT, from which he    graduated in 1977 as a journalism major.

"He   had drive," said  James Gruetzner, who was in the same Navy ROTC   battalion as McRaven. "He  went on extraordinarily long runs to stay in   shape. He was very  dedicated."

McRaven   grew up in a military family — his father, a  former football player,   had served as a pilot in World War II — and  early outings as a   10-year-old to scuba dive at the YMCA put him on the  Navy path, said   his sister  Nan McRaven, an Austin public affairs  consultant who serves   on the board of Austin Community College.

"He    became  very focused on SEAL training," said Curtis Raetz, who also   was  in the ROTC battalion. "He was able to lap us all no matter how   hard we  tried."

Students aiming to become SEALs were "fanatical" about physical training, said Greg Colchin, another member of the battalion.

"People    think of it as a physical thing, but it's also a mental thing," said    Nan McRaven, who said her brother has loved to read ever since their    mother compelled him to recite poetry as a boy. "He's focused, and he    has the humility for real leadership."

Eventually   he would become a  qualified diver, parachutist, demolition expert and   submersible pilot.  He also had smarts. He earned a master's degree in   national security  affairs,  and in 1995, he wrote "Spec Ops: Case   Studies in Special  Operations Warfare Theory and Practice," in which he   developed his own  definition of a special operation as one "conducted   by forces specially  trained, equipped, and supported for a specific   target whose  destruction, elimination, or rescue (in the case of   hostages), is a  political or military imperative."

Nominating   McRaven for a fourth  star this year, Defense Secretary Robert Gates   said the Joint Special  Operations Command "ruthlessly and effectively   (took) the fight to  American's most dangerous and vicious enemies."

At   its head was  McRaven, who "is reputed to be the smartest SEAL that   ever lived. He is  physically tough, compassionate and can drive a knife   through your ribs  in a nanosecond," a former commander told Newsweek   in 2004.

He    also has shown a capacity for contrition. In April 2010, a couple of    months after a special forces  team mistakenly killed an Afghan police    chief, a prosecutor and three unarmed women, McRaven pleaded for    forgiveness from a local patriarch, bringing with him an offering of two    sheep as part of a custom to make amends.

That followed McRaven's decision to tamp down commando raids in Afghanistan to avoid civilian deaths.

Whatever    successes he achieved remained outstripped by the specter of bin   Laden,  whose elimination, to use McRaven's own word, remained an   "imperative."

As    long ago as 2004, having already commanded the team that helped   capture  Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein — soldiers based at Fort Hood   also were  involved — he turned his attention to capturing Public Enemy   No. 1.

But he was stymied until this spring, when intelligence officers determined that bin Laden was in hiding in Pakistan.

McRaven    spent weeks working with the CIA on the commando operation, The New    York Times has reported, coming up with three options: a helicopter    assault using American commandos, a strike with B-2 bombers that would    obliterate the compound or a joint raid with Pakistani intelligence    operatives who would be told about the mission hours before the launch.

The decision, to swoop in with a crew of American commandos, was in keeping with McRaven's view of special operations.

In    2001 congressional testimony on military training, McRaven described    the two primary missions of Navy SEALs: "Reconnaissance and what we  call   direct action: raids, ambushes, swimmer sneak attacks and optical    clearance for amphibious landings," he said. "Most of these missions    originate from the water and require us to work in small units, behind    enemy lines at night, with little or no outside support."

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/seal-who-directed-bin-laden-effort-started-journey-1452367.html

2011-04-26T09:26:00.000-04:00

WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

2011-04-25T08:12:00.000-04:00

HOW TO SAVE ON GAS

AS PRICES RISE THIS SUMMER

WHERE IS THE

LOWEST PRICED LOCAL GAS?

FLORIDA CHAMBER FOUNDATION SEEKS TO GUIDE FLORIDA TO ITS NEXT ECONOMY

2011-04-24T12:26:00.001-04:00

The Florida Chamber Foundation will use the Six Pillars Caucus System, a qualitative research program to engage the best and brightest minds in the state, as a method of starting the first-ever statewide strategic plan to help guide Florida toward its next economy. Their plan will include an economy that offers high-wage jobs, global competitiveness and vibrant communities by 2030.

Now in its second year, construction of a plan has already begun and deliberations will be more focused in order to finalize the first draft.

The group is seeking volunteer caucus members to engage and collaborate with others with a commitment to Florida’s future. Find information here or contact Sara Patterson spatterson@FLFoundation.org, (850) 521-1226

SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2011 AT SUNDY HOUSE: REAL MEN BAKE

2011-04-06T04:57:00.000-04:00

Come to an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT feast of baked goods, sweet and savory at Sundy House Restaurant, 6-8 pm this Sunday, April 11, 106 S. Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach. Choose between sweet and savory... or eat both!

This is the first annual REAL MEN BAKE event, prepared by two dozen male volunteer bakers including Mayor Nelson S. "Woodie" McDuffie and Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Malone.

Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities supported by the event host, the Delray Beach Woman’s Club. Charities include the Caring Kitchen, the Achievement Centers for Children and Families, and scholarships for Atlantic High School students. $10. Call (561) 613-1039 for additional information.

IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING… HERE IT IS ... TIGER’S NEW HOME IN JUPITER

2011-04-03T12:10:00.002-04:00

Tiger Woods’ new home in Jupiter has a 4-hole golf course and running track and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Price ticket? $60MM.

Prior to his split with now ex-wife Ellen Nordegren, they spent many months planning every detail together. The 10,000 sq ft house is on Jupiter Island. Meant to be a family home, now it is a state-of-the-art bachelor pad. The huge master bedroom has “his-and-hers” bathrooms and there are three more bedroom suites. There is a glass-fronted elevator. Other features are a basement wine cellar, and perhaps a move theatre and game room for the Woods’ children, Sam and Charlie.

Many tall trees and high boundary walls surround the plot, giving the privacy desired, but aerial photos, which appeared on Tiger’s blog, show the compound nicely.

Four more buildings are adjoined to the main house, including a boathouse, golf training studio, stand-alone garage and huge guesthouse. There is a tennis court, gym, diving pool, lap lane, 100’ running track and a 3.5 acre 4-hole golf course. The short-game area has four greens, six sand traps with different depths and kinds of sand, a video center and putting studio.

A pair of boat docks on the Intracoastal side of the property will hold Woods’ 155 ft yacht, named Privacy.

IS THIS ANY WAY TO RUN A COMPANY? YOU BETCHA IT IS!

2011-04-01T01:04:00.001-04:00

I rarely put an item on my blogs with just a link, but this is a "must see", just one story about a work ethic that makes America great! Watch the video!

http://www.blogsouthwest.com/video/luv-stories-unexpected-thank-you

7th Annual CIRCLE ON THE SQUARE Saturday, April 9, 2011, 7-10:30 pm - This year's theme is Icons of the '80s!

2011-03-31T06:29:00.000-04:00

It'll be '80s to the max... for sure! Remember the music, the films, the celebrities!

New this year:

*Pull a bottle from the Cheers Wine Wall for a chance to win!

*Enjoy an expanded VIP area with more seating!

*Grab your friends for a fun photo in the PicPod Photobooth!

It all happens at the Old School Square Entertainment Pavilion, under the tent.

VIP ticket holders will have exclusive access to the VIP lounge with hospitality provided by the Delray Beach Marriott.

MThree Productions will turn on the heat with a dance extravaganza everyone can be part of!

Valet parking available at the Crest Theatre entrance.

Participating Restaurants & Specialties:
32 East
Atlantic Grille
Atlantic Ocean Club
Boston's on the Beach
Bru's Room Sports Grill
Cafe De France
Caffe Luna Rosa
Caliente Kitchen
Christina's
City Oyster
Coffee District
Dada
Falcon House Triple Eight Lounge
GOL! The Taste of Brazil
Granger's Grille
Il Bacio
Nature's Way Cafe
Patio Delray
Pizza Rustica
PRIME
Sassy's Wicked Sweets
Ziree Thai & Sushi

VIP tickets are going fast and are on the way to selling out!
Advance tickets are $90 (Premier) and $135 (VIP).   At the door, tickets are $115 (Premier) and $160 (VIP). Old School Square members at the Friends and Family Plus level and higher get a discount! Your advance ticket prices are $75 (Premier) and $120 (VIP). For discounted tickets you must call box office at 561.243.7922 ext. 1.

Proceeds from Circle on the Square will benefit visual and performing arts and education at Old School Square.

THERE IS MUCH VALUE IN RECENT QUOTES FROM WARREN BUFFETT

2011-03-31T03:50:00.001-04:00

Tagged in the annual shareholder letter that came out last month, Buffett cited the industry-leading 2010 performance of one of his company’s holdings, which sells and finances manufactured homes. He said, ‘HOME OWNERSHIP MAKES SENSE FOR MOST AMERICANS, PARTICULARLY AT TODAY’S LOWER PRICES AND BARGAIN INTEREST RATES.”

He also said that the purchase of his home was the 3^rd best investment he ever made. What were numbers 1 and 2? “WEDDING RINGS.”

He cautioned not to wait too long to buy while prices are low, as market prices “WILL MOVE HIGHER, PERHAPS SUBSTANTIALLY SO, WELL BEFORE EITHER SENTIMENT OR THE ECONOMY TURNS UP.

EL CID HISTORIC HOME TOUR from 2-5 pm ON APRIL 3rd

2011-03-30T03:24:00.001-04:00

Here’s your chance to see thirteen homes in the grand West Palm Beach historic neighborhood of El Cid, an area of 285 homes of which 185 are listed as historic.

The 1925 house and gardens at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach, listed on the National register of Historic places, is included and after the tour, come and enjoy the wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music there. This is also where the tour begins.

Homes will be examples of Mediterranean Revival and Mission Revival, built in the 1920’s, many of them renovated, some taken down to the studs and with redone foundations. Others are mostly “original”. West Palm Beach has 14 historic districts.

Parking is available at Unity of the Palm Beaches, 1957 S.Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Trolley is available.

Advance admission is $55; $65 the day of the tour. For information call 954-270-6081.

CENSUS: FLORIDA HAD 7TH CONSECUTIVE DECADE OF DOUBLE-DIGIT POPULATION GROWTH

2011-03-21T15:54:00.001-04:00

Florida remains one of the top places to move to in the United States. The US population grew by 9.7%, and Sunshine State residents grew by 17.6 percent with a 2.8MM increase in residents between 2000 and 2010.

This growth swelled despite a high rate of unemployment and a housing slump. While 1.7MM new residential units were built over the past decade, the number of vacant properties climbed nearly 63% during the same time frame, according to the New York Times.

NEW BILLS ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION NEXT WEEK IN TALLAHASSEE RELATING TO REAL ESTATE PROBLEMS

2011-03-09T00:15:00.002-05:00

With Florida having hundreds of thousands of foreclosures, millions of underwater mortgages and four years of depreciating values, lawmakers meeting next week in Tallahassee are considering new real estate laws. They generally affect help for condo associations, property tax reform or changes to the foreclosure process.

The Distressed Condo Relief Act passed last year gave condo associations the authority to collect rent directly from tenants of delinquent owners until delinquencies are paid up, and to bar non-paying condo owners from using common amenities like pools and clubhouses. The bill also provides protections for condo associations that file foreclosure against delinquent unit owners, ensuring that they are not held liable for that owner’s past due assessments when they take title.

A bill being considered this year would give condo associations the power to restrict cable television service and internet access from owners of delinquent condos. It was pointed out that the reason many homeowners are in default is lack of jobs; this could mean less access to job opportunities.

Another Bill will change a portion of the Save Our Homes Law by eliminating the Recapture Rule. If voters approve, a home’s property value assessment would not be increased during years when the home’s market value decreases. More than 300,000 homes were affected by rising property taxes while property values fell 13% in 2010. However with governments struggling with budget cuts, less property revenue means MORE cuts.

A bill is being considered to potentially lower property taxes for new and 2^nd homeowners, and the annual cap on increases for non-homesteaded properties would be reduced from 10% down to 3%. An additional homestead exemption would be given to first-time homebuyers, worth 50% of the property value.

A bill is up for consideration to provide banks and mortgage lenders the option of conducting foreclosure on commercial properties outside the courtroom rather than going to court to repossess delinquent properties, allowing lenders to reclaim a property through a trustee foreclosure which is usually faster than a judicial foreclosure. According to the Miami Herald, about 100,000 foreclosed residential homes are stymied within the processes right now.

There will be an attempt to direct funds for affordable housing away from new housing to instead renovate vacant abandoned properties and tenants will be given 90 days notice to move out of repossessed foreclosed homes.

Nevertheless it is apparent that current problems will not be solved quickly, and that there are pros and cons with every change.

UPDATES ON THE HOME FRONT - PRICES DOWN, SALES UP

2011-03-03T05:19:00.002-05:00

Realtytrac reports that 26% of all home sales are foreclosures, nationally and Bank repossessions level off, down slightly from 2009 but up from 2008.

Case-Schiller reports that during the 6 months ending December 31, home prices fell nearly 6%.

National Association of Realtors reports that sales of existing homes rose for the third straight month.

In 2010, Nevada, Arizona, California and Florida had the highest percentage of foreclosures, in that order.

Cash buyers are offering very low bids, especially for distressed homes being sold at deep discounts, pulling the median price down.

According to Zillow, nearly 30% of mortgage borrowers are underwater on loans and very vulnerable to foreclosure.

THE GOOD NEWS

2011-02-24T02:58:00.000-05:00

According to the National Association of Realtors:

· Existing home sales increased 2.7% nationally

· This is the first time in 7 months that sales activity was higher than a year earlier

· Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says

o Home sales uptrend is consistent with improvements in the economy and jobs

o Consumer confidence is boosting

o Affordability conditions are a big factor

o Tight credit has resulted in high levels of all-cash purchases primarily for distressed homes sold at deep discounts – which pulls the median price downward but traditional homes in good condition have held their value

o Investor activity is another factor re purchasing undervalued homes

· In January, first time buyers bought 29% of homes sold

· Investors bought 23% of purchases in January

· Housing inventory is at a 7.6 month supply, lowest level since 12/2009

· Existing-home sales increased 3.6% in the South

NAR is America’s largest real estate trade association, representing 1.1MM mebers involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

DELRAY BEACH IS THRIVING

2011-02-16T03:17:00.002-05:00

Soon to become Dlray Beach’s first bed and breakfast complex, Hartman House sat on a corner, surrounded by almost century-old fruit trees, half-renovated, neglected and empty. The theme will be, “step back in time to an easier way of life.

With three separate areas, the main house has over 3200 sq ft with 5 bedrooms ensuite (each with its own bathroom) and a 2-story townhouse over 2400 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and another 3-story townhouse/guesthouse with 2600+ sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, the property at 307 NE 7th Avenue was the home of Gustav Hartman, a former assistant postmaster of Delray Beach in the early 1900's.

There are 5 garage spaces, pool, spa, and game room with wet bar.

Purchased for $400,000 in February 2010, the owners are intent on restoring it’s natural 1920’s beauty by re-creating the original crown molding, restoring the Dade County pine floors and building a 75-foot pool surrounded by an oasis of 80-year-old mango, starfruit and avocado trees and native palms. They are creating an ambiance “of a slower, gentler time.” Key lime scone scents will awaken you for your homemade breakfast.

Located 4 blocks north of trendy downtown Atlantic avenue with shops, restaurants and local events, it is a short walk to the intracoastal waterway and the beach. Near I-95 and two major airports.

In a different mode, Kotler Group of West Palm Beach paid $3.7MM for vacant land just north of the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center, with plans to build a 4-story 134-room hotel. The hotel will also be adjacent to the livelty Pineapple Grove arts and entertainment center, and prices are planned to range from $100-$200 per night.

The tonier British Colonial style Seagate Hotel on Atlantic Avenue is close to the beach, the Marriot and Residence in are old standbys, familiar to many vacationers, and just north on A1A a luxury complex is going up, 4001 North Ocean, on the ocean, with 34 units, ranging from $1.4MM to $3MM. Almost half the units are sold or “in the works”.

A recent New York Times travel article dubbed Delray Beach as being on the verge of becoming “a national destination".

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS ON THE HOME FRONT

2011-02-12T01:44:00.001-05:00

Zillow reported that south Florida home values are down 15.4% year-over-year in 4Q2010. Home Value Index fell to $139,100 from $160,000 at end of 2009.

Housing bargain sales wins prevail with big losses for many sellers. This IS THE BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida.

Foreclosures in Florida fell 54% according to Realty Trac year-over-year in January 2011. Foreclosure filings last month were 21,671 in Florida, one for every 409 housing units in the state which is 15.4% lower from December 2010.

What to make of this? An interesting 9-acre man-made island between Aventura and Sunny Isles Beach is on the market for $49.5MM reports Condo Vultures. In the 1950’s the DOT created the island as part of a massive dredging effort. Assessed value? $3MM or $7.90 per sq ft according to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraisers Office. Sounds like an interesting deal… so let’s wait and see who (if anyone) buys this island!

Mortgage interest rates are going up… rate topped 5% for the first time since last April. Rates, however, are still historically low according to Florida Realtors organization, and there is actually a $100 a month jump on a $200,000 loan since the lowest rate in November. Rates follow the 10-year Treasury note yields, heading up with inflation fears. Many buyers are paying cash.

WANT TO SEE THE NEWEST DECORATOR MODELS?

2011-02-03T06:46:00.002-05:00

Model Tour: 1200 Hillsboro Mile, Before & After – 2/8/2011 at 2 pm

Join the Robb & Stucky Design Team of Rene Evans, ASID and Richard Ramus at 1200 Hillsboro Mile for a private tour of their beautiful model. This is an opportunity to see the “before” unfurnished unit and the “after” decorated model–and the transformation is amazing. This event is offsite. The model is located about 1 mile south of Hillsboro on the west side of A1A. Reservations are required so please call early to reserve your space and to receive directions. No cameras, please.

Model Tour: Villas By The Sea, Before & After – 2/16/2011 at 2 pm

Have you ever wondered how a designer finds inspiration and then transforms it into a design concept? Join Robb & Stucky Design Associate Ron Acosta on-site at Villas by the Sea. Ron will start the tour in an unfurnished unit, then continue to the completed model for comparison. He will share his design process, and the secret that inspired the special look of this incredible Oceanside model project. Meet first at the Sales office for Villas by the Sea, located off A1A just north of Commercial Blvd in Lauderdale by the Sea. Reservations are required so please call early to reserve your space and to receive directions. No cameras, please.

Please call (561) 862-5597 to reserve; reservations are limited!

RECENT STUDY SHOWS WALKABILITY ADDS VALUE TO A PROPERTY

2011-01-27T06:19:00.002-05:00

Ceo’S FOR Cities, a national consortium of civic and business leaders, did a 2009 study and found that homes where you can walk to the supermarket and other stores, schools and parks will be valued at $4,000 to $34,000 more than those with less walkability where you have to drive to get to amenities. The bigger, more urban the city, such as Miami, the higher value walkability adds. Nearby public transportation also boosts value.

The study covered 94,000 real estate sales of comparable homes in 15 major markets.

You can use Walkscore to rate the walkability of your home or a home you are considering purchasing.

DELRAY BEACH KNOWS HOW TO HAVE FUN

2011-01-25T07:27:00.002-05:00

A PEEK AT DELRAY BEACH

Delray Beach is the type of coastal town that has it all: unobstructed beaches, shops, the restaurants and definitely, the entertainment. A little bit for everyone to enjoy. Delray does a great job with its festivals and fairs. They close a main street and fill it to capacity with vendors, musicians and artists in a blink of an eye. When is all over done with, it comes down just as fast as it went up.

Come on downtown on Thursday, January 27^th for Art & Jazz On The Avenue. Once a month, during the season, and on a Thursday from 6-10 pm, live musical entertainment is presented, On the Avenue. Open house specials, and gallery exhibitions are will be browsed at the very least. Even though it is On the Avenue, it will also extend to the SW 5th Avenue Plaza.

Highlights will include:

Florida Panthers’ Partymobile --- interactive games and the launch of the team’s new video game --- at the Delray Beach Magazine booth in the 300 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Palm Beach Makos and Cheerleaders in the 400 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Exhilarating skateboard course designed and constructed by Stoner Skateboards in the 600 block of East Atlantic Avenue;
Sports clinics led by Atlantic High School sports leaders on the Great Lawn by Old School Square.
City of Delray Beach Parks & Recreation sponsored dance and fitness demonstrations and performances led by the Delray Divas, Diamonds and Pearls and Delray Rocks and Cheerleaders Dance, also on the Great Lawn by Old School Square.
Yankee great Roy White, the Roger Dean Stadium inflatable hitting bay and the Allianz golf hitting bay – all in Worthing Park.
Representatives of the International Tennis Championships and the US Tennis Association in the 200 and 400 blocks of East Atlantic Avenue.
Cycling on Your Mark in the 300 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Miss Geico 50-foot racing boat with jet turbine engine will be on display in the 500 block of East Atlantic Avenue and sports car along NE 1^st Avenue.
Roaming Drew Tucker Stomp Band
The Heavy Pets, a production of 102 Degrees, will be performing on the Old School Square Entertainment Pavilion with Stampede as the opening act. The concert will benefit Delray Beach’s Caring Kitchen through donations collected by volunteers. An after-party hosted by the new Pineapple Groove will start just after the concert.
Jim Kolvacik Trio in the 100 block of East Atlantic Avenue
Groove Merchant and Atlantic High School Jazz Band on SE 4^th Avenue.
Jazz Stream in the 400 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Al Johnson in the 500 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Visitors to the Vista BMW tent will be invited to register for a chance to win a new BMW 135i. Details will be available on site.
Representatives of the Boca Artists Guild in the 100 East Atlantic block.
Avalon Gallery at 425 E Atlantic Ave.
Blue Coast Art Exhibit at 110 E Atlantic Ave.
Blue Gallery at 600 E Atlantic Ave.
Cacace Fine Art Studio & Gallery at 135 E Atlantic Ave.
DeBilzan Gallery at 38 E Atlantic Ave.
Delray Art & Framing at 321 E Atlantic Ave.
Ford Fine Art at 235 NE 4^th Ave. #101
Forms Gallery at 415 E Atlantic Ave.
Kevro’s Gallery, Media Studio & Art Bar at 166 SE 2^nd Ave.
Ora Sorensen Gallery at 445 E Atlantic Ave.

Art & Jazz will extend to the SW 5^th Ave Plaza with entertainment from:

Beacon Center first- and second-grade classes, creative dance team and Village Academy praise dancers.
Creative dance team, Step Club and Drum Line of the Family Resource Center.

FREE ADMISSION!

22nd Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts (Delray Beach, Florida)

2011-01-14T02:59:00.000-05:00

January 15th & 16th, 2011

Located on Atlantic Ave starting at US1 East over the Intracoastal Waterway all the way to A1A on the Atlantic Ocean.

Browse, walk, observe and buy... enjoy the day in this fabulous "All American Town." Stop in one of the eateries for some glorious food. Mingle, people-watch, and talk to the artisans.

Lovely way to spend the day.

SEE VIDEO

DELRAY MARKETPLACE COULD BREAK GROUND THIS SPRING

2011-01-10T20:40:00.003-05:00

Soon a 300,000 sq ft project that has been discussed for three years will be going up in West Delray Beach at the corner of West Atlantic Avenue and Lyons Road between the Florida Turnpike and 441. Lyons is being extended from Boynton Beach Boulevard south to Atlantic Avenue, which will be widened. The location provides easy access from Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. The neighborhood includes high-end gated communities, golf/country clubs and resorts and high wuality new home construction.

Among the new tenants are a restaurant by Burt Rapoport, Chicos (women’s clothes) a movie theater with 12 screens, Publix and a Max’s Grille, partly owned by Rapoport with a successful and popular eatery in Mizner Park. 16 bowling lanes are planned. A Sony Digital Lounge is planned. Other tenants being approached include Orange Leaf Frozen Yoghurt, already with locations in Delray Beach and Mizner Park, and Devon Seafood restaurant.

TIME FOR A WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC PLACES IN PALM BEACH?

2011-01-05T08:18:00.002-05:00

Worth Avenue is considered one of the best world wide upscale exclusive shopping streets, with many top name luxury retail stores, jewelers, art galleries and restaurants. Walking down Worth Avenue, in and out of the pretty and picturesque flowered alleyways, browsing or buying, can occupy a happy afternoon.

Five major architects are responsible for charming, elegant old-world Mediterranean-style buildings in the Worth Avenue area – Addison Mizner, John Volk, Howard Major, Maurice Fatio and Marion Sims Wyethe. The Everglades Club was built in 1918 and is still beautiful. These architects are also responsible for many commercial and residential buildings. The Palm Beach Preservation Foundation’s mission is to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of the Town of Palm Beach and the scenic quality. Awards are given to properties for their preservation efforts and results.

Built in 1925, architects for the Brazilian Court Hotel were, Rosario Candela (1925) and, Maurice Fatio (1936). The property began as a Mediterranean Revival style residence, and later added a south wing and was landmarked in 1994. Fatio built many beautiful homes in the area, as did the other architects mentioned above. These stately elegant properties still stand, well loved and lived in, a testament to the abilities and quality of materials used by these architects in the early 1920’s. In 2010 this hotel was designated #1 in Florida by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Now a 5-star hotel, you might want to stop for an exciting lunch or dinner at Café Boulud. The courtyard in back is charming and romantic. A reservation for a room or suite will result in an elegant, memorable vacation. The courtyard in back is charming and romantic. A reservation for a room or suite will result in an elegant, memorable vacation. You can walk to Worth Avenue or head to the beach with jeep transportation provided.

At 450 Worth Avenue, Casa de Leoni, built in 1920 by Addison Mizner, favors a Venetian design. This property received the Preservation Foundation Ballinger Award for Restoration in 1995. At 456 Worth Avenue, sits Villa des Cygnes, built by Addison Mizner in 1922. In 417 Major Alley there is a small row of Bermuda style homes built by Howard Major in 1925.

In 1994, Pan’s Garden at 386 Hibiscus Avenue became a Preservation Foundation project, and won many awards. See many Florida native plants at this delightful, serene Botanic Garden. At 319 Brazilian Avenue, a typical Palm Beach bungalow was built in 1910 and given the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach Ballinger Award for Restoration in 1995. Tours are available for school children.

The oldest house in Palm Beach is Sea Gull Cottage, built in 1886, in 1993 Henry Flagler’s first winter home. In 1913 it was moved to the oceanfront as part of the Breakers Hotel. The property has won many awards.

For exclusive walking tours for groups, call 561-659-6909 and be treated to the history of the area by James Ponce, who is called Palm Beach’s only “Two Legged Historical Landmark” by the Palm Beach Town Council. Hear the facts and fables of Palm Beach’s illustrious history and celebrity residents. Tours are scheduled to start at 11 a.m. in the Gucci Courtyard at 256 Worth Avenue on January 12, January 26, February 9, February 23 and other dates thereafter. Call to reserve.

MAJOR ARTS HUB COMING JUST OFF ATLANTIC AVENUE, THE ARTS GARAGE

2010-12-30T06:10:00.002-05:00

Long known as a walkable trendy downtown area with emphasis on the creative works of a large variety of artists, now planning for a February 2011 opening, the 5500 sq ft Arts Garage is being built on the grounds of the Old School Square 531-space parking garage at 180 NE 1st Street. An artists community already long exists in Delray Beach, e.g. musicians who perform along Pineapple Grove Way, marketing and public relations computer savvy students who help the artists, actors who are performing in local productions and painters who work on their canvases.

In 2006, the Creative City Collaborative resulted from a $50,000 study detailing the importance of the arts as an economic engine and agent of revitalization, and is just awakening from dormancy. It is a nonprofit organization whose executive director and staff and the finishing of the interior space are funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency. Live and musical performances, foreign and documentary films, classes and workshops are being planned. There will be musical theatre classes for children. A schedule of events and classes will be announced soon.

The Collaborative was created by the City Commission to foster the arts, and will occupy this city-owned building. Bays will be created for workshops, exhibit space and a performing arts stage. It is being planned as an “open place with open doors.” This will be a pilot project for a warehouse owned by CRA on NE 3^rd Street which the Collaborative plans to turn into an arts incubator.

Artists who would like to participate are encouraged to contact the Collaborative. Email garage@delraybeacharts.org for further information.

THE LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE in PALM BEACH

2010-12-26T03:26:00.000-05:00

Pioneer Day at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Palm Beach is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, 2011 from 1-3 pm. Check with the Preservation Foundation at 561-832-0731. It is now home to a program of Palm Beach’s living history taking children back in time for a mini-day in a one-room school of the 1890’s, home to The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is in Phipps Ocean Park in Palm Beach, 2185 South Ocean Drive in Palm Beach. Refurbished in 1960 by the Gardeners Society of Palm Beach and the Town of Palm Beach, it remained unused until 1990 when it became part of the pioneer education program. Education in America’s one-room schoolhouses stressed discipline, moral values and “the 3 R’s.” Visiting students today participate in a spelling bee, trace Spencerian script and recite from Tom Sawyer, Little Women, The Ancient Mariner and McGuffey’s Readers. Period artifacts are also part of the pioneer educational experience.

Starting with seven students in 1886, there were 35 students by the 1880’s. The schoolhouse was located about a mile north of the Royal Poinciana Bridge on Lake Trail in Palm Beach. Children arrived by boat, bicycle or on foot from Lake Worth families and were all taught together in one room. The school ceased operation in 1901 and became a tool shed on the John S. Phipps property, falling into decline and deterioration in future years.

Preserving past educational history and its artifacts is so important to the school children of today. There are interesting positive lessons to learn from the past.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE COLONY HOTEL AND CABANA CLUB IS DESIGNATED AS A HISTORIC HOTEL

2010-12-22T01:12:00.002-05:00

With its distinctive Mediterranean architecture and yellow exterior sporting red and yellow striped awnings that shade the guest rooms and hotel frontage, the 1926 Delray Beach Colony Hotel, located on trendy downtown Atlantic Avenue, recalls the romantic Flagler era and the talents of Addison Mizner, a grand period indeed. The Hotel is smack dab in the middle of many boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants ranging from ethic to fine dining. Lunch on the front porch can become a ritual.

The original manually operated elevator remains, along with original candelabras and chandeliers. The lobby features French Doors and a wood burning fireplace.

Many weekends there are arts and/or crafts fairs and green markets to browse, off Atlantic Avenue. Some nights jazz drifts though the area to the distinct pleasure of diners eating outside at sidewalk cafes. What could be more relaxing or romantic?

The ocean and beautiful white sandy beach are only 5 blocks walk heading east. The Colony Cabana Club, a private beach club located two miles from the hotel, where seagrapes, coconut palms and native flora sway in the breezes of the Atlantic. Hotel guests have use of 250 feet of private beach with complimentary umbrellas, cabanas and chaises, right on the beach.

The emphasis is on casual, but this is a sophisticated, worldly, enticing environment.

DECEMBER 26 & 27, 2010 HEAD TO the 4TH ANNUAL DELRAY BEACH HOLIDAY ART & CRAFT FAIR

2010-12-21T05:27:00.004-05:00

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Delray Beach will hold the next Art & Craft Fair in Pineapple Grove, north on NE 2^nd off Atlantic Avenue, from 10 am to 5 pm. More than 100 booths will be featured. Items to browse and purchase will include some of the finest arts and crafts in the US, e.g. life sized sculptures, paintings, handmade jewelry, pottery and some very unique treasures. Don’t miss the adjacent crafters market place with handmade body products, beautiful candles, wood plant holders and an expansive green market.

Show is now closed in jewelry category and only wait list applications will be accepted for this category.

Exhibitor parking is at City Hall on NW 1^st Avenue. Both size is 10’x10’ but a double space may be available too. For show fees email info@artfestival.com. Setups begin at 5 am Saturday morning.

DESPITE FORECLOSURES, COOL WEATHER, RAMPANT UNEMPLOYMENT - NOW SEE THE GOOD NEWS!

2010-12-15T07:16:00.002-05:00

NOTE THAT OUR PART OF FLORIDA

RANKS HIGH IN LIFE EXPECTANCY!