The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News   Monday, June 10, 2013   TODAY'S TOP STORIES Bill to speed foreclosures now Fla. law On signing the bill on Friday, Gov. Scott noted it should boost the state's continued housing and economic recovery by placing homes back on the market. Read more.   U.S. regains wealth from recession, but not equally Due to rising stock and home prices, America's wealth as a whole is back. Yet the average household has recovered only 63% of the wealth it lost. Read more.   More property managers due to accidental landlords Many owners turned to property managers to make their homes into rentals when they couldn't sell after the housing crisis. Now it can even be a moneymaker. Read more.   HUD and VA provide homes to 915 homeless Fla. ve... 06/10/2013

  Look, who just moved into the neighborhood, must see photos..   We continue to attract more and more friendly fowl to our backyard nature preserve. I swear birds are playful as you and I are with specific personalities. They also have a chain of superiority depending on size, so size does matter in their kingdom too. Here is the latest family of chicks that can’t be any more than five days old.  Enjoy the photos.   06/08/2013

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News Monday, June 3, 2013     TODAY'S TOP STORIES Feds crack down on foreclosure auction scams Before a county foreclosure auction, they'd agree to work together and make only one low-ball bid. Later, after a second private auction, they'd split profits. Read more.   Coastal homeowners stagger under insurance costs Nationwide, insurance costs rose 36% from 2003 to 2010, but coastal states saw more. Fla. topped list with 91% increase, but even Rhode Island averaged 62%. Read more.   Rising rates: Reason to worry or sign of strength? Mortgage rates hit a one-year high on Friday and seem to be heading higher. But there's a silver lining: It's a sign investors believe in the economic rebound. Read more.     Most real estate firms ... 06/03/2013

  400,000 Ways To Excel in the Active Rain Community   Back on January 26, 2013, I posted I would reach another milestone of 400,000 points, (view here).  I did this by making a goal of reaching it by June 16, 2013. Well today I reached that mark a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. My next goal is of course the half a million club, to be reached by 10/20/2013. By that time I would be positioned to be No. 6 in Palm Beach County and an estimated No. 45 in the state of Florida.   #1   Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer Education 1,746,232 4,278 20   #2   Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Homes For Sale Agent 1,557,699 2,826 277   #3   Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, Education 1,335,022 4,268 38   #4   Kathy Streib-... 05/31/2013

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News May 28, 2013   TODAY'S TOP STORIES U.S. consumer confidence hits five-year high Increased confidence among Americans reflects a solid economy - but it also fuels an even stronger rebound as people relax and spend their money. Read more.   Fla. students get $118,800 in scholarships Awards go to 96 young people from across the state to help them "realize their goals for the future," says Florida Realtors Education Foundation chair. Read more.   7 years without storms but Fla. rates keep rising Fla. has approved more than 100 property insurance rate hike requests a year since 2009 - many in double digits. But that may end if storms steer clear. Read more.   The LinkedIn marketing plan A good LinkedIn strategy requires about ... 05/28/2013

  Atlantis of Palm Beach County, FL Market Stats for April 2013 Stats and facts about Atlantis, Florida, are out for the month of April 2013.  The report is packed with information about the county and the local city mentioned above. In a nut shell the inventory of single family homes available for sale are at a 6.2 month selling point which is down nearly 58.7%from a year ago. That’s a good sign things are loosening up and people are buying. Click on this LINK, for more graphs and stats. Whether you are buying or selling in this hot market of the County of Palm Beach, FL, choosing the right company will save you money, time and many sleepless nights. I not only have 29 years experience as a Realtor, construction was a passion of mine as well. This alone is worth so much more than the a... 05/25/2013

  Today’s 052013 Hot Stories of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News Monday, May 20, 2013     TODAY'S TOP STORIES Some flood insurance policies to see rate hikes About 20% of "subsidized" flood policies will see a premium increase each year until they're actuarially sound. But a new homeowner must pay it immediately. Read more.   Realtor from Fla. elected NAR first vice president Tom Salomone, a Realtor from Coral Springs and 2003 Florida Realtors' president, was elected to the 2014 office at NAR's midyear meetings that ended Sat. Read more.   Citizens offers cheaper rate option with no fanfare The limited coverage option, HO-8, could save some up to 70% - but only 47 people have signed up due to eligibility restrictions and other potential obstacles. Read more.   Commercial Realtor... 05/20/2013

  When You’re Buying or Selling, Do You Know the Right Questions?   Whether you are looking to sell or looking to buy, think of us as your personal consultant. It’s our job to evaluate your property against what is active in the market place and understand your basic needs or wants. This will help determine how your home will compare to the completion to net the biggest return on your sale.   Here are a few questions that we can answer on your behalf.   Does your home’s floor plan and property match well will other properties around it?   How fast are homes closing in your community and surrounding areas?   What are the properties selling the fastest?   What type of buyers should we focus on that would be attracted to your property?   05/19/2013

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate &  FL Realtor News Monday, May 13, 2013     TODAY'S TOP STORIES Forecast improves for late 2013 economy Poll of economists finds optimism. They say federal cutbacks will slow growth, but it won't stall the recovery. By 4Q, expect strong private sector expansion. Read more. IRA money can be used to fund an investment home Under Section 408 of the IRS Code, you can invest a tax-sheltered IRA in a future retirement home if you follow specific rules. But don't try this alone. Read more. Job shortage? Builders can't find enough workers Workers with construction skills - from supervisors to painters, cabinet makers and drywall installers - are in short supply, driving up the cost of new homes. Read more.   Land trusts band together for liability... 05/14/2013

  Original Mother’s Day: no candy, no flowers as proclamation urged ‘display the flag’   So much for fancy flowers, champagne brunches and new electronic devices. Ninety nine years ago, President Woodrow Wilson had a terse message for the American people when he designated the nation’s first official Mothers Day. “Whereas, by Joint Resolution approved May 6, 1914, ‘designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, and for other purposes’, the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the government officials to display the United States flag on all government buildings, and the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places on the second Sunday in may as a public expression of love and reverence for the mother... 05/12/2013

  A Few Fun Facts about, The City of Atlantis, FL 33462   Atlantis Population as of the 2010 Census was 2005 Registered voters are 1651 or 82% of the population Number of those casting ballots in the last election was 950 Total voter turn-out including absentee was 1,234 or 75% There are approximately 1200 housing units which include single family, townhomes, villas & condos. This breaks down to the following. 631 Single Family Homes 284 Villas 101 Townhomes 184 Condominiums Atlantis City Hall (561) 965-1744 Atlantis Country Club (561) 965-7700 Atlantis Golf Club (561) 965-7600 Atlantis Police Department (561) 965-1711 www.atlantisfl.gov   Search Atlantis Homes Click Here   If you are looking to buy or sell please give our office a call for a no obligation consultation.   05/11/2013

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News Monday, May 6, 2013     TODAY'S TOP STORIES Home prices near new highs in some markets Forget the housing bubble: Home prices have hit all-time highs in 10% of U.S. cities, though most are outside Fla. where prices rose only modestly during boom. Read more.   A mortgage without payments too good to pass up? Financing deal allows older adults to buy a house with 30% to 50% down and nothing else. Deal comes with same risks and rewards as a reverse mortgage. Read more.   Even in hot market, some listings turn off buyers Even in a market where listings fly out of the MLS in a matter of hours or days, a few properties might languish for months, a year or longer. Read more.   HUD to sell 20,000 distressed loans to investors The... 05/06/2013

  Understanding Closing Costs & What What You May Pay To Settle Your Purchase         Closing Costs To The Buyer: Lender’s Policy:  $275 FF9 Endorsement:  10% Total Premium Additional Endorsements:  $35 Settlement Fee:  $395 Doc Stamps (Note): $.035 per $100 of Loan Intangible Tax (Mortgage):  $.020 per $100 of Loan Record Deed:  $19.10 Record Certificate of Approval:  $10.60 Record Mortgage:  $200 Survey:  $295 -$400   Refinance: Lender’s Policy:  Promulgated Rate FF9 Endorsements:  10% Total Premium Search Fee:  $150 Doc Stamp (Note):  $0.35 per $100 of Loan Settlement Fee:  $295 Intangible Tax (MTG):  $.020 per $100 of Loan Record Mortgage:  $200   Closing Costs to Seller: Real Estate Commissions Owner’s Title Policy:  Promulgated Rate Title Search:  $150 Doc stamps on deed:  $0.70 p... 05/03/2013

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate &  FL Realtor News Monday, April 29, 2013     TODAY'S TOP STORIES Pending sales rise modestly as inventory tightens NAR: Pending sales rose 1.5% month-to-month and 7% year-to-year, but recovery slows because the supply of homes isn't keeping up with buyer demand. Read more.   Companies unload stress of moving the elderly Senior move managers help older, longtime homeowners who need assistance. In 2002, 30 businesses offered senior manager services; today, it's 800. Read more.   Small builders: We're shut out Mom-and-pop homebuilders say they can't take advantage of today's high buyer demand because banks lend money only to national, big-name developers. Read more.   Your stuff isn't worth as much as you think The Home Economist: Some buyer... 04/29/2013

  Atlantis of Palm Beach County, FL Market Stats for March 2013   Stats and facts about Atlantis, Florida, are out for the month of March 2013.  The report is packed with information about the county and the local city mentioned above. In a nut shell the inventory of single family homes available for sale are at a 8.8 month selling point which is down nearly 37.6%from a year ago. That’s a good sign things are loosening up and people are buying. Click on this LINK, for more graphs and stats. Whether you are buying or selling in this hot market of the County of Palm Beach, FL, choosing the right company will save you money, time and many sleepless nights. I not only have 29 years experience as a Realtor, construction was a passion of mine as well. This alone is worth so much more than the... 04/23/2013

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate &  Fl Realtor News Monday, April 22, 2013   TODAY'S TOP STORIES Florida’s housing market on upswing in March Existing home sales up 9% year-to-year, price up 15.2%; condo sales up 1.1%, price up 15.9%. NAR: Sales up 9.1% year-to-year, single-family price up 12.1%. Read more.   Group says immigration reform could help real estate Real Estate Roundtable: Overhaul could help full gamut of real estate if visa reforms are pro-growth. On the flip side, bad policy could slow economic recovery. Read more.   Before becoming a landlord, add up the costs A "vacation home later - rental home now" plan drives many home purchases today, blurring the line between investment and second homes. Read more.   Garages are the new in-home retreats The "man cave... 04/22/2013

  The Advice That Can Be Learned From A Porcupine     It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions.  After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.  Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive. The best relationship is... 04/21/2013

What Every Buyer Should Know Working With An ABR     FOR BUYERS: WORKING WITH THE BEST  As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), I’ve become a top resource for buyers. I came across this article that helps explain my role in the real estate process and how I can help you achieve homeownership. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you. 8 Reasons to Hire a Home Buyer’s Agent © 2013 First Team Real Estate By Nisreen Breik. FOR BUYERS: BEING A REALISTIC HOME BUYER  When looking for a home, you are bound to have certain expectations. I found this article on how to stay focused on what you can afford and how to best approach the home searching process. I look forward to helping you find your perfect home. Helping buyers is my business and I look ... 04/19/2013

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News  April 15, 2013 TODAY'S TOP STORIES Some towns are stagnant or even shrinking in Fla. For example, UF research found the city of Palatka lost 355 residents in the two years after the 2010 census, down to 10,203 people - smaller than 50 years ago. Read more.   NAR's Open House Weekend approaches About 45% of recent U.S. homebuyers go to open houses to help in their search. Buyers can see many more during Nationwide Open House Weekend, April 20-21. Read more.   6 key considerations when applying for a mortgage "It's surprising to me that people tend to spend more time in pre-purchase research for a car than they do for a home mortgage," says CMG Financial president. Read more.   Rising costs impact homebuilder confidence Th... 04/15/2013

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News Monday, April 8, 2013   TODAY'S TOP STORIES Great American Realtor Days kicks off tomorrow Hundreds of Realtors from across Fla. will converge on Tallahassee for Great American Realtor Days (GARD), which runs through Wednesday. Read more.   Wells Fargo dominates home loan business It originates 28.8% of all mortgages, up from 11.2% in 2007. When other banks pulled back, Wells started to aggressively pursue real estate agent referrals. Read more.   Mortgage insurers fined over alleged kickbacks Fed's consumer agency fined four large mortgage insurance companies $15.4M for allegedly paying kickbacks to lenders that agreed to use their policies. Read more.     Administration to banks: Ease up on home loans President says the... 04/08/2013