Saturday Shot of the Day XXXX Ouch!!! I couldn’t pass up posting this picture that I received somewhere in my travels. Since we are all snap crazy with the digital cameras these days, this is a great reminder of what may happen. Who would have ever thought the nice cuddly looking kangaroo wouldn’t want his picture taken or video for all of us to enjoy. Perhaps she didn’t get the release signed, or permission from his employer???  06/03/2016

The Daily (053116) Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  3% down and 620 credit score? They qualifyEasy-qualify mortgages may be coming back. A new Wells Fargo product works for 620 credit scores with 3% down - and gifts or downpayment programs are okay. Read more.Real estate market isn't as fun as it used to beAP report: Agents are making more money because home prices have gone up - but they have fewer listings to offer buyers and the economic rebound has enticed more agents to enter the business. Read more.Virtual reality home-tour tech developing rapidlyIf Facebook's Oculus Rift mission was to bring virtual reality gear to true believers, Google's evolving VR vision is introducing otherworldly tech to the masses. Read more.Fla. consumers a bit less optimistic in MayPreside... 05/31/2016

 If Turtles Can Climb To New Heights, So Can You I spotted Tommy the turtle the other day, but missed the shot because my camera was in my car. Yesterday I must have spotted the same one. On the first sighting it looked like the size of a manhole cover climbing up the bank. The one yesterday has to be the same one.   The picture doesn’t do justice based on what I saw and presented here. None the less we continue to attract all kinds of creatures here in the city of Atlantis, Florida. Enjoy nature and the wild, it can be fascinating to observe.   05/27/2016

The Daily (052416) Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  FHA may be reopening doors to condo financingAt one time, FHA offered "spot" condo loans even if a complex wasn't certified, and while those may or may not be coming back, some changes are in the works. Read more.Real estate impact from transgender bathroom issue?Fla. law provides little guidance on transgender bathrooms. For now, agents should understand their local laws, if any, and take common sense steps to avoid trouble, according to experts at NAR's recent convention. Read more.Problems related to new TRID rules seem to be overFor the second consecutive month, the average time to close all loans was 44 days, suggesting that lenders worked out kinks in the new truth-in-lending laws. Read more.Agents try new marketin... 05/24/2016

The Daily (052316) Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now   Fla.'s median home, condo prices rise in April Single-family home median price up 9.2% year-to-year; condo median price up 4.4% with more new listings in both markets. NAR: U.S. home sales up 6% over year ago. Read more.NAR: Commercial sales subdued in first quarterAfter a booming 2015, the pace of commercial transactions dropped 20% in 1Q 2016, according to NAR's' latest Commercial Real Estate Outlook. Read more.Realtor.com CEO Ryan O'Hara talks online real estateWhile still trailing Zillow in online traffic, Realtor.com has moved into the No. 2 position since O'Hara's arrival. He says it's his job to "move the needle." Read more.'Zombie' foreclosures fall 62% in Fla.In South Fla., the number of vacant properties in f... 05/23/2016

Live & Work at Home with this Estate Type Property in The City of Atlantis    513 N. Country Club Drive, Atlantis, FL 33462 $597,000 MLS: RX-10233793PRICED BELOW MARKET ESTATE WITH TWO BEDROOM/OFFICE SEPARATED SUITE.  Improvements currently underway to be completed by July 1st. Items include, new stainless steel appliances, new bedroom(s) flooring, interior paint, new laundry cabinets, new light fixtures, new ceiling fans, pool deck repainted, screen repairs, etc. Come and enjoy this unique property with over 4000 sq.ft. living space in the center of Palm Beach Co. City of Atlantis is a hidden gem with no mandatory  HOA, or Golf membership fees required. Also well protected with a manned gate, and our own police force. We even have our own park. Minutes to the beach, shopping, Interstat... 05/21/2016

For Your Next Dining Experience Check Out The Atlantis Grill & Bar  When you're in the mood for good times and great cuisine, be sure to check out Atlantis Grill & Bar. The restaurant is located at the corner of S. Congress Ave. and W. Lantana Road, in the Shoppes of Atlantis Plaza. Their street address is 5805 S. Congress Ave, Atlantis, Fl 33462 and phone is (561) 641-3330    Known for its delightful staff and superb cuisine. The menu at Atlantis Grill & Bar features a wide array of great selections, made from only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, with something sure to please every member of your group. They are best known for their Sautéed Shrimp Portobello and Baby Back Ribs    Atlantis Grill & Bar has established itself as one of the area's favorite culinary destinatio... 05/21/2016

The Godzilla's of the Lizard Family....I will eat you I wrote in a previous blog, that our lguanas have not been seen for two years and were not seen this year as well. Two winters ago a bad cold snap came through Florida, also known as Global Cooling. They could not find Al Gore during this time for some reason either. Anyway, it effected these boys visiting our back yard next to the canal. This one especially because of its brilliant yellow/orange colors which is somewhat rare.  Hope they return some day, but I fear they may never be back.   05/21/2016

Presenting   513 N. Country Club Drive, Atlantis, FL 33462 $597,000 MLS: RX-10233793PRICED BELOW MARKET ESTATE WITH TWO BEDROOM/OFFICE SEPARATED SUITE.    Improvements currently underway to be completed by July 1st. Items include, new stainless steel appliances, new bedroom(s) flooring, interior paint, new laundry cabinets, new light fixtures, new ceiling fans, pool deck repainted, screen repairs, etc. Come and enjoy this unique property with over 4000 sq.ft. living space in the center of Palm Beach Co. City of Atlantis is a hidden gem with no HOA, or membership fees required. Also well protected with a manned gate, and our own police force. We even have our own park. Minutes to the beach, shopping, Interstates and Airport.     05/21/2016

Updated (052016) Craig's List Scam Phone Numbers, Names & Email Addresses  (201) 677-5505 (208) 464-4369 (210) 960-1125 (224) 757-8176(234) 414-1853(267) 719-4323(269) 948-7951(309) 425-0574(320) 207-4241(321) 312-2622(323) 518-1950(323) 835-1381(325) 400-4108(347) 363-1861(386) 603-3900(407) 901-6784(424) 231-7424(440) 373-7754(440) 678-8101(440) 481-1760(469) 270-8302(501) 547-3689(502) 487-4027(504) 266-0534(504) 308-2729(508) 296-9262(509) 269-8736(512) 309-8432(516) 253-4153(520) 222-6921(561) 203-9699(561) 320-7958(561) 320-7971(561) 406-9452(561) 406-9454(561) 406-9469(567) 331-4795(570) 281-8039(570) 534-0447(570) 794-5545(603) 383-2064(612) 643-8480(617) 910-3710(626) 202-7637(646) 439-5780(646) 828-6794(646) 930-5969(702) 663-5342(702) 744-2195(702) 753-5322(707) 200-4552(713)... 05/20/2016

The Daily (052016) Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  Fed may be wedded to a June rate hikeFew experts thought the Fed would raise interest rates in June but that changed yesterday. An increase could directly impact ARMs and indirectly FRMs. Read more.NAR survey: More younger Realtors enter industryThe median age of U.S. Realtors decreased from 57 to 53 in one year - the lowest it's been since 2008, according to the just-released 2015 NAR Member Profile. Read more.Women are more skeptical but driven to buy a homeA men vs. women homebuyer survey found that women are a tougher sell even though they want to own a home more than their male counterparts. Read more.Average 30-year mortgage rate ticks up to 3.58%Rates remain generally low, but the poll of lenders was completed bef... 05/20/2016

The Daily (051816) Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now   Supreme Court focuses on incorrect online dataThe U.S.'s top court ruled that consumers may challenge incorrect data provided by websites in court - but they must prove actual harm to succeed. Read more.Should short-term rentals be taxed like hotels?Hotel owners want short-term rentals taxed to level the playing field, but opponents say it's a private property rights issue, and homeowners should be allowed to do what they want to do with their property. Read more.Builders boost home construction in AprilHousing starts climbed 6.6% and building permits 3.6%, suggesting the new-home market remains solid despite sluggish economic growth earlier this year. Read more.Chinese invest $110 billion in U.S. real estateFrom 2010-2... 05/17/2016

The Daily (051716) Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  Rising prices could increase mortgage rates Cheap gas currently keeps U.S. inflation in check, but that won't last forever as rents rise. And when inflation returns, mortgage rates usually move higher. Read more.Real estate panel I.D.'s growing niche marketsWho are tomorrow's clients? A panel at NAR's recent meetings identified three up-and-coming market niches and said that all buyers and sellers want an agent "they feel comfortable with." Read more.Financing still top commercial concernThe commercial real estate sector is doing pretty well, especially compared to other countries. But a Realtor poll finds small-bank lending remains a challenge. Read more.NAR board meets, adopts new policiesThe board enhanced Core Standa... 05/16/2016

The Daily (051616) Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  Commercial regulations: What's on the horizon?NAR provided legislative updates on 1031 exchanges, crowdfunding and depreciation with a caveat: Congress only meets 48 times before Nov. elections. Read more.Private lenders offer new opportunities and risksA private lender can legally charge a much higher interest rate than mainstream banks, and some private lenders approve so few mortgages each year that federal oversight laws don't apply. Read more.'Hurricane amnesia' poses big risk in Fla.While hurricane forecasting has improved a bit, Fla. isn't ready for a major hurricane. After a series of storm-free years, many homeowners simply don't prepare. Read more.City housing rules might be fair housing violationA Boca Raton l... 05/16/2016

Quotes to Live By ....10 for 10 w/ a bonus     As we embark on a brand new year these subject titles may help guide you to develop a few strategies. Keep in mind they may also help you figure out a few on your own. 1. How newer Realtors can use showmanship.                                    2. Build relationships with everyone involved in your deal.3. Use showmanship as a strategy.4. Be better prepared than anyone else.5. Use preparation to your advantage.6. Creative problem solving leads to big profits.                                         7. Create the aura of exclusivity.8. Insist on negotiating directly with the decision maker.9. Become the best negotiator.10. Improve your knowledge of human nature.Bonus: Create the sizzle, not the steak.Bonus: Give your customers the ultimate i... 05/15/2016

The Daily (050916) Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now    Want to flip a home? Do it in Fla. When it comes to flipping, 7 of the top 10 U.S. markets, and 8 of the top 20 are in Fla. In Lakeland-Winter Haven, 7.54% of sales are flips; median profit: 50.6%. Read more.Does condo owner need approval to rent one room?Real estate Q&A: A financially challenged condo owner was told to move if she couldn't afford to live there. She wants to rent out a room to make money, but the board is considering a rule change to ban the practice. Read more.Homebuilders say major uptick comingDemand is up for new single-family homes, and builders say they're ready - but a few challenges, such as a shortage of labor and lots, could still cause problems. Read more.'Placemaking' initiative builds comm... 05/08/2016

An Experienced Salesperson Is Friendly And Listens To Their Clients While attending school, I spent two years as a waiter at a high end restaurant in the Annapolis area. There, I learned a lot about the art of selling and customer service. After leaving that gig, I spent three years in another high end role in a resort type atmosphere. During this time, I was grasping what it means to think on your feet and how to respond to the needs and challenges of your customer. These challenges are and will be met by the beginner in this field as they embark to learn the tricks of the trade.  Dealing with multiple clients  can be difficult, especially at peak times like winter here in South Florida. It is important to stay calm, listen, and identify the issues and offer the best solution at hand. ... 05/07/2016

Money Making Tips For Securing A Real Estate Sale In Any MarketWe all have been told that until the home closes no money changes hand. This of course means your listing has to be completed from the seller to the buyer. Below are a few suggestions to make sure that happens and happens in the least amount of time:          Be on time whenever possible in other words never be late.         Always and I mean always ask for the order.         Make sure all decision makers are present and accounted for.         Know all the ins & outs of your      clients expectations.         Always tell the truth.         Be competitive, but be honest.         Always follow-up quickly.         Know your market.         Maintain a high standard  on and off the field.         Be willing to walk from the order... 05/07/2016

Amazing Tips For A Successful Open House In light of the present market and the challenges to sell that Lot, REO, or regular sale, following these 15 tips for a successful open house might just be the answer. As we all know in this business real estate is determined by the three greatest rules, LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.  Just as location is the key to a quick and easy sale, so is the right open house. Listed below are some easy points to remember when you host your diamond in the rough.         Advertise or feature the most attractive home in a very desirable area.         Street appeal is a big factor; choose it over the average site.         Draw from the strength of the community or neighbors.         Draw from the pool of homes in the upper price points.         Make sure your s... 05/07/2016

Love & Blessings 1. Once upon a time, all the villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer all the people gathered, but only one small boy came with an umbrella. That's FAITH   2. When you throw a baby in the air, he laughs because he knows you will catch him.   That's TRUST   3. Almost every night we go to bed, without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but still we set the alarm to wake up.   That's HOPE   4. We Plan big things for tomorrow in spite of absolutely no knowledge of the future.   That's CONFIDENCE   5. We see the world suffering and in turmoil, but still we get married.   That's LOVE   6. On an old woman's shirt was written a cute sentence: 'I Am Not 60 Years Old... I Am Sweet 16 with 44 Years' Experience.'   That's ATTITUDE   7. Now that you've b... 05/07/2016