Proven Tips for Being a Good Pet NeighborPets bring so much joy to our lives, but being a responsible pet owner also means being a considerate neighbor. A little common courtesy goes a long way toward creating a happy, peaceful community for everyone — both pet lovers and non-pet owners alike. Here are a few simple tips for being a good pet neighbor.  Training MattersAre your pets well trained?I’ve seen plenty of dogs out on walks whose owners think bad behavior is “cute” instead of correcting it. Pulling, jumping, excessive barking, or lunging may seem harmless to some people, but not everyone feels the same way.Every pet can have occasional bad behavior. I know!  The important thing is making the effort to work on it. Training takes patience and consistency, but it’s worth it for both... 08/16/2026

Should You Call the Number on the For Sale Sign? Here’s Why You Might Want to Think TwiceCalling the listing agent feels like the natural first step.  You see a home you love — maybe online, maybe while driving through your favorite neighborhood — and you want answers fast. But before you dial the number on the sign or click “Call Agent,” there’s something every buyer should understand: the listing agent works for the seller, not for you. And that simple phone call could end up costing you thousands.Here’s why:  Picture this: you’re driving through a neighborhood in Boca Raton you love, and there it is - the house.  Perfect backyard. Beautiful landscaping. Maybe even an extended screened-in lanai or a pool.In the yard is a big “For Sale” sign with a smiling face and a phone number.  Or ... 11/15/2025

Selling a home in Boca Raton when you have pets comes with unique challenges. While buyers want to see your property’s best features, they might not share your love for animals. Managing your pets during open houses and showings is key to creating a welcoming environment that appeals to everyone. This guide offers practical tips to keep your pets safe and your buyers impressed.What to Do With Your Pets During Open Houses and ShowingsWhen selling your home, you want to minimize distractions and present your space in the best light possible. Here’s how to handle your pets during this process:Find Temporary Housing for Your PetsOne of the easiest ways to manage your pets during open houses and showings is to have them stay elsewhere temporarily. Consider these options: Ask a friend or fami... 08/07/2025

From my house to yours, Happy Holidays to all!  I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year!  12/25/2024

 Moving to a new home can be as stressful for pets as it is for humans, especially in a vibrant community like Boca Raton. If you're a dog owner, you'll want to make this transition as smooth as possible for your furry friend. This guide provides seven essential tips to help your dog adjust to your new home, ensuring they feel safe, comfortable, and welcome in their new environment.7 Tips for Introducing Your Dog to Your New Home in Boca RatonWhen you move to a new home, especially in pet-friendly areas like Boca Raton (including many local 55+ communities, such as those in Delray Beach), it's important to help your dog acclimate. This guide explains the following: Maintain routine Gradual introduction Safe space setup Exploration time Meeting neighbors and pets Local vet introduction C... 12/15/2024

Buying A Condo Is Not As Easy As It SeemsBuying a condo is easy or so you would think.    We see it in commercials and ads all the time.   They say, go online and apply for a mortgage - one, two, three.  What they don't tell you is real estate is local.From my experience as a buyer's agent in Boca Raton, I'm telling you it's not so.Buying a condo is not as easy as it appears.With all the publicity about the NAR settlements in the news, buyers are hearing all sorts of things these days.  They're thinking, We can go online and buy a condo. Who needs a buyer's agent? Let's apply for a loan online and just call the listing agent.After 20 years as a full-time Realtor and retired Court Reporter in Boca Raton, I'm here to tell you you need representation.  More than you realize.   You need a g... 09/15/2024

Finding the right pet-friendly neighborhood in Boca Raton is crucial for pet owners who want the best for their furry companions. Boca Raton offers a variety of communities that cater to the needs of pets and their owners, providing amenities and environments that enhance the quality of life for all.Finding the Perfect Pet-Friendly Neighborhood in Boca RatonWhen you're looking for a pet-friendly neighborhood in Boca Raton, it's not just about finding a place where pets are allowed. It's about finding a community where pets are welcomed and catered to with thoughtful amenities and services. This guide explains the following: Identifying pet-friendly amenities Understanding community pet policies Exploring outdoor spaces for pets Considering pet services and businesses Engaging with the ... 06/08/2024

BUYING A HOUSE IS NOT AS EASY AS IT SEEMS  Everyone thinks buying a house is easy.  I can do it myself.  They said so online is what many buyers are thinking today.With all the publicity about the NAR Settlements in the news, buyers are hearing all sorts of things.  They're thinking, We can go online and just buy a house. Who needs a buyer's agent? Let's call the listing agent.After 20 years as a full-time Realtor and retired Court Reporter in Boca Raton, I'm here to tell you you need a buyer's agent.  More than you realize.   You need a great buyer's agent. Why?Because real estate is local.  It doesn't just happen as you see online or on TV.  They make it sound so easy.  Trust me, It's not!  Stories of a Buyer's AgentI'm going to share some real stories to show you why real estate is l... 06/01/2024

20970 VIA JASMINE 1 HAS A 2-CAR GARAGE  20970 Via Jasmine 1Boca Raton, FL 33428MLS # RX-10952664$ 609,000  Welcome to this beautiful townhouse in Las Flores in west Boca Raton.    This spacious home features 4 bedrooms, 2-car garage and over 2300 air-conditioned square feet. This lushly-landscaped corner home has a screened-in patio enclosure that was added just a few years ago.   It's the perfect spot for relaxing, hanging out or enjoying a meal outdoors.    Upon entering the home, you are greeted by a foyer surrounded by a large walk-in closet with extra storage space under the stairs, and a half bath.      The eat-in kitchen has white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless appliances.   And a large window with lots of light.  Natural light fills this townhouse.  The primary bedr... 01/30/2024

Simple Act of KindnessWhen I lost Corrie in March, I had just refilled her medications.  And she was on a lot of them.  Her heart medication was the most expensive, and I had two sealed bottles of it.I thought about what to do with them.  Some of the other meds were from the pharmacy in prescription bottles.  I was hesitant to give to those to people I didn't know, but the heart medication was factory sealed in boxes.I decided to put a post up on NextDoor.   At the time, the Vetmedin sold for about $ 76 for 50 pills, for a dog Corrie's size.  So I figured I'd ask $ 100 for the two bottles and see what happened.A woman contacted me asking about them.  We texted back and forth.  She had an older dog she had inherited after the owner passed away.  The dog was taking Vetmedin and she could ... 12/16/2023

An Attitude of Gratitude:  Thankful for My Clients One of the best parts of my business are the people I've met along the way, many of who have become real friends.In court reporting, I met people on depositions daily, but I didn't get to spend time with them.  Especially because in those days I wasn't allowed to speak, except maybe on a break.  I was too busy writing and making sure I had everything I needed, like spellings of words or names, to put a transcript together.In real estate, I meet people and develop relationships all the time.  It may start with a text, phone call or email because of a blog they came across.  Sometimes it's a referral from a past client, friend or colleague. However it happens, I have a chance to get to know this person who is looking to buy or sell a home... 11/24/2023

For countless families, pets are more than just animals—they're cherished members of the household, part of the family. When looking for a new home, ensuring your furry, feathered, or scaly friend has the comfort and amenities they deserve is crucial. In the bustling city of Boca Raton, you might be wondering which properties cater best to the unique needs of pet owners. Worry not!  We've got you covered.Pet-Friendly Properties: A Guide to Finding the Perfect HomeBoca Raton, with its blend of stunning coastal views and sophisticated urban lifestyle, is an exciting place to call home. For pet owners, there's an added layer of considerations to keep in mind. You're not just looking for a home for you but for your beloved pets too. This guide covers: Amenities to look for in pet-friendly h... 11/06/2023

Living in or visiting Boca Raton has its privileges. One of the city's most charming features is its vibrant parks and nature reserves. These tranquil spaces provide a perfect escape for residents and tourists looking to immerse themselves in Florida's unique ecosystem.Must-Visit Parks and Nature Preserves in Boca RatonBoca Raton boasts an impressive selection of parks and nature preserves that cater to nature enthusiasts, families, and individuals seeking solace in the great outdoors. Whether you're into bird or turtle watching, ball playing, beaches, or simply relaxing, there's something for everyone. This guide covers: Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Sugar Sand Park Red Reef Park Spanish River Park Yamato Scrub Natural Area Here’s a closer look at each.Gumbo Limbo Nature CenterRight in the... 10/16/2023

Guide to Financing Your Home in Boca Raton FL Buying a home is often the most significant investment you'll make in your lifetime. And while Boca Raton offers a wide variety of property options for every budget, understanding the ins and outs of home financing is crucial.Guide to Financing Your Home in Boca RatonIf you're considering a property in Boca Raton, knowing your financing options can make the journey smoother. From understanding the types of mortgages available to exploring local incentives, the right knowledge can set you on the path to ownership without the added stress. This guide covers: Understanding different mortgage types The importance of credit scores Exploring down payments Local incentives and grants Working with mortgage brokers Here’s a closer look at each.Unders... 10/02/2023

Your Pets are Good for YouYour pets are good for you.  I've been saying it for years.  Now it's been proven by the medical professionals.  So it begs the question, why then are pets restricted in so many communities in south Florida.  And that's a very good question, one which I wish I had the answer to.   But that’s a topic I know I've written about many times.  PHYSICAL ACTIVITYMost dogs go outside to do their business. Walking is great exercise for your dog and for you.  It’s good for their healthy and yours.   Of course, please check with your doctor first before starting any walking regimen.  But if you have a dog, hopefully, you’re going to walk the dog.  With that twice-or-more daily walk, you are both getting physical exercise.  And that’s a good thing!  SOCIALIZATIONDogs are so... 09/22/2023

It seems every time I talk to Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, I get off the phone with an idea for a blog.  Last night she asked me, So do you have an idea for a blog?  I told her no, and I really didn't.  But lo and behold, an hour later, I did. So here goes.   This month Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 and John Meussner want to know what makes you exceptional as an agent.  I think there are two things that make me stand out from my peers in real estate.  The first goes my back to my parents.  They were truly people of integrity who taught me to do the right thing.   The second goes back to my years as a Court Reporter.  In Court Reporting, things have to be done a certain way - the right way.  Transcripts have to go out as near perfect as possible so they don't read (phonet... 07/24/2023

Just Sold!  Pet-Friendly Country Club | Boca Raton FL Congratulations to the buyers on this beautiful pool home with golf course views in Boca Woods Country Club!Oh, and did I mention it's also pet friendly?  You bet!  So the buyers can bring their beautiful dog along with them to enjoy their new Florida home.  The house has two bedrooms, two baths and a den. Boca Woods has two golf course courses, seven Har-Tru tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, fitness center, spa services, card rooms, and clubhouse with dining.Take a look at these views.      07/05/2023

6 Tips for a pet-friendly houseFollowing are some tips for finding and setting up a pet-friendly home.  We love our pets so, naturally, we want them to be safe as well as comfortable. After all, they're family!  IS THE COMMUNITY PET FRIENDLYIf you're looking to buy a new home, the first thing to check is if the community or condo is pet friendly to your pet.  Will it accept your cat?  Will it accept your Goldendoodle or your two German Shepherds?  This is definitely your starting point.  Once you've narrowed down a community, check to see if there are veterinarians, groomers, pet stores, dog parks, dog beaches, whatever it is you may need within a reasonable distance.  You don't want to buy a home only to find out the closest vet is over an hour away.  That would be nightmare in an emer... 04/19/2023

8 Tips to Get Rid of Pet Odors Here are 8 tips to get rid of pet odors.  We may not notice them but, trust me, they're there.  We tend not to notice pet odors on a day-to-day basis because we live with them.  Believe me, I'm in this group with you.   If you're thinking of selling your home, you need to realize not everyone feels the way we do about our pets.  Many people are allergic and they're sensitive to animals odors, or they just may not care for them. You should take care of this before you list your house for sale.  Don't wait until someone complains.  Don't give them a reason to complain.  The object is to get your house sold.  AIR YOUR HOME OUTTip # 1:  Air your home out.  Open windows.  Run your air conditioner.  Get the air circulating, and have your air conditioner professi... 04/10/2023

03/10/2023