As a mortgage broker in Palm Beach County, I am often asked to pre-approve homebuyers.  Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, I find homebuyers, especially first time homebuyers are mislead by the "teaser" rates that are advertised, and have unrealistic expectations as far a monthly payment.Buyers are looking at homes in the $300,000 range and expecting a monthly payment of $1200.  That just isn't the case. With that in mind, I have included some examples of what a housing payment would look like in a few price ranges. These examples are based on a 30 year fixed rate program.  These are estimates only. Rates could be higher or lower,depending upon a number of factors, including amount of down payment, credit history, assets and income.To find out what rate you qualify for, consult with a lo... 11/06/2007

                                                                           Boca Chase                                                                                       Hidden Lake                                                                         This beautiful Boca Chase Home is a must see!Located in the Hidden lakes neighborhood of Boca Chase in West Boca  This wonderful home is 2300 sq ft 4 perfect sized bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and 2 car garage. Carpet and Tile throughout newer appliances. A/C 5 yrs old beautiful lake view  This Home is perfectly priced at ..................................                          Boca Chase is a subdivision in Boca Raton with single-family homes that are  ranch and Mediterranean-style homes.Many homes in Boca Chase feature carpet and cerami... 11/03/2007

You've been thinking of buying a home, but the media reports of declining values here in Palm Beach County make you think you should wait.  Maybe you can get a better deal?? Well, there are good deals out there now.  Do your research, find a competent realtor and you can be on your way to your dream home. Sellers are willing to make concesssions and help with closing costs, which means less money out of pocket for you.Will prices continue to fall? ...probably...maybe...  There have been downturns and rebounds in the past, and real estate historically has remained a good investment over the decades. If your property declines 2% in value next year, then increases in value for the next several years, you are still way ahead of the game.Don't wait too long for that "great deal"...you may ju... 11/02/2007

There is some extremly positive news in the real estate world if you are a long term investor.Even as prices of homes for sale decline, data shows that rental prices are rising in the vast majority of markets nationwide.Two main reasons are behind higher rents.Demand for rentals from people who are either worried about buying a home that will fall in value or are hesitating to buy because home prices still remain too high. The other is a tighter lending environment that has raised the cost of ownership from what it would have been even six months agoAffordability is still an issue in many markets, where home prices increased at a double-digit pace for several years before starting to fall back in the last year. Meanwhile, incomes didn't rise nearly as fast, making owning a home particul... 10/30/2007

Want to know what's going on in the Palm Beach and Broward County real estate and mortgage market?As a mortgage broker in South Florida, located in Palm Beach County, I need to stay on top of the ever changing mortgage and real estate market so I can best serve my borrowers. This is a convenient way for me to get the latest news while I'm having my morning cup of green tea. ( No coffee for this gal..I have enough energy as it is  :) Now there's an easy way to do this without reading 3 newpapers or spending half the day on the internet.  It's called Google Alerts.  Google Alerts will send you e mail updates for news and articles on the local mortgage and real estate climate. You simply go to the website and complete the simple form using the topic of "mortgage south florida". You can cho... 10/30/2007

Estuary Dr Cape Sable Dr Buttonwood Lake Boca Vista Dr Lake Jasmine Dr Natures View Ct Sea Grass Cir If you would like any information regarding these potential short sale opportunities or if you would like some information regarding short sales for your property please contact me directly.  Jim 10/29/2007

 PonderosaThe Ponderosa community has 64 homes located on one to two-acre wooded lots, many with water views. Located on Oriole Country Road just south of Windjammer Park.              Ponderosa is a beautiful quiet West Boca community the homes in Ponderosa have some of the largest lots in West boca Boca Raton. This community is a neighborhood within Loggers' Run Master Association and owners are responsible for the Loggers' Run Master Association Maintenance Fee only. 10/29/2007

Beautiful 1/1/5 Condo close to the ocean and on the Intracoastel. Unit is tiled in the kitchen and wood floor throughout the rest of the unit. Complex is situated between the Intracoastal and A1A. 1st Floor End Unit with extended balcony, Underground Parking Garage. Overlooking the Intracoastal and Spanish River Park. Private Deeded Beach Access and Marina. Clubhouse Amenities. Community Swimming Pool. Gated Access with 24 hour security officers on patrol New Fitness Center. Great centralized location, minutes to restaurants, Publix and Mizner Park Owner is asking for First Month & Last Month & Security Deposit. No Pets Allowed. All Ages Community. Call ne at 561-542-1359 or email me at Steven.Bastian@floridamoves.com if you have any further questions about this rental. 10/28/2007

Beautiful 1/1/5 Condo close to the ocean and on the Intracoastel. Unit is tiled in the kitchen and wood floor throughout the rest of the unit. Complex is situated between the Intracoastal and A1A. 1st Floor End Unit with extended balcony, Underground Parking Garage. Overlooking the Intracoastal and Spanish River Park. Private Deeded Beach Access and Marina. Clubhouse Amenities. Community Swimming Pool. Gated Access with 24 hour security officers on patrol New Fitness Center. Great centralized location, minutes to restaurants, Publix and Mizner Park Owner is asking for First Month & Last Month & Security Deposit. No Pets Allowed. All Ages Community. Call ne at 561-542-1359 or email me at Steven.Bastian@floridamoves.com if you have any further questions about this rental. 10/28/2007

                                                                 SATURNIA                                                           The Crowned Jewell of West Boca Raton                                                        A GL Homes Community                                          Saturnia in West Boca has 414 Luxury Single Family Homes ranging from 2400 sqft to 4900sqft under air with the majority of Satunias homes on Lakes, this is truly one of West Boca / Boca Raton finest communities.A functional and spacious clubhouse  where various community events are held as well as board meetings. A child care area  and just outside is a toddlers play ground. Saturnia also boasts a beautiful community pool and fitness Center with free weights and plenty of aerobic equipment locker room and... 10/28/2007

Investors I am putting an offer on an advertised 4/3 short sale Pre Foreclosure home in Mission Bay Boca Raton Florida. My target price is 210k an improved market sale would be an estimated 415,000 and the going rent for such a property is $2100 per month 2005 comparable sales are over 500k. I will be assinging the contract for 230k or if you hurry I can put a bid in for you directly and work of the realtor commision. Please contact me directly with questions. This property is rentable ready for 1900 to 2200 a month.  All The Best To You Jim 561.445.0339 10/27/2007

It's a buyers market here in South Florida.  In addition, many people still want to take advantage of the equity in their homes, or want to refinance to consolidate debt or get out of an adjustable mortgage. So now you're shopping for the best rate and loan program.Those low rates advertised on the internet sure sound good, don't they?  So why not work with one of those brokers over the phone?  You can do everything by fax, overnight mail and email.  Now I am not knocking these out of state loan officers..a lot of them are very competent.  But what they don't have are the local relationships that can make a difference in your loan process.Here's a scenario:In this real estate market in Broward and Palm Beach County, getting a solid appraisal is key. Lenders are scrutinizing appraisals l... 10/27/2007

So now you're ready to take the plunge.  You want to buy a home in Palm Beach or Broward County and you decided to take my advice and get pre approved for a mortgage before you shop for a home. So what does that involve?Your next step is to set up a consultation with your mortgage broker. You will probably start out with a phone conversation.  Your mortgage broker will pre qualify you with a series of questions about your income and assets, and will want to review your credit report.  After that, he/she will ask you to provide some documentation so they can "pre-underwrite" your loan.Beware of anyone who guarantees you a loan approval based upon a phone conversation and a review of your credit report.  That is just the beginning.Be prepared by having all the documents you will need for ... 10/27/2007

Many home owners are interested in finding out how do I get the best return for my money when it is time to sell my house. One of the best investments I have seen in my years of Real Estate is new Flooring. I recently stopped by the local Floors To Go in the Mission Bay Plaza in Boca Raton and spoke with Tim Jones the Franchise owner of the store.  I found Tim to be extremely knowledgeable and true straight shooter. He carries a large variety of products in his store to include carpet, tile and laminate flooring. If you are planning to sell your home I suggest that you set an appointment with Tim to discuss what type of flooring would be best for you I found his pricing to be even lower in most cases than the bis box stores, together with the personal service I found this to be a win wi... 10/27/2007

   About BocaPopulation - 86,632Ranked 30 out of 100 Best Places to Live by CNNMoney.com2,685 Restaurants within 15 miles101 Golf courses within 30 miles34 Public City Parks totalling more than 850 acresSummer temperatures tend to be in the 80'sWinter temperatures tend to be in the 60'sMedian home price - $420,000Property & Violent crime is much lower than Florida's average        Social ExperienceA charming downtown area with endless boutiques and world class shopping Intimate dining experiences and award winning restaurantsPristine parks, museums, art galleries, and performing arts theatresCome to Boca!  There is plenty more to love!!WestBocaRatonHomes.com     More to love.  Boca just keeps on giving.   Boca Raton has received numerous State and County awards for its Parks and Communi... 10/25/2007

Palatial Estate Sorounded by Lakes$3,250,000 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LE RIVAGE LAKE FRONT ISLAND PARADISE PALACIAL ESTATE LOCATED IN THE MOST DESIRABLE GATED COMMUNITY IN BOCA RATON, FLORIDA SORROUNDED BY LAKES THIS ONE- OF- A- KIND COMPLETELY DECORATED BY FAMOUS DESIGNER WITH 9,014 SF (6400 SQ UNDER AIR) IS AN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE THAT SITS ON THE LARGEST LOT (0.73 ACRES). THIS RESIDENCE OFFERS A GORGEOUS POOL AND BREATHTAKING EXPANSIVE BACKYARD BUILT WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP. GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING LERIVAGE IS A GUARDED GATED COMMUNITY OF ONLY 18 EXCLUSIVE ESTATE HOMES THIS PROPERTY OFFERS: 2 STORIES, 5 DESIGNER FINISHED BEDROOM SUITES, BALCONIES IN ALL SECOND STORY BEDROOMS , 6 FULL BATHROOMS, 3 HALF BATHROOMS, CUSTOM CLOSETS, HUGH LOFT, OUTDOOR SUMMER KI... 10/25/2007

Bocaire CC - Dramatic EntryLarge 2 bedroom Guest House$875,000 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION This custom built home has a separate two bedroom guest house. This fabulous home features a huge 21 x 41 sq. ft. great room plus family room and a split bedroom plan all with Volume ceilings, crown moldings and neutral stone floors. A palatial patio with a triple water pool completes this spectacular estate home on an oversized lot. PROPERTY FEATURES ● Exclusive gated Bocaire CC. ● Many built in book cases ● Lush tropical landscaping ● Gourmet Kitchen ● Beautiful Custom cabinetry ● Enormous living room with picturesque windows ● 2 Br Guest House ● Logia pool area 305.931.6931 SIB Realty ADDITIONAL PROPERTY INFORMATION Area: 4380 MLS: Sq Ft: 3,844 Yr Built: 1996 Type: Single family home Beds: 5 Baths: 4... 10/25/2007

                                                                    Boca Winds                                       Boca Winds is a fabulous community Located approximately 2miles west of 441 on Palmetto Park Rd. in Boca Raton (West Boca). One of the premier locations in Loggers Run. Boca Winds is made up of 8 neighborhoods totaling approximately 817 homes.Heritage Square.....136 HomesBaybury.....45 HomesHampton Park.....80 HomesWaters Edge.....78 HomesRegency Place.....124 HomesCarLyle Estates.....77 HomesWater Ways.....163 HomesMonterey Bay.....98 HomesBoca Winds Boasts some fabulous Ammenities....Pools Parks and even Tenis Courts!!                                                                                    For any of your real Estate needs Call                                ... 10/24/2007

 So, you've heard it's a buyer's market and you've decided it's time to take the plunge and buy a home in Palm Beach County.  What should you do first??Before you start looking at homes, it's important to start off with a budget so you know how much you can afford. Knowing how much you can handle will also help you narrow the field so you don't waste time looking at homes that you can't afford. There are a number of calculators available on the internet that can give you an idea of how much house you can afford.  I have one here.  The calculator is only a starting point, however.I cannot stress enought the importance of getting prequalified for your mortgage before shopping for a home. If you don't get prequalified, you run the risk of not being able to get a mortgage for the home you c... 10/24/2007

Yes, it is still possible to buy a home here in South Florida with NO money down.  Down payment assistance programs have been around for a while, however HUD has discontinued most of them.  Good news is that  the Nehemiah Down Payment Assistance program is still being accepted by HUD until the end of March 2008. And, these funds are not limited to first time homebuyers!So, if you've been thinking about buying a home, but don't have enough money saved, think again. Even if the seller reduces their price, you still have to come up with significant out of pocket costs.How is down payment assistance different from a seller's concession?With a seller's concession, the seller offers to contribute a negotiated amount towards the buyer's costs. Lenders will only allow these concessions to be ap... 10/23/2007