I seem to be getting more and more calls and referrals b/c the client and/or realtor was dealing with a mortgage broker/bank that pre-approved a loan and now right before closing it can't be done.  What I have found is that there are a lot of uneducated people in the mortgage industry b/c it is too easy to get licensed.  Now, I have a Bachelors of Science in Finance and Accounting.  That does not make me better than the rest or what I am referring to when I saw uneducated.  I am talking about the people in this industry that don't pick up a newspaper, read updates from their lenders, read a magazine on their industry.  I would suggest to anyone in this industry to listen to CNBC, subscribe to The Wall Street Journal, Mortgage Originator/Entrepreneuer/Inc./Florida Trend (or your states e... 01/29/2008

SHIRLEY KLEIN PA    SPECIAL "K" SERVICE              EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATIONThe decision to buy or sell a home is not an easy one.  To that end I have invested many years of first hand experience and continuing education in order to be the person you can trust to help you accomplish your goals.  My knowledge of past and present market conditions as well as the latest high tech marketing materials at my disposal are just what you want and need.I invite you to take advantage of my SPECIAL "K" SERVICE.               A TRADITION OF TRUSTHaving been a successful Realtor in South Florida since 1987,  I have earned the reputation of exceptional first class service for all my clients.               AWARDSTOP 3% of Realtors NationwideExecutive ClubChairman's CircleLeading Edge SocietyMulti-Mil... 01/28/2008

How many of you are into Monster Trucks. Well I have a son who is just crazy in love with any types of trucks. Even my daughter loves monster truck. Her favorite is the one here on the left, Monster Mutt. My son well you guess, Grave Digger. Who doesn't love him or know of him. I grew up loving Monster Trucks, it was Big Foot that was big. Now its Grave Digger.   These pictures were taken at the Bank Atlantic Center, in Sunrise, Fl. We sat rat up front, enjoyed every minute of it. Would have loved to see it in the dirt. As soon as we got home that night my kids could not stop talking about it. We decided to purchase tickets for the show at the Dolphin Stadium, in Miami, Fl.  The show is Febuary 2 at 6 pm. Wonderful time to take your kids for some live monster fun!! If you plan ongoing c... 01/28/2008

I was reading an article this morning. It was going aganist what we all learned as far as depersonalizing the home. Most of us was taught when we go on listing appointments and after we get the listing most sellers ask us what needs to be done to the home. Our first response of course is to remove all the clutter. The second thing we always say is to remove all personal pictures. Now my guess is you want the new prospective buyers to picture themselves in the home without seeing the sellers in it. Now I agree with what I was reading, having the pictures remaining up and around the home shows its a home. Makes it warm and comforting. You see its history and spirit.Now I see both parts and agree mainly with the article. I love walking into a home and seeing the story behind the home. The ... 01/27/2008

Have you ever wondered how your local schools purchase some of the equipment they have. I know most must be thinking your local property taxes. Yes, but they also depend on finacial help from there local comunity. There is a propgram BoxTops4Education. It has been running for as long as I could remember. But I really never put much mind to it before. My daughter just recently started school this past year. I have been as active as I possibly can. So I was grocery shopping today and realized something very important. You see I have been collecting Box Tops for education for my daughters school. I didn't realize how many things you purchase has these box tops. They are only 10 cents a piece, but it surley adds ups. I have a ziplock bag full of them. I plan on turning them in at the end of... 01/26/2008

I received a call the other day on one of my listings. She  was looking for her daughter. She purchased a home in Tamarac, Fl three years ago and now her daughter moved down here and needs to find a place. She was trying to figure out which town would suit her. I went to explain that I also live in Tamarac. I also went to explain the difference in property taxes within the differences cities. I had asked her age, she said she was over 65. I asked if she had filed for her extra homestead. She had no idea that she qualified for the extra 25,000 homestead for Senior Citizens. She was just so happy. She thanked me and will be calling me back in few days.Here is some more information on the extra Homestead. You can also visit http://www.bcpa.net/  Qualified residents 65 years of age or older... 01/25/2008

Broward County residents are encouraged to take advantage of two free hazardous waste and electronics drop-off events: Sunday, January 27, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., in the area just west of Fort Lauderdale City Hall, 101 N. North Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Sunday, February 10, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., City Hall South, 9530 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs. Proof of Broward County residency is required. Residents can dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, motor oil, pesticides, household chemicals, lawn and pool chemicals, mercury thermometers, propane tanks and fire extinguishers.  Acceptable used electronics include televisions, computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, fax machines, cell phones and rechargeable batteries.   Jeannette Neerpat9000 Sheridan StreetSuite 90Pembroke Pi... 01/25/2008

It's open! The Hibachi Steak House in the Shoppes of Heron Lakes! It's the south east corner of Coral Ridge Drive and the Sawgrass. 5791 Coral Ridge Drive. 954-510-7557.  Right next to Buffaloes. They prepare your meal right in front of you. Chicken, steak, lobster....whatever you like. They're open seven days a week and for lunch too.  Free delivery.  My daughter loves this kind of dining, so for her birthday next week.....yum-yum! This article is originally posted in CoralSpringsBlog.com Other Articles Making An Offer On A Foreclosure Attractive Mortgage Rates Home Prices On The Rise 01/24/2008

REDUCED FOR FAST SALE***PRIME LOCATION ****BEST VALUE **LARGE AND SPACIOUS 3/2.5TH IN THE HEART OF CORAL SPRINGS*THIS TH FEATURE LIVING ROOM AND FAMILY ROOM ***FORMAL DINING ROOM***LARGE KIT WITH PLENTY CABINETS***HUGE MASTER BEDR***BIG BEDROOMS***SPOTLESS, MOVE IN CONDITION****A+ SCHOOL***CLOSE TO SHOPPING,HIGHWAYS*** 01/23/2008

BUY TH IN A PRICE OF CONDO**** BEAUTIFUL CORNER 2/1.5 TH LOCATAED IN PRIME LOCATION IN CORAL SPRINGS*****TILE THROUGHOUT FIRST LEVEL****UPGRADES KIT WITH WHITE CABINETS*** LARGE MASTER SUIT*** WITH PRIVATE BALCONY***UPGRADES BATHROOM WITH WHITE CABINETS***  CLOSE TO SHOPPING,SCHOOLS AND HIGHWAYS***MOVE IN CONDITION **** THIS IS A STEAL***** 01/23/2008

Certain citites and Broward County, have increased the surcharge for increase water usage. In the being of January I posted a new law about water usage. Only being able to water your lawns once a week. Here is a clip from the Sun- Sentinel newspaper."In Davie, residents who use from 6,000 to 9,000 gallons of water will pay a 25 percent surcharge. And residents using more than 9,000 gallons pay a 50 percent surcharge. Commercial customers are now paying a 45 percent surcharge because of the new restrictions.In Fort Lauderdale, water users will see the new charge on their February bills. The city's surcharge for water use during a drought is 17 percent for a residential user. For a home using 8,000 gallons in a month, that raises the bill from $15.29 to $17.26, according to city documents... 01/22/2008

I'm actively working with Pre-Foreclosures, Foreclosures and Short Sales in Coral Springs Florida and the surrounding area of South Florida, to find out if you do qualify for a short sale, simply send me an email to Info@MyShortSaleHome.com and include the following:Your nameAddressPhone number and best time to reach youWhat is your hardship: why you are behind on your mortgage?Do you think that you owe more than your home is worth?Any other questions that you may have.    Provide me with this information and I will be glad to consult with you on some possible options for you to avoid foreclosure.  Just remember that there are better days ahead for you and your family and I would feel great knowing that I was an important part in helping you get on with bettering your life.Email me now ... 01/22/2008

December , 2007 Coral Springs Market Report (December, 2007)There are currently 1049 Single Family Homes for Sale in Coral Springs. Click here to search Coral Springs Homes for Sale. Of the 1049 Single Family Homes for Sale in Coral Springs.26 are priced under $250,000759 are priced between $250,000 and $499,999243 are priced between $500,000 and $999,99921 are priced $1,000,000 and above, with the highest priced home offered at $2,698,000 The $2,398,000 listing is a Home for sale in Whispering WoodsThere are 58 pending Sales of Single Family Homes in Coral Springs (priced between $194,900 and $1,450,000). Since December  1st, there have been 43 Single Family Homes sold in Coral Springs (they were sold at final sales prices between $199,900 and $665,000). Click here to view the homes so... 01/09/2008

Come January 15 there will be new water restrictions for Broward County. Are you ready and are you aware of what needs to be done for both residential and commerical alike. If not here is an overdraft posted by Broward County.New Water Restrictions Begin January 15Effective January 15, residents and businesses in South Florida, including Broward County, will be subject to one-day-a-week water restrictions. The new restrictions mark the first time that the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has imposed blanket restrictions for the five million residents living in South Florida.Highlights of the Modified Phase III water restrictions include:·Residents and businesses are limited to a one-day-per-week landscape irrigation schedule with two "watering windows:"·Odd street address... 01/05/2008

I know the majority of you will disagree with me. I love the cold and winter snow. In fact the "Colder it becomes" the more our telephone rings. We certainly don`t have to be told by the Media "Florida Home Sales" are on the move!   In fact 2008 is starting off with an astounding amount of Buyer Inquiries. Maybe, it`s the fact potential buyers see how much prices have dropped. Value counts!In many instances it`s actually feasible and affordable to purchase.Why is this occurrence happening?: Markets run in cycles. The old adage "What goes up,must come down" is upon us! I`ve mentioned many times before people were waiting on the sidelines for housing prices to decrease. They`ve studied the area, know what they`re looking for in advance, they realize as many Realtors do, the prices will no... 01/03/2008

Here I am in sunny Key West vacationing for the Christmas and New Year's holiday. We all need some quiet and relaxing times in our wonderful business of real estate.While I was here I received two contract offers on property that was priced well below appraised value, and also these seller's have the "Have To Sell Now" attitude which makes my job alot easier to negotiate on behalf of my sellers.I presented the offers to the sellers'  and they gave me the counter offers and I promptly e faxed the counter offers. Thank God for faxes and email. We can do virtually everything without even being in the same county. This helps when we are vacationing, and just about every realtor I know was away for the holidays as well. This is definitely not the way I would present offers and counter offers... 01/01/2008

The other day I was cleaning out my garage and notice I had three boxes of toys that were not being used by my children. My husband and I spoke with our kids and asked that we give the toys to kids who don't have what we heve. They said they were willing to give up these toys. Now my kids are 5, 3, and 1. So I was proud that they understood what we were telling them.I called around to see where we could take them. Kids in distree don't allow you to come to there shelters because of safety for the kids. So my question is, Where can we take the toys that my kids can pass them to other kids. I want them to see how happy they will make kids who don't have. I know this will bring joy to both them and our kids.Can anyone help me with this. I would greatly appericate it.Have a Merry Christmas ... 12/23/2007

Once Christmas is over what do you do with your Christmas Trees. Do you wait till after the new year. Do you throw it away with your trash or would you like to recycle it. There are several Broward County Parks that will be taking your Christmas Trees and Recycling them. Broward County's Parks & Recreation Division will continue its annual recycling program for holiday trees. Trees will be accepted from Wednesday, December 26, through Sunday, January 20, at the following parks: ·        Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City, 954-437-2600·        C. B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines, 954-437-2650·        Easterlin Park, 1000 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park, 954-938-0610·        Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek, 954-970-0150·        M... 12/21/2007

Coral Springs Market Report, December 17th, 2007:Coral Springs Homes:As of today, there are currently 17,188 Single Family Homes for sale in Broward County, and currently there are 1,095 Single Family Homes for sale in Coral Springs.Out of those 1,095 Homes for sale in Coral Springs:25 Homes are for sale between under $250,000791 Homes are for sale between $250,000 and $500,000211 Homes are for sale between $500,000 and $750,00046 Homes are for sale between $750,000 and $1,000,00029 Homes are for sale over $1,000,000, with the highest priced at $6,295,000. VIEW IT HEREUnder Contract: There are currently 80 homes under contract in Coral Springs, FL. Closed Sales: There has been 12 Sales in Coral Springs during the month of December. CORAL SPRINGS CLOSED SALESCoral Springs Condos:There ar... 12/17/2007

I received this story and thought I'd share it with you.Once upon a time there was a man who punished his five year old daughter for using a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became very angry when he saw the child put the wrapped box under the Christmas tree. "We barely have enough to get by," he said harshly, "and you used up the only wrapping paper we had in the house. Go to your room and stop being so wasteful."Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning, and said, "This is for you Daddy." The father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found that the box was empty. "Don't you know that when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside the package?" The little girl l... 12/14/2007