"Habla Español?" The Benefits of Speaking Two Languages Aside from the business advantages, speaking two languages can have significant impact on the development of your nervous system and memory skills as well as multitasking abilities. A study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that people who are bilingual process speech sounds differently than those who only speak one language, reports the Wall Street Journal in article titled: "Attention: Why Speaking Two Languages is Better Than One."  Nina Kraus, a professor of neurobiology and physiology at Northwestern, who took part in the study said: "You are are a mental juggler. Because you have two languages going on in your head, you become very good at determining what is and is not relevant." The ch... 08/18/2013

Reverse Mortgage Options in Florida Find the RIGHT Formula As a tool for present and future financial planning, the reverse mortgage program was not attractive for consumers--and was often called "a last resort"--because of high setup costs. The introduction of the HECM Saver, or the "Standby" Reverse Mortgage has changed this perspective for the better and financial planners have noticed. An article, published by National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, discussed the importance of reverse mortgages from a business and public policy standpoint and their growing importance in the future, during senior retirement planning and execution. The current popularity of the reverse mortgage program can be attributed to rising health care costs and lower investment returns coupled with tight... 08/16/2013

Fort Lauderdale Short Sales: Are Lenders So Desperate They Will Accept Any Offer? Have you heard the following myths about short sales? Myth #1: You still can buy short sales for dirt cheap and then turn around and resell them for a profit. Myth #2: Foreclosures, Short Sales, and Bank Owned Homes can be bought for 30 to 50 cents on the dollar with no money down. Myth #3: Lenders will accept any short sale offer even if it is for only 50% of what the home is worth. After all, they don’t want a foreclosure on their books. In Fort Lauderdale short sales are pinking up again, but lenders are not so desperate that they will accept any offer. These myths are just not true. Lenders are willing to foreclosure on properties and they have in the past. They have entire departments handle the sale ... 08/07/2013

Social Media Blunder #1, Don't Forget To Write...I Did Blogging is hard work. You have to take time out of your day to pick a topic, write about it, edit it, embed videos, add photos, make it pretty, etc. The point is: it doesn't happen over night, not the good ones anyway. If you're going to write a bad post then don't write any at all. Which brings me to my social media blunder #2, choosing not to blog after blogging for so long.  When I joined Active Rain in 2007, after receiving an invitation, I didn't even know you could blog on Active Rain. I thought it was a purely social/networking site for people in the real estate and mortgage business. I filled in my profile, looked around a bit, and didn't write my first blog post until June 2010. Almost three years later! My first post was ... 08/07/2013

New Precedents Are Set Everyday In our business, we have to constantly think on our feet, be creative, and find solutions to previously unprecedented and unforeseen problems. According to an article published in Reverse Mortgage Daily, the creative thinking of The Oregon Department of Transportation might have set a new precedent in a special reverse mortgage case. The circumstances surrounding the case began last spring when the ODOT needed Patsy Burnsed's land in order to complete the Brookwood Parkway/Helvetica Road Interchange Project on U.S. Highway 26. However, following the established condemnation process, in this situation, would've left Burnsed homeless. Why? She had taken out a reverse mortgage on her home and reverse mortgage guidelines stipulate that if the borrower no long... 08/07/2013

BEAUTIFULLY FINISHED UNIT WITH WOOD FLOORS IN BEDROOMS, MARBLE IN BATHROOMS, AND PORCELAIN TILE IN LIVING AREAS. CUSTOM LIGHTING AND REMOTE BLINDS. 2 BALCONIES. CENTRAL LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE WITH GREAT VIEWS, EASY ACCESS TO SHOPPING AND DINING, 24 HOUR SECURITY , AND GREAT AMENITIES INCLUDING A ROOFTOP POOL, HOT TUB, GYM, AND MORE. BUILT OUT CLOSETS, GLASS SHOWER DOORS IN BOTH BATHROOMS, AND SECOND BEDROOM HAS ATTACHED BATHROOM WITH POCKET DOOR SEPARATING LIVING AREAS, MUST SEE!RENT: $2,650 Exterior Front Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other Other 08/04/2013

For Sale By Bank in Broward County Florida. Today 441 condos for sale by bank in Broward County Florida. From $15,000 to $894,400 Some of these condos are great investment - can be rented and bring income to new owner. If you are in the market to sell, buy or rent in South Florida condo, single family home, townhouse or commercial real estate, check current listings for sale and rent at SIB Realty Website www.SIBRealty.com 305-383-5462 Evelina Tsigelnitskaya | 305-607-0707 Valeria Mola SWEEPING VIEWS FROM THIS HIGH FLOOR 2 BED/2 BATH RESIDENCE IN THE SOUGHT AFTER SYMPHONY. UNIT IS BRIGHT AND OPEN W/ SPLIT BEDROOM FLOORPLAN, WELL APPOINTED KITCHEN W/ GRANTITE AND STAINLESS APPLIANES. FRESH PAINT AND NEW CAPRET THROUGHOUT. AMENITY RICH BUILDING INLCUDES HEATED POOL, FITNESS CENTER AND CLU... 08/04/2013

Florida History - Ponce De León Ship Tour- Ft Lauderdale  The ship that Ponce Deón sailed to Florida.  El Galión- a 170 foot replica of the ship arrived at the Bahia Mar Marina in Ft Lauderdale in May. It is a traveling history museum. This event was the celebration of the 500 anniversary of the last known trip by Ponce De León to arrive in St Augustine.  The tickets to climb aboard this historic ship were free and all 20,000 of them were snatched up really fast. They were sold out within the day.  We made a Florida homeschool field trip down to Ft Lauderdale at Bahia Mar Marina to soak in a lot of great Florida history. This is all a part of the Viva Florida 500 celebration. There are historic exhibits all over the state of Florida during this year.    Ponce De León arrived in Florida ... 08/03/2013

The Standard Fixed-Rate HECM Loan...A Thing of the Past Earlier this year, the Federal Housing Administration removed the Standard Fixed-Rate Home Equity Conversion Mortgage from its list of available reverse mortgage products, leaving only the HECM Saver ("Standby" Reverse Mortgage) and the Adjustable-Rate Standard HECM. During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday, July 23, the assistant secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Carol Galante stated that there were no plans to reinstate the program, according to an article published by Reverse Mortgage Daily. The Congressional hearing was assembled in order to discuss the FHA Solvency Act of 2013, which would require yearly reviews of premium levels and loan performance so that pricing and underwriting sta... 08/02/2013

Can You Refinance A Reverse Mortgage? It's not typical to associate refinancing with a reverse mortgage. After all, one of the reasons you refinance in the first place is to get a lower interest on our typical mortgages and pay less in interest yearly. Refinancing your reverse mortgage is also possible. Recent factors, like the housing recovery gaining momentum and the extension of value limits on the reverse mortgage, have created a potentially beneficial environment for seniors looking to refinance their reverse mortgages. Especially, if your original reverse mortgage was done around 2010-2011, when home values were at their lowest. One of the reasons to consider refinancing your reverse mortgage would be to include a previously non-borrowing spouse in the reverse mortgage after they ... 07/30/2013

PATH Act Continues to Cause Controversy While the PATH Act passed in the House of Representatives on July 24, it was only by a margin of three votes. If the numbers are any indication, support for the bill is lukewarm at best, with as many people for it as there are against it. In fact, House democrats and members of the housing Industry, such as the National Association for Home Builders, have expressed many concerns for the PATH Act's proposed legislation. In an article published on the NAHB website, the CEO of NAHB, Jerry Howard, said: “As currently drafted, the PATH Act does not provide the federal support necessary to ensure a strong and liquid housing finance system, and we urge the committee to make the necessary changes.” I have to agree with CEO Jerry Howard, especially the fed... 07/29/2013

Foreclosure Deal on a prime WATERFRONT location in Fort Lauderdale, FL.   Don't walk but RUN to snatch up this fantastic waterfront deal. This is waterfront living at it's finest. This 3 bedroom condo comes with dock space that provides ocean access with NO fixed bridges. Live on Hendricks Isle an experience all the shops and restaurants of Las Olas Blvd steps away.   This is the deal you need to be apart of. Schedule your private showing today.   Call 954-439-0996   Find more information this property and other available foreclosures by visiting www.livinginbroward.com   Fort Lauderdale Waterfront Foreclosure     07/23/2013

Living At The Coral Ridge Towers East Coral Ridge Towers East are located within the Coral Ridge Tower Complex at the famous Galt Ocean Mile in the zip code area of 33308. You can search for homes for sale in Coral Ridge Tower by clicking the link.   Why Do People Live Here? Coral Ridge Towers East  is a residence for senior citizen aged 55 and older.  During the winter month you will have more residence living in the complex than during the summer, since there is a variety of snowbirds coming for the winter month to their second residence. The East Towers have a total of 338 apartments in a sixteen stories building .  It is a short walk to the Beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intra Coastal Waterway as well central located to medical professionals, super market, restaurants, banks, ph... 07/23/2013

Amerika Feiert Am 4ten Juli Geburtstag Am 4. Juli gab es eine neue Nation, die Geburt einer neuen Form von einer Regierung, auf dem Prinzip, dass jeder das Recht auf Glück und Erfolg hat. An diesem besonderen Tag feiert Amerika am 4ten July Geburtstag. Wenn Sie in Fort Lauderdale oder Umgebung sich zur dieser Zeit aufhalten dann sollten Sie unbedingt eines vieler Veranstaltungen besuchen. Fort Lauderdale Am 4ten Juli hat die Stadt Fort Lauderdale eine spectaculare Geburtstagsfeier am Fort Lauderdale Strand at A1a und Las Olas Boulevard. Die Independence Day Feierligkeiten bietet eine begeisternde und spektakulär Kinder-Zone, Musik und eine überraschende Feuerwerks Show. 12.30 bis 16.30 Uhr - Familienaktivitäten mit DJ, Bounce Häuser, Face Painting, Games & GewinnspieleVon 1.30 bis 14.30... 07/03/2013

4th Of July Celebration On Fort Lauderdale Beaches   On July 4th, our new nation gave birth to a new form of government, founded on the principal that everyone has the right to pursue happiness and success. On this special day join us and celebrate ones again the 4th Of July Celebration On Fort Lauderdale Beaches. The City of Fort Lauderdale will have the fourth of July Spectacular on Thursday on Fort Lauderdale Beach at A1a and Las Olas Boulevard. The Independence Day Celebration will offer an enthusiastic spectacular with a children zone, unrecorded music, and a surprising firecrackers show. 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. - Family activities with DJ, Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Games & Contests 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. - 101.5 Lite FM Diaper Derby 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. - American Legion Symphonic Orchestra 5... 07/03/2013

Immobilienverwaltung Und Ferienwohnungen In Fort Lauderdale Beim Kauf von Immobilienanlagen und Ferienwohnungen in der Gegend von Fort Lauderdale wollen Sie wahrscheinlich dieses vermieten und eine gute Hausverwaltung kann Ihnen ein Stück Zufriedenheit geben bei der Vermietung Ihrer Immobilie. Eine sehr gute Hausverwalter mit dem richtigen Know-how kann Ihnen zusichern: Das Sie an die besten Mieter auf dem Markt vermieten Das erste, was ein erfahrener Hausverwalter tun sollten, ist die Mieter zu screenen und deren  Antrag gründlich zu prüfen. Dies ist ein sicherer Weg um den Mieter aus der Hölle  vorzeitig aus zu sortieren . Sie wollen einen Mieter, der Ihre Immobilienanalge in Ordnung hält und pflegt wenn er dort wohnt, die Miete zeitgemäss bezahlt, eine längere Mietzeit eingeht und ke... 06/26/2013

Property Management Investment and Vacation Properties in Fort Lauderdale When buying an investment property and/ or vacation home in the  Fort Lauderdale area you probably want to rent it out  and a good property manager can give you a piece of mind when renting your property. A great property manager with the right know how can give you a peace of mind by: Provide you with the best tenant on the market. The first thing an experienced property manager should do is screen the Tenants and their application. This is a safe way to sort out the tenant from hell. You want a tenant who resides at an  investment property with respect, paying their rent on time, reside for a longer time and are no trouble makers. Similar are the needs at vacation homes. You want vacationers who are respectful t... 06/25/2013

In my previous post, I featured Beachfront homes in Fort Lauderdale for sale. If you are looking for a less upkeep perhaps an oceanfront condo in Fort Lauderdale would be an excellent fit. Fort Lauderdale has many oceanfront condos for sale. Fort Lauderdale oceanfront condos come in a wide range of price points with a wide range of amenities. Call me today at (954) 439-0996 to discuss the amenities you are looking for in an oceanfront condo in Fort Lauderdale. I work an array of prices points and work with clients seeking permanent homes, 2nd homes, or investment properties. I'm hear to answer any questions you may have about buying an oceanfront condo in Fort Lauderdale.   Are you ready to own a piece of paradise?   Search Oceanfront condos for Sale in Fort Lauderdale here   http://www... 06/24/2013

New funding has finally come to housing counseling agencies in the form of a $40 million dollars awarded by the Federal Housing Administration and Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding award, which will help sustain HUD-approved counseling, will go toward helping new and existing homebuyers manage their money as well as achieving financial security at present and in the future.  In a previous blog post, I outlined the benefits of reverse mortgage counseling, and the fact that, while the process has become increasingly complex, the borrower will benefit immensely from it. Many mortgage brokers and lenders will say and explain as little as possible and take advantage of a borrower, which is unethical and not something we do. Reverse mortgage counseling prevents this by ... 06/24/2013

Oceanfront Homes for Sale in Fort Lauderdale are gems to be found. Be apart of the exclusive 49 homes located DIRECTLY on the SAND. Be apart of luxury in the most desired real estate community in Fort Lauderdale. If you are interested in viewing oceanfront homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale, please contact Amy Kilcoyne at 954-439-0996 for an appointment. Take a glimpse of oceanfront homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL.   View my website for more Oceanfront homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale. Click picture below for access Visit my website for a list of available oceanfront homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale 06/23/2013