Hey there, child of the King!Happy New Year! Welcome to 2010! Want to watch a funny animal video to kick off the New Year? Here you go-this one had me rolling for hours:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncYdVSn_pUcWe're going to begin this year of e-devos, well, at the beginning. At the beginning of Genesis, that is. These devos are a bit different than normal because they are a tour guide to the first 14 chapters of the Bible-crucial chapters that tell us so much about who God is, who we are, and why the world is the way it is.Like this week's devo is a tour guide of Genesis chapters 1 and 2. So, after you read the devo, read Genesis 1 and 2. The first two chapters of the Bible tell us something incredibly critical about God. It is, in my opinion, the most crucial truth in all of the univ... 01/03/2010

Now is the greatest time in the history of the Real Estate Market to buy Condos and Homes in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas are very unique because of the diversity. Great open beaches, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, great weather, blend of different cultures and great values in Real Estate. South Florida including Ft Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Victoria Park, Wilton Manors, Coral Ridge, Las Olas, Nurmi Isles and Rio Vista has seen a tremendous decline in housing prices. Real Estate Experts have claimed that the market is turning around and inventory is down. All Great Signs !   01/03/2010

With the dawn of a new decade, there is hope that Americans have learned from the greed of the first decade and have begun to protect themselves for the changing times ahead. I think we're all on the same page that the days of quick profits, flimsy financed projects are now a thing of the past to the average consumer. While corporations have teams of committees combing through legal loop holes, the average guy on "main street" is now thoroughly convinced that tried and true methods of earnings are going to accomplish financial freedom. Slow and steady will win over the "big score". I was recently asked whether it was better to take savings out of the bank and pay off the loan on a couple's primary home. This couple bought a bigger home in the worst stretch of the real estate market and ... 01/01/2010

Captain Wayne Rowlett offers you the finest in Real Estate Education and Marketing Tools for the Real Estate Professional all in one place. The Captains Real Estate Education and Marketing Center will help you achieve your goal. Whether you are a Real Estate Professional or an Individule, The Captain has the Marketing tools to meet your needs. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, an Agent or an Individule, The Captains Real Estate Education and Marketing Center will help you achieve your goal. (Click on The Link of your Choice) or    Click here for the Captain Wayne Rowlett / Marketing Tools Webites for the Real Estate ProfessionalCaptain Agent will generate you more leads, showcase your listings, help you reach more buyers, and close more sales. Your listings are automatically syndicat... 12/27/2009

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:38-44 Key Verse(s): [Jesus] replied, "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other places, too, because that is why I was sent." (Luke 4:43) The Good News means hope for those who have all but lost hope.The kingdom of God was good news! It was good news to the Jews because they had been awaiting the coming of the promised Messiah ever since the Babylonian captivity. It is good news for us also because it means freedom from slavery to sin and selfishness. The kingdom of God is here and now because the Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of believers. Yet it is also in the future because Jesus will return to reign over a perfect kingdom where sin and evil no longer exist. Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-32 Key Verse(s): This Good News was promised long ag... 12/24/2009

It seems that the Ft. Lauderdale real estate market is perfectly capable of absorbing as many homes available under $400k that become available. According to Trendgraphix, single-family inventory levels show a much different picture when comparing the number of homes available and sold above and below the $400k price point. When looking at the available inventory in and around the greater Ft. Lauderdale real estate market, it's clear that $400k is the magic price point to strive to stay below. Presently, market conditions approximate 6.3 months of inventory under $400k and nearly triple or 17.9 months if priced over $400k.   There is no doubt the price point is directly affected by the inability to get an efficient mortgage loan without the help from FHA. FHA, the Federal Housing Author... 12/22/2009

"Buy Right Sell Smart" is the title of a book I authored this year which is now in print. It deals with overcoming the challenges of buying and selling homes in a challenged market. There are numerous tips on getting top dollar for a seller and wisely looking at a home and putting some emotion aside when in the buyer's position. As you follow my blog, (feel free to look at back articles), you will see that I'm all about informing people on the changing landscape within the real estate process. Many have come forth within the real estate profession and those on mainstreet to give thanks for the help they've received. If you'd like to get a copy of the book, which is a workbook style format, click here. My website, buyrightsellsmart.net is also chocked filled with other useful information... 12/20/2009

Sellers, please--choose a competent realtor....Please. Here's what you should be looking for: A carefully constructed listing presentation--a presentation that answers your questions, provides you with timely comparables in your area, and one that you can understand. Call the agent a few times to see whether they pick up their phone or send them an email to find out how long it takes for a reply--BEFORE YOU SIGN. Ask them to see their other current MLS listings--and note how the remarks are worded and what type of picture quality can be viewed (and how many pictures are available to see--remember most listings can hold up to 16 pictures of the inside and outside of the property). When you do decide on the realtor--make certain that realtor sends you a copy of your MLS listing with all 1... 12/18/2009

How does the Bible describe God's love? Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-7 Key Verse(s): Heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away! (Luke 15:7) God's love is forgiving.We may be able to understand a God who would forgive sinners who come to him for mercy. But a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. This is the kind of extraordinary love that God has for you. If you feel far from God, don't despair. He is searching for you. 12/15/2009

After five weeks of declines, rates on most mortgages moved higher this week, following long-term bond yields that rose after an upbeat employment report, Freddie Mac's chief economist said Thursday. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.81% for the week ended Dec. 10, up from last week's 4.71% average, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey of conforming mortgage rates. The mortgage averaged 5.47% a year ago. Fifteen-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.32%, up from 4.27% last week. They averaged 5.20% a year ago. And 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 4.26%, up from their 4.19% average last week. The ARM averaged 5.82% a year ago. But average rates on 1-year Treasury-indexed ARMs dropped slightly this week. The ARM averaged 4.24%, down from 4.25% ... 12/15/2009

  As the dawn of 2010 is nearly on the horizon, what will it mean for the Ft. Lauderdale real estate market? With much of the market in Ft. Lauderdale being fueled by investors and first time buyers, will this trend continue? The answer is, for at least the first half of 2010. The extension of the first time home buyer's tax credit has given way to a renewed momentum that took a brief dip due to the last minute extension that was granted by the government. The first time buyers, since catching wind of the extension, are out once again. Many are looking to make their first purchase by purchasing a "holiday present" for the family. During the holidays, there is oddly enough, a flurry of activity that occurs. Some younger families use this time to secure a home in order to make a school ch... 12/12/2009

Florida Congressional District 22 Candidate - Lieutenant Colonel Allen West I found this video of Lieutenant Colonel Allen West (Florida Congressional District 22 Candidate) on another forum I frequent and as a military brat and patriotic American who believes in the Constitution, Allen West has sparked my interest and earned my respect with what he represents for the United States of America. I'd like to thank him for his service to our country, both past as a Lieutenant Colonel and present as a politician. My favorite quote from his video is: "The Constitution says: promote the general welfare not provide welfare." BTW, this is the "young lady" Allen West was referring to at 2:20 in the above video: Allen West would definitely get my vote if I lived in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Ft.... 12/11/2009

Ten Questions on the Volatile Housing Market Lower Prices Have Spurred Home Sales, but Looming Foreclosures and High Unemployment Are Clouding the Outlook By JAMES R. HAGERTY The U.S. housing market has been in a slump for the past four years. When will it ever end? In recent years, real estate has proven as jittery and unreliable as any other market. The average U.S. home price nearly doubled between January 2000 and April 2006, according to the First American LoanPerformance index. Since then, the average has fallen about 30%. The drop has been 53% in the Las Vegas metropolitan area and 39% in Miami, where about a quarter of all households with mortgages are behind on their payments or in foreclosure. The value of your home might be determined more by whether the neighbors keep their ... 12/10/2009

It's that time of year again! The Winterfest Boat Parade, sponsored by The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and many other Companies, will be held this Saturday, December 12th. The Parade covers a 12-mile Route of the Intracoastal Waterway and the New River. From Yachts to small Boats, the Holiday Decorations are fabulous. The Boat Parade will begin at 6 p.m. (official starting point is the Riverside Hotel) and more than 100 Boats will be participating. "The Parade encompasses the entire length of Fort Lauderdale, Florida in Broward County. Spectators can view the parade for free in public areas, purchase Grandstand tickets or enjoy the parade at a private party in their home or aboard a multi-million dollar Yacht. The International Festival and Events Association has named Winterfest the top ... 12/10/2009

The Ft. Lauderdale real estate market conditions ending November 2009, have ticked up slightly in the standing inventory available to the greater Ft. Lauderdale consumer. Single-Family homes will always be more attractive to buyers for several reasons. First and foremost is easier avenues to get financing. Today, most loans are being guaranteed through FHA. This is a very attractive loan program. FHA currently requires a lower down payment ( as little as 3.5%), asks less in the way of credit worthiness and while affording cheap interest rates, allows the consumers to pass on their loan to the next borrower. FHA is currently the only assumable loan program for which I am aware. When you purchase a single-family home, FHA will willingly guarantee the loan if the home meets the existing se... 12/09/2009

DECEMBER 3, 2009 Beach Erosion Weighed in Property-Rights Case By JESS BRAVIN The Supreme Court waded into a property-rights dispute Wednesday, weighing whether Florida can restore eroded beaches in front of private homes and designate the newly emerged beach as public property. Erosion threatens nearly 59% of Florida's 825 miles of sandy beaches, according to the state's Department of Environmental Protection. Under a 1961 law, the state dredges sand from one area and dumps it on another, expanding the width of a threatened beach. Associated Press An unidentified woman walks in November in Gulf Islands National Seashore in the Florida Panhandle, where beach rights are in dispute. Six property owners in Walton County, banding together as Stop the Beach Renourishment Inc., argue that th... 12/09/2009

Before the actual raw data is crunched, it's key to remember one undeniable point-perception is the key to everything! I will be reporting later in the month with the actual data to support this article. For now, I am stating that the real estate market has already hit bottom and is in the process of taking a slight bounce upward. There are many factors that are key to this statement. In the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area, conditions of real estate sales and refinances are being heavily influenced by the lowest rates ever recorded. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage gravitated last week to 4.78% with the 15 year fixed bottoming out at 4.29%. According to the Florida Association of Realtors, these rates are fueling people's buying decisions on existing homes which are drastically shrinking. In... 12/04/2009

In Florida of Course.But not only do they live in Florida, they live in a special neighborhood just for these types of bank executives. They all live in an upscale subdivision in beautiful, sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida aptly named Shady Banks, where the homestead laws favor unsavory characters of this sort. Yes, this picture does not lie and many former mortgage executives live there. 21 of them to be exact.Well, now it is 18. 3 are in Federal prison. As for the others - 7 are under indictment, 5 are under investigation and 6 are on house arrest.Jason Donn of eRealEstate If you have any other Humorous articles about real estate please visit me and post them on MY SITE   12/01/2009

Julie to the Internet Media World . . . are you there?  I am writing today to request audience feedback.  As an avid blogger during 2009, my platform discussed the good, the bad and the ugly of luxury waterfront and oceanfront real estate markets in Fort Lauderdale.  I also offered strategies in navigating through today's economic challenges, the pros of Green building and renovations.  I enjoyed introducing historical points of interest around Fort Lauderdale as well as tourism attractions (including where to find the most delicious and most expensive Margarita in this tropical paradise).  I reported what draws folks to city living and what fosters neighborhood loyalty, as well as retirement possibilities regarding real estate investments.   (Visit www.luxuryrealestateftl.com to view m... 12/01/2009

"Kids In Distress Inlet Challenge Bicycle Ride “A Fun, Fit, and Friendly way to help the most vulnerable citizens – the children of our community.” Founded in 1979, Kids In Distress is a nationally accredited agency dedicated to the prevention of child abuse, preservation of the family and the care and treatment of abused and neglected children. The Kids In Distress Inlet Challenge starts at 7:00 am sharp on Sunday, December 6th. Join Team zMotion and experience a 100, 62.5 or 31 mile amazing scenic ride along A1A. You’ll have a great time and be cheered on by zMotion Volunteers while supporting a deserving cause. Registered zMotion riders need to meet at the zMotion booth at 6:00am to collect wrist bands, complete waivers and fuel up. The start point is located across from Bahia Mar a... 11/29/2009