Florida State Legislators continue floating proposals to reduce burdensome property taxes, but no single plan has won broad support among the lawmakers.Property tax reform again became a hot issue in Tallahassee after a state circuit court judge earlier this year ruled that language on an anticipated January property tax referendum was incomplete and misleading.  The tax issue was removed from the ballot giving legislators another bite at the property tax apple.The newest proposal gaining some attention would increase homestead exemptions to an amount equal to 40 percent of the median home value in each county.  For Palm Beach County, the current $25,000 homestead exemption would be increased by $101,400 allowing a maximum exemption of $126,400.  This would help recent homesteaded buyer... 10/18/2007

Many people are having problems with Jumbo Loans for two reasons. First, the secondary market is basicly gone. Second, the rates are very high if you find a lender to do them. I have done a lot of research and found lenders that are offering rates at or below conforming rates! If anyone needs my help in securing funding for loans amounts between $417,000 and $2,500,000.00 please don't hesitate to contact me. We can work out a deal that will make it happen for everyone! That is a Win Win in my book! Have a fantastic day!!!$$$$$$$Regards,Kurt "Mike" Mitstifer561-236-1402 10/17/2007

CAFE CHARDONNAY: Located: 4533 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 (In The Garden Square Shoppes)The owners Frank and Gigi Bucalitto, started the restaurant in 1986.On a warm night you can enjoy having dinner outdoors.  For those that like to dine indoors the decor is soft and inviting.  The service is attentive and unobtrusive. I had the delightful experience of dinning at Cafe Chardonnay this weekend for the second time.Award winning Chef Luis Cevallos is always creating new dishes to tease the palate, keeping the menu varied and interesting.I ordered the Grilled Filet Mignon and it  was cooked to perfection.For wine lovers there is an extensive wine list to choose from.For reservations call: 561 627 2662  or visit Cafe Chardonnay's website. www.cafechardonnay.comIf you would ... 10/16/2007

Congratulations! You decided to take advantage of the buyers market right now. I have been working with borrower's in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida as well as throughout Florida.  Recently, one of my borrowers had deferred Student loans which showed clearly on their credit report as deferred.  (No Payment due)When figuring the clients Debt-to-income(DTI) I have to admit I did not include this at first.  However, after speaking with one of my account executives from one of my Wholesale Lenders they reminded me of Fannie Mae guidelines.  Which clearly state even if your student loans are in deferment you must include them on your Debt-to-Income Ratios.                                           How Do I Figure Out What My Payment Would Be?The mathematical equation is simple. Take the balance... 10/16/2007

Now before you think this is a post on how great Mortgage Brokers are versus Loan Officers at a Direct Lender sorry to disappoint you.  This post is to educate you on a bad loan officer as well as a bad Mortgage Broker can be anywhere even at a DIRECT LENDER.  Today I met with a perspective client who was supposed to close her loan last Friday with her Direct Lender.  She was quoted a rate (even given a Good Faith Estimate and a Truth-In-Lending) that does not exist unless she was willing to buy down the rate with several points. Which I did ask her, and she informed me that her Loan Officer told her that her loan did not come with any points or fee's because she was a client of the bank.  On Thursday she went to her local bank to ask her Loan Officer if they where still on for Friday a... 10/14/2007

Today the Palm Beach Gardens Green Market got underway for the season    I got there just around sunrise - things were a little cloudy, but it cleared up quickly.Things officially opened at 8 AM and there were plenty of Palm Beach residents lining up to get in.       I had never seen so many vendors there before - the variety was fantastic.  Definitely something for everybody. Since it was still early, some people were still setting up - still, the earlier you get there, the better.  Not only is it cooler, it's also a lot less crowded. Just as I was turning around to leave -Something cought my eye......         Hmmm, looks awfully familar.I guess they'll let ANYBODY in!!(Hey, Matt - you KNEW that was coming-)  I finished up at my favorite booth.  This vendor is a favorite around here - ... 10/14/2007

The state legislature is still discussing property tax reform and it seems clear now that the package approved last spring and due for voter review in January will be changed.Today lawmakers are looking at abandoning the super exemption they approved earlier this year in favor of doubling the current $25,000 homestead exemption and allowing limited portability of tax savings.  The later provision would allow homesteaded property owners to retain all of their accrued tax savings on their current house when they move to another homesteaded property.  Their tax bills would gradually increase to equal assessments at market value, then cap again at 3% increases.This is by far a better system than was approved last spring because it does not discriminate against higher priced homes.  But it i... 10/12/2007

           Lake Catherine is a small Palm Beach community located in the NW intersection of Northlake and MacArthur - a perfect place for first-time home owners and people looking for a QUIET place to live.           It is made up of single family homes and quads most of which have a view of the many lakes on the property.          As far as the current real estate situation in Lake Catherine (according to RMLS):Six properties have sold since 1/1/2007:Four 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom quads (about 1145 sq ft each) were sold for an average price of $208,725. Two 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 garage, single family homes (1550 sq ft each) sold for $293,000 and $335,000 (with pool)           There are 12 listed for sale:Nine 2/2 quads averaging $202,100 Three 3/2/2 SFH @ $350,000 , $349,500 (both with ... 10/12/2007

Mediterranea-Brand NEW "Capri Townhomes" Located West of I95, on Military Trail, between Blue Heron Blvd. and Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens.   2 Bedroom + Loft 2 1/2 Bath 1226 sq ft3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath 1325 sq ft  3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath 1293 sq ft3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath 1471 sq ft with garage3 Bedroom + Loft 2 1/2 Bath 1677 sq ft with garage3 Bedroom + Loft 2 1/2 Bath 1706 sq ft with garageHomeowners Association includes:  Exterior Hazard & Windstorm Insurance  24 Hour Manned Guard Gate  Cable TV  Landscaping  Irrigation  Lake Maintenance  Trash Removal  Pest ControlAmenities includes:  5000 sq. ft. Clubhouse  True Resort Style Pool  State of the Art Fitness Center  Night Lit Tennis Courts  Tot Lot  Jogging Trails throughout Community  Four Natural Lakes10 minute drive to  beautiful ... 10/11/2007

Palm Beach Gardens as many of you know was formerly the home of the PGA.  It continues to be one of Florida's premier golfing communities.  Some of the most popular golfing communities include;BallenIsles Golf & Tennis ClubFrenchmans CreekFrenchmans ReserveMirasol Country ClubPGA NationalOld Palm ClubCome and enjoy the simple life in Palm Beach Gardens!!                                OrThis is what you will be missing when you relocate to FLORIDA!!!  The Sunshine State... The courses are great and we look forward to helping you find and sell your golf course properties.David AbernahtyPortfolio PropertiesWest Palm Beach, FloridaPalm Beach Gardens Golf Course Homes For Sale  10/11/2007

                                                         Taste of the Gardens is Palm Beach Gardens Green Market and it is back beginning this Sunday (October 14, 2007) from 8am to 1pm.  The market has live entertainment along with produce, plants, Flowers, Hand Made crafts, Great prepared meals along with your local Mortgage Broker.  I have done this event now for the past couple of years and it just keeps getting better and better.What better way to wake up on a Sunday morning with some gourmet Coffee and fresh baked croissant? Does it really get any better than that?  From what the Weather people are saying we should have our first "Cold Front" of the season.  (Cold in Florida is below 70)Taste of the Gardens in on Military Trails and Burns Road just south of PGA Blvd.  If you find y... 10/10/2007

Florida legislators are again fiddling with the property tax structure in the wake of a judicial rebuff of reforms the lawmakers agreed upon last spring. This is especially important in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Juno Beach and North Palm Beach where sales have declined over the past year.Today, reports are suggesting Florida legislators will abandon their prior reform plan in favor of an approach which would simply double the current Homestead exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 and permit a form of portability.  Portability is important because it would allow current Homesteaded homeowners to take all or a portion of their accrued tax savings to a new home. Portability is an important component of rebuilding the slumping real estate market.  Many homeowners who want t... 10/09/2007

Congratulations, you spoke to several Mortgage Professionals and decided to apply for your home Mortgage through your Mortgage Broker. Now what happens next?  Your Mortgage Professional should have either contacted you prior to signing the application on the documents needed or leave you with a list of documentation you will be required to submit for the approval of your loan.  These documents can vary depending on the type of loan program you apply for. For example: Stated (no proof of income), Bank Statements, etc...The next step your Mortgage Professional will be ordering an appraisal of your property while still gathering all the documentation that is required. In addition they will also be ordering title of your property to make ensure all liens on the property will be paid. (If re... 10/09/2007

Forget those dismal newspaper headlines about the local real estate market!  You may be reading in local newspapers that home sales and prices are plummeting throughout our area, but our research shows that is not universally true everywhere in Palm Beach County. Some of the communities that we follow closely have remained stable in sales and price while changes in other communities have been significantly less than media reports.The buyers' market remains strong, but many sellers are pricing their homes realistically and buyers are looking carefully.  Offers are being made, contracts are being written and homes are being sold.  In August alone, the Weiss-Clawson Team brought eight buyers and sellers to agreement on home sales.        The Weiss-Clawson Team researches home sales and pri... 10/06/2007

BallenIsles Golf and Country Golf Club Communities are up This September 2007 our sales we're 9 sales in BallenIsles over 1 sale in in September 2006. So our market in BallenIsles is moving fast over year. 9 Sales in September months is where are were in a GREAT real estate market in BallenIsles.  10/04/2007

As many of my readers know I am a Licensed Florida Mortgage Broker located in Palm Beach County (Palm Beach Gardens) and I do not purchase leads.  My business comes strictly from referrals and thankfully through Active Rain and people reading my outside blogs. (Mortgage Advice, Palm Beach Gardens) Recently, I am working with a client who has now closed however, prior to finding me this client went to Lending Tree for their refinance.  When they filled out the information they informed them they had a high Loan-to-value (what the house is worth versus what you owe) along with ok credit.   Now that Fannie Mae has changed some of it's guidelines it seemed either Lending Tree re-sold leads (very common to re-sell old leads) or the mortgage companies are rehashing the old ones. With all the ... 10/03/2007

PROMENADE SHOPPING CENTER IS LOCATED:ON A1A ALT.BETWEEN NORTH-LAKE BLVD. AND BURNS ROAD, in PALM BEACH GARDENS:This is a shopping haven. Almost every service is available.Restaurants include: The Garden Ale House, Chopstick House, Dune Dog Express, Nature Way Cafe and of course McDonald's.For those that are weight and exercise conscious ,there is Jenny Craig and Planet Fitness center.Publics and CVS are there for your food and health care need.Need movies for that rainy day visit Block Buster.Jo Ann Fabrics and Crafts and Stuff two stores to visit for arts and craft for the kids and adults.All bargain hunters will love to visit the consignment store.Banks are available for your banking needs.There is a Vet for your pets health care.There is a hair salon and eye care center.For household... 10/02/2007

Sandelwood Town Estates is a town home community located: from A1A to  East Burns Road to Sandelwood Town Estates on the left.  The community was built  in the mid 1970's.The town homes have brick facing on the lower level and the second level is a Mansard Roof made of Shingle Shakes.There is a fenced patio, charming galley kitchen, split bedroom floor plan with a cute balcony off each bedroom, some units have fire places for those cooler Florida nights.The community has side walks, jogging and bicycling and a play area for the young ones.Prices start in the low 200,000's.If you would like to know more about Palm Beach visit our web site: www.NorthPalmBeachVillage.comcontact: marilynnglener@yahoo.comCall: 561 801 6968 10/01/2007

Palm Beach Gardens finally has a sophisticated Gourmet Mexican Restaurant with the recent opening of Cantina Laredo.  Situated in the new Midtown area of Palm Beach Gardens @ 4635 PGA Boulevard, Cantina Laredo takes Mexican food to new heights.  I've been in there several times so far- Lunch, Dinner and Brunch - and I was very impressed with the look of the restaurant, the fantastic service and (most importantly) the quality of the food.Continue the review >> Marc J BlasiRealtor® - Leibowitz Realty GroupMortgage Broker - Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLCPalm Beach Real Estate and Loans(561)-282-7406 Cell(561)-627-5100 Office(561)-627-9385 FaxMarc@LeibowitzRealty.com Email 09/29/2007

Right now is a marvelous time to be a Mortgage Broker in South Florida (Palm Beach Gardens).  What, how can I be writing this you ask? Especially after what Jim Cramer stated.  Simple, most of the "Wanna Be" Mortgage Professionals have left the industry when they felt had no Mortgage Programs left. For those of us who have been around we know one thing in life, things comes and go. Knowing this look at some of the Mortgage Programs that are available again:Stated Jumbo LoansStated Under $417,000 with FICO's Starting at 580 for Self-EmployedFannie Mae / Freddie Mac has loosened guidelines No Ratio for InvestorsSub-Prime is alive and well.  No FHA is not considered a Sub-Prime lender.Alt "A" Paper is Back.40/50 Year Mortgage 1 day out of Chap 13OK before you start asking yourself did'nt t... 09/28/2007