Living and working in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida I not only am a Mortgage Broker for residential home loans but I have carved out a specialty of Hard Equity also known and Private Money for both Residential and Commercial Loans.  When people think of Hard Equity / Private Money I find that most people think of Tony Soprano that you will pay or you will go for a swim with cement shoes. This might have been true back in the day but those days are far behind us.  These companies and also individuals look at each deal with a common sense approach.  How Much is the Property Worth?Does the Client have the ability to Re-Pay the Loan? (Yes for the most part they want your money not the property)These loans are for the most part No-Doc loansIf they have to foreclose will the be an equity situat... 08/31/2007

Yes, Matthew J Blum is the real deal. He is a mortgage broker in Palm Beach County Florida and is licensed by the state of Florida to help you get a loan for a home or for an investment property. Matthew has many loan programs available to you and no, all the loans are not gone. If Matthew can find you a loan to fit your scenario, credit history, FICA score and debt to income ration; he will get the deal done and you will be a happy camper, or should I say, homeowner! Matthew J Blum is an active member on Active Rain and he is very supportive of agents and fellow mortgage brokers on the Rain. Matthew referred a friend of his to me that needs to sell her house. Nestor and I met with her and she is getting the house ready for us to put on the market in 2 weeks. He trusted us to do a good ... 08/31/2007

                                                                Over the weekend I received a phone call from a referral asking me if I was able to help them with a Construction Loan for his home.  Now living in Northern Palm Beach County for so many years I have built up a reputation as an honest and to the point Full-Time Mortgage Professional which leads me to this post.  The Client who was referred to me, informed me that he was already approved from another Mortgage person (I can't say Professional)who approved him for $300,000 and he had great credit.When I received the phone call I was in line signing up my son for Baseball in Palm Beach Gardens, so I could not really speak to him in depth. However, I was able to find out that his current Mortgage person (Not Professional) inform... 08/27/2007

Today (August 25) was sign up day for youth baseball  (T-Ball) in Palm Beach Gardens.  I have to tell you, I do not know who was more excited my son (who is 5) or myself. The league office was ready for everyone and I have to inform you how easy the sign up went.  I really thought it would be an all day event.  We where in and out in under ten minutes.When I first moved to Palm Beach Gardens ten years ago I volunteered as a manager/coach for this league  and swore off volunteering again until I had a  child ready for this league.  Well today was the day I was more than happy to volunteer as a Coach (if they need me).  It is so exciting to me to watch the games through the children's eyes.While going to Florida State University in Tallahassee I was a volunteer at the YMCAwhere I coached ... 08/25/2007

In Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter and throughout Palm Beach County we are all looking for a healthier real estate market --- sellers, buyers, Realtors, mortgage brokers.It almost seems like getting there is akin to turning around a battleship in a very narrow canal.But we are seeing signs of a turn -- even though it is quite slow. The market we are looking for would have a better balance between the number of homes going under contract and sold and those coming on to the market.  Today we have many more homes coming on the market than are being sold.  And many of contracts are being voided due to mortgage issues.  Buyers are holding up sellers for repairs not specified in inspection reports.  We need more civility in the real estate market tod... 08/24/2007

* Please press play before reading below                                                       Lately with all the changes within the Mortgage Industry and the Sub-Prime Mortgages we have seen a mass exodus of Mortgage Brokers and Loan Officers from the industry.  I just would like to say BYE-BYE....It's been real and its been fun, it just has not been Real Fun having you around.(May I open the door for you?) I am a FULL-TIME Mortgage Broker and with the majority of these people leaving I am now busier than ever.  With them leaving I do not have to fight the lies or explain how the other Mortgage person is not quoting them the correct program because they don't qualify and to be prepared to have things change on them.  This might seem harsh but this is the reality. As many of you know ,... 08/24/2007

Home sales in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County are declining, but The Weiss-Clawson Team is making deals for its buyers and sellers!We are selling our listings that are priced right and staged properly to attract buyers.  We are working with our sellers to fully explain the current real estate market and to help them price their homes at level for a sale. Buyers today want to be sure they are getting a good deal on their home purchase. We help our sellers stage their home so that it appeals to buyers.  Decluttering is the number one issue with most sellers.  Homes show bigger and better with less furniture and fewer accessories in view.  And closets need to be cleaned, too. We explore the value proposition of the... 08/21/2007

If you are looking for a home in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach or anywhere throughout Palm Beach County, check out our website -- www.palmbeachcountyhomes.com.We have all homes in the Realtor's Multiple Listing Service available for you to review.  Just click on this link and you can search by community or by city.  And you can put in the criteria that are important to you as you begin your search.  Price is an important criteria as are number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square feet in the home, and other features.There are many more features on the website as well.  We have information about  communities in the area such as PGA National, Ironhorse, Steeplechase, Ibis, Mirasol, Midtown at PGA, and many, many more. There is a new section on golf c... 08/20/2007

As a Licensed Full-Time Mortgage Professional living and working in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida I have build up a quality reputation for Jumbo Mortgages in the Alt "A" product line as well as Sub-Prime Market.  With all the new changes in the industry (Some for the Good) I have been looking at the difference between the Sub-Prime Market and the Hard Equity (Private Money) market.  It seems now it is closer than ever before.     Sub-Prime                                                                                                                 Hard EquityLTV up to 90 With decent FICO and Proof of Income                  LTV up to 70 Credit FICO Not Required                                                                                                                No Income Requir... 08/20/2007

 OK - it's not ice cream, it's GELATO (close, but not quite)- If you haven't had it yet, you owe it to yourself to give it a try!                     One of my favorite places to get dessert in Palm Beach Gardens is Gelato Grotto.  It's in the new Legacy Place Shopping Center  opposite the Gardens Mall on PGA Avenue.  Legacy Place is an outdoor mall and when the weather cools a little, taking a walk around to all of the new stores is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.You can certainly go there for sandwiches and salads for lunch and the espresso is fantastic - but he big draw is the gelato and the semifreddi (cakes and sundaes).I've tried most of the flavors, but my favorite is the Stracciatella Reale- described by them as "Ample chocolate chips adrift in a sea of white cream".  ... 08/19/2007

Want a getaway vacation retreat on the golf course in Palm Beach Gardens/West Palm Beach?Or just want to downsize?We have the cutest new listing at Ironhorse Country Club.  And it is priced to sell!!The home backs on to the golf course and has a huge screened in patio.  It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large open great room where you can arrange a breakfast area, dining room and family room all overlooking the golf course.  The kitchen is open as well and has granite counter tops and a granite backsplash.The home has 1700 square feet under air, but feels much larger because of the openness of the floorplan.Furniture is negotiable, so you can look at this as a turnkey ... just move right in and begin enjoying the relaxing country club life at Ironhorse. Listing price on this ho... 08/19/2007

I just received the Fall Issue of 'SignatureCity' - the quarterly magazine put out by the City of Palm Beach Gardens.I'll be discussing many of the events that will be coming up in the next few months - but the first thing that caught my eye was that the Sunday GreenMarket  will be back for it's 6th Season.I've been stopping by this event for the last few years - the attendance just keeps increasing as more and more people from neighboring cities find out about it so get there early! Read More >> 08/18/2007

How lucky am I to live in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida a true golfers paradise.  I also, realized how lucky I am  to be a Full-Time Florida Mortgage Broker in this market which really allows me some great opportunities for both myself and my clients.  I know many Direct lenders would like you to believe that they are squeezing out the brokers.   In some cases this might be true however, a direct Direct Lender can only offer products that they currently service.  Below are products that are still available in the State of Florida:Stated Loans.  (YES, these are still available from a 620 FICO) Bankruptcy Buyouts (Yes you might be able to buy your way out of your Bankruptcy)100% FinancingFHA = with 3% down.  However, the 3% can be a gift which would equal 100%Fannie Mae is Still in business... 08/15/2007

               Northern Palm Beach County is filled with Golf and Country Clubs - but the one that we get the most inquiries about at Leibowitz Realty is BallenIsles. BallenIsles has been well known locally for years but in 2007 the new Platinum Club Rankings came out which rated it 5th on the list of Most Highly Thought of Residential Club Communities in America! Needless to say - that brought the desire for Property there even higher. For the full story, click here. 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 08/14/2007

BallenIsles has a club - the 'Beach Bikers' - that is overdue for some praise! In April this group of 8 cyclists participated in the MS Ride from Miami to Key Largo and Back - a round trip of 150 miles. Everyone rode at least 100 miles and five of the eight completed the entire course - even with some horrible headwinds on the second day. As an ex-cyclist myself (mainly time-trials) I can vouch for the fact that this is no easy feat.... The return trip was finished off with a lap around the Homestead Race Track. The BallenIsles Beach Bikers raised over $8,000 for Multiple Sclerosis research this year!     Marc J Blasi Realtor® - Leibowitz Realty Group Mortgage Broker - Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC Palm Beach Real Estate and Loans (561)-282-7406 Cell (561)-627-5100 Office (561)-627... 08/14/2007

                                                                      Being born and raised in Miami and Graduate of Florida State University (Tallahassee) I have been through many hurricanes.  (Somewhere in the teen's I lost count)  The information below is basic facts you should know if you are planning on closing on your mortgage during the hurricane season. If You are closing on a purchase MAKE SURE YOU PRE-PAY your insurance.  DO NOT PAY AT CLOSING.  If for some reason we are under any type of condition (Other wise known as the box) You will not be able to close.  The insurance company will not issue policy's while under this box. If a hurricane does hit any where be prepared to delay your closings.  The lenders will issue a new condition prior to closing.  They will want the prope... 08/14/2007

Thinking of coming to south Florida this winter? Want to play unlimited golf in one of the premiere golf and country clubs in Palm Beach Gardens/West Palm Beach?Consider renting a gorgeous barely used 2/2 plus den with full golf membership in Ibis Golf and Country Club with three championship Jack Nicklaus golf courses at your doorstep.The cost is $7100 per month in season and that includes maid service every other week!Located in Ibis' Orchid Reserve section, the unit overlooks a beautiful preserve.  It has about 2300 square feet, with a large master bedroom, open living room, separate dining room,  kitchen with granite countertops, lovely second bedroom and full den. There is a screened in porch and a two car garage.Contact The Weiss-Clawson Team if you are interested in renting this ... 08/14/2007

 The Weiss-Clawson Team continues to track home sales and prices throughout Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach and all of Palm Beach County.  We enjoy bringing our clients, friends and neighbors up to date information about specific communities and the county in general.  The news is not particularly good for home sellers as prices continue to decline in most communities throughout the region.  Housing statistics released at the end of June reflect further erosion in sale prices.  The number of homes sold throughout the county declined and inventory of properties on the market remains quite high.  Palm Beach County single family homes sales are down 19 percent in June 2007 compared with June 2006.  Single family home prices for the same period are... 08/12/2007

Today's topic is: Pre-qualification vs Pre-approval and how they affect your search for Real Estate in Palm Beach.Before getting into what's what, the basic idea is that BEFORE you start looking around for your new Home, you need to know how much you can borrow. (If you're paying cash, just skip ahead to the next article!)That makes a lot of sense - but you would be surprised at how many Clients want to look at Property before checking into a mortgage.I've had many people come to me over the years trying to get a Loan to buy property that they couldn't possibly get approved for.  I felt badly for them - they found they Home they'd been dreaming about and then got a big disappointment.In addition to that, most Realtors® won't even take a Buyer out to look at property if they haven't been... 08/09/2007

Before I begin, I just would like to let you know this Post is not about Credit Repair or the FICO system.  That I will allow others to blog about.                                                                                           Living and working in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida many of my clients that I have are self-employed and are very aware at all times what their FICO scores are especially after what is happening in the Mortgage Industry.  With this is mind I have become quite familiar with the What-If Simulator that most credit agency's offer.What the credit simulator does, is after you pull the clients credit you are allowed to go back in the Credit agency system and check to see if a client would pay off or pay down on a debt what effects it would have on his/her FICO. ... 08/09/2007