Does this sound familiar?  Be honest.....Are you shaking your head yes?  Good now that I have your attention it is time to get back on my soapbox.                                                                    This is the phone call I received yesterday from a Realtor that I know.  "Matt you have to help me!! The Mortgage Guy I am using really ------up (bad word) and we need to close" I told her to calm down and tell me what the problem is.  She proceeded to inform me that "WE"where going to get 3 pts on this deal.. At that point I stopped her and asked We??? That is when I get the whole picture... a new mortgage person (who knows if they are licensed) promised her that they would split the fee's on the deal..Now I understand what happened.  Yes, the Mortgage person made a mistake w... 07/10/2007

Looking for a great deal on a country club home in Palm Beach Gardens or West Palm Beach?Think Ironhorse!!!We've just completed some research that shows home prices in Ironhorse are down about 17 percent in the first six months of 2007 compared with the first six months of 2006.  And the number of homes sold is down about 60 percent.These factors lead to sellers reducing prices below market level and we have four wonderful homes in Ironhorse that fit that description.  Market level represents the average dollars per square foot of all homes sold in the community during the period we examined: the first six months of 2007.  We found the average dollar per square foot for sales during this period to be $191.Our first below market home is at 8469 Ironhorse Court, with four bedrooms, a larg... 07/09/2007

After reading my other post "Arm Due? Do you really need to Refinance" you have come to the painful realization that you really do need to refinance.  You are hating all the paperwork and dealing with the Mortgage person's double talking.  If this sounds like you why not see if you can qualify for the Fast and Easy programs that some lenders offer.  When meeting with a client I always point out the following:    RISK = RATE    The higher the risk to the lender the higher the rate you will end up paying..    TIME = MONEY  If the lender has to spend a lot of time on your file (manual underwritten) usually the rate is higher.Now with that being said some lenders actually reward you for make sense loans.  These loans are low risk to the lender and go very quickly through the underwriting pr... 07/08/2007

Both prices and the number of homes sold in Ironhorse Country Club have declined during the first six months of 2007 compared with the first six months of 2006.With sales down 60 percent and prices down 17 percent, it is a great time to buy that home you have been eyeing in Ironhorse Country Club.Ironhorse is a small intimate community of about 325 homes located on the edge of the Loxahatchee Nature Preserve just south on Jog Road from the Beeline Highway. The community is a full amenity country club with a world class golf course, tennis courts, fitness center, swimming pool, dining facilities and social activities. It is a stone's throw from the Florida Turnpike entrance on the Beeline and convenient to shopping, restaurants, Palm Beach International Airport and cultural centers at We... 07/07/2007

Is your Adjustable Rate Mortgage now moving into the adjustment period?  First off don't panic!  This is the time when cooler heads prevail and a true Mortgage Professional is worth his/her weight in Gold.  Don't let the fancy advertising using the scare tactics worry you.  Below is a list of questions you should know of or have ready for your Mortgage Professional when you meet.How long do you plan on living in the home (Only you can answer this one)What is my current rate?What will my rate adjust to? How often can it adjust? (Monthly, Semi-Annually or Yearly)What is the Life Cap of the mortgage?Do I have a pre-payment penalty in effect? (Believe it or not in Florida many Mortgage Brokers/Loan officers placed pre-payment penalties into the adjustment period.. and yes it was legal)What ... 07/05/2007

It is a strong buyers' market in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter and throughout Palm Beach County as interest rates continue their decline for the second week in a row and, as recently reported, prices of homes are also on the decrease.The 30-year fixed mortgage around Palm Beach County averaged 6.66 percent, down from 6.73 percent a week ago.  The 15-year fixed rate mortgage is averaging 6.34 percent, down from 6.41 percent.  And the one-yuear adjustable rate mortgage is beloow 6 percent, averaging 5.98 percent, down from 6.05 percent a week ago. Home prices in Palm Beach County declined one percent in May compared with a year ago, continuing the trend of the past few months.  With sales down and inventory of homes high, it is a wonderful time ... 06/30/2007

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is in know short supply of either Mortgage Brokers or Retail Banks.  Everywhere you turn someone knows someone who is a Mortgage Broker and it seems like every street corner either has a bank on it or is building one on it.  So who do you turn to for Mortgage Advice?                                                                 This is a very good question.  Do you know that most major banks have a wholesale division. Why would these banks offer these programs you may ask.  The answer is quite simply profit.  When Banks/Lenders offer a wholesale division please keep in mind the following:No Salaries to Mortgage BrokersNo benefitsNo Retail space is required No AdvertisingWithout those being added in the equation the cost of money for them is less and they ca... 06/29/2007

The real estate market in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter and throughout Palm Beach County continues to decline as sales are fewer and prices are lower than a year ago.While we had hoped to achieve a more even market between buyers and sellers, it remains overwhelmingly a buyers market, with an estimated three year supply of homes for sale.Nationally,  single family homes sales declined about 10 percent in May from a year ago; statewide in Florida sales were down 34 percent and in Palm Beach County sales were off 25 percent from a year ago.  Condo sales in Florida were down 28 percent from a year ago, but in Palm Beach County condo sales were strong, increasing 11 percent from a year ago.The median price for single family homes declined 5 perce... 06/28/2007

GOOD NEWS. Our Real Estate market here in Palm Beach Gardens Florida in UP 5.9% since January 2007. This is the first positive figure that we had here in BallenIsles Golf and Country Club a private gated golf club community with 3 golf courses one of which is a championship course. I hope you all are seeing some positive figures in your markets as well. Keep working hard, I believe the market is coming back, sooner then most people think. 06/25/2007

We have been advising our homebuyers in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter,  North Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County to move forward with their purchase before December 31, 2007 so they can have a choice of how their property is valued for tax purposes in the years ahead.Under the major tax reform legislation passed earlier this month and sign last week by Governor Crist, all homeowners will see a reduction in their property taxes roughly equal to the amount of budget reductions faced by their local government.  Statewide, this number is expected to be about 7 percent; in Palm Beach County it is expected to be 9 percent.The second part of the reform legislation impact only homesteaded homeowners and would change the was their property is valued for tax pu... 06/25/2007

Mortgage interest rates declined slightly this week for the first time in more than a month.  Nationally, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged just 6.69 percent this week, down from 6.74 percent a week ago.  And the 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.37 percent nationally, down from 6.43 percent.  In Palm Beach County, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage ranged from 6.50 percent to 7 percent while the 15 year fixed rate mortgage ranged from 6.13 percent to 6.75 percent.One year adjustable rate mortgages fell to 5.66 percent, down from 5.75 percent last week across the nation, while in Palm Beach County, the one year adjustable ranged from 5.38 percent to 6.75 percent.The turn downward in interest rates is good news for homebuyers in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Nor... 06/23/2007

         Catalina Lakes is a duplex style townhome, non gated community in Palm Beach Gardens, located near to Legacy Place and Downtown at the Gardens.  This neighborhood is conveniently located on Alternate A1A, and has easy access to I95 and the Florida Turnpike by PGA Blvd.These Divosta Built town homes offer 3-bedroom 2.5 bath floor plans that vary with approx 1,500 to 1,600 square feet of living space.  All have back patios, many with pools and screened areas.  Built in 2000, they include pool and cabana area, walk in closets, vaulted ceilings, tile, security system.  Master baths have a spa tub and shower, and all the units offer private lots and garages. Also, for amenities Catalina Lakes has two tennis courts, a tot-lot, community pool, and house cabana. 06/23/2007

Harbour Oaks is very close to the best of the areas famous beaches without sacrificing any of the beauty and excitment that has made Palm Beach Gardens a coveted address. You will find quality shopping and dining experiences very close at The Gardens Mall, Legacy Place and Downtown at the Gardens. Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Nordstroms, and Sears, and many other retail stores plus a wide variety of restaurants and speciality shops are within a bike ride or short walk.  Amenities include the Ivy Club, fitness center, swim facility, and magnificent water views over our private lake. These three story homes offers residents the newest concepts in Mediterranean luxury townhome living.  Floor plans include two and three bedroom homes with three and one-half baths, all with a tw... 06/22/2007

 The "My State Florida Home (MSFH) Program....What is it?It is a program where Florida Home Owners may be rewarded for "Hurricane Strengthening"  their homes.According to Florida officials today, they are one month ahead of schedule on offering free hurricane home inspections to Florida residents.  The "My State Florida Home" (MSFH) program is now urging more homeowners in Florida to take advantage of the services offered through this program.  In late April, the program resumed offering inspections and more than 50,000 Floridians have received free wind inspections. You ask how does this program benefit you.....well, keep reading!How would you like savings on your hurricane insurance premiums and matching grants up to $5,000 to help strengthen your home against hurricanes?  Receive a f... 06/18/2007

Childproofing Your Home Each year approximately 2-1/2 million children are injured or killed by hazards and incidents in the home.   Many of these incidents could be prevented.  There are a lot of child safety devices on the market.  Common sense also plays an important part in child protection.  Also, please remember, there is no device that  is completely childproof.Before my grandson was born, my daughter and her husband were planning all the things that needed to be done to the house in order to childproof it.  In my daughter's situation, childproofing was extremely important because she is visually impaired.  Without vision, it is much harder to "keep your eye" on the child.Next best, keep your "ears on the child."  My daughter made sure she purchased a really good baby monitor. Sh... 06/18/2007

While it has not even become official yet, many homeowners in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter and through Palm Beach County are trying to figure out whether the new property tax system approved by the State Legislature would benefit them, or whether they should just stay with the old Save Our Homes system.I am referring to the change for determining your home's taxable value upon which taxes would be levied if Florida's voters approve this change in a constitutional amendment vote next January.Today, under Save Our Homes, taxable value for homesteaded property can increase a maximum of 3 percent a year.  Under the new exemption plan, homesteaded property would get a 75 percent exemption for the first $200,000 value of the home and 15 percent ex... 06/17/2007

The El Mirasol Collection: Air Conditioned Living Area 4,042 sq.ft. The two story foyer leads to a spectacular Formal Living Room with ceiling heights over 20 feet. The private first floor master suite occupies its own wing of the house. Two additional bedrooms with private baths are located on the second floor. Local Beaches, Shopping nearby, Resorts amenities.Go to Frenchmans Reserve Website. Kathy LewellenFrenchman's Reserve SpecialistFrenchmansReserveGolfHomes.com Ocean 30 Marketing Group. 06/16/2007

This is a courtyard style one story home, feauring a detached guest suite with closet and full bath.  The foyer opens to an elegant living room with a spacious master suite to one side, while two additional bedrooms and a gourmet kitchen with center-island,breakfast bar and butler pantry are located on the opposite side. Air Conditioned Living Area 3,525 sq.ft.Go to Frenchmans Reserve Website. Kathy LewellenFrenchman's Reserve Specialist.Ocean 30 Marketing Group.Kathy@Ocean30.com561-676-6333 06/16/2007

The is a classic Italian Home that has an expansive great room overlooking the covered lanai.  It features a gourment kitchen and breakfast area. The Master Bedroom has two walk-in closets. Master Bathroom with His and Hers Sinks, Roman Tub, Study,Powder Room and two additional Bedrooms with Baths. Air Conditioned Living Area 3508 sq.ft.Go to Frenchmans Reserve Website. Kathy LewellenFrenchman's Reserve Specialist.Ocean 30 Marketing Group.Kathy@Ocean30.com561-676-6333 06/16/2007

The Casa bendita Collection: At Frenchman's Reserve Luxurious Master Suite and a study on one side, with two additional bedrooms, each with private bathrooms on the opposite side,  The formal living room,with it's coffered ceiling, offer access to the kitchen,dining room and covered lanai. A second lanai is situated adjacent to the family room. Living Area 3406 sq.ft. Air Conditioned.Go to Frenchmans Reserve Website. Kathy LewellenFrenchman's Reserve Specialist.Ocean 30 Marketing Group.Kathy@Ocean30.com561-676-6333Quantum One Realty 06/16/2007