Why do Short Sales Take so Long to Close?   Why do Short Sales Take so Long to Close? Palm Beach County, FL Real estate professionals know that a Short Sale transaction can take many months for it to be approved by lenders and closed. Even with this time-line, you still have one more variable to account for which is the buyer waiting for the contract to be approved by the lender. For this, setting the expectations is a key factor in any Short Sales transaction. Buyer Expectations: Buyers who make an offer on a short sale property need to know that lenders have to "reverse underwrite" this type of transaction and make sure that they are allowing the sale to happen close to market value. During the process, the Lender will determine the Seller's "un-affordability" and base the sale on the... 08/16/2011

Paint while you drink, Drink while you paint!   Yepp thats right a place in West Palm Beach called Sips and Strokes allows you to paint with an instructor while enjoying your favorite beverage. What a unique way to spend an evening. They supply the canvas, paint, brushes dont worry about anything, they even supply aprons. All you have to remember is to bring your beverage, they have cups and a wine bottle opener.  Classes usually range from 2.5-3 hours. The cost is around 25-35 dollars. They have party options and kids classes. You dont have to be an professional just take your friends or your date and have fun! check them out on facebook Your Ultimate TeamJim & Ruth JacobsQuantum One Realty(561) 308-1189Jacobs@Quantumone.comLike us on Facebook!  08/12/2011

Bay Hill Estates is a golf and country club community located in West Palm Beach. Bay Hill Estates offers Mediterranean style homes with large lots. Many of the Homes in Bay Hill Estates feature luxury upgrades including patios overlooking the golf course, private pools, vaulted ceilings, roman tubs, granite countertops and more. Most of the homes range in size from 2,590-6,713 square feet and feature 3 to 6 bedrooms. Bay Hill Estates Golf Bay Hill Estates Homes for Sale often feature views of the golf course or the lakes. Homes for Sale range in price from $429,000 to $1,650,000. The golf course at Bay Hill Estate offers 18 holes of golf and a driving range. If you would like to learn more about Bay Hill Estates, please contact our Waterfront Team! Waterfront Properties & Club Communi... 08/05/2011

Located in West Palm Beach, Florida is Ironhorse. Ironhorse is a private golf and country club community comprised of 324 single family homes. Many of the Ironhorse Homes feature a Mediterranean-ranch style. The homes boast amenities like custom fireplaces, walk-in closets, split bedrooms, French doors, heated pools and winding driveways.  Homes range in price from $350,000 to over $2 million. Amenities of the Ironhorse Country ClubThe Ironhorse Country Club was recently renovated and provides well-appointed amenities for the perfect country club lifestyle. The clubhouse features a spa, tennis courts, a large lap pool, 18 holes of golf and a state of the art fitness center. 18 holes of Arthur Hills Signature golf make up the course at Ironhorse. This golf course is a par 72 and was des... 08/05/2011

The Ibis Country Club is a premier community found among some of the best Real Estate in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ibis boasts 33 communities spanning over 1,900 acres. Ibis Golf & Country Club The Country Club is 50,000 square feet and offers a variety of world-class amenities. Of the sporting facilities there are 14 Hydro-Grid tennis courts and a staff of tennis professionals to offer lessons and help you improve your game. The golfing facilities boast 3 courses and an unparalleled practice range including 5 target greens, 3 chipping greens, 2 putting ranges and a driving range. Some of the shared amenities the country club has to offer include great dining and social activities. There is a the Legend Terrace and Grille perfect for enjoying a poolside lunch, the Patio Grille offers t... 08/04/2011

Golf at the Ibis Golf and Country Club is truly some of the best golf Real Estate in West Palm Beach, in south Florida. The golfing facilities at Ibis boast 3 courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Jack Nicklaus Jr. and Steve Nicklaus. In 1991 was the Legend Course, in 1992 was the Heritage Course and in 1998 the Tradition Course was built. All of these courses are unique and offer a different level of difficulty. There is a 20 acre practice facility offering 5 target greens, 3 chipping greens, 2 putting greens and a driving range. Homes for Sale in Ibis Golf & Country Club Many of the Golf Course Homes in Ibis feature a Mediterranean theme and limitless views of the golf courses and natural preserves. Ibis Homes range in price from $300,000 to over $2 million. If you would like to inquire... 08/03/2011

Found in West Palm Beach, Florida is some of the most premier Golf Real Estate in West Palm Beach, Ibis Golf & Country Club.  Ibis is comprised of 33 communities spanning over 1,923 acres with over 1,800 residents. Most of the Homes in Ibis Golf & Country Club are golf course homes and boast a Mediterranean theme. All of these homes embody a secluded, rural feel but offer a location just minutes from the bustling life of Jupiter, Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. The Ibis Golf & Country Club The amenities of the Ibis Golf & Country Club revolve around the stunning, 50,000 square foot country club. There are 3 Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, The Legend Course, The Heritage Course and The Traditional Golf Course. Within the golf facility at Ibis there is a 20 acre practice facilit... 08/03/2011

Has your dream of owning a home become just that – a dream?  Are you a First Time Home Buyer and looking for a good investment?  With REbuildUSA 203k Specialist, I can make your dream a reality. With a small down payment and less than perfect credit, I’ll help you use the power of the FHA 203k Renovation Loan to buy a great home in a great neighborhood at a great price – and renovate it to suit your tastes and lifestyle.  That's what I call a Good Investment! Let me help you make your home ownership dreams come true! Your FHA 203k Specialist, REbuildUSA and Lowe’s are dedicated to helping more Americans become homeowners, and at the same time, preserving and improving our communities. Through the FHA 203k Renovation Loan program we’ll help you finance the purchase of your home and the c... 08/01/2011

We had a great time with two of our kids coming to visit us for about ten days from Boerne and College Station Texas. Nestor's oldest son is in college and his youngest daughter is a senior in high school this fall.  We went to the beach, went on a tour of our famous Palm Beach Atlantic University, had fun swimming in our pool and talking. Tirzah, our daughter who is going to Palm Beach Atlantic University had set up a tour for Christopher at the campus in West Palm Beach.  Our little guy loves his siblings and we don't get to see the ones that live in Texas very often. But here is a great photo of Nestor with his kids:) and another one of two of our daughters with out little guy.  07/24/2011

West Palm Beach is moving forward in housing sales. The biggest benefit in this monthly marketing report for our readers is to provide content rich local information from a trustworthy source.  Understanding that an educated buyer and seller when provided with the latest facts in our marketplace creates trust and develops relationships to make educated decisions when it comes to buying and selling real estate. I hope you enjoy the reports and look forward in discussing any questions that you might have in one of the most desirable real estate markets in Florida, Palm Beach County.  07/24/2011

How are you celebrating Independence Day this year? Palm Beach county has some great fireworks attractions. Our favorite has always been 4th on Flagler in Downtown West Palm Beach. The City closes off Flagler Drive along the Intracoastal for a great celebration capped off by a tremendous fireworks display. Our little secret is that we head over to the Palm Beach side and walk out onto the Lake Trail. We end up located a couple hundred yards from the fireworks barge and some years it seems as if they are showering right down upon us. Other good viewpoints are from the two bridges and if you are adventerous enough to drop your boat in the water there is an area for boats to anchor up for the show. Roger Dean Stadium at Abacoa in Jupiter also has a popular fireworks display. For a list of ... 07/09/2011

Wellington FL: Where can I Donate Used Soccer Equipment?Last year ourcollection of soccer equipment was so out of control that my family andI decided we needed to donate some of it, but where? So thehunt for a place to donateour used soccer equipment beganand I found TheNational Alliance For Youth Sports (NAYS), which isa non-profit organization located right here in Palm Beach CountyFlorida that collects all types of sporting equipment.While Ithought some of our equipment may have been a little too worn to donatethe people at NAYS assured me that it wasn't and another little boy orgirl would love it. So even if you think your used sportingequipment might be garbage I still recommend donating it NAYS and letthem be the judge. Hereis just some of the equipment that NAYS will accept: Soft... 07/09/2011

Educational Gallery Group: Summer Art Program Exhibition Check out what the students of the Educational Gallery Group, Eg2, have been up to this summer! Next week Eg2 will be presenting work made during their summer art program by students going into 5th-9th grade. Date: Thursday, July 7th, 2011, 5:00pm-7:00m Information: 477 S. Rosemary Avenue, City Place Suite 193 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-315-6242 Wed-Fri: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sat: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sun: 12:00pm to 6:00pm www.egsquared.org If you would like to make a donation to this wonderful organization, please mail it to: Educational Gallery Group P.O. Box 7557 West Palm Beach, FL 33405 07/02/2011

The biggest benefit in this monthly marketing report for our readers is to provide content rich local information from a trustworthy source.  Understanding that an educated buyer and seller when provided with the latest facts in our marketplace creates trust and develops relationships to make educated decisions when it comes to buying and selling real estate. I hope you enjoy the reports and look forward in discussing any questions that you might have in one of the most desirable real estate markets in Florida, Palm Beach County.  06/24/2011

Things to do in the Summer:  Visit the Norton Museum of Art for FREE The Norton Museum of Art offers FREE admission the FIRST Saturday of each month for all Palm Beach County residents.  The Norton Museum of Art has permanent collections along with special exhibitions for both adults and children.  For more information about The Norton Museum of Art visit them online: The Norton Museum of Art Museum Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10am to 5pm Thursday: 10am to 9pm Sunday: 11am to 5pm Monday: Closed Major Holidays: Closed Museum Address: 1451 S. Olive Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561.832.5196 Originally posted at http://wellingtonhometeam.com/things-to-do-in-the-summer-visit-the-norton-museum-of-art-for-free/ 06/21/2011

De-Staging a Home in Palm Beach County- The Good, The Bad & The Ugh-ly!   Today I'll be DeStaging a condo that sold in about 5 weeks.  We talk so much about Staging a Vacant home to help get it sold but we forget that for every Staging... there is a DeStaging! So I'd like to tell you about the Good, the Bad and the Ugh-ly of DeStaging. The Good-- Needless to say, the Good of DeStaging means that the property has sold... our Sellers can get on with their lives and move into their new home.  They no longer have to make sure their house is in model home condition when they leave for work. And, Buyers have found the home they've been looking for! Families can begin to make many new memories as they settle into their new homes. And for me, as a Home Stager, it will mean that I've done my job... 06/19/2011

The biggest benefit in this monthly marketing report for our readers is to provide content rich local information from a trustworthy source.  Understanding that an educated buyer and seller when provided with the latest facts in our marketplace creates trust and develops relationships to make educated decisions when it comes to buying and selling real estate. I hope you enjoy the reports and look forward in discussing any questions that you might have in one of the most desirable real estate markets in Florida, Palm Beach County.  06/06/2011

    ───   For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings. Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives. Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted.  © Steve Hoffacker, 2011. All Rights Reserved. 05/13/2011

The biggest benefit in this monthly marketing report for our readers is to provide content rich local information from a trustworthy source. Understanding that an educated buyer and seller when provided with the latest facts in our marketplace creates trust and develops relationships to make educated decisions when it comes to buying and selling real estate. I hope you enjoy the reports and look forward in discussing any questions that you might have in one of the most desirable real estate markets in Florida, Palm Beach County. 05/05/2011

Testimonial: Michelle Gibson Wellington Florida REALTOR® In this tough economic climate we have struggled to find "good" tenants for our property. Michelle made the latest adventure easy to deal with and very successful.  I can not say enough good things about Michelle, excellent communications, great marketing, diligent in her follow up and lastly a pleasure to deal with. In the course of marketing our property Michelle provided insight into local competition, tenant expectations and improving curb appeal. We will definitely ask for her help the next time, she is "Amazing." Chuck 05/01/2011