In the beginning of SE Florida there was swamp.  And Henry Flagler (and others) saw that it was good. And he created a railroad.  And initially the roadroads were pretty much all the transortation there was.  And then came the car... and then fast-forward to the suburbs and then .... a terrible void in public transportation in Florida and severe road congestion that we can't keep ahead of. The CSX track does carry Amtrak and some commuter trains from Miami up to West Palm Beach. The FEC track carries only cargo. I attended a great meeting this morning put on by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council which has been working with cities, counties, institutions and the public to see how we can progress into a future of South Florida with large-scale rail commuter traffic - and excitin... 01/09/2010

I keep a chart of all unit sales in my area of downtown West Palm Beach, FL by month starting with 1999 - We're back to 2006 sales numbers, but the totals by year of very interesting..... 1999 - 396 2000 - 394 2001 - 332 2002 - 410 2003 - 500 2004 - 551 2005 - 471 2006 - 241 2007 - 172 2008 - 160 2009 - 242 Now let's see how long it takes to get back up to the 1999-2001 levels! 01/08/2010

A few days ago I was at a meeting with another Realtor who used to live in, and still owns property in one of West Palm Beach's historic districts --- I do as well and would never even have thought about getting into real estate 17 years ago had not been for the historic districts here.  My Realtor buddy made a statement that he didn't think that historic districts had the same cache as they used to have!  It didn't take long for my hackles to go up! Anathema! Sacrilege!  The emotion aside, I decided not to outwardly react.  After all, if he thinks the cache is gone and doesn't promote and extol historic districts in his career - the more for me! While there isn't any area that hasn't taken the rollercoaster whammy - in the long run, especially in Florida where there isn't much "old" an... 01/07/2010

Now HERE is a positive step.  This morning's Palm Beach Post reported that the City of West Palm Beach is getting pretty darn tired of bank owned properties with no one seeming to care for them (to say the least) and often with City code violations mounting.  No plan is set yet, but all cities should take this step.  No one could have predicted now nasty so many areas look, but it's time for a decent solution.  Take this thought back to YOUR municipality and county! 01/05/2010

The particular section of Palm Beach County that I pay the most attention to is the historic districts south of downtown West Palm Beach.  These are mainly single family homes, with some condos and a smattering of townhomes thrown in.  In early January 2008 there were 524 units on the market.  Early January a year ago in 2009 saw only an 8% drop to 483.  But here we are today at 335 (a 36% drop from two year ago).  The sweet sound I hear is the phone actually ringing. 01/04/2010

Andros Isle West Palm Beach FL Real Estate - Homes For Sale Andros Isle West Palm Beach FL Real Estate is a beautiful guard gated community located in West Palm Beach Florida. Shopping, dining and entertainment are just seconds away along with the Florida Turnpike. Homes for sale in Andros Isle have great schools nearby as well. Andros Isle was built from 1998 to 2004 by several builders. This community has over 60 acres of beautiful lakes along with more than 300 acres of wetland preserves. There are seven sub-developments within the gates of Andros Isle: Somerset, Bay Colony, Brittany Bay, Crystal Cay, Paradise Bay, Hammock Pointe and The Preserve. Somerset at Andros Isle has one and two story attached villas that were built by Town and County Homes. There were five floorplans to cho... 01/02/2010

Darn it, I'm going to do it, do it, do it.  Ignored the parties, the fireworks and went to sleep.  Got up very early and WALKED to the office and back with my laptop and worked on one of the last steps to clean out my e-mail (don't ask how many!) in my in-box.  And of course there are potential customers in there lurking and forgotten.  Not good!  But I'm printing them out, cleaning them up, communicating and making a plan to work that list!  And once my IN-BOX is 0 (that can't last more than 1/2 hr.....), my goal is to clean it out/deal with it each and every day!!!!!  That's GOT to lead to business!  Even in these slim-pickin times here in West Palm Beach.  A smile, the right attitude and a plan is the right thing. 01/01/2010

Miami Dolphins didn't show up on Sunday until late in the 2nd half of play.  I was there with my family and I can tell you they looked pretty bad the entire first half.  It is sad that they couldn't put in a better effort as the loss makes this Sundays game against the Pittsburg Steelers meaningless for the Miami Dolphins.  The Steelers will have everything on the line however so I am really looking forward to the game anyway.  My son is a big Steelers fan and it will be great sharing the experience with him and the rest of my family.  He has been looking forward to the game all year!  My video below from the game pretty much showed the way the Texans walked over the Dolphins Sunday!       12/29/2009

Captain Wayne Rowlett welcomes you to the finest Fully Accredited State Approved Florida Real Estate School.  Please take a few moments to explore our site where you will find detailed information on our full service school, locations, course offerings, times, dates, classroom, online and our instructors. As one of the leading Fl real estate schools, the Rowlett Real Estate School offers Florida Real Estate Courses online, on CD-ROM and in the classroom. It has never been so convenient to pass your real estate exams and achieve your Florida Real Estate License. You can take our Florida real estate courses anywhere in the world from any computer  Please take a few moments to explore our site where you will find detailed information on our full service school, locations, course offerings,... 12/27/2009

Please go to [Links are not allowed] for more information and additional photos. This very desirable Divosta built Carmel model comprising over 2,000 living square feet, features 3 full bedrooms plus an office/den area. This home is immaculate, designer decorated and move in ready. The updated kitchen features dark rich cherry cabinets and thick granite counters tops. Flooring throughout has been updated with 18” diagonal tile. This home has numerous desirable features including 12 ft. foot ceilings, expansive closet space and storage areas, security system, a central vacuum system and hurricane shutters. The home also features a large screened lanai for relaxing and entertaining. The courtyard is large, lushly landscaped, private and peaceful. Two car garage offers plenty of shelving f... 12/27/2009

Village of Sandalwood Lakes West Palm Beach FL Real Estate Sales: Under Contract (Sandalwood Lakes, Sandalwood Lakes North & Sandalwood Lakes South) Village of Sandalwood Lakes is a great townhome community located in West Palm Beach Florida. These great townhomes feature two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms along with an oversized enclosed patio. Minimum List Price Vs. Maximum List Price There are currently 26 Townomes For Sale in Village of Sandalwood Lakes. The Median List Price for Short Sales is $90,000 while for Traditional Sales it's $109,000. There are currently no Bank Owned properties for sale. Minimum Median Maximum For Sale Bank Owned $0 $0 $0 0 Short Sales $79,000 $90,000 $225,000 11 Traditional Sales $83,900 $109,000 $199,000 15 Statistics based off Regional MLS on D... 12/13/2009

Village of Sandalwood Lakes West Palm Beach FL Real Estate Sales: Under Contract (Sandalwood Lakes, Sandalwood Lakes North & Sandalwood Lakes South) Village of Sandalwood Lakes is a great townhome community located in West Palm Beach Florida. These great townhomes feature two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms along with an oversized enclosed patio. Minimum List Price Vs. Maximum List Price There are currently 28 Townomes Under Contract in Village of Sandalwood Lakes. The Median List Price for Bank Owned townhomes is $57,000, for Short Sales it's $78,888 and Traditional Sales it's $100,000. Minimum Median Maximum # CTG Bank Owned $57,000 $57,000 $57,000 1 Short Sales $60,000 $78,888 $95,000 17 Traditional Sales $66,000 $100,000 $117,000 10 Statistics based off Regional MLS on Decemb... 12/13/2009

Village of Sandalwood Lakes West Palm Beach FL Real Estate Sales: November 2009 (Sandalwood Lakes, Sandalwood Lakes North & Sandalwood Lakes South) Village of Sandalwood Lakes is a great townhome community located in West Palm Beach Florida. These great townhomes feature two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms along with an oversized enclosed patio. October 2009 Sales Vs. November 2009 Sales In November 2009 6 Townhomes Sold in Village of Sandalwood Lakes while in October 2009 only 5 Townhomes Sold.  The Median Sales Price for November was $87,250 and for October it was $108,900. Minimum Median Maximum # Sold October 2009 $90,000 $108,900 $110,000 5 November 2009 $66,000 $87,250 $109,900 6 Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed Short Sales Vs. Traditional Sales Out of the 6 t... 12/13/2009

Unemployment Friday, as it is called by many, is the day that the US employment number for the previous month is announced.  It is released the first Friday of each month. This Friday we will get the next read of our labor markets.  I read that this recent string of consecutive months of job losses stands at 23 months.  Also I read that this is a history making amount of consecutive months with job losses that are far greater than the US has seen in past recessions.  It does feel as things are getting better but until we start creating jobs then it is hard to see confidence returning.   I am happy that the White House will be holding a jobs summit today and the focus on creating new jobs will become a top priority for our leaders.  However, it seems as though it is easier to talk about ... 12/02/2009

Short Sale Condo with Ocean-IntraCoastal and Pool Views! Overview Maps Photos Features Description Video Market Stats $139,777 CondominiumFor Sale Main Features 2 Bedrooms3 BathroomsInterior: 1175 sqft Location 1551 N FLAGLER Dr# 1114West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Nestor and Katerina Gasset International Properties and Investments, Inc(561) 753-0135coachkaterina@gmail.comhttp://www.wellington-luxury-homes.com Listed by: International Properties and Investments Inc. Our recent listings Short Sale Sunnydale Dr - Wellington FL 33414Lake Ida Delray Beach Florida Living- New Listing For Sale!8364 White Egret Way- Lakes Of Sherbrooke- Lake Worth Florida 33467- Not a Short Sale!Short Sale - 305 S Swinton Ave Delray Beach,FL 33444Short Sale-Orlando Florida Vacation Home Subscribe to our listing fee... 11/29/2009

Beautiful, move-in ready, quiet 2nd floor condo in Century Village. Gated, Service bus to Wellington and PGA malls. Near VA hopsital. Included: clubhouse, social activities, new fitness and lazy pool.  Upgrades include: New central air conditioner (2009), new tile and carpeting throughout the condo, fresh paint. Bath upgrades. To directly access this property, use this shortcut: http://www.fizber.com/florida-buy-condo-townhome-co-op-home-11689708.html 11/28/2009

Please go to [Links are not allowed] for more information and additional photos.  This very desirable Divosta built Carmel model comprising over 2,000 living square feet, features 3 full bedrooms plus an office/den area.  This home is immaculate, designer decorated and move in ready. The updated kitchen features dark rich cherry cabinets and thick granite counters tops.   Flooring throughout has been updated with 18” diagonal tile.  This home has numerous desirable features including 12 ft. foot ceilings, expansive closet space and storage areas, security system, a central vacuum system and hurricane shutters.  The home also features a large screened lanai for relaxing and entertaining.  The courtyard is large, lushly landscaped, private and peaceful.  Two car garage offers plenty of sh... 10/30/2009

Heritage Village West Palm Beach Florida Real Estate - Townhomes Sold Market Report for January 1st, 2009 to October 12th, 2009 Address Bedrooms Bathrooms List Price Sale Price Sale Date 74th Way 2 2.5 $57,500 $57,500 Sept 2009 71st Way 2 2.5 68,400 $70,000 April 2009 77th Way 2 2.5 $79,000 $70,000 March 2009 73rd Way 2 2.5 86,000 82,000 May 2009 71st Way 2 2.5 88,900 $83,000 May 2009 71st Way 2 2.5 90,000 $90,000 Oct 2009 69th Way 2 2.5 99,900 $89,000 August 2009 71st Way 2 2.5 $104,500 $103,000 August 2009 70th Way 2 2.5 109,000 $80,000 August 2009 80th Way 2 2.5 $135,000 $95,000 July 2009 Information from Regional MLS, Inc The accuracy and authenticity of this information is not guaranteed Heritage Village is a great townhome community located in The Villages of West Palm Beach Flori... 10/22/2009

Villageof Sandalwood Lakes West Palm Beach Florida Real Estate - Townhomes Sold(Village of Sandalwood Lakes, Village of Sandalwood Lakes North & Village of Sandalwood Lakes South)Market Report for July 2009 to September 2009 Address Bedrooms Bathrooms List Price Sale Price Sale Date 16th Way 2 2.5 $64,900 $72,000 August 2009 44th Way 2 2.5 $65,000 $70,000 August 2009 53rd Way 2 2.5 $67,500 $74,000 August 2009 Heritage Way 2 2.5 $72,900 $72,900 Sept 2009 Charter Way 2 2.5 $75,000 $75,000 July 2009 47th Way 2 2.5 $75,000 $66,000 July 2009 32nd Way 2 2.5 $75,000 $70,000 July 2009 71st Way 2 2.5 $77,000 $70,000 Sept 2009 45th Way 2 2.5 $79,000 $78,120 August 2009 32nd Way 2 2.5 $79,000 $69,000 July 2009 16th Way 2 2.5 $79,000 $71,000 July 2009 10th Way 2 2.5 $80,000 $76,500 August 2009 5th ... 10/18/2009

Jonathans Cove West Palm Beach Florida Real Estate - Townhomes Sold Market Report for January 2009 to September 2009 Address Bedrooms Bathrooms Garage List Price Sales Price Sales Date Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $69,900 $67,000 May 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $79,900 $71,000 April 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $89,000 $85,000 April 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $79,000 $85,000 July 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $89,900 $87,203 May 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $89,900 $89,000 Jan 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $129,000 $96,000 July 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $85,500 $101,000 May 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 1 $112,000 $110,000 Feb 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 1 $124,600 $115,000 Aug 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $115,900 $115,900 Sept 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 $120,000 $123,780 Feb 2009 Palm Brooke 2 2.5 1 $129,900 $125,000 Mar 2009 Palm Brooke 3 2.5 1 $149,90... 10/12/2009