I've mentioned before that when any house under $100,000 comes up in my immediate area, I immediately go and see it - that way I can find the diamonds in the mess of the foreclosures and short sales to recommend quickly to buyers. I've been doing this for one month - and taking stock today, I learn that HALF of what's out there has already gone under contract.  The greatest percentage of those under contract are at the lower end of that group, but boy do they disappear quickly.  You need a score card these days to keep tabs! 05/10/2009

There are more than 500 homes for sale in the vast area of West Palm Beach called the Acreage where property averages an acre or more and homes are as varied as their owners. Prices for a traditional three bedroom, two bath home can start in the mid $100,000's, but those probably need some work.  But you can find a wonderful 3/2 on over an acre with a pool that is ready to occupy in the mid $200,000's Of the more than 500 properties on the market in the Acreage, about 350 are listed as short sales -- that is where the owner owe more to the bank than the property is worth today.  And there are some fantastic buys out there for the first time home buyer who may also be eligible for an $8000 tax credit or stipend from the government following the purchase. The Weiss-Clawson Team works with... 05/09/2009

I have a listing. Selling agent has an FHA buyer. Contract signed. All okay. Loan in process.  I get an e-mail....... ....from the loan processor to the selling agent who forwarded to ME ---- they want a copy of MY driver's license so that they can ascertain that I AM NOT ON THE FHA WATCH LIST! The WHAT?  17 years in the business.  Hadn't done FHA deals in years.  Remember that I thought it unusual (but not much brain thought beyond that) that agents had to sign the FHA addendum to the contract...... WELL!  Yes, I had to produce my driver's license to National City (the lender) here in South Florida, Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach ...... so that they could ascertain whether I have been involved in any previous fraudulent deals! While it's momentarily off-putting --- it's ABOUT TIME ... 05/08/2009

THIS IS THE BEST PRICE RENTAL AT THE MONTECITO! Located in West Palm Beach in Southern Florida, this 1 bedroom 1 bath condo apartment rental is in a great location. Near Cityplace, Kravis Center, Downtown night life and dining, this is the one!  This luxury building offers beautiful secure lobby, fitness center, business center, hi-speed internet, tropical pool area, billiard room, lounge, and clubhouse. This rental is in an elevator building with tropical pool views. Covered garage parking, and the washer/dryer  is in the unit. Sliding doors to balcony. Please call 561-699-8112. 05/08/2009

Many real estate enthusiasts and real estate professionals will insist with urgent messages like “Buy Now!”, “Prices won’t be this low EVER AGAIN!” and “Now is the time to buy!” But the truth is that market conditions matter much less than the buyer’s financial position. Most people feel inadequate as home buyers even when they actually are financially stable enough to buy a home. It’s this lack of information that makes people who can’t afford a home invest and people who can stay on the sidelines. There are a couple ways to see if you are financially stable enough to invest in real estate. But, the best method is to have a meeting with an experienced realtor. Detecting bias in real estate professionals is an important skill. Make sure everything the realtor is telling you are based in... 04/29/2009

Whether a potential buyer is looking for a condo or home, one thing to consider is the view. Amazingly, having a good view often makes up for any shortcomings a property has in terms of the quality of life it provides. Obviously, condos have an advantage on most homes because they can be forty-floors off the ground and provide citywide views or massive views of the ocean. But, if you’re not interested in living in an oceanfront condo there are still great places for those who seeking scenic vistas viewable from their windows or balconies. Having a good view is important because it adds to the aesthetic appeal of a house. Pictures and virtual tours are great tools to see if a home has a great view, but actually going to the home is by far the best way to assure a quality view. Other than... 04/29/2009

In the age of internet house hunting, holding an open house still remains one of the most effective home selling techniques. Any real estate professional will be able to tell you that when a buyer looks at a home in a picture or on the web there is little to no magic that occurs, especially in comparison to when they actually see the home. When a home is experienced with all senses, the buyers develop a connection with the home that can’t be duplicated by any other means. Some tips for improving your home for open houses include hire someone to clean the house, spruce the house up with new fixtures and appliances, use sent to attract buyers with flowers or air-fresheners, use quality lighting, find a place to keep pets, hide expensive jewelry if your not going to be there, have an open ... 04/29/2009

This is probably going on all over the country, but down here in Palm Beach County / West Palm Beach, Florida ... this is the latest due to the high foreclosure rates: A homeowner about to lose their home and move out (and angry!) or a tenant about to be evicted (and angry!) is contacted by some new entrepreneurs using the preforeclosure lists in an innovative way.  They contact the person living in the house and pay them for anything they can take: appliances, bathroom sinks, lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, kitchen cabinets, pool equipment and more.  A fact of our foreclosure times. 04/16/2009

It's an interesting, and encouraging, sign of the times: when an investor can buy a property and be able to flip it almost immediately.  Whether it's an approved short sale, a foreclosure, or a "regular" seller just wanting to get out and move on with his/her life.....suddenly we're back into an interesting market. I just closed a deal today in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County that may result in a flip. Remember:  that purchaser may not accept a contract for sale for 90 days from closing if the next buyer is going to finance the purchase. 04/15/2009

I used to keep a log, year to year, of average sales in Flamingo Park, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County.  For some reason I stopped in 2004.  Perhaps it was my own way of saying to myself that property prices/values had gotten way too out of hand.  What did it matter? Values were way above the clouds; you couldn't even see land down there. I got back to the calculator the other day.  While a lot of property values hit their peak in Palm Beach County in 2005, it was 2006 that Flamingo Park hit its top.  And, of course, average sales prices for 2008 were 56% off those in 2006.  Very bad news for those who bought at or near the peak. But, more interesting and encouraging is this:  Property values in Flamingo Park are up from 1998 to 2008 116%.  For those of us who have lived there quite ... 04/13/2009

Article by Rodney Forbes So you've been reading the news about housing recovery, government tax credits and record low interest rates. Or maybe you've gone to a real estate seminar or taken a course on buying foreclosures and bank REO's. Buying a bank owned property can be a great way to buy a home well under market price. But you must be careful and avoid making some common mistakes when dealing with foreclosures. 1. Never contact the listing agent (the person on the yard sign) This person works for the bank, not you. ALWAYS use a buyers agent when purchasing a home, foreclosure or otherwise. This person looks out for your interests and helps to negotiate the best price and terms for you. But a common misconception is you are paying them. Not true. The sellers pays the commission to bo... 04/05/2009

  Sales of previously owned U.S. homes rose at their fastest pace in nearly six years in February, data showed on Monday, offering some hope to an economy battling a 15-month recession. The current news confirms what I’ve been telling people for the last several months. According to the data in the Florida market, sales of single family homes have been for the past 5 months. Even condo sales are improving in the state of Florida. First time home buyers are making a move due in part to the affordable prices, low mortgage rates and the first time home buyer tax credit. Investors are also starting to pick up properties and fire sale prices. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said sales rebounded 5.1 percent in February to a 4.72 million-unit annual rate, notching their largest gain... 04/05/2009

A New York development group has received final governmental approval to construct a 24-story luxury condominium on a 2.5 acre-site in downtown West Palm Beach that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway.Trinity Development Group LLC's project, the 84-unit Modern condominium at 1515 S. Flagler Drive, was approved Monday with a 3-2 vote by the West Palm Beach city commission, according to the Palm Beach Post.The city commission vote clears the way for Trinity Development to raze the vacant 1515 Tower - a 31-story, 119-unit condominium destroyed by the 2004 hurricane season - that currently stands on the site.In order to obtain the final approval, the developer agreed to demolish the boarded-up tower within the next six months, according to the article.Prices at the Modern condominium start ... 02/10/2009

Ibis Country Club located in West Palm Beach Florida is a beautiful country club community offering 3 Jack Nicklaus Golf Courses, 14 tennis courts, amazing clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center and dining. There are 27 neighborhoods in Ibis, there are villas and attached condos, luxury homes, as well as custom and semi-custom estates. If you are looking for an affordable luxury country club in Palm Beach Florida, look no further. 01/27/2009

     Click here to see my Listings Anthony Pizzarelli a.k.a. Mr Down Town West Palm Beach presnts The Slade.  Sobe chic meets West Palm Beach.  The Slade, near CityPlace in West Palm Beach, is a condo complex that offers splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the city skyline of West Palm Beach. One-, two- or three-bedroom apartments are available in this complex, which also features a large swimming pool that is heated all winter long. Slade residents can get into shape at the complex's fitness center, which includes spacious saunas for men and women. All of the conveniences and activities of the CityPlace town center are just a few blocks away from Slade in West Palm Beach, and the unspoiled beaches of Singer Island are also within easy reach. If you are ... 01/21/2009

     Click here to see my Listings Anthony Pizzarelli a.k.a Mr Down Town West Palm Beach presents Flagler Pointe.  Full amenity waterfront for less sums up Flagler Pointe. Private, lush, classic, elegant - these are terms synonymous with Flagler Pointe. This romantic, Mediterranean style community is uniquely situated near the sparkling waterways of West Palm Beach. Flagler Pointe delicately merges the vibrant CityPlace lifestyle with the quiet serenity of the shoreline. The inspiring views of the water and skyline are simply breathtaking. Flagler Pointe CityPlace West Palm Beach is the best choice for home owners who want to live conveniently near the city's attractions, yet comfortably away from traffic and congestion. Flagler Pointe offers all the features of a fine resort in a priva... 01/21/2009

One City Plaza CityPlace West Palm Beach                                                  Click Here to see my ListingsAnthony Pizzarelli a.k.a. Mr Down Town West Palm Beach presents One City Plaza.  Offering a luxurious lifestyle in one of the most diverse and fascinating cities in South Florida, the residences at One City Plaza in CityPlace West Palm Beach are located just minutes from the world-class CityPlace shopping and entertainment district, and just one block from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.One City Plaza CityPlace West Palm Beach is just a five-minute walk from CityPlace and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. One City Plaza is also located near Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, which provides world-class shopping in addition to the shops at CityPlace.Newly completed ... 01/18/2009

A Pennsylvania businessman has paid $165 per square foot - at least $15 per foot below the construction replacement cost - for 26 units in the new but struggling Edge condominium in West Palm Beach, according to the Palm Beach Post.The highest closing price in the tower was $475 per square foot in 2007, meaning the buyer, Ed Dunlap, chairman of the Canonsburg, Pa.-based roofing company CentiMark, purchased the units at a 65 percent discount off the market peak.Dunlap was the high bidder on six units at a Nov. 15 auction at a price that was 20 percent higher than the purchase amount he ultimately paid.In the seven weeks since the November auction, Dunlap negotiated to buy from the developer, Wood Partners, an additional 20 units at a total price of $5 million for all 26 units, according ... 01/10/2009

Congratulations to our lovely daughter, Tirzah who just graduated with her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the most wonderful Palm Beach Atlantic University right on the Intracoastal in West Palm Beach Florida. The amazing part of this journey is that Tirzah has never set foot in a high school. She was homeschooled for much of her schooling years and went from directly from middle school to dual enrollment at the University at the age of 14. When we went to apply for Tirzah to go to Palm Beach Atlantic University she had to write a thesis of what it would mean to her to be admitted to this beautiful Christian private University campus right on the water. The architecture alone makes you want to take classes there. I was so jealous! This place is so peaceful and serene. You hear the c... 12/28/2008

Community Review: Ironhorse LISTING PHOTOSClick photo to enlarge Ironhorse Ironhorse 1 Price: Upon Request 8000 Ironhorse BlvdWest Palm Beach FL, 33412-2403 View Virtual Tour of West Palm BeachLink to GoogleTM Map Type:  Single Family 55+: No View:  Garden Pets Allowed:   Yes Waterfront:  No Dockage Available:  No Gated: No Waterfront Type:    Amenities: Community Pool, Golf Course, Tennis Court, Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Lounge, Restaurant Area Activities: Dining, Shopping, Movies, Theater The centerpiece of Ironhorse is the championship 18-hole golf course designed by legendary golf course architect, Arthur Hill. The course has been selected by Golf Week magazine as one of the 50 best development courses in Florida. The course complements the scenic natural splendor as it winds throu... 12/27/2008