West Palm Beach Homes for Sale

2012-02-16T10:24:00.005-05:00

LinkedIN's Report on the Housing Market

Almost 11 million homes are now underwater, says financial information provider CoreLogic, a leading provider of financial, property and consumer information. Around 3.5 million homeowners are behind in their payments and another 1.5 million homes are already in the foreclosure process, according to online marketplace RealtyTrac, the Foreclosure Authority™ , that delivers in bulk the most current and most accurate foreclosure data.

Capital Economics, one of the leading independent macro-economic research consultancies in the world, providing research on the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and the UK, and on the property sector expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit. The analytics firm notes the average credit score required to attain a mortgage loan is 700. While this is higher than scores required prior to the crisis, it is constant with requirements one year ago.

However, other market indicators point not just to a stabilization of mortgage lending standards, but also a loosening of credit availability.

Banks are now lending amounts up to 3.5 times borrower earnings. This is up from a low during the crisis of 3.2 times borrower earnings.

Banks are also loosening loan-to-value ratios (LTV), which Capital Economics denotes “the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions.” In contrast to a low of 74 percent reached in mid-2010, banks are now lending at 82 percent LTV.

While credit conditions may have loosened slightly, some potential homebuyers are still struggling with credit requirements. In fact, Capital Economics points out that in November, 8 percent of contract cancellations were the result of a potential buyer not qualifying for a loan.

Additionally, Capital Economics says “any improvement in credit conditions won’t be significant enough to generation actual house price gains,” and potential ramifications from the euro-zone pose a threat to future credit availability.

TODAY’S NEWS ON HOUSING FROM LINKED IN

2012-02-16T07:19:00.002-05:00

However, other market indicators point not just to a stabilization of mortgage lending standards, but also a loosening of credit availability.

Banks are now lending amounts up to 3.5 times borrower earnings. This is up from a low during the crisis of 3.2 times borrower earnings.

TRULIA REPORT: MORE PEOPLE WANT TO MOVE TO FLORIDA THAN LEAVE DUE TO PRICE DECLINES

2012-02-12T07:13:00.001-05:00

Trulia’s top 10 list includes the number of interested out-of-area residents compared to each resident considering leaving. A rating of 2, for example, means that two people are considering a home inside an area for every one person considering a move out:

1. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: 8.80
2. Lakeland-Winter Haven: 7.60
3. North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota: 6.62
4. Cape Coral-Fort Myers: 2.59
5. Tulsa, Okla.: 2.48
6. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach: 2.46
7. Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach: 2.44
8. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif.: 2.43
9. Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, S.C.: 2.40
10. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford: 2.30

New York is the top source of long distance (100 miles or more) home searches for properties along Florida’s Atlantic coast and Central Florida (e.g., Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach).

“THE SKINNY” ON FORECLOSURES IMPACTING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET & SHADOW INVENTORY

2012-01-14T09:33:00.001-05:00

150,000 properties were repossessed by lenders in the tri-county southeast Florida area since the 2007 crash. CondoVultures.com reports that the repossessions equal about half the nearly 300,000 foreclosure actions filed during the same 5-year period. They estimate than less than half of those properties repossessed by lenders have been resold to buyers. They further estimate that this rate will continue steadily for the foreseeable future.

There was a 36% drop in year-over-year bank repossessions but that is rooted in part to issues related to the “foreclosure freeze” in 4Q 2010. Some investors are concerned that purchasing bank-owned properties could lead to future title issues.

With nearly 299,000 notices of default filed against borrowers, the Florida court system was over whelmed with foreclosure actions. Today lenders plan for a 700-day repossession process with a cost of about $100,000 per property. Generally bank owned properties generate lower average prices than short sales.

CoreLogic reports that at the end of October 2011 lenders had a “shadow inventory” of 1.6MM distressed properties and repossessed homes they had not yet put up for sale, down 16% from a year ago. Florida is one of 6 sates accounting for half of these. CoreLogic says in a healthy market shadow inventory should represent less than one month supply of homes; currently the figure is five months.

National Association of Realtors says 29% of November 2011 sales were short sales and bank owned sales. Lender Processing Services estimates that there were almost 4MM homes in the foreclosure process or 90-days delinquent at the end of October.

No matter whose estimate we look at, it’s not a pretty picture!

2012-01-11T01:16:00.001-05:00

DO YOU LOVE TO READ... BUT WISH IT WAS NOT SUCH A SOLITARY EXPERIENCE

Join almost 1.5MM readers and check out a social network for avid readers. List your personal collection and connect with “like [or unlike] minds.” Then browse THEIR collections and share ideas and opinions with reviews. You can join for free and can upgrade your account to catalog as many books as you want to. Head over to http://www.librarything.com.

Click the TALK section tab and then look at a topic of interest. Join one of the groups. Browse the Local entries for lists of book stores and libraries that are nearby. Click MORE and you can get free books and review them, e.g. for Amazon.com. Click Zeitgeist for 25 most reviewed books and other statistics. It probably won’t surprise you to find that J.K. Rowling and Stephen King are the top two of 75 authors. William Shakespeare is #7. TheTop 25 Books list gives places 1 through 8 to the Harry Potter Books.

2011-12-30T18:58:00.002-05:00

THERE ARE 50MM UNEMPLOYED IN THE US - HERE'S A PHARMACY DISCOUNT CARD!

FOR A CARD WITH YOUR NAME ON IT
EMAIL marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

CONCERNED ABOUT A NUCLEAR ATTACK ON THE US? HERE IS A SOLUTION!

2011-12-21T00:10:00.001-05:00

Silo missle sites in various states have been and are being converted into underground homes.

Taxpayers spent $3.3MM for a silo in Topeka, Kasas which has been converted to underground living quarters. The silo was purchased for $40,000, in bad shape, in the 1980’s by a school teacher who, with his wife, has lived there comfortably ever after.

A 3’ layer of earth covers the top layer of reinforced concrete. Floors are 3’ thick, walls and ceilings 18” thick and 15’ high. The special concrete structure was built by the government to withstand a nuclear blast. The folks who live in it say, “We love the solid, quiet feel of the place. Not only is it very well built – it is very easy to heat and cool.” This home has a large greenhouse around the hatch, which brings sunlight into the living space and was formerly used for heavy equipment to manipulate the missiles.

About half of these former military sites are owned privately or by cities, counties, school districts, water companies and other commercial entities. This is a niche market for a unique home for real estate agents. The schoolteacher has made 55 sales, of which 5 have turned over more than once. They said that buyers include some military or former military personnel who are familiar with the silos, and know the benefits. Others are looking for interesting projects to restore, and some want the seclusion, privacy and security. Some buyers are survival-oriented.”

Mortgages and appraisals are a challenge. “Prices have increased and are rising,” they said.

A former 14.5 acre Nike missile base in southeastern Indiana has been converted to three 5,000 sq ft residential spaces. One features a kitchen, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an exercise room indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi tub. All have single-phase electric, city water, paved access with remote-control rolling front gates and high security chain link fencing topped with barbed wire.

An Atlas F site is for sale now in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Diameter is 52’ and depth is 180’. It holds a 2300 sq ft 2-story contemporary home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, finished interiors, a spiral staircase, fiber-optic lighting, a generator and new well. The floor plan is open, there is a large garage and wraparound porch that hides the underground entryway. Price has been reduced from $4.6mm to $750,000. The entrance features heavy security doors that were built to withstand a 2000-lb blast. Location is on part of an exclusive airport subdivision on a 2050 foot Federal Aviation Administration-approved runway.

A communications vault in Paris, Missouri near the Mark Twain recreational lake is available, needing “fix-up”. There are 8200 sq ft of usable underground floor space on this 13-acre site. Ceilings and walls are 24” thick and 2’ to 4’ of earth cover the underground area. A metal shield envelopes the structure and there are heavy blast doors with an emergency-escape hatch exit. The property is available for $295,000. Electricity works and most rooms have heaters and dehumidifiers.

Here is a unique living style which has a following of those seeking secure homes in hardened cold war facilities.

DECLINE OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN US JANUARY 2007 - APRIL 2011

2011-12-13T00:45:00.002-05:00

multimediafinal

2011-12-11T00:22:00.000-05:00

2011-11-28T08:30:00.001-05:00

Planning a flight soon? Head over to SeatGuru.com and see more than 700 airline seat maps from most carriers and read 25,000+ reviews from other fliers.

Get tips on which seats have:

limited recline
reduced legroom
misaligned windows
superior and substandard seats identified by color
compare seats from different carriers

and have a wonderful flight!

EVER WONDERED WHAT THE INTERNET ECONOMY IS?

2011-11-08T08:41:00.002-05:00

McKinsey estimates that the 200 million-person global economy has reached $8-trillion. The report is limited to the G-8 countries plus Brazil, China, India and South Korea.

· Private consumption refers to, electronic equipment, e-commerce, broadband subscriptions, mobile internet and hardware and software consumption

· Private investment refers to, from telecommunications industry and maintenance of extranet, intranet and websites

· Public expenditure refers to, government buying and spending of hardware and services

· Trade refers to, exports of internet equipment and b-2-b services with overseas companies

The internet contributes more to the economy than mining, utilities, agriculture or education. In France since the mid-1990’s, McKinsey states that the internet created twice the number of jobs that it destroyed. World leader of the online industry is the United States with 30% of global internet revenues, but the UK is the world leader in online retail sales. China’s and India’s internet economies rely on exporting online services for most of their economies.

NOTE THAT REAL ESTATE HAS THE GREATEST WEIGHT IN THE GDP....

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER

2011-11-06T18:51:00.001-05:00

You might remember a news story several months ago about a crotchety old man who defied his homeowners association and refused to take down
the flagpole on his property and the large flag that flew on it. Now you can
find out who, exactly, that old man was.
On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburg -- probably
didn't make much news back then. twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano , Italy , Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the US Army in 1940, set out to
flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers. He advanced through a minefield, took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war.

If that wasn't enough for a day's work, he later took on and
destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.

That probably didn't make much news either, given the scope of the
war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after
also serving in Korea and Vietnam , a Congressional Medal of Honor.

What did make news was a neighborhood association's quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home. Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoot's 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable.

He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn't take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association has rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells among them.

"In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference," Barfoot told The Associated Press. As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he's not real good at backing down.
Van T. Barfoot's Medal of Honor citation:
This 1944 Medal of Honor citation, listed with the National Medal of Honor Society, is for Second Lieutenant Van T. Barfoot, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry:
WE ONLY LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE... BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! AND, BECAUSE OF OLD MEN LIKE VAN BARFOOT!

AWARD WINNING PALM BEACH COUNTY THRIVES.

2011-10-24T02:14:00.002-04:00

Palm Beach County maintains a strong internet presence by offering many web-based applications to easily and transparently access service and do business with county departments and agencies. The 2011 Digital Counties Survey, partnering with the National Association of Counties, awarded our county #1 in digital technology, #1 in counties with populations over 500,000.

The annual survey takes into account achievements using technology both regarding operating efficiencies and realizing strategic objectives. ePZV refers to planning, zoning and building. ePermits is used for land development. WbEOC is for emergency management,e911for emergency dispatch, LEX for law enforcement data sharing, HRIS for human services and myGeoNav (GIS).

Many government, education and nonprofit organizations are connected to the county fiber optic network, allowing an open access public network. Internet service is provided to the network by Florida LambdaRail.

For making government information easily accessible, the county website, www.pbcgov.com won the 2011 Sunny Award from Sunshine Review which recognizes government websites exceeding standards aimed at encouraging open government, and the 2010 NACo Achievement Award for outstanding promotion of government transparency was presented to the Palm Beach County Ethics Initiative.

INVENTORIES CONTINUE DOWN; PENDINGS REMAIN THE SAME

2011-09-21T02:25:00.001-04:00

HERE WE GO AGAIN...

2011-09-17T01:20:00.000-04:00

RealtyTrac advises that while foreclosure activity fell for the 11th straight month on a yearly basis in August, it rose compared to July. In August the nation’s foreclosure rate was 1 in 570 housing units. The increase in foreclosure activity was driven by a 33% jump in default notices, largest monthly increase since August 2007. RealtyTrac’s CEO stated that, “The big increase in new foreclosure actions may be a signal that lenders are starting to push thru some of the foreclosures delayed by robo-signing and other documentation problems.” Scheduled auctions and bank repos fell both month-to-month and year- over –year in August. In Florida 23,569 properties received a foreclosure filing in August, a 59% drop from August 2010. That accounts for 1 in 376 units.

Banks are offering incentives of $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 to sellers who go to foreclosure to help with a new start and a new bill, Homestead Act 2, being introduced shortly, will propose offering $20,000 to foreclosure buyers for down payment assistance. A similar offer was made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 for Union Army veterans to file an application and claim up to 160 acres of government land; the homesteader was required to improve the land building a home and growing crops. It would come in the form of a loan and be forgiven each year in the first 5 years of the homestead, by 1/5th each year.

2002 PRICES PREVAIL FOR SOME SOUTH FLORIDA HOMES

2011-09-01T00:20:00.000-04:00

According to the Chairman of the Index Committee and S&P indices, “No cities made new lows in June 2011,” and “this month’s S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Index report showed mixed signals for recovery in home prices.” Home sales, they say, are at the same levels in June as they were in 2002. Homes in the tri-county area were up .6% from May but down 5.1% from the same period in 2010. Keep in mind that “2002 prices prevail” does not refer to all sales. When homes are well located for the buyers needs and have extra features such as pools, boat docks, sizeable lots, and upgraded kitchens and baths, the seller may get a higher price than the “2002 value.” Investors looking for income earning properties, on the other hand, bid low, so those sales are at the 2002 level, and maybe lower if not in good condition.

Pending sales have declined, and until we have easier access to credit, an increase in job opportunities, and the financial markets stabilize, the housing market will continue to struggle to recover. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, “The market can easily move into a healthy expansion if mortgage underwriting standards return to normalcy… proper comparables [must be] used in appraisal valuations” and he added that the short sale process must be streamlined. He also stated that, “investors are buying real estate as a future inflation hedge.”

Nevertheless, this remains the best time ever to buy in Florida, and discerning cash buyers are buying. Those looking at higher end houses realize that if they buy now, they can live in a beautiful home, in due time it will appreciate in value while they are enjoying the lifestyle… and real estate has ALWAYS “COME BACK”.

WHAT's UP?

2011-08-09T09:58:00.002-04:00

Are we facing the loss of the interest deduction and would that threaten a housing market recovery?

Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, says, "the mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy." He further says, "facilities home ownership by reducing the carrying costs of owning a home, and it makes a real difference to hard-working middle-class families."

With all the cuts coming up soon, would this be a positive or negative cut for the economy if it reduces the number of home buyers who counted on the interest deduction?

DON'T LIKE WAITING ON LINE?

2011-07-30T02:36:00.001-04:00

Here is a helpful idea when you need drivers licensing services. If you have a mobile device, you can text waitpbc to 41411, says Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, and you will receive back a text message shoing the number of people currently in line for a license and the approximate wait minutes. Appointments for drivers license services can be scheduled up to three months in advance and wait times can be viewed at www.taxcollectorpbc.com. Payment options include cash, check or money order; credit cards cannot be processed. For office locations go to http://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.

Since 2010 the Legislature transferred the job of issuing Real ID driver licenses from the DMV to local tax collectors. One must go in person to prove their identity, according to the Federal Real ID Act. With their service centers now in small offices, Gannon says, “We are harnessing the power of technology to put new tools directly in the customers’ hands.

Other implementations to assist those waiting on line include a mobile receptionist issuing Q-flow tickets to clients standing in line so they can circumvent the line; mobile receptionist can process simple motor vehicle transactions including license plate surrender or renewal and handicapped parking permits. An employee checks the line in peak times so if you do not have required documentation you don’t wait needlessly.

CREST THEATRE IN DELRAY BEACH TO PRESENT INTERESTING LECTURES

2011-07-21T08:55:00.001-04:00

Thursdays at 2 pm, “come winter,” the Robert D. Chapin 2012 Lecture Series presents the following programs and you may want to note them on your calendar now:

January 12: Author and Today Show correspondent JENNA BUSH HAGER may tell stories of inspirational people doing great things across America, which she contributes to the Today Show. Jenna is the daughter of former President George and Laura Bush and granddaughter of former President George H.W. and Barbara Bush. Jenna wrote “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope”, inspired through working with UNICEF which became a New York Times Best Seller.

February 2: US Ambassador to the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, ROBERT “Skip” ORR, is former President of Boeing Japan, and former Vice President of Motorola’s European Affairs Division. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1976, received his Master’s Degree from Georgetown University, and Doctorate in Political Science from Tokyo University.

March 15: host of The Newlywed Game and former disc jockey BOB EUBANKS will share with us untold stories and funny anecdotes about some Hollywood and Music Industry moments. His six rules for success are motivational. He will also review hilarious moments from The Newlywed Game. In 2000 Bob became the only tv personality to ever host the same show format for 5 decades.

April 5: Journalist, Producer, Author and Writer STEVEN BOGART is also the son of legendary acting greats Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. His non-fiction “Bogart: In Search of My Father” was a bestseller. He will share with us his personal insights and funny stories about his parents and some rarely seen home movies.

General Admission is $25 for open balcony seating; reserved seating on the main floor is $40. Reserved tickets include a post-lecture reception.

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WHAT IS AGING ABOUT?

2011-07-17T06:20:00.000-04:00

MIT RESEARCH:

Understanding how the body ages

via an aging suit

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND

2011-07-09T20:46:00.002-04:00

Looking for TREASURES at Bargain Rates? Be at Bruce Kodner Galleries on Sunday, July 10^th at 1 pm for all kinds of goodies to bid on from stunning jewelry to sculpture to porcelain to watches to oriental room size rugs and much, much more. Located just below Lake Avenue in Lake Worth on east side of Dixie.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria was an early presentation, still popular after 17 years, featuring classic baroque imagery and a timeless theme of age. Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, an indoor arena, presents this and other shows this month.

Mizner Park Amphitheater presents “Summer in the City,” a Neil Diamond Tribute on July 29, 2011 at 7 pm. It is a free concert. You can bring along a chair or blanket, relax and enjoy the best of entertainment under the stars and bring the whole family. Lots of great eateries for dinner in Mizner Park!

Crafts fan? Be at the South Florida Expo Center, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach starting at 10 am July 9 to see unique one-of-a-kind items and gifts, try on custom made gold and silver jewelry, find handcrafted furniture, fudge and gourmet delights, folk art, dolls, candies, artwork, pet items, quilts, wearable art, and many other collectable items.

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NAR COMMENTS RE PENDING HOME SALES TRENDING UP

2011-06-30T10:10:00.002-04:00

While inventories are falling, pendings have trended up in 7 of the last 11 months.

Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, said that the upward trending of home sale pendings bodes well for home prices. “Absorption of inventory is the key to price improvement, and this solid gain in contract signings implies that home values in many localities are or will soon be stabilizing as inventories get absorbed at a faster pace,” he said. “Home sales still could be 15 to 20 percent higher,” Yun said.

“If banks would simply return to normal sound underwriting standards and begin lending to more creditworthy borrowers, we’d get a much faster recovery in the housing sector.” Yun, as is the common thread, said that healthy job creation is necessary to ensure a solid recovery both in home sales and the overall economy.

A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

1925 UPDATED, UPGRADED NORTHWOOD HOME NOW $99,000-SHORT SALE

2011-06-11T07:39:00.002-04:00

Lovingly maintained, the 2-story home, new on the market, has 3 bedrooms and a den, 1 ½ baths. No closets in 3^rd bedroom and den. Roof and appliances are newer in this pretty home with Spanish-style architecture.

32’x16’ living room, entered into from foyer, has fireplace and crown moldings. Pointed archway cutout leads to 20’x20’ dining room. Wood floors are beautiful.

19’x17’ Kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, center island. 18’x14’ master bedroom. Master bath has tub and shower combo. 2nd and 3^rd bedrooms are 14’x12’. Total of 1727 living sq ft. Washer and dryer included. Back porch overlooks yard, is screened in. Pets OK. No HOA fees.

NAR reports that Foreign purchasers buy U.S. property for investment, vacation, and locational reasons.

2011-06-09T08:22:00.001-04:00

National Association of Realltor’s 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity reports that foreigners view U.S. properties as a secure investment, one that provides rental and long-term appreciation possibilities.
Homes in this country are less expensive than comparable foreign properties.
International purchasers buy properties for both vacation and rental purposes

FLORIDA CFO WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK ON IMPROVING THE FLORIDA HOME INSURANCE MARKET

2011-06-08T23:02:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,

With the 2011 hurricane season now underway, I am hopeful that we will continue the good fortune we have experienced for the past five years.

The past two legislative sessions have shown the delicate balance needed to attract the private insurance industry back to Florida while ensuring fair and equitable rates for Floridians. These legislative reforms should signal to the insurance industry that Florida is open, competitive and ready for their business.

Attached are two recent articles regarding the need for further discussion and reforms surrounding the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Company. I found them to be thought-provoking and worthy of discussion.

I look forward to your feedback on these articles and any other insurance-related topics. It is an honor to serve as your Chief Financial Officer.

Sincerely,

Jeff Atwater
Florida's Chief Financial Officer

Jeff.Atwater@myfloridacfo.com

Attachments:
Wall Street Journal Editorial on 5-21-2011
Guest Column by Don Brown in Tallahassee Democrat

ACTIVE LISTINGS DWINDLE WHILE PENDINGS ARE UP

2011-06-07T19:24:00.002-04:00

    ACTIVE listings are properties
   where no current sale contract
   exists

   PENDING sales are properties in
   which a contract for sale has
   been executed but not yet closed.

2011-05-04T18:23:00.001-04:00

By Asher Price AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 5:38 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Published: 9:57 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A   demolition whiz, an expert parachutist and diver, a pilot of    mini-submarines and, at one point, an aspiring journalist if Rambo were a    Renaissance man, and a lot thinner and taller, he might look like  Bill   McRaven.

Long   before he devised the strategy for how to capture or  kill Osama bin   Laden, McRaven began preparing for a career as a  super-commando while   he was an undergraduate at the University of Texas.

McRaven,    55  and now a vice admiral, had been something of a bin Laden hunter    for at least a half-dozen years before successfully directing the  attack   Sunday as the leader of the Joint Special Operations Command.

McRaven,    who hails from San Antonio, began preparing for his storied career   with  the Navy SEALs, the elite special operations forces, while still a    member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at UT, from which he    graduated in 1977 as a journalism major.

"He   had drive," said  James Gruetzner, who was in the same Navy ROTC   battalion as McRaven. "He  went on extraordinarily long runs to stay in   shape. He was very  dedicated."

McRaven   grew up in a military family — his father, a  former football player,   had served as a pilot in World War II — and  early outings as a   10-year-old to scuba dive at the YMCA put him on the  Navy path, said   his sister  Nan McRaven, an Austin public affairs  consultant who serves   on the board of Austin Community College.

"He    became  very focused on SEAL training," said Curtis Raetz, who also   was  in the ROTC battalion. "He was able to lap us all no matter how   hard we  tried."

Students aiming to become SEALs were "fanatical" about physical training, said Greg Colchin, another member of the battalion.

"People    think of it as a physical thing, but it's also a mental thing," said    Nan McRaven, who said her brother has loved to read ever since their    mother compelled him to recite poetry as a boy. "He's focused, and he    has the humility for real leadership."

Eventually   he would become a  qualified diver, parachutist, demolition expert and   submersible pilot.  He also had smarts. He earned a master's degree in   national security  affairs,  and in 1995, he wrote "Spec Ops: Case   Studies in Special  Operations Warfare Theory and Practice," in which he   developed his own  definition of a special operation as one "conducted   by forces specially  trained, equipped, and supported for a specific   target whose  destruction, elimination, or rescue (in the case of   hostages), is a  political or military imperative."

Nominating   McRaven for a fourth  star this year, Defense Secretary Robert Gates   said the Joint Special  Operations Command "ruthlessly and effectively   (took) the fight to  American's most dangerous and vicious enemies."

At   its head was  McRaven, who "is reputed to be the smartest SEAL that   ever lived. He is  physically tough, compassionate and can drive a knife   through your ribs  in a nanosecond," a former commander told Newsweek   in 2004.

He    also has shown a capacity for contrition. In April 2010, a couple of    months after a special forces  team mistakenly killed an Afghan police    chief, a prosecutor and three unarmed women, McRaven pleaded for    forgiveness from a local patriarch, bringing with him an offering of two    sheep as part of a custom to make amends.

That followed McRaven's decision to tamp down commando raids in Afghanistan to avoid civilian deaths.

Whatever    successes he achieved remained outstripped by the specter of bin   Laden,  whose elimination, to use McRaven's own word, remained an   "imperative."

As    long ago as 2004, having already commanded the team that helped   capture  Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein — soldiers based at Fort Hood   also were  involved — he turned his attention to capturing Public Enemy   No. 1.

But he was stymied until this spring, when intelligence officers determined that bin Laden was in hiding in Pakistan.

McRaven    spent weeks working with the CIA on the commando operation, The New    York Times has reported, coming up with three options: a helicopter    assault using American commandos, a strike with B-2 bombers that would    obliterate the compound or a joint raid with Pakistani intelligence    operatives who would be told about the mission hours before the launch.

The decision, to swoop in with a crew of American commandos, was in keeping with McRaven's view of special operations.

In    2001 congressional testimony on military training, McRaven described    the two primary missions of Navy SEALs: "Reconnaissance and what we  call   direct action: raids, ambushes, swimmer sneak attacks and optical    clearance for amphibious landings," he said. "Most of these missions    originate from the water and require us to work in small units, behind    enemy lines at night, with little or no outside support."

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/seal-who-directed-bin-laden-effort-started-journey-1452367.html

2011-04-25T08:17:00.001-04:00

HOW TO SAVE ON GAS

AS PRICES RISE THIS SUMMER

WHERE IS THE

LOWEST PRICED LOCAL GAS?

FLORIDA CHAMBER FOUNDATION SEEKS TO GUIDE FLORIDA TO ITS NEXT ECONOMY

2011-04-24T12:31:00.001-04:00

The Florida Chamber Foundation will use the Six Pillars Caucus System, a qualitative research program to engage the best and brightest minds in the state, as a method of starting the first-ever statewide strategic plan to help guide Florida toward its next economy. Their plan will include an economy that offers high-wage jobs, global competitiveness and vibrant communities by 2030.

Now in its second year, construction of a plan has already begun and deliberations will be more focused in order to finalize the first draft.

The group is seeking volunteer caucus members to engage and collaborate with others with a commitment to Florida’s future. Find information here or contact Sara Patterson spatterson@FLFoundation.org, (850) 521-1226

STAYING IN SHAPE

2011-04-13T05:32:00.008-04:00

YOU LOOK GREAT! WHAT did you say your secret weapon is? An olympic weight set? Keep up the good work. You say your thumb hurts? Arthritis? Carpel Tunnel? A wrist brace may help!

Heading to the club for a golf outing? What will hold your Wilson Golf Clubs? Surely, you want to appear in your "Sunday Best"! Remember that appearances count!

You will be amazed at the volume of items out there that will help us to be at our optimum best!

IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING… HERE IT IS ... TIGER’S NEW HOME IN JUPITER

2011-04-03T12:25:00.001-04:00

Tiger Woods’ new home in Jupiter has a 4-hole golf course and running track and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Price ticket? $60MM.

Prior to his split with now ex-wife Ellen Nordegren, they spent many months planning every detail together. The 10,000 sq ft house is on Jupiter Island. Meant to be a family home, now it is a state-of-the-art bachelor pad. The huge master bedroom has “his-and-hers” bathrooms and there are three more bedroom suites. There is a glass-fronted elevator. Other features are a basement wine cellar, and perhaps a move theatre and game room for the Woods’ children, Sam and Charlie.

Many tall trees and high boundary walls surround the plot, giving the privacy desired, but aerial photos, which appeared on Tiger’s blog, show the compound nicely.

Four more buildings are adjoined to the main house, including a boathouse, golf training studio, stand-alone garage and huge guesthouse. There is a tennis court, gym, diving pool, lap lane, 100’ running track and a 3.5 acre 4-hole golf course. The short-game area has four greens, six sand traps with different depths and kinds of sand, a video center and putting studio.

A pair of boat docks on the Intracoastal side of the property will hold Woods’ 155 ft yacht, named Privacy.

IS THIS ANY WAY TO RUN A COMPANY? YOU BETCHA IT IS!

2011-04-01T01:13:00.002-04:00

I rarely put an item on my blogs with just a link, but this is a "must see", just one story about a work ethic that makes America great! Watch the video!

http://www.blogsouthwest.com/video/luv-stories-unexpected-thank-you

EL CID HISTORIC HOME TOUR from 2-5 pm ON APRIL 3rd

2011-03-30T03:22:00.002-04:00

Here’s your chance to see thirteen homes in the grand West Palm Beach historic neighborhood of El Cid, an area of 285 homes of which 185 are listed as historic.

The 1925 house and gardens at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach, listed on the National register of Historic places, is included and after the tour, come and enjoy the wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music there. This is also where the tour begins.

Homes will be examples of Mediterranean Revival and Mission Revival, built in the 1920’s, many of them renovated, some taken down to the studs and with redone foundations. Others are mostly “original”. West Palm Beach has 14 historic districts.

Parking is available at Unity of the Palm Beaches, 1957 S.Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Trolley is available.

Advance admission is $55; $65 the day of the tour. For information call 954-270-6081.

CENSUS: FLORIDA HAD 7TH CONSECUTIVE DECADE OF DOUBLE-DIGIT POPULATION GROWTH

2011-03-21T16:05:00.002-04:00

Florida remains one of the top places to move to in the United States. The US population grew by 9.7%, and Sunshine State residents grew by 17.6 percent with a 2.8MM increase in residents between 2000 and 2010.

This growth swelled despite a high rate of unemployment and a housing slump. While 1.7MM new residential units were built over the past decade, the number of vacant properties climbed nearly 63% during the same time frame, according to the New York Times.

NEW BILLS ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION NEXT WEEK IN TALLAHASSEE RELATING TO REAL ESTATE PROBLEMS

2011-03-09T00:16:00.002-05:00

With Florida having hundreds of thousands of foreclosures, millions of underwater mortgages and four years of depreciating values, lawmakers meeting next week in Tallahassee are considering new real estate laws. They generally affect help for condo associations, property tax reform or changes to the foreclosure process.

The Distressed Condo Relief Act passed last year gave condo associations the authority to collect rent directly from tenants of delinquent owners until delinquencies are paid up, and to bar non-paying condo owners from using common amenities like pools and clubhouses. The bill also provides protections for condo associations that file foreclosure against delinquent unit owners, ensuring that they are not held liable for that owner’s past due assessments when they take title.

A bill being considered this year would give condo associations the power to restrict cable television service and internet access from owners of delinquent condos. It was pointed out that the reason many homeowners are in default is lack of jobs; this could mean less access to job opportunities.

Another Bill will change a portion of the Save Our Homes Law by eliminating the Recapture Rule. If voters approve, a home’s property value assessment would not be increased during years when the home’s market value decreases. More than 300,000 homes were affected by rising property taxes while property values fell 13% in 2010. However with governments struggling with budget cuts, less property revenue means MORE cuts.

A bill is being considered to potentially lower property taxes for new and 2^nd homeowners, and the annual cap on increases for non-homesteaded properties would be reduced from 10% down to 3%. An additional homestead exemption would be given to first-time homebuyers, worth 50% of the property value.

A bill is up for consideration to provide banks and mortgage lenders the option of conducting foreclosure on commercial properties outside the courtroom rather than going to court to repossess delinquent properties, allowing lenders to reclaim a property through a trustee foreclosure which is usually faster than a judicial foreclosure. According to the Miami Herald, about 100,000 foreclosed residential homes are stymied within the processes right now.

There will be an attempt to direct funds for affordable housing away from new housing to instead renovate vacant abandoned properties and tenants will be given 90 days notice to move out of repossessed foreclosed homes.

Nevertheless it is apparent that current problems will not be solved quickly, and that there are pros and cons with every change.

UPDATES ON THE HOME FRONT - PRICES DOWN, SALES UP

2011-03-03T05:30:00.002-05:00

Realtytrac reports that 26% of all home sales are foreclosures, nationally and Bank repossessions level off, down slightly from 2009 but up from 2008.

Case-Schiller reports that during the 6 months ending December 31, home prices fell nearly 6%.

National Association of Realtors reports that sales of existing homes rose for the third straight month.

In 2010, Nevada, Arizona, California and Florida had the highest percentage of foreclosures, in that order.

Cash buyers are offering very low bids, especially for distressed homes being sold at deep discounts, pulling the median price down.

According to Zillow, nearly 30% of mortgage borrowers are underwater on loans and very vulnerable to foreclosure.

THE GOOD NEWS

2011-02-24T03:58:00.002-05:00

According to the National Association of Realtors:

· Existing home sales increased 2.7% nationally

· This is the first time in 7 months that sales activity was higher than a year earlier

· Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says

o Home sales uptrend is consistent with improvements in the economy and jobs

o Consumer confidence is boosting

o Affordability conditions are a big factor

o Tight credit has resulted in high levels of all-cash purchases primarily for distressed homes sold at deep discounts – which pulls the median price downward but traditional homes in good condition have held their value

o Investor activity is another factor re purchasing undervalued homes

· In January, first time buyers bought 29% of homes sold

· Investors bought 23% of purchases in January

· Housing inventory is at a 7.6 month supply, lowest level since 12/2009

· Existing-home sales increased 3.6% in the South

NAR is America’s largest real estate trade association, representing 1.1MM members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS ON THE HOME FRONT

2011-02-12T19:37:00.001-05:00

Zillow reported that south Florida home values are down 15.4% year-over-year in 4Q2010. Home Value Index fell to $139,100 from $160,000 at end of 2009.

Housing bargain sales wins prevail with big losses for many sellers. This IS THE BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida.

Foreclosures in Florida fell 54% according to Realty Trac year-over-year in January 2011. Foreclosure filings last month were 21,671 in Florida, one for every 409 housing units in the state which is 15.4% lower from December 2010.

What to make of this? An interesting 9-acre man-made island between Aventura and Sunny Isles Beach is on the market for $49.5MM reports Condo Vultures. In the 1950’s the DOT created the island as part of a massive dredging effort. Assessed value? $3MM or $7.90 per sq ft according to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraisers Office. Sounds like an interesting deal… so let’s wait and see who (if anyone) buys this island!

Mortgage interest rates are going up… rate topped 5% for the first time since last April. Rates, however, are still historically low according to Florida Realtors organization, and there is actually a $100 a month jump on a $200,000 loan since the lowest rate in November. Rates follow the 10-year Treasury note yields, heading up with inflation fears. Many buyers are paying cash.

WANT TO SEE THE NEWEST DECORATOR MODELS?

2011-02-03T06:51:00.002-05:00

Model Tour: 1200 Hillsboro Mile, Before & After – 2/8/2011 at 2 pm

Join the Robb & Stucky Design Team of Rene Evans, ASID and Richard Ramus at 1200 Hillsboro Mile for a private tour of their beautiful model. This is an opportunity to see the “before” unfurnished unit and the “after” decorated model–and the transformation is amazing. This event is offsite. The model is located about 1 mile south of Hillsboro on the west side of A1A. Reservations are required so please call early to reserve your space and to receive directions. No cameras, please.

Model Tour: Villas By The Sea, Before & After – 2/16/2011 at 2 pm

Have you ever wondered how a designer finds inspiration and then transforms it into a design concept? Join Robb & Stucky Design Associate Ron Acosta on-site at Villas by the Sea. Ron will start the tour in an unfurnished unit, then continue to the completed model for comparison. He will share his design process, and the secret that inspired the special look of this incredible Oceanside model project. Meet first at the Sales office for Villas by the Sea, located off A1A just north of Commercial Blvd in Lauderdale by the Sea. Reservations are required so please call early to reserve your space and to receive directions. No cameras, please.

Please call (561) 862-5597 to reserve; reservations are limited!

RECENT STUDY SHOWS WALKABILITY ADDS VALUE TO A PROPERTY

2011-01-27T06:31:00.002-05:00

Ceo’S FOR Cities, a national consortium of civic and business leaders, did a 2009 study and found that homes where you can walk to the supermarket and other stores, schools and parks will be valued at $4,000 to $34,000 more than those with less walkability where you have to drive to get to amenities. The bigger, more urban the city, such as Miami, the higher value walkability adds. Nearby public transportation also boosts value.

The study covered 94,000 real estate sales of comparable homes in 15 major markets.

You can use Walkscore to rate the walkability of your home or a home you are considering purchasing.

HAVE A GREAT TIME IN DELRAY BEACH

2011-01-25T08:05:00.002-05:00

A PEEK AT DELRAY BEACH

Delray Beach is the type of coastal town that has it all: unobstructed beaches, shops, the restaurants and definitely, the entertainment. A little bit for everyone to enjoy. Delray does a great job with its festivals and fairs. They close a main street and fill it to capacity with vendors, musicians and artists in a blink of an eye. When is all over done with, it comes down just as fast as it went up.

Come on downtown on Thursday, January 27^th for Art & Jazz On The Avenue. Once a month, during the season, and on a Thursday from 6-10 pm, live musical entertainment is presented, On the Avenue. Open house specials, and gallery exhibitions are will be browsed at the very least. Even though it is On the Avenue, it will also extend to the SW 5th Avenue Plaza.

Highlights will include:

Florida Panthers’ Partymobile --- interactive games and the launch of the team’s new video game --- at the Delray Beach Magazine booth in the 300 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Palm Beach Makos and Cheerleaders in the 400 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Exhilarating skateboard course designed and constructed by Stoner Skateboards in the 600 block of East Atlantic Avenue;
Sports clinics led by Atlantic High School sports leaders on the Great Lawn by Old School Square.
City of Delray Beach Parks & Recreation sponsored dance and fitness demonstrations and performances led by the Delray Divas, Diamonds and Pearls and Delray Rocks and Cheerleaders Dance, also on the Great Lawn by Old School Square.
Yankee great Roy White, the Roger Dean Stadium inflatable hitting bay and the Allianz golf hitting bay – all in Worthing Park.
Representatives of the International Tennis Championships and the US Tennis Association in the 200 and 400 blocks of East Atlantic Avenue.
Cycling on Your Mark in the 300 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Miss Geico 50-foot racing boat with jet turbine engine will be on display in the 500 block of East Atlantic Avenue and sports car along NE 1^st Avenue.
Roaming Drew Tucker Stomp Band
The Heavy Pets, a production of 102 Degrees, will be performing on the Old School Square Entertainment Pavilion with Stampede as the opening act. The concert will benefit Delray Beach’s Caring Kitchen through donations collected by volunteers. An after-party hosted by the new Pineapple Groove will start just after the concert.
Jim Kolvacik Trio in the 100 block of East Atlantic Avenue
Groove Merchant and Atlantic High School Jazz Band on SE 4^th Avenue.
Jazz Stream in the 400 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Al Johnson in the 500 block of East Atlantic Avenue.
Visitors to the Vista BMW tent will be invited to register for a chance to win a new BMW 135i. Details will be available on site.
Representatives of the Boca Artists Guild in the 100 East Atlantic block.
Avalon Gallery at 425 E Atlantic Ave.
Blue Coast Art Exhibit at 110 E Atlantic Ave.
Blue Gallery at 600 E Atlantic Ave.
Cacace Fine Art Studio & Gallery at 135 E Atlantic Ave.
DeBilzan Gallery at 38 E Atlantic Ave.
Delray Art & Framing at 321 E Atlantic Ave.
Ford Fine Art at 235 NE 4^th Ave. #101
Forms Gallery at 415 E Atlantic Ave.
Kevro’s Gallery, Media Studio & Art Bar at 166 SE 2^nd Ave.
Ora Sorensen Gallery at 445 E Atlantic Ave.

Art & Jazz will extend to the SW 5^th Ave Plaza with entertainment from:

Beacon Center first- and second-grade classes, creative dance team and Village Academy praise dancers.
Creative dance team, Step Club and Drum Line of the Family Resource Center.

FREE ADMISSION!

TIME FOR A WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC PLACES IN PALM BEACH?

2011-01-05T08:19:00.002-05:00

Worth Avenue is considered one of the best world wide upscale exclusive shopping streets, with many top name luxury retail stores, jewelers, art galleries and restaurants. Walking down Worth Avenue, in and out of the pretty and picturesque flowered alleyways, browsing or buying, can occupy a happy afternoon.

Five major architects are responsible for charming, elegant old-world Mediterranean-style buildings in the Worth Avenue area – Addison Mizner, John Volk, Howard Major, Maurice Fatio and Marion Sims Wyethe. The Everglades Club was built in 1918 and is still beautiful. These architects are also responsible for many commercial and residential buildings. The Palm Beach Preservation Foundation’s mission is to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of the Town of Palm Beach and the scenic quality. Awards are given to properties for their preservation efforts and results.

Built in 1925, architects for the Brazilian Court Hotel were, Rosario Candela (1925) and, Maurice Fatio (1936). The property began as a Mediterranean Revival style residence, and later added a south wing and was landmarked in 1994. Fatio built many beautiful homes in the area, as did the other architects mentioned above. These stately elegant properties still stand, well loved and lived in, a testament to the abilities and quality of materials used by these architects in the early 1920’s. In 2010 this hotel was designated #1 in Florida by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Now a 5-star hotel, you might want to stop for an exciting lunch or dinner at Café Boulud. The courtyard in back is charming and romantic. A reservation for a room or suite will result in an elegant, memorable vacation. The courtyard in back is charming and romantic. A reservation for a room or suite will result in an elegant, memorable vacation. You can walk to Worth Avenue or head to the beach with jeep transportation provided.

At 450 Worth Avenue, Casa de Leoni, built in 1920 by Addison Mizner, favors a Venetian design. This property received the Preservation Foundation Ballinger Award for Restoration in 1995. At 456 Worth Avenue, sits Villa des Cygnes, built by Addison Mizner in 1922. In 417 Major Alley there is a small row of Bermuda style homes built by Howard Major in 1925.

In 1994, Pan’s Garden at 386 Hibiscus Avenue became a Preservation Foundation project, and won many awards. See many Florida native plants at this delightful, serene Botanic Garden. At 319 Brazilian Avenue, a typical Palm Beach bungalow was built in 1910 and given the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach Ballinger Award for Restoration in 1995. Tours are available for school children.

The oldest house in Palm Beach is Sea Gull Cottage, built in 1886, in 1993 Henry Flagler’s first winter home. In 1913 it was moved to the oceanfront as part of the Breakers Hotel. The property has won many awards.

For exclusive walking tours for groups, call 561-659-6909 and be treated to the history of the area by James Ponce, who is called Palm Beach’s only “Two Legged Historical Landmark” by the Palm Beach Town Council. Hear the facts and fables of Palm Beach’s illustrious history and celebrity residents. Tours are scheduled to start at 11 a.m. in the Gucci Courtyard at 256 Worth Avenue on January 12, January 26, February 9, February 23 and other dates thereafter. Call to reserve.

THE LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE in PALM BEACH

2010-12-26T03:26:00.002-05:00

Pioneer Day at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Palm Beach is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, 2011 from 1-3 pm. Check with the Preservation Foundation at 561-832-0731. It is now home to a program of Palm Beach’s living history taking children back in time for a mini-day in a one-room school of the 1890’s, home to The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is in Phipps Ocean Park in Palm Beach, 2185 South Ocean Drive in Palm Beach. Refurbished in 1960 by the Gardeners Society of Palm Beach and the Town of Palm Beach, it remained unused until 1990 when it became part of the pioneer education program. Education in America’s one-room schoolhouses stressed discipline, moral values and “the 3 R’s.” Visiting students today participate in a spelling bee, trace Spencerian script and recite from Tom Sawyer, Little Women, The Ancient Mariner and McGuffey’s Readers. Period artifacts are also part of the pioneer educational experience.

Starting with seven students in 1886, there were 35 students by the 1880’s. The schoolhouse was located about a mile north of the Royal Poinciana Bridge on Lake Trail in Palm Beach. Children arrived by boat, bicycle or on foot from Lake Worth families and were all taught together in one room. The school ceased operation in 1901 and became a tool shed on the John S. Phipps property, falling into decline and deterioration in future years.

Preserving past educational history and its artifacts is so important to the school children of today. There are interesting positive lessons to learn from the past.

2010-12-21T05:58:00.002-05:00

DECEMBER 26, 27

COME TO THE 4TH ANNUAL

DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH

ART AND CRAFT SHOW

Delray Beach will hold the next Art & Craft Fair in Pineapple Grove, north on NE 2^nd off Atlantic Avenue, from 10 am to 5 pm. More than 100 booths will be featured. Items to browse and purchase will include some of the finest arts and crafts in the US, e.g. life sized sculptures, paintings, handmade jewelry, pottery and some very unique treasures. Don’t miss the adjacent crafters market place with handmade body products, beautiful candles, wood plant holders and an expansive green market.

Show is now closed in jewelry category and only wait list applications will be accepted for this category.

Exhibitor parking is at City Hall on NW 1^st Avenue. Both size is 10’x10’ but a double space may be available too. For show fees email info@artfestival.com. Setups begin at 5 am Saturday morning.

NEW APPRAISAL GUIDELINES FROM FEDERAL RESERVE

2010-12-16T00:20:00.002-05:00

A joint version of property appraisal guidelines was released 12-6-2010 by the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Office of Thrift Supervision and the National Credit Union Administration. It is expected that this will be the final version.

Appraisal independence is cited, with lenders exchanging information with appraisers, but not being able to “directly or indirectly coerce, influence, or otherwise encourage an appraiser or a person who performs an evaluation to misstate or misrepresent the value of the property.” Lenders cannot tell appraiser of any expected or qualifying estimate of value, nor mention a minimum value requirement for approval or condition of the valuation being ordered. Lenders can’t tie compensation to appraiser to loan approval, nor blacklist an appraiser if valuations do not meet expected thresholds.

BPOs (broker price opinions) do NOT comply with minimum appraisal standards.

DESPITE FORECLOSURES, COOL WEATHER, RAMPANT UNEMPLOYMENT - NOW SEE THE GOOD NEWS!

2010-12-15T07:30:00.002-05:00

NOTE THAT OUR PART OF FLORIDA

RANKS HIGH IN LIFE EXPECTANCY!

LATEST HOUSING MARKET NEWS

2010-11-24T06:07:00.001-05:00

· Palm Beach - There were 517 sales of houses and condos for $1MM+ in the first 9 months of 2010, up 13% from the same period in 2009 – buyers are driving hard bargains and sellers are selling!

· October statewide year-to-date existing home sales in Florida were u p 7% and condo sales up 33%

· NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said what is slowing down the housing market recovery includes:

o Recent foreclosure moratorium

o Tight credit

o Appraisals coming below a negotiated price

· Yun also said the good news is:

o Low mortgage interest rates

o Favorable affordability conditions

o Pentup demand by buyers may soon be unleashed

· Economists forecast 1 million new jobs in Florida over the next 7 years

· Foreclosure Shadow inventory (not yet on the market) poses a threat to market values going up

· Proposed limits on mortgage interest tax deductions are slowing sales

· Should some of the savings from earmarked money being canceled be put in the form of a new tax credit to help home buyers?

REMOVE MORTGAGE INTEREST DEDUCTION?

2010-11-20T02:50:00.001-05:00

NAR Chief Economist and GURU

Lawrence Yun, said,

According to the

WALL STREET JOURNAL,

That removing the mortgage

Interest deduction completely

Could cause home prices to

Fall by about 15%,

Should it be wiped away

Entirely.

“”That is,” he said, “an ugly scenario,

particularly given housing’s

fragile state.”

While the chances of the deduction

going away are slim, he painted

a grim picture of

what could happen.

“Housing is critical to the economy,”

he said in an interview.

“In my view, [losing the deduction]

will surely put us in a

broader economic recession.”

THE BAD NEWS... MAYBE THE GOOD NEWS WILL SOON COME OUR WAY

2010-11-13T09:37:00.001-05:00

ZILLOW REPORTS ALMOST HALF OF ALL

SEPTEMBER SALES IN SOUTH FLORIDA

SOLD FOR A LOSS.

The tri-county area has a 42% rate of underwater mortgages for single family homes. Home values have fallen since the 2006 peak by 53% with price levels what they were in July 2002. In October foreclosures increased with one in every 155 Florida housing units receiving a foreclosure filing, 2^nd behind California and 17% of all US foreclosures.

IF THE ART MARKET EMERGES FROM A SLUMP THANKS TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS… CAN THE HOUSING MARKET BE NEXT?

2010-11-08T06:31:00.003-05:00

Bullish bids for important works of Impressionist and Modern art came in this past week from Russia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Quatar, Abu Dhabi and Singapore as well as other corners of the world. The money comes from fortunes made in oil, gas, gold and other commodities. Sotheby’s sold $227MM worth of impressionist and modern art last week. Between $800MM and $1BB of art has sold or is planned for sale last week and this week by Sotheby’s and Christie’s, both prominent auction houses.

The last major auction was in May 2008 before the financial crisis stemmed the tide, when the art market was down 30% according to Mei Moses All Art index which tracks publicly sold art. 2009 was described as “rocky” in the art market. In the first half of 2010 returns were up 13%.

Recent “big time” art sales that set records included:

MATISSE: Monumental bigger-than-lifesize bronze sculpture of a woman’s back set a new record at Christies for this artist by selling for almost $49MM ($48,802,500). Sale estimates were between $25-$30MM and a global bidding wear sent the price up. The piece, “Nu de dos, 4 etate (Back IV)” measures 74.5”. This work was conceived by Matisse around 1930, but cast in 1978, 24 years after his death. The piece is No.oo in a collection of 12, the first three versions conceived in 1909, 1913 and 1916-17 are at the Museum of Modern Art. Matisse’s "Danseuse dans le fauteuil, sol en damier," sold for $20.8MM. Photo is from Christie’s Images Ltd.

MODIGLIANI: A life-sized painting sold at Sotheby’s for $69MM, and Modigliani’s circa 1917 seductive canvas, titled “Nu assis sur un divan (La Belle Romaine),” ["Nude Sitting on a Divan (The Beautiful Roman Woman),"] catapulted beyond a pre-sale estimate of about $40MM. It sold back in 1999 at Sotheby’s for $16.7MM, which was a record at the time. His previous record was $52.6, sold earlier this year in Paris.

GRIS: “Violon et guitare” a cubist oil painting on canvas done in September 1913, sold for $28.64MM after estimates for $18-25MM. It was sold by Marilyn Arison, wife of late billionaire Ted Arison and sold to benefit the nonprofit YoungArts. In 1998 they paid $9.9MM for this work of art. Gris regarded this Cubist still life as his ultimate masterpiece, according to Christie’s.

MONET’s: “Le Bassin aux Nympheas,” part of his iconic water lilies series, sold for $25.7MM. Its format is awkwardly elongated. Most of his coveted water lily paintings are in museums and some consider them, painted during the last 20 years of his life, his ultimate achievement.

ROTHCO: abstract painting, off the market for 40 years, could sell this week at Sotheby’s, estimate is between $20-$30MM. PICASSO: “Man with a Flag” sold for $5.3MM. LEGER: His “Femme sur fond rouge, femme assise”, the stylized figure of a woman seated cross-legged, in black and white on a red background sold for $6.35MM. SEURAT: A black Conte crayon study of a woman standing is seen from the back with a feeling of time suspended and profound mystery as the shadowy figure seems about to enter an invisible world brought $4.3MM. GIACOMETTI: “His “Femme de Venise V,” a craggy, jagged elongated fiture case in 1958 in an edition of 6 brought in $10MM.

This week, Christies hopes to get $240MM from sales of works by Warhol, Lichtenstein, Koons, Richter and Rothco.

Both Christie’s and Sotheby’s had predicted a surge in demand ahead of this year’s autumn auctions, with the art market emerging from a slump triggered by the global financial crisis.

The jewelry market has surged ahead as well. The Bulgari Blue Diamond, designed in the 1970’s as a gift from a European collector to his wife on the birth of their first son, was bought for about $1MM at in 1972. It features two triangular-shaped diamonds, one colorless at 9.87 carats, the other a “fancy vivid” blue diamond is 10.95 carats. The blue diamond is one in about 10 in existence with a color pure enough to qualify as “fancy vivid.” This is the largest blue diamond to have sold at auction. Photo credit: Reuters/CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2010/Handout/.

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION RELEASES OCTOBER HOUSING SCORECARD

2010-11-07T08:49:00.000-05:00

The latest housing figures show continued

signs of stabilization in house prices and

high home affordability due in part to

record low interest rates.

The housing scorecard is a

comprehensive report on

the nation’s housing market.

SOMETHING YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT… THE STORM AFTER THE CALM

2010-10-24T04:13:00.002-04:00

According to Bain & Co, luxury goods including designer clothes, leather goods, watches, jewelry and such were predicted to have a 10% increase in sales in 2010, reported in a study commissioned by Italy’s Fondazione Altagamma association of high-end producers. Sales had declined by 8% in 2009.

So far US sales of high-end items are up 12% with wardrobe replenishment after a year of careful holding back, Asians up 22% and Europeans spending 6% more for luxury items. With the holiday season still ahead, Bain predicts a 9-11% growth during that period, so it’s time to open your wallets folks, and keep the stores in business.

Powering the spending are the Chinese with sales growing 30%. Chinese tourists are traveling the world en masse and spending as they go. The study reports that larger brands are faring better than smaller ones, which may foretell the possibilities of mergers or absorptions of small companies, and menswear is growing faster than women’s wear… amazing? Our men are browsing the internet for their favorite brands and buying online.

Leather goods purchases had held up and are expected to grow by 16%.

May as well get in on the buying binge now as, due to the likely continuing lowering of the dollar against the euro, growth is predicted to head down 3-5% in 2011.

2010-10-06T04:34:00.002-04:00

ROBB & STUCKY’S STAGING TO SELL

CAN ALSO GIVE YOU RE-DO IDEAS

IF YOU ARE NOT SELLING!

Seminar to be held on 10/28/2010 at 2 pm at Robb & Stucky in Mizner Park, Boca Raton, upstairs in the Community Room.

Get tips on how to “prep” your home for a faster sale to make it stand out from others on the market. Or, if you are not selling, how about ideas to spruce up your home like the experts would do!

Before or after the seminar take a look through their fabulous furniture and accessory items… just one new beautiful piece can update and enhance the look of your home. Come earlier and stop in one of the trendy Mizner Park restaurants for lunch... perhaps eating outside, watching the passing parade. Could be a lovely way to spend an afternoon!

2010-09-24T04:00:00.001-04:00

LOOKING FOR A CLASSY,

REGAL RENTAL?

Head over to Port of Leith, Edinburgh and climb aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, launched in 1953. Walk the red carpet and be greeted by a Pipe Major.

This grand ship has played home to The Queen and Royal Family for a half century and entertained kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers worldwide. It is decked out with comfortable casual furniture and the walls hold aged family portraits. The Yacht is said to be Scotland’s most popular attraction.

The State Dining room holds gifts to Her Majesty from 968 official worldwide state visits. Four honeymoons took place on the yacht including Princess Diana and Prince Charles honeymoon, but if your heart is set on having your wedding there: sorry, no weddings allowed. Suitable for a corporate event, the casual setting is regal and can include a harpist or pianist, fireworks, dancing to jazz or a traditional celtic band. Up to 176 guests can be feted for dinner or up to 380 for champagne receptions.

Staff is white-gloved and served in fine china with silver engraved with Britannia’s crest. Public tours are available during the day and imagine yourself sipping afternoon tea, sitting on a Britannia deck chair, overlooking the Firth of Forth. Cover the Royal Deck with an awning, plan an awesome dinner and invite the 80 people you want to impress the most.

Cheerio!

2010-09-23T08:08:00.001-04:00

IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS….

While Only “a dream” at the moment, just like the Flash Gordon comics of years ago that put a man on the moon… which happened during our lifetime… the design has been made for a yacht that can fly. It has been exhibited at the Paris’ Air & Space Museum.

Just click the button and your “superyacht with wings” takes you where ever you want to go.

The masts can be operated independently and sails are stored within them. The masts become wings when flying is preferred. 46 meters, with 4 mobile masts reaching 40’, the designer said he did not mean to make it feasible, but rather an innovative concept.

Any bets on how soon this will become reality?

2010-08-21T01:27:00.001-04:00

SEARCH FOR UNCLAIMED ITEMS

The State of Florida currently has unclaimed property accounts valued at more than $3BB from sources such as:

Dormant accounts in financial institutions, insurance and utility companies, securities and holdings
Tangible property including watches, jewelry, coins, currency, stamps, historical items and others from abandoned safe deposit boxes

Unclaimed money is deposited into the state school fund and used for public education. However there is no statute of limitations and have the right to claim their property at any time. Try your search here: Unclaimed Property Search. If you want to go through a catalog of items being auctioned today that is on the same site.

2010-08-13T04:32:00.001-04:00

THE BRITISH HAVE DONE IT AGAIN WITH THE WORLD’S PRICIEST APARTMENT SALE

Sale price: about $220MM. London skylines, private wine tasting facilities and top security features including bullet-proof windows and a panic room, SAS-trained bodyguards and floor to ceiling windows with fabulous views of central London were the major attractions to the 6-bedroom 2-floor penthouse in One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, London. Eye scanners are featured in private elevators to prevent unwanted intruders. The building is heated using geothermal bore holds sunk 450’ to extract heat from the earth’s crust. The apartment contains an air purifier to ward off poison gas attacks. The new owners, anonymous, expect to move in by the end of the year.

Eighty apartments have been sold in this new unique complex, one of the world’s most expensive residential areas. This upscale neighborhood has an average apartment cost of $30MM. 65% of all properties in the block have been sold with 30% of the buyers Europeans and 25% Middle eastern as the worlds financial elite flock to London, taking advantage of the weakness of the pound.

There is also tunnel access to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and their 24-hour room service with TV chef Heston Blumenthal opening a fabulous new restaurant and to spas and squash courts and the unit has its own car park.

“Trophy properties” sales remain strong. Some speculate that trophy buyers of today might be from Nigeria or the Middle East, with large oil profits facilitating these sales.

2010-08-06T07:32:00.004-04:00

SHOULD YOU BUY INSTEAD OF RENTING?

NOW IS THE BEST TIME EVER TO BUY A PROPERTY IN FLORIDA. Many homes in move-in condition and fixer-uppers are now very affordable and may be less expensive than renting, even leaving comparable dollars over for a maintenance reserve fund
Interest rates are still low. For a few extra dollars a month on a 30-year mortgage a first-time buyer could own the house free and clear within 15-20 years, saving interest payments.
A 1% rise in interest rates will add several hundred dollars per year to even a moderately-priced home so now is the time to take advantage of these low low rates.
The trend upwards in home market value has already begun in some markets and will begin in others as the foreclosures and short sales are sold.
First--time buyers incomes will increase over time, their house payment will remain stable, and will be appreciating in the future.
Paying rent may be buying your landlord a house – why not buy your own house?
How long do you anticipate living in a house you buy… if interest rates DO dip short term, by the time you sell the property the home market value may have appreciated.
Rents can rise.

To find out how much house you can afford, get a mortgage pre-approval. We can recommend lenders to you.

2010-08-04T06:56:00.002-04:00

BP OIL SPILL ESTIMATED DAMAGE IN DOLLARS

CoreLogic estimates that the BP DeepWater Horizon oil spill will cost homeowners in gulf coast communities $648MM over one year and over 5 years as much as $3BB. If the spill reaches the Florida Keys and the Florida Atlantic coast, losses there could reach up to an additional $28BB in 5 years. The annualized economic value of beach access at risk by oil coming ashore and beaches being closed were taken into account. Premiums were paid by buyers of homes in these coastal communities. More than 600,000 properties were identified as being within 1000 meters of the coastline in 15 counties from the gulf coast of Alabama to the Atlantic coast of Florida.

LUXURY HOMES MARKET UPDATE

2010-08-01T01:07:00.003-04:00

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing National Report

for the week of July 25, 2010 looked at

39,064 luxury homes on the market.
The ILHM Luxury Composite Price this week is $1,082,759.

These homes have been on the market for an average of 123 days.

Luxury home prices across the ILHM National
sample have stayed relatively stable in recent weeks.

This week´s median price is $1,082,759
Asking price per square foot is $305
Average Days on the Market: 123
Percent of Properties with Price Decrease: 41%
Percent relisted (reset Days on Market): 21%
Percent Flip (Price Increased): 3%
New Listings: 1709
Absorbed this week: 1635
Median House Size (square feet): 3284
Median Lot Size: 0.50 - 1 acre
Median Age: 30

The Market Action Index measures available supply

relative to the current level of demand.

Index value above 30 indicates conditions favor the seller.
CURRENT MARKET ACTION INDEX IS 12

Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a Founding Member
of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

2010-07-23T03:36:00.002-04:00

NAR REPORTS EXISTING HOME SALES WERE UP 15% IN JUNE IN FLORIDA

It’s nice to hear good news.

· For 22 consecutive months sales activity has increased in the year to year comparison

· Statewide sales in June were up 7.7% over May

· Statewide existing-home median price of $143,400 was 2.1% higher than May’s $140,400

· This is the 4^th month in a row that statewide existing-home median price has increased over previous month

· 16 metropolitan statistical areas showed higher sales for existing condos, many for 24 consecutive months.

· Condo price median was $181,300 in May nationally; Florida existing condo median sales price in June was $95,000. In June 2009 it was $112,800, a 16% decrease.

None of us would disagree with National Association of Realtors (NAR) Economist Lawrence Yun, who said that as the employment rolls rise, so will home sales.

2010-07-21T07:00:00.003-04:00

ANTIQUE RUGS – AN ACCESSORY YOU MAY WANT IN YOUR HOME

Unique antique rugs can add personality, character, versatility, style and interest to your home decor. An antique is described as an item that is at least 80-100 years old, decorative and collectible. The owner appreciates its age, beauty, rarity, warmth and. While rugs can be the most expensive decorative item in a home, antique carpets can be less expensive than brand new rugs. You can purchase them at auction, often getting a wonderful buy. Rugs can also be displayed as wall hangings.

Traditional style carpets usually have intricate patterns and come in a wide array of colors from the jewel tones to light and airy, giving a real and elegant look.

Tabriz rugs are Persian and sometimes have medallion designs and allover patterns that are precisely drawn and executed with care and of a high quality, therefore long -lasting.

Kashan rugs include some of the best classical silk Persian rugs also with medallion and overall designs, in all colors.

Knorassan/Mashad rugs are available in similar formats but often have a softer, more decorative coloration. Their weaving technique makes them durable.

Modern design tends to be simpler in taste and style, sometimes minimalist with subtle colors and an abstract look, e.g. arts and crafts or art deco. Moroccan rugs can have simple tribal geometric or abstract patterns and add a sophisticated look to modern furniture and can have dynamic colors. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright used Moroccan rugs in the homes he designed.

2010-07-19T06:35:00.002-04:00

THE GOOD NEWS

The Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards conducted a survey in early July with a statistically representative sample of more than 1000 households and found:

· 66% believe the economy will hold steady or improve over the next 6 months

· 83% believe their own personal finances will get better or at least hold their own

· most consumers are hoping for gradual improvements in home sales and real estate as well as other major sectors of the economy

Their report also discusses the use of financial planners and it has stayed relatively stable for the last two years.

2010-07-16T06:16:00.003-04:00

HOME APPRAISALS

A GOOD START when you are putting your property on the market would be to get an appraisal. Then you know the market value, and can price it for sale accordingly and mention in the listing information that appraisal is available to see. Here are some hints on how to prepare for an appraisal.

2010-07-09T01:30:00.002-04:00

REPORT SAYS ALLOWING PETS IN CONDOS HAS POSITIVE RAMIFICATION ON PRICES

California enacted a law effective January 2001 that permits each owner in common interest developments, such as condos and mobile home parks, to keep at least one pet, subject to reasonable rules of the homeowners' association. Efforts are under way in Florida to adopt similar legislation, led by a group called Citizens for Pets in Condos. On their site you can sign a petition to allow pets in condos. Their Mission Statement: Citizens for Pets in Condos, Inc. educates the public on the health benefits of animal companionship and about responsible pet ownership in order to increase acceptance of companion animals in common interest ownership communities. We believe that association rules should concentrate on irresponsible pet owners, allowing a win-win situation for responsible animal guardians and animals who would otherwise be needlessly euthanized.

The idea is that pets generally provide emotional support for homeowners. A recent report co-authored by Charles Carter, Ph.D., specialist in real estate analysis with many years of experience as a professor, real estate lawyer and appraiser and Tim Allen, professor and director of the Real Estate Center at the College of Charleston, which found allowing pets in condos has a positive effect on condominium prices in the South Florida condo market.

2010-07-07T04:31:00.001-04:00

NEW SECURE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM ID’S CRIMINAL ALIENS IN FLORIDA TO REMOVE THEM FROM THE US

US Immigration/Customs (ICE) and Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement (FDLE) are using new fingerprinting method to identify legal and illegal criminal aliens and to remove them from the United States. A “criminal alien” is defined as an alien convicted of a crime. Fingerprints are used that are taken when these criminals entered prison and when they entered the US. This enables local law enforcement partners to know as much as possible about the people in their custody by quickly and accurate identification.

The new SECURE COMMUNITIES program now checks fingerprints against both FBI criminal history records and a biometrics-based ID system maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of the program is to modernized identifying and removing the most dangerous criminal aliens from the US. The Program has been activated statewide in Florida and is now being used in 392 jurisdictions in 23 states. It should be available nationwide by 2013.

ICE is notified thru the fingerprinting process and places a priority on removing aliens convicted of the most serious Level 1 offenses first, for committing violent crimes such as major drug offenses, murder, rape and kidnapping. The use of biometric technology has greatly improved the ID method. Using this program, criminal aliens are not released back into our communities when they complete their sentences.

Since October 2008, 22,200 criminal aliens convicted of Level 1 crimes as described above have been removed from the United States, 1800 of them from Florida, and more than 22,200 criminal aliens convicted of Level 2 and 3 crimes have been removed, including burglary and serious property crimes which are the highest amount of crimes committed by aliens.

Congress provided the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with funding in FY 2008 to “improve and modernize efforts to identify aliens convicted of a crime, sentenced to imprisonment, and who may be deportable, and remove them from the United States once they are judged deportable.”

2010-07-04T06:57:00.001-04:00

HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT AND FLOOD INSURANCE EXTENSION PASSED BY SENATE AND HOUSE and SIGNED BY OBAMA

HR5623, extending mandatory closing date to qualify for the homebuyer tax credit has extended closing deadline to September 30, 2010 for contracts signed by April 30, 2010. National Association of Realtors estimates more than 14,000 closings will benefit.

The National Flood Insurance Program has been extended to September 30, 2010, retroactive to May 31, 2010.

2010-06-19T06:46:00.001-04:00

WHAT’S NEW IN THE CAT WORLD

The U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook (2007 Edition), a source for pet statistics, announced in 2007 there were nearly 82MM pet cats and 72 MM pet dogs in the US. In 2006 the average veterinary expenditure per household for all pets was $366. In 2006 nearly half of pet owners (49.7%) considered their pets to be family members.

A RECENT New York Times article gave examples for cat owners of a new trend to safely bring their cats outdoors, “CATIOS.” There are photos and stories about folks who build outdoor fenced areas onto their patios and backyards to give their cats room to roam outdoors. They range from minimal to huge areas, especially when there is more than one cat. Sometimes owners share the space, eating out among their cats in this environment that is safe from predators.

Cat beds include the Over-the-Door Hanging Cat Bed with Portholes, cat hammocks, Kitt-In Box, and

Contemporary Cat Towers.

Here is a new contemporary design award winning litter box idea

or a more formal corner cat litter box .

Cat trees are very popular, including the Little Lotus Cat Tree - or consider the simple alternative above.

New and cat-friendly and comfortable hanging bed is the soft pillowed Trapeze Hanging Cat Bed. in an attractive assortment of colors, referred to by the New York Times as “the I-Pod of litter boxes”.

For those of you among the readership who want to invent or design a new product, the cat world is a good place to start as cat owners are a dedicated bunch of folks who are looking for ways to enhance the lives of their “fur-babies.”

VOTE TO HELP !

2010-06-16T08:37:00.004-04:00

VOTE TO HELP !

PLEASE vote and help the

BENGAL CAT RESCUE GROUP

Get a grant to help them enlarge

the wonderful work they do
to find a "forever home"

for unfortunate pets

who have been abandoned

And cannot help themselves.

Bengal Cats have baby Asian Leopards

some generations back

are very tame from F4 (4th generation) on

and fun, faithful, loving and SMART.

Some have spots, some have rosettes on their backs.
They are playful and have wonderful dispositions.

THINK YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH SPACE?

2010-06-13T08:20:00.001-04:00

Enjoy the wonders of this creation.

Amazing Tiny Apartment...very interesting...

A Hong-Kong architect designed a 344 sq. ft. apartment that can change into

24 different rooms, all by just sliding panels and walls. This is worth watching.

http://www.wservernews.com/3AQOO8/100503-Tiny-Apartment

2010-06-13T02:32:00.002-04:00

HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE PALM BEACH ZOO LATELY?

Oz is a Kaola who loves fresh Eucalyptus and requires six varieties for his diet, which the zoo has acquired. The Zoo was approached to become a new facility for management and breeding of Queensland koalas, requiring staff training and construction of the new naturalistic habitat for koalas at the zoo costing over $100,000. More construction is underway to accommodate these animals.

A newly constructed habitat for Wallabies allows you to watch for the baby joeys peeking out from mom’s pouch. You can get wonderfully close views.

Wings Over Water is an interactive daily show featuring 20 trained majestic and sometimes comical birds – 11 am daily and also 2 pm on weekends.
There are two new otter pups to ewwww and ahhhh over.
Howl along with New Guinea Singing Dogs, Mic and Sydney, who star in the Wild Things Show at 1 pm weekdays and 12 pm weekends.

The Zoo offers more than 60 animal enrichment and encounters weekly with additional special events every month on Friday nights, 5:30-8pm during June and August, come over for Safari Nights with live entertainment, nature workshops, children’s games, interactive wildlife shows, up-close animal encounters and complementary carousel rides. Winter in July brings snow to the zoo July 10-11.

See the Zoo’s state-of-the-art animal care complex. The Zoo also has green certification and has received Green Nonprofit Certification and is a “Going Green” Sustainability Leader.

Location is Dreher Park in West Palm Beach where there are over 1400 animals within 23 lush tropical acres. Stop by and have a wonderful day.

WHAT IS BP DOING RE THE OIL SPILL?

2010-06-06T13:39:00.001-04:00

Here is a good illustration of the methods being used to stop the flow of oil from the well. It runs about 13 minutes, well worth watching to understand what is happening right now.

GOOD NEWS ON THE PROPERTY SALE FRONT JUST IN...

2010-05-31T09:24:00.001-04:00

"The upswing in April sales was expected because of the tax credit inducement, and no doubt there will be some temporary fallback" ahead,” says National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. He further states that “Not only do consumers have growing confidence in the economy and their own incomes, but home buyers no longer fear further price declines -- and that's a crucial turning point in the cycle.”

2010-05-28T06:36:00.001-04:00

WALL ST JOURNAL RE FAMILY MANAGERS and MANAGEMENT FIRMS

Focusing on Oprah Winfrey’s starting a family office by hiring a Family Manager who is with a full investment organization, recommended by her law firm, for her estimated $2.4BB net worth holdings, the WSJ states that, “Wealthy investors typically hire mangers at banks and brokerage firms to handle their financial affairs. A family office is considered a step up from such an arrangement, with a team of advisers working exclusively, and directly, for the client.”

The article also mentions that Michael Dell, with more than $10BB worth of personal assets, has a team of 80 people working on Money Management for him at a Family Management Firm. WSJ further states that, “the billionaire Bass brothers in Fort Worth TX created an operation that became a model for family-office investment vehicles around the US.”

WEST PALM BEACH CITY COMMISSION DECIDES LESS IS MORE

2010-05-18T10:20:00.001-04:00

Yesterday the city commission voted 4-1 to pass a cap on how large historic district homes can be built, after much discussion that seemed to pit owners of larger homes in those areas against owners of smaller homes in historic districts. There are 14 historic districts in West Palm Beach.

Three years ago, during the real estate boom, a citizens committee was formed that wanted to curb large mansions springing up in historic neighborhoods. The economic downturn came, “McMansions” stopped being built, but the committee wanted to be sure no mansions would be built in the future so that the historic districts could retain their character. Others argued it restricted the opportunity to increase their property value by not being able to build larger homes or increase the size of their current homes in historic districts.

Many existing homes are larger than what would be permitted moving forward. Now there is a maximum floor area ratio (ratio of floor area of home to area of the lot). A waterfront home in El Cid, e.g., can have a 0.45 floor area ration for lots larger than 5000 sq ft. In Northwood Hills, the same ratio applies with a 0.35 floor ratio. In other words, divide the total sq ft of the home by the total sq ft of the lot. The Northwood Hills homes are usually smaller than those in El Cid with same size lots, and residents want uniformity. The lone dissenter on the commission pointed out that “in gated communities you have houses that are the same size with the same colors…historic neighborhoods are more organic and part of the charm is their imperfections.”

One historic district resident said that the new ordinance is restrictive to creativity and for residents to express themselves. She could only add 250 sq ft to her home now, and she said that was the size of a closet. One suggestion was made that instead of focusing on size, it was the look that should be regulated. One fear is that the McMansions could encroach on their neighbors’ rights.

The city’s planning director will be giving the commission bi-annual updates to see if the new ordinance is working, or if it is infringing on property owners’ rights.