Boca Raton Homes for Sale

OLD SCHOOL SQUARE’S CREST THEATER PRESENTS WINTER WONDERLAND ON ICE

2009-12-11T08:12:00.001-05:00

With 3 performances coming up, you don’t want to miss the international cast of champion pairs an soloists, colorful costumes and exciting music, electrifying jumps, lifts and spins and enchanting vocals. Olympic Bronze medalist and 2-time European Champion Jozef (“Jumpin’ Joe) Sabovcik will WOW us with his skating performance. Performances are Friday, December 18^th at 8 pm; Saturday, December 19^th at 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, December 20^th at 2 pm and 7 pm.

Tickets are $42 and can be ordered online at http://www.oldschool.org/ or by calling 561-243-7922, ext 1. The Crest Theatre is located at Old School square, 51 No. Winton Avenue, Delray Beach.

Come early with the elementary school (and pre-school) children who can ride the Carousel. Carousel hours are 5-9 pm weekdays and 1-9 pm weekends and during school break. Rides are $2 each.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

2009-12-07T23:28:00.000-05:00

Visit the Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Wellington to see the lifetime home for abandoned, abused or unwanted captive, exotic felines. Here you can learn about the challenges these animals face in the wild, medical care, nutrition and the problems related to private ownership.

The animals roam within a 3-acre pen. The Center is located at 14755 Palm Beach Point Boulevard in Wellington, FL 33414 - Phone: 561-795-8914. Group and Individual Tours can be arranged.

The Center survives as a non-profit organization thanks to contributions from corporations, individual patrons and veterinary facilities.

Come on over on December 13^th for hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, raffle prizes and take a photo with a baby jaguar at their fund raising event from 12-3 pm at LoLa Restaurant and Ultria Lounge, 16950 Jog Road, Delray Beach. 561-496-5652.

STAGING TO SELL… WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

2009-11-30T19:04:00.003-05:00

Robb & Stucky in Boca Raton will present ideas for anyone thinking of selling their residence on December 29^th at 2 pm. Learn how to “prep” your home for a faster sale, and how you can make your property stand out from others on the market. It could make the difference in this highly competitive market as to whether the house sells or not, and/or result in getting a faster sale. Details also will be discussed on current real estate market trends.

Robb & Stucky is located in Mizner Park at 200 Plaza Real. You can also request a complimentary design consult. Call 561-862-5597 to reserve a seat for this seminar which is free to the public. Click here for a list of other seminars and events at the Boca Raton store.

WHAT TO DO AT GUMBO LIMBO NATURE CENTER in BOCA RATON

2009-11-27T23:08:00.002-05:00

Founded in 1984, Gumbo Limbo’s mission is to increase public awareness of coastal and marine ecosystems through research, education, preservation and conservation. Stroll through the butterfly garden, climb the observation tower located on the winding boardwalk through coastal hammock, sit in a Chiki hut, visit the saltwater tanks brimming with marine life, including sea turtles, fish, sharks and rays and take pictures in our sea turtle garden with 7 giant turtles.

Marine and coastal environmental education for the community is provided through classes, workshops, lectures, field trips and research. Programs are given for children, adults and families. Sea Turtle Research includes information on tracking them and observing their nests in the area. Closed on Christmas and New Years Day, the Center is open 361 days a year, Monday thru Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm, Sunday from Noon to 4 pm. For information, call 561-338-1473.

MIZNER PARK MALL OWNER TO EXIT BANKRUPTCY BY 2010

2009-11-21T03:19:00.001-05:00

According to Reuters, General Growth Properties, the second-largest mall owner in the U.S., which operates Boca Raton's Mizner Park mall, has reached a deal with its lenders to extend loans, a move that will allow it to exit bankruptcy by 2010. Representatives from 70 of General Growth's loans, some of which exceeded $1 billion in value, agreed to extensions averaging six years. The Chicago-based company's financial woes, marking the biggest real estate failure in U.S. history, according to a report from Reuters, have underscored the nationwide retail crisis, as vacancies in the retail real estate sector have continued to mount as the holiday season approaches.

FNMA DEED FOR LEASE PROGRAM (DL-4)

2009-11-19T10:28:00.003-05:00

New program announced by Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) to keep mortgage-challenged borrowers in their homes. Qualified borrowers relinquish the deed to their property and rent their home at market rate for 12 months. To read more about it, see Chris Thorman’s informative blog. Your comments are most welcome!

CAN LIFE SETTLEMENTS WORK FOR YOU AS A NEW SOURCE FOR FUNDS?

2009-11-18T07:59:00.002-05:00

· Your term policy can be evaluated in the Life Settlement Market if it can be converted to Universal Life; it would be converted during the closing process

o If your health has deteriorated to the point where premiums on new life insurance would be cost prohibitive converting term to universal or whole life may be the only viable option

· Have your whole life premiums escalated making you consider surrender or lapsing the policy perhaps for low cash payout? A Life Settlement MAY BE THE BEST SOLUTION – cash out under performing insurance and use the proceeds to purchase more appropriate coverage.

· Does your business hold life insurance that may no longer be necessary, and in need of reevaluation and change to life settlement or other solution, e.g.

o due to retirement of key executive

o partnership dissolution

o executives who do not wish to keep a policy in a retirement package in force

o change of business ownership

o exit strategies for benefit programs

o proper market asset valuation of business owned life insurance

· Do you have life insurance providing a deferred benefit to a charity, and if so, would you prefer a solution that will make more immediate donations during your lifetime? If yes, consider a life settlement solution. The charities then will not have premium obligations when you pass on.

MORE INFORMATION

1st TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2010

2009-11-08T01:46:00.002-05:00

The $8000 tax break for first-time home buyers would require a signed purchase agreement contract, and will have a 60-day cushion beyond the end of April to complete the closing.

In addition, existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for at least 5 years but want to relocate to a new primary residence can use a $6,500 tax credit.

Income limits for both would be $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

The tax break would be offered on homes priced at $800,000 or less Recipients who sell the home or stop using it as their primary residence within 3 years would be required to repay the credit

ART REIGNS SUPREME

2009-11-07T02:39:00.002-05:00

The New York Times reports that prices at Sotheby’s Auction far surpass estimates. A recent auction was well represented by buyers from the US, China, Latin America and Russia. A Derain, “Barque au Port de Collioure sold for $14MM recently, the highest price for one of the artists works at auction. It was estimated to sell for $8MM but there were 3 bidders and one was determined to win the painting.

Looking for life insurance? Watch your weight and kick the habit first

2009-11-05T05:25:00.003-05:00

Important issues relating to getting coverage and the amount your premium will be include smoking and being overweight. One UK study found that the average smoker paid 56% more than a non-smoker for life insurance. Companies consider you a non-smoker if you have not used tobacco for the previous 12 months, others for a 5 year period. Folks with a BMI (body mass index) of 28 or more may have to pay and extra 50% in premium. This is a recent industry reduction of 16%. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight by your height and the result squared. Other factors that underwriters consider include current and past health history, drug or alcohol use, your profession/avocation, medications, travel. For information on insurances go to http://www.MarilynJacobs.com and scroll down homepage watching red tabs on left side and click on the one you want information about or call Marilyn at 561-988-0070.

TIME FOR A RETURN TO THE VICTORIAN ERA?

2009-11-01T07:56:00.002-05:00

Are you interested in Victorian homes in Palm Beach or Broward County? Call Marilyn at 561-302-3388 for more information.

Meanwhile, mark your calendar now for a very interesting afternoon. Enjoy a “Harvest Tea” and treats with Victorian hostesses in costume and your personal butler, most elegantly done by The Mad Platter Catering and Befitting Just Your Style at Robb & Stucky at 200 Plaza Real in Mizner Park on Wednesday, November 23 at 2 pm. See a traditional Victorian Thanksgiving… and get new ideas for your own holiday. Tips will be offered on blending older furnishings with today’s lifestyle with your own distinctive touch. Reserve by calling 800-838-5931 for pricing and reservations.

Design Professionals: Did you know that Robb & Stucky offers CEU Classes for you? See http://www.robbstucky.com/CEU-Classes-for-Design-Professionals.aspx?Id=10 for list of classes.

2009 KELLER WILLIAMS EAST BOCA'S HALLOWEEN PARTY

2009-10-30T22:50:00.036-04:00

Keller Williams East Boca’s Halloween Party was held at Marilyn Jacobs’ house in The Polo Club. Hostess was dressed as the Wicked Witch and so were two of the other guests, Kristin Stampini and Ana Lucena. Kristin's Mom, Nancy Racine, read the tarot cards, and she was terrific. Stephan Meyer showed up as Elvis (OMIGOSH IT TOOK A FEW MINUTES TO REALIZE IT WAS STEPHAN!), Stephan's beautiful wife Donna came as Marilyn Monroe (WOWIE!), Susie Smith was a fabulous Hillbilly with painted on freckles and blackened teeth, others were in assorted dress and we all had a wonderful time. Brian Pearl was dressed as a doctor, with a long name embroidered on his white jacket. Sergio Lucena had on a cape, and was Count Dracula. Tara Halko, wore a stunning motorcycle outfit.

Doris Behrens was a beautiful fairy godmother, complete with wand. Caron McGinley brought over decorations the night before, and was in charge and (as usual) well organized. Agents brought the food and it was good good good. Andrew and Ramona Barbar sang with the karaoke machine, and Bonnie Lazar, Judy Stern all glittered up as master of ceremonies, Lisa Cioffi in a fabulous red outfit from head to toe including a pretty hat, and others got up and sang. Barbara Clark was Snow White, and oh-so-pretty! Michael Engst appeared with long beard, big eyelashes... a scary sight... but was most helpful in the kitchen (thank you!). Among those who came were Scott Harmer in Safari outfit and Izel and Michael Venturelli who were in cowboy garb. Not enough room to mention everyone, but we all had fun.

AUCTIONS: BEST BUYS IN TOWN & HISTORIC HOMES: WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

2009-10-23T22:07:00.003-04:00

For BEST BUYS IN TOWN and WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN See The Examiner.

WEEK OF 10-12-09 PENDING SALES ROSE BY 2% IN SOUTH FLORIDA

2009-10-18T00:24:00.002-04:00

Buyers are becoming aware that NOW is the BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida, and the best properties are being bought up as you read this. Front runner Palm Beach County was up 3%. Have you been out looking for the best possible deal? Better hurry….

HOW LONG WILL FOODS STAY OKAY IN YOUR HOME?

2009-10-03T11:53:00.003-04:00

Keep it or toss it? Head over to http://www.stilltasty.com, and find out shelf life, and length of time it’s ok in the refrigerator or freezer. Search for the foods you want to know about. You might find some surprises!

529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN CHANGES PROPOSED

2009-10-01T04:36:00.005-04:00

Among recommendations from the White House Task Force on Middle-Class Working Families (Treasury Department) here are some proposals:

529 plans getting greater availability of age-based index funds that shed equities and add fixed-income assets as beneficiary approaches college
eliminating a “home-state bias” for fee and state tax assessments which currently force families to use funds offered in their home state rather than in others
put limits on balances on a per-beneficiary bases rather than on state-by-state basis
Treasury should collect data from surveys re 529 plan participation and investments
Strengthen compliance and monitoring of Section 529 accounts and disbursements
Simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which currently has 153 questions, some having no impact on student aid – over 1MM eligible students fail to fill out this currently complex form
Tailoring the form to individual students
Allowing students to electronically retrieve their tax info from the IRS and enter it into the online FAFSA

MARILYN FARBER JACOBS is a Licensed Advisor / Independent Insurance Agent – who has College Savings Plans to tell you about, using 529 plans, or term, universal or whole life plans, so that you or someone you know can make an educated choice.

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS GUIDE

2009-09-30T07:41:00.001-04:00

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS GUIDE

THE LATEST HOUSING NEWS

2009-09-27T22:39:00.002-04:00

SEPTEMBER HOUSING NEWS

HOUSING INDUSTRY GROUPS WORKING ON APPRAISAL REFORMS

2009-09-22T17:47:00.002-04:00

Things are looking up as this thorny appraisal vs.comparables problem is faced at last. Among the issues being discussed jointly by the NAR (National Association of Realtors), NAHB (National Association of Builders), MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association and appraisal groups are:

· Appraisers not using proper adjustments on comps (comparables) on foreclosed or other distressed properties

· The HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) impacting the ability to get quality appraisals in distressed markets

· Some appraisers for comps in area they are not familiar with and that impacts the appraisals, driving down home values

· Urging federal regulators to adopt and enforce more clear regulatory guidance on appraisals for distressed and foreclosed properties for realistic valuations and truly comparable sales

· Calling for immediate action to address these appraisal-related claims

· Sometimes appraisers do a “drive by,” only looking at the exteriors of homes as they do not have access, and distressed properties often have apparent problems inside as compared to new, updated, and “market-ready” homes.

Okay government, let’s get this fixed. It IS BROKE.

FOR THOSE WITH PROBLEMS PAYING THEIR MORTGAGES THESE LINKS MAY BE OF INTEREST

2009-09-18T05:31:00.002-04:00

MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE PROGRAM

BUYING FORECLOSURES

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION

SHORT SALE GUIDE, ISSUES, PITFALLS AND MORE

Keep in mind: Marilyn's team includes CDPE Graduates (CERTIFIED DISTRESSED PROPERTY EXPERTS) and if you know someone who could use help, please let us know who they are, or suggest they call us. We will do the best that we can to be of help. Call Marilyn at 561-988-0070 for more information.

JOINT COMMISSION FOR PRIMARY STROKE CENTERS GIVES BOCA RATON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL

2009-09-16T05:05:00.002-04:00

The 3^rd large cause of death, about 700,000 people each year experience a new or recurrent stroke. Someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. It is also a leading cause of long-term disability. With timing following the stroke being critical, having a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center nearby that is staffed with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals, is most welcome. The Certification is based on primary stroke center recommendations published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Join Commission was founded in 1951 and strives to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public.

GREATER BOCA RATON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AFTER-HOURS NETWORKING

2009-09-01T12:53:00.002-04:00

The 4^th Tuesday of every month an event is held with nearly 250 attendees getting networking opportunities. In August the event was held at the Boca Resort Hotel. Your editor attended with friend John Allison, and we had a wonderful time mingling, dancing and... YES!… sampling the delicious foods and wines. The event was called WINE & ALL THAT JAZZ… AND MORE… 2009. Along with lots of people, great food, lots of new hellos, it was a night of wonderful wine from Southern Wine & Spirits of South Florida and fabulous food from Bogart's Bar & Grille, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Saba Asian Dining and Sushi Bar, The Addison Boca Raton, The Capital Grille, Truluck's, and ZED 451. YUM. Belly dancers performed and worked their way through the crowd – one gave Marilyn a lesson… hey! That is great exercise! There is a fee to attend. The Boca Resort Hotel just opened a new huge room – turn right when you enter the main doors and go to the end. It is filled with dark blue banquette lounge seats, and there was a “Neil Diamond-type” singer. $15 buys you 2 drinks and a comfortable seat. Nice place to while away the hours. Every seat was taken! Drop by and enjoy!

DID YOUR PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX BILL GO UP?

2009-08-28T23:06:00.001-04:00

While local headlines SCREAM that Florida properties were devalued even more this year (did I hear 18%?), the property taxes, inexplicably, are going UP UP AND AWAY. Appeals to the county’s Value Adjustment Board by angry taxpayers for their 2009 property tax bills are expected to climb, perhaps by over 20% up from 13,200 appeals in 2008, challenging property assessments and homestead and tax exemption classifications. Petitions can be file online or in person at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, until September 14^th, and there is a $15 filing fee. For more information call the Clerk and Comptroller's office at (561) 355- 6289. The Clerks office says that while the increase in appeals may be due to the economic downturn, a state law has changed requiring the property appraisers office to prove their assessments are accurate. In the past the property owner had to prove the assessment was wrong. Special magistrates must be hired to settle disputes between property owners and the county property appraisers office. Responsibility for processing petitions and scheduling hearings lies with the Clerks office. Preliminary tax notices were mailed Friday to all county property owners.

FIRST FLORIDA POPULATION DROP SINCE MILITARY PERSONNEL LEFT IN 1946

2009-08-19T06:29:00.001-04:00

Blaming the recession and steep drop in new residents of 58,000 over the past year for plunging tax revenues jobs in construction, real estate and mortgage lending have disappeared. This has resulted in empty classroom seats, down about 10,000 statewide compared to the previous year. Current popular is about 18.3 million, says the US Census Bureau.

Florida’s unemployment rate in June was 10,6%, highest rate since 1975, one of the highest rates in the US. Estimates used data from residential electric hookups, building permits and homestead exemptions.

Another factor fewer people are moving to Florida is their inability to sell their homes elsewhere to be able to move here.

However, growth is expected to resume as the economy improves.

STIMULUS PACKAGE’S FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT MAY BE EXPANDED

2009-08-14T01:54:00.000-04:00

The $8000 tax credit for new buyers using FHA-insured loans can be used for additional down payment funds or towards closing costs, and is set to expire November 30^th. It has been very popular among first time home buyers to the extent of recent home sales to 1^st time home buyers are estimated to be 40% of the market. There is talk from Senate and Congress of:

· extending the tax credit by the end of the year

· raising the tax credit to 15% or 10% of the home’s purchase price, whichever is lower

· removing income restrictions (currently available only to households making $75,000 or less)

· extending tax credit to ALL home purchasers, not just first-timers

· Estimates are that just upping the credit to $15000 would lead to 400,000 more home sales

Foreclosures weighing down many markets would be sold and absorbed. Let’s see if these ideas are passed and implemented.