MILD HOUSING RECOVERY ON THE WAY BEFORE 2008 YEAR-END???

YES says a report from SMR Research Corp, who specialize in mortgage and home equity loan industry research. Being the first to report in 2004 that “a perfect storm” in credit quality would cause a blast in foreclosures within 2 years, they say, “Our prior forecasts were accurate but widely disbelieved when issued.” They expect skeptical reactions now too, but say “the numbers are what they are… homes are now affordable again… consumer psychology is the biggest remaining hurdle to recovery.”

MILLION SQ FT TRI-RAIL STATION DEVELOPMENT TO BECOME A GO?

Within the next 60 days The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, operator of Tri-Rail trains, has invited all interested parties to a workshop to decide whether to move ahead with a large development near the station in Boca Raton on Yamato Road near the I-95 entrance or scale it back. Officials are invited from the City of Boca Raton, FAU, T-Rex Park adjacent to the station. City leaders feel the proposed project is about 15 times too big for the site. Zoning allows no more than 50,000 sq ft of office space and 15,000 sq ft of retail space. Yamato Road Joint Ventures LLC wants to create a transit “village” with a 150- room hotel, almost 200 work-force apartments, 55,000 sq feet of shops and 90.000 sq ft of offices and parking garages with 1731 spaces. Tri-Rail owns the 6-acre parcel at the train station, and the city controls the zoning. County agencies and the Lake Worth Drainage District along with the City of Boca Raton may also have input. Another proposal from three Boca Raton developers has plans for a 3-story building with 50,000 sq ft of offices, 15,000 sq ft of shops and underground parking. Workshop date has not yet been announced.

TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME IN A DOWN MARKET

The subprime mortgage problem has scared a lot of people away from the housing market. However, the news isn’t all bad. The current market decline has dropped prices and made housing affordable to many fiscally responsible renters who never considered home ownership to be an option. Here are recommended steps for buyers to take advantage of this market downturn. Be aware of extraneous expenses including property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, standard maintenance, cost of utilities, and HOA fees or equity dues. Ask about current and upcoming special assessments. Decide how much you have left to spend on a mortgage, all closing costs, a down payment amount, paying down existing debts, and check on your credit records before applying in case there are errors to correct. Remember too that if you are selling and buying, while you may get a lower price than you want for your home, you will also get a low price for the home you buy. As a Realtor and a Mortgage Broker, your blog manager, Marilyn Farber Jacobs can assist you with all of these issues, and find you “the home of your dreams,” according to your criteria. Call 561-988-0070 or email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com. If you wish to receive all new properties that become available, go to http://www.FLWaterfrontCondos.com, register and list criteria for a condo, house or townhouse. Join the many buyers who regularly receive listings now. Perhaps your NEXT home will appear before your eyes, and Marilyn will be most happy to show you that home.

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN MIZNER PARK

The 13^th annual film festival begins April 10^th and is a week-long celebration of the past, present and future of independent film and cinema. There will be screenings of American and foreign independent features, shorts and documentaries of all genres, stimulating seminars and intensive film discussion groups, parties and informal get-togethers with filmmakers and industry professionals from around the globe, and more. See COMPLETE LIST OF FILMS and SCHEDULE OF EVENTS. The Palm Beach International Film Festival is a not-for-profit organization supporting film programs in local schools and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of future filmmakers. Proceeds generated each year are donated to schools, in the form of grants and scholarships.

SUNDY HOUSE, DELRAY BEACH HISTORIC BOUTIQUE INN

Located in the heart of historic downtown Delray Beach, and one mile from the fabulous beach at the end of Atlantic Avenue, the Sundy House is a boutique inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This secluded retreat is nestled within an acre of stunning tropical gardens. The Victorian inn’s 11 luxurious guest accommodations feature sumptuous décor and modern amenities. Sundy House hides within an acre overflowing with 500 tropical plant species. In every corner, you'll discover unique details: a bed suspended in air, a sunset painted on the ceiling, red-cork wallpaper, and blue suede walls. Swim with turtles and angelfish in the naturally filtered swimming pond. Venturing away from this self-contained wonderland only brings more pleasures, like snorkeling or windsurfing in the southern Atlantic, minutes away. Stay for Sundy's Sunday brunch, a lavish affair with everything from eggs Benedict made with Florida lobster to raspberry ham with mango cole slaw. Doubles from $175; 561-272-5678 Experience the award-winning Sundy House Restaurant, the elegant Roux Bamboux Lounge. Just 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport and one hour north of Miami, our superb location is easy to reach whether for business or pleasure. The Sundy House is mere steps from shopping, dining and cultural events, in a serene setting in which art, history and culture merge. Complimentary transportation to beach/downtown where life is GOOD and ACTIVE. Other awards include: The New York Post – “Florida’s Top 50 Hotels and Resorts;” Travel + Leisure – “Top 30 Inns in the U.S;” Palm Beach Post – “Best Brunch and Most Romantic Restaurant;” South Florida Parenting – “Best Romantic Getaway.”

SUBMIT YOUR WORKS OF ART INSPIRED BY FLORA, FAUNA AND NATURAL PLACES IN THE COUNTY

“Local Treasures” is the theme for the 2008 summer/fall exhibit being shown from May 7^th to September 24^th with works of art being featured in public buildings, parks and plazas. IF you have talent, submit your works, reflecting the theme. For details – click on “Calls to Artists” or mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to Palm Beach County Art in Public Places, 2633 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach FL 33422. Deadline for submission of photo of item is April 18^th.

FIRST DONATION OF $1.25MM for FAU STADIUM from SmileXpress

Get ready to cheer for the home team! The proposed 30,000-seat open air Stadium at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton has received its first donation of $1.25MM from supporter SmileXpress, one of the largest teeth whitening dental spas in Florida, located in Boca, Ft Lauderdale, Wellington and Aventura, with plans to expand nationally. The funds will be forthcoming over ten years and are for a sponsorship, scholarship dollars for the athletics department and philanthropy that will assist with the construction of the open-air football stadium, slated to be completed in the fall of 2010. FAU’s plans include an “innovation village” around the Stadium with 5 apartment-style residence halls, 130,000 sq ft of retail and commercial units and a multi-use Convocation Center for the basketball program. Future seating expansion is possible, and a roof can be added. Total cost estimated for the stadium is just under $100-MM, with funding from private donations – no public funds including tax revenues are expected to finance the stadium. It will be located just north of the Breezeway on the main campus, adjacent to the burrowing owl sanctuary. The FAU Owls football team will be using the Stadium.

BARRETT-JACKSON CAR AUCTION RELFECTS ECONOMY

While stating that individuals car sales could set world sales records, a Barrett-Jackson VP stated that the current auction is an all no-reserve event, which is a direct reflection of the marketplace, with some car collectors wanting to liquidate their four-wheeled assets, particularly if they have taken out a 2nd mortgage and their home's value has dropped. Late '50's and '60's big cars have rapidly appreciated. For sale is a restored 1911 Model T Roadster (pictured here), one of the 520 cars up for bid. A 2006 baby-blue Lamborghini with 17,000 miles on the odometer is up for auction at $180,000. When new it cost $246,000. On Sunday, after several days of auctioning, the automobilia auction will start at 10:30 am and a car auction from 10 am to 9 pm. Click here for more information.

GRAND OPENING FOR SUNSET COVE AMPHITHEATER IN WEST BOCA

Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the new outdoor theatre! At 6 pm Saturday, three local high school groups will perform during a grand opening celebration. Fireworks and food vendors will be there too. This is the first phase to open in the South County Regional Park expansion. The amphitheater includes a 1700 sq ft stage with state-of-the-art lighting and a grassy area that can accommodate up to 3000 people using lawn chairs and blankets, referred to as “festival seating.” You’ll be able to enjoy live music, theatre productions and out door movies at future amphitheater productions. Later picnic shelters, a new dog park, playground, boat ramp and additional restrooms and parking will be added. Located at 12551 Glades Road, about 2.4 miles west of US 441. For further information call 561-488-8069, the Event Hotline. To access calendar click HERE.

TRANSFER YOUR CELLPHONE WITHOUT HIGH FEES BEFORE CONTRACT TERMINATES

Go to www.celltradeusa.com or www.cellswapper.com. You pay about $20 and the person who adopts your phone gets a short contract without an activation fee. Contact your carrier first for approval, and if you want to keep your old number, you’ll have to arrange that as well.

ECONOMISTS: REBOUND BY MID-2009

The 2008 fiscal stimulus package, according to Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, should provide a much needed boost to the real estate market. Yun says that the tax rebate is needed to compensate for very high oil prices and the falling stock market. The former, he says, is caused in part by the US having a higher inflation rate than other countries which causes a weaker dollar. When oil prices rise, that fills the coffers of Russia, Venezuel, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Iran, transferring money from a democratic country to a non-democratic country. A higher loan limit in Los Angeles, Orange and San Franciso counties, from $417,00 to $729,000 will give the housing market a lift in those areas. Inventories go down and home prices strengthen as sales rise. Lawrence Yun received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is Managing Diretor of Quantitative research at the National Association of Realtors where he manages the Statistics and Forecasting Groups of the Research Division. Yun writes columns on real estate market trends, creates NAR’s forecasts and participates on many economic forecasting panels, including Blue Chip and Harvard University Industrial Economist Council. Though the economy for the entire nation is sluggish now, many economists are expecting a rebound by the second half of next year.

WANT TO PAY OFF YOUR MORTGAGE AND STAY IN YOUR HOME or CONDO?

In response to several questions from couples and individuals about how to stay in your permanent residence AND lower your budget by paying off your mortgage(s) without making additional monthly payouts, you may be eligible for a reverse mortgage even if you still owe money on a first or second mortgage. In fact, many seniors get a reverse mortgage to pay off mortgages. You need to be age 62 or older. There are NO INCOME OR MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY. No change of title, no taxes on proceeds, no repayment for as long as you live and reside in the house, until it is sold. When sold, you or your heirs receive any appreciation up from the value at the time of a reverse mortgage. WITH THE HOUSING MARKET PRICES LOW RIGHT NOW, appreciation is a strong possibility in years to come. If the value of the house declines, you do not have to pay up the difference. In order to qualify for a U.S. Government-insured reverse mortgage, you must receive reverse mortgage counseling from a counseling agency that is approved and certified by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The counseling is a free safeguard for you and your family, to make sure that you completely understand what a Reverse Mortgage is, and what the process of obtaining a Reverse Mortgage is before you apply for one. Information about reverse mortgages. The Jumbo loans have been discontinued for now. The highest reverse mortgage amount is the lending limit in the county which is $369,700 but soon to be $417,000. Call Marilyn Jacobs, a Lic. Mortgage Broker, for a confidential appointment - 561-988-0070.

FORBES RECOGNIZES PALM BEACH COUNTY IN TOP TEN UP-AND-COMING TECH CITIES

“With Scripps Florida and the Max Planck Society both establishing world-class research facilities here, we are building the foundation for a knowledge-based economy.” Palm Beach County is recognized as a top pick for “Up-and-Coming Tech Cities,” and in scientific growth. Boca Raton is attracting firms, from biopharmaceuticals to stem cell research and storage, due to its solid business environment. Forbes list is called the TOP TEN HOTBEDS OF TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGY. The survey considered specific pockets of science growth areas with “promising frontiers of innovation.” Forbes.com says that Palm Beach County is “becoming a haven for cutting-edge biotech and life science research.” More than 140 companies in the county are focused on discovery and advancement of drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, research and testing. With strong collaborations among universities and pro-active assistance programs throughout the county, and philanthropic dollars, the area is thriving. Additional information can be found at www.bdb.org, the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida, a non-profit corporation founded in 1982 to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development. See Forbes says county number three in US.

MIZNER ART WALK on WEDNESDAY, March 26th from 6-9 pm

Mizner Park shops and restaurants are hosting signature members of The Artists’ Guild with works including paintings, mixed media, photography, glass works and other art forms will be seen as visitors stroll the park. Artists will be in attendance, and viewers can talk with them. Eric Allison, renowned jazz saxophonist, will complement the event with his music. Enjoy dinner at one of the Mizner Park eateries and then browse and enjoy!

NEW IRS RULING FOR VACATION HOME 1031’s

• 24 month holding period
• for each 12 month period you must have rented vacation home for at least 14 days at fair market rent
• for each 12 month period owner can only use property for the greater of 14 days or 10% of the days rented.
• Days that relatives use the unit will count against you… unless they pay fair market rent
• You are allowed a reasonable number of “maintenance days” to care for the unit (not defined by IRS)

SUGGESTIONS:

· Tighten up record keeping and tax reporting

· Be serious in rental attempts

· Charge family members the going rental rate when they use it

Keep detailed records of dates you used the unit and what you did – and describe maintenance done for “maintenance days”

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL AND MORTGAGE PRE-QUALIFICATION?

Verification and Documentation explain the difference. Pre-Qualification is based on information provided by the buyer whereas Pre-Approval is given after receipt of copies of bank account statements, income proof (pay stubs) and income tax returns; other information may be requested as well. Neither are considered a mortgage commitment, but the more detailed Pre-Approval is preferred by sellers. Pre-Qualification requires the borrowers name, address, phone number, date of birth and social security number with permission to do a credit check. Questions may be asked about annual income and what down payment the borrower can make. A letter is issued with an estimate of the amount of a mortgage for which the borrower can be approved, based on documentation verification, which may be described in the letter. The letter will also include a disclaimer, e.g., “subject to verification of employment (2 years of work history) / assets / credit review / charge card statements / mortgage underwriting guidelines” and the prevailing interest rate, which can be “locked in.” This serves temporarily as confirmation to a seller that a buyer appears to be able to afford to purchase their property. Underwriting criteria may include credit scores, work history, verification of income, qualifying income ratios, verification of where down payment will come from (e.g., brokerage or bank account or gift), cash reserves after closing. There may be information that has a negative impact on mortgage approval, including a borrowed down payment, inconsistent work history, unreported “cash” income, not enough assets for closing costs, and other issues.

NEW VISTA THEATRE RECEIVES AWARDS FOR TWO 2007 PRODUCTIONS

Now moved to their new location on Palmetto Park Road, a few miles west of 441 in the Shoppes of Logger’s Run, The New Vista Theatre Company in West Boca Raton has been nominated for five Carbonell nominations for two of its 2007 productions, “Funny Girl” and “Jacques Brel”. Performances are held at the West Boca Raton High School Performing Arts Center, 12811 Glades Road. During their Inaugural Season, 2006-2007, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was nominated for 5 Carbonell Awards. They recently moved to Boca Raton from Davie. Actor Avi Hoffman heads the company. Upcoming productions include “I’m Not Rappaport,” May 1-18, and “The Big Bang,” June 19-July 6. Click here for dates and more information or call 561-482-4144. Group Rates are available, and website sales are 10% off. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and Sunday at 7 pm. Since 1976 Carbonell Awards have been given to Regional Theatre Productions. The Awards were created by South Florida’s arts critics and columnists.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING CULTURAL TO DO THIS WEEK?

Renee Fleming… Kathleen Kennedy Townsend… the Russian National Orchestra… Joyce Carol Oates… The 5 Browns, on 5 pianos playing Home Blues from American in Paris… check out the schedule for the Boca Festival of the Arts this week…

March 9 - Antique Clock Evaluations

Ever wondered about the value of that pretty clock that has been in your shelf for years? Bring your antique clocks to the Cornell Museum, Old School Square, Delray Beach, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. for an informal evaluation by NAWCC members who are participating in the exhibit, Timekeeping through the Ages. For more information go to www.oldschool.org and see special events.

BOCA RATON 2008 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Centering in Mizner Park, for a list of cultural events for all ages including concerts, ballet, wine tastings and auctions, lectures, jazz and more, go to http://www.centre4artsboca.com/events.asp.