Palm Beach Real Estate and Loans

An Update on the Death of Print Advertising-

Earlier today I got an update from Inman News-

One of the stories that cought my eye was "Los Angeles Times Axes Real Estate Section" written by Glen Roberts Jr.

It's a shame, but some customers still do insist on seeing an ad in the paper - but it really is unnecessary.

When you compare the internet to the print news, you see that the newspapers lose by a huge margin. A smart Agent can reach many more potential Clients and do it faster, with more elaborate ads, tours, etc then a newspaper ever could.

So many real estate searces start ONLINE these days - I've seen estimates at 90% (or even higher).

Just a quick bit of news......

Mortgage Updates- The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

Last week, President Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 into law.

Since then Knightlines Mortgage Services and I have been getting asked quite a few questions - basically, people want to know how it applies to them.

Basically, the Act is aimed at stabilizing the housing market - specifics include:

Modernization of the Federal Housing Administration by improving technology, performance, fraud detection and increasing staffing.
FHA Rescue - a voluntary program where a lender writes down the loan balance in exchange for a FHA guaranteed loan.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be subject to stronger regulation.
Tax Incentives - including a $7,500 refundable tax credit for first-time home buyers.
Truth in Lending Act reform - requiring that TILA disclosures be delivered 7 days prior to closing.
Licencing - The intent here is to create a national licencing system, minimum qualifications for all originators, and a registry for banks and thrift employees that act as originators.

That's it in a nutshell and while it's not perfect, it certainly is a big step in the right direction.

Now, just to get my 2 cents in, the best thing the government can do is REALLY enforce the rules, laws, regulations that are enacted!!!!!!

You can make all the rules that you want, but if no one is held to them - what difference does it make?

Today's Open Houses in BallenIsles and Mirasol-

Here's the list of all the properties in BallenIsles and Mirasol being presented by Leibowitz Realty:

Address	Community	Time
16 Saint James Drive	BallenIsles	2-4 PM
127 Remo Place	Mirasol	2-4 PM
107 Tranquilla	Mirasol	2-4 PM
125 Playa Rienta Way	Mirasol	2-4 PM
501 Via Toledo	Mirasol	2-4 PM
11514 Villa Vasari Drive	Mirasol	1-4 PM

Both Mirasol and BallenIsles are gated communities - all you need to do is go to any of the entrances and tell the Guard that you are going to a Leibowitz Open House and give them the address of the home you'd like to see.

The Guards will be happy to give you directions.

If you have any questions about these - or any other - listings, please don't hesitate to call me at 561-282-7406.

The Importance of Feedback when Listing your Home for Sale- Can You Handle the Truth?

When people come to view your Palm Beach Gardens real estate, the most important thing you can get (other then an offer, of course) is FEEDBACK.

I always ask my customers if they can handle the truth - I'm a little more subtle then Jack Nicholson was when he made that line so famous - but I'm very serious.

You need to know what potential buyers are thinking and you have to take it seriously - like it or not.

I'm not just talking about their reaction to the price. That IS important, but you need to know what they think about the property. Your home is your pride and joy and you are looking at it through rose-colored glasses. However, there may be something that you think is fantastic but not everyone will feel that way.

The "can you handle it" part comes in when the feedback is not exactly positive - you have got to take it as constructive criticism!

If you accept peoples' reactions and work from there you could very well remove whatever the barriers are to you getting an acceptable offer.

Isn't that the whole point?

Steeplechase - Something Different in Palm Beach Gardens Real Estate

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Palm Beach Gardens real estate is probably luxury homes on a golf course.

For the most part that is true - but there is an alternative or two. One of the first that comes to mind is the unique community Steeplechase.

Situated on the south side of Northlake Boulevard, just south of BallenIsles, Steeplechase offers the top-notch estates that Palm Beach Gardens is so well known for BUT, each home is on a lot that is a minimum of 1 acre.

There are none of the uncomfortable, zero-lot-line set ups that you see in so many other communities.

Leibowitz Realty has a great description of this community:

"Steeplechase is a wonderful 24-hour gated community of luxury homes on one acre plus lots! (A very rare commodity in South Florida).

Offering a diverse selection of established estates and brand new construction custom estate homes, Steeplechase is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Palm Beach County. Each home is set on at least an acre of gorgeous property creating a true estate feel with deeply set back homes offering the ultimate privacy and fabulous backyards with room for tennis courts, sports courts, private playgrounds and more! A Charming tree-lined main street and sidewalks on Steeplechase main drive encourages neighborhood walks, jogs and general enjoyment of this intimate community and the fantastic South Florida weather. Custom estate homes surround the quiet side streets and are interspersed around lovely cul-de sacs as well in this beautifully designed community."

You can read more about it HERE or take a TOUR of the community.

Please call me at 561-282-7406 at any time to discuss the community and the properties that are currently available.