Maybe I am naive, but I am not understanding why we need to bailout banks that have got us in this mess time and time before.  The Federal Government is going to buy 700 billion of bad debt from the banks so that the banks can lend and make a profit.  If the banks could not get out from under this then what makes the governement think that they can.  The government's plan is to hold onto these bad debts till they are worth at least as much as they purchased it for which could be 5 years or more.  During that time we as taxpayers are going to frront the money so now important programs are going to be cut, spending will need to be cut, and our taxes will need to go up.  How is this good for the American peopl?  How is this good for us in the real estate industry?  My plan would be a litt... 10/02/2008

Below is the luxury market report for Boca Raton for the month of September. All properties are listed at $1,000,000 or more.  Single family homes continue to do well and the condo numbers should increase as we enter the season.   Condos Total Available Properties  120 Price Range  $6,800,000 - $1,000,000 Total Sold Properties  3 Price Range  $3,120,000 - $1,200,000 Average Days on Market  188 Average Price per Square Ft. $445 Single Family Homes Total Available Properties  565 Price Range  $22,500,000 - $1,000,000 Total Properties Sold  14 Price Range  $2,200,000 - $950,000 Average Days on Market   443 Average Price per Square  Ft.   $314 10/01/2008

I do not claim to be hugely religious, but there are certain days of the year that I honor the tradition of my heritage.  Rosh Hashanah is one of them, and the other is Yom Kippur.  I am a very hard worker, and never miss any days of work whether I am sick or what have you.  I do however take off on Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.  I have heard many mutterings around the office that they do not understand why Jews have so many holidays, and take off for them.  It is important to understand the Jewish religion in order to answer that question.  The Jewish religion has several very Holy Days during the year.  The first one is Rosh Hashanah which is the Jewish New Year.  Like most of us are off on January 1st, 2008, Jews take off on their Jewish New Year, and as for Yom Kippur this is a Day... 10/01/2008

NEW FLORESTA New Floresta consists of nearly 200 single family homes all from the mediterranean and spanish colonial style.  These styles present a unique divulgence into one of the most sought after communities in Boca Raton.  Neslted between the Town Center Mall and some of the most amazing parks and recreation makes for a perfect Central Boca location.  From the moment you drive into New Floresta you notice the character of the homes, and the neighborhood.  You will find many neighbors walking their dogs, taking a family walk, and adults and children playing outside their home.  New Floresta has that real community feel that you do not see in many communities in Boca Raton.  Between the Happy hour block parties, and the July 4th get togethers New Floresta is a great place to call ho... 10/01/2008

Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin will be holding a fundraiser at the Boca Raton Resort and Club on October 6, 2008 to raise money and gather support for the many valuable South Florida votes up for grabs.  The Resort is located at 501 East Camino Real and the cost is $500 to get in.  The VIP reception starts at 5pm followed by a general reception at 5:30pm.  Starting at 6pm there will be a private dinner for those who donate at least another $500.  You can get more information by calling 561.819.9694.     09/30/2008

As prices get to where they need to be sales are going up.  Single family home sales have gone up for the second consecutive month. Boca Raton reported an increase of 10% in August compared to the same time last year.  The sale of condominiums went up by almost 12%. As the cycle continues things will eventually get better even though it might not be as fast or as steady as we would all like. 09/25/2008

This is a reprint of an article I wrote on July 27, 2008.  The reason I am reprinting it is because I located a wonderful home for my clients and closed on their new home today! Yesterday was one of my most memorable days in years. I've been selling real estate for over 14 years, but yesterday really reminded me of exactly why I am a Realtor.  Taking the watch "On Floor" early Saturday morning, I received a call from a man who explained that he and his family were here in Boca living in a long term hotel.  Working for the foreign service, he was just transferred from Thailand and virtually just stepped off the plane only a few days ago and needed to find a home for himself and his young family.  He was very honest and stated that he wasn't exactly sure where he wanted to live, but was c... 09/23/2008

  I have to preface this post by saying I love my job, and I love politics.  However, I did compile a list of words and phrases that I am tired of hearing: Economy Political Debates Sarah Palin Barack Obama (not tired of hearing the name Joe Biden as we do not really hear from him) John McCain Bailout Banks Failed Recession Walk Off Home Run Financial Crisis Economic Downturn My belly is too big The market is stabilizing foreclosures short sales commission split 50/50 negotiator bpo that home not appraise Why have you not sold my home? That is just a few of my phrases.  Any others?  09/23/2008

When you have a chance be sure to take the kids over to Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton located at 300 South Military Trail.  They have a huge playground and many activities to keep the children occupied for hours.  The main attraction is the new carousel.  Every Halloween they have a big event that even the adults enjoy.  Other activities include the Science Explorium, the Science Playground and Nature Trails. This park has won numerous awards and is a great example of the benefits of living in Boca Raton.   www.SugarSandPark.org   09/23/2008

For those of you who know me personally other then my blogs you know that I am an avid Sports Fan.  I live and breath sports.  Most people who call themselves sports fans may be a sports fan for one sport and not for others.  Myself I love everything about every sport.  Most of all I love the Competition. So I am sitting there yesterday on a Sunday morning, and I bring my daughter to play soccer at the neighboring park.  We play for a little while, and she like most 3 year old princesses says she is hot.  We go home and I look at the sports schedule.  Wow what a schedule.  You mean I get to watch: The Amazing Ryder Cup at 12:00 to 6:00 PM My beloved Miami Dolphins at 1:00 PM The rest of the NFL games at 4:00 PM The Dallas Cowboys vs. the Green Bay Packers The last game at Yankee Stadiu... 09/22/2008

With all the rain we have had recently and the news that they had to drain Lake Okeechobee the other day may make us forget that there are watering restrictions still in effect in Boca Raton and across Palm Beach County.  Below are the watering times.   Odd Number Addresses:  Wednesday and Saturday 12 am to 10 am  and/or  4pm to 11:59pm Even Number Addresses:  Thursday and Sunday 12 am  to 10 am  and/or  4pm to 11:59 pm   For more information visit The South Florida Water Management District's website at: www.sfwmd.gov   09/17/2008

      Change is apparently in the works for a proposed development adjacent to the Boca Raton Tri-Rail station.   Yamato Road Joint Ventures LLC, which hoped to create a million square foot "transit village" next to the depot, is apparently rethinking the plan - in particular, the size.   City officials have twice adopted strong resolutions saying the million square foot plan is much too large for that spot.  Coincidentally, because of the change of administration earlier this year, one resolution came about through former Mayor Steven Abrams, the other under current Mayor Susan Whelchel.   Peter Sachs of Sachs Sax Caplan, a Boca law firm representing Yamato Road Joint Ventures LLC, notified the City Council earlier this month that "Mike Langton and Tom Gustafson of Yamato Road LLC are ... 09/17/2008

  Congregation Shaarei Kodesh has named Rabbi Jordan Friedman as its first full-time rabbi.   Dr. Frederick E. Greenspahn, Gimelstob Eminent Scholar in Judaic Studies & Director of the Jewish Studies Program at Florida Atlantic University, will install Rabbi Friedman Thursday, Sept. 18. The installation is scheduled at 6, with a meet-and-greet afterward from 7 to 8 at Congregation Shaarei Kodesh, 19785 Hampton Drive, Boca Raton. The new rabbi will lead the congregation at its High Holy Day services at the Countess de Hoernle Theatre at Spanish River High School in Boca Raton. "I am so proud to be joining Shaarei Kodesh," said Rabbi Friedman. "Shaarei Kodesh has an incredibly dedicated group of people who are seeking and yearning for a meaningful and spiritual connection to Jewish life."... 09/15/2008

The Boca Raton Police Department will be taking on a new look over the next couple of years as they slowly change over the color of their patrol cars to the more traditional black and white.  The reason is that the current red, blue and yellow cars apparently don't stand out enough among taxi cabs and other car services.  I did see one of the new black and whites the other day and they did look a little tougher.  The City is keeping cost down by wrapping some of the cars, a process which is cheaper than repainting them. 09/14/2008

FREE FIRST TIME HOME BUYER WORKSHOP!     BUYING A HOME WITH LITTLE OR NO MONEY DOWN IN TODAY'S MARKET!   $7500.00 HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT INFORMATION ******************************************************************** SAVE THE DATE! RSVP EVENT FIRST 20 PEOPLE RECEIVE A SPECIAL GOODY BAG!   WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 6:30 PM-8:30 PM  COUNT de HOERNLE TRAIN STATION 747 S. DIXIE HIGHWAY, BOCA RATON, FLORIDA   REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED! RSVP TO michelebeeboca@aol.com   ************************************************************************ Whether you call it a house, dwelling, home, nest, castle or palace   If you have dreamt of homeownership, let me help you realize your Dream today!   Buying a home stirs up may emotions! From excitement to fear to intimidation!    My FREE home buyer... 09/12/2008

The Chart above depicts properties sold and properties active on the market for June, July, and August of 2008.  Unfortunately, as most areas have been hit with an over abundance of supply so to has Boca Raton.  In the month of June 2008 we had 1768 properties on the market, and only 293 sold which is a 16.5% rate of solds. In the month of July we had 2453 properties on the market, and only 259 sold which is a 10.5% rate of solds. In the month of August we had 3349 properties on the market, and only 217 sold which is a rate of 6.5% rate of solds.  At this rate it would take over 15.4 months to sell on the inventory if no more listings came on the market which is not so.  Most of these properties that are included are condos which seems to have a much lower rate of selling for a much lo... 09/11/2008

With so many foreclosures hitting South Florida many are looking into assistance programs.  Unfortunately, I have found many to be scams, but there is a homeowner workshop facing these serious problems that is not.  State Representative, Maria Lorts Sachs who leads the Palm Beach County foreclosure assistance group H.O.P.E. has arranged for Palm Beach County to have a homeowner workshop bringing bankers, mortgage lenders, and financial experts to help keep financially strapped residents in their homes.  It is going to be held Monday, Sept. 22nd from 10 AM to 3 PM.  There is no cost.   09/11/2008

Here are some numbers that may come in handy.     Building Permits     561.393.7930 Business Tax Receipts     561.393.7937 City Attorney's Office     561.393.7716 City Clerk     561.393.7740 City Manager's Office     561.393.7703 Code Compliance     561.393.7934 Community Redevelopment Agency     561.367.7070 Financial Services     561.393.7729 Human Resources     561.393.7804 Mayor & City Council     561.393.7708 Municipal Services     561.416.3385 Planning Office     561.393.7782 Public Information Office     561.393.7777 Purchasing Division     561.393.7871 Recreation Services     561.393.7810 Special Events     561.393.7806 Water Bill     561.393.7750 Zoning Office     561.393.7792   At & T Phone Service    1.888.757.6500 Comcast Cable    1.800.266.2278 Florida Power & Light     561... 09/09/2008

  The long drawn out plan to put a public park & beach in Highland Beach is becoming longer.  In 1987 the County proposed a public park with beach access in the Town of Highland Beach, and it was approved.  Now after 21 years we are going to continue the litigation to have the park constructed.  The most recent events are that the Planning Board submitted 31 conditions to the approval.  Some of them were meant to restrict the water activities which were not supposed to be part of the agreement.  Now they are going to litigate this, but no date has even been set as of yet.  So I guess that is why it is so hard to get something done even in the smallest part of government.  I say Just Build it and They Will Come!!!      09/05/2008

August was not to bad considering it is usually the slowest month of the year.  Below are the numbers for August 2008 for luxury homes and condos priced at $1,000,000 and above. As we get into the season things will get more active.  Boca Raton continues to be one of the best places to buy a luxury property.   Condominiums Properties on the Market   116 Price Range   $1,000,000 - $6,800,000 Properties Sold   3 Price Range   $1,075,000 - $1,085,000 Average Price Per Square Ft.  $445 Average Days on Market  113 Single Family Homes Properties on the Market   569 Price Range  $1,000,000 - $22,500,000 Properties Sold  15 Price Range  $1,050,000 - $4,150,000 Average Price Per Square Ft.  $474 Average Days on Market  234 09/04/2008