ActiveRain Meetup-Delray Beach is August 6, 2014! It’s our Summer MeetUp in Delray Beach and I hope you’ll make plans to attend!!!! Our last ActiveRain MeetUp was in March so it’s time to get together and say “hello” to old friends, and meet new ActiveRain members as well. This is the cherry on the hot fudge sundae of being a member at ActiveRain.  Don’t just “know” us via our profile picture.   We’ll be meeting once again at 50 Ocean on A1A in Delray Beach. When: Wednesday, August 6, 2014! Where: 50 Ocean Address:  50 S. Ocean Just above Boston’s on A1A, south of Atlantic Avenue. Time: 11:30 A.M. Parking: There is metered parking along the beach or you can valet park.  Just pull into the driveway between Boston’s and Cafe Luna Rosa and pull to the back. RSVP: Kathy Streib             5... 07/13/2014

Delray Beach- Storms, Lightning and a Little “Auntie Em” This has been a stormy week in Delray.  We’re accustomed to the summer afternoon thunderstormsbut it seems as if we’ve had a few weeks of heavy rains and in a few area heavy lightning strikes.     On one of our morning walks as we were watching the storms off-shore, and saw this waterspout coming out of the clouds.  If you look in the first photo, you can see a very thin ribbon-like spout to the left of the larger spout.  I’ve seen these before and they usually dissipate before reaching shore.     We did have a gorgeous morning for our Women’s Council of Realtors Greater Palm Beach County Chapter meeting.  On the left is the view from Waterstone Resort & Marina of the Atlantic Ocean, and to the right the view overlooking Lake Boca... 07/11/2014

The Delray Beach Bus Loop is Saturday, July 19, 2014. The Delray Beach Bus Loop is back and it’s Delray East meets Delray West!  This is a great opportunity to spend time at the “other end” of Atlantic Boulevard … the new Delray Marketplace.. and to help support the Delray Center for the Arts. What- The Delray Beach Bus Loop When- Saturday, July 19, 2014 Time-  6 pm to 11 pm Where- See Venue below Admission- $20 prepay 7 days in advance                       $35 at the door NOTE-Free Admission for Designated Drivers! There’s a fairly new area at the opposite end of Atlantic Avenue that brings shopping, dining and entertainment to those living west of the city.   The Delray Beach Bus Loop will have trolleys that will take participants from downtown Delray out to the Delray Marketplace wh... 07/10/2014

Delray Beach- King Kong, Fay Wray, and a Little Mermaid. July is here and the Fourth was hot and sunny, then cloudy and rainy.   We watched as Hurricane Arthur headed north past the Carolinas towards New England.   I have a feeling that some participants may have been practicing for the Annual July 4th Sand Sculpting contest.  Take a look and see if you think they may have been winners! I couldn’t resist this very patriotic outfit on the beach for July 4th!  The “art” on the right was created by a photographer I saw one morning.  He’d found the bamboo on the beach and added some shells.       As promised, King Kong and Fay Wray!  Wasn’t this well done.  And I’m not sure if this little mermaid washed up or was left behind.     I found this Question Mark in the sand as we were walking and... 07/04/2014

Using a Reverse Mortgage for Changing Retirement Plans The reverse mortgage is still a viable option for seniors hoping to pay off their mortgage and continue to live debt free during retirement, but very few take advantage of it. In fact, according to a nationwide survey, presented at the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association by Dan Gorin, only 2% of seniors 62 years of age and older actually get a reverse mortgage. This means less than half of those who consider a reverse mortgage in the first place are actually getting one. Considering the reputation the reverse mortgage has had until recently (and probably still does) these numbers aren't particularly surprising, however, this does mean that there is plenty of work still to be done where the reverse mortgage is concerned.  K... 07/03/2014

Fourth of July, 2014- Road Closures and Parking-Delray Beach. If you have plans to attend the Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebration in Delray Beach, be aware that certain streets will be closed. The celebrations begin at 8 am with the annual Sand Sculpture contest and will continue until after the 9pm fireworks. Street Closures: - Atlantic Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 2 PM (check with local authorities for up to date changes) from the Intracoastal east to A1A. - A1A -will be closed from Miramar north to Thomas beginning at 1 PM.   If you’re heading south on A1A, you can take George Bush Blvd to Federal.  Coming North on A1A, use Linton. -Bridge closed-the Atlantic Avenue Bridge will be closed to marine traffic beginning at 9 PM until 11:30 PM on Friday. -Pa... 07/02/2014

Ever Use the Rocking Chair Test…? Have you ever thought back on your life? What you could have done differently? What you could have improved on? Have you ever thought of the decisions that led you to where you are? That's exactly what the Rocking Chair Test is all about. Bruce Kasanoff, a LinkedIn member, posted an excellent article, entitled "Huge Decisions Require the Rocking Chair Test," and many of the things he stated resonated with me. It's probably because I've yet to have the time to contemplate where my life is heading, or the wisdom to look back and realize what I did right, or wrong, but the Rocking Chair Test seems like a positive way to analyze the pros and cons of any life-altering decisions. In order to take the rocking chair test picture an older version of yourself, si... 06/30/2014

Delray Beach, of Palm Beach County, FL Market Stats & Facts for May 2014   Stats and facts about Delray Beach, Florida, are out for the month of May 2014.  The report is packed with information about the county and the local city mentioned above. In a nut shell the inventory of single family homes available for sale are at a 4.9 month selling point which is down nearly 9.6% from a year ago. That’s a good sign things are loosening up and people are buying. Click on this LINK, for more graphs and stats. Whether you are buying or selling in this hot market of the County of Palm Beach, FL, choosing the right company will save you money, time and many sleepless nights. I not only have 30 years experience as a Realtor, construction was a passion of mine as well. This alone is worth so much m... 06/29/2014

Delray Beach- A Whale of a Week! I love being able to share my photos of Delray Beach!  You can definitely tell that summer is here- it’s hot and humid out and you can count on rain most every afternoon.   On the positive side, our winter residents are back in their homes up north so it is somewhat easier to get a reservation and the traffic is a bit lighter!   This little whale was pretty good and had shells for eyes!  I’m not sure what the compound on the right isbut it had a long stick that looked like a bridge.                   We see this group of walkers most mornings, if we’re early enough!  I don’t know if you can tell, but they’re dragging a tire!  That is one workout!   I found this little guy hiding in a tree at the boat ramp.  He was just trying to find some shade, as were ... 06/27/2014

Delray Beach Celebrates Parks and Recreation Month in July. July is Parks and Recreation Month and Delray Beach plans to be part of that celebration. This year’s theme is “OUT IS IN” and there’s no better place to enjoy the outdoors than in Delray Beach.   Did you know these facts about adult outdoor time? ~3 out of 10 adults do not spend time outside on a daily basis ~ for those who do almost half spend less than 30 minutes out in fresh air ~ the largest barrier to spending time outdoors is work. ~ television is the activity that more people would be willing to give up! You can learn more facts here.   It’s clear that we need to spend more time outside, whether it be participating in sports, walking, or just doing things we would do INside, OUTside. To that end, the Parks and Recreatio... 06/26/2014

Homes for Sale in Monterey Lake Delray Beach FL - Pet-Friendly & Gated   Why Do People Live here?   Monterey Lake is a pet-friendly gated community that is located in Delray Beach, FL. It's not uncommon to see people out walking their dogs and stopping to chat in the neighborhood. Monterey Lake has single family homes, townhomes and villas with garages. Looking for a home in Monterey Lake? Interested in finding homes for sale in the Monterey Lake community of Delray Beach FL?  Click that link to find all the currently available homes in this area of Delray Beach. What's the Neighborhood Like? The homes you would expect to find for sale in the Monterey Lake neighborhood are generally going to range between 1500 and 2000 square feet.  Most of the homes were originally built in the late 19... 06/24/2014

Delray Beach- 2 Very Different Boats and a Snow Fence in Florida.   We’ve had another rainy week with more than our share of Florida afternoon thunder-boomers.  Thankfully, the rain held off until late afternoon so we were able to get in our daily walks on the beach.  When you live in Florida, you learn that if you want to enjoy outdoor activities you need to get an early start.  You may have calm waters early in the morning, but you can almost always count on the seas picking up late in the afternoon.  This makes a big difference if you have any boating plans.   If you plan on getting out for some tennis, golf, a day at the beach, or just getting out for a walk, you learn to get out early to avoid the heat, the humidity, and the rain.     I’ve never seen this much seaweed on the beach.... 06/20/2014

    The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News Friday, June 20, 2014     TODAY'S TOP STORIES Realtor.com still under attack and sometimes slow Move Inc., which oversees the website for owner NAR, says it received a ransom note before the attack. Law enforcement and tech specialists are involved. Read more. Private insurers slow to enter Fla. flood market A new Fla. law helps private carriers offer flood insurance, but many are waiting for new technology that will create a different risk assessment for each home. Read more. Homelessness: Gov. signs bill, HUD allocates money The fight against homelessness received two boosts: Gov. Scott signed a bill backed by Florida Realtors today, and HUD allocated $10M for Fla. programs. Read more.   Average 30-year mortgage rate ... 06/20/2014

Delray Beach - Turtle Tracks and a Heart? We had stormy afternoons this week but the mornings gave us an ocean as calm as a lake.   This was perfect for taking the boat out fishing… well better for the boaters at least but fishing is supposed to be better when it’s a little rough.   There were some paddle boarders out but no surfers or kite boarders.   The sand looks different after the heavy afternoon rains… not quite sand but not mud or dirt.   The good thing is that I’m not emptying about a tablespoon full of sand from my shoes when I return to my car. I love watching the beach crew in the early morning setting out the umbrellas and chairs.  Alberto takes a lot of care and time  making sure that they are straight.. lined up and ready for all of the beachgoers that day. Take a look:  ... 06/13/2014

Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebrations 2014 in Delray Beach!   Celebrate the Day! You will not want to miss this year's Fourth of July events in Delray Beach! WHERE?   A1A at Atlantic Avenue in Delray .. where Atlantic Ave. hits the Atlantic Ocean!   WHEN?   Events begin at 8 AM and conclude after the 9 PM Fireworks ADMISSION?  FREE!!!! CONTACT?   561-279-1380 There are plenty of activities for children of all ages including sand sculpting, face painting, craft areas, an adult beer garden, a Splash Zone, a custard eating contest for children, and a burger eating contest for adults, mini putt-putt, and so much more! Music? Live music from the Kinected, Mike Mineo, and the Petty Hearts!  And, No Bodies Crew will help Mayor Cary Glickstein countdown to the fireworks. What to Bring? There ... 06/10/2014

1st Annual Muttsquerade 5k in Delray Beach! Who doesn’t love to dress up and go for a walk!  You still have time to register for the 1st Annual Muttsquerade 5K being held in Delray Beach. WHAT? The 1st Annual Muttsquerade 5K WHEN?  Saturday, June 7, 2014 TIME?   5K Starts at 7:15 A.M.                1 Mile Dog Walk begins at 7:20 A.M. WHERE?  Anchor Park            340 S. Ocean Blvd.                        Delray Beach REGISTRATION  FEES:   $30/5K race    $20/1 mile Dog Race CONTACT?  561-405-5584/ EKeventfl@gmail.com This event benefits the Florida Humane Society and hopes to bring much needed attention to the many homeless pets in our community.   The need for: * Spaying and neutering * Adopting our homeless animals * A plan for our pets should disaster strike, and hurricane season ha... 06/02/2014

This Week at Delray Beach- a Pyramid in Florida? After a busy Memorial Day, the beach in Delray has settled down a bit.  Things will pick up, though, as soon as school is out for the summer. I hope you enjoy some of the shots of the beach from this week. After a busy weekend, it’s surprising what you can find on the beach.  Of course, there’s the usual debris, which is another post in itself, but there’s always a beach umbrella that no longer serves its purpose, or a beach chair that failed to support their sitter.    And, in this case, there was the toy left behind.  I picture a young child in the back of the car, screaming that he left his toy at the beach.   Dad saying no, it’s too late to turn around for it. Now, this little truck was left to guard the beach… perhaps to be picked up... 05/30/2014

    Delray Beach, of Palm Beach County, FL Market Stats & Facts for April 2014   Stats and facts about City of Atlantis, Florida, are out for the month of April 2014.  The report is packed with information about the county and the local city mentioned above. In a nut shell the inventory of single family homes available for sale are at a 5.1 month selling point which is down nearly 16.4% from a year ago. That’s a good sign things are loosening up and people are buying. Click on this LINK, for more graphs and stats. Whether you are buying or selling in this hot market of the County of Palm Beach, FL, choosing the right company will save you money, time and many sleepless nights. I not only have 29 years experience as a Realtor, construction was a passion of mine as well. This alone is wor... 05/25/2014

This Week in Delray Beach- Some Sushi, a Vintage Vehicle and King of the Mountain. It has been an eclectic week at the beach in Delray.   The winds finally died down, so while the surfers were few and far between, there was still plenty to see.   We’ve been too late these days to catch the sunrise, however, late though we were, the sun did not disappoint. It is always amazing to me how many photographers, and others who just love the sunrise are out at the just to catch that quick second or two when the sun pops up.         Along the beach,  we say “Good Morning”  to our new friends we’ve met on our morning walks and give a nod “hello” to others also out on their walks.   However, there are some we pass without a word… and leave them to their morning moments of peace and meditation.    ... 05/23/2014

A Mixed Week in Delray- A Scavenger and Some Quacks! It’s been a busy and windy week, so our beach time was a little limited.  We took a late afternoon walk at Green Cay and wouldn’t you know it, we ran into Mr. Squirrel, scavenging for his dinner from the “squirrel proof” bird feeder!   Of course the feeder is squirrel proof!       Hey, everyone has to eat!     The Green Heron is a favorite of mine.    I don’t know if it’s because of its beautiful dark colors of slate grey and maroonish-brown, or its funny hairstyle it gets.  Or it could be that it has spunk!  (Don’t forget what Lou Grant said about spunk!) I’ve seen this bird get dangerously close to Mama Gator, just after Mama has helped her baby gators hatch.  I’ve seen this spunky/crazy bird almost get eaten while mom was ferocious... 05/15/2014