This past week HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan decided to allow the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit to be used toward the buyer's downpayment and closing cost. What a fantastic opportunity this presents to those home buyers who haven't been able to scrape together the money for their downpayment. So for all you home buyer's sitting on the fence because you don't have the downpayment, now is the time to take action and start looking for that dream home. According to HUD, FHA approved lenders, government agencies and non-profit organizations can supply home buyers short term loans upto the amount of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit. To help buyers that need down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a home with the tax credit, a number of Housing Finance Agenci... 05/17/2009

Besides being a fire hazard, insufficient dryer venting and exhaust systems cause a clothes dryer to use up to $300 extra per year in gas and electricity   Palm Beach, FL - As with any appliance, there are several things that can go mechanically wrong with a clothes dryer; however, maintenance has been discovered to cure most problems.  Horatio Chiorean, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, Florida shows his customers how they can save money on utilities while prolonging the life of their clothes dryer and preventing dryer fires with simple maintenance.   Horatio explains, "It is not normal for an older dryer to take several cycles to properly dry a load of clothes.  Many people think this is the case when their dryers are not working as well as they did when t... 05/16/2009

4th Annual Delray Beach Film Festival May 19th, 2009 An interesting and fun event coming up in Delray Beach, FL in the Delray Beach Film Festival.  You're able to view many different films that you probably wouldn't otherwise be able to.  Opening Night "THE ANSWER MAN" Starring Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham and Lou Taylor Pucci will be played.  On May 21st there is a special evening of Jewish and Israeli made films.  This great event happens annually in beautiful downtown Delray Beach Florida.  Downtown Delray Beach is a short drive from Briella and Parkland Reserve but within 30-45mins of most south FL communities. More about the organization: The DBFF is a non-profit organization 501 c3, dedicated to providing the local community and international visitors with a diverse presentation of... 05/05/2009

This blog post is intended to give first time homebuyers a better understanding of how much a monthly mortgage payment would be, based on a purchase price.  I find that a lot of times first time homebuyers do not realize that your monthly payment is not just the mortgage, but also taxes/insurance and a HOA payment depending on where you buy. This all may feel overwhelming at first, but the more you read about it and research it, the easier it becomes. Before I give a few examples please note that rates change on a day to day basis, which will affect your mortgage payment.  The examples below are Hypothetical Examples. Please don't assume that if you buy a home for the same price as the examples below, that your payments will be similar or the same. You can only truly find out where your... 04/12/2009

If your a first-time home buyer, it's not to late to take advantage of the governments first time home buyer grant. You are still eligible as long as you purchase before Dec 1st 2009. If you have been considering purchasing a home, but don't know where to begin here are some easy steps: Make a quick phone call to a Mortgage Broker or stop into your local bank: This is usually the first step because, they will be able to run your credit, and see how large of a mortgage you will qualify for. They can also tell you what price range you need to stay within, in order to stick with your monthly budget. Important Note: Your monthly payment doesn't just end with the mortgage, you have to consider Insurance, Taxes and also an HOA payment if you will be living in a Home Owners Association. Ask yo... 03/27/2009

Are you considering moving to Delray Beach and love all things GREEN and NATURAL? If so, this is the perfect Blog Post to read. As a resident and local green Realtor, I'm so excited to share some of the things I like best about Delray Beach. First, two of my favorite lunch spots are Nature's Way Cafe & The Nutrition Cottage. Both are awesome places to grab something quick, affordable and healthy. There names kind of sum up what they offer!!! If you would rather grow your food, Delray has an awesome new space that they have dedicated to local residents who love to garden. Until the space is filled residents are free to take a small piece of the land, located slightly north of Doc's. There you can grow whatever you like!!!! From what I have seen the majority of the residents have begun ve... 03/22/2009

I don't know if anyone else feels the same as me, but I'm having a hard time keeping up with all the new information for home-buyers regarding Green Grants & Rebate Programs. I know things vary from state to state, but which ones are universal? I know there is a rebate for going all solar, as well as tank-less water heaters. Does anyone know about what types of rebates are offered when you buy energy efficient appliances? What about impact resistant, energy efficient windows and doors? If everyone can share the information they have, I will put up another blog post consolidating it into one place. Thanks to everyone in this Green Forum!!!!   03/17/2009

  Inspirational Power Quote   Success Will Be Yours   "What I wanted was to be allowed to do the thing in the world that I did best- which I believed then and believe now is the greatest privilege there is. When I did success found me."  Debbi Fields, entrepreneur     As I see it. . . . . . . . Do what you love, do it will passion, do your best, be consistent and success will be yours. 01/13/2009

Kenmont is a tranquil community located between the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean. These incredible homes range in size up to 1,092 square feet. Common features of these beautiful homes include lush greenery, fireplace, wood and Jerusalem stone floors, marble baths, kitchen with granite counters, tropical pools, and volume ceilings. The homes in this magnificent community begin at $449,000. The Gulf Stream Golf Course, A-rated Plumosa Elementary school, Lake Ida Park, and the Gulf Atlantic Plaza are all nearby. Click to see the wonderful waterfront homes in Kenmont or view all the homes in Delray Beach. For further information please contact David Abernathy - Palm Beach County Realtor 01/07/2009

Pelican Harbour features gorgeous Mediterranean-style homes in a beautiful gated community in Delray Beach. These luxury homes feature gourmet kitchens, tropical swimming pools, marble floors, deep water dockage with ocean access. Community amenities include tennis courts, clubhouse, and community pool. Pelican Harbour offers an enticing combination of deep water dockage and luxury club amenities, in a mixture of townhouses and interior water access homes. The size of the homes in this community range up to 2,494 square feet, and the average price ranges from $145,000 to $1,675,000. Click to see the gorgeous waterfront homes in Pelican Harbour or view all of the homes in Delray Beach. For further information please contact David Abernathy - Palm Beach County Realtor 01/07/2009

Kenmont is a tranquil community located between the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean. These incredible homes range in size up to 1,092 square feet. Common features of these beautiful homes include lush greenery, fireplace, wood and Jerusalem stone floors, marble baths, kithcen with granite counters, tropical pools, and volume ceilings. The homes in this magnificent community begin at $449,000. The Gulf Stream Golf Course, A-rated Plumosa Elementary school, Lake Ida Park, and the Gulf atlantic Plaza are all nearby. http://www.ocean30.us/idx/residential/R2786056/details.html http://www.ocean30.us/idx/residential/R2540205/details.html   12/26/2008

Pelican Harbour features gorgeous Mediterranean-style homes in a beautiful gated community in Delray Beach. These luxury homes feature gourmet kitchens, tropical swimming pools, marble floors, deep water dockage with ocean access. Community amenities include tennis courts, clubhouse, and community pool. Pelican Harbour offers an enticing combination of deep water dockage and luxury club amenities, in a mixture of townhouses and interior water access homes. The size of the homes in this community range up to 2,494 square feet, and the average price ranges from $145,000 to $1,675,000. http://www.ocean30.us/idx/residential/R2957821/details.html http://www.ocean30.us/idx/residential/R2962162/details.html   12/26/2008

Pelican Harbor is a beautiful gated waterfront community in Delray Beach just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Delray. Pelican Harbor real estate features gorgeous Mediterranean-style homes that range in size up to 2,500 square feet.  Maintenance includes cable, common areas, and security. Community amenities include a community pool, a clubhouse, and tennis courts. Many homes in this community feature deep-water boat dockage with easy ocean access, tropical swimming pools, marble floors, and gourmet kitchens. Homes for sale in Pelican Harbor average in price range from $145,000 to $1,700,000. Please click to see our beautiful Pelican Harbour waterfront homes for sale or view all of our waterfront homes in Delray Beach. For further information please contact David Abernathy ... 12/23/2008

Seagate Residences is a luxury condo community of spacious beach area residences located in south Palm Beach County, across from the well established beach club and restaurant. With countless shopping, dinning, and entertainment venues just a short drive away. You really get to experience the South Florida life. The beaches are lively with jet skiing, parasailing, surf kayaking, and many other water sports. Most of the residences will offer at least 4 bedrooms for extended family and guests to enjoy. Click to see the luxury waterfront condos for sale at the Seagate Residences or view all of our condos for sale in Delray Beach. For further information please contact David Abernathy - Palm Beach County Realtor 12/23/2008

Tropic Isle real estate features many beautiful Tuscan-inspired estate homes and condos that come with the best amenities, such as deep water dockage along the Intracoastal Waterway, resort-style pool with waterfall spa, private guest headquarters, Moroccan limestone floors, tropical pools, and built-in entertainment centers. This is a luxury waterfront community that is located just minutes from the beautiful shops and restaurants of downtown Delray along Atlantic Avenue. Homes for sale in Tropic Isle range from $249,000 to $5,000,000. Click to see the wondeful Tropic Isle homes for sale or view all of our homes in Delray Beach. For further information please contact David Abernathy - Palm Beach County Realtor   12/23/2008

Seagate Towers is located in Delray Beach with many condominiums in two high-rising buildings. This 55 year and older complex has views of the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterways. The amenities include a canal front swimming pool and a game room for all to enjoy. This community is located near beaches, shops and restaurants. The prices for condos for sale in Seagate Towers ranges from $310,000 to $800,000 and up. Several of the condos in Seagate Towers provide residents with carpet and ceramic floors, split bedrooms, walk-in closets, patios, and balconies with beautiful views. The maintenance for many of the units include cable television, common areas and insurance. Click to view the wonderful condos for sale at the Seagate Towers or view all of our condos for sale in Delray Beach. Fo... 12/23/2008

Bar Harbour Condos is a high-rise community of 51 waterfront condos in Delray Beach. Residents enjoy a picnic area and private swimming pool. These condos feature large living rooms, split bedroom floor plans, wood/marble/tile floors, and walk-in closets. The Bar Harbour Condos is located within walking distance of Anchor Park, Atlantic Dunes Park, and Veteran Park. This complex overlooks both the Intracoastal Waterway and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Click to see the beautiful waterfront condos for sale at Bar Harbour or view all of the condos in Delray Beach. For further information please contact David Abernathy - Palm Beach County Realtor 12/23/2008

  Inspirational Power Quote   Success is Never Easy Work             "It has never been, and never will be easy work! But the road that is the in hope is more pleasant to traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination." Brooks Atkinson    As I see it. . . . . . . . Success takes dedication and the willingness to work hard to achieve your desired outcome. 12/13/2008

  Inspirational Power Quote   Be Prepared to Meet the Challenges There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet."  William F. Halsey, admiral     As I see it. . . . . . . . When we are willing to face the challenges and commit to overcoming the obstacles we grow beyond our original reach and become a different person as a result. 12/07/2008

  Inspirational Power Quote   The Power to Turn a Life Around   "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."  Leo F. Buscaglia, author, speaker    As I see it. . . . . . . . We have the potential to turn a person's life around and when we do we change our life forever. 12/06/2008