Sunday (11/18/12) Shot of the Day….Do Realtors still use this?   Upon showing this estate sale, I could not help but to spot this unique crafted telephone.  It also led me to think of issues and communication that still plague this industry. How many times have we tried to call, text and email and still receive no response from a fellow agent? This by far ranks only second to the turnaround time of a short-sale. So my question is how many of your fellow colleagues still use a device like this? 11/18/2012

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News                                                                    November 12, 2012 TODAY'S TOP STORIES NAR issues 2012 survey of buyer and sellers Dual income households comprise a greater portion of housing market - a key component of current recovery. Read more. Realtor could be Fla.'s Speaker of the House Post-election shuffle is forcing a new search for 2014 Speaker, and Fla. Realtor Steve Crisafulli appears to have edge. Read more. Housing market uptrend expected through 2014 NAR: Barring surprises, real estate market will keep growing. Home values to rise 6% in 2013 and 15% over three years. Read more. Commercial sluggish yet investment continues Multifamily only sector where rents outpace inflation and credit has... 11/12/2012

  History Of Veterans Day, How it became a Holiday of Remembrance U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."[2] The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies.[2] A Congressional Act (52 Stat. ... 11/11/2012

  Hurricane Sandy has brought widespread devastation to much of the North East and Coastal areas. Many people have lost their homes and continue to struggle in the hurricane's aftermath. There is help. Many have committed to everyone in the affected areas and is donating a need worth every dollar to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. If you haven't been affected and can help, please consider donating what you can to these organizations: American Red Cross The Salvation Army AmeriCares On behalf of those that can’t give, I want to extend our wishes for the continued safety of everyone in the affected regions. 11/07/2012

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News                                                            Monday, November 5, 2012 TODAY'S TOP STORIES Amendment 4 debate: 'Yes' outweighs 'no' "Yes on 4" debate shows weakness in foes' position. When voting, also consider a "yes" on other real estate amendments. Read more. Open permits can be homebuyer's affliction A home with an open permit can still close, but the inspection required to close the permit could create problems later. Read more. NAR: Short sale tax relief Call for Action If lenders forgive part of a mortgage in short sales, it's legally income to sellers - and taxable by the IRS after Dec. 31. Read more. Hurricane Sandy: Trickle down storm? While storm claims shouldn't directly impact Fla., some now thin... 11/05/2012

  Documents You Need For A Palm Beach Mortgage Loan Application Palm Beach home buyers: If you are looking to buy a home here is a list of documents you will need to provide your loan officer. This will speed up the process of getting a mortgage and help all parties too. Copies of W-2 from the last 2 years Copies of your pay stubs for last 4 weeks Employer business address and phone number to verify employment Bank statements for last 2 months Statements for Investment accounts (401k, Mutual funds, CD, etc.) for the last 2 months Copy of your driver license – front & back Copy of lease (for investment properties) Copy of mortgage statement for investment property VA Certificate of Eligibility (VA loans only) Divorce papers, separation agreement, and property settlement (if applies) Copy... 11/04/2012

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News                                                     Monday, October 29, 2012 TODAY'S TOP STORIES RE/MAX chairman: How about housing? Housing issues need more attention this election, the chairman said in open letter to President Obama and Gov. Romney. Read more. QM, QRM to lock in tight loan standards Analysis: If fed agencies tighten lending requirements as proposed, it could cut mortgage originations up to 20%. Read more. How to avoid getting more spam email How do spammers get your email address? They use different systems. It's hard to stop, but some changes might help. Read more. Mortgage Bankers optimistic but wary Bankers' group says unemployment will drop, home sales will increase, and interest rates will stay low... 10/29/2012

  Prime Time TV or Bust? What were you watching on Monday Night?   I don’t know who scheduled the programming, but com’on man as they say on Sunday Night football, one has to wonder. Is it all about ratings, slot filling or a miscalculation? You had the third and final Presidential debate, Monday night football with the Lions & Bears and game seven of the NL championship series SL. Cardinals & SF Giants.  All by the way riveting TV. Did you need several screens tonight? What say you???   10/22/2012

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News                                                            Monday, October 22, 2012 TODAY'S TOP STORIES Some banks drag their feet with foreclosures RealtyTrac: Lenders that delay their REO sales benefit from rising prices; however, HOAs and neighbors pay the price. Read more. Construction in 4 Fla. cities up 9.6% Study: Year-to-year, Fla.'s largest metro areas showed a significant increase in both public and private construction. Read more. Fla. early voting starts Saturday, Oct. 27 Don't wait for Election Day to support Amendment 4. Fla. expects up to 1/3 of its electorate to vote before Nov. 6. Read more. Housing recovery picks up; challenges await Housing recovery should continue even if some current threats come true... 10/22/2012

  Friday Night Tunes w/ a Monster Ballad from Steelheart…I’ll Never Let You Go. Yea, I have to admit I’m stuck in the 80’s with the hair band thing and all the rest. Growing up in the 70’s overlapping into the 80’s seem to produce the best rock music if that is your thing. Today’s tunes just lack the passion and the talent once seen from years back in my opinion. So light your lighters and enjoy the tune of one of the hit Ballads back then. 10/19/2012

  City of Atlantis, of Palm Beach County, FL Market Stats for September 2012 Stats and facts about Atlantis, Florida, are out for the month of September 2012.  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 6.5 month selling point which is down nearly 49.5% 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 28 years experience as a Realtor, construction was a passion of mine as well. This alone is worth so mu... 10/19/2012

  Shot of the day ….Look Who Flew Over I have the luxury of working out of my home office a lot which allows me to see the multitude of life’s nature show in my back yard. Since I have the canal next to the pool along with the feeder, it just attracts birds left and right. From blue jays to what you see below is GOD ‘s way of saying hello to your feather friends.   10/17/2012

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtors News                                                         Monday, October 15, 2012 TODAY'S TOP STORIES The Fed baits the mortgage hook Buyers waiting for mortgage rates to fall even further? No need. Most experts agree future drops won't be that much. Read more. Economists foresee weak but improving growth Poll: Housing market won't fall off "fiscal cliff," and overall U.S. growth, while slow, continues to look positive. Read more. Insurance pays if buyer dies before closing It may be a solution in search of a problem, but some buyers' deaths no longer nix closings if seller opts for coverage. Read more. Bankruptcy doesn't stop foreclosure A bankruptcy negates mortgage debt, but the legal foreclosure may not register on a ... 10/15/2012

  Friday Night Tunes w/ Foghat’s No.1 Jam Slow Ride There was always something about Electric Guitar that intrigued me, I just wished I could have played one. There is no doubt some of us have GOD given talent that just can’t be taught it comes naturally. This tune is from Foghat’s staple No.1 hit in their career. It’s a partial solo introduction with a slide guitar technique. 10/12/2012

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News                                                      Monday, October 8, 2012 TODAY'S TOP STORIES Legislature review of Citizens plans sought Incoming Fla. House speaker seeks delay of plan to loan $350M to private insurers as incentive to take over policies. Read more. Homebuyers frustrated by low inventories Multiple bids and limited inventories have changed the market, causing some to postpone a purchase. Read more. Backyards are highly overrated Architect firms report more interest in outdoor spaces, but research shows Americans don't spend much time outside. Read more. Some first-time buyers skip a starter home Many realize it may take years to build up equity, so they want to buy a larger place and plan to stay there... 10/08/2012

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Realtor News                                                                    Monday, October 1, 2012 TODAY'S TOP STORIES Home equity payments up - first since 2007 Equifax Consumer Credit Trends Report: Home equity installment balances rose 0.3%. Turning point in mortgage demand? Read more. More calling downtowns 'home' After decades of decline, America's downtowns once again are attracting new residents - not just workers and shoppers. Read more. Realtor content website wins top award HouseLogic - NAR's website that provides free content Realtors may reuse - honored by Content Marketing Institute. Read more. Supreme Court to hear floating home fight In Riviera Beach case, U.S. top court will consider how eminent domain laws can be... 10/01/2012

  City of Atlantis in Palm Beach County, FL Market Stats for August 2012 Stats and facts about Atlantis, Florida, are out for the month of August 2012.  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 6.4 month selling point which is down nearly 48.2% 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 28 years experience as a Realtor, construction was a passion of mine as well. This alone is worth so much more... 09/25/2012

  The Daily Hot Sheet of Palm Beach Real Estate & FL Real Estate News                                                            Monday, September 24, 2012 TODAY'S TOP STORIES Renovation mortgages help fix up properties Mold, leaks? In 2007, only 23 Fla. buyers took out 203(k) FHA mortgages that include repair costs, but that has changed. Read more. Picture perfect iPhone 5 camera In real estate, a good smartphone must take great pictures; an analyst says iPhone 5's photo upgrades don't disappoint. Read more. Ready for your close-up? New to video? Don't act like a TV anchor. Talk to viewers as if a good friend asked you for real estate advice. Read more. High costs burdening more renters More renters + fewer properties = rising prices and personal stress. Census data found 20M "burdened... 09/24/2012

  Welcome to Fall with some Fun Facts September 22, 2012, marks the beginning of fall or autumn, when the sun crosses over the Earth's equator on its way south. This is an event in the Northern Hemisphere known as the autumnal equinox. The word “equinox” comes from two Latin words which is   “equal night” and refers to when day and night are most equal in length.  This event occurs twice a year with the arrival of spring and fall. The best meteor shower show this year will occur late in the fall. The Geminids will reach maximum activity December 13 to14. There will be a new moon on December 13, which means viewing conditions will be near perfect throughout both nights with an anticipated 75 fiery displays per hour. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and enjoy the show. 09/21/2012

  Have You Challenged Yourself Lately??? As one discovers the many benefits and features of Active Rain, there also comes a point of a silent challenge. I, for one love to compete to the best of my ability. When you get older the athleticism gets exchanged for intellect I guess or at least I hope. Having a goal with this membership gives you a purpose and a point to share, but also feels like a race to keep you motivated. Besides 13 may not be the luckiest number, but for now I’m patient because I’m working on 12 next.   #1 Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer Real Estate Trainer 1,546,598 3,887 19   #2 Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Homes For Sale Real Estate Agent 1,413,356 2,566 255   #3 Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, T... 09/20/2012