Is Now a Good Time to Sell My House   People are asking:   Is now a good time to sell my house?  The answer is yes, now is a good time to sell your house.There are many moving parts to what is going on in the world today, and what is going on in your world today.  Let's take a look.  WHY IT'S A GOOD TIME TO SELLThe market is different than it was three months or four months ago.  The real estate market is even different than it was one month ago. We are still in a seller’s market, but there has been a shift.  It's a subtle shift, but it's there.  For the most part, houses are not selling in a day, nor are they getting 15 or 20 offers in a weekend.  The insanity, that was all too common this past winter, seems to have subsided some.I’m starting to see some price drops, and some homes tha... 06/16/2022

Tips for Being a Good Pet NeighborIf you have a pet, here are some tips for being a good pet neighbor.  After all, who needs to have problems with your neighbors?  That's the last thing you need.Along with owning a pet comes the responsibility of being a good pet neighbor.  LEASH YOUR DOGMake sure your dog is on a leash before you leave your house.  In other words, don't open your garage door without having your dog's leash on first and in your hand.   Seems simple, but it happens.  Some counties have a leash law.   Palm Beach County is one that does.  Know the laws where you live.  If you live in a pet friendly gated community or a pet friendly 55+ gated community, they also have rules with regard to leashing your dogs. TRAIN YOUR DOGTrain your dog.  Some dogs don't get along well with... 06/08/2022

7 Great Tips For Getting Your House Ready To SellHere are 7 great tips for getting your house ready to sell.  Preparing to sell your home takes a bit of work, but it's worth it.  Clean, updated homes sell better, faster and for more money.   You want your home to look its best.  Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression.  TIP # 1:  CURB APPEALClean up the outside.  Rake dead leaves and trash out from between and around the bushes.  There is nothing worse than seeing trash as you're walking in to see a house. Plant some pretty flowers and trim  back hedges and trees, if needed.  Paint the front door.  Make it look inviting.  I can't tell you how many complaints I get from buyers who say, They're selling their house and they can't even paint the front door!  Power wash ... 06/03/2022

IT'S A TOUGH MARKET FOR BUYERSIt's a tough market for buyers these days.  The real estate market over the past 18 months has certainly been crazy, but the past 6 months have been especially tough on buyers.   With virtually no inventory and too many buyers for each home that comes up, it has gotten hairy and downright ugly at times. DON'T GIVE UPif you're a buyer looking for a home, don't give up.  There are always homes coming on the market - slowly, these days, I know - but they do come up.  And when they come up, you want to be ready. Let me rephrase that.  You must be ready, or you lose out.Your agent will guide you as to what you need in this regard.BE PREPAREDBe prepared to move and move fast.  Do your part.  If you're a cash buyer, have proof of funds.  If you're planning on fina... 05/17/2022

Pool of Buyers Just ShrunkWhen the Fed raised interest rates this week, the pool of buyers just shrunk. Don't misunderstand.  Buyers are not going away.  There are still plenty of buyers around, especially in south Florida.  However, it will now cost buyers more money to who are buying with a mortgage.  That's really the bottom line. There are still cash buyers around.  Plenty of them.  Especially in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.  People sold their homes elsewhere  and are moving here in droves. There are still buyers who have extra cash to cover the difference the mortgage rate hike presents, but this is not true for all buyers.  Some buyers will be priced out and may have to wait or come up with an alternative plan in the meantime.  The rate hike will mean all the differ... 05/06/2022

A Dose of Lou Many of you remember Lou Ludwig .  I was lucky enough to live near him, take classes at the board where he was an instructor, and lucky enough to be mentored by him.  Lou's posts always inspired me, as I'm sure they did many of you.  When I was having one of those days when things weren't going quite right, or I needed some advice or a pick-me-up, I would always think, I need a dose of Lou.  Then I would stop and read his posts on Active Rain.  And things seemed to get better.  Or appear better.  Or I looked at them in a different way.  Sometimes I read just one post.  Sometimes it was two or three.  And sometimes I would just read them for a while.  Whatever, it always seemed to work.This started way back in 2009 and has continued to this day.  I was having one of those d... 04/10/2022

Under Contract 55+ Waterfront Condo in Boca Raton FL  8818 Windrow WayBoca Raton, FL 33496Whisper WalkRX-10783476$ 260,000  Rarely available wide open lake view on dead-end street in 55+ community of Whisper Walk in Boca Raton.   Renovated kitchen and baths.  Stunning white kitchen with quartz countertops and plenty of cabinets.  Kitchen has a pantry and Stainless Steel Appliances.   From the moment you step into this single-story villa,  the amazing water views will take your breath away.  Relax on your screened-in patio and enjoy the view .  New Air Conditioner 2020.  New Water  Heater 2020.  New Kitchen and Baths 2021. Laminate flooring with new tile flooring 2021 in kitchen and baths. Large primary bedroom with walk-in closet, renovated bath and more lake views! Washer and dryer ins... 04/03/2022

It certainly was about time for a blog signature change!Active Rain has been a big part of my life since 2009.  I don't know how long my  blog signature has been there.  There have been changes through the years, but I don't recall when.When I saw this month's challenge hosted by Craig Daniels and Eileen Burns , I knew I wanted to try to get it involved.  Not only because of the blog signature, but because I so enjoy this community and the people in it.   I've been out of touch for a while, and this seemed the perfect opportunity to jump back in.So here it is - the before and after.    Each one of us brings something unique to Active Rain.  Craig Daniels is in a class by himself.  He has given so much of his time and knowledge to teach us through the years.  Thank you Craig!  I'm gratef... 03/31/2022

This has been a different kind of year, that's for sure.  I'm grateful we're still here, despite what's going on around us every day.  Grateful we're healthy.  Grateful we get to see the sun rise every morning and set every evening.  Grateful for our furry friends, friends and family.Gratitude. Happy New Year!  Wishing you all the best in 2022! 01/04/2022

 I have the perfect CASH buyers for your home in Boca Raton.   These lovely people from out of state are looking to make Boca Raton their home. Looking for a $ 1M+ house with swimming pool in a gated community in Boca Raton.   Boca Pointe, Boca Bath & Tennis, Newport Bay, etc. Must be pet friendly.  No equity clubs, please. We are looking for homes that are single story.   It's important there is natural light, an inground swimming pool, and grassy area in back.  Willing to upgrade some things but redone a plus.   Maybe you have been thinking of selling and moving on?  Toying with the idea but haven't decided?   I'm here to tell you I have the perfect cash buyer for your home now!  And that's the truth! If you are thinking of selling your home in Boca Raton to a cash buyer, please conta... 11/25/2021

Yesterday I got a call about my listing in a certain community.  Puzzled because I don't have a listing in the community at this time, I started to explain how IDX works, thinking this was how the caller had found me. She listened but told me no, she found me on Active Rain.  She was certain of that.I was still confused because it's been a while since I posted about this community.  She texted me a copy of a post from 2020 and another from 2014 about this same community.  The caller thought they were current listings.  I thanked her for calling, explained these weren't current listings (the dates were on the posts) and explained what Active Rain was.  She had never heard of it before. In the midst of this,  I remembered Liz and Bill Spear 's post Old Posts Keep on Ticking and realized, ... 10/30/2021

  If you’re decorating your porch with real pumpkins this fall, you naturally want them to last as long as possible (and prevent this from happening too soon) – but what can you do? This guide will help you preserve your porch décor and make your pumpkins last through fall.Tips to Make Your Porch Pumpkins Last LongerLet’s be realistic: Our warm weather isn’t necessarily conducive to preserving pumpkins outdoors – but there are a few things you can do to make them last a little longer. If these tips fail, you may want to opt for faux pumpkins, which you can find at most party goods stores at this time of year.Tips for Preserving Whole Pumpkins on Your PorchIf you haven’t opted to carve your pumpkins, the best thing you can do is keep them out of the sun. Direct sunlight can cause them t... 10/26/2021

Things to Know Before Buying a Pet-Friendly Home in Boca Raton FL  There are things to consider before buying a pet-friendly home in Boca Raton FL.  This is especially true when you are making the move with pets.  Below are some great tips to help you. What type of house are you looking for? Do you know?  Is a single family home better than a a condo? Maybe yes, maybe no.  Do your dogs bark a lot?  Do they fall within the condo's pet rules and regulations as to breed, number and weight?  Do you mind going up and down an elevator to walk the dog at all times of the day or night? If the answer to any of these is yes, then a single family home might be a better way to go.  No one will complain about your dogs' barking, unless you leave them outside.  And that's not a good idea in south Flo... 09/21/2021

Pet Restrictions in Condos in Boca Raton FL Pet restrictions in condos are not all the same.  If you're looking to buy a pet-friendly condo in Boca Raton FL, make sure you are familiar with all the pet restrictions first.  As it turns out, they can be far more complex than you would think. Recently I worked with a couple who have two small Poodles.  You would think it would be easy because of their size.  Unfortunately, not so!    One oceanfront condo had pet restrictions of one dog maximum 20 lbs.  In addition, you had to post a $ 5000 bond and, if your dog made noise, you would be given a five-day notice to have the dog removed.  Really?!  You're buying a condo to live in and they give you five days to get rid of a family member for noise?  And they call it pet friendly.   Restriction... 08/05/2021

A Beautiful 4 Bed/2.5 Bath Woodfield Pool Home SOLD in Boca Raton!                                                A Beautiful 4 Bed/2.5 Bath Woodfield Pool Home SOLD in Boca Raton! This home is located in the exclusive and sought-after community of Woodfield Country Club for an affordable price. THERE ARE NO MEMBERSHIP FEES! This home offers over 3,500 square feet of living area with a nice back yard. There are also an updated kitchen and baths. Relax in the sparkling pool under screened patio. The home has accordion shutters for protection and a nice private lot with no neighbors in the back.This home is located in the highly desired Boca Raton community of Woodfield Country Club where residents enjoy a guard-gated entrance and a variety of resort-style amenities including a clubhouse,... 07/03/2021

She Had Me at Hello She really did.  Two plane rides and an hour-and-a-half car ride later, I was at a ranch in San Antonio to pick up "the pistol. "  A name my friend Marichin had lovingly given Gracie back in 2006 because she was so full of spunk.   Gracie was born to be a show dog.  She was 8 months old, beautiful with  fabulous papillon ears.  Her parents were both full size, but she was a miniature.  Just four ounces at birth,  Marichin kept waiting for her to grow.  It didn't happen.  Marichin said, She's too small to show and I'm not going to breed her, so come and pick her up.   And so I did. When I arrived at the house, I sat on the floor with the dogs.  They were all gorgeous tri-colored papillons.  I had no idea which one was Gracie, because they all looked similar! It didn't... 06/27/2021

A Beautiful 4 Bed/2.5 Bath Woodfield Pool Home FOR SALE in Boca Raton!                    A Beautiful 4 Bed/2.5 Bath Woodfield Pool Home FOR SALE in Boca Raton! This is your chance to live in the exclusive and sought-after community of Woodfield Country Club for an affordable price. THERE ARE NO MEMBERSHIP FEES! This home offers over 3,500 square feet of living area with a nice back yard. The split floor plan has a large living area and an awesome loft with a unique spiral staircase. There are also an updated kitchen and baths. The family room sits off the kitchen for ease of entertaining. The home is light and bright with tons of natural lighting and there are beautiful built-ins in the den for convenience. All the rooms are large. Relax in the sparkling pool under screened patio. The ... 05/28/2021

Pet Restrictions in CondosIf you have pets and are plannning to buy a condo, you must read the pet restrictioins carefully.  Not what the listing says.  Not what the agent says they are. Request and read the actual condo documents as they relate to pets.   Please.  You may just be surprised. In looking for a pet-friendly condo in Boca Raton last week, we found a condo will accept one pet up to 20 lbs.  Sounds good if you have a small dog right?  Not so fast.  Additionally, the buyer must put up a $ 5000 bond and carry the dog out through the garage.  The dog is not allowed to go out through the lobby.  And, if your beloved dog becomes a nuisance, the board has the right to ask you to remove it within three days.   Doesn't sound so pet friendly to me!   In another building that accepts t... 05/10/2021

Pets as Comfort This has been a long year for everyone.  Being at home more than ever, it just seems natural that your pets would be a source of comfort to you.   Most pets adore their humans.  Pets are there for your every mood.  When you're down, your cats and dogs are there and provide comfort.  When you come in after a day of work, your dog will run to greet you at the door.  Where else do you get that kind of greeting?  I didn't think so!   If you're sick, most dogs will stay with you.  They'll hop on the bed or sofa and watch tv with you.  Dogs get you out of the house.  People need to get out of the house and some may need help in doing so.  Walking a dog may be the only social interaction they have.  You get social interaction with other dog people you meet on your walk.  Social... 03/22/2021

Love at First Bark It was almost 15 years ago when I flew to Texas to pick her up.  Nicknamed "the pistol," by her breeder, she was the runt of the litter  Just four ounces at birth.  My friend nursed her every two hours like a baby, and thankfully she survived.   This little runt was just four pounds at eight months old.  My friend told me she was too small to show and too small to breed, so I should come and pick her up.  Which I did.  It had to be done in one day as I had another dog in kidney failure on fluids. I arrived after two plane rides and an hour-and-a-half car ride.  She jumped in my lap, though I had no idea which dog she was.  They all looked alike! She has lived up to her name, Chispa.  Chispa means sparkle.  She truly is a sparkle.  Although we changed her name to Graci... 03/07/2021