The Daily Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now January 21, 2016  1 extra week for new mortgage disclosure closingsWhat was the impact of Oct. 3 mortgage disclosure changes? New home closings take about an extra week, according to Ellie Mae's monthly report. Read more.What's ahead for Fla. real estate?If Realtors could predict the future, they'd know where to market their services and where to invest. Find out now: Attend the free Florida Realtors 2016 Real Estate Trends on Jan. 28 in Orlando. Read more.Single-family homes 'headed for higher ground'Builders' 2016 forecast: Higher production from a "firming economy, solid job growth, rising consumer confidence, household formations and pent-up demand." Read more.Housing starts slip in Dec. but annual gains solidU.S. builders sta... 01/21/2016

Ideally located in East Boca Raton, Camino Gardens is a family friendly community rooted with old world Florida charm. Camino Gardens is peppered with abundant wildlife and surrounded by preserved natural waterways and tropical habitats. Residents are often found walking or riding their bicycles in the street. Developed during the 1960s, there are just over 400 single family homes within Camino Gardens. All homes in Camino Gardens are one level and feature a wide variety of two- to five-bedroom floor plans. Many homes have been renovated to include gourmet kitchens, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, modern flooring, and crown molding throughout. Wide open living spaces, flexible floor plans, and huge master suites is what Camino Gardens homes are known for. Many backyards... 01/18/2016

Dog Parks in Boca Raton FL DOGS LIKE TO HAVE FUN Once you're settled into your pet friendly condo in Boca Raton, Highland Beach FL, you may want to take your furry friend for some fun and exercise and what better place to do that than our local dog parks.  Boca Raton has two dog parks:  Mizner Bark, which is located central, and Canine Cove, which is out west. MIZNER BARK Mizner Bark, appropriately named as everything in Boca is named either Mizner or Addison after Addison Mizner, the famed architect and visionary who was instrumental in our history.    Mizner Bark is centrally located on Military Trail and Banyan and is great for those who live east in Boca or Highland Beach or in central Boca Raton.   Dogs are allowed off lease here with benches for mom and dad to watch.  There are th... 01/11/2016

After reading several Rainers Top 10 Moments of 2015, I was inspired by Hannah Williams to try to come up with 10 myself for Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner 's contest. 1.  Richard and I moved to a house again after taking care of my mother.  It feels great.2.  Happy that I am entering this next chapter with Richard by my side.3. Buttons, my older dog, who was so sick with a MRSA-type of infection in her paws a couple of months ago, is feeling perky and happier than ever since the move.  She's like a puppy again and has become my walking partner.  4. My son Ian recently turned 35.  Where did the time go?5. Went to Vegas and spent time with Ian.  I got to see Vegas as a local and ate in some great restaurants.  Thank you Ian!6. Very grateful we are all in basically good health.7. Thankful fo... 01/02/2016

  I wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, Joyous and Successful New Year! (most important healthy)  Here's to all good things in 2016!    12/30/2015

 Layered Christmas Shooter Total Time: 5 min Prep: 5 min Yield: 1 drink Level: Easy Total Time: 5 min Prep: 5 min Yield: 1 drink Level: Easy     1/2 ounce sour apple schnapps   1/2 teaspoon grenadine   3/4 ounce cinnamon schnapps with gold flakes (preferably Gold Strike brand)   Pour the sour apple schnapps into a 1 1/2-ounce shot glass. Gently pour in the grenadine. (It will sink to the bottom to make the red layer.) Shake the bottle of cinnamon schnapps, then turn the bottle upside down to bring the gold flakes to the top. Measure out 3/4 ounce. Hold a small spoon upside down inside the glass, directly over the apple schnapps layer. Gently pour the cinnamon schnapps over the back of the spoon to make the third layer. 12/29/2015

 There is nothing warmer than the aroma that fills the home at Christmas time. If you’re not feeling up to hanging lights and throwing tinsel around this year, you can still create a hol with this simple and Holiday popuri!!!   All you’ll need: 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 3 halved tangerines 3 whole cinnamon sticks 2-star anise (optional) gives a strong black licorice smell. 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1-inch piece fresh ginger 1 vanilla bean + 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 small branch fresh pine 1 cup apple cider, pomegranate or cranberry juice water Just simmer the ingredients on the stove and prepare to have your senses awakened with the warmth of Christmas. This is a really great idea especially if you’re having company.  Don’t feel like buying all of those ingredients? Just grab som... 12/29/2015

The Daily Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now December 17, 2015 Real estate's impact from spending and tax dealCongress should pass its massive spending-tax bill today and the president is expected to sign it. Among other things, one tax provision helps Fla. homeowners. Read more.New video shows how Fla. rent tax hurts everyoneA Business Rent Tax Coalition-created and shareable video explains in simple terms how Fla.'s business rent tax - the only U.S. state to have one - burdens small businesses and residents. Read more.Survey: Almost all young renters want to buy a homeNAR: Half of all young renters think the economy is stagnant, but they still want to own a home - and three out of four still consider it the American Dream. Read more.Fannie, Freddie 3% loans not very popula... 12/17/2015

I read this article and really wanted to share it as so many people ask me "whats that going up on the Corner of US1 and Camino?" ... welll here is the answer in a nut shell which will be great for home values in the surrounding areas such as Camino Gardens and Camino Lakes neighborhoods !!! I am really excited to see what happens in Camino Gardens.... "Mandarin Oriental Hotel And Residences Coming To Boca Raton Will Bring Five-Star Luxury To The City"         Five-star hospitality is coming to Boca Raton in the form of a Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences. Luxury real estate developer Penn-Florida Companies announced its plans last week to develop the hotel and branded residences as part of Boca Raton's under-construction Via Mizner mixed-use development.  Mandarin Oriental propert... 12/06/2015

I would like to share this great drink recipe with everyone in time for the holidays!!!! Spanish Gold1 ½ oz. Cinco Vodka1 oz. Licor 43 / Cuarenta Y Tres ¾ oz. Ancho ReyesTopped with coconut froth and textured colors Enjoy :) 11/22/2015

But it's only a dog they say, they say.  Only a dog?  I have a hard time with that.  Our dogs understand us.  They often know what we're thinking.  They know when we're coming home, because they wait for us.  They know the sound of the car.  They know what time dinner is served.  When I'm working, they hang out with me in my office, whether it's 5:00 am or 5:00 pm.  When I'm sick, my dogs are by my side.  They are protective and giving comfort.  Yes, I believe they do understand.    If I go for a walk, I've always got company. Crazy, some say, maybe; but to me, it's my way of life.   If I go to the dentist, they know.  If I have a blood test, they know.  If they're sick, I know. We are all in  tune with each other.  They are amazing creatures and we are blessed to share our lives with t... 11/19/2015

Daily Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now Wednesday, November 18, 2015   Late mortgages down, super prime lending leapsTransUnion report: Fla.'s mortgage delinquency rate tumbled to 3.75% in 3Q 2015 from 6.42% in 3Q 2014 - the biggest drop of any state. Read more.Why buying the worst house may be bestConsider a home an investment: Look for one in a great location with room for improvement in order to build equity and boost future value when it's time to sell. Read more.Study: Solar panels raise home valuesResearch across six states found that location, age, size and efficiency affect the value of a home's solar photovoltaic system, along with local cost of electricity. Read more.Home construction slumps in OctoberHousing starts fell 11% last month to a seasonally adjusted pac... 11/18/2015

Daily Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now  Friday, November 13, 2015    HUD eases FHA condo financing rulesThe change, effective immediately, should qualify more condo complexes under FHA. That, in turn, will give more buyers access to FHA low-downpayment loans. Read more.Average 30-year mortgage rate jumps to 3.98%Rates rose for the second week as it becomes more likely the Fed will raise interest rates in Dec. Only 10% of experts polled this week predict a decline. Read more.Market may coerce first-time buyers to jump inFirst-time buyers say college debt, postponed parenting and downpayments force them to wait - but skyrocketing rents and rising mortgage rates could change that. Read more.360-degree cameras: Listing photo game changer?A bevy of new cameras make it easy to t... 11/13/2015

CLOSED SALE at Santa Barbara in Boca Raton FL This lovely remodeled home on NW 24th Street, in the pet-friendly community of Santa Barbara in Boca Raton, Florida, closed last week. I represented the buyers. You can read their testimonial here.     This beautiful home has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2-car garage and just under 2000 air conditioned square feet of living space. Complete with inground pool and spa, this home has a fabulous location in central Boca close to everything. Congratulations to the buyers who, along with their furkids, will be spending time here this winter!! For more information on homes for sale in Santa Barbara community in Boca Raton FL or to find out more about pet-friendly homes in Boca Raton and Boca Raton Real Estate, please contact me. I am a Boca Raton real esta... 11/11/2015

Look What We Found At Yesterday's Inspection Two banana trees and a mango tree!  It's not mango season but there were plenty of bananas at this Boca Raton, FL home.   11/10/2015

Daily Hot Sheet of Top Real Estate News Trending Now   Tuesday, November 10, 2015    Freddie Mac warns buyers of 3 credit scamsSome buyers want to boost their credit scores to qualify or get a better mortgage rate - but a few "fix my credit score" companies do more harm than good. Read more.Buyers shopping for a newly built home? Act quicklyA homebuyer has decided on new-home construction, but if they're dragging their feet, it could cost them money. After Jan. 1, the cost of some supplies goes up. Read more.Scott budget chief: State can afford tax cutsGov. Scott's budget chief says Fla. will have more than enough revenue to pay for a $1B tax cut - including the business rent tax deduction favored by Realtors. Read more.Realtor.com's new owner upbeat about resultsThe company that manage... 11/10/2015

Daily Hot Sheet Of Top Real Estate News Trending Now Thursday, November 5, 2015   NAR releases 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and SellersThe number of first-time buyers declined for the third straight year - to its lowest point in almost 30 years. Most deals involved repeat buyers with two incomes. Read more.Supreme Court decision could impact FREC, FREABThe decision has state agencies, such as DBPR, questioning how regulatory boards operate when members are also active participants in the profession. Read more.'Smart home' sellers do more than hand over keysWhen a seller operates security systems and thermostats through a phone app, his home sale may also require a technology transfer. A new checklist can help. Read more.Fla.'s Realtors predict price increases will top 5%In NAR's latest c... 11/05/2015

Testimonial - Santa Barbara in Boca Raton FL My wife and I first contacted Elyse when her name came up during an internet search for pet friendly communities in Boca Raton as she herself is a long time pet owner. Initially, we asked her help for a seasonal rental with 2 small dogs. She said that it would be very challenging due to the many restrictions most of the communities have regarding the amount of pets, size and breed. However, she was kind enough to make some recommendations and we started our search. After a couple of months of searching for seasonal rentals that would allow 2 dogs, we realized there were just too many complications and restrictions, especially being out of state residents. Since it was really important to us at this point in our lives to spend more time in Flo... 11/02/2015

CLOSED SALE at Azura in Boca Raton FL This beautiful new construction home on Bellamalfi Street, in the Azura community in Boca Raton Florida, closed last week. I represented the buyers.  You can read their testimonial here. This spectacular home has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3-car garage and over 3000 air conditioned square feet of living space.  Complete with inground pool, summer kitchen and a yard for the furkids.    Congratulations to the buyers who will move in shortly, along with their dogs!!!       For more information on homes for sale in Azura community in Boca Raton FL or to find out more about pet-friendly homes in Boca Raton and Boca Raton Real Estate, please contact me. I am a Boca Raton real estate agent. I can be reached at (561) 716-7824, by text or by email at Elyse@ElyseBe... 10/25/2015

UPDATE:  The results of Buttons skin test came back and she had a double bacterial infection in the skin of her paws which was resistant to many meds.   3 weeks after this phot and double antibiotics, she is like a new dog.  Her fur has grown back and she is no longer licking them!   This has been a bad allergy season and, more so, if you are close to the ground.  Buttons' allergies have been especially bad this summer.  Despite several visits to the doggy dermatologist, she has not gotten better.  She licked all the fur off her paws from the knees down.    Today we took her sister to the vet for her eye (also allergy related.)  When the vet saw Buttons' paws, she couldn't believe it.  She immediately took charge asking if it was ok to take her off all meds and switch her to a new one. ... 10/23/2015