I am thrilled to share with you that I have been selected to work on the Grievance Committee of our local board of Realtors.   Our local board, Realtors of the Palm Beaches, has joined with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Board of Realtors, making it a pretty large board.   This week, I went for training in Fort Lauderdale.  I'm very excited about working on Grievance as it reminds me of my original career in court reporting.  It combines two things I love (other than dogs!) - real estate and the law.   I don't know why I waited so long! To me, it raises the bar of being a REALTOR®.  I have seen some pretty crazy things go on in almost 14 years and am anxiously awaiting being called.     02/11/2018

 Home Prices in Boca Raton FL for December 2017                     Real estate market data for Boca Raton, FL provided by Elyse Berman of Best Connections Realty, Inc.   Boca Raton Home Prices   If you are interested in how much inventory is currently on the market, you can click on this link.   It will show homes for sale in Boca Raton, FL.     Low inventory suggests that homes are not sitting on the market for very long. That is the market we are in.  Low inventory continues in Boca Raton with some houses getting multiple offers coming in.     I wouldn't expect home prices to run up quite as fast as they did back in 2006 as banks have gotten a lot stricter on lending guidelines and are no longer giving a loan to anyone with a pulse.  But, low inventory and rising mortgage rates, whic... 01/17/2018

I was in total shock when Kathy Streib texted me with the news.  Several of us are geographically close here in south Florida and have met at quite a few meet ups through the years. But I first met Lou when he was teaching a Continuing Ed class in Boca Raton.  He was a wonderful instructor.  There were only 14 of us in the class at that time.  Sometime during those two days, he said, "Are you on Active Rain?  If you're not, you ought to be."  This was back in 2009. I went home and put up a profile.  It sat for several months and then I began to blog.  Well, you know the rest. I took several other classes with Lou.  I did my GRI with him as one of the instructors.  He was smart, interesting and truly enjoyed seeing others succeed.  He was a great inspiration and motivator to many of us. ... 12/25/2017

 Home Prices in Boca Raton FL for November 2017                     Real estate market data for Boca Raton, FL provided by Elyse Berman of Best Connections Realty, Inc.   Boca Raton Home Prices   If you are interested in how much inventory is currently on the market, you can click on this link.   It will show homes for sale in Boca Raton, FL.     Low inventory suggests that homes are not sitting on the market for very long. That is the market we are in.  Low inventory continues in Boca Raton with some houses getting multiple offers coming in.     I wouldn't expect home prices to run up quite as fast as they did back in 2006 as banks have gotten a lot stricter on lending guidelines and are no longer giving a loan to anyone with a pulse.  But, low inventory and rising mortgage rates, whic... 12/04/2017

 Same Name.  Same Service.  Same Pet-Friendly REALTOR® in Boca Raton FL.    Just a Different Sign.   Yep, it's still me.   Although I am affiliated with a new brokerage as of this week - Best Connections Realty, Inc. in Boca Raton FL -  everything with me remains the same.   I am always available to help with all your real estate needs.  I am always available to answer your questions regarding pet-friendly communities in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach and Boynton Beach.  I am always available to help you with real estate sales, real estate purchases, local market reports, local market expertise and guidance with or without pets. Yep, it's still me.  Your pet-friendly realtor in Boca and beyond.  I'm here for you.                   Yep, it's still me.  Same name.  Same service.... 11/18/2017

 Home Prices in Boca Raton FL for October 2017                     Real estate market data for Boca Raton, FL provided by Elyse Berman of Realty Associates Florida Properties.   Boca Raton Home Prices   If you are interested in how much inventory is currently on the market, you can click on this link.   It will show homes for sale in Boca Raton, FL.     Low inventory suggests that homes are not sitting on the market for very long. That is the market we are in.  Low inventory continues in Boca Raton with some houses getting multiple offers coming in.     I wouldn't expect home prices to run up quite as fast as they did back in 2006 as banks have gotten a lot stricter on lending guidelines and are no longer giving a loan to anyone with a pulse.  But, low inventory and rising mortgage rate... 11/03/2017

Great Sushi Buffet in Boca Raton FL - Ichiyama Where:  145 SE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton FL 33432Hours:  11:30-3:30 and 5:00 to 10:30 (12:00 on weekends)What: Sushi Buffet Cost: (See menu for Ichiyama)Phone:  561-395-7977 If you're in the area of Royal Palm Place or are just in the mood for some great sushi, stop in at Ichiyama  in Boca Raton FL.   Not only is the place sparkling clean, the sushi was delicious!  They have a very varied selection of all-you-can-eat, especially for a buffet at lunchtime.   In addition to sushi, they have a buffet of Pan-Asian hot foods.  Try the Shumai dumplings - light as a feather and wonderful!  There is also a hibachi station where they will cook your food to order and fabulous desserts.I didn't eat them, but Richard told me so! The staff is quick and on... 10/20/2017

 Home Prices in Boca Raton FL for September 2017                     Real estate market data for Boca Raton, FL provided by Elyse Berman of Realty Associates Florida Properties.   Boca Raton Home Prices   If you are interested in how much inventory is currently on the market in Boca Raton FL, you can click on this link.     Low inventory suggests that homes are not sitting on the market for very long. That is the market we are in.  Low inventory continues in Boca Raton with some houses getting multiple offers coming in.     I wouldn't expect home prices to run up quite as fast as they did back in 2006 as banks have gotten a lot stricter on lending guidelines and are no longer giving a loan to anyone with a pulse.  But, low inventory and rising mortgage rates, which seem to be coming, is... 10/06/2017

Home Prices in Boca Raton FL for August 2017                     Real estate market data for Boca Raton, FL provided by Elyse Berman of Realty Associates Florida Properties.   Boca Raton Home Prices   If you are interested in how much inventory is currently on the market, you can click on this link.   It will show homes for sale in Boca Raton, FL   Low inventory suggests that homes are not sitting on the market for very long. That is the market we are in.  Low inventory continues in Boca Raton with some houses getting multiple offers coming in.   I wouldn't expect home prices to run up quite as fast as they did back in 2006 as banks have gotten a lot stricter on lending guidelines and are no longer giving a loan to anyone with a pulse.  But, low inventoy and rising mortgage rates, which... 10/06/2017

Should I Use a Buyer's Agent for New Construction in Boca Raton FL Thinking of buying new construction in Boca Raton FL?  Thinking of going directly to the builder?  They're advertising like crazy.  Stop - wait just a second!  What most people don't realize is that the builder's agents, his sales people, are all working for him, the builder, not you.  These sales people are not on your side.  They are not your friends.  They are sales agents of the builder working for him. Think you'll get a better deal if you go without an agent?  You'll save the commission?  No way!  Not a penny!  The builder will not reduce his price for the commission whether you show up with or without an agent.   Do you need a buyer's agent for new construction in Boca Raton?  Absoutely yes!   Why do you need a bu... 08/28/2017

Great Meet Up in Delray Beach 2017 Yesterday's meet up in Delray Beach was fantastic.  We had an all-star Active Rain cast in attendance.  Kathy Streib, Lou Ludwig, Donald Urschalitz , Nestor & Katerina Gasset and their son Tristan, Eileen Burns, Janice Hope Zaltman LEED AP, Marco Giancola and Grant Schneider and his wife Phyllis were in town.  Eileen brought Thomas Schattie, who she told me is new to AR. There was talk about everything from local real estate to AR to BNI - thank you, Grant.  I was excited to meet Janice, Marco and Grant, as I'd never met them before and see others that I know and always enjoying seeing.  The food was great.  Deck 84 is always a winner in my book.   Here are a few photos to mark the occasion.  Thank you Kathy Streib for hosting this wonderful meet up!   08/17/2017

Home Prices in Boca Raton FL for July 2017                     Real estate market data for Boca Raton, FL provided by Elyse Berman of Realty Associates Florida Properties.   Boca Raton Home Prices   If you are interested in how much inventory is currently on the market, you can click on this link.   It will show homes for sale in Boca Raton, FL.     Low inventory suggests that homes are not sitting on the market for very long. That is the market we are in.  Low inventory continues in Boca Raton with some houses getting multiple offers coming in.   I wouldn't expect home prices to run up quite as fast as they did back in 2006 as banks have gotten a lot stricter on lending guidelines and are no longer giving a loan to anyone with a pulse.  But, low inventoy and rising mortgage rates, whic... 08/16/2017

A REALTOR® NIGHTMARE   I washed my phone yesterday.  Not on purpose, mind you.  It got scooped  up with the bed linens and tossed in the wash.   By the time I realized it, my phone was in hot water...and so was I!   I had a call to make, but I didn't know the number.  Panic set in!  I was scrambling.  Where was the number?  It's amazing how much we rely on our phones for everything today - phone numbers, contact info, alarm clock, and so on.  I remember thinking, I wish I had a phone book. This saga started at 8:00 am and took 12 hours to resolve.  Thankfully, it's resolved.  I now have a new phone with a bright case. What would you do if something happened to your phone?   08/10/2017

Yesterday I was on the radio with Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland .  Margaret hosts a real estate talk radio show on Sundays at noon. Although nervous, it was exciting to think people could actually hear me.  What did I sound like?  We talked about pet friendly housing in Boca Raton and in Baltimore.  Of course, the surrounding areas too.  This is a subject near and dear to my heart. In Baltimore, much the same as in Boca Raton and the surrounding areas of Highland Beach, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, finding a condo with a pet is difficult.  We even have restrictions in gated communities often breed and number.   It is difficult but not impossible!  I recently found a condo for someone with 3 pets! What has Baltimore to do with Boca Raton, you ask?  Well, I'll tell... 08/08/2017

Best Business Practices from Court Reporting to Real Estate While going through a bad time in my life, I enrolled in court reporting school at the urging of a cousin and a friend.  Court reporting changed my life.   When I was about to enter my last class 200--225 words per minute, the school went out of business.  I told them, You can't; I'm not finished yet!  New York state came in to sort things out.  They transferred those who wanted to finish the course  to another school, while others left to become legal or medical secretaries.   They brought teachers out from another campus to help.  And that's where I first met Otto. Otto was a high-speed teacher and well regarded in the field.  I finished the class, passed my 225s (225 words per minute) and graduated.  Otto became my friend an... 08/05/2017

Look Who Showed Up At Whole Foods in Boca Raton FL They were there when I went in and when I came out.  So cute!    08/03/2017

Home Prices in Boca Raton FL for March 2017                   Real estate market data for Boca Raton, FL provided by Elyse Berman of Realty Associates Florida Properties.   Boca Raton Home Prices   If you are interested in how much inventory is currently on the market, you can click on this link.   It will show homes for sale in Boca Raton, FL.     Low inventory suggests that homes are not sitting on the market for very long. That is the market we are in.  Low inventory continues in Boca Raton with some houses getting multiple offers coming in.     I wouldn't expect home prices to run up quite as fast as they did back in 2006 as banks have gotten a lot stricter on lending guidelines and are no longer giving a loan to anyone with a pulse.  But, low inventoy and rising mortgage rates, whi... 07/21/2017

 SOLD20843 Boca Ridge Dr NBoca Raton, FL 33428Boca Ridge Glen REDUCED $ 274,500  Pet-Friendly, Guard Gated Community. All ages. Townhouse with Master Bedroom on Ground Floor and Garage in Boca Raton is located near Town Center Mall, Walmart and all types of shopping, movies, medical facilities and more. Beautiful serene lake views.  Have your morning coffee or watch the magnificent Florida sunsets from your oversized screened-in patio on the lake.  There are 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths and a 1-car garage.    The Master Bedroom is on the First Floor.   There is a walk-in closet and a second closet.  Master Bath has separate shower and tub.Inside laundry Room.Split bedrooms.  Two bedrooms with bath upstairs.Soaring ceilings.  1841 air-conditioned square feet.Community has clubhouse, tennis and ... 07/17/2017

Pet Friendly Berkley in Boca Raton FL Berkley is a new boutique community located in western Boca Raton, FL. When complete, Berkley will have 57 homes.  Not only is Berkley gated, it is virtually gated.Berkley is an all age community, so it will not be uncommon to see neighborhood kids playing the streets of this gated community or people out walking their dogs.  Berkley is a pet-friendly community in Boca Raton, FL. Looking for a home in Berkley?  You're probably thinking:  Why do I need a Realtor?  I can go direct to the builder.  Yes, you can.  But - you need someone on your side.  Before you go direct to the builder, take a few moments and read Honey, Let's Not Use A Realtor by Andrea Swiedler.  It doesn't cost you a dime to be represented by a Buyer's Agent and could save you more ... 07/11/2017

Home Prices in Boca Raton FL for March 2017                   Real estate market data for Boca Raton, FL provided by Elyse Berman of Realty Associates Florida Properties.   Boca Raton Home Prices     If you are interested in how much inventory is currently on the market, you can click on this link.  It will show homes for sale in Boca Raton FL. Low inventory suggests that homes are not sitting on the market for very long, That is the market we are in. Low inventory continues in Boca Raton with some homes getting multiple offers coming in.     I wouldn't expect home prices to run up quite as fast as they did back in 2006 as banks have gotten a lot stricter on lending guidelines and are no longer giving a loan to anyone with a pulse. But, low inventory and rising mortgage rates, which see... 06/27/2017