If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, or finishing your basement, you probably want to get your investment back when you sell your home. But when if comes to payback value of home improvements, some are definitely more profitable than others. As a general rule, kitchen and bathroom projects usually get a nice return on investment, typically 90% or more. Things like adding rooms or finishing basements tend to pay back the least. Finishing a basement usually returns less than 50%, so it is not a project likely to show profit at selling time.There are a number of factors that go into determining how well a project will pay back. Payback value depends a lot on the current market conditions in your area. If the market is hot and homes are selling fat, you can expect a higher payb... 03/17/2008

 Before you consider selling your home yourself, ask yourself if you are going to have the time needed to sell your house - even if you just cover the basics.The BasicsComplete An Extensive Research Of Local Market Conditions, Including:The listing and selling price of all houses in your area for the last six monthsThe listing price of houses currently on the marketThe listing prices of houses that were on the market but did not sell.Tip: Begin your research on the Internet. Follow up by visiting the county tax records office to determine the selling prices of houses.Put Together a Marketing Plan:How will you market your house to real estate agents? Most buyers use a real estate agent, so marketing to real estate agents is essential. At a minimum, you will want to send a letter and sale... 03/17/2008

Effective marketing is the key to selling your home quickly and getting the highest price. Aggressive, effective marketing of my client's homes by every available medium is how I've become a top real estate agent in the South Florida area. It's my job to assure that you get as many qualified offers as possible, allowing you to extract the highest price the market will bear.One of the most important elements of marketing your home effectively is setting the price right. Set the price too high, and you won't get any offers and your home will take too long to sell. Set it too low and you cheat yourself by not getting your home's full, fair value. The condition and appearance of your home are also critical factors in getting the best price for your home. I will personally walk through your ... 03/17/2008

A listing contract is an agreement between you and a licensed real estate broker authorizing the broker to represent you in selling your home. By far, the most common type of listing contract is the "Exclusive Right to Sell", but there are several other types.Exclusive Right to Sell ListingThis is the most popular type of listing with sellers and brokers. Under a right to sell listing contract, the broker is the only one authorized to sell your home. If another agent finds a buyer, your broker earns a commission. If you find a buyer on your own, your broker still earns a commission. This arrangement gives your broker the most incentive to spend time, money and energy marketing your home, especially to the other agents in the area who can show your home to their buyer clients. Only with ... 03/17/2008

I have been vacationing in Hollywood Florida for over 15 years.  I finally decided (2003) it was time to buy a condo instead of renting when I vacationed there.  I hooked up with Susan Alaimo (then of Coldwell Banker) and did purchase my condo (and since then 4 more as investments) and we fast became friends and the best of Referral colleages.  My referrals to Susan have resulted in over 15 successfully closed sales transactions to her since that time.  I am constantly meeting people who want to purchase in Florida and Susan and I frequently team up to make sure that our "shared" clients get the best in service.Susan and I meet frequently and brainstorm about our respective Market areas and challenges and have created a synergistic team that provides a wealth of information to out clien... 03/16/2008

HollywoodHollywood sits on Florida's Gold Coast, just south of Ft Lauderdale and just north of Miami. The population estimate for 2003 was 143,400. The median age is 39.The weather averages 77 degrees year round and that combined with miles of waterways makes it a great place to enjoy all types of water-sports. There are 46 parks, 7 golf courses and professional sports nearby including the Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, Miami Heat and the Florida Panthers. There's also Gulfstream Racetrack, Caulder Racetrack, Hollywood Greyhound Track and Dania Jai-LaiHollywood is easily accessible from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 1-95 or the Florida Turnpike. Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami are less than twenty-five miles away.The area has substantial edu... 03/15/2008

Family Event: Bring yourself, your family and kids to Hollywood for the Spring Marshmallow Drop Event which will be held on the following dates:Saturday, March 15, 2008 starting at @9:00 AM ending @ 12:00 NoonThe Spring Marshmallow Drop Event will feature:30,000 marshmallows dropped from a helicopterA visit from the Easter BunnyStorytellingBalloon ArtPuppet ShowGames & PrizesEgg Hunt @ 10-AM for ages 3-5Marshmallow Drop @ 10:30 AM for ages 6-12 Free EventCall (954) 921-3404 for more detailsLocation: Boggs East Field             2310 N. 23rd Avenue (Sheridan Street & 23rd Avenue)             Adults must accompany children 03/13/2008

All information contained in Diana Perez's Active Rain Real Estate Blog is presented as general information for its Members and to the Public.Any and all information written is solely Diana Perez's thoughts, expressions, and personal points of views in the real estate industry and any part therof, and should not be regarded as legal advice. Therefore, it is advisable that you seek the legal advice of an attorney for further legal council and representation. 03/12/2008

I had been looking forward to the Hollywood Florida 45th Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner held last Saturday, February 23, 2008 for a while now!Being a woman who likes to be prepared for such events, I had everything planned out. I had the dress, the jewelry, a hair appointment , an appointment with a great makeup artist with MAC Cosmetics at Macy's in the Broward Mall, and an appointment for spray tanning, since my fear of skin cancer outweighs my willingness to tan naturally any more.Friday, I started putting my plan into action. I went to a salon that shall remain nameless and got spray tanned. Although I looked a bit orange, the operator assured me that after showering the next day I would look fabulous.The next morning arrived, and my son looked at me in horror and said " M... 03/11/2008

I'm very much looking forward to attending this event, which is being held in the ArtsPark at Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood.A festival of history and architecture will feature live music and entertainment, historical displays, walking and trolley tours, book signings, an antique and collectibles market, vintage car show, and children's activities.I'm keenly aware of how fortunate we are to be able to attend wonderful outdoor events in South Florida, as the rest of the country hunkers down for the cold.At no cost, this is a big day of fun in the sun for the entire family! You can learn more about this fantastic event at www.hollywoodgazette.com and get an overview of the event's highlights www.downtownhollywood.com/, where you can also obtain a schedule for the day. To keep up with ... 03/01/2008

Hollywood FL Townhomes for sale-Canadians looking for Real Estate in Hollywood Beach FL   Hollywood Beach FL Hollywood FL Townhomes close to Hollywood Beach FL The weather in Hollywood Beach FL has been mostly sunny and from the 70's to the 80's with virtually no humidity. Affordable Townhomes for sale in Hollywood FL....."it is an excellent time buy a town-home." Prices have come down quite a bit over the last 2 years and inventory levels have reached all time highs. When we looked today...it showed that the Canadian dollar exchange rate have been holding right around at $1.00. That is still good news for our past,present and future clients. In general .."it is a great time to buy a town-home in Hollywood Beach FL." Currently..there are over 50,000 homes of all shapes and sizes on the ... 03/01/2008

Today, I had the pleasure of going to a barbecue at Topeekeegee-Yugnee Park, affectionately known as TY Park, in Hollywood, FL. I had not been there since they made some renovations, and although I have always liked the park, the mix of the new basketball courts, new playground and picture-perfect weather took my breath away. My husband Philip, our son Kevin and Kevin's friend Phillip spent a couple of hours hanging out with good friends, eating great food, and soaking in the blue skies and gentle breezes. Being a native of Chicago, it was not wasted on me that such an excursion in Illinois in February would be not just out of the question, but you would have to be out of your mind to attempt such a thing. A snowman-building contest would be more appropriate. South Florida has so much t... 02/22/2008

Hollywood Beach Florida townhomes for sale...1 mile from the beaches of HollywoodLocation: SHERBROOKELOWEST PRICED 2 BR 2 BTH TOWN HOME IN SHERBROOKE. NEAT AND CLEAN READY TO MOVE IN WITH TILE AND CARPET THROUGHOUT.LOTS OF CLOSET SPACE.LOCATED WITHIN ONE MILE OF HOLLYWOOD BEACH.QUIET LOCATION MASTER BR LOFT CAN BE EASILY CLOSED OFF. PATION ON GROUND LEVEL AND BALCONY OFF THE MASTER BR.LOW MAINTANENCE...PRICED TO SELL....EASY TO SHOWPhoto GalleryInformationContact InformationNeal Bloom(954)608-5556PricingAsking Price: $239,000.00Flexibility: NegotiableProperty Location1436 Gabriel StreetHolly wood, FL 33020LinksMy WebsiteMy BlogFeaturesBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 2Parking: 2 spacesYear Built: 1993Subdivision: SHERBROOKEAttached on: 2 SidesSquare Footage: 1241Agent Name: Neal BloomBroker: Remax... 02/20/2008

 ALEXANDER TOWERS FOR SALE OR RENT MLS#D1246450Listing Price: $475,000.00 (Fully furnished) LEASING PRICE FURNISHED: $1800 (Yearly lease) $3500 (Seasonal)Enjoy the lifestyle and amenities at a reasonable price. This totally updated 2 bedrooms/2 baths unit offers ocean and pool views; tile floors throughout; wood kitchen cabinets with granite counter and back splash; stainless steel appliances; private master suite with master bath and walk-in closets; washer and dryer inside; professionally decorated window treatments in every room. Next to the luxurious 5 star westin diplomat hotel and residences/ IMMACULATE!! SHOW AND SELL. UNIT BEING SOLD FURNISHED!!VIEW FROM BALCONYREMODELLED KITCHEN Living/Dining AreaMASTER BEDROOM2nd bedroomFor more information regarding this beautiful ocean front... 02/19/2008

SIB Realty  •  For Rent 3/3 $ 3900.00 /MONTH Live in 5 star luxury. This unit boasts marble floors, tremendous wrap around terrace giving views in all directions. High end appliances. Valet parking, concierge, business center, private vestibule entry to your unit, billiard media and club rooms, 2 story fitness center overlooking pool and ocean, more. Rapid approval. Now furnished with king bed in master, queen in 2nd bedroom and trundle bed in 3rd bedroom (sleeps 2)2nd trundle avail to sleep 4 View Kitchen Dining Room Other Plan: 3rd bedroom View Living Room Master Bath/Spa Master Bath/Spa Other Plan: Laundry Room Other Plan: Private Vestibule   SIB Realty • 18206 Collins Ave. Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 • Phone: 305-225-5742  Property Search | Contact Great location in Miami! Buy, Sell... 02/18/2008

How could it be the 45th Annual Awards and Installation Ceremony coming up for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce? Could two years have passed since we bid former director Don Dolton farewell? Has a year already passed since we celebrated with the Brazil Theme and those wonderful dancers? I'm looking forward to getting dressed up and seeing lots of familiar faces down by the ocean at the beautiful Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa. The company will be great, the atmosphere festive, and the weather cannot be beat. See you down by the beach! Oh, and by the way. . . to keep abreast of other upcoming events and items of community interest, visit my website, http://www.homeinsouthflorida.com/. You'll find lots of great information, including new real estate listings, or just find out how much yo... 02/15/2008

If cooking is your passion then why not add fresh herbs that you can grow from your own backyard? Cooking with herbs enhances the flavor of your dishes and improves the taste and smell giving them a classified distinction in various dishes from Mediterranean and Spanish to Mexican and Indian dishes. You can start with a couple or a few herbs. The herbal cooking enthusiasts who will benefit the most from an herbal garden are homeowners but if cooking with herbs is your hobby and passion and you really enjoy it but live in an apartment or condo, you can try the AeroGrow AeroGarden (available at Macy's), or Lowe's, or you can grow a container garden yourself to start with. Make sure that you rinse and wash your herbs before you begin to prepare your meal. You will get a better flavor from ... 02/13/2008

How cool is this? Hollywood has it’s own trolley, the Hollywood HOTexpress, that departs approximately every 30 minutes. And get this -- the fare to ride is only a buck for a round trip and children under 12 years of age ride FREE!The routes are pretty impressive, too. You can ride the trolley to the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Historic Downtown and The Arts Park from a multitude of locations. Hours are Thursday and Friday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday Noon to 1 a.m. and Sunday Noon to 9 p.m.You can hop on and hop off wherever you’d like which makes for an easy and interesting way to navigate around the city. This means you can spend the day at one of the area’s beautiful beaches and then take a jaunt downtown for dinner.If you do, be sure and check out the new hot spot on Hollywood Bouleva... 02/08/2008

Call me biased if you will because I’ve been based in downtown Hollywood for such a long time and have known Linda Strutz , who is The Arts Academy, for so many years. But I just have to say what a great place it is for people of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Really, it’s just fabulous!My daughter, Heather, went to the Arts Academy as a young girl (back when it was on still Hollywood Boulevard) spent several months there at a time for summer camp. And just this year, as a teenager, took ballet and lyrical jazz lessons.The Arts Academy offers everything from fitness classes, Pilates (which I have been trying to fit into my hectic schedule, by the way), acting/theatre, music/vocal and more. I cannot say enough great things about Linda or the beautiful Arts Academy of Hollywood that ... 02/07/2008

As a proud home owner, you wake up everyday and probably go to work or work from home. No matter what your home status is, you work hard and pay for your mortgage every month. As time goes by you realize that your taxes are too high and are having are hard time keeping up with not just your tax payments but your mortgage payments as well. On top of that you may have daycare payments, hospital bills, credit card payments, car loans, car and/or health insurance, food, entertainment, I don't need to tell you, you know what your bills are. One day you wake and you realize the inevitable (or so you think): You cannot keep up with the mortgage payments anymore and so you fall behind on them and you default. You get a letter from your banking institution and it black and white it tells you tha... 02/06/2008