Articles by Rob Thomson on ArticleSnatch.com

Making Your Tiny Kitchen More Appealing for Buyers

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:04:00 -0500

If you’re one of those many people who is planning on doing upgrades and renovations to your kitchen before putting their kitchen on the market, you are in good company. Many home owners have caught on that the more inviting that their home is when prospective buyers come to tour it, the more likely that it’ll sell; and the kitchen is one of the most valuable renovations that you can do in your home in terms of resale value. A small, unorganized kitchen can be a pretty big turn off for buyers because the kitchen is one of the most used rooms in pretty much anyone’s home. While a small kitchen can be difficult to work in, a poorly laid out small kitchen is an even bigger obstacle to overcome for a buyer who is interested in your home. The key to this issue is making the small space work better for you. There are a few ways that you can transform a tiny kitchen space into an efficient little workstation that’s a delight to create in. One way to deal with a tiny space is to make it look bigger; **End Summary** Topics: home improvements]]> renovations]]> home kitchen renovations]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of North Palm Beach real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Creating a Nurturing Atmosphere to Sell Your Home

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:02:53 -0500

In our current economic climate, with so many stresses looming for many people, it can be worthwhile to accent the relaxing aspects of your home for prospective buyers and encourage a nurturing feeling in your home. One of the ways that you can do this for prospective buyers is to stage your home with a resort or spa-like focus to it. To give your home the feel of a guest house or resort, it is important to go through all the typical aspects of home staging first. Clean your house so that it’s spic and span and remove all the personal clutter and photographs out of your home; you want prospective buyers to feel like guests not intruders. Stage your home with an eye towards making the furnishings in your home inviting and useful to buyers; remove extra bits of furniture that aren’t serving a useful purpose, bookshelves—and their contents—are usually prime targets for this. Set up your bathroom like a hotel bathroom or spa: thick lush bathrobes hung on hangers, matching containers of shampoos and soaps on the countertop, rolled up facecloths in a ceramic bowl tied with a ribbon, these all help add to the spa atmosphere. **End Summary** Topics: home sales]]> selling real estate]]> home sales tips]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Juno Beach real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Four More Banks Fail in 2010 While Real Estate Recovery Struggles

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:43:52 -0500

Americans looking for choices in banking are going to find it a little tougher to find options as of this month. Topping last year’s 140 bank closures, the recent situation with an additional 4 failed banks brings the number of failed banks this year to 143. Many of the hardest hit states of these bank closures are the same ones that are hardest hit with the real estate crisis since the recession began, including California, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. The following banks were the most recent additions to the pile of failed banking institutions in the US for this year: K Bank with $538.3 million in assets Pierce Commercial Bank with $221.1 million in assets Western Commercial Bank with $98.6 million in assets First Vietnamese American Bank with $48 million in assets Most of the banks that have failed this year are smaller financial businesses than the bank failures that consumers saw last year. The smaller size of failed banks that have occurred this year have resulted in smaller losses for the deposit insurance fund; **End Summary** Topics: bank failures]]> real estate market]]> foreclosures]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit WaterfrontPropertiesAdmiralsCove.com for everything to do with Admirals Cove . You'll find information about a range of issues and properties in this beautiful area, including Admirals Cove waterfront homes for sale .

With Home Prices On The Slide Again, Will Home Ownership Recover?

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:07:31 -0500

The nation has been eagerly watching for signs of economic recovery ever since the beginning of the current financial downslide. Over the past few months there have been rumblings of a possible economic recovery but economists are stating now that we are already experiencing the beginning of a second drop of home prices across the country. Analysts from Capital Economics are predicting that housing prices across the nation will continue to lose ground over the next 12 months. While it is possible that levels could tread water sufficiently to not decrease much, they claim it is also possible that prices could drop as much as an additional 20% in a worst case scenario. Paul Dales, from Capital Economics said, “It is becoming clear that the housing market cannot stand on its own two feet,” and that it is likely that housing prices will see a new low by next fall. A big part of the problem with the market is that the economy has just not recovered enough to make up for the months upon months of hardship and delinquency that many homeowners are finding themselves in. **End Summary** Topics: real estate market]]> home prices]]> home sales slide]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit WaterfrontPropertiesAdmiralsCove.com for everything to do with Admirals Cove . You'll find information about a range of issues and properties in this beautiful area, including Admirals Cove waterfront homes for sale .

Selling Your Home in a Buyers Market

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:51:50 -0400

Not only are we currently experiencing a buyers market, but a sluggish market as well. This can be the worst possible combination for any home seller. Just as in any challenging situation, sellers need to understand the pitfalls and offer a product that no buyer can resist. Here are some suggestions to help increase your chances of selling a home during this difficult time. Get Rid of the Clutter: Probably the quickest way to make a difference in a house is to get rid of the clutter. Clean out the closets, clear off the counters, tidy the walkways and clean out the garage. You'll be so glad you did. Not only will your home show more effectively, but you'll have that much less work to do when it's time to move. Also, the whole act of purging has a catharsis effect, and will give you renewed energy for the real work that lies ahead. Update Your Home: If you're decorating style is still stuck in the 80's, or is in anyway dated, it's time to make some changes. A great way to learn about the latest greatest decorating styles is to tour some model homes. **End Summary** Topics: home sales]]> home selling tips]]> real estate sales]]> buyers market]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach properties at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many North Palm Beach waterfront homes for sale and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

NEW West Palm Beach Developments

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:51:10 -0400

Olympia by Minto - Wellingtion, Florida Olympia features Mediterranean style homes with stucco exteriors and Hacienda S-tile roof, fully landscaped lots and brick paved driveway. This gorgeous resort-style community is set among 240 acres of lakes and wetland and the 100-acre Lake Olympia. Olympia real estate boasts a variety of homes ranging from 2000 - 6000 square feet in 3 major price points: Splendido starting at $300,000 Palazzo - starting at $364,900 Grandezza - starting at $459,900 Some of the many deluxe features included with these homes are: professionally landscaped lot with automatic sprinkler system (utilizing lake water), high speed wiring for phone, video and computer, 18" ceramic tile in foyer kitchen, breakfast area and laundry room, energy efficient heating and air conditioning, stain guard carpeting in choice of decorator colors, air-conditioned walk-in closets, marble window sills, automatic garage door opener, alarm system with one year free monitoring, Level 1 granite countertops, decorator raised panel foil cabinet doors in baths, kitchen and laundry room, self-cleaning oven with deluxe glass-top range, microwave oven, 25 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator with ice & water dispenser in door, automatic dishwasher, disposal, walk-in pantry. **End Summary** Topics: new florida construction]]> west palm beach real estate]]> homes]]> fl condos]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach FL waterfront homes at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Jensen Beach waterfront homes and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Golden Oak Disney Magic at $8 Million a Pop!

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:44:58 -0400

Make way for Golden Oak, the latest addition to Walt Disney World® Resort. During a time when Florida luxury properties are selling for record lows, and foreclosures are sweeping the nation, Disney is launching an upscale vacation home development. Named after the original Disney ranch in Placerita Canyon, California, Golden Oak will be a family-oriented, amenity-laden community with homes priced between $1.5 and $8 million. Located near Fort Wilderness Campground and the entrance to Magic Kingdom, residents will be close enough to the action to hear the park train whistle blow. Homeowners will likely include those already enamored with the Disney experience and anxious to reap some of the benefits of living here, including private VIP transportation around the park, access to Disney special event tickets, and extra in-park benefits. Initially, 30 homes will be unveiled, but upon completion a forecasted 450 luxury residences will grace the 980 acre development, with over half the property set aside for preserved land or water features. In addition to the Disney World perks, other amenities will include: Summerhouse: This private clubhouse will offer fine dining, outdoor patio, fitness facility, yoga studio and special events such as wine tastings and guest chef appearances. **End Summary** Topics: disney world resort]]> golden oaks real estate]]> disney homes]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Loxahatchee real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Florida Condo Repairs - Costly Oversights

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:51:25 -0400

Residents of the Dolphin Tower in Sarasota are being evacuated after a reported crack was discovered in the concrete. "The city said until it's stabilized, they want everyone out of the building," said Rick Mowery, a superintendent of the building at 101 S. Gulfstream Ave. The fissure-like fracture was discovered within the 15-story building support structure. The 24 inch concrete slab on the fourth floor that sustains the upper floors had shifted. We're not talking a small pressure crack, this was damage that resembled the aftermath of an earthquake. The Mowrey's, live-in building superintendents, said the walls in their condo had buckled, cabinets were barely hanging on and the concrete floor was completely cracked. After Karins Engineering was called in to evaluate the problem, it was estimated that repairs could take between three days and six months. Unfortunately that doesn't offer much consolation to residents, the majority of which are permanent, with about 20-percent winter residents. Most concrete buildings exhibit some cracking, especially during the early years, but for this 35 year old building the causes are not always obvious. **End Summary** Topics: florida condos]]> condo damage]]> condo repairs]]> home improvements]]> condo owning]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach waterfront homes at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Jupiter waterfront homes and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Redecorate Without Breaking the Bank

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:38:37 -0400

Is your decor stuck in a time tunnel? Don't feel bad, it's a common trap for many homeowners. They have comfortable furniture that's been around for years and still in fairly good shape. It may be slightly faded, or perhaps the cushions are not as cushy as they were 20 years ago, but it's far to good to give away or throw out, but not good enough to sell. Our budgets won't allow a complete makeover, but maybe there is something there can be done to bring the decor into a more contemporary style. Reupholstering isn't cheap, but it's a great way to transform a dated piece of furniture into something almost new. Choose a fashionable fabric such as an imitation suede and have throw pillows made in complimentary colors. What about those antiques? It used to be that if you had antiques, then your decor had to reflect the same traditional design. Not so anymore. Now that coffee table you inherited from your great grandmother can sit side-by-side with your leather couch. Don't hesitate to take an ornate lamp stand and add a modern shade from your local big box home store. **End Summary** Topics: interior design]]> home improvements]]> home remodeling]]> home renovations]]> interior design tips]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Jupiter FL real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Create a Backyard Getaway

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:49:05 -0400

A few years ago, we were landscaping our new home and had a consultant come in to give us some ideas. Following behind while she viewed the property, I feverishly took notes as she made suggestions. I figured we'd have a bit of grass, a couple walkways, some gardens - a typical yard, but our consultant had bigger ideas. She stopped at a spot, slightly on a hill, and overlooking trees and marsh., and stated, "This will be your private sitting area.". I'm thinking, "sitting area," isn't that for the deck or the patio? She went on to explain that a yard should be divided into various sections, each assigned a different theme or function. This particular spot with its nice view and higher elevation, would make a perfect retreat. We took her advice, and proceeded to set this spot aside from the rest of the lawn by creating a floral hedge. We extended our rock path to weave through this area and poured gravel. Finally, we added a concrete bench, birdbath and some planters. Now we had a secluded spot to escape with our morning coffee and enjoy the view. **End Summary** Topics: home improvements]]> landscaping]]> back yard landscaping]]> yard improvements]]> outdoor retreat]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach waterfront homes at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Palm Beach Gardens waterfront homes and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Palm Beach Mall Tug-Of-War

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:53:16 -0400

Just when you thought it was safe to buy Florida property, another case of "eminent domain" rears its ugly head. Eminent domain was one of those rarely enforced laws that was all but forgotten until 2006 when Riviera Beach officials decided to seize 400 acres of prime waterfront property, and replace it with a billion dollar luxury development, with absolutely no regard for the 1,700 homes and 5,100 longtime residents that would be removed in the process. Officials underestimated the response from local residents who obtained legal representation, sued the city and won their case. The signing of a statute by Governor Jeb Bush on May 11, 2006, was almost synonymous with the Council's bid to enforce the outdated law. The new ruling stated that the taking of property for private economic development was prohibited. Apparently, West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel hasn't read the new statute. Her office has recently hinted at the enforcement of eminent domain, if the Luxembourg firm, Turbo Investments, who own the Dillard's department store building, refuse to sell the property. **End Summary** Topics: palm beach malls]]> palm beach commercial real estate]]> eminent domain]]> real estate development]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Rob Thomson welcomes you to WaterfrontPropertiesAdmiralsCove.com, a website with information about Admirals Cove . You'll find updated listings of properties in this beautiful area, including Admirals Cove land for sale .

Make Your Florida Garden Thrive

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:52:38 -0400

Landscaping a Florida yard has some challenges that are not necessarily issues in other parts of the country. Some of the most beautiful plants thrive here, but others don't do so well. Before you begin planning your fair weather garden, you might want to use this handy guide to make sure you get off on the right foot. 1. Location - Location - Location Know where you're planting, and what types of plants will survive best in that location. Consider the amount of sunlight, water, and soil conditions. You need to know if your shade-loving plant will survive in the sunny spot you've chosen. Proper placement is also important. Planting that bushy palm in front of a window may not be the best idea if it blocks your view. If you have oceanfront property, choose plants that have high to medium salt tolerance. They should also be plants that can handle a lack of fertilizer or pesticide to avoid seepage into the groundwater. You should also consider types of vegetation that won't be devastated by high winds. Always select a Florida-friendly plant over an invasive species. **End Summary** Topics: florida landscaping]]> home improvements]]> gardening]]> landscaping]]> florida gardens]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach properties at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Palm Beach FL homes for sale and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Keeping Your Cool - Tips for Cooling Your Home During the Summer Months

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:04:18 -0400

With summer upon us we all face the same challenge of keeping our homes at a bearable temperature. Of course we can crank up the air conditioner and maintain a chilly living space; however, with rising energy costs and our increased awareness of environmental concerns, there needs to be a better way. Fortunately, there are some great ways of keeping cool without breaking the bank or harming the environment. A great place to start when trying to keep cool on the inside is on the outside. Stopping the heat before it gets in your house can be simple and very effective. The color of the house is important as dark, dull finishes absorb heat which in turn radiates into the home. Choosing light colored, reflective exterior finishes result in cooler indoor temps and also reduces maintenance costs due to wear on siding and roofing materials. Landscaping can also play an important role in keeping your house cool. Strategically placed trees and plants can block the sun's rays from hitting walls, windows and roofs, and also make your home look better. In regions with distinct seasons a leafy tree serves 2 purposes; **End Summary** Topics: homes]]> home improvement]]> air conditioning]]> cooling]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach waterfront homes at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Jupiter waterfront homes and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

International Clients Bolstering US Real Estate Sales

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:06:25 -0400

Foreign buyers are showing increased interest in purchasing US properties. The recent economic crisis has resulted in greatly depreciated values of real estate, and savvy investors from around the globe are taking notice. In certain regions of the country real estate values have been cut by up to 70%, which in itself is a good reason to buy here; however, there are other factors contributing to this trend. Much of the activity is in Florida where buyers are looking for either investment properties or sunny retirement opportunities. Many sunny destinations are in countries that are politically unstable, have investment restrictions, and are considered to be unsafe from a personal standpoint. The US has limited restrictions on foreign ownership, enjoys a desirable quality of life and presents very little risk for out of country buyers. A devalued US currency, which is giving foreign buyers greater purchasing power, and historically low interest rates are making the deals even more appealing. Buyers from the UK appear to growing in numbers and are joining the estimated 40,000 of their countrymen who already own property in Florida. **End Summary** Topics: real estate market]]> real estate investors]]> home buying]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Singer Island real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Who's Who in Jupiter Island

Thu, 20 May 2010 16:26:31 -0400

For years Jupiter Island has been attracting some of the most affluent families in the world. In fact, this exclusive hideaway is the perfect playground for the rich and famous! Situated north of Palm Beach, between the Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Jupiter Island offers white sandy beaches, lush unspoiled surroundings, and quick access to airports, shopping, world-class restaurants, and championship golf courses. Some of the the Island's notable past and present residents include: Tori Amos, Bryant Gumbel, Michael Jordon, Burt Reynolds and other assorted politicians and athletes. Jupiter Island is a popular spot for golfers, including Greg Norman who currently has a home up for sale. After unsuccessfully trying to sell his estate in 2008, this humble abode is back up on the market. "Tranquility," (not quite a fitting name for a residence that has seen two divorces), is the seventh most expensive house in the U.S. - probably more if you add in the two divorce settlements. Sitting on 8 acres, Tranquility boasts 9 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, six separate buildings including the beachfront main house, coach house, carriage house guest house, and a 50-foot pool and gym. **End Summary** Topics: jupiter island]]> jupiter island luxury homes]]> florida real estate]]> florida luxury homes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach waterfront homes at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Jupiter waterfront homes and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Garden Gallery

Thu, 20 May 2010 16:25:51 -0400

Move over garden gnomes, pink flamingos, and pinwheel wind catchers, the look and feel of garden decor has stepped up a notch or two. With the advent of outdoor living spaces, patio kitchens and elaborate deck designs, home owners are spending more time in their yard. In fact, in many cases, patios have become wall-less extensions of home interiors, and decorating this space has become much more sophisticated. Now, painted walls have been replaced with nature's canvas of trees and grass, inspiring new opportunities for creative decorating. It's not uncommon to see outdoor-friendly coordinating couches, chairs and coffee tables accented with the likes of patterned carpets, figurines and hanging artwork. Sculptures: In the case of outdoor decor, sculptures, now removed from their interior hideaways, can be situated among showy blooms in a rose garden, elevated on a grassy berm, or placed between select trees or shrubs. Their role may serve as a subtle accent, or a striking focal point in a landscaping theme. Sculptures no longer have to be limited to stone or marble, but may include metal, foliage, such as a topiary, resin, or even ornate benches. **End Summary** Topics: gardening]]> landscaping]]> home improvements]]> gardens]]> yard improvements]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach FL waterfront homes at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Singer Island waterfront homes and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

The Canadians Are Coming!

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:20:45 -0400

Canadian snow-birds have been swapping the cold northern winters for some welcome sunshine south of the border, for decades. And although they've always contributed significantly to the real estate market in the southern US, the past couple of years has seen a major rise in the number of Canucks investing in vacation properties. The prices of condos and houses have slumped, and inventory has risen, giving more non-US investors a chance to snap up bargains in the Sunshine State. The British have traditionally led the market, particularly in Florida, but a favorable exchange rate means that the Canadian dollar is going a lot further in the US these days. As a result, more and more northern investors are taking advantage of some seriously depressed house prices. In fact, Canada's buyers have now overtaken their UK counterparts as the main purchasers of Florida condos. And, according to the National Association of Realtors, more US property was bought by Canadians in 2009, than by investors from any other foreign nation. But it isn't just snow-birds who are investing. Buyers from across the Canadian socioeconomic sphere are getting in on the action. **End Summary** Topics: snow birds]]> canadian home buyers]]> real estate investment]]> home buying]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Palm Beach waterfront homes at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Palm Beach Gardens waterfront homes and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Foreclosed Homes in Florida can Hide Danger

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:34:43 -0400

People investigating foreclosed homes in Florida should be aware of some of the hazards associated with abandoned homes. It’s not just your finances that can get hurt when dealing with foreclosures; sometimes you and your loved ones can court danger by merely coming onto a property to inspect it. Abandoned foreclosures can quickly get infested with unwanted pests and not the least of these is humans. Criminals needing a place to hide their activities will sometimes move their operations into an empty foreclosed home. Homeless people find that a foreclosure provides more shelter than sleeping in the street. The person who is looking to invest in real estate can get an unpleasant – or even dangerous – surprise if they startle someone who is illegally living in the home or using it for criminal activity. Other unwelcome inhabitants can include abandoned pets, some of which are left without food or water. A starving dog who still thinks he’s guarding his territory is not something the inexperienced should deal with. Cats and smaller pets may be stressed out and attack a person attempting to take them to a safer location. **End Summary** Topics: florida foreclosures]]> distressed properties]]> florida bank owned homes]]> real estate investment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit WaterfrontPropertiesAdmiralsCove.com for everything to do with Admirals Cove Jupiter . You'll find information about a range of issues and properties in this beautiful area, including Homes For Sale in the Admirals Cove Golf Village .

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:33:32 -0400

What with the cold weather upon us, many of us begin using additional heat sources. Not only has the furnace been fired up, but we may have added portable kerosene or propane heaters in our garage, or wood stoves in the family room. With these new heat sources come additional precautions and safety concerns. The potential for carbon monoxide poisoning is a deadly hazard that can impact anyone. Your best defense is an understanding of the risks and how to minimize them. What exactly is Carbon Monoxide (CO)? This invisible gas has no scent or taste. Upon inhaling, it quickly travels via your bloodstream to the heart and brain, displacing any oxygen. Unfortunately the symptoms of low level exposure simply resemble the flu, and the problem is not always attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Common side effects include lethargy, dizziness, headaches, irritability, confusion, and nausea. How is it produced? Carbon monoxide is produced from the incomplete burning of a fossil fuel such as gasoline, wood, coal, kerosene, oil, or petroleum. Generally this process produces carbon dioxide, but if a lack of sufficient oxygen is available during burning, carbon monoxide results. **End Summary** Topics: carbon monoxide]]> carbon monoxide detectors]]> home improvements]]> renovations]]> remodeling]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit WaterfrontPropertiesAdmiralsCove.com for everything to do with Admirals Cove real estate . You'll find information about a range of issues and properties in this beautiful area, including luxurious Admirals Cove homes .

Universal Design: A Good Investment for Home Improvements

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:43:42 -0500

Whether you are looking at building a new home or upgrading an existing home, it may be well worth your while to utilize elements of universal design into your home so that either you can enjoy your home for much longer than you might be able to otherwise. With the trend to living longer lives and spending more of those years living in the family home, there is a real benefit to designing and finishing a home with the principles of universal design in mind. The Center for Universal Design sets out the principles of the concept as: 1. Equitable use: For useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities 2. Flexibility in use: Design accommodates different methods of use (example: right or left hand use) 3. Simple and intuitive 4. Perceptible information: Design might include pictures, tactile, verbal modes, or clear text with high contrast 5. Tolerance for error: Design incorporates fail safe or correction features 6. Low physical effort: for people with a great range of physical abilities and strength 7. Size and space for approach and use: Design is useable by people of many different size, postures, or mobility. **End Summary** Topics: home improvements]]> interior design]]> home remodeling]]> interior remodeling]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Palm Beach Gardens real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

The Battle to Save Homes From Foreclosure Fraught With Difficulties

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:55:19 -0500

The Federal government has been struggling to help homeowners stay in their homes as well as getting more home buyers into new homes so as to support the housing market. They’ve done this with the creation of two programs, one with the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates low, and the Making Home Affordable program to help home owners modify their mortgages. Federal Reserve program buying mortgage-backed securities to keep the interest rates down and ensure that there is sufficient funding in place so that there are mortgages available for people buying homes. There have been very few drawbacks to this program over the length of its existence and in fact that one big downfall to it is that it will be ending on March 31st. The Making Home Affordable program has been in place since early last year and has been less successful than hoped for. The program offers home owners the chance to either refinance or modify their loan if they qualify for the program. Home owners who are current with their payments may qualify for refinancing to a lower interest rate; **End Summary** Topics: foreclosures]]> real estate market]]> mortgage modification]]> distressed properties]]> Making Home Affordable]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for Jupiter Florida waterfront homes at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Jupiter Island waterfront homes Florida and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Do the Math Before You Flip

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:08:30 -0500

Flipping houses can be a great investment and it also contributes to restoring older rundown properties and increasing property values. Your success, however, is determined before you buy that first house. Do it right and you'll start building yourself a tidy savings for your old age, do it incorrectly, and you could go broke. That being said, before you start - work the numbers then work them again, and again. Start with the realistic selling price. Take into consideration the time of year, the neighborhood and selling prices of similar homes in the area. If you've picked up a real bargain because the neighborhood is downtrodden, your new and improved home may be priced out of the market. Subtract the cost of getting into the house. This includes repairs, renovations, contractors fees, building permits, new fixtures, appliances, etc. That doesn't look so bad, but now subtract agent commission, bank charges and legal closing costs. If you're still in the black, then figure out how long you expect the renovations and selling time to take, and add a couple months for good measure. Now subtract interest and carrying charges on your financing over that period. **End Summary** Topics: home flipping]]> real estate market]]> real estate investing]]> home investments]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Palm Beach real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

A Tale of Eminent Domain in Riviera Beach FL

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:07:15 -0500

Up until 2006, it had been 30 years since the Florida Supreme Court was faced with a case about eminent domain for private development. It had never been an issue until development firm "Viking Inlet Harbor Properties" combined forces with the now former, Riviera Beach, Mayor Michael Brown to exploit and capitalize on this century old property law. The Viking group had already sunk $50 million into the acquisition of property, engineering and planning fees for a proposed $2.4 billion project that would reface the marina district with luxury condominiums, single-family homes, hotels, offices, shops and yachting facilities. This undertaking would transform 400 acres of waterfront property in one of the poorest cities in Palm Beach County into a veritable country club, but not without a price. In order to complete the project about 1,700 homes had to be removed, and about 5,100 residents would be forced to sell their homes and relocate. Mayor Brown assured Viking that the city could use eminent domain to acquire the additional properties. **End Summary** Topics: eminent domain]]> florida eminent domain]]> riviera beach fl]]> real estate developments]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Admirals Cove real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Realtor Resolutions for Increased Success

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:29:12 -0500

With the turning of the year at hand, it is a time when many people set out to make resolutions for how they’re going to improve themselves. The beginning of a new year symbolizes rebirth or transformation for many people and as such, makes it an ideal time for many people to make some new goals for their personal lives or their careers. And as many of us are already aware, any improvement to your personal life generally translates to improvements in your professional life as well. One big area that people look at improving in the new year is that of their health; whether this pertains to introducing an exercise regime into your daily life, vowing to improve your diet, or making the decision to quit smoking. Changing any part of your daily routine that relates to health can make your entire life more enjoyable. A better diet, a proper nightly sleep, exercise, stress reducing recreation, and fewer habits that introduce toxins into your system will all help you be more alert and productive during your personal life but also in your work day as well. **End Summary** Topics: new years business resolutions]]> real estate resolutions]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Jupiter Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Admirals Cove real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.

Real Estate Predictions for 2010

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:28:26 -0500

As we move into the first quarter of 2010 there are many theories floating around about the potential state of real estate in the coming year. While it is never a good idea to run willy-nilly into financial decisions based on predictions of what might be, it can be wise to keep an eye on the trends so that you can be aware of what’s going on in real estate if you’re planning on buying or selling your home in the new year. Real estate prices are anticipated to even out over the next few months so that prices can stabilize; experts say that the signs of this happening in the later parts of the year, after a bit more of a decline. While the three year decline will continue for at least a few more months, the slide has been much less pronounced over the last half of 2009 than it has in months previous to that. **End Summary** Topics: real estate market]]> home buying]]> 2010 real estate market]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> View listings for real estate in Stuart Florida at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the wide selection of Jensen Beach real estate and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.