I was reading an article this morning. It was going aganist what we all learned as far as depersonalizing the home. Most of us was taught when we go on listing appointments and after we get the listing most sellers ask us what needs to be done to the home. Our first response of course is to remove all the clutter. The second thing we always say is to remove all personal pictures. Now my guess is you want the new prospective buyers to picture themselves in the home without seeing the sellers in it. Now I agree with what I was reading, having the pictures remaining up and around the home shows its a home. Makes it warm and comforting. You see its history and spirit.Now I see both parts and agree mainly with the article. I love walking into a home and seeing the story behind the home. The ... 01/27/2008

Have you ever wondered how your local schools purchase some of the equipment they have. I know most must be thinking your local property taxes. Yes, but they also depend on finacial help from there local comunity. There is a propgram BoxTops4Education. It has been running for as long as I could remember. But I really never put much mind to it before. My daughter just recently started school this past year. I have been as active as I possibly can. So I was grocery shopping today and realized something very important. You see I have been collecting Box Tops for education for my daughters school. I didn't realize how many things you purchase has these box tops. They are only 10 cents a piece, but it surley adds ups. I have a ziplock bag full of them. I plan on turning them in at the end of... 01/26/2008

I received a call the other day on one of my listings. She  was looking for her daughter. She purchased a home in Tamarac, Fl three years ago and now her daughter moved down here and needs to find a place. She was trying to figure out which town would suit her. I went to explain that I also live in Tamarac. I also went to explain the difference in property taxes within the differences cities. I had asked her age, she said she was over 65. I asked if she had filed for her extra homestead. She had no idea that she qualified for the extra 25,000 homestead for Senior Citizens. She was just so happy. She thanked me and will be calling me back in few days.Here is some more information on the extra Homestead. You can also visit http://www.bcpa.net/  Qualified residents 65 years of age or older... 01/25/2008

Broward County residents are encouraged to take advantage of two free hazardous waste and electronics drop-off events: Sunday, January 27, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., in the area just west of Fort Lauderdale City Hall, 101 N. North Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Sunday, February 10, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., City Hall South, 9530 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs. Proof of Broward County residency is required. Residents can dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, motor oil, pesticides, household chemicals, lawn and pool chemicals, mercury thermometers, propane tanks and fire extinguishers.  Acceptable used electronics include televisions, computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, fax machines, cell phones and rechargeable batteries.   Jeannette Neerpat9000 Sheridan StreetSuite 90Pembroke Pi... 01/25/2008

It's open! The Hibachi Steak House in the Shoppes of Heron Lakes! It's the south east corner of Coral Ridge Drive and the Sawgrass. 5791 Coral Ridge Drive. 954-510-7557.  Right next to Buffaloes. They prepare your meal right in front of you. Chicken, steak, lobster....whatever you like. They're open seven days a week and for lunch too.  Free delivery.  My daughter loves this kind of dining, so for her birthday next week.....yum-yum! This article is originally posted in CoralSpringsBlog.com Other Articles Making An Offer On A Foreclosure Attractive Mortgage Rates Home Prices On The Rise 01/24/2008

REDUCED FOR FAST SALE***PRIME LOCATION ****BEST VALUE **LARGE AND SPACIOUS 3/2.5TH IN THE HEART OF CORAL SPRINGS*THIS TH FEATURE LIVING ROOM AND FAMILY ROOM ***FORMAL DINING ROOM***LARGE KIT WITH PLENTY CABINETS***HUGE MASTER BEDR***BIG BEDROOMS***SPOTLESS, MOVE IN CONDITION****A+ SCHOOL***CLOSE TO SHOPPING,HIGHWAYS*** 01/23/2008

BUY TH IN A PRICE OF CONDO**** BEAUTIFUL CORNER 2/1.5 TH LOCATAED IN PRIME LOCATION IN CORAL SPRINGS*****TILE THROUGHOUT FIRST LEVEL****UPGRADES KIT WITH WHITE CABINETS*** LARGE MASTER SUIT*** WITH PRIVATE BALCONY***UPGRADES BATHROOM WITH WHITE CABINETS***  CLOSE TO SHOPPING,SCHOOLS AND HIGHWAYS***MOVE IN CONDITION **** THIS IS A STEAL***** 01/23/2008

Certain citites and Broward County, have increased the surcharge for increase water usage. In the being of January I posted a new law about water usage. Only being able to water your lawns once a week. Here is a clip from the Sun- Sentinel newspaper."In Davie, residents who use from 6,000 to 9,000 gallons of water will pay a 25 percent surcharge. And residents using more than 9,000 gallons pay a 50 percent surcharge. Commercial customers are now paying a 45 percent surcharge because of the new restrictions.In Fort Lauderdale, water users will see the new charge on their February bills. The city's surcharge for water use during a drought is 17 percent for a residential user. For a home using 8,000 gallons in a month, that raises the bill from $15.29 to $17.26, according to city documents... 01/22/2008

I'm actively working with Pre-Foreclosures, Foreclosures and Short Sales in Coral Springs Florida and the surrounding area of South Florida, to find out if you do qualify for a short sale, simply send me an email to Info@MyShortSaleHome.com and include the following:Your nameAddressPhone number and best time to reach youWhat is your hardship: why you are behind on your mortgage?Do you think that you owe more than your home is worth?Any other questions that you may have.    Provide me with this information and I will be glad to consult with you on some possible options for you to avoid foreclosure.  Just remember that there are better days ahead for you and your family and I would feel great knowing that I was an important part in helping you get on with bettering your life.Email me now ... 01/22/2008

December , 2007 Coral Springs Market Report (December, 2007)There are currently 1049 Single Family Homes for Sale in Coral Springs. Click here to search Coral Springs Homes for Sale. Of the 1049 Single Family Homes for Sale in Coral Springs.26 are priced under $250,000759 are priced between $250,000 and $499,999243 are priced between $500,000 and $999,99921 are priced $1,000,000 and above, with the highest priced home offered at $2,698,000 The $2,398,000 listing is a Home for sale in Whispering WoodsThere are 58 pending Sales of Single Family Homes in Coral Springs (priced between $194,900 and $1,450,000). Since December  1st, there have been 43 Single Family Homes sold in Coral Springs (they were sold at final sales prices between $199,900 and $665,000). Click here to view the homes so... 01/09/2008

Come January 15 there will be new water restrictions for Broward County. Are you ready and are you aware of what needs to be done for both residential and commerical alike. If not here is an overdraft posted by Broward County.New Water Restrictions Begin January 15Effective January 15, residents and businesses in South Florida, including Broward County, will be subject to one-day-a-week water restrictions. The new restrictions mark the first time that the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has imposed blanket restrictions for the five million residents living in South Florida.Highlights of the Modified Phase III water restrictions include:·Residents and businesses are limited to a one-day-per-week landscape irrigation schedule with two "watering windows:"·Odd street address... 01/05/2008

I know the majority of you will disagree with me. I love the cold and winter snow. In fact the "Colder it becomes" the more our telephone rings. We certainly don`t have to be told by the Media "Florida Home Sales" are on the move!   In fact 2008 is starting off with an astounding amount of Buyer Inquiries. Maybe, it`s the fact potential buyers see how much prices have dropped. Value counts!In many instances it`s actually feasible and affordable to purchase.Why is this occurrence happening?: Markets run in cycles. The old adage "What goes up,must come down" is upon us! I`ve mentioned many times before people were waiting on the sidelines for housing prices to decrease. They`ve studied the area, know what they`re looking for in advance, they realize as many Realtors do, the prices will no... 01/03/2008

Here I am in sunny Key West vacationing for the Christmas and New Year's holiday. We all need some quiet and relaxing times in our wonderful business of real estate.While I was here I received two contract offers on property that was priced well below appraised value, and also these seller's have the "Have To Sell Now" attitude which makes my job alot easier to negotiate on behalf of my sellers.I presented the offers to the sellers'  and they gave me the counter offers and I promptly e faxed the counter offers. Thank God for faxes and email. We can do virtually everything without even being in the same county. This helps when we are vacationing, and just about every realtor I know was away for the holidays as well. This is definitely not the way I would present offers and counter offers... 01/01/2008

The other day I was cleaning out my garage and notice I had three boxes of toys that were not being used by my children. My husband and I spoke with our kids and asked that we give the toys to kids who don't have what we heve. They said they were willing to give up these toys. Now my kids are 5, 3, and 1. So I was proud that they understood what we were telling them.I called around to see where we could take them. Kids in distree don't allow you to come to there shelters because of safety for the kids. So my question is, Where can we take the toys that my kids can pass them to other kids. I want them to see how happy they will make kids who don't have. I know this will bring joy to both them and our kids.Can anyone help me with this. I would greatly appericate it.Have a Merry Christmas ... 12/23/2007

Once Christmas is over what do you do with your Christmas Trees. Do you wait till after the new year. Do you throw it away with your trash or would you like to recycle it. There are several Broward County Parks that will be taking your Christmas Trees and Recycling them. Broward County's Parks & Recreation Division will continue its annual recycling program for holiday trees. Trees will be accepted from Wednesday, December 26, through Sunday, January 20, at the following parks: ·        Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City, 954-437-2600·        C. B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines, 954-437-2650·        Easterlin Park, 1000 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park, 954-938-0610·        Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek, 954-970-0150·        M... 12/21/2007

Coral Springs Market Report, December 17th, 2007:Coral Springs Homes:As of today, there are currently 17,188 Single Family Homes for sale in Broward County, and currently there are 1,095 Single Family Homes for sale in Coral Springs.Out of those 1,095 Homes for sale in Coral Springs:25 Homes are for sale between under $250,000791 Homes are for sale between $250,000 and $500,000211 Homes are for sale between $500,000 and $750,00046 Homes are for sale between $750,000 and $1,000,00029 Homes are for sale over $1,000,000, with the highest priced at $6,295,000. VIEW IT HEREUnder Contract: There are currently 80 homes under contract in Coral Springs, FL. Closed Sales: There has been 12 Sales in Coral Springs during the month of December. CORAL SPRINGS CLOSED SALESCoral Springs Condos:There ar... 12/17/2007

I received this story and thought I'd share it with you.Once upon a time there was a man who punished his five year old daughter for using a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became very angry when he saw the child put the wrapped box under the Christmas tree. "We barely have enough to get by," he said harshly, "and you used up the only wrapping paper we had in the house. Go to your room and stop being so wasteful."Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning, and said, "This is for you Daddy." The father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found that the box was empty. "Don't you know that when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside the package?" The little girl l... 12/14/2007

I recieved this photo in an email and found it the most adorable christmas photo.I hope you all enjoy your holiday. Would love to see some of your holiday photos and know some of your holiday traditions.As far as for me, my family gets together on christmas eve and have a great big dinner. I come from a big family so its alot of people. We all get dressed up and enjoy the night, music, dinner. Then on christmas day everyone comes to my house. So for two days we are all together.Christmas is my favorite holiday. I decorate the entire house, from inside to outside, and every year I purchase something new for both the outside and in. The only thing I do miss is the snow. Can anyone send me a bag full of snow so my kids can see it??LOL.   12/13/2007

Who can help you with determining whether or not you would qualify for a short sale with your home or if it's even the right thing for you to do?A Realtor trained in Short Sales is critical. Please know that the handling of a short sale is not common knowledge of all Realtors. Ask your Realtor if they're knowledgeable in short sales.A qualified Realtor will know whether or not you can even qualify for a short saleA qualified Realtor will know what documents and disclosures are necessary to complete a short saleA qualified Realtor will know what questions to ask you lenderA qualified Realtor is needed to list your home for sale and the lender will negotiate their commission that the lender paysfor the listing and sale of your home; you don't have to come up with the money to pay the comm... 12/07/2007

Steven Bastian | Coldwell Banker | 561-542-1359 4271 NW 89th Ave, Unit 203, Coral Springs, FL Condo in the Heart of Coral Springs. 1 Bdrm Condo offered at $89,900 Year Built 1975 Sq Footage 681 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking 1 Uncovered spaces Lot Size 740 sqft HOA/Maint $240 per month DESCRIPTION BEAUTIFUL 1 BEDROOM AND 1.5 BATHROOM IN RAMBLEWOOD EAST. UNIT IS ON THE FIRST FLOOR. UNIT HAS CARPET AND TILE FLOORING THROUGHOUT. FURNITURE IS NEGOTIABLE. PERFECT FOR THE FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Walk-in closet Tile floor Living room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Balcony, Deck, or Patio COMMUNITY FEATURES Guest parking Business center Clubhouse Laundry on-site Fitness center Swimming p... 12/05/2007