IS THE REAL ESTATE MARKET SHIFTING?

MLS reports and charts for June 2009, compared to June 2008 show prices on single family residences down 25%, but just starting to inch up. Inventories of single family homes are down 26%. With real data showing market improvement on the upside, indications are that there will never be a better time to buy a home in Palm Beach County, Florida than now!

LET IT SNOW… LET IT SNOW… and BRING YOUR MITTENS to a “COOL” EVENT

The last time your editor saw snow in Palm Beach County was when visiting during the winter of 1976, when snow briefly fell in Palm Beach near the water. Palm Beach County will have it’s own winter wonderland this weekend at the Palm Beach Zoo in Dreher Park, Southern Boulevard just east of I-95, for “little kids” and “big kids”. “Winter in July” will be held from 10 am to 4 pm both days. Forty… yes FORTY TONS of snow will fall. Many ice-age fossils will be on display. You can go on a fossil dig, make a fossil shark-tooth necklace, enjoy children’s entertainment, have animal encounters, visit the “sand box” to create your own cool treat, relax in the Florida Pioneer House and hear Arctic-themed stories, meet the “Snow Queen” and learn about sun safety. Go “ice-fishing” and see what prize you can reel in. Admission for adults is $12.95, Seniors 60 and up $9.95, Children 3-12 $8.95, children under 3 and zoo embers are free. The purpose is to educate children about the importance of sun safety and let them experience the wonders of winter without leaving Palm Beach County. The event is co-sponsored by South Florida Parenting Magazine and Panera Bread Company. Sun Safety materials are provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation and Armchem. Daily events at The Zoo include an interactive “Wings Over Water” show with 20 trained birds, 11-3 weekdays and 11-2 weekends This is sponsored by AirTran. The “Wild Things Show’ includes New Guinea Singing Dogs Mic and Sidney, Scooter the South Asian binturong, Xena the African pygmy hedgehog and Boris the Scarlet Macaw and a Brazilian rainbow boa. Come visit and enjoy seeing all the animals!

THE USUALLY GLOOMY CASE-SHILLER INDEX STARTING TO REPORT REAL ESTATE GAINS

With the overall report slightly negative for last month, if Dallas, Denver, DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston and Cleveland are showing small increase in home sales, will FLORIDA BE NEXT? According to Realty Times, “even the most bearish of researchers agree: prices are bottoming out, even in some of the hardest hit areas.” They report that detached houses resales were up 56% over a year ago, and condo sales up 30%. Sale prices, however, were down, e.g., down 38% in Phoenix. Consumer confidence is up, especially in willingness to consider “big ticket” items, such as a home. With mortgage rates still very low, this may be THE LAST BEST TIME to buy, RIGHT NOW. Keep in mind that with so many job losses every month and unemployment rates very high, touch credit and underwriting, it is not yet “happy days are here again” by any means. But how nice it is to see a start to home sales trending UP.

According to an article in the July issue of Insurance News Net Magazine, “After Americans lost their shirts in the federally regulated equities market, they were able to find refuge with the guarantees afforded by indexed annuities… Americans who placed over $150 billion in these secure products since 1995 have been sleeping easier at night because of the guarantees.”

Seeking a flight to safety for their reduced holdings, and this includes families who now have one income instead of two, many are placing funds in affordable term insurance, applications for which have climbed steadily over the years.

Marilyn can tell you about term policies that can be converted to cash value universal or whole life policies when you are ready to increase premiums as the economy improves. Meanwhile, your family will be protected. For example Marilyn just wrote an application for a 47 year old male, non-smoker, preferred status, for $750,000. Term is 15 years; convertible. Premium: under $72/month. Premiums will vary with age, tobacco usage and health status. It is predicted that in the future longer term policies will not be available or will be disproportionally more expensive.

Fixed annuities were up 74% for 1Q09 vs. 1Q08. Life insurance applications for the age 60+ group climbed 11.3% in May-09 compared to May-08.

Marilyn Farber Jacobs (561-988-0070) is a Licensed Advisor / Insurance Agent with American Life & Health Group, Inc.

WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

• Beautiful white, sandy beaches
• Miles of scenic parks and nature preserves
• Oceans, rivers and lakes offering boating, fishing, swimming and other water recreation
• A rich and varied history, which includes the city of St. Augustine, the oldest permanent European settlement in the mainland United States
• Unique family-friendly attractions
• World Class Entertainment Facilities, Museums, Theatres
• Cultural activities offer residents and visitors music, dance and arts events
• Florida’s climate featuring an average annual high of 81 degrees Fahrenheit and an average annual low of 60 degrees
• The state’s homeownership rate currently stands at about 70 percent, well above the national average
• In many ways, Florida’s cost of living is below that of other states with similar economic growth and in-migration rates

Calling Florida “The Sunshine State” is very fitting for Palm Beach County

REMEMBER THE GOOD OLE DAYS?

Some thought “the world was coming to an end” when we watched the high school generation rebel and dress “casual” with jeans, snap their gum loudly, shake their hips, the girls wore pedal pushers to school and the boys had greasy hairdos. The Lake Worth Playhouse at 709 Lake Avenue in Lake Worth will present Grease during July and August. See PLAYHOUSE SCHEDULE. Relive that time at Rydell High School with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John showing us how it was done, with those wonderful catchy tunes, bringing back the sounds of Elvis, Little Richard and Buddy Holly. Check out the other coming shows for the season as well. Prices are: Mezzanine LQ $25.00, Orchestra AAK $29.00

BOCA RATON FACTS UPDATE

Sperlings Best Places to Live likes Boca Raton, with beautiful weather year round, and great shopping. Population in 2009 is 85,407, a 15.56% growth since 2000. Housing prices are down 23.10%. Median home cost is $383,650.

PALM BEACH DINING OPPORTUNITIES DURING JUNE 2009

Lunch for $20.09 or have dinner for $35 per person for a 3-course meal – appetizer, main course, dessert. Beverages, tax and gratuity are additional. Here are the restaurants, addresses and phone number for reservations in alphabetical order:

· Bice, 313 ½ Worth Avenue, 561-835-1600

· Café Boulud at Brazllian Court, 301 Australian Ave, 561-655-6060

· Café L’Europe, 331 So County Rd, 561-655-4020

· Charley’s Crab, 456 So Ocean Blvd, 561-659-1500

· Leopard Lounge and Restaurant at Chesterfield Hotel, 363 Cocoanut Row, 561-659-5800

· Coco Palm Beach, Bradley Park Hotel, 290 Sunset Ave, 561-832-3734

· Flagler Steakhouse at Breakers, One South County Road, 561-659-8488

· Italian Restaurant at Breakers, One South County Road, 561-659-8488

· Seafood Bar at Breakers, One South County Road (reservations not accepted)

· Ocean Bistro at Four Seasons, 2800 So Ocean Blvd, 561-582-2800

· Renato’s, 87 Via Mizner off Worth Avenue, 561-655-9752

· Temple Orange at Ritz-Carlton, 100 So Ocean Blvd, 561-533-6000

· Ta-Boo, 221 Worth Avenue, 561-835-3500

• Trevini, 150 Worth Ave, 561-833-3883

Enjoy these “gifts of summer.” Great way to try out new restaurants, or go back to old favorites!

SOME NEW THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME…OR ANYTIME

Heard the expression “VOCs”? That stands for VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS. Consider that the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says that out of about 300MM Americans, 60MM have allergies or asthma.

· Painting your home to show it off? Be sure to get paints that have low VOCs as those with VOCs can have smells that linger and cause symptoms such as eye irritations

· Re-staining your floors? Ask for low VOC stains and use pre-treated floors rather than raw wood where you have to apply polyurethane on top so the house is not chemically offensive

· New flooring going down? Be aware that carpets harbor dirt and moisture which can cause mold and mildew. You might want to choose tile and consider area rugs. Avoid biocide-treated (moth repellent) wool or cotton carpets. Remember that the padding under carpets is tough to clean or to remove for drying.

· Don’t use PVC shower curtains as they might release over 100 VOCs, some which could be hazardous pollutants

· Instead of cleaning with bleach, which has a strong odor, use hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate to avoid allergic relations when prospects com to look at your property.

· When replacing wallboard, use mold resistant products.

· Cracks in foundation can be mold sources

· If windows are not completely sealed, a mold problem could occur

These are suggestions from the AAFA. If you want to read more, go to asthmaandallergyfriendly.com. You might want to spend some time on this site!

SUPERBOWL CHAMP ALAN VEINGRAD SPEAKS AT DOWNTOWN CHABAD TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 11:55-1:30

Alan Veingrad is a professional motivational speaker, a member of the national speakers association, and ”just happens to wear a Superbowl ring”. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Boca Jewish Business Network, Chabad of East Boca, and J.A.C.O.B. ( Jewish American Chamber of Business) Investment of $20. at the door is all inclusive for food, beverages, tax, tip, etc...

· Business Introductions

· Card Networking

· Kosher Meal

· Door Prizes

· Celebrity Speaker

Former offensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys & Green Bay Packers, and a member of the Super Bowl XXVII World Champion Dallas Cowboy Team in 1992, Alan Veingrad uses sports metaphors to characterize his journey, and vividly relates the discipline of being a professional football player to success in life. For information on the even go to http://bocaratonbusinessnetworking-rss.eventbrite.com. For details about Alan, go to http://www.alanveingrad.com. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime business luncheon! Address: 120 NE 1^st Avenue, just south of Mizner Park.

NOT SITTING ON THEIR HANDS, THE HOUSING WORKING GROUP OF BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE HAS PROPOSALS TO STIMULATE THE HOUSING MARKET

The Housing Working Group of Business Roundtable is an association of leading US corporation CEOs and, applauded by the National Association of Realtors, they are concerned about returning stability and growth to the US housing market. Their recommendations include

· Keeping 30-year mortgage rates at historically low levels for the nest 12 months

· Expand current first-time homebuyer tax credit to 10% of the purchase price of the home or $15,000 for all homebuyers and remove current income restrictions and includle all primary residence purchases for the next 12 months

· Thoroughly review current foreclosure mitigation and loan-modification programs which are currently showing rising loan-modification re-default rates

· Make current temporary conforming loan limits permanent

· Review and strengthen government efforts to review and refine mortgage lending practices.

For information about the Housing Working Group and Business Roundtable, go to http://www.businessroundtable.org.

BUDGET CUTS AFFECT FAU… BUT THEY MAY HAVE A SOLUTION

Florida Atlantic University In Boca Raton is hoping to get by with a 13% tuition raise, but will ask for 15% when the board of trustees meets June 10^th. The additional 2% will be dedicated to need-based financial aid and will increased this funding by nearly a half-million dollars.. This increase will generate about $900,000. The state increased base tuition by 8%, and each state university is now allowed to levy an additional 7% differential tuition on top of that. This equates to about $500 more per year for instate students. Thirty employees will be laid off and 45 courses will be discontinued to meet legislative-mandated funding cuts. Many of the deleted positions are in the administration and staff categories. One solution FAU has come up with: additional courses may be added to online and distance learning making it very easy for you to learn-at-home.

NO NEED TO LOSE YOUR SERVERS AND DATA IN A HURRICANE

As hurricane season fast approaches, you may be worried about your office continuing to operate when problems arise as a result of a hurricane. No need to worry; now there is a solution that others are using. Talked with Senior Global Account Manager, Don Sabol recently. His 1Vault Networks (www.1Vault.net) true CAT 5 Rated & SAS 70 type II Data Center in Ft. Lauderdale has created a full suite of Business Continuity Planning. The company offers a Co-location center where data communications and media converge and interconnected, servicing multiple high end IT solutions customers. Each client can locate network, server and storage equipment there and interconnect to a variety of telecommunications and other True Tier 1 network service providers. Co-location is provided on a massive scale for needs ranging from modest-sized racks to custom cages with 22,000 sq ft of raised floor. Hardware and software installation, maintenance, managed and unmanaged servers and IT consulting are offered. If you are a Co-location client at 1 Vault, DR Seats and DR Suites are available, so your entire businesses can temporarily relocate to ensure continuity to customers in spite of outside conditions. They also provide and full range of Managed Security, Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery solutions. Check this out! Contact Don Sabol, Office # 954-736-2725 or dsabol@1vault.net. CALM YOUR WORRIES NOW, folks! Remember that old saying, "AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE."

BEST RESTORED BEACH: BOCA’S NORTH BEACH

Boca Raton acquired three large beachfront properties in the 1970’s which they converted into public parks, now valued at $330MM and Boca’s biggest asset. Residents and visitors did not always have beach, e.g. fronting Spanish River Park, during the winter months but now they do, and the beach is a major attraction that our residents and visitors head to when they want relaxation. Sand is periodically pumped to restore what is blown away or washed into the sea. Most residents and visitors are not aware that the beach is periodically restored. The beach was restored in 1988 and in 1998, and will be restored again later this year. For each dollar spent on beach restoration, studies have shown that $4-5 accrues back to taxpayers in benefits. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association named Boca Raton’s northern shoreline as winner of the 2008 Best Restored Beach Award. Only 7 beaches received the award, four of them in Florida, but only Boca Raton’s is on the southeast coast

THE HISTORY OF ANNUITIES

• Over 2000 years ago, during Roman times, buyers, in return for a lump sum, received a fixed annual payment for life or a period certain. The first Life Expectancy Table was created by The Roman Domitius Ulpianus
• The wars during the Middle Ages were funded by tontines, annuity pools in which participants purchased a share and received a life annuity. Their survivors received a larger payment with the last survivor receiving the remaining principal, a veritable jackpot.
• European Governments, during the 18^th C., sold annuities that were state-guaranteed for lifetime income. Hundreds of laws were passed by the English Parliament to fund wars and provide a stipend to the Royal Family., the first issued was the State Tontine of 1963 costing 100£ per share with the buyer receiving income during the lifetime of their designated person, often a child. They could be assigned by will or deed or passed on to next of kin at death.
• In the United States annuities were not heavily purchased at first, mostly bought by attorneys or executors of estates to provide income to a beneficiary as describe in a last will and testament. A Pennsylvania company was formed in 1759 to benefit Presbyterian ministers and their families, and in 1912, the Pennsylvania Company for Insurance on Lives and Granting Annuities was the first American company to offer annuities to the general public.
• In the United States as multi-generational households began to fade, and especially during the Depression, investors turned to annuities as reliable investments.
• During the “New Deal” period, when FDR encouraged saving for retirement, group annuities for corporate pension plans developed. Tax deferred status was attractive.
• In 1952, the variable annuity was introduced, with a choice of vehicles to invest in, such as mutual funds.
• During the current difficult economic times annuities have become extremely popular and right now some companies have put a temporary hold on issuing annuities until they catch up with what they have in-house.
• Estimated annual annuity sales amount to over $200BB. Even though annuity contracts may have higher fees and commissions than some other investments, many have found the annuity structure to be beneficial in growing their retirement portfolios.

Blog Manager Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a License Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and offers FREE Community Service appointments to let you know what others in your position are doing to protect, preserve and grow their retirement portfolios using annuities and/or life insurance.

$8000 NEW HOME BUYER CREDIT: THE RULES OF THE GAME HAVE CHANGED

Florida Association of Realtors tells us that the most significant change involves the amount of down payment required by qualified first-time homebuyers. FHA mortgages require a 3.5 percent down payment, and the $8,000 tax credit cannot be used to override that requirement. Once the 3.5 percent down payment requirement has been met, however, the tax credit can be applied to additional costs, including a higher down payment, paying points to lower the mortgage rate, and/or closing costs. Lenders will treat the tax credit money as a second lien on the home until it’s paid back. "Stay tuned" in case there are other changes coming too.

ED W. “TOO TALL FREEMAN”, CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

When Ed applied to become a pilot after receiving a battlefield commission, he was hoping to fulfill a childhood dream. However, he was told that at 6’4” he was “too tall” for pilot duty, and “Too Tall” became his nickname. In 1955 the height limit was raised, and he was accepted into flying school. Following is an email I received, source is http://www.herobracelets.org/?p=553, and it tells the story: You're a 19-year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out.. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses. And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times... and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, cited for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity, died last in August 2008 at the age of 80, in Boise , ID... May God rest his soul. Thanks to John Davis, Real Estate Broker in Nebraska and a long-time friend, for sending me this information.

HOW TO CLAIM FUNDS YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE COMING TO YOU

Search www.unclaimed.org and missingmoney.com. Look for savings bonds in your name at publicdebt.treas.gov . For IRAs and pensions search search.pbgc.gov.

On May 12, 2009 HUD announced permission for lenders to allow first time home buyers to use the $8000 tax credit

as a down payment

If you are a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER
(have not purchased or owned a home in 3 prior years)

And are looking for a Home

This will make it easier to buy

Let us tell you the whole story

And pre-approve you same day

LOCAL HOSPITALS LISTED BY AARP AS AMONG THE BEST 125 IN THE US

Here are sites to check out re hospitals. At Consumers Checkbook you can order books on Guide to Hospitals and Guide to Top Doctors. AARP BEST HOSPITALS; US DEPT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES RANKINGS, CONSUMERS CHECKBOOK ON HOSPITAL SUCCESSES,

BOMB-DETECTING ROBOT IN BOCA RATON

Perhaps you have a robotic vacuum cleaner or mechanized pool sweeping apparatus in your home. In 2007, Boca Raton submitted a grant application to the Department of Homeland Security to acquire a large bomb robot, which will pick up an diffuse large bombs. A grant was received last September for $192,500, no local match of funds required. Other necessary applications were filed. Police Chief Dan Alexander explained that buildings in Boca are “vulnerable to both IED and vehicle-borne improved explosive devices which would be driven by vehicles and parked adjacent to the building… capable of exploding and defeating the exterior walls of the building, disrupting or destroying the operation of the facility.” This robot provides humans with camera-angle views from above and can enter physically restricted areas, breach light barriers and tear mechanical connections. It can also tow vehicles. The purpose is to develop effective preventative measures that mitigate terrorists from launching attacks targeting critical infrastructure and key assets. WE ARE PREPARED!

FREEBEES

Head over to www.JustFreeStuff.com, and www.TheFreeSite.com . These are sites featuring free products. For groceries, go to www.GetGroceriesFree.com, and www.CoolSavings.com. Take advantage of these offers that fit what you are looking for. We all could use a “free lunch” once in a while! You might want to tell your neighbors about these sites!

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS - HERE'S THE STORY!

CONGRESS HAS APPROVED AN $8,000 TAX CREDIT (or 10% of the purchase price, which ever is less) for any taxpayer who has not owned a house during the 3 years prior to date of purchase. Credit applies to purchases made between January 1 and December 1, 2009. Credit would not have to be repaid (resale stipulations apply). Credit begins to phase out for Individuals with adjusted gross income Over $75,000/single, $150,000/joint.

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

· Mortgage Pre-Approval: Before showing a home your real estate agent must have this letter in their file - we promise other agents to only show homes to buyers who have proof of ability to pay and they do the same
· Finding a home that you like - Give your real estate agent your criteria so they can find you the home of your dreams (price range, # bedrooms and baths, do you want a house, condo or townhouse, cities you prefer, do you have pets and if yes what are their weights as some communities have
pet restrictions, are you age 55+ as some communities are not "all age" complexes)

· Offer to Purchase and Negotiations: Your agent will help you to understand
contract, and will negotiate for you.
· Inspection, Loan is Processed if not paying cash, your agent goes to the closing with you

After you settle into your new home, your agent can tell you about local groups, events, activities and entertainment, also medical facilities, veterinarians, classes you can take, concerts, theaters and all else that you want to know. If you do not have an agent and would like to “discuss” matters with an agent, call Marilyn Farber Jacobs at 561-988-0070 or email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com. Happy to assist and find you the home of your dreams, the lowest possible mortgage rate, and get you “to the closing table.”

FREE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS-DIABETES, MOBILITY, ARTHRITIS

Medicare will pay for your supplies. Delivery will be made directly to your home. Your claims will be filed for you. No waiting in line, no trips to the pharmacy, NO COST TO YOU. For diabetics, we have a brand new state-of-the-art testing meter, virtually pain free – never prick your fingers again! With free blood pressure monitor on first reorder, you get a free cookbook. No cost scooter or power wheelchair, delivered to your home with free in-home setup – choose from a variety of brands. Equipment provided for relief from arthritis, back ache, elbow, ankle or knee pain, swelling, soreness, stiff joints-relieves pain, increases mobility, reduces swelling, long-term wearer comfort, increases circulation, promotes healing. VitalWrap System delivers targeted relief through hot, cold, contrast and compression therapies with precision and comfort. Sizing guide included. Email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com for free Community Service Medical Equipment Brochure or call Marilyn to receive brochure in person or by mail at 561-988-0070. Marilyn is a Licensed Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and will be happy to discuss with you Medicare Supplements, Life and Health Insurance, Annuities, Long Term Care, and Life Settlements.

TODAYS AWARD: FREE COPYING, FAXING AT OFFICE DEPOT FOR JOB SEEKERS THROUGH MAY 30th

Kudos to Office Depot, for recognizing these are tough times for many, and offering up to 25 single-sided free copies of resumes and free faxing to 5 different domestic numbers for job seekers.

2008 WORLD'S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES

Names you may recognize on this list include American Express, HSBC, Nike, Honda Motor Company, Sun Microsystems, FPl Group, General Electric, General Mills, Kellog, Pepsi, Caterpillar, AFLAC, International Paper, Allianz, Google, Kiplinger, Marriott, Time Warner, McDonalds, Starbucks, Gap, Ikea, Trader Joes, Vodaphone and United Parcel. For a complete list, and how they were chosen, see http://www.ethisphere.org/wme2009.

MICHAEL THORNTON AWARDED CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR

Michael Edwin Thornton was born in Greenville, South Carolina and raised on the family farm near Spartanburg. Thornton joined the Navy upon graduating from high school in 1967 and completed the rigorous training to join the SEALs, the Navy's elite sea-air-land special operations force. As overall American conventional forces were gradually withdrawn from Vietnam in the early 1970s, the "unconventional warfare" role of Navy SEALs grew. In the spring of 1972, Petty Officer Thornton was assigned to a mission under the command of Lt. Thomas Norris. Thornton and Norris accompanied a three-man South Vietnamese Navy team which included Kiet Nguyen, South Vietnam Navy, LDNN, (Lien Doc Nguoi Nhia, literally "soldiers who fight under the sea") on an intelligence gathering mission in enemy-held territory. Launched from a Vietnamese Navy junk in a rubber boat, the patrol reached land and found themselves farther behind enemy lines than they had planned. Continuing on foot toward their objective, they came under heavy fire from a far larger force and were in danger of being surrounded. While inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, they headed for the shore, in hopes of escaping by sea. On learning that Lt. Norris had been hit by enemy fire and was believed to be dead, Thornton & Kiet Nguyen returned through a hail of fire to the lieutenant's last position and found him severely wounded and unconscious, but alive. The two other members of the LDNN team refused to go to the aid of Lt. Norris. They were never seen again. When Thornton & Nguyen found Lt. Norris his was alive but unconscious from a severe head wound.
Thornton slung Norris over his shoulder and dashed for life over 400 yards of open beach, returning enemy fire as he ran. He carried Norris and wounded comrade, Kiet Nguyen, out to sea, beyond the range of enemy fire. The three men floated for approximately two hours before being retrieved by the same South Vietnamese Navy junk that had brought them into the operation. Michael Thornton was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on October 15, 1973. He is the first person in more than a century to receive that honor for saving the life of another Medal of Honor recipient. Now retired after a distinguished Navy career that continued through Operation Desert Storm, he resides near Houston, Texas. For his gallantry, Kiet Nguyen, Petty Officer, received the Navy Cross, the second highest Navy honor. He was the only Vietnamese to receive the Navy Cross. Kiet now lives in Southern Louisiana. Their story can be seen on the Military and History Channels.

This is the 3^rd and last article in the series on Congressional Medal of Honor Winners. Thank you again to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (Ret).

BOCA RATON'S LARGEST DIRECT INTRACOASTAL PROPERTY IS ON THE MARKET!!

This is THE GEM of waterfront estates with 200' of prime water frontage on 2 acres. Dolce Vita Estate is a deep-water, no wake luxury estate with unobstructed long waterfront views. Private ocean access from the Intracoastal Waterway. 1 1/2 miles to the Atlantic Ocean by yacht. Here is a most comfortable, private, luxurious lifestyle, gated, wiht a home park resplendent with mature oaks. The Manor Estate has 8844 sq ft of living space. Lavish 30'x15' pool. Walk to the beach, upscale Mizner Park and Royal Palm Plaza. Multiple terraces, lighted tennis court with pavilion, 3-bay garage. Just a few minute to the Boca Raton executive airport (private jets can be accommodated). Come see what Boca Raton has to offer you, one of the most exclusive and upscale cities located on the east coast of Florida, along the Atlantic ocean between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. Here you will find the best level of service and the amenitives you would expect from boating, deep sea fishing, golf tennis, fine shopping, gourmet dining and the nearby world-reknowned Boca Resort Hotel & Club. Call Marilyn (561-988-0070) for showing and please allow 24 hours notice.

FROM FORBES, “10 THINGS TO BUY BEFORE THE ECONOMY IMPROVES”

Sadly, someday this recession is going to end. After 17 months of steep decline, both the president’s Council of Economic Advisors and the Federal Reserve now believe the conomy will begin to recover sometime in 2009. Great news, to be sure. But it’s also a warning to consumers: The deals you’re seeing on everything from houses and cars to televisions and furniture won’t last forever. Luckily for a host of goods and services, the sale of the century (literally) is still on. The reason is simple: no buyers. Personal savings in 2008 were nearly six times greater than in 2005… For those feeling bold enough to bargain shop, opportunities abound. Some deals, like housing and automobiles, might be obvious, but others, like diamonds, might not be. BIG TICKET ITEMS: At the top of the list: housing. This may be the best time in a generation to buy a home. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index, fourth-quarter 2008 prices were down 25% from the fourth quarter of 2006. The stimulus bill Congress passed in February includes an $8000 credit for first-time home buyers. According to bankrate.com, average interest rates are beginning to dip below 5% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

THE GOOD, BAD AND BETTER NEWS ON HOUSING AND MORTGAGES

Neighborhood Stabilization Programs are reaching heavily into foreclosed areas. $4BB of federal monies authorized by Congress in 2008 and another $2BB dollars in the 2009 economic stimulus package are being distributed to dozens of cities, towns and counties in the United States. These are aimed at purchasing blocks of distressed properties to create “land banks” for future redevelopers. Private investors can work jointly with nonprofits to assemble and prepare real estate for government purchase. Sidelined by the recession, now local builders and developers may be able to help reconstruct damaged houses and manage them until they are ready for resale. Contact local housing and community development agencies that are making Neighborhood Stabilization proposals to the federal government. If local officials have not yet prepared proposals for HUD, you may be able to talk to them and get the process started. Tamarac in Broward County, the closest area to Palm Beach County receiving initially distributed funds for this plan, will get almost $5MM. For Further information. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 2 weeks ago US mortgage applications soared 32% as record low interest rates spurred home refi loans, accounting for 78.5% of all applications. Zillow.com reports that in 2008 the housing market lost an estimated $3.3 trillion in value. Credit Suisse Group AG estimates that a total of 16% of all US households (8.1MM homes) with mortgages could fall into foreclosure by 2012. The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that at the end of 2008, a little more than 9% of all US home loans were either in arrears or foreclosure. The $75BB incentive plan for lenders applies when they lower interest rates so that a borrowers monthly mortgage payment is no more than 38% of his or her pre-tax income. Then the government program would match the amount reduced by the lender to bring payments down to 31% of their pre-tax income, or to lower the principal owed on the mortgage, according to Market Watch. Part of the initiative provides for servicers to receive $1000 for each loan modification, and government funding for each month the borrower stays current on the loan. Homeowners can also receive $1000 annually for 5 years as long as they stay current on loan payments – this comes from the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) and from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A plan allowing judges to rewrite mortgage terms for homeowners in bankruptcy court is under consideration so that rather than force people into foreclosure they can make at least some of the payments. There is a fear, however, that this “cram down” law, if passed, would stop investors from buying mortgage-backed securities, fearing judges could unilaterally change the terms of the deal the securities were created around, according to MSNBC, thereby destabilizing the marketplace.

ECONOMY DOWNTURN HITS THE UBER-WEALTHY

Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov contracted to purchase the French Riviera mansion, Villa Leopolda, for $750 million back in 2008. Now, according to the London Daily Mail, he wants his $55 million deposit back. Seller Lily Safra seems to believe a deal is a deal. Last year there were 1,125 billionaires, today there are just 793. Yes, almost thirty percent of last year's uber-rich have dropped into the ranks of multi-millionaires. Not only did the number of billionaires decline, their collective net worth shrank by a whopping $2 trillion dollars.

SHORT SALES & FORECLOSURES IN EMPTY BUILDINGS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Yes, you can get a real good bargain. BUT – if there are a lot of empty units in the building, residents may be getting a hefty HOA raise to cover ongoing costs such as maintaining landscaping, keeping building insurance policy, maintaining air conditioning, pool and other amenities. There are rules for lenders and buyers… a condo building cannot have more than 15% HOA fees delinquencies to qualify a buyer for a Fannie Mae loan.

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR AWARDED TO THOMAS R. NORRIS (Part 2)

Thomas R. Norris was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His family moved to Wisconsin and later to the Washington, D.C. area, where Norris attended the University of Maryland, intent on pursuing a career in criminology with the FBI. Graduating in 1967, Norris enlisted in the Navy when his student deferment from the draft was not extended. He volunteered for the SEALs -- the Navy's elite special-forces unit -- and after completing the brutally rigorous training program served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. In the spring of 1973, a RB-66 electronic surveillance plane was shot down over North Vietnam. One crewman, Lt. Col. Gene Hambleton, survived the bailout over North Vietnam and narrowly escaped capture. The Air Force launched an unprecedented rescue effort. In five days, over 14 people were killed, eight aircraft were lost, two rescuers were captured and two more were stranded behind enemy lines. On April 10, 1972, Norris led a five-man patrol deep into enemy territory. Separating temporarily from his patrol, he traveled alone through the jungle and located one of the downed pilots just before dawn. He led his crew safely back to their forward operating base. Later that day, a North Vietnamese rocket attack on the small base inflicted devastating casualties and compelled the medical evacuation of the one other American officer, the remaining Vietnamese officers and all but a remnant of the Vietnamese supporting force. After an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the first missing flier, two of Norris's three remaining Vietnamese commandos proved unwilling to accompany Norris on further missions. On the afternoon of the 12th, a forward air controller located the first pilot and notified Lt. Norris. Dressed as fishermen, Lt. Norris and a Vietnamese comrade, Nguyen Van Kiet, paddled a sampan up the river and found the injured pilot at dawn. Concealing him in the bottom of their vessel, Norris and Kiet headed down river to their base, dodging one North Vietnamese patrol and surviving heavy machine gun fire from a bunker along the river. This extraordinary rescue has been recounted in numerous books and a feature film, BAT-21 (starring Gene Hackman), the Air Force code name for the original reconnaissance mission. The following October he received a near-fatal head wound in action and was rescued by his fellow Navy SEAL, Michael Thornton. At first, Norris's doctors gave him little chance of recovery, but with constant encouragement from his family and from Michael Thornton, Norris fought on. In time, Norris and Thornton enjoyed the unique satisfaction of witnessing each other's Medal of Honor ceremonies at the White House. Thomas Norris ultimately realized his youthful ambition of joining the FBI. After many years of distinguished service in FBI hostage rescue operations, he now enjoys a well-earned retirement in Idaho. This story can be seen on the Military and History Channels... Thank you to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (RET.).

CURRENT HOME SALES AND FORECLOSURE STATISTICS

CONSIDER THAT THE HIGH AMOUNT OF FORECLOSURES
DISTORTS THE PRICING COMPARISONS
AND AS THE FORECLOSURES ARE SOLD
THE PRICING COMPARABLES WILL CHANGE
TO REALISTIC NUMBERS

A TRUE STORY TO REMEMBER, FROM GARY GOSNELL, PILOT (RET.), SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1997, AT THE LITTLE ROCK EXCELSIOR HOTEL. During our airline crew check-in at the Excelsior Hotel front desk we were told that President Clinton & his staff was staying in the hotel. The occasion was the 40th Anniversary of the Little Rock Central High integration crisis. President Clinton was scheduled to participate in the anniversary celebration on Friday the 19th & Saturday the 20th. Additionally the Congressional Medal of Honor Society of the United State of America was also meeting in the Excelsior Hotel that same weekend. I met the first officer in the bar for a late night sandwich. The bar was crowded with White House staffers so we sat at the bar. To appear ignorant the upcoming events I asked the lady on my left who are all these people and what is the occasion. She explained they were White House Staffers and the reason for the presidential visit. When asked what she did, she said she was on the White House communication staff. A few minutes' later two older gentlemen arrived at the bar. It was obvious that they were not part of the WH staff. We invited them to join us at bar. One of six the WH staffers sitting in a booth directly behind us stopped the second gentleman, former Navy Seal, Thomas R. Norris and asked him what was thing he was wearing around his neck. (Norris was about 5'10", 230 lbs.). He responded to the WH staffer that it was the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR. Being a well-qualified Clinton white house staffer, the male staffer asked the question of the weekend, "What's that?" The Vietnam veteran, explained to the WH staffers what a CMH is and its significance. One of the six staffers in the booth apparently overcome with patriotism and love of the military, immediately left the booth and did not return. Later another WH staffer (male) sat down next to the former Navy Seal. After a little chitchat the WH staffer again asked the Seal about that thing around his neck. The Seal told the staffer about the CMH. When asked, Norris told the staffer about the events which resulted in the CMH. The staffer left after his first drink and never returned. To my left and behind me were Clinton WH staffers and to the right of the first officer were two CMH recipients. The contrast was stark. The quiet one was an Army retired Lt. Col., and the other, a former Navy Seal, both CMH recipients. We spent a couple hours asking questions and listening to their personal stories. We were honored to have met and talked with these two American Heroes. SALUTE! On January 13, 1997, in the East Room of the White House, President Clinton presented the seven Congressional Medals of Honor, one to Vernon Baker and six to the families of now deceased WWII servicemen. Eight months later some White House staffers fortunate enough to be invited to Little Rock for the 40th Anniversary had no idea what is a CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR and its significance in history of United States. A sad commentary! (…details coming about Thomas R. Norris’ and another Congressional Medal of Honor award… stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 to be posted here shortly!)

PROPERTY VALUATIONS IN QUESTION

Appraisers complained at a House financial services subcommittee recently that loan officers, Realtors, builders and others made pervasive attempts to interfere with their work, and that sometimes resulted in distorted home valuations. The President of the National Association of Home Builders said that in 2008 and 2009 appraisers “have often used sales of homes in foreclosure or other distressed property sales as comparables for new homes without making the appropriate value adjustments.” He said that depresses the true value of new homes, produces a further downward spiral in new home sales and unfairly devalues entire neighborhoods. All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans originating after May 1^st may change, but the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has filed a federal lawsuit in US District Court in Washington asking the court to declare the entire process illegal because it bans mortgage brokers from involvement in selecting or hiring appraisers. According to the association (which represents 20,000 brokers nationally) that will directly reduce the ability of mortgage brokers to provide consumers with an efficient and cost-effective means of shopping for a mortgage. Home buyers and refinancers then may need to pay for appraisals from every mortgage company or bank they shop. Currently, a broker can obtain one appraisal at the consumer’s expense and use it to get quotes from multiple wholesale lenders.

CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN-LIKE PET CARE

A tour of the Calusa Veterinary Center at 6900 Congress Avenue in Boca Raton, just south of Costco, will reveal an amazing, 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art full-service veterinary medical facility where pets are treated similarly to humans. When diagnosed and tailored individual treatments are determined, your beloved pet may go to the Aquatic Center and receive hydrotherapy in a heated outdoor exercise pool and/or walk on an underwater treadmill, which provides low-level impact exercise in a reduced gravity environment. Treatments provided in the Rehab Center include deep penetrating low level laser, therapeutic ultrasound, electro-muscle stimulation, land treadmill exercises and stretching, range of motion, gait analysis. Homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractics, nutrition and herbalism are used in the Zen-inspired Holistic Center to get pets on their way to recovery. The Center’s holistic viewpoint includes consideration of their environment, the pet’s relationship with their owner and family, and disease patterns. If your pet is in need of treatment “after hours,” give Calusa Veterinary Center a call, and they will be ready when you walk in the door with your pet. Along with medical services and rehabilitation, the facility offers grooming, dental care, and boarding. Luxury boarding is available in the Barker Raton Pet Resort within the facility, and you can arrange to go online and see your pet in their boarding quarters. One focus of the Center is to promote responsible pet ownership, good nutrition, enhance the human-animal bond, and practice preventative health care. Pets are considered “seniors” at 7 years of age, and the Center has a Senior Wellness Screening package with a comprehensive physical exam. Gift cards are offered, and there is a 5% discount on the total invoice that can be used the next time, or any time you receive other services. Call 561-999-3000 to arrange for a tour. You may want to bring the kids along! Calusa serves the entire Palm Beach County area.

FROM CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER on May 14, 2009: Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate and costs involved in operating a state of the art, high quality, efficient emergency room, we have had to temporarily discontinue having a doctor on premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will continue to provide on-site, 24/7 nursing care for our hospitalized patients and pet resort guests, as well as a doctor on call, and emergency care during office hours. Calusa Veterinary Center will be open for appointments 7 days a week, including Sunday! We will be seeing appointments 8:00am-7:00pm Monday thru Friday and 9:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. We will continue to provide the highest level of care and service, with our critical care, 24 hour nurse supervised care, holistic and homeopathic center, canine rehabilitation, full surgical suite with ventilators and laser, nutritional counseling, full digital x-rays, endoscopy, ultrasound, in house laboratory, full dental suite with radiology and our pet spa and pet resort. We ask for your understanding at this time, and your continued belief in our commitment to the care of your pets. Our ER doors will open once again, in the near future. In the event of an emergency after hours, please contact our office at (561) 999-3000. One of our emergency room nurses will be here to assist you and can guide you to the closest emergency doctor available.

212-ROOM BOCA RESORT BEACH CLUB OPENS

The redesigned beach club at the luxurious Boca Raton Resort & Club offers a full-service beach resort experience with a variety of world-class restaurants, spa, golf and tennis. There is a new ocean view fitness center with floor to ceiling walls providing water views and offering the latest in cardio and strength training equipment, a kenesis wall, new Camp Boca children’s activity center, 3 restaurants with a variety including seafood, snacks, and café with breakfast, lunch and dessert items prepared daily, three new meeting rooms and ballroom space with pool deck view, three new outdoor pools with lounge areas where WiFi access is available. Forty-six new private poolside cabanas and new in-sand beach loungers are available. Traffic flow is enhanced by the new wide circular driveway. The cabana-style guest rooms include nine suites with Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway views

FIX IT ONLINE FOR FREE

Imagine! Something is not working right, and you can first check it out at www.fixya.com. Volunteer techies provide free fix-it advice for common breakdowns of gadgets, electronics, and other products. Chat online or post a message. Before purchasing an item, you may be able to get a “heads-up” from those who already posted on the item.

CHILD PRODIGIES FROM ISRAEL TO PERFORM AT BOCA RATON RESORT & CLUB

Benefiting the Keshet Eilon Music Center in Israel, whose goal is to become a world center for the training and performance on string instruments by musically gifted Jewish, Christian and Muslim children, four young musicians from the Center and other artists will perform in the Great Hall at the Boca Raton Resort & Club on Sunday, March 15^th at 11 a.m. The 19-year old center is located in Western Galilee near Israel’s northern border. Gifted young violinists from Israel and throughout the world are trained and promoted. Seminars are held throughout the year to locate and encourage promising young violin pupils. Plans have been approved for the construction of a campus for the Keshet Eilon Music Center on a seven-acre mountainside site at Kibbutz Eilon. Reserve at 561-620-2939 (limited seating). A donation of $75 is requested.

DENTAL, VISION AND HEARING INSURANCE OVERVIEW

These insurances are becoming an increasingly important part of your insurance portfolio. Some hearing insurances include $500 each towards a pair of hearing aids. There is a strong correlation between oral health and overall health. About 80% of Americans show symptoms of periodontal disease. Proper oral hygiene practices are essential. Poor oral health care can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Healthy gums play an important role in keeping harmful bacteria that is found in the mouth from entering the blood stream. Routine dental exams can keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist can spot symptoms of some illnesses in the mouth during routine dental exams. Illnesses including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer often cause signs and symptoms to appear first in the mouth. Ask Marilyn for plan details for good coverage.

BE PROUD OF OUR BOCA RATON POLICE FORCE

The Boca Raton Police received another Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. An independent assessment team from The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) recognized proof of compliance with more than 250 prescribed standards, conducting onsite inspections of facilities, policies, equipment and procedures for proof of compliance with more than 250 prescribed standards. The Boca Raton Police Services Department met or exceeded all applicable standards. The Department has an authorized force of 198 full-time sworn police officers and 99 civilians.

FED RESERVE CHAIRMAN BERNANKE SAYS RECESSION WILL END LATER THIS YEAR MOVING THE US TOWARD POSITIVE GROWTH

With the $8000 non-repayable home buyer tax credit interesting first time home buyers, lower and more affordable home and condo prices and low interest rates, housing may be in a better position to move up than other major industries. The National Association of Home Builders’ “Housing Opportunity Index” showed a near-record 62.4% - last year it was 47%, meaning that less than half of households could afford to buy a median priced home. During the boom years, this percentage was lower. This index measures the percentage of homes sold in local markets around the country that are affordable to families earning area median incomes. Areas in the United States that did not experience a high boom in real estate prices are already showing signs of recovery, including parts of the Carolinas, Texas, the Northeast and the Gulf states. With first-time buyers representing 40% of the market, and homeowners moving up to larger homes when they have children. National Association of Realtors estimates "the impact of the stimulus package and lower interest rates on the housing market to be about 900,000 additional home sales in 2009 compared to conditions before the stimulus package."

COMMON SENSE HEALTH AND WELLNESS ADVICE

From every corner these days we are hearing about healthy life choices. There are many things you can do to help practice healthy adult living. Here are a few from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). GET THE SCREENING TEST YOU NEED. Mammograms, Pap smears, colorectal screens, and other tests can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which of the following tests you should have and when. These recommendations come from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and NIH. Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. Cholesterol: Women should have their cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 45: men every 5 years beginning at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, begin checking cholesterol at age 20. Colorectal cancer: Test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help decide which test is right for you. Depression: If you have felt "down", sad or hopeless and have taken little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight, ask your doctor about screening for depression. Diabetes: Screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Breast cancer: Have a mammogram every one two years starting at age 40. Osteoporosis (women): Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between 60 and 64 and weigh 154 pounds or less, talk to your doctor about being tested. Cervical Cancer (women): Get a Pap smear every one to three years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21. Prostate Cancer (men): Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. Sexually transmitted diseases: Your doctor can help you decide whether to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, and for women, also chlamydia. General: After age 50, people also should have an annual fasting blood sugar check for diabetes, regular colonoscopies for cancer of the colon, PSA tests for prostate cancer, and mammograms for breast cancer. The body is truly fearfully and wonderfully made. God has made us stewards of our bodies and our health. Remember no one knows your body better than you do. Take the time to take care of yourself. Thank you for this advice to Polly Terry, a Parish Nurse, RN, who writes the column monthly for her Church Bulletin. Polly lives in Freeport, Florida.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ IN CALIFORNIA… WILL FLORIDA BE NEXT?

The Santa Barbara Realtors Association President says, “Home sales are picking up across the South Coast… more favorable interest rates are one reason… prospective buyers are more likely to get off the fence when rates are low.” She also says that once the market has hit bottom, it’s too late for buyers to know that, and, “If you wait for the bottom to hit, you’ve waited to long.” As the drive begins to purchase homes, the competition makes prices rise again. According to a local online newsletter, “The South Coast has a chronic shortage of entry-level homes like townhomes, condominiums and smaller single family homes so federal stimulus spending could have a positive effect locally.” If you read the article farther down you will see that home sales in Florida are trending up. Is it time to get on the bandwagon?

COCO AND COOKIE NEED A LOVING HOME

UPDATE: Cookie & Coco found a loving home. See http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cookiecoco.asp

See http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/02/paws_effect_finding_cookie_and_coco_a_ho.php

Family losing their home in a week and are desperately trying to find a loving home for them. They are 3 year old females, already housebroken, trained and loves kids. 'They are spayed and up to date with all their shots - these are life long friends that need to stay together. Please pass along to all family, friends, co-workers - spread the word and help find these two adorable labs a home. Contact: Neil & Phyllis Atler - 870-3030 or na222@aol.com

FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS REPORTS FIFTH MONTH OF INCREASED HOME SALES ACTIVITIES IN FLORIDA

With existing home sales up 24% in January, the 5^th month in a row of year-to-year increased sales activity, 2009 FAR President, Cynthia Shelton, says, “Many people are looking at today’s market and seeing opportunities to find the home or business they’ve always wanted. With a range of available housing options, historically low mortgage interest rates and affordable prices, buyers who may have been hesitant before should take a closer look at the current opportunities for homeownership. As real estate professionals who know all aspects of their local market conditions, Florida Realtors are here to help counsel consumers making sound long-term decisions for their homes and their businesses.” Existing condos had a 13% gain in statewide sales. Inventories, nationwide, fell to a 2-year low. NAR Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, says, “It appears some buyers are taking advantage of much lower home prices. The higher monthly sales gain and falling inventory are steps in the right direction, but buyers will continue to have an edge over sellers for the foreseeable future.” Median (midpoint) sales price for existing homes last month was down 33% from a year ago from $206,900 to $139,500, and NAR attributes the significant downward price distortion to discounted sales, including foreclosures.

ART AND CRAFTS FESTIVALS IN BOCA AND DELRAY 2/28 AND 3/1

Mark your calendars and head to Royal Palm Place on February 28^th and March 1^st. Take advantage from 10 am to 5 pm of free admission to view the talents of many of the country’s best artists. Included will be painting, wood-working, sculpting, unique crafts and mixed media in this 2^nd Annual Show. Royal Palm Place is on SE Mizner Boulevard, south of Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. You can rest your feet, “grab a bite” or dine at one of the very nice restaurants right there. Window shopping is permitted, so you will have a festival for your eyes. On the same days, also free admission, visit the 12^th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival, same hours. The streets of downtown Delray become outdoor craft-art showcases. Included will be folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and you can talk with the crafters about their art. This will take place on 4^th and Atlantic Avenues, in the midst of shoppes to browse, wonderful places to dine, galleries to comb. Enjoy both shows!

FORBES: HEALTHGRADES COMPILES LIST OF AMERICA’S SAFEST HOSPITALS

Stating that you’ll get great care at these hospitals – all provide the best protection against complications and mortality, the hospitals recommend by the hospital rating company HealthGrades within Palm Beach County include Boca Raton Community Hospital, Boca Raton; Cleveland Clinic, Weston; Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach; JFK Medical Center, Atlantis; Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter; and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens. These hospitals were designated as Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence. Their complications and mortality rates are considered by HealthGrades to be in the top 5% of the country. For more information, and to purchase reports on individual doctors or estimate costs of a procedure and plan for future healthcare expenditures, go to http://www.healthgrades.com/. If you are looking for a health plan, a medicare supplement or advantage plan, call Independent Insurance Agent Marilyn Farber Jacobs at 561-988-0070. Marilyn is appointed by over 70 Florida carriers of various insurances. If you want an Advantage plan, Marilyn can help you pick which plan is most suitable for you and determine whether the physician you will use as your primary doctor will have you in-network or out-of-network with possible extra co-pays.

GOOD AND BAD NEWS

THE GOOD NEWS: A new $50BB Obama plan will soon be revealed to combat foreclosure of owner-occupied middle-class homes. A federal regulator urged more than 800 thrift institutions to suspend all foreclosures. Government-controlled mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac suspended foreclosure sales during the winter holidays and have halted evictions from foreclosed properties until next month. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the government would provide incentives to “try to induce economically sensible restructuring of mortgages,” but offered no specifics when testifying this week before House lawmakers. THE BAD NEWS: In 2008 more than 2MM American homeowners faced foreclosure proceedings; analysts say that in the coming years, depending on the severity of the recession, as many as 10MM homeowners could face foreclosure proceedings. Florida Economist Hank Fishkind now says that the bottom will come in 2010 and positive growth will not start until 2011 or 2012. However, he says home sales have already hit bottom and are beginning to stabilize.

HOW GOOD IS THIS NEWS?

December showed a surprising 6.5% jump in home sales. The south has a current 13% gain in pending home sales. Total number of homes for sale on the market nationwide dropped nearly 18% last month to the lowest level since May 2007. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said the jump up reflects “buyers responding to lower home prices and interest rates” that have improved the affordability equation to its most favorable level in 39 years. Are we at the “bottom”? It certainly appears we are headed there, if not yet there.

TENNIS CHAMPS REVVING UP

Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center will host the highly anticipated Delray Beach International Tennis Championship from February 21 through March 1 with professional tennis players from around the world playing right here in our backyard. In it’s 11^th year in Delray Beach, 3-time French Open quarterfinalist Guillermo Canas of Argentina leads the field. Among the 23 players from 13 countries are Mardy Fish (USA), Tommy Haas (GER), Marcos Baghdatis (CYP), Robby Ginepri (USA), Steve Darcis (BEL) and Vince Spadea (USA-BOCA). Brothers Bob and Mike Bryan wll be playing doubles. This major $500,000 ATP world tour is in its 17^th year. Single session grandstand seats start at $15 at www.YellowTennisBall.com, MySpace and Facebook at “Delray Beach ITC”, or call 561-330-6000. Don’t miss this exciting tournament!

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 2-7, 1 PM AT GUMBO LIMBO’S OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE

The Sunflower Creative Arts’ new children’s repertory theatre group, “Shakespeare for Everyone,” will perform a 75-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s delightful fantastical fairies, romps in the forest and an adorably mischievous sprite wrecking havoc on a group of poor foolish mortals. The forest setting at Gumbo Limbo promises the production to be fun, light and most enjoyable. The 8-14 year old actors have been given an unusual amount of freedom to make choices and explore their character’s quirks. They perform in full costume, with scripts in hand, to concentrate their energy on bringing their characters to life. The performance will include Shakespeare’s original text. Admission is free. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is on A1A between Spanish River Road and Palmetto Park Drive.

SOMETHING NEW FOR THE KIDS AND GRANDKIDS COMING TO SUGAR SAND PARK

A new water park is being designed for Sugar Sands Park, which will be all fenced in, only one way in and one way out. Benches and tables are being discussed and officials have visited other water parks including an interactive fountain at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach and a splash park at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. Construction may begin in about a year and a half. Many offerings for family enjoyment at Sugar Sand Park include Sunday morning sports leagues for the kids, a carousel, nature trails with brochures for self-guided tours, a community center featuring Sunday movies for kids, and courses for adults including an Actors Workship, classic movies, and “Having Fun Writing Children’s Books. For ages 7-15, Cartooning, Drawing and Coloring, a Children’s Performance Workshop for ages 6-15 and Gymboree Art for ages 18 months to 5 years. There is a science playground, a science explorium with special programs, and a 155-seat Community Theatre with a variety of shows, concerts, lectures and other productions. You can see a production or attend an activity, then walk the nature trails, sit and watch a sports league game, attend a class… spend a wonderful morning and/or afternoon at Sugar Sands park and bring along a picnic lunch, off Military Trail below Palmetto Park Road just west of I-95, with interesting things to do. For more info go to http://www.sugarsandpark.org/.

NORTON MUSEUM FEATURING “GEORGIA O’KEEFE and ANSEL ADAMS NATURAL AFFINITIES

Sharing a profound love of nature and interest in conservation, painter/sculptor O’Keefe and photographer Adams met in Taos, Mexico in 1929. Both developed a deep interest in the American West and became icons of 20^th century American art. There are 40 O’Keefe paintings and 54 Adams photographs, and a few, side by side, show the same images captured in paint and on film, providing interesting contracts in each artist’s view and presentation, now featured at the West Palm Beach Norton Museum, internationally known for its permanent collection. Above are pictured Adams “Winter Sunrise, the Sierra Nevada from Lone Pine,California, 1944” (gelatin silver print), and O’Keefe’s “Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico / Out Back of Marie’s II, 1930 (oil on canvas).The show continues through May 3^rd. How about accepting the challenge of using either one of their paintings or photos as inspiration, and seeing what you can do with your camera or paint brush? Check out this VIDEO LINK for interesting information on both artists. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for ages 13-21. For more information call 561-832-5196.

WEDNESDAY HOUSE MEETING FLOOR VOTE DETERMINES BIG FLORIDA STIMULUS PLAN GAINS

No, we are NOT dreaming… money could be coming to Florida to help balance its budget, build bridges and highways, expand mass transit, modernize schools and improve other government services. Over $4BB could come to Medicaid, the state federal program providing funds for health care for the pool. There are $120MM in rebuilding projects which are ready to go and will provide immediate jobs. $46MM for water treatment could create 350+ jobs. $21MM for North Flagler Drive improvements could create almost 170 new jobs. Port St. Lucie could restore policing staff to earlier levels, and an energy analysis, resulting in 160 new jobs. Boynton Beach could have a new $31MM police station and 3 00 new jobs, as well as a park that would add 100 more jobs. Unemployment benefits could be extended with health care options for those laid off from jobs. The Senate, though, is working on a separate plan and any differences would have to be worked out before a final version can be sent to President Barack Obama. We will be carefully watching this vote and any changes or revisions.

ALWAYS WANTED TO BE AN ACTOR? COME AND LEARN

An intensive 8 week Actors’ Workshop will be held at Sugar Sand Park (off Military Trail south of Palmetto Park Road) from February 2^nd through March 23^rd, Mondays, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. The instructor for the 8 classes is Jane Kelly. The workshop is for ages 16 and up, those who are interested in tapping into their creative side, improving public speaking and presentation skills, overcoming shyness, having fun, or seeking a career in acting. Cost for a Resident is $150; non-resident is $180. Thursday Movie Time at Sugar Sands will offer a tribute to Paul Newman, 7:30 pm. Here is the schedule: 2/12: Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys; 3/12: The Hustler; 4-16: Cool Hand Luke; 5-14: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tickets are $1 each, and include popcorn and a drink. Limited seating. Please call the box office at 561-347-3948 to purchase tickets in advance. Watch Newman’s acting and enjoy it all! He is a good acting example to learn from.

BRING YOUR AGE 5-10 CHILDREN TO GUMBO LIMBO ART WORKSHOP AND CONTEST

From 10 am to noon on Saturday, February 7^th, bring the kids to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center on A1A below Spanish River Drive for an art workshop and contest, “I am drawing with Pascal,” combining art with an environmental education. Sponsoring artist, Pascal Lecocq, will facilitate the workshop, along with staff and volunteers. Lecocq’s passion for the arts and environmental education led to the formation of the Pascal Foundation for the Arts and Environmental Education. The foundation’s goal is to encourage children to express themselves by painting and showing concern for the environment. He has created templates for the children, to which they can add color and designs, and they will answer five questions related to this year’s theme, “Plastic is Forever.” Contest Winners will be announced on Sea Turtle Day, March 7^th. An adult must participate with the child. To reserve space, call 561-338-1473. There is no fee. Founded in 1984 as a cooperative venture between the City of Boca Raton, Palm Beach County School District, Florida Atlantic University and Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Incorporated, the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex is designed to provide marine and coastal environmental education for the community through classes, workshops, field trips and research. Volunteers are welcome. The current Gumbo Limbo volunteers put in over 22,000 hours annually. That is the equivalent of 11 full-time employees!

ALWAYS DREAMED OF WRITING THAT FAMOUS NOVEL?

A non-credit Fiction Workshop will be offered by FAU on the Boca Raton campus from February 10 through April 21, 6-8 pm. Come, bring your writings, get feedback and meet other South Florida writers. Study craft techniques and find publishing opportunities. For fees and more info call 561-297-2974. Limited seating. Registration and payment due by February 2^nd. WE WANT TO READ YOUR NOVEL WHEN IT GETS PUBLISHED!

MOVES IN AND OUT OF FLORIDA BALANCED, SAYS UNITED VAN LINES

According to the Florida Association of Realtors, United Van Lines tracks its moves each year and compares the number of people moving into each state versus the number moving out. In 2008, the company found Florida to be perfectly "balanced," meaning the number of inbound and outbound moves was virtually even. The Mid-Atlantic states saw growth while states to the north saw decreases.

YOU DON’T LIKE THOSE PESKY LITTLE IGUANAS (OR BIG ONES) IN YOUR HOUSE OR ON YOUR PROPERTY?

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has agreed to meet with local government agencies over iguana issues thanks to a request from Boca Raton City Council. Their aim is to reduce the green iguana population. FWC has engaged the US Department of Agriculture/Wildlife Services to work on this issue with them. NO specific methods of reducing or eradicating the overpopulation of this species has evolved yet. Both Boca Raton and Coral Springs petitioned the state to put these iguanas on their “reptiles of concern” list, but the state declined, saying the iguana is not a dangerous animal, merely an obnoxious one. However, the feeling locally is that they are destroying native species of plant life, and Boca Mayor Welchel says they are destroying her plants.

H.R. 7327: Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 - MRDs Suspended for 2009

A recent federal law temporarily suspends minimum required distributions (MRDs) from tax-deferred savings for policyholders over age 70½. This suspension is for 2009 only and does not apply to MRDs for 2008. If a policyholder turns 70½ in 2009, no MRD is required. If a policyholder turned age 70½ in 2008, an MRD for 2008 is still required by April 1, 2009. Although MRDs are not required for 2009, policyholders who need the monies can still take minimum withdrawals. The suspension allows funds that would have been withdrawn to continue to grow tax-deferred for 2009. Impacted plans include IRAs, 401(k)s, and other defined contribution plans. The law also applies to distributions under the five-year rule, where beneficiaries are required to deplete the annuity value within five years of the owner’s death. The new law provides an additional year to meet the depletion requirement. Systematic withdrawals taken by IRA owners or beneficiaries under MRD rules can be suspended. However, these policyholders must notify Policyholder Services to cancel withdrawals for 2009 and then restart them for 2010. For legal, tax or investment advice, please consult a qualified advisor.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-7327

COME SEE THE 2-MONTH OLD BABY JAGUAR AT THE PALM BEACH ZOO

Born October 28^th weighing 2 lbs., female jaguars can grow to 200 lbs. And 7’ in length. The baby jaguar has been named Maya, and is very important to the overall conservation of jaguars. Maya will be part of the Jaguar Species Survival Program.

TRI-RAIL RIDERSHIP MAKES RECORD IN 2008

More than 4-million passengers rode the commuter Tri-Rail in 2008, the highest amount in it’s 20-year history, up nearly 23% over 2007 and up 50%+ over 2005. Tri-Rail is the second fastest growing commuter rail system in the United States during the third quarter of 2008, outranked only by a new commuter train in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With gas prices down below $2 a gallon, there has been a slight dip in the number of passengers, but there are still between 15,000 and 16,000 riders a day. Tri-Rails efforts to tax rental cars to help pay for their operations have been rebuffed by the Legislature.

LIFELONG LEARNING BEGINS SEMESTER AT FAU

Florida Atlantic University has announced its Lifelong Learning Societycourse offerings for the winter 2009 semester, which begins Jan. 5 at the Barry & Florence Friedberg Lifelong Learning Society complex on the Boca Raton campus. Offerings are divided into four categories – special conferences, special performance lectures, performance lectures and lecture series. Taught by FAU professors and guest lecturers, course offerings, presented in one-day,four- and eight-week formats, include such subjects as foreign policy, political science, film, art history, music and literature.To register or to receive a free winter course catalog, contact Virginia Huntzinger at 561-297-2447.

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO DELRAY

Courts are being readied and tickets are already on sale for the Delray Beach International Tennis Championship competition that will take place in from February 21 to March 1, 2009. Tommy Haas, the 2006 Delray ITC champion and one of 12 ATP players featured on the world Tour 2009 calendar, is returning for another shot at the top spot. The Bryan Brothers, top-notch doubles players who lost last year to Max Mirnyi and Jamie Murray will also be back. The 17^th annual court competition will be held at the Delray Beach Stadium and Tennis Center. This will be the 11^th year it will be held there. Tournament Director is Mike Baron.

OLDER HOMES FOR SALE IN BOCA RATON

Two homes built between 1925 and 1930 are on the market in Old Floresta. Both feature bygone craftsman ship including pecky cypress ceilings and Spanish tile floors. One is for sale for $1,495,000 with original walls and stunning grounds and pool on a large peaceful lot. The interior includes a fireplace, arched doorways and windows and has 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths. Another listed for $1,399,000 is 3109 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and also has arched doorways and windos, chair rails, and parquet floors. If you would like to see the listings, call Marilyn Jacobs at 561-988-0070 or email her at marilynfjacobs@gmail.com. Let Marilyn know if you would like to see them.

2009 - CHOOSING A MEDIGAP POLICY

... What a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy is
... What Medigap policies cover - details of plans
... Your rights to buy a Medigap policy
... Steps to follow when you buy a Medigap policy

... Switching Medigap policies
TO ORDER A FREE COPY of this booklet, email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com and you must include your name, address and phone number.

PALM BEACH COUNTY ARTISTS SUBMISSIONS NEEDED

The Palm Beach County Art in Public Places Program asks visual artists who live in the county to submit artwork. Deadline is January 22 at 4 pm. Submissions will be considered for a 4-month Palm Beach International Airport exhibition from February 4^th to June 3^rd. Theme is “Come Out & Play!” Artists are invited to submit works featuring locals and tourists enjoying a variety of sports and lesure activities offered in the county. For more information email esinger@pbcgov.org or see www.pbcgov.com/fdo/art/calls.htm

ANOTHER WAY FOR SOME FUNDING FOR LONG TERM CARE TYPE NEEDS

Statistics tell us that on average, 69% of people age 65 today will need some form of long-term care. While 92% of Americans age 65+ listed poor health as the most serious problem facing older adults, only 43% believe that purchasing a form of long-term care coverage is important for their future. If you do not have a long term care policy, or wish to increase benefits, be aware that some annuities offer Enhanced Rider Benefits which are not long term care benefits, but funds from the annuity can be used for in-home care and other needs or can enhance long term care issues already in place. These require no underwriting or invasive medical questions. Balances left, if the annuitant passes away, go to beneficiaries. For more information, call Marilyn Farber Jacobs, Licensed Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent at 561-988-0070.

32nd ANNUAL BOCA RATON BOAT PARADE

The boat parade will be held Saturday, December 20^th, starting on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Boca/Delray city limits (Canal C-15) and will travel south to the Hillsboro Bridge. There is limited free seating in bleachers at Silver Palm Park and Red Reef Park. Call 561-393-7827 or go to www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us for details. Free entry for boats. Over $10,000 in gifts and monetary awards for Best Decorated Vessels. Don’t miss the fun!

5 OPEN HOUSE TOURS 5 - Sunday 12/14 from 1 to 4 pm... IF YOU MISSED THE TOUR, MARILYN WILL BE HAPPY TO SHOW YOU ANY OF THESE HOMES!

ORDER OF HOUSES: B, A, C, E, 1

NEW WEIGHT LOSS TIPS… BOTTOM LINE: I’M NOT GIVING UP CHOCOLATE

The current (January) issue of Reader’s Digest has some newer thoughts on weight gain, including a fat cells discussion about how they got there (genetic or external factors when Mom was pregnant), how they “work,” who might have more of them, and how to work them down (exercise… you’ve heard that one before). Again we read that exercise can change our metabolisms, so maybe we should try that if we don’t do it yet. There is lots of convincing evidence. GET ON THAT TREADMILL more often, go to the health club, or take long walks every day. Stress fattens, they write, because it sparks cravings (we knew that!), so they suggest yoga or quality family time to down tone stress. More sleep could mean more weight loss, meaning seven to eight hours a night. Your spouse’s weight loss could trigger stress, e.g. jealousy, so jump on the bandwagon and lose weight too. An experiment they describe showed that stem cells attacked by a virus can cause weight gain, which calls to mind what Mom used to tell us, “Feed a cold and starve a fever.” Your taste buds can be get a weight gain trigger from an ear infection. Antioxident-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can keep obesity away. The article reminds us that we CAN be fit AND fat. It’s almost time for New Year’s resolutions, so let’s make some about weight loss, or lack of weight gain right now.

BUYERS ARE LOOKING AND BUYING NOW

Both local residents looking to upsize or downsize and out-of-towners seeking second homes are looking in the market right now. The common theme is, "Find me a bargain." Home owners who are willing to negotiate and are realistic about fair market prices have the best chance of selling, particularly if the homes are upgraded with newer kitchens and baths. When readying your home for show, DO YOUR OWN STAGING - paint the interior and if needed, the exterior, remembering that curb appeal gives the buyer their first impression. Clear out the clutter - either donate it to charity, give it to Goodwill or get a storage room. Buyers need to visualize how large your quarters are.

It may be wise to use your local Realtor who knows your neighborhood, but another Realtor might have new and different ideas, and if your property is their only listing in your neighborhood they might work harder to get it sold than an agent who has many houses to focus on within a small area. When interviewing an agent, ask for their Marketing Plan and where on the internet they will be featuring your property. More and more agents are using the internet to get their listings shown all over the world, internationally as well as nationally.

When you are looking to purchase a property, check with the listing agent about details. If you have pets, check out pet restrictions. Check out age restrictions - is it an age 55+ community and is that what you want? How far is shopping from the neighborhood? What security does the neighborhood offer? What do your Homeowners Association dues cover? Be sure to read the Community Documents as soon as you get them, focusing on Rules and Regulations.

While an agent's responsibility is to get you the most EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE they can to get that one buyer over to your property, once the house is under contract, the agent may have various obstacles to overcome on the way to the closing. Ask about their title company, home inspector, if they have a contractor to do any needed fix-up, whether they have a good plumber and electrician and any other kinds of services you might need.

If you want your agent to give you feedback, ask for it...but the reality is that when YOUR BUYER comes to look, they will make an offer, and that is the ultimate feedback you want to hear. Sometimes the feedback is helpful in fixing something you did not know was "in the way of a sale," and that is helpful information your agent will pass back to you.

Best wishes to all buyers and sellers in finding a property that you will love. Remember that home values WILL GO UP in the future, and if you have found a property that you love and the bottom line price is more than you want to pay, the value WILL be going up in due time. BUY WHAT YOU LOVE that is within your price range.

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MARILYN FARBER JACOBS, Realtor, ePRO - Keller Williams Realty Services
Lic. Mortgage Broker - Iberia Mortgage Corporation, Lic. Correspondent Lenders
Lic. Independent Insurance Agent - Health and Life Insurance, Medicare Supplements, Annuities, Long Term Care, Life and Structured Settlements.
December 1, 2008. Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a Realtor and ePRO specializing in listing and selling properties in gated golfing communities and on the waterfront. SEARCH THE MLS and EXPLORE THE AREA at http://www.MarilynJacobs.com. COMPARE waterfront condos at http://www.FLWaterfrontCondos.com. Marilyn's territory includes Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and Lantana in Palm Beach County.

Pictured above: 2006 Palm Beach Farms Estate For Sale, boat dock, 4616 sq ft, beautiful interiors, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, gourmet kitchen, French Doors, Crown Moldings, Automatic Generator, 3 car garage, solid pour walls, elevator, private Master Bedroom with balcony in established neighborhood with playground. House has boat dock, is on waterfront. $2,500,000.

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS ON SMARTGUY.COM, written by Marilyn Farber Jacobs

CHOCOHOLICS TAKE NOTE…

Recent research indicates that brisk walking might control chocolate urges… but suggests you do not walk in the direction of the candy store. After 3 days of chocolate abstinence, 25 regular chocolate eaters took brisk 15-minute walks and tests showed that exercise reduced chocolate urges. Shall we all try this? We MIGHT become “all-around healthier” as exercise increases mental alertness, brings oxygen into the body and is very good for all of us in other ways as well.

HOMES LISTED FOR OVER $100MM HIT BY REAL ESTATE SLOWDOWN

Culling the list of most expensive properties that are for sale from published property listings, high-end brokerages and conversations with real estate agents, here are updates us on the state of the high-end real estate market. Note that in Europe especially many estates and luxury markets are shopped privately for undisclosed prices. Financier Leonard Ross took his Beverly Hills Hearst Mansion listed for $165MM off the market, as did Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia with his $125MM Aspen Ski Lodge. But “our Donald,” Donald Trump, closed on the sale of his $100MM Maison de L’Amitie in Palm Beach, Florida to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, having given away the largest single residence price concession of all time of $25MM. Trump bought the house for $41.4MM four years ago, so still made a nice profit. Two houses remain on the market right now for $125MM each. The “Fleur de Lys,” in Beverly Hills, CA, modeled after Louis XIV’s Versailles palace, with Versailles-style decor, is 45,000 sq ft. Built over 5 years, included are a 50-seat screening room and library filled with 1st Edition books. There is a 9-car garage, 12 bedrooms, and 15 bathrooms. This Holmby Hills estate is sandwiched between Beverly Hills and Bel Air. A Jacobean manor with interior features similar to Dunnellen Hall, the estate has features such as vaulted ceilings, travertine marble floors, bay windows, limestone walls and wood paneling and sprawls over 40 acres of rolling hills edged with tall trees, is 21,897 sq ft and has a 52-foot long indoor swimming pool.

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT…. Well, not quite…

Time for Boat Parade Registration. The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. is advertising free registration for the 2008 Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade. Over $10,000 will be given out in prizes. Power and sail boats from 0-20’ up to 49’ and up can participate. Email elilly@ci.boca-raton.fl.us, call 561-239-1536 or 561-393-7827 or fax 561-367-7079 for more information and application form.

TALLER BUILDINGS COMING TO BOCA'S DOWNTOWN AREA

Just approved by City Council: a new 140’ standard for construction with an additional 20’ for decorative and other elements. The building’s density would not increase, so a height increase would require a decrease elsewhere on the structure. The change would allow for more open space, wider sidewalks and more attractive architecture. Downtown is considered between Glades Road and Camino Real, with Palmetto Park Road and Federal Highway. This will give an additional 40’ to the current 100’ maximum. Residents have opposed a “box-like look,” and new designs are expected to offer staggered rooftops to create a more dimensional look, described by Mayor Susan Whelchel as “quality over quantity.” These guidelines will apply to an office building planned for the southeast corner of Palmetto and Federal, scheduled to begin construction in late 2009. This building also would have a boutique hotel with 153 rooms, 105 residential units, a restaurant and retail space.

LYNN REGIONAL CANCER CENTER AT BOCA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OFFERS NON-INVASIVE TREATMENTS

More than 3000 cancer patients are treated at the Lynn Cancer Institute every year with multimodality care, where a patient has an entire medical team in one location. Departments included are BRCH Outpatient Imaging and Radiation Oncology, The Center for Hematology-Oncology, chemotherapy and infusion center, multimodality clinic, administration offices and high tech conference center. The Radiation Oncology department will offer “Novalis TX” and Rapid Arc Linear Accelerator allowing steretactic radiosurgery treatment at any location in the body, which are not offered anywhere else in Florida. Treatments are offered from outside the body, outpatient imaging, to destroy tumors or ablate targeted abnormalities without an incision, avoiding hospitalization and recovery periods and possible complications. Radiologists reading the results are nationally renowned, board certified and fellowship-trained with sub-specialty expertise. Advanced imaging tools are also available at the Lynn Cancer Center. The building is located on a 4-acre site at NW 13^th Street and NW 7^th Avenue in Boca Raton. Satellite locations are in operation in West Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. If you would like information about a Supplemental Cancer Plan, call Marilyn at 561-988-0070. Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a Licensed Advisor, an Independent Insurance Agent selling life and health insurances, annuities, long term care, life settlements, Medicare Supplements.

2Q US SALES OF FIXED ANNUITIES JUMPS 54.1% OVER 2Q 2007

Beacon Research reports that sales of fixed annuities had their best quarter in several years when they rose to $2.46BB in the 2^nd quarter OF 2008. With weakness in the equity markets, folks are looking for safe investments. Did you know that the Florida State Guaranty Laws and Provisions guarantees your principal against loss for up to $100,000 in an annuity and an aggregate of $300,000 for all insurance lines? For example, if you were investing $300,0000 in annuities, you could use three carriers, investing $100,000 in each, and ladder them (have them fall due in different years). For information on CDs vs. Annuities and rolling over 401ks to defer income tax liability on interest earned (and get interest on the interest you are NOT paying for taxes in the meantime) email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com or call 561-988-0070. Marilyn is a Licensed Advisor for Fixed Annuities, Life and Health Care, Long Term Care and Medicare Supplements in Florida. She is an Independent Insurance Agent and gets quotes from many carriers for her clients to assure the most suitable policy available is quoted to them.

FIRST BOCA SCHOOLHOUSE PICTURED NOW IN ALL CITY SCHOOLS

Built in 1908, the Schoolhouse is now enjoying a centennial anniversary. The Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum has presented framed photographs to all city schools as part of the observance of Boca Raton’s Centennial School Year. The first students and the teacher are pictured standing in front of the building. In 1920, a new masonry school building was constructed at the site of the present Boca Raton Elementary School. A new DVD, “The History of Boca Raton,” was also presented to all the city’s schools. Information about school programs and Boca Raton history can be found at http://www.bocahistory.org.

WONDERING WHAT THAT ANTIQUE IS WORTH?

Bring your treasure to the Boca Museum of Art in Mizner Park for a “Road Show,” on November 17^th from 1:30 to 4:30. Appraisal cost is $50. Appraiser is Dr. Lori is a certified fine art and antiques appraiser who reviews about 20,000 items a year and is a nationally syndicated columnist and RV personality who has appeared on network and cable programs. For more information, email aglgl@bocamuseum.org or call 561-392-2500, extension 208.

POLICE SUBSTATION OPENS AT TOWN CENTER MALL & BOCA POLICE ATTAIN “FLAGSHIP STATUS”

New 1700 sq ft substation and closed-circuit television command post added to Mall for use by Boca Raton police. It will serve as the operational base for the police officers currently assigned to patrol Town Center Mall and will include workspace for four Crime Prevention Unit members. Civilian volunteers and a Community Service Officer will assist patrons with police reports and fingerprinting. A video surveillance monitoring room, separate processing area and conference room are included. More cameras have been added to the 900 cameras already on the property in parking areas, on decks and within the Mall’s interior. These cameras give comprehensive views of the areas, and the area around the property. The Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies has given the Boca Raton police department “flagship status” as a model for other police departments.

Trulia’s Boca Raton Market Overview for October 2nd

The average listing price for week ending September 24th was $765,279, up $2,887 (+ .4%) for week over week. Median Sales price is $295,000, up $20,000 (+7.3% year over year). Average Sales price year over year was $458,564 (+12.3%). Average price per sq ft is $174, (-3.3%) year over year. 2640 Homes for Sale, 1632 recently sold.

ACCREDITED VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMING NEXT YEAR IN FLORIDA

Believed to be the most wide-ranging virtual mandate in the US, a new Florida state law requires districts to create full-time virtual schools, collaborate with other districts, or contract with providers approved by the state. Your children and grandchildren who live in Florida will be able to go to school entirely online from kindergarten through 12th grade, never setting foot in a classroom, but about 20% of the curriculum may be taught online and parents must commit to walking their children through the rest of the lessons. School superintendents must be ready by August with details from how to provide the needed technology to how to engage kindergartners attention spans as they sit at the computer for many hours in a row. While this program may eliminate the need to build more schools, the districts still must pay teachers, revamp their curriculum appropriately, and purchase new technology. Districts can choose to pay a state-approved private company to do that . Two online schools are already funded, one for students from kindergarten through eighth grade, and the Florida Virtual School offering middle and high school courses. During last year’s school year, 57,000 students took at least one Florida Virtual School course, but very few committed to an all-online experience. The new Web-based education is expected to attract many students. This year the district will start with 12 students, kindergarten through 8th grade, who are registered for online school through a state program. Students and parents will be asked for input. For accountability, virtual students must meet state standards and take the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. There is concern that the virtual experience cannot be provided to students whose families cannot afford home computers and internet access. Opening school computer labs is one alternative being considered. The North American Council for Online Learning will be watching, as will the rest of us, to see how it goes. For more details see http://www.flvs.net/. Online courses are available for adults too. Check it out!

READ THEIR LIPS: NO BOCA TAX INCREASE, BUT….

There will be additional fees including $5 per month trash fee, $10 increase in fire assessment fee for homeowners, water and sewer rate increase of 5.8% and 2% water and sewer electricity surcharge. The new library project has been moved to the 2009-2010 fiscal year in the city’s capital improvement budget. Beginning the library now, the city manager said, would cause next year’s tax to go up by 2%, counting debt service and library operations.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES - LACK OF FINANCING AND BUDGET CUT PROBLEMS

DAYJET CEASES SERVICE to 60 regional destinations. Lack of growth capital was the reason for shutting down, according to the President of the firm. The company was unable to arrange financing. PALM TRAN HAS REDUCED its schedule and trimmed some routes in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. THE BOCA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL HAS PUT A HOLD ON plans to build a new facility on the FAU campus. Let’s remember that the economy WILL improve in due time, and perhaps then some of these plans will be revived.

FAUs BOCA RATON CAMPUS GETTING NEW THEATERS

Eligible for matching funds, Living Theaters Inc. has gifted FAU with $1.5MM to fund building of a state-of-the-art movie theater complex with four theaters and a café on campus. Groundbreaking is planned for December. The gift is eligible for matching funds from Florida’s Alex P. Courtelis Capital Facility Enhancement Challenge Grant Program. Students will have use of the theater during the day. Evenings and weekends will feature screening of foreign and independent films for community patrons.

FLAGLER’S PERSONAL RAIL CAR AT WHITEHALL MUSEUM

Henry Morrison Flagler’s personal rail car, built in 1886, is now on view, and you can walk through the new 8100 sq ft Pavilion at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach to see it. The railway car has been restored to its original appearance, using records from the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian, the Delaware State Archives and the Hagley Museum and Library in Delaware. See the salon, master bedroom and bath, guest quarters and kitchen. The car is called “A Palace on Wheels.” See the fine appointments, including the oak paneling and desk. Flagler traveled by this railcar in 1912 along the Overseas Railway to Key West to celebrate completion of the FEC Railyway, a phenomenal engineering feat. This is the first public Beaux-Arts style building built in the US in 60 years. Its design is consistent with Whitehall, which was completed in 1902. The Museum’s Pavilion Café is also in the building. Flagler owned much of the land along both sides of the hundreds of miles of track, and has been called “Florida’s Godfather.” For more information, go to http://www.flaglermuseum.us/ or call 561-655-2833.

BOCA MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS AMERICAN MODERNISM

Exhibiting more than 40 paintings in their permanent collection, we see art from 1920 to 1950 trying to define the "quintessentially American" idea, using competing forces of innovation and tradition. Artists, include social realists, regionalists, figurative modernists and early abstractionists, struggled to define a changing America during a pivotal period. Included are works by Vaclav Vytlacil and Richard Florsheim. This exhibit is on display from September 2nd, 2008 through March 8, 2009. Museum hours are Sat/Sun noon to 5 pm; Tues/Thurs/Fri 10 am to 5 pm; Wed 10 am to 9 pm; closed Mondays and holidays. For more information call 561-392-2500 or email info@bocamuseum.org. The watercolor and pencil on paper pictured here was done in 1930-1940 by James Daugherty, Untitled, from Modernist Heroic Figures, 12" x 13".

NORTON MUSEUM PRESENTS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Featuring as many photographers as possible, the Norton continues its longstanding commitment to furthering the visitor’s understanding of photographic history. A recent donation of 162 photographs, The Hunter Gifts, is now on exhibit until September 7^th. The collection includes the work of some of the most important photographers of the 20^th century. Six international photographers are paired together for easy comparisons of their work. The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 S Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach. General admission is $8, ages 13-21 is $3, children under 13 and members are admitted with no charge.

FORECLOSURE SEMINAR

EMPOWER YOURSELF! Attend FORECLOSURE SEMINAR, 7-9 pm, Tuesday 8/26 and Thursday 8/28 at the Deerfield Hilton, I-95 and Hillsborough Blvd. FREE pre-registration (561-338-2122 or www.iberiamortgagecorp.com.) or $10 at the door. Who should attend: First Time Buyers, Bargain Shoppers, Investors, Realtors. What you will learn: No credit or Challenged Credit, How to Profit from the Real Estate Mess, How to buy and repair a home with one loan; How the new House Bill benefits you.

DELRAY CULTURAL CENTER OFFERINGS COMING UP – GET OUT YOUR CALENDAR NOW

Songs, lectures and a variety of other special events are planned at Cornell’s Old School Square Crest Theatre, including big and small names with varied talents. “Altar Boyz”, a musical comedy, will open The Crest Theatre Main Stage Series November 14-16. The theatre’s season will conclude with “Romanza, the Art of the Tenor, April 3-5. From December 5-7, Spencer’s Theatre of Illusion will be appearing – maybe disappearing - featuring interesting theatrical elements. December 19-21 the Ballroom World Champion Tour will be held for dance enthusiasts. The latest incarnation of The Kingston Trio will present folk music January 16-18. The American Soul & Rock and Roll Choir will bring us cheer February 6-8. “Footloose,” based on the film, will present their national tour March 6-8. A new Celtic inspired dance production featuring Irish, Ottawa Valley and modern tap dancers, The Stepcrew, will appear March 20-22. The 2009 Lecture Series, held Thursdays at 2 pm, will include Secret Service Director Brian Stafford February 19, Author Michael Gates Gill March 12^th and author/photographer Lorraine Salem Tufts April 2^nd. Other presentations coming up include Tony Award winners Hal Linden, Tommy Tune, and Christine Ebersole with Grammy winner Billy Stritch, For tickets and more information call 561-243-7922, extension 1. The Crest Theater is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue, just north of Atlantic Avenue near the Delray Beach Tennis Center, in Old School Square. Individual tickets prices for Main Stage and Cabaret Series are $40 for matinee and $42 for evening. Individual lecture tickets are $25 for open seating (balcony) and $40 for reserved seating, which includes valet parking and post-lecture reception. Crest Theatre was voted BEST LIVE THEATRE by Forum Publishing Groups, The Best of Delray Beach Magazine, 2007. For seating chart, and more information on performances, see http://www.oldschool.org/crest.asp.

WHO IS BUYING IN FLORIDA

According to the National Association of Realtors recent study, “2007 Profile of Florida Homebuyers and Sellers”, one in three Florida homebuyers is singe – 21% of 2007 new home purchases were made by single women and 12% by single men. 64% of the buyers had no children under age 18, but the median age of buyers was 43. For first time home buyers, 38% of 2007 home buyers, the median age was 32. 59% of homebuyers were married couples, 6% were unmarried couples. 18% were born outside the US. 27% bought new homes, 58% were detached single-family homes. Typical home had 1700 sq ft and was within 14 miles from their previous home. 98% of buyers ranked honesty and integrity as a “very important factor” when choosing a real estate agent. 90% of homebuyers financed their purchase. The report states that the typical home was on the market for 10 weeks and 33% of sellers did not lower their asking price before selling. Recent sellers typically sold their homes for 96% of the list price. 86% of home sellers reported that their home was listed or advertised on the internet. You can find the report at http://www.floridarealtors.org/LegislativeCenter/Research/index.cfm .

WIDESPREAD US HOME PURCHASES BY INTERNATIONALS

National Association of Realtors has estimated that between 150,000 and 190,000 homes in the US were sold to foreign nationals between May 2007 and May 2008. Florida, California and Texas were the most popular states. With the US dollar weakened compared to foreign currencies, US real estate was recognized as a good investment right now.

FYI: PENDING SALES JUMP UP

The pending home sales index jumped in July by 5.3%, rising in every region of the US. In the South, the index was up by 9.3%. Is a turnaround underway? This index measures signed sale contracts that are on the way to a closing, which is a leading indicator of home sales for the coming two or three months.

PBIA FEATURING PALM BEACH COUNTY ARTISTS EXHIBIT

An Opening Reception will be held at Palm Beach International Airport on Wednesday, September 10^th , 5:30-7 pm in the Airport’s Concession Mall, Level 2 Main Terminal, across from Travelers Lounge for exhibits of local paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed-media works, sometimes depicting the flora, fauna and natural places in the County. To see a virtual tour of the art, go to http://www.pbcgov.com/fdo/art/artworks.htm. The artworks, created by residents of various Palm Beach County cities, are for sale. Parking available in Short Term levels 4-7. The exhibit will be on display through September 24^th, and is sponsored by Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places through a grant from the Palm Beach County’s Cultural Council. Selected works with are presented for four months and each exhibition features changing cultural and travel themes. Contact information for artists interested in submitting their works is http://www.pbcgov.com/art/FDORegistry.aspx.

ASPEN MANSION ON RED MOUNTAIN PURCHASED FOR $20.75-MM

With 5 bedrooms, a fitness room, outdoor pool and hot tub, the 11,500 sq ft house on 2 acres with Aspen Mountain views recently sold to a family from Greenwich CT. In 1997 the mansion sold for $9.25-MM. Aspen, Colorado is a wealthy resort area, with skiing an avid interest of most residents.

MORE ON WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE HOUSE… NOW REPORTED TO HAVE SOLD FOR $750,000,000

Now comes word that the anonymous Russian billionaire who bought the exquisite Villa Leopolda historic estate on the French Cote d’Azur paid a higher price than previously reported. This purchase overtakes the previous highest purchase of a London home by Laksmi Mittal for his son for $236,000,000. (WOW these are all a lot of zeros!). Villa Leopolda is between Monaco and Nice, overlooking Cap Ferrat near Villefranche-su-Mer. It is a cream-colored turreted mansion with two guest houses. King Leopold II of Belgium built the villa in 1902. In 1916, King Leopold’s nephew and heir, King Albert I, turned the villa into a hospital for wounded officers during WW1. The Agnelli family later owned the property (Fiat auto tycoons) and held legendary jet-set parties in the 1960’s, with guests including Frank Sinatra and Ronald Regan (in his acting days). Fifty full-time gardeners are employed to take care of 20 acres of gardens and terraces, with 1200 olive, orange, lemon and cypress trees. The grounds are considered among the most spectacular on the Cote d’Azur. Seller was Lily Safra, widow of murdered banking billionaire, Edmond Safra. A Russian oil oligarch is said to be the new owner. But not Roman, Abramovich, owner of the Chelsea Football Club, who owns a $100,000,000 mansion near Antibes. It is reported that 60 villas and mansions on Cap Ferrat are owned by wealthy Russians.

GOOD NEWS: HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE WILL GO ON

Canceled last year because of budget cuts, private sponsors have made it possible for the thousands who watch the Boat Parade to again do so on December 20^th 2008 starting at 6:30 pm at the C-15 canal (Boca-Delray line) and moving south along the Intracoastal Waterway. The sponsors to thank for allowing this 31-year old event to go on include Summit Brokerage, The Boca Raton Resort & Club, Loggerhead Marina, Florida Inland Navigation District and Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and The Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District. Other sponsorships are available – email elilly@ci.boca-raton.fl.us or call 561-393-7827. As is the custom, boats will stop along the route at various docks and pick up donations for needy kids.