The cold winter has struck again and now you are really thinking of a Florida Retirement. Another winter came and again you was pounded with ugly storms, mountains of snow and ice cold air. Now you are really tired of the winter weather and you think about your Florida Retirement.

Probably you went to google and researched “Florida Retirement”, and here it came up in your google search as the place to retire, Florida Retirement. Now you start to imagine how you can enjoy your golden years and your Florida retirement. South Florida with sun-kissed beaches, warm weather, and the sunshine most of the time. By looking around, you realise that many of your friends home come to a conclusion that a Florida Retirement will bring them better over the winter month. At least, they are going to the best place to retire during the winter month and return in Spring back home.

While we have many retirees in Florida, with all the different personalities and age ranges there is for everyone something to do. I promise you, you will not be disappointed with your social life, all the activities and still have your laid back lifestyle. Many businesses and communities especially cater for our retirees. You have the choice of living in one of our many retiree communities or live in a place without age restriction, the choice is yours.

If you want to live in a retirement community (also knows as senior communities) you have to be 55 or older to own and reside in those places. To just name a few of the best-known 55+communities in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area:

Century Village

Kings Point

Wynmoor Village

Sunrise Lakes

55+ Communities along the Beach

Fountainhead Condo in Lauderdale by the Sea

Leisure by the Sea in Lauderdale by the Sea

In many of our South Florida areas you can enjoy golfing on the Golf Course, a play in one of our many Theatres around town, a night at the museum, a day at the beach or a cocktail at five with your friends and family Did I mention the low tax Florida enjoys? In fact, there is no State Income Tax for Florida residents.

Now it really makes you think about Florida Retirement? Consider that prices are still low and are lower before the great recession bubble burst. Getting in on a place before the prices will go up can mean you are rewarded with lower property prices and property tax today, an affordable cost of living, and possibly even help increase your retirement egg.

My predictions for the next five years regarding Retirement in Florida, more retirees will make a decision to move to the best place to retire in Florida. We will have thousands of baby boomers to retire and that will enlarge our communities with retirees taking advantage of the great neighborhoods, low prices, our laid back lifestyle, the warm weather and low taxes.

If you need a complete list of all Broward County 55+ communities let me know by clicking here and we will provide you the information right way.

I think Florida Retirement is still one of the best places to retire and always will be a favorite destination.

Annett T. Block
Realtor

(954) 543-179

The post Florida Retirement appeared first on Florida Connects.

In diesen Kleinstaedten mit milden Temparaturen und most sonnigen Tagen wird Ihnen die Heimatfahrt schwer fallen. Lernen Sie nette Leute am Strandt kennen, plaudern Sie mit Einheimischen in diesen Staedten diret am Strand gelegen.

1. Lauderdale by the Sea

2. Sea Ranch Lakes

Sea Ranch Lakes ist eine kleine Stadt umgeben bei Lauderdale by the Sea. Es ist so zu sagen eine Kleinstadt inmitten einer Kleinstadt. Die Anwohner haben zwei kuenstliche Seen in Ihrer Anlage welche nur fuer die Anwohner zugaenglich ist.

3. Galt Ocean Mile

Galt Ocean Mile ist auch bekannt als die Galt Mile und besteht aus einigen kleinen Strassenzuegen direct gelegen am Strand zwischen Coomercial und Oakland Park Boulevards. An diesen Strassenzuegen wurden Hochhauser Schulter an Schulter gebaut und gibt Galt Mile eine einzig artige Ansicht auf Wolkenkratzer.

4. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Wir Einheimischen kenne Fort Lauderdale Beach sehr gut und wissen den 7+ Meilen Strand wohl zu schaetzen. Ein lieblicher Platz mit einer Promenate von Restaurants, Geschaeften und Bars genau am Strand entlang und dafuer hat es hier ein erwaehnen verdient.

5. Pompano Beach by the Sea

Pompano Beach by the Sea ist eine mehr bekannte Stadt bei vielen in Sued Florida. Besucher lieben diese Stadt mit seinem Ferien Wohnungen direkt am Strand und machen es zu einem Ferien Hot Spot.

Haben Sie eine dieser kleinen Staedte direkt am Strand schon einmal besucht? Haben Sie Ihr Ziel gefunden zum Ueberwintern? Wir sind gerne bereit Euch meher auskuenfte zu geben. Ruft oder e-mailed uns doch einfach an! Wir freuen von Euch zu hoeren.

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Light

Replacing your old light bulbs with the newest CFLs. The expense to replace them now may be a little higher in the beginning, but the electricity you save in the long run makes it worth.

You also should consider installing dimmer switches, motion sensors, and timers for when you’re away from home.

Buy Energy Efficient

When you need to replace your old appliances look for energy-efficient models. Those are recognizable through the Energy Star Logo. It also tells you they average usage and how much you are saving on usage. Look out for governmental programs that let you credit or return you some expense when buying energy efficient models.

Save Water

Adjust or replace your showerheads and faucets with low flow water accelerator that cost little but save us all a lot. When buying toilets look for a water-saving toilet. Some makers now offering water tanks to flash your little business and another flash for the bigger business.

When buying a new water heater tankless option in my opinion are the better choice. Before considering check with your association when you live in a condo while some old electricity doesn’t support the usage. Standard in Europa it works on the principle heating the water only when it’s needed. If you still use the conventional water heater wrapping with a special insulation and insulating all the hot-water pipes is a great solution.

Get Rid of Paper

If possible register for paperless billing. Utility Companies, government, and financial institutions let you easily opt-in to paperless statements. The Federal Trade Commission offers a guide on how to “just say no” to junk mail.

Recycle

Instead putting everything in regular garbage try to separate and recycle paper, plastic, and glass.

Insulate

Insulate and seal your home. Installing ceiling fans will lower your heating and cooling costs. Run them instead of your air condition unit if possible.

Living Green and Healthy in Fort Lauderdale is not only a lifestyle, it doesn’t have to be expensive, and it’s always rewarding.

The post Living Green and Healthy in Fort Lauderdale Area appeared first on Florida Connects.

A Veteran can purchase if eligible, VA approved Condos in Pompano Beach and finance it through the Veterans Administration Financing program – know as a VA loan.

The VA loan program for owner-occupied properties is one of the best loan programs available in todays mortgage market. For a Veteran it is possible to obtain a mortgage under this program with 100% financing which means absolutely no down payment and low cash outlay.

Another big advantage is that the seller of a VA approved property is allowed to pay all off the veterans closing cost. This could mean that some veterans will have a zero cash requirements when purchase a Condo in Pompano Beach.

One down site a VA loan for a Condo Purchase is that the Condo needs to be a VA approved Condos in Pompano Beach. We have compiled for you a list of VA approved Condos under the VA loan program.Take a look below on the Condo Association VA approved.

VA Approved Condos Pompano Beach

CANADIAN OCEAN BREEZE

CYPRESS BEND

GARDEN LAKES

GARDENS

GARDENS NORTH

GARDENS-PALM AIRE

GRAND VIEW ARMS

HERITAGE CIRCLE

IBIZA

LA BONNE VIE-PALM AIRE

OCEAN DRIVE ESTATES

PALM-AIRE COUNTRY CLUB

PALOMA LAKES CONDO 1

RAMBLEWOOD COURT

RAMBLEWOOD PLACE

RIVERS EDGE AT OAKWOOD

ROYAL POINCIANA CONDO

SPRING LAKE

VILLAGE-BLUE LAKE

VIZCAYA TOWERS AT PALM-AIRE

To purchase a condo in Pompano Beach under a VA loan program, veterans need a “VA Certificate of Eligibility” whom they need to request with Veteran Administration (VA).

Over the years many Myth’s about VA loans are floating around from the “old” days which made VA loans unattractive. These times have changed and today a VA loan is the best option for veteran if they wants to purchase a VA APPROVED CONDOS Pompano Beach.

Your Pompano Beach VA Office Center

If you are a veteran and need to know more about the VA loan programs, VA Buyer Qualifications and VA APPROVED CONDOS Pompano Beach contact Annett at (954) 543-1794 or send her an email here.

Thank You…For Your Service!

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Fort Lauderdale Coral Ridge Towers East are located within the Coral Ridge Tower Complex at the famous Galt Ocean Mile in the zip code area of 33308.

You can search for homes for sale in Coral Ridge Tower by clicking the link.

Why Do People Live Here?

Coral Ridge Towers East is a residence for senior citizen aged 55 and older. During the winter month, you will have more residents living in the complex than during the summer since there is a variety of snowbirds coming for the winter month to their second residence.

The Coral Ridge Tower East have a total of 338 apartments in a sixteen story building. It is a short walk to the Beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway as well central located to medical professionals, the supermarkets, restaurants, banks, pharmacy, shops, little stores and so much more. The community offers a club house, 24/7 security, key fob entry system, pool and a variety of activities.

Looking for a Condo in Coral Ridge Towers Fort Lauderdale?

Interested in finding a Fort Lauderdale Coral Ridge Towers Condo for sale ? Click that link to find all the currently available Condos in this area of Fort Lauderdale.

What’s Going on Nearby the Fort Lauderdale Coral Ridge Towers Neighborhood?

The Coral Ridge Towers are located north of the intersection of Oakland Park Boulevard and State Road A1A. The Broward county transit bus is just a few steps away. A1A is a scene filled road which makes it the famous Galt Ocean Mile.

Now You Really Want to Find a Condo Here, Right?

If you are interested living at the Fort Lauderdale Coral Ridge Towers East and the current condos for sale click on the link. Our ‘for sale’ property information is a direct feed from the Greater Fort Lauderdale MLS and is updated multiple times per day.

Fort Lauderdale Coral Ridge Towers Condo Community
brought to you by

Annett T. Block
(954) 543-1794

Your Fort Lauderdale Beach area Realtor for personalized service for
Coral Ridge Towers East

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

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There are limited special programs with program guidelines to help Florida home buyer, first time home buyer as well investors to achieve their dream of home ownership. You need to know the requirements before applying or even signing up for any home buyer assistance loan and grant programs!

First Time Home Buyer and Low Down Payment Loans

• Low down payment funding in form with gifts and grants
• non-occupying co-borrowers
• Down payment assistance coupled with gifts or grants

FHA Financing Program

• FHA is for owner-occupied Borrowers
• Fixed rates are available up to a maximum of 30 years
• Stability of Income must be established
• Very realistic concerning previous problems
• Allows Sellers contribution and incentives
• Down-payment only 3.5% as of this time

USDA Financing

• 100% Financing if in qualified area
• new construction and existing homes

Conventional Financing

• at least 5% down payment
• lower interest rates

Need assistance and information on home buying financing programs in Fort Lauderdale we are only a click away.

The post Home Buyer Financing appeared first on Florida Connects.

Buying your first home, your second or fifth home or an investment property in Fort Lauderdale can be both exciting and complicated at the same time.

It starts with having the right home buying tools at the right time. Affordable and well-priced properties in Fort Lauderdale are selling quickly even in a buyers market.

Many different steps have to be considered in order from the start until finalizing the home-buying process as:

 figure out how much home you can afford!

 find the right Home Buying Program for your needs!

 meet with your local lenders loan officer

 finalize your wish list for your dream property!

 be excited and well-prepared for your House Hunting in Fort Lauderdale!

 make your home purchase offer and negotiate the purchase agreement!

 finalize the home buying agreement and sign your Home Buyer Contract!

 have a home inspection, appraisal, etc.!

 wait for the closing date on your home in the Fort Lauderdale area to finally arrive!

 have a final property walk-through on the property which will soon be your home!

 prepare and educate you about the home buying and closing process!

 go to the closing where we continue to assist you with you closing the transaction!

To begin with your buying experience you can sign up for your personal FREE Listing Notification with all new listings which will include the Greater Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach County or Miami Pre-Foreclosure properties, Foreclosure, Short Sale Homes, Bank owned and other distressed homes and and other properties that meet your criteria, absolutely FREE!

Not only will you be notified by email of all new Fort Lauderdale area property listings that match your search criteria within our system, but your MLS home search will also be compared against other participating Realtor®, Real Estate Professionals and agents’ listings as well For Sale by Owner within your desired Fort Lauderdale area(s). All new listings in the Greater fort Lauderdale area are added to the system that match your criteria will be email to you right away.

If you don’t want to miss out all the Fort Lauderdale area properties available today, sign up today and hope to see you on the other side of the Fort Lauderdale MLS Home Listings notification.

The post Fort Lauderdale MLS Home Listings appeared first on Florida Connects.

Condo financing requirements are very strict for condo loan approval. You need to know about certain condo projects on the way, find out about maintaining of the complex and the cost involved, know about complaints from other condo owners, find out your monthly maintenance expense etc.

Most of the information, you can find when reading the

1) Condo Association board meeting

2) Board minutes

In addition you need to know about the delinquency rates of present home owners. This is a very important issue when applying for a condo loan. Condo loans allow only a minimum delinquency rate from current condo home owners to get your condo approved for the mortgage loan process.

Many lenders require a reserve amount for condo associations involving your loan approval. Speak to your lender about the requirements for your specific loan program.

Before making an offer on your dream condo find out some information:

1) Reserve funds for ongoing and scheduled repairs ( should be 10% of replacement costs if a complex 0-10 years; 25% between 10-20 years old and if older than 20 years 50% and above)

2) Copy of the certificate of insurance (look for replacement cost coverage, building ordinance clause)

3) Understand the Association Policy

4) Does the Association has ongoing legal Problems

5) Screen Association at local court house

6) Rental Policies

7) How is the condo community managed

8) Interview the day to day Manager if possible

When buying your Fort Lauderdale dream condo you have to do your home work and need a Realtor or real estate consultant on your side. Contact a local real estate lawyer and have him or her go over the Condo bylaws of the association.

We are well qualified to assist you with your Condo buying Process so don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can text or call (954) 543-1794 or send us an email to info@yourgraethomes.com.

Happy to help…Just Ask!

The post Buying a Condo in the Fort Lauderdale area appeared first on Florida Connects.

There are several free how to stop foreclosure options available to you. The most important option you can Stop your foreclosure at Zero Cost to You.

First, you can use our free kit to negotiate a loan modification with your lender.

Our kit has complete instructions on how to submit the package to your lender and negotiate a lower monthly payment.

The second free thing we provide is advice on how to stop the Debt Collector Phone Calls.

We give you an example letter that you can send to the debt collectors to get them to stop calling you.

The third, absolutely free way we can help you is with a Short Sale.

A Short Sale costs you nothing. We get paid by your lender. It is well known that a lender will net more money on a short sale than taking a home back thru foreclosure. Why? A lender saves money on interest, attorney fees, and other related foreclosure costs. A recent study done by the Boston Consulting Group showed that a lender will reduce their losses considerably with a short sale. In fact, they reduce their losses by 20% on average when accepting a short sale versus foreclosure.

Here is what we will do to help you with your short sale.

Step #1:

We put the home up for sale and market it to find a buyer.

Step #2:

We gather all of the necessary documents to process the short sale.

Step #3:

After we find a buyer who wants to purchase the property, we contact your lender’s loss mitigation department. We ask them what documents are necessary to submit the short sale package and how to send it to them.

Step #4:

We submit the buyer’s offer and all the short sale paperwork to your lender. We have a complete checklist that we follow so everything is submitted properly.

Step #5:

We follow up with your lender to negotiate the short sale. There is a lot of time involved at this stage of the process. Many lenders short sale departments are busy with an avalanche of file. However, with a little patience and perseverance we are able to get the lender to approve the short sale.

Step #6:

Upon lender approval we then coordinate everything to a successful closing. We follow up with all the inspections, appraisals, surveys, and the buyer’s financing.

Step #7:

Closing. Everything is completed and you are now out from under the burden of debt and stress. Most sellers are so glad to be done with the stress and uncertainty. It’s closure.

If you are interested in a short sale, then call me direct at (954) 543-1794 or call our Short Sale help hotline at 1-800-648-0037 Ext. 1024 or fill in your information here. We will contact you to discuss your options. Remember we are here to help you in any way that I can.

The post How To Stop Foreclosure in Fort Lauderdale appeared first on Florida Connects.

The biggest threat to your Greater Fort Lauderdale home sale is a low appraisal. This is why your real estate agent needs to make sure the appraisal is accurate.

How Homes are Valued

Here is the process your agent needs to follow to ensure an accurate appraisal.

The person doing the appraisal doesn’t understand why the home is selling for a specific sales price. The appraiser don’t understand why buyer is only willing to pay X. That is why your listing agent must explain that to them.

First, your agent/ REALTOR®should always meet the appraiser at the property and bring a detailed Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) with them.

The CMA should include at least 3-5 comparable sold homes, 2-3 comparable homes currently under contract, and 3-5 active competing homes currently on the open market.

Your agent should put together a detailed CMA using the sold comparable sales. The agent will give that CMA along with the actives and pending home sales to the person doing the appraisal in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Most likely the appraiser will ask your agent what they feel the value of the house is. Then, your agent should show them the MLS history and explain why the house is only selling for X.

The key with the CMA is to use the closest Comps available. You should not include REO or Foreclosure Comps if possible. Appraisers want the closest geographic Comps available. This is very important especial if your home will be appraised by an out of town appraisal. They are not familiar with the area and the surrounding areas, and your agent need to make sure the appraiser will have all the needed Graeter Fort Lauderdale Market Insider information to make an educated and most correct appraisal.

Want to know what your home is worth?

We provide for homes a Maximum Value Audit or call (954) 543-1794
before a low Fort Lauderdale appraisal will break your deal.

The post What Is An Appraisal On My Fort Lauderdale Home? appeared first on Florida Connects.