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Selling Your Home During Holiday Season
| Posted on November 13, 2014 at 7:43 PM |
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Holiday Home Sellers  As a, Seller you need to consider every avenue for a successful sale. Home sale listings generally dip in the fall and winter months as sellers are busy this time of year with holidays. Assuming buyers are busy, Sellers often opt to stave off listing until the spring or, suspend their active listing. This means the inventory is lower during the holidays and if you list your home during this time, you’ll have less competition. Why follow the pack and wait for spring? Take advantage of the drop in inventory and invite buyers into your home during the holidays.Buyers who are looking during the busy holiday season tend to have a reason for doing so; something has accelerated their need to find a home. Whether it is an out of town job transfer or, the sale of their own home, buyers who shop for homes during the holidays tend to be more serious about their purchase.  Buyers often have more free time over the holiday season because they are taking their seasonal vacations. This means more free time to view what listings are on the market so, why not make your home available for buyers with more free time. Out of town visitors who are interested in your neighborhood have a limited time window to see homes. You can catch the attention of this unique Buyer by keeping your home available during the holidays. Many of us decorate for the holidays and keep our homes in shape to receive seasonal guests. This will bode well for you as a Seller as your home is looking particularly show-worthy this time of year. Buyers will enjoy tasteful festive touches and appreciate the fact you are willing to allow them access to your home during the holiday season.  As a holiday Home Seller, you’ll have less competition and get a jump on the market before the rush of spring listings. If need be, your agent can help make things easier for you by limiting showing times or removing the lock box and showing by appointment. Buck the trend and keep your house on the market over the holiday season. Welcome potential buyers while you've already got your house polished and primed for hosting friends and relatives. The exciting New Year ahead could very well start off with a successful closing for you and your family! 
Copyright 2014: Valerie Anne MartinettiFEATURED LISTING  RARELY AVAILABLE Penthouse Unit at the CORONADO! This 2/2 features views for MILES!   9' ceilings, neutral tile & carpet, fitted closets, neutral blinds and designer soft treatments.   The Cook's Kitchen features 42" raised panel cabinets with Corian counter tops and breakfast bar.  Separate laundry room. Gated entry, secured lobby and parking under building.  Lushly landscaped and sparkling, HEATED resort-style pool. This vacation home was barely occupied. BEST location in Boca Raton! Close to Shopping, Dining, Entertainment, Education from Grade School to University and Boca's Best Beaches just a short drive away! Offered at Just $258,500  Call Valerie to Schedule a Showing TODAY! 954-609-4228 |
South Florida Welcomes Fall!
| Posted on October 29, 2014 at 7:22 PM |
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Have You Heard? It's Selling Season!
| Posted on May 28, 2014 at 7:24 AM |
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 Did you know that more than half of all annual home sales will take place between May and August? Before we all get busy with back-to-school and the onset of the holiday season, this window is the perfect opportunity to make a move.  Buyers have a unique opportunity to take advantage of historically low interest rates. The nightly news consistently warns us, rates will eventually tick upward as the housing market recovers. Buyers are poised to lock into these low interest loans for the 2014 selling season.
 Price it right, right now. It is imperative you consider recently sold homes to gauge fair market value. The more recent the sale of the comparable home, the more accurately you can estimate a price that will attract buyers while also yielding the highest fair market value. If you price your home too high with the idea you‘ll just lower it if no offers come in, you are wasting valuable selling season time. Do the math: Selling season is just over 120 days. It customarily takes anywhere from 45-60 days, from the initial offer to closing day. That leaves little time for unnecessary price corrections.  Don’t wait to de-clutter, do some extra cleaning and ramp up the curb appeal before you list your home. Think of it as “pre-packing.” Box up non-essentials and items crowding your closets and bring them to a storage facility for a few months. Your home will show better and there will be less preparation when it’s time to move.  Access is imperative. Homes that require excessive lead time will be shown less, limiting your pool of potential buyers. Sit down with your agent and strike a plan to make your home as easy to show, as possible. A little sacrifice of freedom and privacy will go a long way.  Don't forget the internet! The overwhelming majority of real estate searches begin online. Make sure your agent is making the most of this critical venue and provides links for you to share with your own family, friends, business associates and social network. The selling season is short. Sellers who list their accurately priced, de-cluttered, clean and easy-to-see home now, have the next three months to make the most of this fruitful real estate season. Clean it out. Dust it up. Price it right. List it now. Show it off.  Copyright: Valerie Anne Martinetti, 2014 |
Mandatory Equity Membership: Points to Ponder
| Posted on May 17, 2014 at 4:53 PM |
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Mandatory Equity Membership: Points to Ponder  Mandatory Equity Membership is associated with golf course communities requiring homeowners to purchase a club membership when they buy a home. This membership entitles them to use the facilities and own a portion of the golf club.  There is a mandatory equity membership fee and at times, an initiation fee; these can range anywhere from $5000.00 to $250,000.00, dependent upon exclusivity. Some clubs separate the fee into an amount that represents the refundable equity interest and one that represents a contribution to capital that is not refundable. Annual dues are also part and parcel and the amount depends on the number of members and the cost to operate the facility. Clubs with fewer members are more exclusive and more expensive. If the annual dues are insufficient to cover operating costs and capital improvements, members are assessed additional amounts each year to make up the shortfall.  In addition, most equity clubs require a minimum dollar amount must be spent each year on the premises. If the minimum is not reached, the member is charged the difference. Many clubs also charge additional amounts for golf cart usage, locker room use, club storage and at times, tipping or holiday bonus pools for staff. By now you may be thinking how this expense may benefit you? In mandatory equity membership communities, the condition of the golf course is generally exceptional due to the fact there are greater funds for maintenance and fewer players to create wear and tear on the course. Tee times are readily available and the facilities and food are often of much higher quality than those offered at a public course.  If you are considering a home purchase in a mandatory equity membership community, have your REALTOR walk you into the membership office to meet staff and learn about the many benefits and levels of club membership. Prior to your final purchase decision, your REALTOR can usually arrange an opportunity for you to play the course and have a meal or take advantage of other services offered in the club. Mandatory equity membership can be a worthwhile expense with fabulous benefits. Copyright: Valerie Anne Martinetti, 2014 |
Life is Sweet on the Peaceful Shores of Highland Beach
| Posted on November 12, 2013 at 3:18 PM |
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  Highland Beach was named for its uncommonly high sand dunes that offer both protection from the sea and magnificent views. Highland Beach is just three miles long and proud of having it’s own police, fire and emergency assistance departments dedicated to serving it’s relatively small population.  This cutting-edge town installed a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis water treatment facility, drawing directly from the Florida “aquifer“ 1000 feet below the surface. This assures residents enjoy an unlimited supply of pure water. Highland Beach also features it’s own post office and waterfront library, that is chock full of learning resources and social opportunities  You will see everything from oceanfront mansions in the tens of millions of dollars to charming Florida-style condos and villas on the intracoastal waterway. A drive down the three mile stretch is customarily peppered with joggers, cyclists and a hearty stream of avid exercise enthusiasts.   Just minutes from the posh entertainment, dining and shopping of Boca Raton, Highland Beach is equally accessible to Delray Beach, known for it’s own eclectic stretch of hot spots, just steps from the sparkling shoreline.  Seasonal residents, business commuters and visiting tourists enjoy Highland Beach’s proximity to three international airports, as well as the short drive to the Boca Raton Executive Airport. World renown golf, tennis and polo facilities, along with every imaginable marine resource are all available within a short drive from this conveniently located city.  Highland Beach consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the U.S. with approximately 4200 full time residents. There is not one traffic light in Highland Beach which affords motorists an easy, breezy drive along this scenic stretch of Atlantic Coast Line. Copyright 2013: Valerie Anne Martinetti Ahoy! Located on the 140’ wide Seatan Waterway, your assigned dock accommodates up to a 34’ boat (floating boat lifts are permitted - power included); Easy Living! This one level, ground floor home is tiled in all living areas with neutral upgrades throughout including cove lighting in bedroom, halogen task lighting, window treatments and ceiling fans. Newer, tasteful Florida-style furnishings are available. The waterfront pool features a wide water view and balmy breezes ALL YEAR long!  Location, Location, Location! Nestled in a quiet, 11 unit complex in Pompano Beach this Ground Floor Home is: - 5 minutes from the area's finest beaches, dining, shopping & entertainment; - 15 minutes from Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard & famous Fort Lauderdale beachfront amenities: - 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the International Port Everglades Cruise Ship Port - 30 minute boat ride to open ocean, one fixed bridge (12 ft clearance)  Versatile! Snap this unique opportunity up while you can - whether you want a year-round, picture perfect watersports getaway OR a full-time paradise to enjoy the most affordable ocean access lifestyle - this home is priced to sell and ready for immediate occupancy.  Fido Approved! Up to a 20lb furry best friend is welcome to enjoy the boating life with you in this home.  Invest! You may lease this home and/or dock with restrictions and association approval.  Call/Text or Email Valerie today to schedule a showing 954-609-4228 |
Hillsboro Beach: A Charming Beachfront Town with Modern Day Appeal
| Posted on November 4, 2013 at 12:55 PM |
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 Bordered by Deerfield Beach to the North and Pompano Beach to the South, Hillsboro Beach is a highly-prized stretch of beachfront attracting local Floridians and winter residents who long to make their home by the sea. At just 3.2 miles, Hillsboro Beach residents enjoy ocean vistas, Intracoastal waterway views or; the most fortunate homeowners enjoy a bit of both. From time shares, co-ops and sleek high-rise condominium buildings to multi-level town homes and spectacular ocean-front mansions, Hillsboro Beach features a housing type to fit every budget and lifestyle.  Originally incorporated in 1939, Hillsboro Beach had just nine houses, 4 rental cottages and seventeen voters. At the time, AIA was merely a sand-swept road, connected to mainland Pompano Beach by a hand-cranked bridge. The 2010 census indicated a population of 1875 full time residents in Hillsboro Beach.  This population can as much as double during winter months, when part time residents arrive to enjoy a few months of Florida‘s ever-present bright sunshine and warm waters.  The iconic Hillsboro Lighthouse rests at the southernmost point of Hillsboro Beach. With a height of 136 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, the Hillsboro Lighthouse is the most powerful lighthouse on the Eastern shore of the United States. The Hillsboro Inlet makes this town very attractive to boat owners, giving them quick and safe access to the vast Atlantic Ocean. Sea faring residents can also enjoy a lazy cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway on its western border, with a slower wake and pleasant scenery for miles.  This small peninsula is 900 feet at its widest point and charms all who adore the perks of living steps from the glistening Atlantic Ocean. Hillsboro Beach offers a high quality of life for every budget and represents the best of laid back, beachfront living in Florida. Copyright 2013: Valerie Anne Martinetti  Ahoy! Located on the 140’ wide Seatan Waterway, your assigned dock accommodates up to a 34’ boat (floating boat lifts are permitted - power included); Easy Living! This one level, ground floor home is tiled in all living areas with neutral upgrades throughout including cove lighting in bedroom, halogen task lighting, window treatments and ceiling fans. Newer, tasteful Florida-style furnishings are available. The waterfront pool features a wide water view and balmy breezes ALL YEAR long!  Location, Location, Location! Nestled in a quiet, 11 unit complex in Pompano Beach this Ground Floor Home is: - 5 minutes from the area's finest beaches, dining, shopping & entertainment; - 15 minutes from Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard & famous Fort Lauderdale beachfront amenities: - 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the International Port Everglades Cruise Ship Port - 30 minute boat ride to open ocean, one fixed bridge (12 ft clearance)  Versatile! Snap this unique opportunity up while you can - whether you want a year-round, picture perfect watersports getaway OR a full-time paradise to enjoy the most affordable ocean access lifestyle - this home is priced to sell and ready for immediate occupancy.  Fido Approved! Up to a 20lb furry best friend is welcome to enjoy the boating life with you in this home.  Invest! You may lease this home and/or dock with restrictions and association approval. Call/Text or Email Valerie today to schedule a showing 954-609-4228  |
54th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
| Posted on October 23, 2013 at 10:16 PM |
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 Calling All Captains! One of South Florida’s most exciting annual events, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, is slated to run from October 31 through November 4. The largest in water boat show in the world, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show attracts boating enthusiasts from all over the world. Hosting over six locations, visitors revel in a first hand look at everything from spectacular super yachts and sail boats to the latest in personal water crafts along with marine and fishing accessories. Attendees can watch the evening sky light up as the show opens with a brilliant fireworks display, launched from the roof of the Doubletree Hilton Hotel at 7pm Thursday, October 31, 2013.  A smart stop for all attendees is the Sailfish Pavillion, located outside the Broward County Convention Center. This busy attraction features the Landshark Bar and Grill, daily fishing demonstrations and a fabulous array of marine accessories and boats of every shape and size. A dazzling display of high end “yacht toys” will delight visitors this year, providing a peek into the world of underwater scooters, amphibious ATVs, flying jet packs and motorized surfboards.  Each day visitors can learn from top pros from the International Game Fish Association’s School of Sportfishing and The Blue Wild at one of the free fishing and boating seminars, as well as workshops for adults and children of all ages.  Like islands on the intercostal waterway, temporary floating structures offer thousands of feet of square footage for merchandise display, sales pavilions and entertainment flotillas. These little islands include floating cocktail lounges from Guzzlers presented by Budweiser, the Superyacht hosted by Palm Harbor Marina and Gosling’s Rum Dark & Stormy Bar. Boat show attendees can kick back with a cool drink and listen to live entertainment amidst the din of the lively crowd. For a sophisticated break from the show, The Club at Seafair is a new show feature which includes a restaurant and cocktail lounge with wide views of all the action.  Transportation to the International Boat Show is provided free of charge with a riverboat ride down the New River to the show from Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Riverfront complex. Attendees can also ride the Water Taxi for $10 per day to any of the show’s six locations while touring Fort Lauderdale from the water. Adult admission is $22 at the show, children ages 6-15, $7 at the show (with discounts for online ticketing). For more information, call (954) 764-7642 or (800) 940-7642, or visit ShowManagement.com.  Copyright: Valerie Anne Martinetti, 2013 Ahoy! Located on the 140’ wide Seatan Waterway, your assigned dock accommodates up to a 34’ boat (floating boat lifts are permitted - power included); Easy Living! This one level, ground floor home is tiled in all living areas with neutral upgrades throughout including cove lighting in bedroom, halogen task lighting, window treatments and ceiling fans. Newer, tasteful Florida-style furnishings are available. The waterfront pool features a wide water view and balmy breezes ALL YEAR long!  Location, Location, Location! Nestled in a quiet, 11 unit complex in Pompano Beach this Ground Floor Home is: - 5 minutes from the area's finest beaches, dining, shopping & entertainment; - 15 minutes from Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard & famous Fort Lauderdale beachfront amenities: - 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the International Port Everglades Cruise Ship Port - 30 minute boat ride to open ocean, one fixed bridge (12 ft clearance) Versatile! Snap this unique opportunity up while you can - whether you want a year-round, picture perfect watersports getaway OR a full-time paradise to enjoy the most affordable ocean access lifestyle - this home is priced to sell and ready for immediate occupancy. Fido Approved! Up to a 20lb furry best friend is welcome to enjoy the boating life with you in this home. Invest! You may lease this home and/or dock with restrictions and association approval.  Call/Text or Email Valerie today to schedule a showing 954-609-4228 |
The Boating Life in Pompano Beach, Florida
| Posted on October 16, 2013 at 3:52 PM |
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  Pompano Beach, Florida is a town perfectly suited for the boating lifestyle. With its name derived from the Pompano fish, Pompano Beach is a popular destination for fishermen and boater’s from all over the world. Pompano Beach is a little over 22 square miles of land mass with a stretch of pristine beachfront approximately 3 miles long.  Boating enthusiasts don’t have to live directly on the ocean or Intercoastal Waterway to enjoy boating in Pompano Beach, the opportunities are plentiful inland, as well. Deep water canals wind through Pompano Beach leading directly to the Intercoastal Waterway, which opens to the Atlantic Ocean. Along these waterways boaters can travel from one interesting destination to another with ample access to marinas, docks and launching ramps.   Shore time fun is not limited to the water in Pompano Beach. Residents enjoy annual festivities like the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, St Patrick’s Irish Festival, St Coleman’s Italian Festival, the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade and the Annual Nautical Flea Market.  Another perk of being a Pompano Beach resident is that you are a short car or boat ride from Fort Lauderdale, also known as the Yachting Capital of the World. Fort Lauderdale has been host to the renown Annual Fort Lauderdale Boat Show for over fifty years. Being held this year from October 31, 2013 through November 4, 2013, visitors can see every imaginable boat on display, along with other merchandise, services and activities geared to making the best of the boating life.  If you are looking for a part-time or full-time home to enjoy the boating lifestyle, take time out to visit Pompano Beach, Florida. With sensational weather all year long and exceptional access to many waterways, you can cut through the sea foam 365 days a year in Pompano Beach!    |
Stuart, Florida: A Progressive Oasis with Old World Charm
| Posted on October 8, 2013 at 1:36 PM |
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 A gem nestled along the St Lucie River, Stuart, Florida is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World and part of Florida’s famed Treasure Coast. In the 18 century, several Spanish galleons shipwrecked off the coast while carrying untold amounts of gold and silver. Only some of this valuable bounty has since been recovered, giving the region its sparkling name. Voted America’s Most Beautiful City in 2008, today’s Stuart represents a new frontier in South Florida. Quality of life and a lower cost of living coupled with open spaces and lower crime rates create an oasis for Floridians and snowbirds, alike.  Stuart has the added charm of being a city that holds its history in high esteem, lending an architectural diversity to the meandering, tree-lined roadways. The newer housing, shopping, dining and entertainment establishments share the streets of Stuart with pastel-colored clapboard Victorian structures, standing as proudly as they did so many years ago.  Whether you’re just visiting Stuart or, a local who enjoys getting out and about, there is no shortage of destinations and activities to suit every whim. Set the stage for an exciting night by visiting the Lyric Theatre http://www.lyrictheatre.com/or the Barn Theatrehttp://www.barn-theatre.com/ Entertain with education at: The Elliott Museum www.elliottmuseum.org  The Stuart Heritage Museum http://www.stuartheritagemuseum.com/ The House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar www.houseofrefugefl.org The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast www.ChildrensMuseumTC.org Sail the Salty Seas on “Lily” the Wooden Schooner http://www.treasurecoastsailingadventures.com/ tour the clear blue waters throughout the day - it‘s easy breezy sailing at its best!  A Few In-Town Traditions Include: Gallery Night: 1st Thursday of every month - Stroll through quaint downtown streets while enjoying an eclectic selection of art - www.MartinArts.org Rockin’ Riverwalk Music Series Every Sunday, 1pm - 4pm and the Musicfest on The Riverwalk the 3rd Friday of each month from 6pm-10pm: Both can be enjoyed in the open air breeze of the Riverwalk Stage - www.HistoricDowntownStuart.com Stuart is a diverse, vibrant and historically preserved city. There is something for everyone in Stuart; from sophisticated single professionals to sprawling families on to savvy business owners, as well as snowbirds and retirees. I encourage you to visit Stuart and explore the possibilities of full or part time living. Come see for yourself why life is SO GOOD in this sunny, treasure coast destination! Copyright 2013: Valerie Anne Martinetti  In the seaside town of Pompano Beach!! 5 minutes from the finest area beaches, shopping, dining and entertainment. Conveniently located, 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport and all that downtown has to offer! Part Time Vacation Getaway or Full Time Dream Home - Either Way, It’s a Great Buy! One level, ground floor 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom features ceramic tile in all living areas with neutral upgrades throughout including cove light in bedroom, halogen task lighting, window treatments and ceiling fans. Newer, tasteful, Florida-style furnishings are available.   Waterfront pool features wide water views and balmy breezes ALL YEAR long! Assigned Dock Accommodates Up to 34’ Boat - Located on 140’ Wide Seatan Waterway, 30 minutes to ocean, one fixed bridge (12 feet clearance)   Pets up to 20lbs are welcome Home or Dock can be leased with restrictions and association approval   Ready for Quick Closing & Immediate Occupancy Hurry, Hurry! Call or Text Valerie - This Slice of Paradise Will Sell Fast!!  Call Me Today to See This Affordable Boater's Paradise 954-609-4228 |
Welcoming Fall ... South Florida Style!
| Posted on October 1, 2013 at 7:41 PM |
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 As we welcome cooler temperatures and pumpkin-spiced lattes to our daily routine, the amber hues of autumn will soon pepper much of our United States. Well, with one distinct exception… South Florida. That doesn’t mean we cannot get into the autumnal spirit here in the land of year-round sun and fun. In South Florida, we can welcome fall into our lives just like our neighbors to the north, sans the bulky sweaters and boots. A touch of nature adds a warm, cozy addition to any décor. The seasonal change gives us a reason to spruce up our South Florida homes with a touch of autumn’s beauty.  A simple seasonal splash of color is as easy as adding a generous bowl of brilliant green apples to your kitchen counter or dining table. Multi-colored pumpkins in different sizes tucked loosely into a cornucopia brings a traditional touch of Fall to any tablescape.  Hay bails at your front entrance or a grape vine wreath on your front door will add an easy pop of Fall to your home this season. A woven bowl filled with pine cones is just as easy, especially if you can pick up the cinnamon-scented ones readily available this time of year. An easy pine cone project is hanging them from your dining light fixture. With minimal effort and cost you can create a unique, autumnal focal point sure to catch everyone's eye.  Need something a bit more creative? Remember those pine cones and pumpkins we mentioned? Pine cones can go from earthy to spectacular with a touch of glue and glitter. Adorning pumpkins is limited only by your imagination from paint, to beads to stencils. Pine cones and pumpkins can even be sprayed in metallic hues to include a sleek, modern accent, namely when arranged with white pumpkins.  Harvest corn is readily available at your local grocer and can be used in wreaths or candle arrangements bringing color and texture with a decidedly autumn-twist. Let your imagination run freely and get creative when making your South Florida home a bit more cozy this Fall. With a little creativity and a hand from mother nature, it is easier than you think! Copyright 2013: Valerie Anne Martinetti  |
