The latest rent ratios were released by Moody’s and can be seen in this New York Times article, giving support to the argument that in South Florida at least it is looking like it is more worthwhile to buy than to rent in today’s market of depressed home prices.

The rent ratio is the purchase price of the property divided by the annual cost of renting that property. The premise is that if the ratio is more than 20 (as in New York City for example), it is a better economic decision to rent. When the ratio is less than 15, the advantage tilts to owning. Between 15 and 20 is up in the air, but of course these ratios do not take into consideration potential price appreciation.

Because of the low prices and amazing opportunities in the Boca

South Florida home sales are threatened as banks freeze foreclosures

Another snag has hit the already the troubled housing market throughout the US and particularly in South Florida, including the Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach and Boynton Beach real estate markets in which our team specializes.
Because of a myriad of legal and paperwork issues, many banks have halted the sales process of their REO (real estate owned) bank owned properties while the investigation into the improper actions takes place. This is leaving many pending sales in limbo, including several pending contracts that we are working with. More banks are threatening to follow suit and freeze their pipeline of foreclosure sales as well.
Many of our clients are investors, and are

‘IF YOU CAN FIND ME A “GREAT DEAL” PLEASE LET ME KNOW…THAT’S WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR!”

This is probably the most frequent request I hear when working with a buyer looking for Boca Raton real estate.  Of course I haven’t met anyone who has said, “price doesn’t matter”. The truth of the matter is really quite simple. It’s all inventory whether it is a Boca Raton short sale, Boca Raton Foreclosure or a regular deal (an arm's length transaction between a motivated buyer and seller). What is different about each one of those sales is the process that you undertake to purchase the home.

Yes, it is important to know the difference between a short sale and a foreclosure because since the process is different, a short sale or foreclosure may not be a viable

Contracts must be executed by April 30, 2010... for money in your pocket!

Whether you are a first-time buyer who qualifies for the $8,000 tax credit, or a current homeowner who wants the $6,500 tax credit, you have only until April 30, 2010 to take action. Federal deficits, budget cuts and political jousting make it highly unlikely that Congress will approve another extension of these popular tax credits, and many economists expect interest rates to increase soon.
So what are you waiting for? Here are the highlights of both tax credits:

$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance:

• The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a

According to a survey released by Freddie Mac, interest rates on 30 year fixed rate mortgages averaged 4.97% for the week ending February 11, marking the third week this year that rates have fallen below 5%. A year ago rates were slightly higher, at 5.16%

15 year fixed rate mortgages averaged 4.34% this week as compared to 4.81% a year ago.

These low rates combined with increased affordability (i.e. LOW PRICES) hopefully will encourage continued activity in our local markets. Here in the Boca Raton/ Delray Beach/ Boynton Beach area we are closing significantly more deals than this time last year. This is really a great time to buy real estate in the Boca Raton area.

You can search the entire MLS here.

Only a few months left to take advantage of the first time HomeBuyer's Tax Credit! Don't miss out!

Many people have taken advantage of the one-time opportunity to receive the $8,000 tax credit offered by Congress since passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The tax credit, coupled with today's low low interest rates and increased housing affordability, is a huge plus in helping Boca Raton real estate buyers realize their dream of homeownership.

You must close on your Boca Raton real estate purchase by December 1, 2009 in order to qualify!

First time homebuyers in addition to those who have not owned a home for the past three years, may be eligible to receive all or even part of the credit depending upon their income level. You can even

The responsibility of public education in Boca Raton, FL is handled by the school district of Palm Beach County. The city is split into several districts which allow the most educational facilities to serve the city and county.  Palm Beach County School District has been an “A

As an extention to my earlier post regarding "Making the Move to Boca Raton, FL", here are the best tips on choosing the right moving company.

When you start looking for the right company for your move to Boca Raton, FL keep a few things in mind. The different types of moving companies are geared towards what you need when it comes to transporting your belongings to their new home. So, how do you decide which type is right for your big move? There are basically three different types of companies from which to choose.

The full service moving company may be the best choice if you have a lot of things that must be packed and loaded. The full-service company will pack everything, load it, drive to the Boca Raton, FL real estate that you have

So you have finally found the Boca Raton, FL real estate property you will soon call home and need to find a professional moving company. This is the best way to go when it comes to moving because it can be so hectic and frustrating that you are ready to sit down in the midst of all the boxes and vow that this will be the last time you ever move! Why put yourself through the misery? Hire a professional moving company to help you with you move to Boca Raton and you will be glad you did.

One advantage among many is this frees you up to make sure all the little things are taken care of while the professional movers are packing up your belongings. Your back will thank you at the end of the day as well. Moving companies have employees who know