Palm Beach Real Estate and Loans

Here's some great news for people looking for the best in Palm Beach Gardens luxury real estate-

These properties, both located in BallenIsles, have both dropped their list prices and are ready to sell!

205 Coconut Key

Situated on the water to the east of the 12th Hole of the South Course, this Courtyard Home is now listed for $1,149,500.

126 C Palm Bay

This 3 bedroom 3 bath condo is listed for $459,000 - you CAN live in BallenIsles for under $1 million.

For full details you can call me at 561-282-7406 or click on the addresses above.

When I saw this clip it was described as a way to get OUT of debt - but it really is a way to avoid getting INTO debt in the first place!

All kidding aside, if people thought this way the national housing problem could have been avoided.

Options on loan payments?

Absolutely!  

And I am NOT talking about the 'Option ARM' that got so much bad press over the last few years.  It was a good loan IF you knew what you were doing, but it was so often misrepresented that people tend to cringe when they hear the words.

Someone just talked to me about loans in general and, as I typically do, I started talking about the 30 year fixed rate home loan (FRM).

However, he didn't want a 30 yr fixed, he wanted a 15 year fixed.  Why?  So he could pay it off faster.... not a bad idea really - the savings in the amount of interest paid is considerable. 

BUT (you had to know that that was coming...) on a $250,000 loan you are also locked into a monthly payment that's more then $600 higher then for the 30 yr FRM.  Actual dollar amounts will vary depending upon available rates, but the 30 yr FRM will always have a lower monthly payment.

What I would recommend is this: get the loan with the longer term so that the required payment is lower.  If you have a bad month you won't be struggling for the extra money, but you can always pay more and even pay off the loan whenever you want to!

No tricks - since there is no pre-payment penalty - a little flexibility can be a very good thing.

Call me-

I'm going to make this morning's update a quick one-

Everyone seems to be taking it easy now that the Holidays are upon us.  Hey - everyone needs a little break every now and then!

But keep a few things in mind......

* We still have a very strong Buyer's Market here in South Florida - prices have dropped quite a bit over the year and as we enter the traditional busy season, these properties won't be available forever.

* In addition to the low prices and healthy inventory, last Friday mortgage rates hit their lowest point in 37 years!  The 30 year fixed rate home loan is WAY down (for purchases and rate-and-term refi's) and I'm confident that the rates on the Jumbo loans will edge a little lower also.

So..... the money is available and there is a wide selection of properties to choose from.  You're still waiting because........??  I'll leave it at that.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

If you've ever considered purchasing luxury real estate in Palm Beach Gardens, tomorrow is your chance to tour some of the best available in one of the area's top communities -BallenIsles.

In addition to the extremely desirable homes, BallenIsles boasts some of the best Golf and Tennis facilities in the area. Residents enjoy close proximity to the beaches, the best shopping and dining in the area and much, much more.

If you're not familiar with the neighborhood, I'd suggest coming in the Northlake entrance because most of the 18 listings are on the South side of the property.

Just drive up to the Guard Gate and tell them that you're there to see the Leibowitz Open Houses.  You'll be given a map and they'll send you North on BallenIsles Drive.

Take your 1st left and follow the road to Coconut Key:

205 COCONUT KEY DR     110 COCONUT KEY CT

When you're done there, go back to the main road, take a left and take the next left to see:

20 ST THOMAS DR

40 SOMERSET DR

317 SUNSET BAY LN

158 VINTAGE ISLE LN     122 VINTAGE ISLE LN

134 SUNSET BAY DR

Again, back to the main road where you'll turn left.  At the next intersection you'll have Grand Isle to the left and Bermuda Bay to the right for the following:

1007 GRAND ISLE TERR     1043 GRAND ISLE TERR

31 BERMUDA LAKE DR

When you're back on BI Drive, continue North to East Island Drive and take a right.

101 BANYAN ISLE DR     116 BANYAN ISLE DR

124 VICTORIA BAY CT

113-A PALM BAY DR

You guesed it, go back to the main road and take a right turn.

At the next intersection, a left turn will take you to:

16 ST JAMES DR

While a right turn will bring you to:

105-D PALM POINT CR

Finally, when you get back on BI Drive, head North.  You'll soon pass the 72,000 sq ft clubhouse, tennis and golf facilities.  As you continue on you'll soon see Coral Cay on your left.

216 CORAL CAY TERR

Granted, that's quite a bit!  But in 3 short hours you'll be able to see 18 properties - both single family homes and townhouses - there really is something for everyone.

If you have any questions please call me at 561-282-7406 or drop by 205 Coconut Key.