THIS CHARMING 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOME WITH 2/2 GUEST HOUSE, SALT PRURIFIED POOL AND GAS RANGE LIES IN THE HEART OF EAST FORT LAUDERDALE – VICTORIA PARK – WELL MAINTAINED WITH WOOD FLOORS, FIREPLACE, CHICAGO BRICK DRIVEWAY AND PRICED TO SELL.

 Asking $499,000

The tables were set outside by the Intracoastal behind the tennis courts… I have lived between NY and Fort Lauderdale for over 3 years now, but it was my first time at Bahia Mar, and the first impression – this prime piece of real estate surrounded by water – was sooo dated..

We all enjoyed the party – the food and drinks and music, and there was one announcement that I wanted to share with my colleagues at EWM that there is a huge redevelopment project underway for Bahia Mar (sure some of you have already heard about it):

Bahia Mar Park, being developed by LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels, will feature an extensive waterfront park, Waldorf=Astoria™ hotel, residential apartments, retail shops, signature restaurants and marine offices. The projected value of Bahia Mar Park is estimated at over $500 million. Upon completion, the project will create a unique “main street” feel that invites residents and visitors to shop, dine and play.

Sounds like a good addition to our waterfront community, although there is some opposition to it.  Peter J. Henn – managing directior of Bahia Mar Development, LLC asked for support of the project with the City Commission.

Well, wining and dining for a cause is a great way to kill the bird and what better a location that glorious Las Olas Blvd!

teal BISTRO AMERICAN  at 1103 East Las Olas on Thursday, October 22nd starting at 6.30pm will be the first to host a Wine Dinner Fund Raiser for the Las Olas Street Beautification. Purvin Pujara is excited to host the first dinner and give back to Las Olas Blvd and the community. He is thrilled that Winemaker Anthony Bell will be on site to preside over  five course dinner and pair it off with exquisite wines.

The mouthwatering menu prepared by teal BISTRO AMERICANA Executive Chef Christian Clausen includes: Pass Around’s of mini baked citrus crab cake, prosciutto with gorgonzola, arugula, currants and pine nuts and asparagus and wild mushroom tarts complimented with Bell 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County. First course is smoked Rainbow Trout with fingerling potatoes, watercress and tarragon vinaigrette along wit Bell 2007 Chardonnay, Napa Valley. Second Course; crispy Sweetbreads with hand-cut pappardella, Oyster Mushrooms, caramelized onions, in a Brandy Creole Mustard Sauce, paired with Bell 2005 Merlot, Napa Valley. Are you salivating yet? Followed by a main course (yes more); Cabernet braised boneless short rib with parsnip, carrot puree, pea shoots and Cabernet reduction and Bell 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Nappa Valley and for the Finale a Concord grape and goat cheese cheesecake with Bell 2006 Syrah, Sierra Foothills. Voila! Doesn’t that sound simply delectable?

The proceeds of these dinners will be earmarked to complete the funding for a new median East of Himmarshee Canal. Much of the money has already been raised through a grant from the city and support of several businesses on both sides of the canal and with the hard work of the Las Olas Association.

So do good for the neighborhood and your tummy. For reservations call Tom Hillan @ 954-712-8933. Cost $125 pp excluding tax and gratuities.

Most first time buyers by now are aware of the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, unfortunately the clock is rapidly ticking and time is running out…
And the program is set to expire November 30th 2009…

However, most first time buyers are not aware that there are other programs available to assist financially with the first time purchase of a home. That’s right-MONEY IS AVAILABLE to help you buy your first home!

Who? Florida Housing Finance Corporationis a public corporation of the State of Florida and is the state’s housing finance agency. Florida Housing is a financial institution that administers federal and state resources to finance the development of affordable homeowner housing and to assist homebuyers.

FTHBoffers 30-year fixed interest rate mortgage loans to first time homebuyers through its network of participating lenders and lending institutions. There is also Down Payment Assistance (DPA) available. Florida Assist (offers up to $7,500) based on your 2 person household*(to be eligible for down payment assistance through Florida Assist, your combined household income may not exceed $61,200.00.

What? First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program to qualify you must have:

1.Acceptable credit: the average credit score for all 2008 loans was 674, depending on other factors somewhere in that range…However to qualify for a mortgage you must have a minimum 600 FICO score.

2.Be a First Time Homebuyer: Their definition=Do not own the home they live in or claim their mobile home as real property, have not owned and occupied a primary residence within the past (3) years, able to permanently reside in the US and will occupy the property within 60 days.

3.Take a Homebuyer education Course: 6-8 hour face to face homebuyer education class.

4.Meet the bonds program’s income and sales price limits.The guidelines for income are very generous, and based on Household Income for how many people will live in the home and what is the total income for everyone in the home over 18 years old. For 1-2 Adults (no children) they are allowed to make up to $91,800, However if there was a child or a third person the income would increase to $107,100. IRS will count all persons that will live in the home, even if they are not on the loan ie: Grandparents, fiances etc. Currently the sales price limit for Broward County is $613,321.00!!!!

So what are you waiting for? Contact a Realtor in your neighborhood who has completed the required course. Or better yet, for Broward contact one of EWM’s qualified realtors: Andrea Harrington, Christine Matotek, Verna Miller, Thomas Echea or Lisa Echea and go online and use the First Time Homebuyer Wizard to see what YOU qualify for. Good Luck!

The DiCarlo Group is working closely with a luxury homes magazine to promote luxury real estate in South Florida. Come out and enjoy the show! Our real estate team will be out there in red Polo’s that say DICARLO across the front! I will post more blogs about this event as we get closer to the show dates.

We hope to see you there!

When animals are a common bond with other people, there is an “ah ha” moment. We understand the depth of what were capable of doing for the precious gift we’re given. I wonder what people who perhaps never had the chance to bond with a kitten, or a puppy think of us animal lovers “oohing and awhing” over a beloved pet.

Statistics show there are 44.8 million households in the US which have a dog; 38.4 million have cats. Those precentages are continually growing. The American Pet Product Manufacturers Association released its 2007-08 National Pet Owners Survey, finding that expenditures on pets in this country topped $40 billion in 2007. This phenomenon has lead me to ask how the decision to purchase a home is effected by the consideration of a pet. I know that when I’ve looked for homes, one of the first thoughts I’ve had concerned how pet friendly the home, or condo was. As a realtor and a  pet lover I’ve noticed restrictions on pets becoming commonplace. Are pets allowed? How many can you have? The most common restriction is the size of the pet. Are these restrictions really neccessary? Why should my neighbor really care if I have a pet, or for that matter, more than one? I think these questions should be asked. We may not appreciate the fact that not everyone has to love “fuffy”, but we have to recognize it. Knowing the covenants in a particular subdivision is important. Not being able to have your beloved companion because they may have fur, and four legs is something you don’t want to find out after you purchase that perfect home. Let me help first. If you’re relocating to Fort Lauderdale, or are considering a new home because your family is growing, then let me assist you in locating the home that fits you needs… all of them including “Fluffy”.

This luxury residence includes an amazing ocean view! Imagine Sunday brunch on your balcony, sipping your café mocha latte while watching the sun rise over the white ocean foam!

Interior Amenities:

• Mirrored Living Room Wall
• Newer Appliances
• Newer Plumbing Fixtures
• Surround Sound
• At&T Digital U-Verse
• Highest Internet Speed

Sea Ranch Club amenities include:

• Gorgeous Clubhouse
• Cardroom, Exercise Room
• 3 Heated Pools
• 8 Tennis Courts
• Party Room With Big Screen TV
• Bar B Que’s On Beach!!

Walk To Publix And Shopping!

Hurricane Protection for Windows are shutters.