EWM Realtors » Las Olas

Wine and Dine on Las Olas for a good cause!

Caroline Carrara — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:14:38 +0000

Who doesn’t like to wine and dine? Of course we all do, but with our purse strings tight right now, killing two birds with one stone is key when it comes to having fun and spending your hard earned dosh.

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.

First Time Homebuyers-More programs available!

Caroline Carrara — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:11:16 +0000

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!

Movies Under the Stars on Las Olas Boulevard returns October!

Caroline Carrara — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:32:06 +0000

Movies Under the Stars on Las Olas Boulevard

It’s funny…here in South Florida we gauge the success of a summer by the amount or non amount of hurricanes and storms that blow our way…So you could say we had a great summer! The weather will soon drop down a few notches and us spoiled Floridian’s will embrace Fall’s cooler nights and venture past the safety of chilled A/C and venture more outside for entertainment…

How perfect then is it that “Movies Under the Stars”returns to Las Olas Boulevard in October with a new (back to school family friendly night) of Friday!

That’s right, grab your blankets and chairs for this FREE event hosted on the Riverside Lawn (between 6th and 8th Street) on Las Olas Boulevard…

What a perfect way to wind down the week, kick off your shoes, feel the grass between your toes, munch on some popcorn and just sit back and relax!

(Grown ups can pop inside the Riverside hotel for some adult libations )

This Free event is made possible by the generosity of the Las Olas Association, The Riverside Hotel, Magnum Opus Audio, Kilwin’s and many other kind local sponsors. So save the date, tell your friends and come chill-ax on the lawn with “Movies Under the Stars”

October 2nd @ 8pm “Charlotte’s Web”

October 16th @ 8pm “Happy Feet”

October 23rd @ 8pm “Tale of Despereaux”

October 30th @ 8pm “Casper the Friendly Ghost”

*click here for updates

You can always be a kid in a Candy Store!

Caroline Carrara — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:19:38 +0000

And what better place than Kilwin’s to satisfy even the most maddening cases of PMS.

I love chocolate, I always have. It makes me so happy. It cures the blues, It gets me high, it makes everything better….

And what a co-incidence to find that my EWM Las Olas office is only a few blocks away from Kilwin’s on Las Olas.

Kilwin’s for those of you who have no idea what I am rambling on about, is Chocolate Heaven. It has Chocolate everything…It has chocolate covered oreo’s…chocolate covered marshmallows, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered potato chips…

Kilwin’s has fudge (Note description from brochure)”…Cooked in our copper kettle, poured onto marble tables and hand padded for creaminess…”

They also have 32 flavors of ice cream, candy, nuts, baskets and webkinz…

No visit to Las Olas is complete without indulging just a little at Kilwin’s, so pop in and enjoy…Worse case they ship….

Happyland in Ft. Lauderdale

Caroline Carrara — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:30:46 +0000

Ms. Esterline & Ms. Thiel Halloween 08

My son just had the fortune of graduating Kindergarten from this remarkable school.

My experience with the school, the administration and dedicated teachers and staff compelled me to share my accolades.

A little over a year ago my Job relocated me to Fort Lauderdale mid term. My son was currently at Pre-K in Miami Beach and frantically I had to find a Kindergarten for the upcoming year.

Happyland Day School in Ft. Lauderdale, (just off Las Olas Blvd), a Christian based Preschool through K was recommended to me by my Assistant and by an agent in my Real Estate Office. My Assistant knew of it through the Church and through the praise of one of our agents who’s daughter attended.

I checked it out and did my research and enrolled my son in summer camp and then Kindergarten. The word on the street was only praise for this intimate learning facility. It was amazing how well respected and regarded HappyLand was amongst parents in Fort Lauderdale. The funniest thing that I heard from a Mom was who’s 2 boys had attended several years back was that, that the Mother’s loved it so much, they kept having babies, as they didn’t want to give up being part of the Happyland Family!…And judging by the amount of pregnant Mothers I have seen in the corridors, maybe that was true!

I remember my first appointment and meeting the Principal-Ms. Pam Alexander and her Assistance, Miss Carol, they were warm, bubbly and inviting. They reminded me of ladies from a British sit com, with warmth and humor….I felt at home….Ms. Pam has been with Happyland for 19 years, that says something in itself.

Miss Corey Thiel was my son’s Kindergarten Teacher and Ms. Esterlineher assistant. For a year, they taught, nurtured and prepared my son for 1st Grade. No words can express my gratitude for their dedication and passion for education and their affection for the children. My son, loved school, he loved Happyland and his thirst for knowledge continues.

Happyland is an excellent choice and an excellent start for your child. It is well rounded, balanced, fun, disciplined and Happy. It has an active parents club, small classes and many fun field trips, holiday festivities and chapel.

It is a feeder school for Pine Crest, St. Marks, St. Anthony’s, Bayview Elementary and VSY.

I believe that if a child is given a good base and a good foundation, anything is possible. That those first years are the most important baseline for the future. That it is a teachers job to spark that desire, to light that fire and at Happyland that was achieved.

Happyland Day School-954.463.6051

401 Southeast Fifteenth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

EWM Managing Broker Appointed to Managing Board of Las Olas Association in Fort Lauderdale

kreps pr — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 03:53:21 +0000

April 10, 2009 – EWM Realtors is proud to announce that Caroline Carrara, managing broker of the company’s Las Olas branch in Fort Lauderdale, has been appointed to serve on the managing board of the influential Las Olas Association. Carrara, who says her work with the board originated out of a desire to do more in the community, credits fellow EWM agents with making a difference.

“We saw a need in the community as well as an opportunity to network within it,” said Carrara. “The EWM team got together and helped with beautification projects on Las Olas Boulevard like gardening and repainting lamp posts and planters. We were making a difference and having a great time doing it.”

Carrara and team on Las Olas Blvd.

After being recognized for her continued involvement in the association, Carrara was nominated to the managing board which promotes Las Olas and oversees its various events including the annual Las Olas Art Festival and the Wine & Food Festival. In her new role, Carrara will assist with sub-committees, addressing key areas in the association such as membership, advertising and marketing, and event participation.

“I look forward to putting a bigger spotlight on Las Olas,” Carrara added. “This is a great community with a rich history. Between its art galleries, top restaurants and boutiques, we hope to market the neighborhood as a leading destination for visitors to South Florida.”

Carrara has been with EWM since 2006, enjoying notable successes in real estate management. She was recently promoted within her office from sales manager and before that worked as assistant sales manager in EWM’s Miami Beach office. Carrara, a member of Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale (RAGFL), grew up in London and moved to the United States after completing her secondary education.

FORECLOSURE – WOW! CAN THIS BE TRUE?

Tony Hammer-Certified Foreclosure & Luxury Property Specialist — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:55:11 +0000

FORECLOSURE OF THE WEEK -BY THE TONY HAMMER GROUP

OFFERED AT - $199,900 SOLD FOR – $1,196,000

When I first saw this foreclosure, I had to take a second look. “Can this be true?” I asked myself. My adrenaline started pumping and my mind raced. WOW! I couldn’t believe this deal!

I saw a prestigious hotel condo apartment any Floridian or “snowbird” would love to come home to as well as being an ideal corporate apartment to enjoy the best that sunny South Florida has to offer. It’s just minutes from the theater, the finest dining, shopping, museums or strolling along Las Olas Blvd with all the quaint shops and restaurants.

I saw a superior luxury studio apartment without the hassle or worry of having to manage and maintain it.

This first class, deluxe ocean front hotel condo features 24 hour room service, valet parking, concierge, European Spa, fitness center, and pool. It’s sumptuously furnished with incomparable direct ocean views and overlooks the pool.

TAKE A LOOK AT PHOTOS BELOW AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!

THIS FANTASTIC BARGAIN JUST WON’T LAST – GRAB IT WHILE YOU CAN.

PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.LUXURYFORECLOSURESPECIALIST.COM

FORECLOSURE FEATURED BY TONY HAMMER GROUP

Tony Hammer-Certified Foreclosure & Luxury Property Specialist — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:09:05 +0000

My intention is to help buyers get the best deal in their desired locations with the least hassle. This week I found a wonderful townhouse in Fort Lauderdale in the prestigious Victoria Park location.

It features marble floors, french doors, Roman tub, walk in closets, stainless steel appliances, jacuzzi in master bath, custom cabinets, high ceilings, a private yard and many more amenities. This townhouse is reduced from $645,000 and is close to the Galleria Mall, fine dining, downtown Fort Lauderdale, the museums, theater and the beach. You know the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so take a look at the below photos to fall in love with this 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath family friendly townhouse that is convenient to all you can desire.

Imagine waking up each morning in luxury where you’ve got the best of two worlds: the quiet of the suburbs in your townhouse and just a few short blocks away the excitement of the city.

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS, AND OTHER GREAT DEALS AT HTTP://WWW.CONDOSHOMESFORECLOSURES.COM

A Rated Schools in Northeast Fort Lauderdale, FL

Tricia D Luther — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 13:39:37 +0000

A Rated Schools in Northeast Fort Lauderdale

Finding the perfect school for your children can become time-consuming and difficult. For those of you who are looking to re-locate to the northeast Fort Lauderdale area or for those of you who already live in the area, below is a list of A-rated schools based upon the 2008 FCAT results.

2003 to 2008 FCAT Result Comparisons for Broward County (click on the school category for a list of all Broward County schools’ results):

Below are lists of the A-rated elementary, middle and high schools in the Northeast Fort Lauderdale area. To view each school’s boundary map, simply click on the school name.

Northeast Fort Lauderdale A Rated Elementary Schools

Broward County Elementary Schools Boundary Map

Northeast Fort Lauderdale A Rated Middle Schools

Broward County Middle Schools Boundary Map

William Dandy Middle School

Northeast Fort Lauderdale A Rated High Schools

Broward County High Schools Boundary Map

For additional information on schools in the Fort Lauderale, FL/Broward County area, click on the following sites:

Broward County Public Schools Official Website

GreatSchools.net

Don’t Procrastinate About Buying Foreclosures !

Tony Hammer-Certified Foreclosure & Luxury Property Specialist — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:52:35 +0000

I specialize in Luxury and Foreclosed Properties in the Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach & surrounding areas. There is a tremendous inventory of properties on the market right now, however, there are good buys and then there are great buys.

When I look at a property that sold for say $500,000 two years ago and the Foreclosure price now is $175,000 what do you think ? Well, I think that’s a great buy considering the condition of the property. If the property is in immaculate condition like a lot of the Foreclosures and you can buy it for 30 cents to 40 cent on the dollar from yesterday’s prices you are making a sensational purchase. The reality is that someone didn’t buy that property because a gun was put to their head. The market probably was overinflated but how much was it worth ? Maybe 400,000 or 300,000 ? If you are buying a property for 30 to 40 cents on the dollar you are buying that property well below market. Florida had a stagnant Real Estate Market for years and was very undervalued compared to the rest of the country.

The problem with today’s general perception is that prices will continue to go down. The majority of people have an investor mentality instead of thinking about buying a great home at a price they can afford. The majority of people that buy a home are not buying to sell it, but, to have a place to live. True investors buy income producing properties, multi-unit buildings, commercial properties and so on. They buy and sell in short time periods considering the market. Real Estate is not like day trading securities !

I realize that most people are suffering financially but there are a group of people that have the cash or can get financing even though the credit criteria has tightened. That group should really take a hard look at the incredibly low prices that this market has to offer.

When you see a property that sold for double or triple the value of what you can purchase it now and you can afford it – DON’T PROCRASTINATE! Many people LOSE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES because they don’t move quickly enough to make an offer. Contrary to popular belief the GREAT BUYS HAVE MULTIPLE OFFERS AND THOSE PROPERTIES ARE SELLING. I repeat ! THOSE PROPERTIES ARE SELLING ! Smart people know a good deal when they see it but they need to move quickly and not over think the market.