1st TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2010

The $8000 tax break for first-time home buyers would require a signed purchase agreement contract, and will have a 60-day cushion beyond the end of April to complete the closing.

In addition, existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for at least 5 years but want to relocate to a new primary residence can use a $6,500 tax credit.

Income limits for both would be $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

The tax break would be offered on homes priced at $800,000 or less Recipients who sell the home or stop using it as their primary residence within 3 years would be required to repay the credit

AUCTIONS: BEST BUYS IN TOWN & HISTORIC HOMES: WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

For BEST BUYS IN TOWN and WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN See The Examiner.

WEEK OF 10-12-09 PENDING SALES ROSE BY 2% IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Buyers are becoming aware that NOW is the BEST TIME EVER to buy in Florida, and the best properties are being bought up as you read this. Front runner Palm Beach County was up 3%. Have you been out looking for the best possible deal? Better hurry….

DID YOUR PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX BILL GO UP?

While local headlines SCREAM that Florida properties were devalued even more this year (did I hear 18%?), the property taxes, inexplicably, are going UP UP AND AWAY. Appeals to the county’s Value Adjustment Board by angry taxpayers for their 2009 property tax bills are expected to climb, perhaps by over 20% up from 13,200 appeals in 2008, challenging property assessments and homestead and tax exemption classifications. Petitions can be file online or in person at 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, until September 14^th, and there is a $15 filing fee. For more information call the Clerk and Comptroller's office at (561) 355- 6289. The Clerks office says that while the increase in appeals may be due to the economic downturn, a state law has changed requiring the property appraisers office to prove their assessments are accurate. In the past the property owner had to prove the assessment was wrong. Special magistrates must be hired to settle disputes between property owners and the county property appraisers office. Responsibility for processing petitions and scheduling hearings lies with the Clerks office. Preliminary tax notices were mailed Friday to all county property owners.

FIRST FLORIDA POPULATION DROP SINCE MILITARY PERSONNEL LEFT IN 1946

Blaming the recession and steep drop in new residents of 58,000 over the past year for plunging tax revenues jobs in construction, real estate and mortgage lending have disappeared. This has resulted in empty classroom seats, down about 10,000 statewide compared to the previous year. Current popular is about 18.3 million, says the US Census Bureau.

Florida’s unemployment rate in June was 10,6%, highest rate since 1975, one of the highest rates in the US. Estimates used data from residential electric hookups, building permits and homestead exemptions.

Another factor fewer people are moving to Florida is their inability to sell their homes elsewhere to be able to move here.

However, growth is expected to resume as the economy improves.

THANK YOU KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY SERVICES

Partner in Growth

Congratulations to
MARILYN JACOBS for
Earning the
Partner in Growth Award
for July 2009
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY SERVICES

STIMULUS PACKAGE’S FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT MAY BE EXPANDED

The $8000 tax credit for new buyers using FHA-insured loans can be used for additional down payment funds or towards closing costs, and is set to expire November 30^th. It has been very popular among first time home buyers to the extent of recent home sales to 1^st time home buyers are estimated to be 40% of the market. There is talk from Senate and Congress of:

· extending the tax credit by the end of the year

· raising the tax credit to 15% or 10% of the home’s purchase price, whichever is lower

· removing income restrictions (currently available only to households making $75,000 or less)

· extending tax credit to ALL home purchasers, not just first-timers

· Estimates are that just upping the credit to $15000 would lead to 400,000 more home sales

Foreclosures weighing down many markets would be sold and absorbed. Let’s see if these ideas are passed and implemented.

FAR REPORTS CLIMB IN LUXURY HOME SALES

The pace of luxury home sales has picked up according to the Florida Association of Realtors.

... More lenders are willing to make jumbo loans for mortgages (Jumbo Loans are defined as more than $432,750 in south Florida)

... Foreign buyers are renewing their interest in buying, coming looking for waterfront palaces on sale

... Values in south Florida are seen as depressed and borrowers in the super luxury home market are seen as a very unlikely default candidate.

... First-rate properties are selling for 25% less now and attracting interest, sometimes with multiple offers.

Heftier down payments are now required, some up to 50% of the purchase price, and stringent verification of income and assets, though many in the ultra-luxury category ($5,000,000+) do not finance.

Luxury prices hold up better in downturns and take less of a hit, and usually are first to recover.

In July 2009, two ultra-luxury properties sold in Palm Beach County, a Manalapan estate reaching from ocean to ICW with boat dock for yacht on ICW, 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, 11,000 living sq ft sold for $9,475,000, listed for $11,000,000, on market 144 days. One other such property, a Highland Beach Ocean Place oceanfront estate with 6 bedrooms, 8 full and 2 half baths, 9,525 living sq ft, sold for $5,750,000, listed for $6,900,000, on market for 273 days. 48 homes sold in July 2009 in Palm Beach County between $1,000,000 and $4,999,000.

WANT TO SEE THE US DEBT and PER CITIZEN LIABILITIES?

US DEBT CLOCK

REPORTS SHOWING HOUSING MARKET ON THE MEND

With sales up in all four regions of the United States, and the number of previously occupied homes sold in June being the third month in a row to go up, this kind of expansion has not been seen in almost 5 years.

Sales roses 3.6% according to the National Association of Realtors. The foreclosure market is shrinking. It is meaningful that about on third of homes sold in June were foreclosure related, down from nearly half of those sold earlier this year. See the Federal Housing Finance Agency report showing home prices rose almost 1% in May.

There has never been a better time to buy a home in Florida with interest rates down and home prices so much lower than in recent years. The “best buys” are starting to be snatched up now.

NOT SITTING ON THEIR HANDS, THE HOUSING WORKING GROUP OF BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE HAS PROPOSALS TO STIMULATE THE HOUSING MARKET

The Housing Working Group of Business Roundtable is an association of leading US corporation CEOs and, applauded by the National Association of Realtors, they are concerned about returning stability and growth to the US housing market. Their recommendations include

· Keeping 30-year mortgage rates at historically low levels for the nest 12 months

· Expand current first-time homebuyer tax credit to 10% of the purchase price of the home or $15,000 for all homebuyers and remove current income restrictions and includle all primary residence purchases for the next 12 months

· Thoroughly review current foreclosure mitigation and loan-modification programs which are currently showing rising loan-modification re-default rates

· Make current temporary conforming loan limits permanent

· Review and strengthen government efforts to review and refine mortgage lending practices.

For information about the Housing Working Group and Business Roundtable, go to http://www.businessroundtable.org.

LAKE WORTH PIER REOPENS TO THE DELIGHT OF THE FISHERMEN

The William Osborne Lockhart pier, named after a longtime Lake Worth resident and pier master, reopened May 9^th, after the 2004 hurricanes damaged it beyond use. Lockhart was well known for teaching kids how to fish and for his kindnesses to the poor and homeless. Construction began in 2008 with 90% of the $3.4MM needed coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The reconstructed concrete-and-wood pier extends 960 feet. The farthest stretch of pier is 5’ higher than previously. Its wooden planks are designed to break away during high waves and heavy storms, meaning the only future damage sustained would require plank replacement. The only other Atlantic Ocean pier in Palm Beach County is the Juno Beach Pier. Some of the “regular” fishermen have come to this pier for years to fish; others come to enjoy the view and watch the fishermen. Pier hours are 7 am to 9 pm, $3 fee for adults fishing, $1.50 for children fishing, $1 for nonfishing visitors. $3 single-day parking pass available. C’mon over and see what they are catching

NO NEED TO LOSE YOUR SERVERS AND DATA IN A HURRICANE

As hurricane season fast approaches, you may be worried about your office continuing to operate when problems arise as a result of a hurricane. No need to worry; now there is a solution that others are using. Talked with Senior Global Account Manager, Don Sabol recently. His 1Vault Networks (www.1Vault.net) true CAT 5 Rated & SAS 70 type II Data Center in Ft. Lauderdale has created a full suite of Business Continuity Planning. The company offers a Co-location center where data communications and media converge and interconnected, servicing multiple high end IT solutions customers. Each client can locate network, server and storage equipment there and interconnect to a variety of telecommunications and other True Tier 1 network service providers. Co-location is provided on a massive scale for needs ranging from modest-sized racks to custom cages with 22,000 sq ft of raised floor. Hardware and software installation, maintenance, managed and unmanaged servers and IT consulting are offered. If you are a Co-location client at 1 Vault, DR Seats and DR Suites are available, so your entire businesses can temporarily relocate to ensure continuity to customers in spite of outside conditions. They also provide and full range of Managed Security, Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery solutions. Check this out! Contact Don Sabol, Office # 954-736-2725 or dsabol@1vault.net. CALM YOUR WORRIES NOW, folks! Remember that old saying, "AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE."

THE HISTORY OF ANNUITIES

• Over 2000 years ago, during Roman times, buyers, in return for a lump sum, received a fixed annual payment for life or a period certain. The first Life Expectancy Table was created by The Roman Domitius Ulpianus
• The wars during the Middle Ages were funded by tontines, annuity pools in which participants purchased a share and received a life annuity. Their survivors received a larger payment with the last survivor receiving the remaining principal, a veritable jackpot.
• European Governments, during the 18^th C., sold annuities that were state-guaranteed for lifetime income. Hundreds of laws were passed by the English Parliament to fund wars and provide a stipend to the Royal Family., the first issued was the State Tontine of 1963 costing 100£ per share with the buyer receiving income during the lifetime of their designated person, often a child. They could be assigned by will or deed or passed on to next of kin at death.
• In the United States annuities were not heavily purchased at first, mostly bought by attorneys or executors of estates to provide income to a beneficiary as describe in a last will and testament. A Pennsylvania company was formed in 1759 to benefit Presbyterian ministers and their families, and in 1912, the Pennsylvania Company for Insurance on Lives and Granting Annuities was the first American company to offer annuities to the general public.
• In the United States as multi-generational households began to fade, and especially during the Depression, investors turned to annuities as reliable investments.
• During the “New Deal” period, when FDR encouraged saving for retirement, group annuities for corporate pension plans developed. Tax deferred status was attractive.
• In 1952, the variable annuity was introduced, with a choice of vehicles to invest in, such as mutual funds.
• During the current difficult economic times annuities have become extremely popular and right now some companies have put a temporary hold on issuing annuities until they catch up with what they have in-house.
• Estimated annual annuity sales amount to over $200BB. Even though annuity contracts may have higher fees and commissions than some other investments, many have found the annuity structure to be beneficial in growing their retirement portfolios.

Blog Manager Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a License Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and offers FREE Community Service appointments to let you know what others in your position are doing to protect, preserve and grow their retirement portfolios using annuities and/or life insurance.

FREEBEES

Head over to www.JustFreeStuff.com, and www.TheFreeSite.com . These are sites featuring free products. For groceries, go to www.GetGroceriesFree.com, and www.CoolSavings.com. Take advantage of these offers that fit what you are looking for. We all could use a “free lunch” once in a while! You might want to tell your neighbors about these sites!

ED W. “TOO TALL FREEMAN”, CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

When Ed applied to become a pilot after receiving a battlefield commission, he was hoping to fulfill a childhood dream. However, he was told that at 6’4” he was “too tall” for pilot duty, and “Too Tall” became his nickname. In 1955 the height limit was raised, and he was accepted into flying school. Following is an email I received, source is http://www.herobracelets.org/?p=553, and it tells the story: You're a 19-year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out.. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses. And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times... and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, cited for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity, died last in August 2008 at the age of 80, in Boise , ID... May God rest his soul. Thanks to John Davis, Real Estate Broker in Nebraska and a long-time friend, for sending me this information.

HOW TO CLAIM FUNDS YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE COMING TO YOU

Search www.unclaimed.org and missingmoney.com. Look for savings bonds in your name at publicdebt.treas.gov . For IRAs and pensions search search.pbgc.gov.

On May 12, 2009 HUD announced permission for lenders to allow first time home buyers to use the $8000 tax credit

as a down payment

If you are a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER
(have not purchased or owned a home in 3 prior years)

And are looking for a Home

This will make it easier to buy

Let us tell you the whole story

And pre-approve you same day

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR AWARDED TO MICHAEL EDWIN THORNTON

Michael Edwin Thornton was born in Greenville, South Carolina and raised on the family farm near Spartanburg. Thornton joined the Navy upon graduating from high school in 1967 and completed the rigorous training to join the SEALs, the Navy's elite sea-air-land special operations force. As overall American conventional forces were gradually withdrawn from Vietnam in the early 1970s, the "unconventional warfare" role of Navy SEALs grew. In the spring of 1972, Petty Officer Thornton was assigned to a mission under the command of Lt. Thomas Norris. Thornton and Norris accompanied a three-man South Vietnamese Navy team which included Kiet Nguyen, South Vietnam Navy, LDNN, (Lien Doc Nguoi Nhia, literally "soldiers who fight under the sea") on an intelligence gathering mission in enemy-held territory. Launched from a Vietnamese Navy junk in a rubber boat, the patrol reached land and found themselves farther behind enemy lines than they had planned. Continuing on foot toward their objective, they came under heavy fire from a far larger force and were in danger of being surrounded. While inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, they headed for the shore, in hopes of escaping by sea. On learning that Lt. Norris had been hit by enemy fire and was believed to be dead, Thornton & Kiet Nguyen returned through a hail of fire to the lieutenant's last position and found him severely wounded and unconscious, but alive. The two other members of the LDNN team refused to go to the aid of Lt. Norris. They were never seen again. When Thornton & Nguyen found Lt. Norris his was alive but unconscious from a severe head wound.
Thornton slung Norris over his shoulder and dashed for life over 400 yards of open beach, returning enemy fire as he ran. He carried Norris and wounded comrade, Kiet Nguyen, out to sea, beyond the range of enemy fire. The three men floated for approximately two hours before being retrieved by the same South Vietnamese Navy junk that had brought them into the operation. Michael Thornton was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on October 15, 1973. He is the first person in more than a century to receive that honor for saving the life of another Medal of Honor recipient. Now retired after a distinguished Navy career that continued through Operation Desert Storm, he resides near Houston, Texas. For his gallantry, Kiet Nguyen, Petty Officer, received the Navy Cross, the second highest Navy honor. He was the only Vietnamese to receive the Navy Cross. Kiet now lives in Southern Louisiana. Their story can be seen on the Military and History Channels.

This is the 3^rd and last article in the series on Congressional Medal of Honor Winners. Thank you again to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (Ret).

2008 WORLD'S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES

Names you may recognize on this list include American Express, HSBC, Nike, Honda Motor Company, Sun Microsystems, FPl Group, General Electric, General Mills, Kellog, Pepsi, Caterpillar, AFLAC, International Paper, Allianz, Google, Kiplinger, Marriott, Time Warner, McDonalds, Starbucks, Gap, Ikea, Trader Joes, Vodaphone and United Parcel. For a complete list, and how they were chosen, see http://www.ethisphere.org/wme2009.

THE GOOD, BAD AND BETTER NEWS ON HOUSING AND MORTGAGES

Neighborhood Stabilization Programs are reaching heavily into foreclosed areas. $4BB of federal monies authorized by Congress in 2008 and another $2BB dollars in the 2009 economic stimulus package are being distributed to dozens of cities, towns and counties in the United States. These are aimed at purchasing blocks of distressed properties to create “land banks” for future redevelopers. Private investors can work jointly with nonprofits to assemble and prepare real estate for government purchase. Sidelined by the recession, now local builders and developers may be able to help reconstruct damaged houses and manage them until they are ready for resale. Contact local housing and community development agencies that are making Neighborhood Stabilization proposals to the federal government. If local officials have not yet prepared proposals for HUD, you may be able to talk to them and get the process started. Tamarac in Broward County, the closest area to Palm Beach County receiving initially distributed funds for this plan, will get almost $5MM. For Further information. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 2 weeks ago US mortgage applications soared 32% as record low interest rates spurred home refi loans, accounting for 78.5% of all applications. Zillow.com reports that in 2008 the housing market lost an estimated $3.3 trillion in value. Credit Suisse Group AG estimates that a total of 16% of all US households (8.1MM homes) with mortgages could fall into foreclosure by 2012. The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that at the end of 2008, a little more than 9% of all US home loans were either in arrears or foreclosure. The $75BB incentive plan for lenders applies when they lower interest rates so that a borrowers monthly mortgage payment is no more than 38% of his or her pre-tax income. Then the government program would match the amount reduced by the lender to bring payments down to 31% of their pre-tax income, or to lower the principal owed on the mortgage, according to Market Watch. Part of the initiative provides for servicers to receive $1000 for each loan modification, and government funding for each month the borrower stays current on the loan. Homeowners can also receive $1000 annually for 5 years as long as they stay current on loan payments – this comes from the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) and from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A plan allowing judges to rewrite mortgage terms for homeowners in bankruptcy court is under consideration so that rather than force people into foreclosure they can make at least some of the payments. There is a fear, however, that this “cram down” law, if passed, would stop investors from buying mortgage-backed securities, fearing judges could unilaterally change the terms of the deal the securities were created around, according to MSNBC, thereby destabilizing the marketplace.

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR AWARDED TO THOMAS R. NORRIS (Part 2)

Thomas R. Norris was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His family moved to Wisconsin and later to the Washington, D.C. area, where Norris attended the University of Maryland, intent on pursuing a career in criminology with the FBI. Graduating in 1967, Norris enlisted in the Navy when his student deferment from the draft was not extended. He volunteered for the SEALs -- the Navy's elite special-forces unit -- and after completing the brutally rigorous training program served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. In the spring of 1973, a RB-66 electronic surveillance plane was shot down over North Vietnam. One crewman, Lt. Col. Gene Hambleton, survived the bailout over North Vietnam and narrowly escaped capture. The Air Force launched an unprecedented rescue effort. In five days, over 14 people were killed, eight aircraft were lost, two rescuers were captured and two more were stranded behind enemy lines. On April 10, 1972, Norris led a five-man patrol deep into enemy territory. Separating temporarily from his patrol, he traveled alone through the jungle and located one of the downed pilots just before dawn. He led his crew safely back to their forward operating base. Later that day, a North Vietnamese rocket attack on the small base inflicted devastating casualties and compelled the medical evacuation of the one other American officer, the remaining Vietnamese officers and all but a remnant of the Vietnamese supporting force. After an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the first missing flier, two of Norris's three remaining Vietnamese commandos proved unwilling to accompany Norris on further missions. On the afternoon of the 12th, a forward air controller located the first pilot and notified Lt. Norris. Dressed as fishermen, Lt. Norris and a Vietnamese comrade, Nguyen Van Kiet, paddled a sampan up the river and found the injured pilot at dawn. Concealing him in the bottom of their vessel, Norris and Kiet headed down river to their base, dodging one North Vietnamese patrol and surviving heavy machine gun fire from a bunker along the river. This extraordinary rescue has been recounted in numerous books and a feature film, BAT-21 (starring Gene Hackman), the Air Force code name for the original reconnaissance mission. The following October he received a near-fatal head wound in action and was rescued by his fellow Navy SEAL, Michael Thornton. At first, Norris's doctors gave him little chance of recovery, but with constant encouragement from his family and from Michael Thornton, Norris fought on. In time, Norris and Thornton enjoyed the unique satisfaction of witnessing each other's Medal of Honor ceremonies at the White House. Thomas Norris ultimately realized his youthful ambition of joining the FBI. After many years of distinguished service in FBI hostage rescue operations, he now enjoys a well-earned retirement in Idaho. This story can be seen on the Military and History Channels... Thank you to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (Ret.)

CURRENT HOME SALES AND FORECLOSURE STATISTICS

CONSIDER THAT THE HIGH AMOUNT OF FORECLOSURES
DISTORTS THE PRICING COMPARISONS
AND AS THE FORECLOSURES ARE SOLD
THE PRICING COMPARABLES WILL CHANGE
TO REALISTIC NUMBERS

PROPERTY VALUATIONS IN QUESTION

Appraisers complained at a House financial services subcommittee recently that loan officers, Realtors, builders and others made pervasive attempts to interfere with their work, and that sometimes resulted in distorted home valuations. The President of the National Association of Home Builders said that in 2008 and 2009 appraisers “have often used sales of homes in foreclosure or other distressed property sales as comparables for new homes without making the appropriate value adjustments.” He said that depresses the true value of new homes, produces a further downward spiral in new home sales and unfairly devalues entire neighborhoods. All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans originating after May 1^st may change, but the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has filed a federal lawsuit in US District Court in Washington asking the court to declare the entire process illegal because it bans mortgage brokers from involvement in selecting or hiring appraisers. According to the association (which represents 20,000 brokers nationally) that will directly reduce the ability of mortgage brokers to provide consumers with an efficient and cost-effective means of shopping for a mortgage. Home buyers and refinancers then may need to pay for appraisals from every mortgage company or bank they shop. Currently, a broker can obtain one appraisal at the consumer’s expense and use it to get quotes from multiple wholesale lenders.

CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN-LIKE PET CARE

A tour of the Calusa Veterinary Center at 6900 Congress Avenue in Boca Raton, just south of Costco, will reveal an amazing, 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art full-service veterinary medical facility where pets are treated similarly to humans. When diagnosed and tailored individual treatments are determined, your beloved pet may go to the Aquatic Center and receive hydrotherapy in a heated outdoor exercise pool and/or walk on an underwater treadmill, which provides low-level impact exercise in a reduced gravity environment. Treatments provided in the Rehab Center include deep penetrating low level laser, therapeutic ultrasound, electro-muscle stimulation, land treadmill exercises and stretching, range of motion, gait analysis. Homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractics, nutrition and herbalism are used in the Zen-inspired Holistic Center to get pets on their way to recovery. The Center’s holistic viewpoint includes consideration of their environment, the pet’s relationship with their owner and family, and disease patterns. If your pet is in need of treatment “after hours,” give Calusa Veterinary Center a call, and they will be ready when you walk in the door with your pet. Along with medical services and rehabilitation, the facility offers grooming, dental care, and boarding. Luxury boarding is available in the Barker Raton Pet Resort within the facility, and you can arrange to go online and see your pet in their boarding quarters. One focus of the Center is to promote responsible pet ownership, good nutrition, enhance the human-animal bond, and practice preventative health care. Pets are considered “seniors” at 7 years of age, and the Center has a Senior Wellness Screening package with a comprehensive physical exam. Gift cards are offered, and there is a 5% discount on the total invoice that can be used the next time, or any time you receive other services. Call 561-999-3000 to arrange for a tour. You may want to bring the kids along! Calusa serves the entire Palm Beach County area.

FROM CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER on May 14, 2009: Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate and costs involved in operating a state of the art, high quality, efficient emergency room, we have had to temporarily discontinue having a doctor on premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will continue to provide on-site, 24/7 nursing care for our hospitalized patients and pet resort guests, as well as a doctor on call, and emergency care during office hours. Calusa Veterinary Center will be open for appointments 7 days a week, including Sunday! We will be seeing appointments 8:00am-7:00pm Monday thru Friday and 9:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. We will continue to provide the highest level of care and service, with our critical care, 24 hour nurse supervised care, holistic and homeopathic center, canine rehabilitation, full surgical suite with ventilators and laser, nutritional counseling, full digital x-rays, endoscopy, ultrasound, in house laboratory, full dental suite with radiology and our pet spa and pet resort. We ask for your understanding at this time, and your continued belief in our commitment to the care of your pets. Our ER doors will open once again, in the near future. In the event of an emergency after hours, please contact our office at (561) 999-3000. One of our emergency room nurses will be here to assist you and can guide you to the closest emergency doctor available.

FIX IT ONLINE FOR FREE

Imagine! Something is not working right, and you can first check it out at www.fixya.com. Volunteer techies provide free fix-it advice for common breakdowns of gadgets, electronics, and other products. Chat online or post a message. Before purchasing an item, you may be able to get a “heads-up” from those who already posted on the item.

DENTAL, VISION AND HEARING INSURANCE OVERVIEW

These insurances are becoming an increasingly important part of your insurance portfolio. Some hearing insurances include $500 each towards a pair of hearing aids. There is a strong correlation between oral health and overall health. About 80% of Americans show symptoms of periodontal disease. Proper oral hygiene practices are essential. Poor oral health care can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Healthy gums play an important role in keeping harmful bacteria that is found in the mouth from entering the blood stream. Routine dental exams can keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist can spot symptoms of some illnesses in the mouth during routine dental exams. Illnesses including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer often cause signs and symptoms to appear first in the mouth. Ask Marilyn for plan details for good coverage.

COMMON SENSE HEALTH AND WELLNESS ADVICE

From every corner these days we are hearing about healthy life choices. There are many things you can do to help practice healthy adult living. Here are a few from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). GET THE SCREENING TEST YOU NEED. Mammograms, Pap smears, colorectal screens, and other tests can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which of the following tests you should have and when. These recommendations come from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and NIH. Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. Cholesterol: Women should have their cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 45: men every 5 years beginning at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, begin checking cholesterol at age 20. Colorectal cancer: Test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help decide which test is right for you. Depression: If you have felt "down", sad or hopeless and have taken little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight, ask your doctor about screening for depression. Diabetes: Screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Breast cancer: Have a mammogram every one two years starting at age 40. Osteoporosis (women): Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between 60 and 64 and weigh 154 pounds or less, talk to your doctor about being tested. Cervical Cancer (women): Get a Pap smear every one to three years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21. Prostate Cancer (men): Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. Sexually transmitted diseases: Your doctor can help you decide whether to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, and for women, also chlamydia. General: After age 50, people also should have an annual fasting blood sugar check for diabetes, regular colonoscopies for cancer of the colon, PSA tests for prostate cancer, and mammograms for breast cancer. The body is truly fearfully and wonderfully made. God has made us stewards of our bodies and our health. Remember no one knows your body better than you do. Take the time to take care of yourself. Thank you for this advice to Polly Terry, a Parish Nurse, RN, who writes the column monthly for her Church Bulletin. Polly lives in Freeport, Florida.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ IN CALIFORNIA… WILL FLORIDA BE NEXT?

The Santa Barbara Realtors Association President says, “Home sales are picking up across the South Coast… more favorable interest rates are one reason… prospective buyers are more likely to get off the fence when rates are low.” She also says that once the market has hit bottom, it’s too late for buyers to know that, and, “If you wait for the bottom to hit, you’ve waited to long.” As the drive begins to purchase homes, the competition makes prices rise again. According to a local online newsletter, “The South Coast has a chronic shortage of entry-level homes like townhomes, condominiums and smaller single family homes so federal stimulus spending could have a positive effect locally.” If you read the article farther down you will see that home sales in Florida are trending up. Is it time to get on the bandwagon?

FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS REPORTS FIFTH MONTH OF INCREASED HOME SALES ACTIVITIES IN FLORIDA

With existing home sales up 24% in January, the 5^th month in a row of year-to-year increased sales activity, 2009 FAR President, Cynthia Shelton, says, “Many people are looking at today’s market and seeing opportunities to find the home or business they’ve always wanted. With a range of available housing options, historically low mortgage interest rates and affordable prices, buyers who may have been hesitant before should take a closer look at the current opportunities for homeownership. As real estate professionals who know all aspects of their local market conditions, Florida Realtors are here to help counsel consumers making sound long-term decisions for their homes and their businesses.” Existing condos had a 13% gain in statewide sales. Inventories, nationwide, fell to a 2-year low. NAR Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, says, “It appears some buyers are taking advantage of much lower home prices. The higher monthly sales gain and falling inventory are steps in the right direction, but buyers will continue to have an edge over sellers for the foreseeable future.” Median (midpoint) sales price for existing homes last month was down 33% from a year ago from $206,900 to $139,500, and NAR attributes the significant downward price distortion to discounted sales, including foreclosures.

ART AND CRAFTS FESTIVALS IN BOCA AND DELRAY 2/28 AND 3/1

Mark your calendars and head to Royal Palm Place on February 28^th and March 1^st. Take advantage from 10 am to 5 pm of free admission to view the talents of many of the country’s best artists. Included will be painting, wood-working, sculpting, unique crafts and mixed media in this 2^nd Annual Show. Royal Palm Place is on SE Mizner Boulevard, south of Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. You can rest your feet, “grab a bite” or dine at one of the very nice restaurants right there. Window shopping is permitted, so you will have a festival for your eyes. On the same days, also free admission, visit the 12^th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival, same hours. The streets of downtown Delray become outdoor craft-art showcases. Included will be folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and you can talk with the crafters about their art. This will take place on 4^th and Atlantic Avenues, in the midst of shoppes to browse, wonderful places to dine, galleries to comb. Enjoy both shows!

FORBES: HEALTHGRADES COMPILES LIST OF AMERICA’S SAFEST HOSPITALS

Stating that you’ll get great care at these hospitals – all provide the best protection against complications and mortality, the hospitals recommend by the hospital rating company HealthGrades within Palm Beach County include Boca Raton Community Hospital, Boca Raton; Cleveland Clinic, Weston; Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach; JFK Medical Center, Atlantis; Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter; and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens. These hospitals were designated as Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence. Their complications and mortality rates are considered by HealthGrades to be in the top 5% of the country. For more information, and to purchase reports on individual doctors or estimate costs of a procedure and plan for future healthcare expenditures, go to http://www.healthgrades.com/. If you are looking for a health plan, a medicare supplement or advantage plan, call Independent Insurance Agent Marilyn Farber Jacobs at 561-988-0070. Marilyn is appointed by over 70 Florida carriers of various insurances. If you want an Advantage plan, Marilyn can help you pick which plan is most suitable for you and determine whether the physician you will use as your primary doctor will have you in-network or out-of-network with possible extra co-pays.

NORTON MUSEUM FEATURING “GEORGIA O’KEEFE and ANSEL ADAMS NATURAL AFFINITIES

Sharing a profound love of nature and interest in conservation, painter/sculptor O’Keefe and photographer Adams met in Taos, Mexico in 1929. Both developed a deep interest in the American West and became icons of 20^th century American art. There are 40 O’Keefe paintings and 54 Adams photographs, and a few, side by side, show the same images captured in paint and on film, providing interesting contracts in each artist’s view and presentation, now featured at the West Palm Beach Norton Museum, internationally known for its permanent collection. Above are pictured Adams “Winter Sunrise, the Sierra Nevada from Lone Pine,California, 1944” (gelatin silver print), and O’Keefe’s “Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico / Out Back of Marie’s II, 1930 (oil on canvas).The show continues through May 3^rd. How about accepting the challenge of using either one of their paintings or photos as inspiration, and seeing what you can do with your camera or paint brush? Check out this VIDEO LINK for interesting information on both artists. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for ages 13-21. For more information call 561-832-5196.

WEDNESDAY HOUSE MEETING FLOOR VOTE DETERMINES BIG FLORIDA STIMULUS PLAN GAINS

No, we are NOT dreaming… money could be coming to Florida to help balance its budget, build bridges and highways, expand mass transit, modernize schools and improve other government services. Over $4BB could come to Medicaid, the state federal program providing funds for health care for the pool. There are $120MM in rebuilding projects which are ready to go and will provide immediate jobs. $46MM for water treatment could create 350+ jobs. $21MM for North Flagler Drive improvements could create almost 170 new jobs. Port St. Lucie could restore policing staff to earlier levels, and an energy analysis, resulting in 160 new jobs. Boynton Beach could have a new $31MM police station and 3 00 new jobs, as well as a park that would add 100 more jobs. Unemployment benefits could be extended with health care options for those laid off from jobs. The Senate, though, is working on a separate plan and any differences would have to be worked out before a final version can be sent to President Barack Obama. We will be carefully watching this vote and any changes or revisions.

ALWAYS DREAMED OF WRITING THAT FAMOUS NOVEL?

A non-credit Fiction Workshop will be offered by FAU on the Boca Raton campus from February 10 through April 21, 6-8 pm. Come, bring your writings, get feedback and meet other South Florida writers. Study craft techniques and find publishing opportunities. For fees and more info call 561-297-2974. Limited seating. Registration and payment due by February 2^nd. WE WANT TO READ YOUR NOVEL WHEN IT GETS PUBLISHED!

MOVES IN AND OUT OF FLORIDA BALANCED, SAYS UNITED VAN LINES

According to the Florida Association of Realtors, United Van Lines tracks its moves each year and compares the number of people moving into each state versus the number moving out. In 2008, the company found Florida to be perfectly "balanced," meaning the number of inbound and outbound moves was virtually even. The Mid-Atlantic states saw growth while states to the north saw decreases.

H.R. 7327: Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 - MRDs Suspended for 2009

A recent federal law temporarily suspends minimum required distributions (MRDs) from tax-deferred savings for policyholders over age 70½. This suspension is for 2009 only and does not apply to MRDs for 2008. If a policyholder turns 70½ in 2009, no MRD is required. If a policyholder turned age 70½ in 2008, an MRD for 2008 is still required by April 1, 2009.

Although MRDs are not required for 2009, policyholders who need the monies can still take minimum withdrawals. The suspension allows funds that would have been withdrawn to continue to grow tax-deferred for 2009. Impacted plans include IRAs, 401(k)s, and other defined contribution plans. The law also applies to distributions under the five-year rule, where beneficiaries are required to deplete the annuity value within five years of the owner’s death. The new law provides an additional year to meet the depletion requirement. Systematic withdrawals taken by IRA owners or beneficiaries under MRD rules can be suspended. However, these policyholders must notify Policyholder Services to cancel withdrawals for 2009 and then restart them for 2010. For legal, tax or investment advice, please consult a qualified advisor.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-7327

COME SEE THE 2-MONTH OLD BABY JAGUAR AT THE PALM BEACH ZOO

Born October 28^th weighing 2 lbs., female jaguars can grow to 200 lbs. And 7’ in length. The baby jaguar has been named Maya, and is very important to the overall conservation of jaguars. Maya will be part of the Jaguar Species Survival Program.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY...

If you buy a property today, at the market low, and it does not quite appraise for the neighborhood but is highly updated, and you love it and plan to live in it in season or full time for at least 5 years, National Association of Realtors predictions are that prices will rise 20-30% in about 5 years. Then you will be "ahead of the game," and will have enjoyed luxurious living in the meantime.

FORBES RECOGNIZES PALM BEACH COUNTY IN TOP TEN UP-AND-COMING TECH CITIES

“With Scripps Florida and the Max Planck Society both establishing world-class research facilities here, we are building the foundation for a knowledge-based economy.” Palm Beach County is recognized as a top pick for “Up-and-Coming Tech Cities,” and in scientific growth. Boca Raton is attracting firms, from biopharmaceuticals to stem cell research and storage, due to its solid business environment. Forbes list is called the TOP TEN HOTBEDS OF TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGY. The survey considered specific pockets of science growth areas with “promising frontiers of innovation.” Forbes.com says that Palm Beach County is “becoming a haven for cutting-edge biotech and life science research.” More than 140 companies in the county are focused on discovery and advancement of drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, research and testing. With strong collaborations among universities and pro-active assistance programs throughout the county, and philanthropic dollars, the area is thriving. Additional information can be found at www.bdb.org, the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida, a non-profit corporation founded in 1982 to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development. See Forbes says county number three in US.

2Q US SALES OF FIXED ANNUITIES JUMPS 54.1% OVER 2Q 2007

Beacon Research reports that sales of fixed annuities had their best quarter in several years when they rose to $2.46BB in the 2^nd quarter OF 2008. With weakness in the equity markets, folks are looking for safe investments. Did you know that the Florida State Guaranty Laws and Provisions guarantees your principal against loss for up to $100,000 in an annuity and an aggregate of $300,000 for all insurance lines? For example, if you were investing $300,0000 in annuities, you could use three carriers, investing $100,000 in each, and ladder them (have them fall due in different years). For information on CDs vs. Annuities and rolling over 401ks to defer income tax liability on interest earned (and get interest on the interest you are NOT paying for taxes in the meantime) email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com or call 561-988-0070. Marilyn is a Licensed Advisor for Fixed Annuities, Life and Health Care, Long Term Care and Medicare Supplements in Florida. She is an Independent Insurance Agent and gets quotes from many carriers for her clients to assure the most suitable policy available is quoted to them.

HOMES OVER $100MM HIT BY REAL ESTATE SLOWDOWN

Culling the list of most expensive properties that are for sale from published property listings, high-end brokerages and conversations with real estate agents, here are updates us on the state of the high-end real estate market. Note that in Europe especially many estates and luxury markets are shopped privately for undisclosed prices. Financier Leonard Ross took his Beverly Hills Hearst Mansion listed for $165MM off the market, as did Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia with his $125MM Aspen Ski Lodge. But “our Donald,” Donald Trump, closed on the sale of his $100MM Maison de L’Amitie in Palm Beach, Florida to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, having given away the largest single residence price concession of all time of $25MM. Trump bought the house for $41.4MM four years ago, so still made a nice profit. Two houses remain on the market right now for $125MM each. The “Fleur de Lys,” in Beverly Hills, CA, modeled after Louis XIV’s Versailles palace, with Versailles-style decor, is 45,000 sq ft. Built over 5 years, included are a 50-seat screening room and library filled with 1st Edition books. There is a 9-car garage, 12 bedrooms, and 15 bathrooms. This Holmby Hills estate is sandwiched between Beverly Hills and Bel Air. A Jacobean manor with interior features similar to Dunnellen Hall, the estate has features such as vaulted ceilings, travertine marble floors, bay windows, limestone walls and wood paneling and sprawls over 40 acres of rolling hills edged with tall trees, is 21,897 sq ft and has a 52-foot long indoor swimming pool.

NEW COUNTY TOURISM STRATEGY

With a 3.6% drop in tourism, Palm Beach County has adopted a new strategy to encourage tourism, wanting those all-too-precious dollars, and spending $10MM a year to get them. Three Bureau employees work out of state in New York, Washington and Atlanta seeking conventions, meeting, trade shows and general tourism. The new marketing campaign will stress Palm Beach County as an international destination for more than the elite and wealthy who already come here and will feature “affordable affluence”. The Bureau hopes to entice more South Americans, with direct flights to MIA.

ACCREDITED VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMING NEXT YEAR IN FLORIDA

Believed to be the most wide-ranging virtual mandate in the US, a new Florida state law requires districts to create full-time virtual schools, collaborate with other districts, or contract with providers approved by the state. Your children and grandchildren who live in Florida will be able to go to school entirely online from kindergarten through 12th grade, never setting foot in a classroom, but about 20% of the curriculum may be taught online and parents must commit to walking their children through the rest of the lessons. School superintendents must be ready by August with details from how to provide the needed technology to how to engage kindergartners attention spans as they sit at the computer for many hours in a row. While this program may eliminate the need to build more schools, the districts still must pay teachers, revamp their curriculum appropriately, and purchase new technology. Districts can choose to pay a state-approved private company to do that . Two online schools are already funded, one for students from kindergarten through eighth grade, and the Florida Virtual School offering middle and high school courses. During last year’s school year, 57,000 students took at least one Florida Virtual School course, but very few committed to an all-online experience. The new Web-based education is expected to attract many students. This year the district will start with 12 students, kindergarten through 8th grade, who are registered for online school through a state program. Students and parents will be asked for input. For accountability, virtual students must meet state standards and take the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. There is concern that the virtual experience cannot be provided to students whose families cannot afford home computers and internet access. Opening school computer labs is one alternative being considered. The North American Council for Online Learning will be watching, as will the rest of us, to see how it goes. For more details see http://www.flvs.net/. Online courses are available for adults too. Check it out!