West Palm Beach, FL has fleas?

The West Palm Beach Antique and Flea Market opened on October 15^th for the 2011-2012 season in a new location on

Clematis St

. 

Held on the second, third and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9-3 through April 14, The market offers 80 booths of 

http://www.isellflahomes.com/West+Palm+Beach%2c+FL+has+flea

Palm Beach Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Worth Avenue annual Christmas Tree Lighting.  Hosted by the Town of Palm Beach and the Worth Avenue Association, the event draws thousands to the Avenue to celebrate the magical lighting of the beautiful Christmas Tree and festivities at the intersection of

Hibiscus Avenue

and

Worth Avenue

.

Welcome the arrival of Santa Claus in his very special Palm Beach Sleigh.  Bring the family and your friends to enjoy these fun venues, music and choral groups.  

http://www.blueandgreenrealty.com/Palm+Beach+Annual+Christmas+Tree+Lighting

Snowbird migration starts early this year

It’s that time of year again.  As a Canadian myself who lived in Ontario for over 30 years I have taken that migration with my family many a time.  The excitement of driving or if you were lucky enough fly and instant sunshine and warmth on your face, smell of salt ocean air, sand between your toes.  Ahhhhhhhh
http://www.isellflahomes.com/Snowbird+migration+starts+early+this+year.

Fall maintenance checklist

Every Quarter I will come up with my Home maintenance checklist that you can do yourself.  The times will be Spring, Summer and Fall.  If you take care of our house it will take care of you. 
http://www.isellflahomes.com/Your+Fall+Home+Maintance+checklist

Buy a house, get a visa, stay in U.S permanently

Buy a house, get a visa, stay in U.S permanently.
Two Senators are preparing to introduce a bipartisan bill Thursday that would give residence visas to foreigners who spend at least $500,000 to buy houses in the U.S.
Foreigners have accounted for a growing share of home purchases in South Florida.  Many foreign buyers including Canadian buyers.  Being Canadian myself I know that for Canadian buyers taking advantage not only the declined prices in Florida but also the favorable foreign exchange rates are a real bonus.  If you live in Ontario the easy drive to Florida makes having a vehicle on lengthy visits a plus. 
Since demand is already evident, the proposed bill would offer visas to any foreigner making a cash investment of at least $500,000 on residential real-estate—a single-family house, condo or townhouse. Applicants can spend the entire amount on one house or spend as little as $250,000 on a residence and invest the rest in other residential real estate as investment which can be rented out. 
The hope with this bill is that it would help soak up the excess supply of inventory and get the economy back in a up moving position
This is a way to create more demand without costing the federal government a nickel," Sen. Schumer said in an interview.
International buyers accounted for around $82 billion in U.S. residential real-estate sales for the year ending in March, up from $66 billion during the previous year period, according to data from the National Association of Realtors

In Florida's real estate market International buyers accounted for 22 percent of all foreign clients nationally choosing property in the Sunshine State.  This shows Florida’s top ranking in attracting foreign interest.  California came in a far second with only 12 percent of the international market. 

Breaking it down to Canadian buyers in Florida accounted for 39% of all international buyers of property in Florida during 2010…  That’s $4.9billion worth of property purchased by Canadians.

Canadians account for 78% of leisure travel in Florida.  Provinces that buy the most Florida Real Estate in Florida are

1.      Toronto

2.      Montreal

3.      Quebec

4.      Vancouver

5.      Calgary

6.      Ottawa

7.      Bagotville

8.      Halifax

Foreigners immigrating to the U.S. with the new visa would not be able to work but they would be allowed to bring a spouse and any children under 18.  The visa however does not allow the same visa holder to stay once they sell their properties.  I personally think this will be great news for those Canadians who want to retire in Florida and stay permanently but no longer need to work.  The cost of living is much less then back home in Ontario.   

to get more information on buying Real Estate in Florida go to http://www.isellflahomes.com/

Why I love living in Florida

I have lived in Florida now for a little over 10 years.  A transplant from Toronto, Canada. 

My recent visit from my brother and his family who still live in Caledon, Ontario made me fall in love with Florida all over again.  As someone who works in Florida you take for granted all the great things this State has to offer.  My brother his wife and kids reminded me again of all Florida has to offer.

The one thing I can say about Florida is when you live here you don’t need to vacation via air travel.  Simply get in your car and drive a few hours and your somewhere else. 

Our trip included, fishing where I caught 3 baby sharks, my brother zero catch of the day. 

Florida has endless salt and freshwater attractions.  Yes I said freshwater.  The obvious ocean offers fantastic kayaking and boating site seeing adventures as well as great fishing.  The freshwater in Florida has great fishing and site seeing too.  You feel one with nature with all the great wildlife found in our freshwater canals.  I recently purchased a boat and have enjoyed the fishing trips as well as anchoring to an island and basking in the sun or snorkeling in the water.  Or I love to take a nice site seeing tour of the many beautiful homes on the intracoastal, afterwards enjoying some lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants. 

I took my brother and the kids to the freshwater springs in Weeki Wachee which I have visited in the past many times.  The kids were so excited about how clear and cold the water was and all the fish they could see.  Good old fashion fun followed as the boys swung off a rope into the spring fed river.

 

Needless to say they fell asleep in the car ride home.  My oldest nephew actually touched a manatee and was beside himself.  His plush manatee toy which I purchased for him was sleeping with him every night after that adventure.

 

Then we went to the west coast of Florida where the kids and I went shelling and then saw from my boat at least 6 groups of dolphin families making there way in from the ocean.  The boys were delighted to say the least and this is where I realized I live in such a great state and need to stop to enjoy it more. 

 

This is the life and Florida has so much to offer any transplant, retiree or investor.