Every home seems to have a never-ending remodeling list. As you consider tackling your next project, it usually pays off if you also think about helping the environment.   Green remodeling can last longer, utilize recycled materials and typically end up saving you money in the long run. Below are several environment-friendly ideas that will have your neighbors green with envy.   1. Rain Gardens   Rain gardens are shallow depressions in your yard planted with native shrubs and flowers. When there is a large rainfall, all the water rushes along roadways picking up dirt and pollutants along their way to drainage systems and eventually rivers and streams. Rain gardens catch water run-off, which reduces the street flooding and makes for cleaner water sources.   2. Reclaimed Hardwoods   Usi... 09/10/2013

  What happens if you find the dream property that you want to buy before you have made the sale on your old property? Ideally you would have sold your current home before you buy your new property.   However, sometimes the transition doesn’t work out that way. You don’t want to give up the purchase if you have found a bargain on your dream home, so is it possible to buy the property before you have closed on your current residence?   The answer is yes, it is possible. You will need to use a financing option that will allow you to secure your next home before you have sold your existing property.   Getting A Bridge Loan   One option is a bridge loan. This is designed to wrap your payments for your current home and your future home into one loan, which can last usually between six and tw... 09/03/2013

  The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported Thursday that its Housing Market Index rose three points to a reading of 59 for August.   Confidence among builders is likely growing in connection with stronger housing markets and high demand for homes. These conditions are being driven by short supplies of homes for sale in many markets.   Builder confidence in current market conditions rose by three points to a reading of 62, while builder confidence in market conditions within the next six months rose by one point to a reading of 68. Confidence in buyer foot traffic was unchanged from July’s reading of 45.   Readings above 50 indicate that more builders surveyed view housing market conditions as positive rather than negative; there was some concern that the high builders’ ... 08/19/2013

    If you’re looking to purchase real estate, keep in mind that the homes you are considering might be in need of repairs or improvements.   In a recent study done by a major home inspection company, at least 40 percent of previously owned homes on the market have at least one serious issue or defect.   When buying real estate, you should have a professional inspection performed on the property to look for any issues that might not be visible to the untrained eye.   It’s better to identify this damage before you buy so that you are not stuck with budget-busting renovations.   Below are a few major red flags you should look for when buying a home.   Foundation Damage   Look at the slope of the yard. If the land slopes towards the house, this could be causing water to run down into the f... 08/13/2013

  Summer always brings with it a hard choice: Do you turn down the thermostat to stay cool and resign yourself to high power bills? Or, do you sweat it out to save some dough?   If you’ve been struggling with this dilemma, don’t fret.   With a programmable thermostat, you can beat the heat and save money, too. They are easy to install and can save you over $100 a year.   The key is that they have different temperature settings for certain times of the day. The latest models can be self-installed, are easy to program and can be controlled over the Internet.   Save Energy   This is obviously the biggest perk. Not only are you helping the environment, you’re also helping your monthly budget.   You can preset the thermostat to adjust the temperature when you’re away from the house, so you’r... 08/11/2013

$400,000 , 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 0 half baths, 1,997 square feet     Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | (954) 415-5595 10925 NW 64th Dr, Parkland, FL 3 BR / 2 BA Key West Model in Parkland Isles - Mystic Key. Water view on cul-de-sac lot! 3BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $400,000 Year Built 1999 Sq Footage 1,997 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 8,985 sqft HOA/Maint $231 per month   Parkland see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Attic - Dining room - Family room - Laundry room - Master bath - Pantry - Walk-in closet - Dishwasher - Dryer - Freezer - Garbage disposal - Microwave - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Washer - Lawn - Porch - Sprinkler system - Yard - Air conditioning - Ceiling fans - Central A/C -... 07/26/2013

$385,000 , 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 0 half baths, 1,825 square feet     Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | (954) 415-5595 7184 NW 116th Way, Parkland, FL 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Bay Cove Heron Bay on large pie shaped lot! 3BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $385,000 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage 1,825 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking Unspecified Lot Size 11,422 sqft HOA/Maint $117 per month DESCRIPTION 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Bay Cove Heron Bay on large pie shaped lot! Features in this home include: Upgraded kitchen with wood cabinets, granite counters and new appliances. Master bathroom upgraded with floor to ceiling tile. Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, and dual sinks. Gated community with clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, te... 07/23/2013

Homes at Heron Bay offer an outstanding quality of life for it’s residents. Between all the amenities and options for housing, finding your dream home in this community is easy.    Within Heron Bay, a safe and  gated community, you will feel like you live at a resort. Hike and bike trails stretch through the stunning landscape that features the beauty of southern Florida. There are two community clubhouses boasting huge facilities for residents, including basketball courts, gyms with fitness classes, spas, children’s’ areas, resort style pools, and a waterpark. And that is just the beginning! The community also contains 12 tennis courts, playgrounds for kids, and of course, a state of the art golf course. The famous golf course architect Mark McCumber designed this 18-hole course, makin... 07/12/2013

  Does the time of year when you put your home on the market affect how well it will sell?  What about the final sales price?   According to many studies in housing trends, the answer is yes. The time of year when you sell your home can have an effect on how many people are interested and how much the home will sell for.   Of course, if you need to move and sell your home at any point of the year, you will still be able to find buyers and negotiate a price that works for you. In some areas of the country, the currently swift moving housing market can help overcome poor timing.   However, if you have the ability to plan for a more advantageous time, it makes sense to make the most of your flexibility.   The Best Times Of The Year To Sell A Home   One of the best times of the year to sell... 07/10/2013

  You’ve got a new job offer across the country and you are planning to pack your things, buy a home and make the big move.   However, when you tell your 17 year old daughter your plans, she lets out a mournful wail and cries that it is not fair. How can you possibly take her away from all of her friends, her favorite hangout spots and the cute boy she just started seeing?   Moving is a difficult transition and it is often even more traumatic for teenagers. The teenage years are an important stage where young adults establish their individuality and independence and during this time their social circle is extremely important to them.   Being removed from that against their will can make any teen feel sad, confused, angry and resentful. Also, fitting into a new social scene in a differen... 07/09/2013

  Parkland Homes For Sale In Heron Heights Elementary School District 11010 Nob Hill Rd. Parkland  754 322-9150  Kenneth J. King, Principal  Jennifer Glancy, Assistant Principal One of Parklands newest schools with an excellent staff and programs. Parkland believes in investing in it’s children. Public Schools represent a unique and diverse population with students and faculty of many backgrounds. Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest public school system in the United States, the second largest in the state of Florida and the largest fully accredited K-12 and adult school district in the nation.   Parkland Homes For Sale In The Heron Heights Elementary School District   Terri Poehler -Parkland, FL Real Estate Expert – Making it Happen for Home Buyers & Sellers Inte... 07/01/2013

  With spring just around the corner, now is a good time to begin decorating your home for the upcoming season.   Whether you enjoy chic decorations that are budget-friendly or easy changes to create a fresh look, below are five quick ideas to brighten up your home for the season.   Add a Pop of Color   Spring is a good time to add color to your décor. Switch your tablecloth in the dining room for one with lighter colors.   Cover decorative pillows with pastel pillowcases to lighten a room.   Adding decorative centerpieces to tables that contain a pop of spring colors is also a simple way to get your home ready for spring.   Find A Spring Wreath   Wreaths are usually hung during the Christmas holiday, but other seasonal wreaths are becoming a popular trend.   You can purchase a floral w... 05/30/2013

Memorial Day weekend is widely regarded as the beginning of summer and many people kick off their summer plans this weekend.   We take this time to remember the brave men and women who have given their lives to protect and defend our liberty and freedom. But even while giving thanks for their sacrifice, we also celebrate the beginning of our summer with fun and (hopefully) sun!   As many people are more budget-conscious these days, holiday travel out of town may not be the best option for everyone. There are so many ways to enjoy the first long weekend of the summer, and since it is one of the busiest travel times of the year, maybe you should just plan to stay at home this Memorial Day.   Not only do you get to skip packing suitcases and spending hours in the car, you’ll also save some... 05/23/2013

Homes For Sale in Westglades Middle School District 11000 Holmberg Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33076 Phone: (754) 322-4800 Web: www.westgladesmiddle.com District: Broward County Public Schools Westglades Middle School is a public school for grades 6 through 8 with over 1800 students. The student teacher ratio is 21.3. The school has always made A grade every year since it opened in 2004. Parkland Florida has some of the best schools in Broward County Florida. If you are raising a family and want your children to receive a good education, Parkland Florida is the right place to buy a home. Does it really matter what high school you go to? As long as you hold up your GPA, you can apply at any ivy league college, right? Well, the fact of the matter is, schools get grades too. And parents flock f... 05/18/2013

  Going green is not just a new trend; it is a way of life that benefits not only the environment, but also your health — and your pocketbook.   Green living cuts down on carbon emissions and creates a healthier environment both inside and outside of a home. While green structures sometimes cost more initially, the money (and environment) saved in the long run is well worth the investment.   Health Benefits   Owning a green Parkland home has significant health benefits. Many conventional buildings are not properly ventilated and indoor air quality is often more polluted than the air outside.   Poor air quality is bad for your health and can aggravate asthma and allergies. Certified green properties tend to have excellent airflow and ventilation. They also use toxin-free materials in bui... 05/17/2013

Standing watch over verdant, plush lawns and shaded by the fronds of palm trees, luxury real estate in Parkland, Florida balances sophistication with the warmth and comfort of Small Town, U.S.A.    Imagine coming home to your dream house, whether it be reserved, stately white-columned affair, or rustic Spanish villa with elegantly scalloped shingles, and stepping through your back door to a breathtaking view of the vibrant sunset or, perhaps, a sparkling pool framed by lush greenery. Birds sing their last songs as the sun dips below the horizon, taking with it brilliant golds and scarlet reds, but otherwise, it is quiet.    Minutes away, the Parkland Country Club beckons with its offers of golf, tennis,dining, and even children's activities. Equipped with its own spa and fitness center,... 05/15/2013

  Everyone knows that first impressions are important. By carefully staging your home, you can positively influence the feelings your potential buyers have when they are viewing your property.   Staging is the art of decorating and arranging the spaces within your house to make it more appealing to buyers. If you can adapt the rooms to create an attractive and welcoming zone that home buyers can see themselves in, they will be more likely to buy your property.   One of the most important rooms to stage is the family room, because it is such a central part of the house. This is where a lot of the social activity occurs, so it should appear comfortable and welcoming.   Here are some tips to keep in mind when staging your family room before the next showing of your home:   Clear out the cl... 05/14/2013

    When deciding to sell a piece of Parkland real estate, there are certain things you must disclose about the property to the buyer before the sale can go through.   Disclosure laws are put in place to protect the buyer from unknowingly purchasing defective property. Not disclosing certain information about the property can jeopardize the sale, or worse, invite a lawsuit.   This has become more of an issue lately as some sellers are tempted to gloss over deficiencies in the home they are selling in order to try to get a higher sales price.  In fact, a recent poll of real estate agents showed that 75% of agents ranked non-disclosure among the “top three current and future issues.”   What You May Need To Disclose   The main items that need to be disclosed are any defects with the home. ... 05/14/2013

Mortgage rates rose last week with average rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rising from last week’s 3.35 percent to 3.42 percent with buyers paying all closing costs and 0.7 percent in discount points. Average rates for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose from 2.56 percent to 2.61 percent with buyers paying their closing costs and 0.7 percent in discount points. Freddie Mac also reports that average rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose from 2.56 percent last week to 2.58 percent with buyers paying their closing costs and 0.5 percent in discount points. Here are noteworthy points from last week’s economic news: Monday: In spite of improving economic conditions, a majority of participants in the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices indicated that th... 05/12/2013

  RealtyTrac recently reported that national foreclosure filings are down while foreclosure filings are seeing marked increases in some states.   There are two systems for foreclosing residential real estate in the United States; judicial and non-judicial foreclosure. The states individually decide which foreclosure process will be followed in their state.   Click Here To Download An Overview Of The Foreclosure Process   Judicial foreclosure requires action by the courts because the mortgage is not written including a “power of sale clause”. Judicial foreclosure proceedings generally take longer than non-judicial processes due to this court involvement.   A log-jam of delayed judicial foreclosures are beginning to move through backlogged courts with the result of higher numbers of forec... 05/10/2013