Is a Team Effort…

Real estate transactions can be complicated.  There are a lot of agents out there who would like to try to sell you a home.  Finding the right agent is pivotal in determining the success or failure of selling or buying your home.  Should you work with a real estate team?  What are the advantages of working with a real estate team of specialists? 

Traditional agents must divide their time between all the necessary tasks to maintain a business while they compete with other agents within their own office.   The goal of a successful real estate team of specialists is to work together to track each step of your transaction.  Each team member has a responsibility and a specialty.  “Our team of administrative staff and buyer specialists helps us to provide a level of service our clients deserve.” The collaboration ensures that every detail is covered and every commitment is achieved. 

Meet the Team!

Jackie Ellis

Team Leader

To provide the best service in the industry, Jackie assembled a “team” to make sure every step of the transaction is handled.

Brian Perry

Chief Operation Officer & Lead Seller Specialist

Linda Barnaby

Seller Services Manager 

Elizabeth Love

Closing Manager

Tom Ellis

Courier Extraordinaire

Michael Nathanson, CDPE

Buyer Specialist

Linda Petrosky

Buyer Specialist

Billy Howell

REO Division Leader

Curb appeal-the not easily defined sub of color, architecture, landscaping and decorative features that make homes attractive at first glance, most of the time from a Realtor’s car.

In the home-selling market, curb appeal is better than cash. The first step to selling is getting buyers through the front door. First impressions can linger throughout the entire showing. So how can you measure your home’s curb appeal? Stand in the street in front of your home and look at your property with a critical eye. Take photos for an even better view. What repairs can be made? Is the landscaping in good shape?

Curb appeal can often mean the difference between a house sitting for months or selling in a few weeks.

With more homes competing for buyer’s attention, curb appeal will now take an even bigger role.

Here are a few tips to improve your curb appeal:

1. Look at the big picture. Some things should go without saying. Keep the lawn mowed and bushes trimmed. Get rid of any dead branches and fix anything that’s hanging or broken. Pick up toys and bicycles.

2. Shine your brass hardware and door knob. If your hardware is pitted, replace it.

3. Replace or re-paint old or rusty mailboxes in a style that suits the house.

4. Wash the windows. When your windows sparkle the home looks cared for.

5. Give your entryway a fresh layer of mulch. Do the same around existing trees and along any walkways.

6. Use flowers. Plant seasonal flowers in the ground and consider traditional planters and decorative pots on either side of your door or walkway. Let the planters overflow with flowers.

7. Repair or replace any faded house numbers.

8. If the exterior needs a fresh look, consider having it pressure washed. Clean your walkways and driveway, too.

9. Consider a fresh coat of paint on your front door. This is a quick fix for a fresh look without painting the entire exterior.

10. Make sure your doorbell is in working condition. This simple task will help set the tone that the house is well maintained.

11. Pick up and store any toys or bicycles. Keep your walkways clean of debris.

12. Stand at your front door and look up at the entryway and lighting fixture. Make sure all is clean of cobwebs and dirt.

13. Make sure all exterior lighting is in working order. Replace aging fixtures. New fixtures can have a dramatic affect on the overall appearance.

14. How does your garage door look? Consider a fresh coat of paint. A simple scrubbing may do the trick, too.

The steps that you take to ensure that your home looks attractive and inviting are definitely worth the effort. Paying attention to your home’s curb appeal makes sense!

If you’re selling your home, your best chance at cooking up a sale is in the kitchen.  For many of today’s home buyers, the kitchen is the most important room in the house.  This is an area where families spend the majority of their time.  Kids park in the kitchen for homework, the mail is sorted daily and even guests at a dinner party tend to gravitate towards the center of the home…the kitchen.  The condition of a home’s kitchen is a major consideration when making a purchasing decision.

A total extreme makeover is not needed if you’re thinking of selling, but you’ll want to help your kitchen to look its best.  Here are a few tips:

Paint:  A fresh coat of paint can make the world of difference. Paint is an inexpensive way to brighten and revive any room in the home.  Stick with neutral colors.

Countertops:  If your countertops is old, cracked and in need of repair, think about new tile.  This too can be inexpensive.  Again keep it neutral.  You never know what taste your potential buyers may have.  Keep your countertops clutter free.  Place small appliances and cookbooks away.  This is the time to rid yourself of old magazines and half opened mail.  Keep the postcards from me.

Knob check:  Replacing your cabinetry knobs and handles can lend an entire new look to your kitchen.  Home improvement stores have a grand selection.  This will turn out to be the fun part of your mini-makeover.

Faucets:  Get rid of your old dingy faucet.  Replace it with an updated stylish model.  The selection available is endless.

Let the light shine in:  Sunny kitchens are in.  Open the blinds, clean the windows, and tidy up any view that your kitchen is enjoying.  If your view is a patio, tidy up the outdoor area and add potted plants and flowers that can be seen from your kitchen.  Replace old light bulbs and double check that all lights are on during your showings.

Above the cabinets:  Add artificial greenery above your kitchen cabinets.  These faux plants can be found in our local discount stores for just a few dollars.  Dress it up with a ceramic piece or a vase not being used.

Appliances:  The cleaner the better.  Buyers will sneak a peek in your oven.  Hire a professional service to give your appliances a thorough cleaning.

Aroma:  When it’s time to sell your home, it’s time to grill your fish outdoors.  Lingering smells can be offensive to would be home buyers.  Go ahead…bake cookies. 

Now step back and admire your work.  Is your kitchen inviting?  Is it bright and cheery?  Is everything in its place?  You’re now ready for showings.   

For a quick reference guide to prepare your home for sale…give Jackie a call at 965-1225.

Charming 1 story 3B/2B, 3^rd bedroom has double door entry, 2 car garage and free form pool with fabulous lake views in desirable Smith Farm Community.  Neutral upgraded diagonal ceramic tile throughout living areas and Berber carpets in bedrooms.    Enter this lovely home through a foyer that opens up to a sensationally spacious living/dining area with plenty of room to entertain.  Walk through French doors to a bright 3^rd bedroom, den or library.  The eat in kitchen has upgraded 42” wood cabinets, tile counters, snack bar, work state for your computer to pull up recipes or do your bills and breakfast nook.  The family room is adjacent to the kitchen and has a large slider that goes out to the pool area.  The pool with fence was recently cleaned and refinished with Diamond Brite/Sky Blue and is ready for you to move in and take a dip.  Entertaining outside on the gorgeous brick pavers around the private fenced pool overlooking a wide view of the absolutely magnificent lake is breathtaking.  The 13’x19’ master bedroom has vaulted ceiling, Berber wall to wall carpet, built in closets, large lake view window with a wonderful master bath that includes a roman tub, dual sinks, separate shower, glass block and water closet.  Extra storage in the attic with pull down stairs. Laundry room has washer/dryer and sink.  The house has an alarm security system, panel shutters and owner is giving a 1-year home warranty to buyer.   Smith Farm is located on 80 acres of lakes and cypress preserves and offers residents an 8-acre park with a large assortment of amenities to enjoy year round and A-rated schools.  Don’t miss out on calling this home yours.   

Luxurious 3 bedroom, 2 bath with 2 car garage home located in the active 55+ Ponte Vecchio community. This lovely home has open and airy living areas, neutral colors, crown molding and 18" ceramic tile throughout, carpet in bedrooms. Double etched doors lead you into a fabulous foyer then into the living room with crown molding and slider with a view of the lake. This home has a formal dining and 22' x 16' family room that opens to a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite, snack bar and 42" wood cabinets. The 18' x 14' master bedroom has tray ceiling, carpet and a slider to a patio. A separate sitting area off the master leads you into the oversized master bathroom with dual sinks, soaking tub, glass block window, water closet and lots of drawer and closet space. Two other bedrooms share a lovely bathroom with seamless shower. Enjoy sitting out on your nicely paved patio which is partially covered and screened overlooking the lake. Ponte Vecchio amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pool, tennis and social clubs.

FABULOUS OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH CHERRY WOOD FLOORS, LOTS OF WINDOWS, VAULTED CEILINGS, DISPLAY SHELVES AND A VERY PRIVATE COURTYARD RIGHT OFF THE LIVING ROOM. A HALF WALL SECTIONED OFF AREA IN THE LIVING/DINING ROOM WOULD BE AN AWESOME EXERCISE AREA, STUDY OR OFFICE SPACE ALL THE WHILE LOOKING OUT THE DOUBLE SLIDERS AT YOUR PRIVATE ROCK GARDEN.   IF YOU HAVE A GREEN THUMB YOU WILL LOVE THE GARDEN WINDOW IN THE KITCHEN WITH LOTS OF COUNTER SPACE FOR PREP WORK AND A SNACK BAR.  SLIDERS FROM THE BREAKFAST AREA LEAD OUT TO A SCREENED COVERED 200' PATIO WITH CERAMIC TILE AND A PRIVATE VIEW OF THE BACKYARD.   THE MASTER BEDROOM IS SPACIOUS WITH A CEILING FAN, CARPET AND THE WALK IN CLOSET HAS BUILT IN SHELVES.  IN THE MASTER BATHROOM ARE DUAL SINKS, ROMAN SOAKING TUB, CERAMIC TILE, SEPARATE SHOWER AND A LARGE WINDOW.   EXTRA CABINET STORAGE ABOVE THE WASHER/DRYER ADD VALUE TO THIS SPACIOUS HOME.  LOW HOA FEES INCLUDES LAWN, BASIC CABLE, AND TRASH REMOVAL.  STARLIGHT COVE AT PIPERS GLEN OFFERS A COMMUNITY POOL.            

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First in the Race for Space!  Enter through the double doors and be pleasantly surprised at the oversized living/dining room with 3 large windows and an arched doorway that moves you along into the bright kitchen.  Shake ‘n Bake in Style in your labor saving layout 15'x13' kitchen with lots of Corian counter space, 2 year old appliances, ceramic tile, snack bar, large pantry and a striking view of the lake .  All windows downstairs have Hunter Douglas roll down sun shades.   The 25’x17’ family room has a double size window and French doors leading out onto a remarkable 30'x40' wood deck the length of the back of the house.  The expansive backyard leads to a magnificent lake view.

Upstairs there are 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  The 19’x17’ master bedroom has tray ceiling with fan, 2 walk in closets and 3 windows.   The giant master bath has arched window over the roman tub, separate shower, dual sinks, water closet, linen closets and ceramic tile.  The hall bathroom is expansive with dual sinks, shower/tub and ceramic tiles.  Downstairs is a full bath with shower.  Laundry room includes washer dryer and sink.   There is a 3 car garage, wireless security system, accordion hurricane shutters downstairs and roll up hurricane shutters upstairs.  Owner is offering home warranty. Roof replaced 5 years ago.  Low HOA fees.  Top rated schools. Community pool, tennis, basketball, and many other community amenities available.    

Settle into this fabulous 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home located on a magnificent lakefront lot in Cinnabar at Rainbow Lakes.  The views are awesome.  This home is waiting for you and has a great open floor plan for entertaining.  Kitchen is bright and airy with a window with a view, high ceiling and with lots of counter space.  Sliders in the family room open to an extended screen patio, back yard with picket white fence overlooking a terrific lake view.  The 15 x 13 master bedroom is on the main level, has lots of windows and a slider to the patio.  The master bath has marble counters, roman tub, dual sinks, and separate shower.  Upstairs two bedrooms were converted into one large bedroom and can be easily converted to two separate bedrooms.  Custom closets and laminate floors make the rooms lovely.   This home has a 2-car garage and separate laundry room.  A 1-year home warranty is included in this purchase.  

All roads lead to this lovely 2 bedroom 2 bath corner unit condo located in Deerfield Beach in the community of Independence Bay. Granite kitchen counters tops, upgraded master bath, and wood laminate floors are just a couple of the great features.This terrific condo is located in a guard gated community with a fabulous community pool, spa, tennis, clubhouse and more. Conveniently close to major highways, restaurants, shopping, medical facilities and beaches.

Stunning 4BR/3Bath/2Car garage home in desirable Black Diamond Community of Wellington located on preserve/water lot. Features gas heated freeform pool w/raised spa and waterfall, covered balcony off master suite. His and her baths with dual entrance shower.1st floor beautifully tiled. Spacious kitchen with breakfast bar and casual dining area. Gas appliances. Paver walkways and driveway. Guard gated community.

Charming 1 BED/1.5 BATH condo on 1st floor in the active 55+ community of Village Green. Reserved parking is right outside your door.  The open living / dining room is spacious.  A pass through from the living room into the table for two kitchen brings lots of light into the kitchen.  A half bath is convenient for guests and the master bathroom is right next to the large master bedroom.  Enjoy relaxing in your comfortable enclosed patio with a large window and door to view the backyard.  Neutral carpets in the living room and bedroom. Hurricane shutters on windows and clear panels on rear patio door.  The community pool is next to the Community Center that has a kitchen facility, exercise room, TV/Book room and many other amenities that you will enjoy.  The community has security on guard at the gatehouse between the hours of 10:00 pm through 6:00 am.        

Show your style in this tri-level vaulted ceiling open floor plan 3BR/3BA home with a screened patio overlooking a beautiful forest preserve. New carpets installed and ceramic tile throughout the home is shiny clean. A/C is 6 months old.As you enter the foyer you will walk into a bright 15x16 living room with arch windows and new carpet. A few steps up is the 12x11 dining room with updated fixture and new carpet. A few steps beyond is the hugh kitchen with sliders looking out to the forest preserve. Clean steel side-by-side refrig and dishwasher. Each of these rooms have high vaulted ceilings. From the kitchen you look down into the enormous 23x20 family room with sliders to the 34x12 screened patio and nature preserve. Downstairs has your laundry room with energey efficient whirlpool w/d and full bathroom. Display your art at the top of the stairs in the arched alcove. Two roomy bedrooms with new carpets share a full bathroom. Breeze right into the master suite with two large windows, new carpet and an enormous walk in closet. The master bathroom has dual sinks, roman tub, separate shower and water closet. Remember that summer is a time to slow the pace and enjoy nature's own fireglow, fireflies and summers nights out on your 34x12 two story screened patio. Owner is providing a one year home warranty protection to buyer. This home has 2 car garage. The HOA is $192/month. A-rated schools. Conveniently located to shopping, resturants, entertainment and major highways.

1. Great Prices; our prices are down on average 20% from where they were just last year.  The median home in Florida was $216,000.00 in the fourth quarter of 2008 and was $161,200.00 in December of 2009.
2. Timing; statewide sales of existing single-family homes were up 13% statewide and as much as 25% right here in Palm Beach County.
3. High inventory; the number of homes still on the market is still historically high in all price ranges.  This is still putting buyers in the driver’s seat.
4. Mortgagee rates are at their lowest levels since the 1960’s.  Lower rates multiply buyer’s financial power.  On a $200,000.00 home, ½ of 1 percent can save a homeowner about $815/year.  Buyers can get much more home for the money.
5. Buying incentives; first-time buyers can get a credit up to $8,000 and other buyers are eligible for a credit of $6,500, as long as they’ve lived in their home for at least five years.  Congress also expanded it to include some buyers who already own homes.  Not many people know that to qualify as a first-time homebuyer, the purchaser cannot have owned a home within the previous three-year period.  However, ownership of a vacation home or rental home does not disqualify the buyer.
6. Long-tern growth; economists forecast that Florida will be the third most populated state by this year.
7. Migration and retirement destination, even with the economic slowdown that we have experienced nationally Florida’s population is expected to return to more normal growth levels of about 317,000 a year between 2010 and 2020.  That’s a lot of new buyers coming into the market.
8. Let’s not forget the tings that have brought so many people to Florida and Boynton Beach in the first place, and will continue to fuel our growth – beautiful beaches, and fabulous weather.  It’s no wonder that Florida’s combination of temperate climate, outstanding recreational amenities and economic opportunity has consistently made Florida one of the most desirable places to live.

 Jackie Ellis has been a licensed Florida Realtor since 1989, active in the Boynton Beach and Lake Worth real estate market.  Jackie operates her sales tem of 10 people (including 3 full time buyer’s specialists) and is consistently ranked #1 in her market place and all of Palm Beach County.

 “Being a Realtor means more than selling homes.  It’s about people, families, and their hopes and dreams.  It’s about a relationship based on trust, knowledge and expertise.  My clients can be assured that I’ll always go that extra mile to make their experience the best they’ve ever had when buying or selling a home.” – Jackie Ellis

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability. Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows. Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life. It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone." To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market.