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Serving South Florida

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For over 40 years

Uncategorized

Harborside at Hillsboro Beach

Harborside at Hillsboro Beach was constructed on the Intracoastal in 1982.  This boutique condominium has only 18 units around 2,800 livable square feet.

Harborside at Hillsboro Beach’s  amenities include a waterfront pool and sundeck and deeded beach access.

The  Town of Hillsboro Beach is located just north of Pompano Beach on a small peninsula in Broward County, Florida.  A truly unique and affluent small community along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, homes in Hillsboro Beach are coveted by both home grown and international buyers. Hillsboro Beach is only 3.2 miles long and 900 feet wide at its greatest width. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterways to the west, the Town of Hillsboro Beach only has one road, State Highway A1A. One of the most prominent landmarks in Hillsboro Beach is the lighthouse which marks the northern end of the Florida Reef and features a 5,500,000 candlepower light which is the most powerful light along the eastern coast of the United States.
View Condos for Sale at Harborside at Hillsboro Beach below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.


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What Perspective Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Associations

Homeowners Associations

Homeowners Associations

Approximately 50% of Floridians live in communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs), sometimes referred to a property owners associations (POAs).  These associations, which govern various aspects of community living, such as property maintenance and shared amenities, can provide numerous benefits but may impose certain restrictions on homeowners.

To make informed decisions while purchasing a home governed by a homeowners association (HOA), prospective buyers must be aware of the rules set forth by the HOA and how those rules interact with local ordinances and state laws.

One advantage of purchasing a property under an HOA is the access to various amenities. Many communities boast shared facilities such as swimming pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, tennis and pickleball, or spas, which may be included in the dues residents pay. Additionally, HOAs often are responsible for maintaining common areas to include, but not limited to, security gates, roads, lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, and exterior building maintenance, ultimately enhancing the overall neighborhood utility and aesthetics. A HOA may also have dispute resolution procedure in place to assist with conflicts between neighbors, management and more.

Living within an HOA-governed community might have certain restrictions related to architectural modifications or pet ownership. Additionally, fees required for upkeep and management could impact affordability depending on individual financial circumstances. Therefore, buyers should consider their desires for autonomy versus communal support while evaluating properties in association-controlled neighborhoods.

After considering the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a home within an HOA community.  Should you decide that an HOA community is appealing to you, it is essential to go deeper into the specifics of the prospective association.  Thorough examination of the governing documents like covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, rules and regulations, financial statements, reserve studies, insurance policies, and any other pertinent documentation will further evaluate if the specific community is where you want to make an investment in a home.

These documents will provide important information on architectural control guidelines, assessment obligations (including special assessments), dispute resolution procedures, rental restrictions, pet policies, parking rules, and maintenance requirements and more.

Here are some of the documents you need to request and review when reviewing an HOA in advance of purchase commitment.

Financials

Annual due and fees, special assessments, fines and fees and other budgeted expenses and necessary information a buyer needs when evaluation their total financial obligation when purchasing a home.  At a minimum a budget, balance sheet and audited financials should be reviewed in advance of finalizing a purchase decision.

Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)

This is a legally binding document that is officially recorded for all registered homeowners associations (HOAs)and filed with the State. The CC&R covers the rights and obligations of the HOA to its members and vice-versa.  The goal of the CC&Rs is to protect, preserve, and enhance property values in the community.

Bylaws

The community’s bylaws establish the structure of day-to-day governance of your homeowners association and duties of the Board. This includes things like:

  • Frequency of HOA board elections
  • Process for nominating and electing new board members
  • Number of members that serve at one time
  • Length of board member service terms
  • Meeting frequency and quorum requirements
  • Duties and responsibilities of board members

Rules and Regulations

When you purchase a home in a community governed by an HOA you are agreeing to abide by all rules and regulations specified in the governing documents. Your community’s Rules & Regulations are a catch-all for the things that aren’t covered in the CC&Rs or Bylaws. These are often the rules that might need revising over time due to changes in the community.

Every document can be changed and is done so with Amendments.  Make sure you request all these, as well, for review.

Equipped with this knowledge about what financial membership entails within an HOA community in Florida will enable buyers to make informed decisions regarding if the property is suited to your needs and desires.

 

Villa Octagon

Villa Octagon at 1900 N Ocean Blvd is a 5-story boutique condominium on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  There are only 4 total residences with each occupying an entire floor featuring 3 bedrooms with over 3,300+ square feet of living space, large patios, private elevator and direct oceanfront views.

Villa Octagon was constructed in 1992 and  amenities include a heated pool and garage parking.

Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, Florida has a great selection of real estate available for those looking for a home or investment opportunity. Choices range from charming two to four-bedroom single-family homes on tree-lined subdivisions, condos with world-class amenities, and beautiful, spacious homes in private gated communities. The city has an eclectic selection of neighborhoods ranging from centrally located ones like Victoria Park to the high-end waterfront enclaves in the Las Olas Isles area to country club communities such as Coral Ridge.  Popular destinations in the area include  Las Olas BoulevardThe Broward Center of the Performing Arts in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and The Galleria Mall.  The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, golfing, tennis, yacht clubs and more are only a short car ride away.

View Condos for Sale in Villa Octagon below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.


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Hurricane Preparedness Before Your Vacation

As a Floridian, you already know the drill: hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 each year, and certain hurricane preparations are needed to protect your home when storms appear to be heading your way. But what happens if you are some distance away, or even out of state, when this occurs? You can still prepare ahead of time – and a few extra steps is all it takes to secure your home while you’re away.

Performing the following hurricane preparation before vacation will allow you to relax and enjoy family time, or the scenery wherever you’re vacationing.

Insurance Coverage. Every year, you should review your homeowners, flood, and wind insurance policies to make sure you will have the coverage you need should your home be in the path of the next major hurricane or storm surge. Ideally, this is done before hurricane season begins, but should absolutely be done before you leave on vacation.

Home Safety Measures. Whatever hurricane preparedness you might normally do if you were home when a storm was approaching, do before you leave on vacation. This includes closing/installing your hurricane shutters, trimming trees, and bringing in any outdoor furniture or other items subject to becoming projectiles during a hurricane. Doing all of this before a storm is even on the horizon might seem like overkill – but the peace of mind it provides should bad weather threaten while you’re away will be priceless. Especially since you won’t be able to do much from a distance.

Electronics, Water & Gas. Consider unplugging valuable electronics and appliances to avoid potential power surges as the result of a hurricane or tropical storm. Alternatively, you could opt to turn the power off at the breaker. To avoid potential leaks, you may also want to consider turning off the main water and gas valves to your home.

Inform a Trusted Neighbor or Friend. Let someone you trust know about your vacation plans, including when you’ll be away, how you might be contacted, and any relevant details about your home security or other systems. They may be able to keep an eye on your home in your absence should a hurricane develop.

Ready the Emergency Kit. Stock up on supplies you would rely on if you were home during a hurricane, such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, nonperishable food, and an ample supply of bottled water. This hurricane preparedness will be helpful if you return home without power or access to supplies are limited. Store a small version of this kit in your car, and top off the tank.

Have a Backup Plan. Should you be unable to get to your home upon your return from vacation, or if your home is damaged by a hurricane or tropical storm, have a contingency plan of possible friends or nearby locations you may be able to shelter in until your home is safe to return to.

Stay Informed. Even with all the right hurricane preparedness before you leave on vacation, you’ll want to monitor weather conditions from afar, especially once a hurricane or tropical storm has been identified. You’ll be able to make the best decisions when they are informed by as much information – and preparation – as possible.

Dell Park

Dell Park is a neighborhood of luxury homes located in East Delray Beach. The  Dell Park neighborhood  spans from Lake Ida to  George Bush Blvd with great access to the beach and Downtown Delray..

Ideally located in South Palm Beach County, FL, the community is close to plenty of shopping including Delray Marketplace, golf, beaches, and attractions. Downtown Delray Beach on Atlantic Avenue, Boca Raton‘s Town Center Mall and Mizner Park and Fort Lauderdale with Los Olas Blvd are also nearby. Major medical facilities are just a few minutes away. Palm Beach International Airport is 30 minutes away or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 40 minutes away.

Delray Beach, Florida, offers a diverse range of luxury real estate to choose from. Here you can take your pick from family-friendly communities that offer single-family homes, waterfront estates, and villas, condominium properties located in private enclaves that feature scenic views and charming apartments and townhomes that are for sale or rent that come complete with resort-style amenities.

View Homes for Sale in Dell Park below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.


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Salato

Salato is an oceanfront boutique, ultra-luxury development comprised of 40 residences, including 6 penthouses,  in Pompano Beach, Florida.  Designed by Randall Stofft with interiors by Steven G. Salato features expansive 3-bedroom floor plans, extra wide living spaces, and incredibly rare 14-foot-deep terraces. The intimate residential experience is complemented by private beach service, state-of-the-art fitness & wellness facilities all serviced by five-star trained concierge partners.

Complete views of the breathtaking ocean blending with the open sky are provided by the floor to ceiling windows in each residence. The views inspire and influence the design of these homes. The light-colored decor appears to change throughout the day as do the spacious areas that embrace the grandeur of the horizon.

Building Features

  • 4 Semi-Private elevators
  • Contemporary designed porte cochère
  • Over 20,000 sf of amenity deck
  • Video surveillance and access control at all points of entry
  • Emergency back-up generator supporting complete life safety systems
  • 24-hour concierge
  • Beach experience attendant
  • Mail room with storage for large deliveries and refrigerated storage for food delivery services

At Salato, nothing is random. Every part of the design, every piece of material, every service, and every amenity is thoughtfully conceived and executed to blend harmoniously. The result is refined elegance that captures the beauty and nature of this oceanside piece of paradise.

Pompano Beach, in Broward County, maintains more than 50 local parks for sports enthusiasts or those who have a penchant for outdoor relaxation. Local attractions and shopping in Pompano Beach provide myriad entertainment options.

Annual special events include a holiday boat parade in December, seafood festival in April, and a fishing rodeo in May.

Pompano Beach’s real estate market offers potential homebuyers some of the most beautiful waterfront homes in the region. Single-family homes that offer direct access to the ocean are perfect for buyers with small or large vessels. Homes fronting the Intracoastal Waterway and single-family residences that have access to ocean canals are also available and may or may not feature fixed bridges. The Heart of the Gold Coast is tucked snugly between the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton.

View Condos for Sale at Salato Pompano Beach below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.


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Salato

Salato is an oceanfront boutique, ultra-luxury development comprised of 40 residences, including 6 penthouses,  in Pompano Beach, Florida.  Designed by Randall Stofft with interiors by Steven G. Salato features expansive 3-bedroom floor plans, extra wide living spaces, and incredibly rare 14-foot-deep terraces. The intimate residential experience is complemented by private beach service, state-of-the-art fitness & wellness facilities all serviced by five-star trained concierge partners.

Complete views of the breathtaking ocean blending with the open sky are provided by the floor to ceiling windows in each residence. The views inspire and influence the design of these homes. The light-colored decor appears to change throughout the day as do the spacious areas that embrace the grandeur of the horizon.

Building Features

  • 4 Semi-Private elevators
  • Contemporary designed porte cochère
  • Over 20,000 sf of amenity deck
  • Video surveillance and access control at all points of entry
  • Emergency back-up generator supporting complete life safety systems
  • 24-hour concierge
  • Beach experience attendant
  • Mail room with storage for large deliveries and refrigerated storage for food delivery services

At Salato, nothing is random. Every part of the design, every piece of material, every service, and every amenity is thoughtfully conceived and executed to blend harmoniously. The result is refined elegance that captures the beauty and nature of this oceanside piece of paradise.

Pompano Beach, in Broward County, maintains more than 50 local parks for sports enthusiasts or those who have a penchant for outdoor relaxation. Local attractions and shopping in Pompano Beach provide myriad entertainment options.

Annual special events include a holiday boat parade in December, seafood festival in April, and a fishing rodeo in May.

Pompano Beach’s real estate market offers potential homebuyers some of the most beautiful waterfront homes in the region. Single-family homes that offer direct access to the ocean are perfect for buyers with small or large vessels. Homes fronting the Intracoastal Waterway and single-family residences that have access to ocean canals are also available and may or may not feature fixed bridges. The Heart of the Gold Coast is tucked snugly between the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton.

View Condos for Sale at Salato Pompano Beach below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.


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Benefits of Home Automation

Home automation is increasingly popular as technology improves and devices become more affordable. Smart home automation works by connecting various devices in your home to a central hub or directly to a network. These devices can then be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, voice assistant or web interface.
Smart home components like security or climate control can be integrated with other smart devices, like your home entertainment system. This allows you to create a comprehensive and integrated smart home system that can automate many different tasks.
There are tons of reasons you may want to invest in home automation, but they generally fall into four categories.
  • Convenience. This is one of the primary reasons people start down the smart-home path. It just makes life a little easier when your home automates all the mundane tasks you used to have to do on a day-to-day basis.
  • Safety. A lot of smart-home technology is centered around your home’s security system, and there’s a good reason for that. No one piece of security equipment will protect your home comprehensively, but a network of pieces of equipment all working and thinking together can.
  • Sustainability. A lot of energy is wasted when you leave the lights on or keep your AC running when you’re gone for the weekend. A truly smart home will adjust itself to your habits and make sure your environmental impact is a little lighter.
  • Savings. You waste a lot of money when you leave things running unnecessarily. Your smart home will improve your economic efficiency by helping you remember to turn things off or down when they’re not needed
Here’s some of what the marketplace currently has to offer:
  • Detectors – Smart detectors provide peace of mind, so you aren’t left worrying that you forgot something. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital additions to any home. Gas and water leak detectors are good additions as well.
  • Heating and Cooling – With the initial success of 2011’s Nest Learning Thermostat, this product category is most associated with home automation.
  • Lighting – With the ability to control lights through your tablet or phone, intelligent lighting has become the initial step many take in setting up smart home technology.
  • Security Systems – This area has taken home automation to the next level. A lot of the newer, more advanced smart home tech is in this category, with keyless entry, camera equipment, and more. D
  • Hubs – Hubs, for the most part, are what tie your systems together. .
  • Appliances – Get a text message from your washer when a load finishes. Have your fridge create your grocery list for you. Shut the coffee pot off from work. Smoke a brisket for a few hours while remotely controlling its temperature. All possibilities with smart appliances.
  • Energy Management – Track your energy use and make changes in real time, from any location.
  • Lawn and Landscape Care – Control your pool cleaner, mow your lawn or set the irrigation system, all via smartphone app.
  • Window Coverings – Automatic shades and blinds timed to open or close with your bedtime or wake up call.
Technology experts say that tomorrow’s smart homes will have more seamless smart home device integration, more intelligent home appliances and gadgets, movement into the virtual world, and increased customization, efficiency, and control.

Confused About Flood Insurance?

The National Flood Insurance Program is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the escalating cost of disasters. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. Standard flood insurance by the National Flood Insurance Program generally covers physical damages directly caused by flooding within the limits of the coverage purchased. Private providers may have higher limits or broader coverage compared to National Flood Insurance Program policies.
A flood insurance policy is intended to cover physical damage to your building or personal property “directly” caused by a flood. Flood insurance covers damage caused by hurricanes, rivers, and tidal waters. Flood insurance covers water that rises, wind insurance covers water damage cause by blowing water, rain, etc. that enter or damage the property due to wind damage to the property.
Flood insurance rates are determined by several factors, including:
  • The amount and type of coverage
  • Location and flood zone
  • Design and age of your home
  • Elevation (for homes in high-risk areas built after the first Flood Insurance Rate Maps were drawn)
Losses due to flooding are not covered under most homeowners’ insurance policies. It is recommended that homeowners add a Florida Flood Insurance policy to ensure complete protection of your home in case of a hurricane strike.
In some flood zones, flood insurance is affordable at about $1.40 per day (average is $503 per year), and the U.S. government provides a 100% guarantee.
Flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period on new policies. Here are the exceptions:
  • If flood insurance is being purchased in connection with the creation, increasing, extending, or renewing of your mortgage loan.
  • If your home has been recently designated in the SFHA and flood insurance is being purchased within the 13-month period following a map revision.
  • If flood insurance is required because of a lender determining that your mortgage loan that does not have flood insurance coverage should be protected by flood insurance.
  • If an additional amount of insurance is selected as an option on the renewal bill.
  • If your home is affected by flooding on burned Federal land that is a result of, or is exacerbated by, post-wildfire conditions when the policy is purchased within 60 days of the fire containment date.
Flood risk zones are identified by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and are divided into the following three categories:
High-Risk Zone
There is at least a 25% chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. All homeowners in high-risk zones with mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to purchase flood insurance.
Zones: A, V
Moderate to Low-Risk Zone
The risk of flooding is reduced but not completely removed. Even if you live in a moderate-to-low-risk zone, it’s recommended that you purchase flood insurance. About 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from areas with low-to-moderate flood risk. On average, only two inches of water in your home can cause $7,800 or more in damage. Poor drainage systems, rapid rainfall accumulation, and broken water mains can all result in flooding.
Zones: B, C, or X
Undetermined Risk Zone
No flood-hazard analysis has been conducted, but a flood risk still exists. Flood insurance rates reflect the uncertainty of the flood risk.
Zone: D
Only a licensed property and casualty insurance agent can sell NFIP flood insurance. Customers can find a local one using FEMA’s Agent Locator Tool.

Alto Lido

Alto Lido is a luxury home neighborhood on Palm Beach Island, Florida.   Alto Lido is a well-established community, tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal, features homes of varying ages and styles, all with the enviable Palm Beach lifestyle.

Alto Lido offers large lots, as well as close access to the town park, a deeded beach, and bike trails. It is also within close distance to the Port of Palm Beach and Peanut Island.

Palm Beach has maintained its reputation as a desirable place for the rich and famous to live, work, and play. With some of the best upscale retail stores, refined art galleries and museums, plus five-star dining, Palm Beach truly has it all. Plus, Palm Beach boasts beautiful white sand beaches, beautiful Mediterranean courtyards, and well-kept award winning gardens that the residents and public can enjoy.

Located in Palm Beach County on a barrier island just east of West Palm Beach,  Palm Beach is surrounded by stunning beaches, the Intracoastal Waterway, and features some of the most beautiful estate homes in the world. Residents enjoy boating, private docks and marinas, golfing on lush courses, and shopping on Worth Avenue, which features exclusive high-end designer shops and boutiques, art galleries, and an array of upscale gourmet restaurants. Palm Beach’s tropical climate attracts people year-round, making it an ideal destination for both permanent and seasonal residents. Homes vary from beach-side condos to multimillion-dollar custom estate homes.

Palm Beach is within minutes of the Kravis Center of the Performing Arts, Clematis Street, and Palm Beach International Airport.

View Homes for Sale in Alto Lido below.  Call Kim Bregman at 561-251-7170 for a private showing.


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