February Happenings in Delray Beach

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After the holidays, our high season is in full swing and continues during the month of February in Delray Beach.

We all continue to explore the weekly Green Market every Saturday 9:00-2:00 at Old School Square, and here are a few other events residents, snowbirds and visitors can enjoy this month:

Laugh with The Library

Friday, February 2nd, 7:30-10:30PM

Now in it’s 12th year, this event takes place at The Delray Beach Marriott Hotel. Gather your friends together and purchase a table for 10 or grab individual tickets.  Enjoy this year’s headliner, Comedian Don Gavin, who will be hosting a “laugh-out-loud night of comedy.” Proceeds from this cocktail party and evening of lively entertainment will benefit the Delray Beach Public Library’s outreach programs.

For more information: https://www.delraylibrary.org/laugh/

 

Artists in the Park

Weekend of February 3rd-4th, 10-4:30 PM.

This fantastic arts event is hosted by The Delray Art League in Veterans Park along the Intracoastal water way off Atlantic Ave.  Enjoy art in a lovely outdoor setting where you can visit with master artists and their pieces – paintings, prints, sculptures, and other mixed media.

For more information: https://delrayartleague.com/artists-in-the-park/

 

The Delray Beach Open

February 16th-25th

The highlight of the month is certainly The Delray Beach Tennis Open at The Delray Beach Tennis Center. This exciting tennis event attracts 55,000 spectators annually and is touted as the world’s only 10-day ATP Champions Tour and ATP World Tour event.  The Open consists of tough tennis competitions/matches between the top athletes on the circuit today. It also brings back the legends. There are also multiple dining and networking events that take place in the on-site Hospitality Pavilion (ie VIP Reception, Box Series Holders’ Reception, Chamber Bash, Ladies Luncheons). Tennis enthusiasts can also take advantage of unique and competitive amateur tennis opportunities held on the grounds of the event (ie Legends Clinic, ATP Doubles Pro-Am, Tennis on Campus Collegiate Challenge, Mega-Mixer, College Matches, USPTA Fast 4 Event & Woman’s Round-Robin).

For more details: https://yellowtennisball.com/

 

Paint and Sip to support The Milagro Center

Monday February 19th 7:00-9:00 PM

This lovely affair is hosted by Painting with a Twist located at 2288 N Congress Ave.  A mere $45 donation helps support after school arts and education for local at-risk kids in the Delray Beach community via The Milagro Center.

For more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/198576877364953/

 

In addition to this sampling of February fun, you can enjoy ongoing events aplenty.  Look for music, shows, art at Old School Square, the Arts Garage, The Arts Warehouse, The Delray Beach Playhouse or Morikami Park.  There is always plenty to do for everyone in Delray Beach, our Village by the Sea.

VIDEO: WHEN A LOVED ONE PASSES AWAY

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Vince Canning Shoes Hosts Delray’s High Heel “Stiletto” Race

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Yes, you read that right!  It’s a High Heel Race and it’s taking place during Delray Fashion Week on Friday, January 26th from 5:30-7:30 at Old School Square. This is just prior to the Friday night Free Concert Series.

Vince Canning Shoes – (the fabulous shoe store that has been delighting Atlantic Avenue shoppers fir 60 years this year!) – is host to this annual race to benefit The Achievement Center for Children and Families. The Stiletto Race was created by Vince Canning’s niece LaRonda Denkler to honor Canning’s legacy of giving back – and to celebrate the store’s 60th year on Atlantic Avenue.

This fun lively event/fundraiser benefits at risk children within the Delray Beach Community.  Whether a lone racer or a team of 4 for the relay races, participants are encouraged to get creative with themes. Favorite characters, costumes… if you can think it, create it then bring it!

The categories include:

  • 75 meter dash for women
  • 75 meter dash for men
  • 4 member team relays
  • Runaway Bride
  • Silver Sneaker
  • Sexy Strut

Racers are awarded not only for performance in races but also for most creative shoe. Speaking of awards, the trophies alone are worth the $25 registration fee!

This year promises to be the best event yet with a major venue change to Old School Square where the Friday Free Concert will follow the race.

Pre-Registration is going on now OR come register the evening of Friday, January 19th when Vince Canning will host a pre-registration shoe shopping bonanza in their store. Mark and LaRonda also have a selection of larger sizes for men to borrow for for the race. If you can’t make the in store pre-registration, or online, be sure to register onsite the evening of the 26th beginning at 5:30.

Who’s ready for a crazy fun fundraiser?  If you are not racing, please come cheer the participants on and show your support for a beloved Delray Beach retail icon for 60 years, Vince Canning Shoes as they give back to the kids!For more details, visit: http://delraystilettorace.com/

Fun for Kids: ArtNest in Delray Delights!

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ArtNest Delray is a special place where kids – ranging from toddler-aged to pre-teens – can come express themselves via art. The owners have created a welcoming creative environment for kids, who sometimes come with their adults in tow.  They can experience art via various media…. drawing, painting, sculpting, collaging, book making, photography, jewelry making, fashion and more…!

Each month ArtNest offers a theme to build upon, whether it be exploring graffiti or the classics. The kids will not only learn, but they’ll get messy and have tons of fun! ArtNest offers 45 minute classes throughout the week at the end of which the students get to take their masterpieces home. But first, their art is digitally captured to add the “Gallery.”

The owners also offer special 90 minute classes while school is out, offering kids a great outlet and their parents a well-deserved break! The cost is minimal – currently only $20 per 45 minutes at varying times throughout the week and on Sundays. There are also options to purchase classes for a week while school is out, starting at $150.

Looking for a unique present for a birthday or holiday? Gift certificates and other packages are available for purchase. We love that an artistic and creative outlet is offered to Delray Beach’s littlest residents! Exposure to art at such a young age is great for kids and for the community. It will help ensure that the artistic Delray Beach vibe will thrive for generations to come.

For more ideas on where to take the kids in Delray, check out our Family Fun page!

VIDEO: IS HOME STAGING IMPORTANT?

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Is home staging important when selling a home in Palm Beach County?   Noreen’s answer in this quick video: Sometimes! Not every home needs staging, but if yours does, we will work with you every step of the way. Minimal clutter, less furniture, neutral colors, and few personal items are advisable. The living room, master bedroom, and the kitchen are the key areas that buyers look at. Watch to learn more!

What to Pack When Visiting Delray Beach

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Packing for Visiting Delray Beach

Maybe you’re visiting Delray to see relatives. Or, perhaps you are coming here for your coveted vacation. (Great choice!) Maybe you’re on a house-hunting mission. Whatever your reasons for heading our way, it’s time to pack. What to include?

Did you ever notice how heavy your luggage is when taking a trip to a cold-weather climate or during a skiing vacation? Parkas, sweaters, boots and coats…. Ugh! They sure weigh more than your summer clothes. But you won’t have that problem when packing for visiting Delray, even in the coolest months of January and February!

It’s all about the shorts, T’s, sundresses, and sandals!

It’s just another great reason to visit Delray Beach and Palm Beach County.  When it’s time to pack, just throw in all the shorts, T-shirts, mini-skirts, short-sleeved shirts. Then, perhaps add a light sweater or two in case the temperature dips below 70 – which it does often at night during the winter. Winter coats are needed only once in a blue moon in our corner of paradise in the Sunshine State.

Dressing up is still casual.

Most venues in our communities are quite casual. But if you plan on dining out at some nice restaurants when visiting Delray, women will need a few cocktail dresses and you’ll want to pack some dress slacks for the men. Breathable fabrics like silks, linens, and light cottons are practical and in fashion all year long.

Although smart summer casual is the theme, you’ll also see more sparkle in women’s fashion than you’ll find up north. And, for men, brighter colors are more prevalent in our climate. So, pack some color and sparkle – or go shopping in downtown Delray for some local flair.

Plan on sandals and loafers.

Leave the boots and clunky shoes home, too. South Floridians – and those visiting – wear loafers, tennis shoes and flip flops – or a smart sandal – just about everywhere. (Ladies, don’t forget to invest in a pedicure before you head this way – or make an appointment at one of our fantastic spas for your first full day!)

Gear for the beach and the course.

Finally, don’t forget a few bathing suits. Yes, we said a few! Your relaxation plans may bring you to the pool in the morning and beach in the afternoon. You’ll want to have a cute – and dry – option for each. (Plus, you want enough sets so the same visitors to the beach or pool don’t think you own only one suit!)

You’ll also need the sunscreens or oils of your choice, to go along with another crucial fashion item — and necessity — to protect your eyes from the bright sun. Sunglasses are a staple here.

If you are a golfer, a good windbreaker is a must during the winter. And if you are thinning above the hairline, we suggest a hat to keep your scalp freckle-free. Remember, as much as we love our time in the sun, it can be damaging. So take precautions – and enjoy!

 

Most importantly, don’t worry too much about what to bring. You can always pick up a few items in our local boutiques and stores, or in one of the great surf and souvenir shops. New clothes make great souvenirs, and they will serve as reminders to come visit us again some time soon!

GUEST POST: DON’T MAKE THESE COMMON HOME FINANCING MISTAKES

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This is a guest post written by one of our preferred providers, Ann Griffith of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. You can reach Ann and her partner Ruby Teich at 323-620-6800 or via email at ruby.teich@lowrateonline.com. 

As an experienced mortgage lender, I talk regularly with people at all stages of the home buying process. Based on the many conversations and relationships I’ve had over my career, the most common mistake people make when buying a home is NOT having a complete plan in place before shopping.  

These days, the internet has made so much information available to home seekers, but the thing that is sometimes missing is the guidance that brings all of that information together into a buying strategy. (That is certainly where the Realtor and the Mortgage Lender come in add the most value.) 

It’s easy to start looking online and get caught up in the excitement… and then to begin a home search without a solid plan. This often leads to disappointment and even discouragement in the beginning. 

A thorough plan is needed for home buying, complete with goals and objectives. The first step in that effective plan entails sitting down with a trusted and informed mortgage lender to go over income, credit, down payment, job history and all the mortgage options tailored to your specific needs.

Once the plan is in place, buyers can go out and shop with confidence and with a clear understanding of what they can afford, with their mortgage approval in hand. 

In the next phase of the plan, it is critical to be honest and have open communication with their Mortgage Lender. Not doing so is another common mistake.  Nobody wants any unwanted surprises during the mortgage process, and maintaining clear and honest communication will ensure that this doesn’t happen. 

DURING THE PROCESS, WE ADVISE THAT CLIENTS DO NOT:

•Change jobs;

•Increase liabilities;

•Open up new credit cards;

•Buy or lease a new car; or

•(last, but not least) deposit or transfer large sums of money without proper documentation.

WE ALSO ADVISE THAT CLIENTS DO:

•Keep access to bank statements and other important financial statements;

•Provide their earnest money deposit from their own personal bank account or acceptable gift funds;

•Provide all documentation for sale of their current home;

•Notify us if they plan to receive gift funds for closing; and

•Be aware and prepared that a new credit report could be pulled prior to closing.

The mortgage process does not have to be tricky. With a solid plan in place, and open and trusting communication with your Realtor and Lender, it won’t be! 

 

Are you ready to become a homeowner? Or, looking to buy your next property? You can learn more about the Steps to Buying a Home here! 

VIDEO: IS A SELLER OBLIGATED TO MAKE REPAIRS?

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Buying or selling a home in Delray or Palm Beach County? Our video series helps keep you in the know!

A client submitted this excellent question: Is a seller obligated to make repairs that were discovered during the home inspection? Amy’s answer involves an overview of the types of contracts and the role they play here, and offers advice about the way this plays out in practice.