One Of The Many Things We Do For Our Listings!

Don’t just imagine what your dream backyard could look like…see the potential! Here is one of the many things we do for our listings. Contact Amy and Noreen for more information at 561-571-2289.

Fun Events In Delray Beach & Surrounding Areas – January 2023 – Presented by Noreen Payne

Happy New Year!! Want to know what top events are happening in Delray Beach and surrounding areas in the month of January 2023? Listen to Noreen Payne’s video overview. Join us every month for highlights of top events in the area!

Lang Realty’s Angel Tree 2022

What a heart warming way to spread holiday cheer. By decorating Lang offices with angel trees with names of those in need; the Lang agents under the Lang Cares initiative helps those in the community to ensure they have many gifts to open this holiday season. Amy and Noreen love giving back! Enjoy this touching video.

East Delray Beach Listing – 515 NW 4th Avenue

Check out our listing in Delray Beach, Florida. Located within Lake Ida, this home on a generous spacious lot is a unique, move-in ready opportunity! The 3 bed, 2 1/2 bath home is within walking, biking, and golf cart distance of vibrant downtown Atlantic Avenue’s fine dining, boutique shopping, festivals and beautiful beaches. Current owners have made extensive upgrades which include covered tongue and groove wood ceiling lanai with new ceiling fans, a new half bath has been added, remaining 2 bathrooms are newly renovated new brick paver wide driveway, new landscaping with all new sod, new high hats in the vaulted main living area and new light fixtures. This home also has impact windows, newer 2019 roof and so much more. The kitchen is updated with wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and an island that is mobile. Additional features include ample storage, 2 car garage and interior laundry. The Lake Ida community has several parks including 2 that overlook the lake with a boat launch, and 1 that is home to the Delray Beach Playhouse that showcases many live shows throughout the year. This community is the ultimate in the year around South Florida Lifestyle.

Call us at 561-571-2289

Fun Events In Delray Beach – December 2022 – Presented by Noreen Payne

Want to know what top events are happening in Delray Beach in the month of December 2022? Listen to Noreen Payne’s video overview. Join us every month for highlights of top events in the area!

November 2022 Market Report – October 2022 Data for Palm Beach County – By Amy Snook

It was a bit shocking to see the change in numbers this month related to inventory and balance of market – we have “felt” the change in the market but still surprised to see the uptick on the higher end market tipping the scales at the million dollar price point and beyond to the verge of a buyer’s market.

 

It is official, at the higher end market we are back to prepandemic seasonality, time to contract/closing and the skills needed to sell a home (now you have to actually have them😊).   While we are still above pre-pandemic price points, as to be expected, we are leveling off.  The demand in Florida is still stronger than most of the country – we attract the 2nd home, vacation home, rental market and those from up north that simply want our weather and lifestyle.  However, there are changes ……

 

Cash sales are down significantly, inventory is up across the board and new listings on market have slowed.  The mortgage rates and stock market portfolio losses are impacting all markets and Palm Beach county is not immune to these changes.  Don’t get us wrong, homes are still selling – we are in fact busy realtors – but the homes are taking longer to sell, our costs to market homes has increased significantly and our time for showings (yes, we personally show our listings) and open houses take more manpower.  Of course, we’re not complaining as this is what differentiates great agents from the pack. We’re sharing because it is a distinction from what has occurred over the past several years.

 

People often ask us whether this is a good time to sell and/or to buy.  The answer is yes; however, the strategy and the numbers change.  Specifically, some buyer’s obtaining a mortgage may have to reduce their price point to keep their monthly costs the same. And, what goes into selling your home, from staging to repairs should be considered more so then before.  Regardless, there is additional inventory now for buyers to choose from and sellers, there are buyers still wanting to buy.  Get ready to work with your Realtor (Amy and Noreen Team preferably) to ensure your home stands out from the rest.

 

For those of you who follow our monthly market report and follow the numbers indicating the market strength and leverage, they are as follows:

 

As you recall, balanced market is 6 to 9 months of inventory – meaning if nothing else came on the market how many months would it take to “consume” all of the inventory.  Over 9 months buyer’s market..

 

400,000 – to 599,999 – 4 months of inventory –

599 – 999,999 – 6 months of inventory – recently reached a balanced market and sellers have lost their advantage

1,000,000+ price point 9 months (yes I said it 9 months) – first time in 2022 that we have reached 9 months of inventory – there are now many options for buyers to select from, hence the price reductions we’re seeing on market

 

Understanding the market helps agents and consumers alike make educated decisions – this is why we spend time every month sharing our research and what it means to you.

 

If you have questions or would like to discuss the results any further, please do not hesitate to reach to us at 561.571.2289.

 

Amy

 

 

Protecting Your Downpayment from Hackers

Hackers Are After Your Down Payment. How NOT to Get Scammed

6 things to start doing now to protect your dream-home funds

Illustration of someone pickpocketing a homeowner

You finally found it: the two-story bungalow in the trendy part of town you’ve been eyeing for years – the one with the best coffee shop (hello, foamy latte) and favorite farmer’s market. You made your best offer (they accepted!) and now you’re about to close on your dream home.

Then just before closing, an email from your real estate agent pops up, claiming a last-minute change to the money-wiring instructions. You wire the funds. But the money never makes it to the bank. Turns out that email wasn’t from your agent – but a hacker. You got spoofed.

Unfortunately these days, enterprising hackers are busy tricking homeowners into sending them their hard-won down payment.

How? They access email accounts by snagging passwords through public Wi-Fi and via email solicitations that appear to be from senders you know.

The bad guys comb through the email accounts, searching for any information about home sales and upcoming closings. Once they’ve found what they need, they send consumers an email posing as their real estate pro, attorney, or escrow officer. The email includes wiring instructions linked to a fraudulent account.

Here’s how to prevent a hacker from running away with your home before you even have a chance to buy it:

#1 Never Send Personal Info Over Email

Personal info includes a bank account number and a Social Security number. Your agent shouldn’t be sending this stuff by email either.

#2 Pick Up the Phone

If you ever receive wiring instructions by email, call your agent or lender to confirm one of them sent it. Call the phone number you have on record for your agent, not the one listed in the suspect email.

#3 Discuss the Wiring Process With Your Agent

Early on in your relationship with your agent, ask about what you should expect, when, and from whom.

#4 Change Your Passwords Often

Create a reminder on your phone or computer to update passwords monthly. Make them strong, something even your friends and family members wouldn’t be able to guess right away – you know, something other than password1 or your dog’s name.

#5 Set Up Two-Factor Verification

Two-factor verification, which requires both a password and a code that’s sent to your phone or other device in order to log in, is more challenging to hackers than a single layer login. Make sure you set it up on your email and bank accounts.

#6 Read Up

Get even more email security best practices.

Got spoofed? If you ever receive a suspicious email, report it to the FTC by forwarding it to spam@uce.gov.

Palm Beach County Happenings in November 2022 – Presented by Noreen Payne

 

Want to know what top events are happening in Palm Beach County in the month of November 2022? Listen to Noreen Payne’s video overview. Join us every month for highlights of top events in the area!

BDB Press Release – Featuring Noreen Payne