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According to data provided by the National Association of Realtors, a lack of houses for sale continues to lift the prices of homes for sale in much of the country, and our area.  This in turn has pushed down the number of existing homes sold in January.

The torrential weather has not helped either. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said, “Disruptive and prolonged winter weather patterns across the country are impacting a wide range of economic activity, and housing is no exception.   Some housing activity will be delayed until spring.”

The National Association of Realtors noted some significant changes among the population of homebuyers.

1.     First time homebuyers accounted for 26% of purchases in January 2014. That is the lowest market share for first…

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South Florida saw the biggest gain in a monthly measure of national home prices replicating a slow but steady, continued upswing momentum in real estate market for Palm Beach County.   


Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties experienced an increase in single-family home prices according to the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Index.  According to the most recently released Index, single-family home prices have increased 0.09 percent from the previous month.


Last Tuesday’s report from Standard & Poor, as well as others, point to a slight deceleration in home prices as a normal beginning of the upturn cycle at the end of February. Winter shows no signs of cooling home prices according to the Standard & Poor/Case-Shiller home price indices.  They are…

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Are 32 rapidly moving speed trains necessary to cross the moveable bridge over the Loxahatchee River?  The people at All Aboard Florida (Florida East Coast Industries) rapid train service seem to think so.  Based on the anticipated number of trains per day between Miami and Orlando, All Aboard Florida wishes to provide hourly service starting in the early morning hours and ending in the late evening to meet the anticipated demand by tourists, locals and business travelers.

The addition of 32 passenger trains, to the existing freight trains, that raise and lower the railway bridge daily could cause a bit of boating back up on the Loxahatchee River.  The railway bridge lowers for about 12 minutes each time a freight train crosses – generally at night.  The…

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The 2014 West Palm Beach Spring Home Show is an event any homeowner may wish to experience.  If you are new to the “home show” experience, head out to the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach.  It is a great way to get excited about enhancing your home’s comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Located in the South Florida Expo Center will be the Spring Home Show event “designed for homeowner in all stages of remodeling, landscaping, and decorating their homes.”  Each of the events includes home improvements and remodeling exhibits with product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes.

Meet Nicole Curtis, from HGTV and DIY Network’s “Rehab Addict” and Dina Manzo from HGTV’s “Dina’s Party” and Bravo’s “Real…

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The Honda Classic will bring the best PGA tour players to Palm Beach County, providing a week of splendid golf entertainment for the entire community beginning February 24 through March 2 at PGA National Resort and Spa.

Tiger Woods, the Number 1 player in the Official World Golf Rankings, and Jupiter Island resident, has committed to compete in the 2014 Honda Classic.  This will be Woods third consecutive year in the Honda Classic.  He finished second in 2012.  Woods said, “The Honda Classic is close to my home, and I want to support it whenever I can. We have a learning center at Murray Middle School in Stuart, and this event does so much to help the community, including the efforts of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.”

Honda Classic…

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Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with beautiful moonlight, a gentle warm breeze, and a champagne toast atop the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.  This unforgettable tradition started with Jupiter pioneers Harry and Susan DuBois.

Romance is in the air. Proclaim your love to your loved one.  Let Cupid work his magic 105 feet up in the evening sky with a personal 15-minute champagne toast, decadent chocolates and breathtaking views.  The remainder of the evening is of your own choosing.

Pre-registration is required.  The cost per couple is $50 for the Valentine’s Day event.  Reservations are available for couples only February 13th and 14th, from 5p.m.-9p.m. and February 15th, from 6p.m.-9p.m.  

For more information and registration, please contact the…

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February 15, 16, 17 in the Abacoa Town Center, of Jupiter, Florida “ArtiGras” the premier fine arts festival of the Palm Beaches rolls into town.  Ranked as one of the top 50 art shows in the United States by ArtFairCalender, “ArtiGras” highlights a unique juried exhibition attracting over 100,000 people and 300 artists from all over the world.  This is one of the top 50 outdoor fine arts festivals in the country and perfect for all ages.

The three-day event features 2.2 miles of art demonstrations, interactive art exhibits, live music and entertainment, kid’s area, food and drink, and a Tiny Treasures Art Boutique which proceeds benefit the Quantum House.  If you have a child being treated in a nearby medical facility and need a place to stay in the area,…

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Palm Beach International Polo Season is “on” through April 20, 2014.  Head on out to the International Polo Club, Palm Beach facility, and revel in observing the skilled ponies and players while basking in the near perfect winter weather!  So many exciting tournaments to choose from culminating in the prestigious U.S. Open Polo Championship.
 
If the ponies aren’t your cup of tea, how about the American International Art Fair?  The American International Art Fair is running through February 9, 2014.  This show has something for everyone. Whether sculpture or painting, antique or contemporary, it is here.  This show will feed your soul and nourish your body with gourmet food and champagne bar.

If that’s not in the cards, how about a game of cards?  The World…

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Last week the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published tips intended to assist consumers protect themselves from fraud and help them in the event they encounter a problem.

"Phishing" is the activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company by criminals.

Almost anyone who uses credit or debit cards has the threat of their credit or personal data being compromised.  A number of major companies over the recent months have reported breaches of data security.  Target, a national retailer, experienced a recent breach of data that could impact tens of millions of consumers, protect yourself!

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends these four steps:

1).   Checking your accounts…

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Local Jupiter area “foodies” will delight with the progress of the nationally renowned chain, The Fresh Market, and their local outpost.  

For over 30 years, The Fresh Market, focuses on providing high quality products from around the world.  It started in North Carolina as a tiny little store and grew to over a 100 stores in over 20 states across the nation.

Each store focuses on the customer and the shopping experience.  It has an open-air feel and “an old world charm, stocked with fresh meats, seafood, fruits, and vegetables.  They wanted the store to be a fresh concept in grocery shopping.”

This "European feel" market will be present at the new local site of The Fresh Market in Jupiter and is currently under construction at The Shops at Fisherman’s Wharf…

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