High-End Living on the High Seas - The Yacht Life!

Here's a fun way of living! Would you take the plunge and live on the high seas? I think I might - maybe some day, right? -John Petel

High-End Living on the High Seas
Multimillion-dollar ships are sporting amenities more commonly found in luxury condos.

By Arian Campo-Flores

Looking for floor-to-ceiling windows, a terrace overlooking the ocean and poolside spa? You might consider a home on the high seas.

Builders are designing yachts that replicate the aesthetic and amenities of luxury lofts and condos, with clean lines, ample glass and indoor-outdoor spaces. Many are outfitted with cutting-edge technology, such as interactive, high-definition video walls for movies and art. High-tech toys range from Seabob water sleds to minisubmarines for underwater cruising.

A 140-foot Veloce by Italian boat maker Benetti recently made its debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The $45 million vessel, which can travel 21 knots, includes two pools, a gym and a massage room. At the touch of a button, part of the wall in the fitness center opens to become a balcony, bathing the space in natural light.

On the lower level, the back end of the boat folds down to create a "beach club," with a bar, grill and sun deck at sea level where guests can stretch out on lounge chairs or dive into the water. The decor is sleek and subdued, featuring white leather sofas and slate-gray wood flooring.

Yachts "are becoming more modern, more minimalist," said Daniel Ziriakus, chief operating officer at yacht brokerage Northrop & Johnson. "What you see with new buildings in Miami is transferring over to boats."

The trend is driven in part by a new generation of buyers. Unlike older boaters, who favor a traditional layout of distinct spaces, such as formal dining rooms and casual outside decks, younger ones want to break down those barriers, said Timothy Hamilton, director of Feadship America, the U.S. arm of Dutch shipyard.

He said the company is discussing a possible design with one client, a businessman in his 30s, for a 230-foot vessel that would feature a two-story, glass-walled garages to house a sports car, motorbikes and small boats. When the yacht is anchored and those items are removed, the space can be transformed into an enormous loft-like lounge and workout space. The prices hasn't been determined.

"That is completely breaking the mold of a boat," Mr. Hamilton said.

The most cutting-edge yachts are erasing divisions between interior and exterior spaces, said Michael von der Heide, project development director at Blohm+Voss. A new 260-foot yacht, the BV80, being built by the German shipyard has a beach club that blends into a spa with a yoga studio, a sauna and a Turkish bath. One level up, a large lounge has floor-to-ceiling glass panels that can open the space to the elements or seal it off the bad weather. The director wouldn't discuss the price.

Glass is more popular than ever. The deckhouse on the new $6 million, 85-foot yacht by Italian builder Arcadia Yachts that was introduced at the Fort Lauderdale show is made almost entirely of double-pane glass and topped with solar panels to recharge the boat's batteries. The design yields expansive views and a light, airy feel. "It gives a sensation of space, of freedom," said Francesco Guida, the boat's designer.

The 150-foot, Como, which Feadship completed this year, has a continuous band of glass panels around the yacht, and bulwark windows that are about 20 feet long. A sun deck that can accommodate 50 people is equipped with a bar, grill and pop-up TV, and is surrounded by glass that can be retracted.

Incorporating so much glass on a boat, where it must endure heavy loads and intense pressure, presents tough engineering challenges. Tests on the Combo's portholes, which are the maximum size allowed, included dropping a steel ball on the structure from 20 feet up.

Behind much of the innovation is a simple idea: People want to feel connected to the water.

Italian yacht-builder Wider is a making $31 million, 150-foot yacht. One novel feature is a rear space that holds a 32-foot boat. When the craft is removed, the area transforms into a beach club with lounge chairs, a movie screen and side doors that open to the sea. It also holds a pool that fills with ocean water cleaned by recirculating pumps.

"You have the security of your own swimming pool," said Darren Dotson, president of Wider Yachts USA. "But you look out and feel like you're in the ocean."

Source: Wall Street Journal

7 Ways to Keep Your Place Safe While You're Away

I know all of your snowbirds are ready to take off and fly South for the winter - especially with these cold weather forecasts. But before you leave, be sure to take a few extra minutes to protect your homes. Take a look through these 7 safety tips before you head to the beach. We'll see you soon!

-John Petel

by. Craig Donofrio

Whether you're lying on a beach in the Caribbean for a week, touring the country on a road trip or spending the holidays back home, the last thing you want to worry about is coming back to a ransacked apartment.

But a few simple tips can boost your rental security and help you worry less if you're hitting the road by keeping your place safe in your absence.

1. Check the Locks

A few weeks before you leave, inspect the locks on all of your windows and doors. Make sure deadbolts slide into place, window locks aren't easy to pry open, and sliding glass doors have a security bar in place.

2. Stop Your Mail

As soon as you know when you'll be traveling, fill out the United States Postal Service's online form to stop your mail. Even if you live in a secure building, a thief might slip into the lobby, spot your overflowing mailbox and take it as a surefire sign you're away from home.

3. Don't Stand Out

While closing your curtains may seem like the obvious choice, it can backfire. A burglar casing your rental might notice the change and realize you're away from home, instead, leave a curtain or two open like you normally would - and move your stuff out of view.

And if you're traveling during the holidays, don't leave presents under the tree in plain sight. Ask a neighbor to pick up any packages left at your door.

4. Make it Look Like You're Home

Affordable automatic timers can make it seem like someone is home while you're away. Add times to lamps in different rooms and stagger the on/off times.

Hooking timers up to a television or radio can also make it seem like someone's home.

5. Keep Your Landlord in the Loop

Let your landlord know your travel plans, including your departure and arrival times. A landlord should be happy to come by and scope out the place while you're away, which will go a long wat to keeping your home safe.

6. Hire a House Sitter

Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to visit your apartment while you're away to collect delivery menus from the front door and check on the space.

If a thief watching your rental sees people going in and out, he'll think someone is home and move to an easier target.

7. Beef Up Security.

If you don't have an alarm installed - and your landlord doesn't want to pay to install a system - there are some cheaper, temporary alternatives you can use while on vacation. Wireless alarms and sensors can be attached to doors and windows. If a door is opened, an alarm will sound.

If you want an even cheaper option, buy a set of window decals and yard signs from an alarm company. Even if you don't actually have an alarm, thieves might not bother to test it.

Source: Realtor.com

Florida's housing market continues steady course in 3Q 2014

Orlando, Fla - Nov. 6, 2014

Florida's housing market reported higher median prices and gains in inventory during the third quarter of 2014, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors. Closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 64,633 in 3Q 2014, up 7.6 percent over the 3Q 2013 figure.

"Florida's housing market continues to show growth and stability over the past three months, with median prices rising and fewer distressed property sales," said 2014 Florida Realtors President Sherri Meadows, CEO and team leader, Keller Williams, with market centers in Gainesville, Ocala and The Villages. "More Florida residents are getting back to work as new jobs are created and our population continues to increase, which boost the state's economy and provide a strong foundation for the housing sector."

The 3Q statewide median sales prices for single-family existing homes rose 4 percent from the same time a year ago, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. The statewide median price for townhouse=condo properties during the second quarter was up 6.9 percent over the year-ago figure. The median is the midpoint; half the houses sold for more, half for less.

Statewide new listings for singl family homes over the three-month period rose 4.4 percent year-over-year, while new townhouse-condo listings slightly dropped by 1 percent.

Looking at Florida's townhouse-condo market, statewide closed sales totaled 26,506 during 3Q 2014, down 4.6 percent compared to 3Q 2013. The closed sales data continued to reflect fewer short sales over the three-month period: Short sales for condo-townhouse properties declined 59.9 percent while short sales for single-family homes dropped 50.8 percent. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

It's a good idea to step back and look at the housing market on occasion from a broader perspective, such as a quarterly basis, said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. He added that with so much real estate data available from many different sources, looking at numbers too frequently can sometimes suggest trends when none are there - or mask trends actually occurring.

"The third quarter numbers actually confirm what we have seen in the monthly data," Tuccillo said. "The housing market has settled into a stable pattern of activity that is reminiscent of the market before the craziness of the last year years. Sales and prices are up for single-family homes, but at sustainable rates. Inventory is fluctuating in a range that suggests a balanced market. The condo market is reflective of the general decline in new investor purchases in Florida. While prices and sales are strong in most of the state (especially when distressed sales are taken out of the numbers), some metropolitan areas continue to struggle.

"The good news is that this type of progress is the real estate market is likely to continue. We should see continued growth of the market for the rest of 2014 and into 2014."

Inventory was at at 5.4 month's supply in the third quarter for single-family homes an at 5.8 months' supply for townhouse-condo properties, according to Florida Realtors.

According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for at 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.14 percent for 3Q 2014, down from 4.44 percent average recorded during the same quarter a year earlier. \

Source: Florida Realtors

Is refinancing a mortgage worth it?

New York - Nov. 3, 2014

The interest rate pendulum has swung in favor of homeowners again.

A steady decline in recent weeks brought down the average rate for a 30-year fixed home loan below 4 percent to 3.92 percent this week, the lowest level in more than a year. As recently as January, the average was 4.53 percent, according to mortgage giant Freddit Mac.

That's good news for homeowners who are locked in at a higher interest rate and weren't able to refinance before rates began ticking up last year. The decline in mortgage rates has spurred a surge in mortgage refinancing. Applications reached their highest level since November 2013 last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

A reduction in your mortgage interest rate can translate into significant savings. The key is ensuring they aren't outweighed by the charges and fees involved.

"You want to be careful to do the math and be sure you're coming out ahead," said Gary Kalman, executive vice president at the center of Responsible Lending.

Here are some tips to help you determine whether refinancing your mortgage will pay off.

1. Understand the fees

Lenders typically charge fees for the mortgage broker's services, credit reports, a home appraisal and title insurance, among other costs.

To get a sense of the total consts, start with a "good faith estimate," It's a form that lenders are required to provide that details the projected costs associated with the loan.

Although certain costs of the loan can't change, including the origination or broker's fee, costs such as title fees may change until the loan is locked, meaning the interest rate is set, notes Kurtis Baker, a wealth management advisor at Certified Wealth Management & Investment LLC in Princeton, New Jersey.

The loan officer should also be able to help determine what your monthly payment would be after the refinancing.

2. Get a low-enough rate.

The general rule of thumb is that borrowers need to shave at least 1.5 to 2 percentage points from their rate in order for the refinancing costs to be worthwhile.

To qualify for the best rate on a mortgage refinance, borrowers must have proof of income and have equity in their home. About 20 percent equity is ideal, though some lenders will require as much as 30 percent for jumbo loans, said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

3. Do the math

Don't be fooled into thinking that you're getting a better deal when it's simply a new loan with a longer term, warns Timothy Watters, a certified financial planner at Watters Financial Services in Paramus, New Jersey.

To avoid this, tally up how much you're paying now in principal and interest and multiply it by the number of months left on your loan. Then do the same calculation using the figures under the new loan.

"If there's a substantial difference, it may be worthwhile to refinance," said Watters. "If there's not, it may not at all be worth refinancing."

Online calculators can help you estimate whether the savings in refinancing add up in your favor. Try this one from Bankrate.

4. Determine when you will break even

Even if refinancing will lower your monthly payment, it will take time to recoup your expenses. So think about how long you plan to stay in your home.

For example, refinancing from 5.5 percent interest rate to 4 percent would save $180 a month on $200,000 mortgage. But the fees - averaging around $2,500 - mean it would take about 14 months to break even.

To estimate how long it will take for your savings to offset the refinancing costs, divide the estimate costs by the projected annual interest savings.

Remember to factor in loan points, which borrowers can buy to lower their interest rate further. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount.

As long as that is comfortably shorter than the time you plan to stay in the home, refinancing could be a good choice, Baker said.

The Federal Reserve has a more detailed calculator for determining the break-even point on a mortgage refinancing. 

5. Shop around

Get quotes from several banks and ask that they put their offers in writing, including an estimate for the closing costs and any extras, like loan points.

Some lenders will allow you to roll the refinancing fees into your loan, sparing you upfront costs. However, this will increase how much you owe - and pay interest on - for the life of your loan.

Ask that the lender provide you with a comparison of the loan costs upfront and rolled into the loan.

Source: Florida Realtors

Don’t Let the Stock Market Get You Down

by Jonathan Smoke

The stock market's roller coaster ups and downs dominated the economic news this week, but don't be fooled into thinking they indicate economic weakness.

Actually the stock market is experiencing a correction. These corrections are sometimes related to economic declines and other issues, but sometimes they occur independently and in the face of positive economic conditions - like now.

This stock market correction is more about company valuations and bad hedge fund bets. It is not indicative of the road ahead for housing, which is increasingly looking more positive, based on the following factors.

Key Factors Making the U.S Economy Look Good

Construction: New construction data for September were positive and slightly better than expected. Starts and permits are back above 1 million. Year-over-year, the level of new construction is up 10% over 2013. That's not a spectacular rebound, it's positive and the gains in new construction will life the economy.

Labor: Fundamentally, the economy and housing are on solid ground as the labor market continues to show strength. The weekly unemployment claims number was 264,000, the lowest number since the spring of 2000. The share of the labor force applying for unemployment has never been lower. This reinforces the view the labor market is improving and tightening, and the October employment figures are likely to be very strong.

The labor market is strong because the economy and, specifically, industrial production continue to grow. Industrial production rose 1% in September, which was higher than the consensus estimate.

Continued Positive Outlook

The outlook for the economy and housing is positive, as the core fundamentals are all gaining strength. Pent-up demand remains large for housing but is constrained by tight mortgage qualification requirements, and supply for both new and existing homes remain below normal levels. Confidence is high despite blips from the stock market correction and nervousness about global deflation and Ebola.

Continued improvement in employment will be main driver for a quickening pace of economic growth, and this will drive growth in home sales and new construction, which will reinforce the employment growth. That cycle should result in significant job gains in the months ahead along with improving incomes and gradually improving access to credit. In such scenario, we should start to tap some of the pent-up demand that has been shut out of the housing market for the last several years.

We also now have two factors weighting the scales in our favor: substantially lower gas prices and 30-year mortgage rates below 4%.

Lower prices at the pump free up consumers' money for spending, paving the way for a good holiday season. Fixed mortgage rates below 4% won't last long, so they are the "last call" for qualified buyers to act on this rare opportunity. Plus, these lower rates provide a window for qualified buyers to refinance and reduce their monthly housing costs.

These factors will support greater economic growth overall and lift sentiment even further, setting the stage for a strong 2015.

Source: Realtor.com

The Warm and Cozy Home - Stay happy and healthy until your next trip to Sanibel!

The Warm and Cozy Home
by Deirdre Sullivan

We've got more than 9 mood-lifting ideas to make your home more welcoming and efficient this winter.

The dark days of winter can really do a number on your well-being. Shorter days trigger the blahs; freezing temps spark the sniffles. So we put together a list of ideas that'll turn your home into a comfy haven.

Cozy and Clever Energy Savers

Here's how to create a brighter and warmer home without using more energy or cranking up the thermostat.

1. Clean dirty light fixtures and dusty bulbs to make your home appear 30% brighter without turning on more lights. 
2. Seal sneaky air leaks. It's not just window and door leaks killing your cozy vibe. Don't forget to plug stealthy gaps around recessed lights, electrical boxes and wall outlets. Use a lit incense stick or a scented candle to hunt down draft spots while leaving behind a cozy scent.
3. Replace your traditional gas or wood fireplace. Why? Both suck out heated indoor air and send it up the chimney. A gel fireplace insert is an eco-friendly option that produces a burning fire without gas, wood, electricity or even a chimney. It's also smoke-free and emits fewer allergens than a wood fireplace; some options crackle like the real thing. A basic model costs between $100 to $210; custom models go up exponentially from there. A case of gel fuel comes with 12 cans that burn for three hours each (about $35). TIP:  Use a slow cooker to infuse your home with a warm and cozy aroma. Even better, slow cookers are more energy efficient than electric ovens, typically using less energy than a light bulb.
4. Get plants. some indoor plants, like golden pothos and gerbera daisies, are practically adept at sucking up nasty VOCs - the vapors emitted from household cleaners, paints and dry cleaning. And since plants increase humidity levels, they help decrease household dust.
5. Vacuum while your thermostat is set to "fan on." This helps filter dust that gets kicked-up while cleaning. Just leave the fan on for about 15 minutes after you finish vacuuming and switch it back to "auto" afterward. HVAC blowers aren't intended to run all the time.
6. Change your HVAC filter every couple of months (monthly if you have pets) to prevent excess dust from circulating. TIP: Combat superbugs with copper. If you're planning to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom fixtures, consider classic and homey-looking copper or a copper alloy like brass. A three-hospital study in 2011 found that bacteria can only survive on copper for a few minutes, but germs can live on stainless steel for weeks.
7. Make your windows pane-fully clear. Clean glass not only lets more natural light into your home, it's a feel-good task, according to a survey by the American Clean Institute. When ACI asked consumers what clean surfaces make them happy, "gleaming windows" made the top five above a "spotless sink."
8. Ditch your window screens in the fall and winter. They trap dirty and can make your home appear darker inside and out. It's a good curb appeal booster, too.
9. Add an interior window to a room next to a sun-drenched space to take advantage of natural light. TIP: Paint chilly rooms, especially north-facing walls that typically get sunlight, in reds, oranges, or yellow - cozy colors that can actually help the room feel warmer, according to a Michigan State University study.

Source: House Logic

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