THE HISTORY OF ANNUITIES

• Over 2000 years ago, during Roman times, buyers, in return for a lump sum, received a fixed annual payment for life or a period certain. The first Life Expectancy Table was created by The Roman Domitius Ulpianus
• The wars during the Middle Ages were funded by tontines, annuity pools in which participants purchased a share and received a life annuity. Their survivors received a larger payment with the last survivor receiving the remaining principal, a veritable jackpot.
• European Governments, during the 18^th C., sold annuities that were state-guaranteed for lifetime income. Hundreds of laws were passed by the English Parliament to fund wars and provide a stipend to the Royal Family., the first issued was the State Tontine of 1963 costing 100£ per share with the buyer receiving income during the lifetime of their designated person, often a child. They could be assigned by will or deed or passed on to next of kin at death.
• In the United States annuities were not heavily purchased at first, mostly bought by attorneys or executors of estates to provide income to a beneficiary as describe in a last will and testament. A Pennsylvania company was formed in 1759 to benefit Presbyterian ministers and their families, and in 1912, the Pennsylvania Company for Insurance on Lives and Granting Annuities was the first American company to offer annuities to the general public.
• In the United States as multi-generational households began to fade, and especially during the Depression, investors turned to annuities as reliable investments.
• During the “New Deal” period, when FDR encouraged saving for retirement, group annuities for corporate pension plans developed. Tax deferred status was attractive.
• In 1952, the variable annuity was introduced, with a choice of vehicles to invest in, such as mutual funds.
• During the current difficult economic times annuities have become extremely popular and right now some companies have put a temporary hold on issuing annuities until they catch up with what they have in-house.
• Estimated annual annuity sales amount to over $200BB. Even though annuity contracts may have higher fees and commissions than some other investments, many have found the annuity structure to be beneficial in growing their retirement portfolios.

Blog Manager Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a License Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and offers FREE Community Service appointments to let you know what others in your position are doing to protect, preserve and grow their retirement portfolios using annuities and/or life insurance.

$8000 NEW HOME BUYER CREDIT: THE RULES OF THE GAME HAVE CHANGED

The most significant change involves the amount of down payment required by qualified first-time homebuyers. FHA mortgages require a 3.5 percent down payment, and the $8,000 tax credit cannot be used to override that requirement. Once the 3.5 percent down payment requirement has been met, however, the tax credit can be applied to additional costs, including a higher down payment, paying points to lower the mortgage rate, and/or closing costs. Lenders will treat the tax credit money as a second lien on the home until it’s paid back. “Stay tuned” for any more changes.

ED W. “TOO TALL FREEMAN”, CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

When Ed applied to become a pilot after receiving a battlefield commission, he was hoping to fulfill a childhood dream. However, he was told that at 6’4” he was “too tall” for pilot duty, and “Too Tall” became his nickname. In 1955 the height limit was raised, and he was accepted into flying school. Following is an email I received, source is http://www.herobracelets.org/?p=553, and it tells the story: You're a 19-year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out.. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses. And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times... and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, cited for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity, died last in August 2008 at the age of 80, in Boise , ID... May God rest his soul. Thanks to John Davis, Real Estate Broker in Nebraska and a long-time friend, for sending me this information.

HOW TO CLAIM FUNDS YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE COMING TO YOU

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Search www.unclaimed.org and missingmoney.com. Look for savings bonds in your name at publicdebt.treas.gov . For IRAs and pensions search search.pbgc.gov.

On May 12, 2009 HUD announced permission for lenders to allow first time home buyers to use the $8000 tax credit

as a down payment

If you are a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER
(have not purchased or owned a home in 3 prior years)

And are looking for a Home

This will make it easier to buy

Let us tell you the whole story

And pre-approve you same day

FREEBEES

Head over to www.JustFreeStuff.com, and www.TheFreeSite.com . These are sites featuring free products. For groceries, go to www.GetGroceriesFree.com, and www.CoolSavings.com. Take advantage of these offers that fit what you are looking for. We all could use a “free lunch” once in a while! You might want to tell your neighbors about these sites!

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS - HERE'S THE STORY!

CONGRESS HAS APPROVED AN $8,000 TAX CREDIT (or 10% of the purchase price, which ever is less) for any taxpayer who has not owned a house during the 3 years prior to date of purchase. Credit applies to purchases made between January 1 and December 1, 2009. Credit would not have to be repaid (resale stipulations apply). Credit begins to phase out for Individuals with adjusted gross income Over $75,000/single, $150,000/joint.

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

· Mortgage Pre-Approval: Before showing a home your real estate agent must have this letter in their file - we promise other agents to only show homes to buyers who have proof of ability to pay and they do the same
· Finding a home that you like - Give your real estate agent your criteria so they can find you the home of your dreams (price range, # bedrooms and baths, do you want a house, condo or townhouse, cities you prefer, do you have pets and if yes what are their weights as some communities have
pet restrictions, are you age 55+ as some communities are not "all age" complexes)

· Offer to Purchase and Negotiations: Your agent will help you to understand
contract, and will negotiate for you.
· Inspection, Loan is Processed if not paying cash, your agent goes to the closing with you

After you settle into your new home, your agent can tell you about local groups, events, activities and entertainment, also medical facilities, veterinarians, classes you can take, concerts, theaters and all else that you want to know. If you do not have an agent and would like to “discuss” matters with an agent, call Marilyn Farber Jacobs at 561-988-0070 or email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com. Happy to assist and find you the home of your dreams, the lowest possible mortgage rate, and get you “to the closing table.”

FREE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS-DIABETES, MOBILITY, ARTHRITI

Medicare will pay for your supplies. Delivery will be made directly to your home. Your claims will be filed for you. No waiting in line, no trips to the pharmacy, NO COST TO YOU. For diabetics, we have a brand new state-of-the-art testing meter, virtually pain free – never prick your fingers again! With free blood pressure monitor on first reorder, you get a free cookbook. No cost scooter or power wheelchair, delivered to your home with free in-home setup – choose from a variety of brands. Equipment provided for relief from arthritis, back ache, elbow, ankle or knee pain, swelling, soreness, stiff joints-relieves pain, increases mobility, reduces swelling, long-term wearer comfort, increases circulation, promotes healing. VitalWrap System delivers targeted relief through hot, cold, contrast and compression therapies with precision and comfort. Sizing guide included. Email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com for free Community Service Medical Equipment Brochure or call Marilyn to receive brochure in person or by mail at 561-988-0070. Marilyn is a Licensed Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and will be happy to discuss with you Medicare Supplements, Life and Health Insurance, Annuities, Long Term Care, and Life Settlements. If you know someone who might be able to use this information, Marilyn will be happy to mail or email it to them.

TODAYS AWARD: FREE COPYING, FAXING AT OFFICE DEPOT FOR JOB SEEKERS THROUGH MAY 30th

Kudos to Office Depot, for recognizing these are tough times for many, and offering up to 25 single-sided free copies of resumes and free faxing to 5 different domestic numbers for job seekers.

THE GOOD, BAD AND BETTER NEWS ON HOUSING AND MORTGAGES

Neighborhood Stabilization Programs are reaching heavily into foreclosed areas. $4BB of federal monies authorized by Congress in 2008 and another $2BB dollars in the 2009 economic stimulus package are being distributed to dozens of cities, towns and counties in the United States. These are aimed at purchasing blocks of distressed properties to create “land banks” for future redevelopers. Private investors can work jointly with nonprofits to assemble and prepare real estate for government purchase. Sidelined by the recession, now local builders and developers may be able to help reconstruct damaged houses and manage them until they are ready for resale. Contact local housing and community development agencies that are making Neighborhood Stabilization proposals to the federal government. If local officials have not yet prepared proposals for HUD, you may be able to talk to them and get the process started. Tamarac in Broward County, the closest area to Palm Beach County receiving initially distributed funds for this plan, will get almost $5MM. For Further information. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 2 weeks ago US mortgage applications soared 32% as record low interest rates spurred home refi loans, accounting for 78.5% of all applications. Zillow.com reports that in 2008 the housing market lost an estimated $3.3 trillion in value. Credit Suisse Group AG estimates that a total of 16% of all US households (8.1MM homes) with mortgages could fall into foreclosure by 2012. The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that at the end of 2008, a little more than 9% of all US home loans were either in arrears or foreclosure. The $75BB incentive plan for lenders applies when they lower interest rates so that a borrowers monthly mortgage payment is no more than 38% of his or her pre-tax income. Then the government program would match the amount reduced by the lender to bring payments down to 31% of their pre-tax income, or to lower the principal owed on the mortgage, according to Market Watch. Part of the initiative provides for servicers to receive $1000 for each loan modification, and government funding for each month the borrower stays current on the loan. Homeowners can also receive $1000 annually for 5 years as long as they stay current on loan payments – this comes from the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) and from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A plan allowing judges to rewrite mortgage terms for homeowners in bankruptcy court is under consideration so that rather than force people into foreclosure they can make at least some of the payments. There is a fear, however, that this “cram down” law, if passed, would stop investors from buying mortgage-backed securities, fearing judges could unilaterally change the terms of the deal the securities were created around, according to MSNBC, thereby destabilizing the marketplace.

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR AWARDED TO THOMAS R. NORRIS (Part 2)

Thomas R. Norris was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His family moved to Wisconsin and later to the Washington, D.C. area, where Norris attended the University of Maryland, intent on pursuing a career in criminology with the FBI. Graduating in 1967, Norris enlisted in the Navy when his student deferment from the draft was not extended. He volunteered for the SEALs -- the Navy's elite special-forces unit -- and after completing the brutally rigorous training program served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. In the spring of 1973, a RB-66 electronic surveillance plane was shot down over North Vietnam. One crewman, Lt. Col. Gene Hambleton, survived the bailout over North Vietnam and narrowly escaped capture. The Air Force launched an unprecedented rescue effort. In five days, over 14 people were killed, eight aircraft were lost, two rescuers were captured and two more were stranded behind enemy lines. On April 10, 1972, Norris led a five-man patrol deep into enemy territory. Separating temporarily from his patrol, he traveled alone through the jungle and located one of the downed pilots just before dawn. He led his crew safely back to their forward operating base. Later that day, a North Vietnamese rocket attack on the small base inflicted devastating casualties and compelled the medical evacuation of the one other American officer, the remaining Vietnamese officers and all but a remnant of the Vietnamese supporting force. After an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the first missing flier, two of Norris's three remaining Vietnamese commandos proved unwilling to accompany Norris on further missions. On the afternoon of the 12th, a forward air controller located the first pilot and notified Lt. Norris. Dressed as fishermen, Lt. Norris and a Vietnamese comrade, Nguyen Van Kiet, paddled a sampan up the river and found the injured pilot at dawn. Concealing him in the bottom of their vessel, Norris and Kiet headed down river to their base, dodging one North Vietnamese patrol and surviving heavy machine gun fire from a bunker along the river. This extraordinary rescue has been recounted in numerous books and a feature film, BAT-21 (starring Gene Hackman), the Air Force code name for the original reconnaissance mission. The following October he received a near-fatal head wound in action and was rescued by his fellow Navy SEAL, Michael Thornton. At first, Norris's doctors gave him little chance of recovery, but with constant encouragement from his family and from Michael Thornton, Norris fought on. In time, Norris and Thornton enjoyed the unique satisfaction of witnessing each other's Medal of Honor ceremonies at the White House. Thomas Norris ultimately realized his youthful ambition of joining the FBI. After many years of distinguished service in FBI hostage rescue operations, he now enjoys a well-earned retirement in Idaho. This story can be seen on the Military and History Channels... Thank you to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (Ret.)

CURRENT HOME SALES AND FORECLOSURE STATISTICS

CONSIDER THAT THE HIGH AMOUNT OF FORECLOSURES
DISTORTS THE PRICING COMPARISONS
AND AS THE FORECLOSURES ARE SOLD
THE PRICING COMPARABLES WILL CHANGE
TO REALISTIC NUMBERS

A TRUE STORY TO REMEMBER, FROM GARY GOSNELL, PILOT (RET.), SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1997, AT THE LITTLE ROCK EXCELSIOR HOTEL. During our airline crew check-in at the Excelsior Hotel front desk we were told that President Clinton & his staff was staying in the hotel. The occasion was the 40th Anniversary of the Little Rock Central High integration crisis. President Clinton was scheduled to participate in the anniversary celebration on Friday the 19th & Saturday the 20th. Additionally the Congressional Medal of Honor Society of the United State of America was also meeting in the Excelsior Hotel that same weekend. I met the first officer in the bar for a late night sandwich. The bar was crowded with White House staffers so we sat at the bar. To appear ignorant the upcoming events I asked the lady on my left who are all these people and what is the occasion. She explained they were White House Staffers and the reason for the presidential visit. When asked what she did, she said she was on the White House communication staff. A few minutes' later two older gentlemen arrived at the bar. It was obvious that they were not part of the WH staff. We invited them to join us at bar. One of six the WH staffers sitting in a booth directly behind us stopped the second gentleman, former Navy Seal, Thomas R. Norris and asked him what was thing he was wearing around his neck. (Norris was about 5'10", 230 lbs.). He responded to the WH staffer that it was the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR. Being a well-qualified Clinton white house staffer, the male staffer asked the question of the weekend, "What's that?" The Vietnam veteran, explained to the WH staffers what a CMH is and its significance. One of the six staffers in the booth apparently overcome with patriotism and love of the military, immediately left the booth and did not return. Later another WH staffer (male) sat down next to the former Navy Seal. After a little chitchat the WH staffer again asked the Seal about that thing around his neck. The Seal told the staffer about the CMH. When asked, Norris told the staffer about the events which resulted in the CMH. The staffer left after his first drink and never returned. To my left and behind me were Clinton WH staffers and to the right of the first officer were two CMH recipients. The contrast was stark. The quiet one was an Army retired Lt. Col., and the other, a former Navy Seal, both CMH recipients. We spent a couple hours asking questions and listening to their personal stories. We were honored to have met and talked with these two American Heroes. SALUTE! On January 13, 1997, in the East Room of the White House, President Clinton presented the seven Congressional Medals of Honor, one to Vernon Baker and six to the families of now deceased WWII servicemen. Eight months later some White House staffers fortunate enough to be invited to Little Rock for the 40th Anniversary had no idea what is a CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR and its significance in history of United States. A sad commentary! (…details coming about Thomas R. Norris’ and another Congressional Medal of Honor award… stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 to be posted here shortly!)

PROPERTY VALUATIONS IN QUESTION

Appraisers complained at a House financial services subcommittee recently that loan officers, Realtors, builders and others made pervasive attempts to interfere with their work, and that sometimes resulted in distorted home valuations. The President of the National Association of Home Builders said that in 2008 and 2009 appraisers “have often used sales of homes in foreclosure or other distressed property sales as comparables for new homes without making the appropriate value adjustments.” He said that depresses the true value of new homes, produces a further downward spiral in new home sales and unfairly devalues entire neighborhoods. All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans originating after May 1^st may change, but the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has filed a federal lawsuit in US District Court in Washington asking the court to declare the entire process illegal because it bans mortgage brokers from involvement in selecting or hiring appraisers. According to the association (which represents 20,000 brokers nationally) that will directly reduce the ability of mortgage brokers to provide consumers with an efficient and cost-effective means of shopping for a mortgage. Home buyers and refinancers then may need to pay for appraisals from every mortgage company or bank they shop. Currently, a broker can obtain one appraisal at the consumer’s expense and use it to get quotes from multiple wholesale lenders.

CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN-LIKE PET CARE

A tour of the Calusa Veterinary Center at 6900 Congress Avenue in Boca Raton, just south of Costco, will reveal an amazing, 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art full-service veterinary medical facility where pets are treated similarly to humans. When diagnosed and tailored individual treatments are determined, your beloved pet may go to the Aquatic Center and receive hydrotherapy in a heated outdoor exercise pool and/or walk on an underwater treadmill, which provides low-level impact exercise in a reduced gravity environment. Treatments provided in the Rehab Center include deep penetrating low level laser, therapeutic ultrasound, electro-muscle stimulation, land treadmill exercises and stretching, range of motion, gait analysis. Homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractics, nutrition and herbalism are used in the Zen-inspired Holistic Center to get pets on their way to recovery. The Center’s holistic viewpoint includes consideration of their environment, the pet’s relationship with their owner and family, and disease patterns. If your pet is in need of treatment “after hours,” give Calusa Veterinary Center a call, and they will be ready when you walk in the door with your pet. Along with medical services and rehabilitation, the facility offers grooming, dental care, and boarding. Luxury boarding is available in the Barker Raton Pet Resort within the facility, and you can arrange to go online and see your pet in their boarding quarters. One focus of the Center is to promote responsible pet ownership, good nutrition, enhance the human-animal bond, and practice preventative health care. Pets are considered “seniors” at 7 years of age, and the Center has a Senior Wellness Screening package with a comprehensive physical exam. Gift cards are offered, and there is a 5% discount on the total invoice that can be used the next time, or any time you receive other services. Call 561-999-3000 to arrange for a tour. You may want to bring the kids along! Calusa serves the entire Palm Beach County area.

FROM CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER on May 14, 2009: Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate and costs involved in operating a state of the art, high quality, efficient emergency room, we have had to temporarily discontinue having a doctor on premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will continue to provide on-site, 24/7 nursing care for our hospitalized patients and pet resort guests, as well as a doctor on call, and emergency care during office hours. Calusa Veterinary Center will be open for appointments 7 days a week, including Sunday! We will be seeing appointments 8:00am-7:00pm Monday thru Friday and 9:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. We will continue to provide the highest level of care and service, with our critical care, 24 hour nurse supervised care, holistic and homeopathic center, canine rehabilitation, full surgical suite with ventilators and laser, nutritional counseling, full digital x-rays, endoscopy, ultrasound, in house laboratory, full dental suite with radiology and our pet spa and pet resort. We ask for your understanding at this time, and your continued belief in our commitment to the care of your pets. Our ER doors will open once again, in the near future. In the event of an emergency after hours, please contact our office at (561) 999-3000. One of our emergency room nurses will be here to assist you and can guide you to the closest emergency doctor available.

212-ROOM BOCA RESORT BEACH CLUB OPENS

The redesigned beach club at the luxurious Boca Raton Resort & Club offers a full-service beach resort experience with a variety of world-class restaurants, spa, golf and tennis. There is a new ocean view fitness center with floor to ceiling walls providing water views and offering the latest in cardio and strength training equipment, a kenesis wall, new Camp Boca children’s activity center, 3 restaurants with a variety including seafood, snacks, and café with breakfast, lunch and dessert items prepared daily, three new meeting rooms and ballroom space with pool deck view, three new outdoor pools with lounge areas where WiFi access is available. Forty-six new private poolside cabanas and new in-sand beach loungers are available. Traffic flow is enhanced by the new wide circular driveway. The cabana-style guest rooms include nine suites with Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway views

FIX IT ONLINE FOR FREE

Imagine! Something is not working right, and you can first check it out at www.fixya.com. Volunteer techies provide free fix-it advice for common breakdowns of gadgets, electronics, and other products. Chat online or post a message. Before purchasing an item, you may be able to get a “heads-up” from those who already posted on the item.

BE PROUD OF OUR BOCA RATON POLICE FORCE

The Boca Raton Police received another Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. An independent assessment team from The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) recognized proof of compliance with more than 250 prescribed standards, conducting onsite inspections of facilities, policies, equipment and procedures for proof of compliance with more than 250 prescribed standards. The Boca Raton Police Services Department met or exceeded all applicable standards. The Department has an authorized force of 198 full-time sworn police officers and 99 civilians.

COMMON SENSE HEALTH AND WELLNESS ADVICE

From every corner these days we are hearing about healthy life choices. There are many things you can do to help practice healthy adult living. Here are a few from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). GET THE SCREENING TEST YOU NEED. Mammograms, Pap smears, colorectal screens, and other tests can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which of the following tests you should have and when. These recommendations come from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and NIH. Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. Cholesterol: Women should have their cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 45: men every 5 years beginning at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, begin checking cholesterol at age 20. Colorectal cancer: Test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help decide which test is right for you. Depression: If you have felt "down", sad or hopeless and have taken little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight, ask your doctor about screening for depression. Diabetes: Screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Breast cancer: Have a mammogram every one two years starting at age 40. Osteoporosis (women): Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between 60 and 64 and weigh 154 pounds or less, talk to your doctor about being tested. Cervical Cancer (women): Get a Pap smear every one to three years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21. Prostate Cancer (men): Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. Sexually transmitted diseases: Your doctor can help you decide whether to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, and for women, also chlamydia. General: After age 50, people also should have an annual fasting blood sugar check for diabetes, regular colonoscopies for cancer of the colon, PSA tests for prostate cancer, and mammograms for breast cancer. The body is truly fearfully and wonderfully made. God has made us stewards of our bodies and our health. Remember no one knows your body better than you do. Take the time to take care of yourself. Thank you for this advice to Polly Terry, a Parish Nurse, RN, who writes the column monthly for her Church Bulletin. Polly lives in Freeport, Florida.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ IN CALIFORNIA… WILL FLORIDA BE NEXT?

The Santa Barbara Realtors Association President says, “Home sales are picking up across the South Coast… more favorable interest rates are one reason… prospective buyers are more likely to get off the fence when rates are low.” She also says that once the market has hit bottom, it’s too late for buyers to know that, and, “If you wait for the bottom to hit, you’ve waited to long.” As the drive begins to purchase homes, the competition makes prices rise again. According to a local online newsletter, “The South Coast has a chronic shortage of entry-level homes like townhomes, condominiums and smaller single family homes so federal stimulus spending could have a positive effect locally.” If you read the article farther down you will see that home sales in Florida are trending up. Is it time to get on the bandwagon?

COCO AND COOKIE NEED A LOVING HOME

UPDATE: Cookie & Coco found a loving home. See http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cookiecoco.asp

See http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/02/paws_effect_finding_cookie_and_coco_a_ho.php

Family losing their home in a week and are desperately trying to find a loving home for them. They are 3 year old females, already housebroken, trained and loves kids. 'They are spayed and up to date with all their shots - these are life long friends that need to stay together. Please pass along to all family, friends, co-workers - spread the word and help find these two adorable labs a home. Contact: Neil & Phyllis Atler - 870-3030 or na222@aol.com

FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS REPORTS FIFTH MONTH OF INCREASED HOME SALES ACTIVITIES IN FLORIDA

With existing home sales up 24% in January, the 5^th month in a row of year-to-year increased sales activity, 2009 FAR President, Cynthia Shelton, says, “Many people are looking at today’s market and seeing opportunities to find the home or business they’ve always wanted. With a range of available housing options, historically low mortgage interest rates and affordable prices, buyers who may have been hesitant before should take a closer look at the current opportunities for homeownership. As real estate professionals who know all aspects of their local market conditions, Florida Realtors are here to help counsel consumers making sound long-term decisions for their homes and their businesses.” Existing condos had a 13% gain in statewide sales. Inventories, nationwide, fell to a 2-year low. NAR Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, says, “It appears some buyers are taking advantage of much lower home prices. The higher monthly sales gain and falling inventory are steps in the right direction, but buyers will continue to have an edge over sellers for the foreseeable future.” Median (midpoint) sales price for existing homes last month was down 33% from a year ago from $206,900 to $139,500, and NAR attributes the significant downward price distortion to discounted sales, including foreclosures.

ART AND CRAFTS FESTIVALS IN BOCA AND DELRAY 2/28 AND 3/1

Mark your calendars and head to Royal Palm Place on February 28^th and March 1^st. Take advantage from 10 am to 5 pm of free admission to view the talents of many of the country’s best artists. Included will be painting, wood-working, sculpting, unique crafts and mixed media in this 2^nd Annual Show. Royal Palm Place is on SE Mizner Boulevard, south of Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. You can rest your feet, “grab a bite” or dine at one of the very nice restaurants right there. Window shopping is permitted, so you will have a festival for your eyes. On the same days, also free admission, visit the 12^th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival, same hours. The streets of downtown Delray become outdoor craft-art showcases. Included will be folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and you can talk with the crafters about their art. This will take place on 4^th and Atlantic Avenues, in the midst of shoppes to browse, wonderful places to dine, galleries to comb. Enjoy both shows!