Palm Beach County Real Estate News

Get the latest Palm Beach County real estate market information about what is going on in cities including Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Singer Island plus hot communities like: BallenIsles, Mirasol, The Bears Club, Frenchman's Creek, Steeplechase, Frenchman's Reserve plus many more!

June 11, 2012

A Good Real Estate Agent

A good real estate agent...

Can be a great ally in the quest to buy or sell a home. So how do you find somebody you are able to work with? Click here to read a thought provoking article from the New York Times.
                                                                                    Who's got your back

Posted in Real Estate News
June 11, 2012

Wha's going on in Palm Beach Gardens ...

Lots of great news for those in Palm Beach Gardens...

Written and researched by Elyse Schneiderman 

Home sales are up in this part of the county.  Buyers have returned.  The Palm Beach Post and other real estate magazines claim that home prices have stabilized.  Nobody can say that the prices will be higher in a few years, but I do not feel they will be lower.  Rentals are very scarce, and the rental market seems to be doing quite well.  Also, there are new homes being built again.  Mirasol is built out and there will be no new homes to choose from in this area if a buyer wants a country club, except at Old Palm.

Boat sales are the highest that they have been in 10 years after hitting record lows. Boat sales, translated, means more disposable income.  Shopping centers are finding new tenants.  In the LA Fitness Plaza at PGA National (where the old Walgreens used to be) a Health Food and Grocery Store has leased the space that has been empty for a few years.  Next door a new restaurant, Brooklyn Water Pizza and Pasta has taken over several spots.  They are a relative of Brooklyn Water Bagel which is also booming with customers in Palm Beach Gardens and other new locations.  Downtown at the Gardens is busier than the new owners projected.  The attractions geared towards children have been a huge success and  filling all the restaurants (because of the average prices and family geared eating).

Restaurants are busy, demonstrating that people are eating out again, and the economy in Florida is growing.  

The two magnet high schools in Palm Beach County, Suncoast and Dreyfus School of the Arts were rated in the top 50 high schools Nationally (Suncoast #14). The new JCC to be located on Hood Road will be completed in a year and will offer more events to the community.  The live telecast events that they sponsored through the 92nd Street Y were hugely attended.  I attended their “evening with Madeline Albright” and found it amazingly interesting.  I was also told the interview with Sandra Day O'Connor was fabulous, too.  Take advantage of all the things going on around us.

 

CONTRACTS SINCE JANUARY 1, 2012 

     The numbers below demonstrate that buyers are back and sales are remarkably different

      than the past couple ofseasons:

                             BallenIsles - 29 sales, 12 under contract

            Mirasol and Mirabella - 36 sales, 50 under contract

                                     PGA - 107 sales - 52 under contract

                        Admirals Cove - 24 sales - 9 under contract

                  Frenchmans Creek - 12 sales 3 under contract

 

Old Palm...

Is booming. The luxury buyers are back.  The maximum for this community is 310 homes.  As of two weeks ago they had sold 160 homes, most in the past year.  There are now 29 children living in Old Palm.  Old Palm is unique in that it really has people of all ages; and if you want to be catered to, it is the place to go.  Edmund James Hair Salon has opened another location in Old Palm for their residents.  Old Palm is very private and intimate, with touches that larger clubs cannot offer their members.  The starting range at Old Palm is about $1,300,000 and goes up to $10,000,000.  Many of their expensive 1 acre lots are already sold. 

As I have repeatedly said, there is something for everyone in this area, ranging from as little as $150,000, in PGA or Ibis, to the very expensive.  

 

PGA...

Is booming again, too.  I listed and sold a small home in less than a week.  If a home is priced to sell, it sells.  For those who might be interested in PGA, I need to warn of one issue if you join their club (which is a wonderful club for the price), but it now seems almost impossible to get any return of your membership money if you leave.  I have several clients who bought homes years ago and were told they would have their membership deposit returned when they sold.  (I, myself, lived in PGA and had my initiation fee returned nine months after we sold in 1999).  Today, however, they are not returning the money, but PGA still remains a very nice place to live.

 

New Activity for kids:

The Black Sparrow Pirate Ship, just written about in the Palm Beach Post, is a boat ride around Peanut Island (with Pirates, Treasure Hunts, Face Painting and various other activities for kids). It is a 75 minute boat ride - three times a day.

 

The JCC will relocate to a new facility on Hood Road, and the new location will open its doors for the public (activities, bridge, lectures, events, etc, etc, for all age groups) in one year.  The Pre-School will likewise move to Hood Road.

 

The Meyer Academy (Kindergarten through eighth grade), presently located in West Palm Beach, will be moving to the new JCC grounds on Hood Road one year after the new JCC opens.

 

 

Posted in Palm Beach Gardens
March 22, 2012

Jupiter, FL Estates

Exterior Back (Exterior Back of Jupiter, FL Estate)
Jupiter, FL, located in Palm Beach County, has grown by over 10,000 in the past decade, which makes it one of the more desirable places to live in Florida.  Why has the exclusive Bears Club community in Jupiter, FL become such a hot address for golfers, particularly pro golfers?  It used to be that Orlando was where the pro golfers flocked to.  Jupiter, FL is now quickly gaining ground according to Brian Wacker from PGATOUR.COM, "with Woods, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Camilo Villegas and Steve Marino among the dozens of current PGA TOUR players now calling the area home (not to mention several more part-time residents such as Luke Donald or those from the Nationwide and Champions Tours and LPGA)."

Bears Club Community (Bears Club Community)
Jupiter, FL, located in Palm Beach County, has grown by over 10,000 in the past decade, which makes it one of the more desirable places to live in Florida.  Why has the exclusive Bears Club community in Jupiter, FL become such a hot address for golfers, particularly pro golfers?  It used to be that Orlando was where the pro golfers flocked to.  Jupiter, FL is now quickly gaining ground according to Brian Wacker from PGATOUR.COM, "with Woods, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Camilo Villegas and Steve Marino among the dozens of current PGA TOUR players now calling the area home (not to mention several more part-time residents such as Luke Donald or those from the Nationwide and Champions Tours and LPGA)."

Patio Deck/Lanai (Patio Deck/Lanai)
Noted in Wacker's article at PGATOUR.COM, "The opportunity to practice 52 weeks a year appealed to Greg Norman. Orlando meanwhile, can get frosty in the winter months. Other states such as Arizona and Nevada -- two smaller player hotbeds that, like Florida, don't have a state income tax -- can be chilly and even get occasional snow or ice."  If this lifestyle interests you then schedule a showing for our 11,741 square feet exquisite Balinesian inspired estate, located at 144 Bears Club in Jupiter, FL.  This six bedroom eight bathroom estate overlooks the lake on the 13th hole. This incredibly high-tech home greets arrivals with 2 live Koi ponds flanking the entrance.  If you would like to view more details, pictures, or a virtual tour then click here.  To preview this luxurious home please contact Michael or Andrew Leibowitz, from Leibowitz Realty Group, at 561-262-0721, 561-262-0722, or info@leibowitzrealty.com.  Michael or Andrew Leibowitz of Leibowitz Realty Group are your premier luxury home specialists in Palm Beach County.    

 Jupiter, FL Estate Exterior Back (Pool/Back of Estate) 

Posted in Palm Beach County
March 13, 2012

The Florida Brain Cancer 5K

Leibowitz Realty Group is proud to be a sponsor of 


The Florida Brain Cancer 5K is an annual event hosted by Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC²) that raises funds to support cutting-edge brain cancer research projects.  The 2012 Florida Brain Cancer 5K will take place on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth, FL.  It will include family, corporate, school, and community organization teams coming together to enjoy a day of fun, food, and music, while providing hope and support to all their friends and family members affected by this horrible disease.  They are anticipating 1,000 participants and hope to raise $200,000!

For more information, to join our team to walk and/or make a donation…please visit the Florida Brain Cancer 5K website at www.fbc5k.org.

Please join Leibowitz Realty Group on TEAM MOONDANCE, which was created in the memory of two very special friends who lost their fight to brain cancer.

Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure has awarded more than $16 million in research funding to highly qualified research investigators and physician-scientists from 42 institutions.  We partner with medical research centers, early-stage biotechnology companies and large multi-national pharmaceutical companies.  These partners all share a vision of driving translational research and moving treatments as fast as possible from basic discovery to the clinic.

Posted in Community Events
Dec. 29, 2011

History of Palm Beach Gardens

Before it acquired its title, Palm Beach Gardens was anything but. Forests and swamps made up the majority of the region. The area remained that way until an American businessman decided to turn it into a garden city.

In March of 1959, John D. MacArthur began developing 4,000 acres into his dream real estate property. He estimated room for 55,000 people in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

In the 1960s, MacArthur developed his city quickly. MacArthur spent millions on making Palm Beach Gardens real estate property beautiful. MacArthur even constructed streets to move around the a series of Banyan trees, which remain to this day. Of course, this would cost extra. Undeterred, MacArthur continued with the creation of his garden-themed city. MacArthur also purchased an 80-year-old Banyan tree from the nearby town of Lake Park. The tree was scheduled to be cut down. Instead, MacArthur spent $30,000 to have the historic Banyan tree moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The current Palm Beach Gardens City Council still has strict guidelines on landscaping, in order to keep the city beautiful.

The first Palm Beach Gardens property to be created was a church.

In '64, MacArthur donated $2 million dollars to the PGA. As a result, the PGA moved to Palm Beach Gardens. From 1965 to 1971, PGA tournaments like the Seniors and the World Cup took place in Palm Beach Gardens. Yet in 1972, PGA tournaments left Palm Beach Gardens and moved to BallenIsles. Today, the PGA has 12 golf courses in Palm Beach Gardens. Of course, the PGA doesn't have the only golf courses in Palm Beach Gardens. The Mirasol Country Club and Old Palm Golf Club also have beautiful golf courses.

By 1970, the population of the city was a 7,000. Today, the population of Palm Beach Gardens has reached 48,452. Almost the amount of people John D. MacArthur predicted!

Posted in Palm Beach Gardens
Sept. 6, 2011

Palm Beach Gardens Continues to Grow

Looking for a luxury home in Palm Beach Gardens? You’re in luck. Three neighborhoods at Old Palm Golf Club are experiencing a building surge. Fifteen homes are currently under construction in the luxury gated community that is a testament to upscale living in the Northern Palm Beaches.

Since Old Palm Golf Club was sold to Clarion Development Ventures in 2010, Old Palm has seen 30 sales transactions that totaled more than $65 million. This does not include additional sales that are currently pending.

So, why are people flocking to Old Palm?

Old Palm Golf Club is a luxury gated community that sits on 651 acres and includes an 18-hole signature golf course, a 33-acre golf practice facility, and a 43,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse and Spa. The gated community is located near fine dining, shopping, cultural attractions and breathtakingly pristine beaches.

Old Palm Golf Club is limited to 330 members and interest in the area is at an all-time high.

To view homes in this luxury gated community contact Leibowitz Realty at 561-262-0721. We’ll help you get started.

Posted in Real Estate News
Aug. 22, 2011

4th Annual Flavor Palm Beach Kick Off

August 26th marks the official kick-off party for Flavor Palm Beach, a foodie festival that has been enticing Palm Beach residents and visitors to Palm Beach County for the last three years.

Flavor Palm Beach is a month long dining event that runs from September 1 to September 30 and was established to introduce diners to the various types of restaurants throughout Palm Beach County.

Now in its 4th year, Flavor Palm Beach allows diners to experience inexpensive 3 course dinners in restaurants from West Palm Beach to Jupiter, and everywhere in between.

While the official kick-off party starts on August 26th at 6pm at the waterfront on Clematis, food enthusiasts can look forward to an entire month of quality dining at some of Palm Beach County’s best locations.

Just another reason why we love Palm Beach!

 

Leibowitz Realty specializes in Palm Beach home sales and luxury homes in Palm Beach Gardens.


Posted in Palm Beach County
Aug. 10, 2011

7 Things to do in West Palm Beach

As the largest city in Palm Beach County, it’s no surprise that West Palm Beach has a lot to offer its visitors and residents. There are activities and events designed to please almost every type of interest.

So whether you’ve got your eye on West Palm Beach Real Estate or on Palm Beach Gardens Real Estate, or even if you’re just planning a visit to the area, the following list of 7 things to do in West Palm Beach is just the tip of what’s available to you.

McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the pine forest of West Palm Beach, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary sits on five acres of land and boasts over 170 animals from Lemurs to White Tigers that can be viewed from as close as 3 feet away! The Sanctuary is not like a zoo, in that it is a non-profit wildlife rescue facility that takes in injured wildlife, orphans, and unwanted exotic pets. Rated the #1 attraction in West Palm Beach, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful family destination.

Norton Museum of Art

As the largest art museum in Florida, the Norton Museum of Art showcases a permanent collection of masterpieces that includes works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Monet. Other collections include American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, Photography and more.

Rapids Water Park

Waterpark lovers will find everything they’re looking for at Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach. With 30 acres of attractions and 35 waterslides, Rapids Water Park has been pleasing Florida residents and visitors for over 30 years.

Antique Row

With over 40 antique shops offering a wonderful selection of 17th to 20th century antiques, Antique Row is a must-visit for antique lovers of all kinds. Noted as one of the east coast’s premier antique districts by Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Art & Antiques, and House Beautiful, Antique Row has been impressing antique collectors for more than 25 years.

CityPlace

As a popular shopping center in West Palm Beach, CityPlace resembles a small European village and includes more than 50 popular retailers. CityPlace is also an exciting dining and entertainment destination.

West Palm Beach Golf Course

The West Palm Beach Golf Course has been intriguing golfers of all skill levels since 1947. It has a full grass driving range, a large practice area that overlooks the course, golf lessons, and ER Bradley's Hole In One restaurant and bar with a lovely patio area. The West Palm Beach Golf Course was beautifully restored in 2009 by 10-time PGA Tour Champion Mark McCumber.

Palm Beach Water Taxi

Recommended as the best way to see Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Water Taxi departs as early as 8am and offers narrated sightseeing tours, private charters, and shuttles to Peanut Island, one of the best places in Palm Beach to enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming, sunbathing, nature trails and more.

Not only are the above 7 things to do in West Palm Beach convenient to those visiting or residing in West Palm Beach, they are also accessible to people in Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Jupiter.


Posted in Palm Beach County
July 25, 2011

Housing Market Improves in June

June was a good month for the housing market. The Commerce Department reported that builders began work on 629,000 homes last month -- a 14.6% increase from May.  Apartment construction was up by 31.8% and construction on single-family homes rose 9.4%.

Home sales have also increased.

According to the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, single-family home sales rose 16% in June, with 699,000 homes sold. The price of single-family homes also rose by 2%.

Increased home sales have been reported in Rhode Island, Houston, Southern California, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Palm Beach County was a little ahead of the game with a reported 21% increase in home sales in April but the trend is now reaching other cities and states, and Freddie Mac economists are reporting that the housing market overall is unlikely to face a double dip.

Posted in Real Estate News
July 15, 2011

Life in Palm Beach Gardens: Where There’s Something for Everyone

Palm Beach Gardens, the “latest hip destination”, boasts an average, sunny temperature of 74 degrees and is a premier city in which residents can enjoy an active or relaxing lifestyle. Whether your interests include golf, art and culture, shopping, or simply luxuriating on the beach, Palm Beach Gardens has something for everyone.


City of Palm Beach Gardens from City of Palm Beach Gardens on Vimeo.



View Luxury Homes available in Palm Beach Gardens provided Leibowitz Realty Group, Palm Beach Gardens Real Estate professionals.

Posted in Palm Beach County