Cindy Hartman, REALTOR®,e-PRO®, AHS™

Mortgage giants to alter practices in settlement

Cindy Hartman — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:44:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Jan. 24, 2012 – The nation’s five largest mortgage lenders have agreed to overhaul their industry after deceptive foreclosure practices unfairly evicted homeowners, government officials said Monday. A draft settlement between the banks and U.S. states has been sent to state officials for review. It would be the biggest settlement with a single industry since the 1998 multistate tobacco deal. Those who lost their homes to foreclosure are unlikely to get their homes back...(read more)

Jazz On The Palm

Cindy Hartman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:05:00 GMT

Gather with friends and family to enjoy the diverse vibrant sounds of jazz under the stars every 3rd Friday of month at the new Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront concert series. Free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Price: Free Phone: (561) 822-1515 Age Suitability: All Ages Tags: jazz Gather with friends and family to enjoy the diverse vibrant sounds of jazz under the stars every 3rd Friday of month at the new Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront concert series. Free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

When/Where: Friday, Jan 20 8:00p to 10:00p at Waterfront Commons, West Palm Beach, FL

La Cage Aux Folles

Cindy Hartman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:56:00 GMT

La Cage Aux Folles at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts: Kravis Center - Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. Concert Hall, West Palm Beach, FL

When/Where: Tuesday, Feb 14 at 8PM at Kravis Center

South Florida Fair

Cindy Hartman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:54:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

South Florida Fair Celebrates 100 years of Florida Fair Fun! Check the site for more information: http://www.southfloridafair.com/GeneralInfo

When/Where: January 13 - 29, 2012 at the South Florida Fairgrounds

Appraisal Institute: Don’t shoot the messenger

Cindy Hartman — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:41:00 GMT

CHICAGO – Jan. 18, 2012 – Don’t blame the real estate appraiser if it turns out that house you’re trying to sell or buy isn’t worth what you thought it was, says the Appraisal Institute. Real estate agents, homebuilders and others have tried to blame the market’s distressed condition on appraisers, saying that real estate appraisers are at fault for producing opinions of value that don’t match a home’s listing, contract or sales price, according to...(read more)

Considering a Short Sale on your home? Don't let the IRS add insult to injury...

Cindy Hartman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:17:00 GMT

You may owe federal income taxes in 2013 if you have a short sale, foreclosure... WASHINGTON – Jan. 9, 2012 – You may owe federal income taxes in 2013 if you have a short sale, foreclosure after this year. Now is the time to make the hard decision: Are you going to walk away from your underwater home? Uncle Sam is still giving homeowners until Dec. 31, 2012, to go through a short sale or foreclosure without tax consequences – as long as the lender officially releases the debt. But...(read more)

Happy New Year!

Cindy Hartman — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:25:00 GMT

All my best wishes for an exciting and happy 2012! Cindy...(read more)

Tips on How to put out a Fire ( PASS)

Cindy Hartman — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:59:00 GMT

FIRST! Get everyone out of the house! Then, grab a fire extinguisher and follow the PASS method: P - Pull the safety pin. A - Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flame. S - Squeeze the handle. S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side to cover the entire base of the fire....(read more)

Art & Wine Promenade

Cindy Hartman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:34:00 GMT

Friday, Dec 30 6:00p to 9:00p at Northwood Village, West Palm Beach, FL Join us at the FREE Art & Wine Promenade from 6:00 – 9:00pm. Stroll down Northwood Road while enjoying complimentary wine, live entertainment and amazing local artists showcasing their work. Love sweets? Check out Sip N’ Sweets and sample dessert wine and cupcakes from local shop Hello Cupcake. read more

When/Where: Friday, Dec 30 6:00p to 9:00p

Jazz on the Palm

Cindy Hartman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:32:00 GMT

Friday, Dec 16 8:00p to 10:00p at Waterfront Commons, West Palm Beach, FL Gather with friends and family to enjoy the diverse vibrant sounds of jazz under the stars every 3rd Friday of month at the new Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront concert series. Free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

When/Where: Friday, Dec 16 8:00p to 10:00p -Waterfront Commons, West Palm Beach, FL

"WineDown" Wednesdays!

Cindy Hartman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:23:00 GMT

Wednesday Nov. 30, 2011 at 5:00pm WineDown Wednesdays1/2 Price off Bottles of Wine Venue: ROMEO-n-Juliettes Caffe 1544 Cypress Drive Jupiter, FL 33469 (561) 768-3967 =1/2 Price Bottles of Wine

When/Where: ROMEO-n-Juliettes Caffe

Stars of the Future - Auditions

Cindy Hartman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:20:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

Starz of the Future A Showcase of Aspiring Talent The 2012 South Florida Fair, January 13–29, 2012, will feature an exciting program showcasing aspiring local talent competing for prizes and recognition. ... Venue: South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center 9067 Southern Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (561) 793-0333 Saturday Dec. 3, 2011 at 10:00am

Winterfest Lantana

Cindy Hartman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:13:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

Friday Dec. 2, 2011 at 4:00pm The Greater Lantana Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2011 Winterfest Celebration, to be held on December 2nd and 3rd, in partnership with the Palm Beach School for Autism. ... Venue: Lantana Sports Complex 1251 W Lantana Rd Lantana, FL 33462 (561) 540-5737

Palm Beaches Marathon Festival 2011

Cindy Hartman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:07:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

Friday Dec. 2, 2011 at 7:00pm The Palm Beaches Marathon course takes advantage of the area’s magnificent, tree-line historic neighborhoods, while incorporating over 65% of scenic waterfront vistas. ... Venue: Flagler Drive - West Palm Beach N Flagler Dr West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (561) 514-3020

When/Where: December 2 @ 7PM

Should I List My House For Sale During the Holiday Season?

Cindy Hartman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:09:00 GMT

Top 10 Reasons to List Your Property During the Holidays! 1. People who look at property during the holidays are serious buyers and are more ready to make a decision. 2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays, so the property has less competition. 3. Houses “show better” when decorated for the holidays with the wonderful lights and festive colors associated with the season. 4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decision on the...(read more)

Smoke Detectors

Cindy Hartman — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:53:00 GMT

FEMA recommends that smoke detectors be installed near all sleeping areas - in Florida, the recommendation is: Smoke detectors should be installed in ALL bedrooms, and also installed in the hallway adjacent to each bedroom. For example: If you have a split bedroom design - (Master on one side and 2 bedrooms on the other) - that would mean 5 smoke detectors. One in each bedroom and one in the hallway outside each bedroom....(read more)

Happy Thanksgiving

Cindy Hartman — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:39:00 GMT

I know this is a day late - but want to wish everyone all the best in the beginning of this holiday season. :) Happy Thanksgiving - and may we keep Thanksgiving in our hearts all year round! Cindy...(read more)

HARP Mortgage Refinance Plan

Cindy Hartman — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:46:00 GMT

A guide to administration’s new mortgage-refi plan WASHINGTON – Oct. 25, 2011 – Two big questions loom over the Obama administration’s latest bid to help troubled homeowners: Will it work? And who would benefit? By easing eligibility rules, the administration hopes 1 million more homeowners will qualify for its refinancing program and lower their mortgage payments – twice the number who have already. The program has helped only a fraction of the number the administration...(read more)

Salsa Fest!

Cindy Hartman — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:08:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

Enjoy a "Little Havanna" atmosphere with Salsa Dancing, entertainment. food, Cantina's, games domino tables, and amusement rides! DATE: November 18-20, 2011 Friday 5:00-10 p.m. Saturday 11:00 a.m -10:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

When/Where: LOCATION: Greenacres Community Park (2905 Jog Road)

Oktoberfest at Go Van Gogh

Cindy Hartman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:34:00 GMT

Friday, Oct 28 7:00 to 9:00 at Downtown at the Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Join us in this celebrated German tradition. Choose from a beer stein or a wine goblet. For more information and to RSVP, please call (561) 630-3450. Cost is $29 per person. Friday, October 28, 2011 7:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Go van Gogh, Suite 5102

2nd Annual Latin American Food & Wine Festival

Cindy Hartman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

Thursday, Oct 27 5:30pm to 9:00pm at MIDTOWN, Palm Beach Gardens, FL Enjoy live music, tango and salsa dancing, cigar rolling, restaurant awards and artwork. Tickets include mouth watering food and wine along with a 2011 souvenir festival wine glass. Tickets may be bought online at www.pbhchamber.com. Midtown is located on the north side of PGA Boulevard, just west of Military Trail, parking is free. read more

Foreclosure Auctions - Risky?

Cindy Hartman — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:00:00 GMT

Buying a House at Foreclosure Auction is Risky Business You can buy a home at a significant discount at a foreclosure auction, but you’ll face a host of challenges. Don’t get burned; be solutions-ready. Read Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®...(read more)

Top 10 Reasons to OWN rather than RENT - It's not just about the money!

Cindy Hartman — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:24:00 GMT

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Oct. 17, 2011 – In an era of foreclosures, buyers focus on financial reasons for purchasing, but ownership has emotional rewards too. A California condo developer, the Met Warner Center, put together the following list – but it applies from Florida to Alaska. Top 10 reasons to own rather than rent 1. You own it: With no landlord, you make the decisions. 2. You deduct it: Mortgage interest, property taxes and some costs involved with buying a home can be...(read more)

30 Year Fixed below 4% for the first time ever!

Cindy Hartman — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:31:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Oct. 7, 2011 – The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage this week fell below 4 percent for the first time ever, to 3.94 percent. For those who can qualify, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to buy a home or refinance. On Thursday, Freddie Mac said the average rate dropped from 4.01 percent last week, the previous low. The average rate on a 15-year fixed loan, a popular refinancing option, dipped to 3.26 percent, also a record. The 15-year loan has fallen for six...(read more)

Tight credit, lack of equity hurt refinancing

Cindy Hartman — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:13:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Sept. 23, 2011 – About 2.3 million homeowners could have refinanced their mortgages last year if they didn’t owe more than their homes were worth or if lending standards weren’t so strict, according to a Federal Reserve study released Thursday. Long-term mortgage rates are near record lows and have been below 5 percent for all but two weeks this year. The average rate on a 30-year fixed loan is now 4.09 percent. But lenders typically require homeowners to have...(read more)