The Luxury of Casitas at Old Palm Golf Club, Palm Beach Gardens

As a very passionate golfer, I see each community so very differently; each has a personality of it’s own, the golf course the club house, the amenities….and of course the location.

For example, do you know what a casita is…other than a vacation spot on an island??? In Florida golf communities, Casitas are private guestcottages belonging to the club, and one of my several loved communities,“Old Palm Golf Club,” located in Palm Beach Gardens, has the most luxurious casitas I have ever seen. One must see them to believe it!!

When visiting Old Palm to look at a home, you may be booked in a casita for the night (if I could, I would live in one permanently !!), with all the amenities of a vacation…you can play on a top rated golf course and have meals in a glorious dining room. I love to show the surrounding homes with the graciousness and allure of an old world Mediterranean back drop, wherever you turn including waterfalls in the back of homes. Real estate buyers fall in love with the architecture and the golf course as much as with the personal service and regal staff.

Yes. It is indeed true you can’t fall in love with a home…as I’ve yet to see walls kiss me!!! The feeling of relaxation, comfort, convenience and sheer luxury is something my clients just rave about.

I am an objective consultant/broker when it comes to my clients’ needs. If one community doesn’t fit your lifestyle I know which ones will. Some realtor/brokers are employed by the community that the buyers walk into…they give their pitch only about that one community. And most do not even play golf. Not only do I play golf, I have been involved lately at rating golf courses!

Whether you wish to relocate, retire or purchase a second home where golf will part of your life, Palm Beach Real Estate doesn’t have to be confusing. Life on the Links™ is my passion; both as a realtor and a player. It’s my pleasure to share that passion with you. Call me any day of the week for objective help in finding your home on the links.

- Barbara

Palm Beach Real Estate is an investment.

It is a well-known axiom that location is one of the most important elements in the value of a property. Let’s take that one step further. A good investment buy would be a sound property in an area that will increase in value in the future.

Buying into an area that is strongly on the comeback is one way of having a successful real estate investment.

Trend is everything. The trick is to get in so that you are one of the earliest pioneers. It is safer to buy into an area after the restoration trend is unmistakably established.

What are some of the factors to consider when evaluating properties as good investments? A neighborhood that is a good candidate for restoration must have an intrinsic location advantage and also good basic homes. Some neighborhoods have a certain distinction that attracts buyers, but there are other factors to take into account.

A house in a good location may have a few points subtracted if it is located on a busy street. Houses located on busy streets may represent some of the best buys in terms of space and amenities for the price. However, some buyers who are very sensitive to noise or concerned about small children or pets may automatically rule out houses that are located on busy residential streets. Other buyers don’t share these same concerns, and will find many benefits to a house in these types of location.

Another factor to consider: if the sellers have made pricing concessions on the property based on its location, then you may have to pass on a similar price break to the next owner.

There are some buyers who would like to be close to schools, shopping, and churches, but don’t want to live across the street from these facilities, or may want an easy commute to their job, but would not consider a location close to the main road. A location close to an airport would be convenient for frequent travelers, but might make it difficult to sell even the most wonderful house.

As you balance all of the factors, remember that a location liability, which gets you a great house at a “basically” reasonable price, will probably require you to pass a similar savings on to future buyers.

Traditionally, there is a strong correlation between the consumer confidence index and real estate sales activity. Currently, many consumers feel that the safest, most steady place to invest your money is in real estate. Investors say that homes have durable benefits,
which have little to do with market cycles. Therefore, almost anytime is a good time to buy a home. Homes provide their owners with a significant hedge against inflation. As a tangible asset, houses have tended to appreciate most rapidly when inflation flares up.

Even if inflation remains low, a house can still serve as an important means of wealth building, as equity grows with the monthly mortgage payments. Paying for a home also enhances the buyer’s credit standing and secures an asset that can be used later to finance business ventures, children’s college tuition, or retirement. And while it may be argued that paper investments, such as mutual funds, never have to be painted, insulated, or protected from fire or weather, you cannot live in them either!

As a Palm Beach real estate broker for so many years, I have very substantial knowledge of comparative real estate markets, as our clientele is world wide and has very diverse needs….

Allow me to find you a perfect investment and a perfect winner!!!