It has been a few months since my last Blog entry. As a 55+ community specialist, historically August through October are my slow months. The heart of South Florida's "season" is just beginning and I am thankful to say I have been as busy as ever over the last few months. As we approach the end of 2009, I am also thankful to say this has been my best year by far. With all the news we hear about the Real Estate market and the economy on a daily basis, I believe the 55+ community niche market remains one of the strongest Real Estate market sector's in the industry.
We have seen a boost in sales due to the first time buyer tax credits which were due to end in November. Although most buyers in 55+ communities are not first time buyers, many of my clients recently sold their houses to first time buyers freeing them up to purchase a house in our market. I am very excited that the tax credit has not only been extended through April 2010, it has been revised to provide incentives to qualifying existing home owners who are buying a new home. Details on The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 can be found at http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php.
We have also seen a boost in sales due to Palm Beach County's number one developer (and land owner), G.L. Homes. Among other projects, G.L. Homes is currently developing Valencia Pointe and Valencia Reserve, both located in Boynton Beach. Here is an update on both projects as of November 2009.
Valencia Pointe
Valencia Pointe is entering their final stages of development. When complete, Valencia Pointe will have 690 homes. As of 11/23/09, 649 homes have been sold or are under contract*. Of the remaining 40 homes, approximately 17 are spec houses. Spec houses are brand new homes which G.L. Homes has built and are ready for quick delivery. They come will all the same warranties provided to buyers who pick a lot and build a home to their specifications. These spec houses are all in G.L. Homes Signature series.
On November 20th, 2009, G.L. Homes released 12 models as well as some additional lots in the Crown Series and Signature Series. Most of the lots that were released will be built when G.L. Homes vacates their current sales office at Valencia Pointe and moves it to Valencia Reserve. This will most likely happen in October or November of 2010. The release of these models and new lots created quite a bit of activity at the G.L. Homes sales office. Potential buyers started lining up on Monday and were required to stay on site all week, from 10:00 am through 5:00 pm. They were of course provided a lunch break. I am unsure of the exact number of lots/models sold last week, but there are definitely still some available. If you are interested in more information on these models/lots, please call me at (561) 496-2000
According to Metrostudy 2008, Valencia Pointe was the number one development in Palm Beach County, when ranking annual closings. Metrostudy is an independent, leading provider of primary and secondary market information for the Real Estate market and related industries. Although Metrostudy 2009 will not be available until early 2010, I am confident Valencia Pointe will again rank number one in closed sales in Palm Beach County.
Remember, Valencia Pointe warmly welcomes Brokers. As a buyer, you receive all the benefits and services I provide, while all Brokers' fees are paid by G.L. Homes. Buyers get the same purchase price regardless of the involvement of a Broker. Please call me at (561) 496-2000 for more details, or visit my FAQ on this topic. Also, don't forget to view the testimonials of many of my satisfied clients.
Valencia Reserve
As Valencia Pointe enters the final stage of Development, Valencia Reserve has moved far into the beginning stages of development. It is hard to imagine that just 6 months ago G.L. Homes held a ground breaking ceremony at Valencia Reserve. The past 6 months has brought many changes. Most noticeably when one pulls up to Valencia Reserve, the trailer noting the future location of Valencia Reserve has been replaced with a gorgeous entrance filled with cascading waterfalls and lush landscaping.
When complete, Valencia Reserve will have over 1000 homes in the Signature Series, Crown Series and now the Vintage Series, which is brand new to Valencia Reserve. Currently 131 homes have been sold or are under contract*. Many more have been reserved and will be under contract in the coming weeks. Most exciting is the first residents have begun to move into Valencia Reserve. More and more closings are scheduled each week.
Some other exciting developments at Valencia Reserve include the release of more Crown Series lots. This makes two Crown Series sections, two Signature Series sections and one Vintage Series section one can choose from at Valencia Reserve. The club house will begin construction over the next few months and is due to be completed in approximately one year. For regular updates on the club house progress, make sure to bookmark and visit my Valencia Reserve Development Update.
Additionally, G.L. Homes has started to release spec homes available for quick delivery at Valencia Reserve. When asked by my clients how I feel about G.L. Homes, among other examples of why I believe in them, I point to their policy of building spec homes. G.L. Homes takes pride in each and every section (also known as a POD) being completed as soon as possible. Once a resident moves in, they want to live around construction for as little time as possible. By building spec houses, G.L. homes helps to complete each section as quickly as possible. Building spec homes carries financial risks and liabilities for a developer. There is no guarantee when someone will buy it, and G.L. Homes needs to carry the cost of construction and ownership once it is complete. G.L. Homes' ability and willingness to take these risks speaks very strongly about their own confidence in their finances and projects such as Valencia Reserve.
Remember, like Valencia Pointe, Valencia Reserve also warmly welcomes Brokers. As a buyer, you receive all the benefits and services I provide, while all Brokers' fees are paid by G.L. Homes. Buyers get the same purchase price regardless of the involvement of a Broker. Please call me at (561) 496-2000 for more details, or visit my FAQ on this topic. Also, don't forget to view the testimonials of many of my satisfied clients.
* Based on the number's posted at the G.L. Homes Sales office located at Valencia Pointe
Please note: Neither RE/MAX Advantage Plus nor Jeffrey Katz is affiliated with Valencia Pointe, Valencia Reserve or G.L. Homes.
JEFFREY J. KATZ, A TOP 100 RE/MAX FLORIDA REGION REALTOR FOR 2008, ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE 55-AND-OVER COMMUNITY WEBSITE IN PALM BEACH COUNTY
JeffreyJKatz.com Will Now Offer the Most Comprehensive Resource for Finding Properties in the 55-and-over Communities of Palm Beach County
BOYNTON BEACH, FL (May 12, 2009) -RE/MAX Advantage Plus Realtor Jeffrey Katz has announced the recent integration of his two popular websites, www.JeffreyJKatz.com and www.55-Plus-Communities.com. With the integration of these sites, prospective buyers are provided with an innovative interactive tool, invaluable information resource and one-stop shop for locating properties in the 55-and-over communities of Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach and other surrounding areas.
www.JeffreyJKatz.com will now feature a list of every 55-and-over community home, villa and condo for sale in Palm Beach County, categorized by subdivision, price, and type of housing (condo/villa/single family home). The site's user friendly interface allows for effortless navigation and 
information gathering. Upgrades also include consistently updated data, detailed property photographs, extensive mapping features and virtual tours. The site offers free usage to both Katz's clients and the general public.
Katz has found his niche in the 55-and-over communities. Even with the recent economic downturn, business has never been better. "As a 55-and-over community specialist, I am familiar with the needs of clients over 55 years of age looking for a full time residence or second home" said Jeffrey Katz. "By integrating www.JeffreyJKatz.com with www.55-Plus-Communities.com, I have created an easy to use, comprehensive site that gives visitors the tools and information they need to help educate them before visiting or purchasing a property."
Southeast Florida's Premier Newspaper recenty covered this new integration: CLICK HERE to read the article.
On 4/24/2009, GL Homes the 12th largest private builder in the country*, held a ground breaking ceremony for Valencia Reserve, the seventh in the award winning line of Valences Properties. Valencia Reserve, a 55 and over community, is offering the Signature collection, Vintage collection and Crown collection. Sizes range from 1,303 sq. ft. to 2,861 sq. ft. Price ranges vary from $249,900 to $503,900. 
Itchko Ezratti, President and Founder of GL Homes, opened the stage with some exciting news. It seems Valencia Reserve is now three weeks ahead of schedule meaning the first homes could be ready in October/November 2009. Ezratti introduced his executives and spent some time discussing the dozens of activities residents make part of their new lifestyle after moving into a Valencia community, and filled us in on GL Homes' strength and commitment to Palm Beach County and South Florida.
GL Homes estimates that more than 60,000 people live in GL Homes throughout Florida. Approximately 4,700 homes have been built in Valencia Communities located in Palm Beach County. Other Palm Beach County GL Homes communities include:
Canyon Lakes, Boynton Beach
Canyon Isles, Boynton Beach
Valencia Lakes, Boynton Beach
Valencia Isles, Boynton Beach
Valencia Falls, Delray Beach
Valencia Shores, Lake Worth
Valencia Palms, Delray Beach
Valencia Pointe, Boynton Beach
Nautica, Boynton Beach
Nautica Sound, Boynton Beach
Nautica Isles, Greenacres
Nautica Isles West, Greenacres
Nautica Lakes, Royal Palm Beach
Saturnia Isles, Delray Beach
Saturnia, Boca Raton
Symphony Bay, Boca Raton
Symphony, Boca Raton
Laguna at Mission Bay, Boca Raton
Colors, Boynton Beach
Colors Le Palais, Boynton Beach
Cinnabar, Boynton Beach
Bristol Bay at Lake Charleston, Lake Worth
Bristol Isles at Lake Charleston, Lake Worth
Emerald Isles at Lake Charleston, Lake Worth
For more information on Valencia Reserve, please call Jeffrey J. Katz at (561) 496-2000 or visit www.JeffreyJKatz.com
Please note: Neither RE/MAX Advantage Plus nor Jeffrey Katz is affiliated with Valencia Reserve or GL Homes. RE/MAX Advantage Plus acts as a Transaction Broker.
* According to "Builder Magazine's ‘Builder 100'" rankings of privately-held builders in the US based on 2007 revenues.
What makes one 55 and over community more desirable than another? As a specialist in 55 and over communities in Palm Beach County Florida, my average client looking to purchase a home is a couple in their early 60's, from the northeast region of the country. They are evenly split between those looking for a full time residence; and those looking to be snowbirds, residents who spend the winter months in our area.
While I can't speak for the rest of the country, the criteria in Palm Beach County is quite specific as to what makes one 55 and over community more desirable than the next. This article is not based on my opinion, but rather the input I receive from my clients.
SIZE/RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY - The majority of people buying in 55 and over communities express a desire for activity. Many people discuss "Activity"and "Amenities" as one in the same. Although both have an effect on the desirability of a community, I have found that the two are mutually exclusive.
Most of the 55+ communities found in Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Delray Beach and other cities in Palm Beach County have between 300 and 1000 homes. These communities all have a clubhouse with card rooms, resort style pools, fitness facilities and activities such as men's/women's clubs and card games.
There is no greater inherent value in a larger community than in a smaller community. If you ask a resident in a 1000 home community why their community is the most desirable, they will generally discuss how the large number of residents, increases the participation in clubs, shows, tennis etc. On the other hand, the resident in a 300 home community will discuss the benefits of knowing all their neighbors and a greater sense of community.
The majority of prospective buyers prefer the larger community. Because so many buyers in 55+ communities are looking first for a lifestyle and second for the perfect house, the larger communities generally command a higher price, when compared to the same house in a smaller community. The concern with smaller communities is although there may be a men's club and women's club, how many people will actually participate.
AGE OF THE COMMUNITY - When it comes to 55 and over communities, there are a few reasons that newer communities are more desirable than older communities. One of the most common requests I hear is "I want to live in a 55 and over community, but I want it to be a young community." Assuming buyers are the same age at the time of purchase, one can look at an easy math equation to figure out the difference between a 55 and over community built last year, and one built 10 years ago. Time and time again I have taken clients to homes that fit their criteria in a community that is 10 years old, only to enter the club house and hear "I feel too young to be here". Very often a client will increase their price range so they can be in a newer community.
The other reasons newer communities are more desirable are not exclusive to 55 and over communities. As time passes, building codes become more stringent and therefore buyers feel more comfortable in the quality of a newer house. Florida has been known to have a hurricane or two (or three....). As we have had a few bad years of storms in the past 5 or 6 years, buyers have become a lot more sensitive and aware of the physical strength of the home they are buying. Last but not least, over the past few years it has become common place in newer homes to find standard builder upgrades including items like granite counter tops and wood cabinets.
AMENITIES - Amenities are very important to buyers in 55+ communities in Palm Beach County. As discussed earlier in this article, many buyers put more emphasis on the community and the lifestyle it provides than the actual house. One amenity that has become more and more common (and desirable) is the addition of a café in the clubhouse.
These cafés are generally open for breakfast and lunch and enhance the feeling of resort style living. Some of our local communities that have an on-site café include Valencia Falls, Valencia Palms, Valencia Pointe, Valencia Shores, Bellaggio, Villaggio and The Cascades. There is, of course, a correlation between the size of a community and amenities such as a café. In order to support the economics of a café that is limited to its residents, there needs to be enough residents to take advantage of it. Builders are becoming more and more creative with the amenities they offer. Just ask GL Homes who has plans for a Wii room in their next community, Valencia Reserve.
LOCATION - It has always been considered more desirable to live further east in Florida (at least for cities on the East coast). This still holds true, although the impact on desirability has dropped in recent years. Six or seven years ago builders needed to provide financial incentives to buyers in developments west of the Florida Turnpike. As time has passed, and more land has been developed, location of a community has become less and less important in the desirability of a community. For example, when Venetian Isles was built, the original prices were much lower than competing communities located further east. At that time it felt as though the community was in the middle of nowhere. Soon enough, a local Publix was built, roads were expanded, and other communities were built around it. The statement, "this feels like it is in the middle of nowhere has been replaced with "I like how this feels less congested".
In conclusion, my experience tells me that the main factors which affect the desirability of 55 and over communities include size of the communities, how active a community is, the age of the community, the age of the residents, when it was built, as well as location and amenities.
Not covered in this article but equally important when it comes to new construction is the reputation of the builder. When it comes to reputation, no local builder of 55 and over communities holds a candle to GL Homes.
55 and Over Communities in Palm Beach County Include:
Single Family Homes
Avalon Estates ▪ Baywinds ▪ Bellaggio ▪ Buena Vida ▪ Cascade Lakes ▪ The Cascades ▪ The Club ▪ Coral Lakes ▪ The Grove ▪ Grove Isle ▪ Lakeridge Falls ▪ Lakeridge Greens ▪ Leisureville ▪ Mizner Falls ▪ Palm Isles ▪ Ponte Vecchio ▪ Ponte Vecchio West ▪ Royal Lakes ▪ Tivoli Lakes ▪ Tivoli Reserve ▪ Tuscany Bay ▪ Valencia Falls ▪ Valencia Isles ▪ Valencia Lakes ▪ Valencia Palms ▪ Valencia Pointe ▪ Valencia Reserve ▪ Valencia Shores ▪ Venetian Isles ▪ Villa Borghese ▪ Villaggio ▪ Vizcaya
Villas
Aberdeen ▪ Baywinds ▪ Coral Lakes ▪ Delray Villas ▪ Floral Lakes ▪ Huntington Pointe ▪ Majestic Isles ▪ Mayfair ▪ Palm Isles ▪ Tuscany Bay ▪ Venetian Isles
Condominiums
Boca Raton ▪ Boynton Beach ▪ Delray Beach ▪ Highland Beach ▪ Lake Worth/Wellington ▪ Ocean Ridge ▪ West Palm Beach
If you are interested in hearing more about 55 and over communities located in Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Delray Beach or any other cities located in Palm Beach County, please visit www.JeffreyJKatz.com.
GL Homes understands what 55+ buyers are searching for and proves it over and over again with their award winning Valencia Communities.
Palm Beach County is one of the most popular destinations for 55+ buyers looking for a brand new start, or often a second home. For over 10 years GL Homes has been the leader in the 55+ market in Palm Beach County. Through incredible foresight and an understanding of what 55+ buyers are looking for, GL Homes has created a brand name like no other with their Valencia communities. In a market where many builders are selling land they had planned for development or even worse, going under completely, GL Homes broke ground just last month on the seventh Valencia community, Valencia Reserve.
In order of development, the Valencia properties include Valencia Lakes, Valencia Isles, Valencia Falls, Valencia Shores, Valencia Palms, Valencia Pointe and now Valencia Reserve. Regardless of which Valencia community you enter, all of which have 24/7 guard gated access, you are greeted with a breathtaking view so many associate with Florida.
With each community GL Homes develops, both their clubhouses as well as the amenities they have to offer have continued to get nicer and nicer.
Let's take Valencia Pointe for example. Valencia Pointe is the sixth in GL Homes award winning series of Valencia properties and when completed, Valencia Pointe will have 690 homes. Located in Boynton Beach Valencia Pointe features a spectacular new clubhouse with over 35,000 square feet of total space. Valencia Pointe amenities include entertainment in the grand ballroom, an Internet Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, 3 spacious card rooms, billiards room, arts and crafts, and more. A full-time social coordinator and on-site manager are there to help plan some activities or to help with any community related questions residents might have.
The fitness center for health, wellness and education includes an aerobic studio and massage room. Like most 55+ communities, tennis is a big activity and organized play for all levels is available on their 6 Har-Tru tennis courts. The resort style pool will make you feel like you're on vacation.
In February 2009, GL Homes broke ground at Valencia Reserve. To keep pace with the market and ensure long term prosperity, GL Homes drastically reduced their prices upon the grand opening of Valencia Reserve. Additionally, GL Homes has introduced 4 new models at Valencia Reserve in the newly named Vintage Collection.
If you would like more details on what the Valencia communities or any of Palm Beach County's various 55+ communities have to offer, please call me at 561-496-2000 or visit me at http://www.JeffreyJKatz.com.
Jeffrey J Katz specializes in over 55 (Active Adult) communities in Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, and Delray Beach with an emphasis on Valencia Pointe, Valencia Palms and Valencia Reserve.
If you are looking for a hardworking, dedicated real estate professional, committed to the satisfaction of his clients, you have come to the right place. Whether buying a new home or selling your existing home, please don't hesitate to contact me for a no cost, no obligation, consultation on your Florida Real Estate needs.
As an over 55 community specialist I am familiar with the needs of clients over 55 years of age looking for a second home or a place to retire. Residents get the best of both worlds, country club lifestyle without the high fees generally associated with country clubs. Featured Communities include:
Venetian Isles ▪ Bellaggio ▪ The Cascades ▪ Avalon Estates ▪ Valencia Shores ▪ Valencia Palms ▪ Valencia Isles ▪ Valencia Falls ▪ Valencia Lakes ▪ Ponte Vecchio ▪ Vizcaya ▪ Villa Borghese ▪ Leisureville ▪ Tivoli Lakes ▪ Villaggio ▪ Tivoli Reserve ▪ Baywinds ▪ Valencia Reserve ▪ Floral Lakes ▪ Valencia Pointe
MY CLIENTS ARE MY SUCCESS . . . AND MY SUCCESS IS BASED UPON A CARING, SENSITIVE RESPONSE TO YOUR NEEDS AND OBJECTIVES.
George and Sandi Segenreich
"You laid the groundwork for us to work with the sales department and were supportive of all our issues and concerns. We have felt we've had a son looking out for us in Florida during the construction phase and we look forward to your weekly updates. Without your counsel and assistance, our stomachs would have been upset and nervous. As a licensed broker in Illinois and Attorney in the area of Real Estate I have worked with thousands of individuals and firms, and rank you at the top."
Art and Phyllis Gelven
"Our experiences with Jeff during the purchase of our new home at Valencia Pointe have been truly wonderful - and Jeff continues to work with us today even though we are still some months away from closing on our new home. We thought, and had been advised by others, that since GL Homes had their own sales associates and design staff the need for a realtor was unnecessary if we were going to buy in Valencia Pointe. Nothing was further from the truth - and in fact the sales staff and design consultants appreciated working with us and having Jeff with us during the process. Jeff spent all the time that was necessary during our home purchase experience including our selections of the options and upgrades and advising us as to what would work and what wouldn't because of Jeff's familiarity with all of the Valencia Pointe models. Jeff is still working with us today and has even set up a website for us so we can actually see the progress of our new home as it is being constructed. We can honestly say that Jeff has been as good as his initial promise to us - his services don't end with the purchase of your home."
Terrance & Mary Jane Sheen
"Thank you for the excellent attention and service....As you know we were out of state and relied on you to coordinate and manage the whole process. Who ever said that buying real estate is not a pleasant experience has not worked with you as their real estate agent."
Marjorie & Gary Stern
"Working with Real Estate brokers in the past has been so tedious and frustrating, but we have to say...our experience with Jeffrey Katz was wonderful! Jeffrey is the epitome of a professional."
JoAnn Bond
"The professional help Jeffrey Katz provided us with the transition between selling one house and moving into another was impressive, but even more so, Jeffrey's reliability to always communicate to me what was transpiring throughout the transaction was greatly appreciated."
Peter and Fran Cinquepalma
"We have listed and sold six homes over the years and by far our experience with you has been the most professional and satisfying. Even though we were far removed in miles from the sale property, you never ceased to update us and make sure that we were informed with detail on all relevant information."
Fran and Jim Peters
"I want to thank you for all of your help with our purchase at Valencia Pointe. I don't think the experience would have gone as smooth without all of your help. We appreciate the fact you were with us every step of the way. Picking the upgrades, the lot, and just figuring out what we needed would have been next to impossible without you. Your knowledge of the area and the community was invaluable. Because we aren't living in Florida making decisions long distance could have been a nightmare. Your weekly pictures of the progress and the fact that we could call if we had any concerns and you were so willing to handle any problems with GL Homes. When you put us in touch with the contractors to handle the extras that we didn't do initially our experience was fantastic. You have helped us save money and get the home that we really wanted. We wish you nothing but success!"
Jill and Allan Rubin
"We met Jeff by chance while searching on line for a 55+ community in the Boynton Beach area. It didn't take us long for us to realize that we hit the jackpot in a real estate agent. Jeff listened to what we wanted, showed us a variety of available properties, and helped us narrow our choice to Valencia Pointe. He was with us every step of the way during out home purchase. He made the entire process flow smoothly and even though we were a thousand miles away, he made the construction phase so exciting with weekly photo updates.
What more can we say? Jeff was a delight from beginning to end and we loved working with him!"
Pat and Jack Nalley
"Jeff, sold us our home in Valencia Pointe, that is being built. The home did not cost us anymore by using a Realtor and he actually saved us money. He has been updating us every week with pictures of the house since we are in NY. My husband and I would highly recommend Jeff. He is professional honest and one of the best."
Tami and Bob Stempel
"We went on this site a year ago when we knew that we wanted to purchase a home on the east coast of Florida. Jeff quickly contacted us, and it has been the most rewarding experience ever since. Jeff has been wonderful to deal with from our first contact, to the present moment (he sends us weekly pictures of the progress of our new home). Jeff takes a personal interest in every aspect of buying a home in the 55 and over community. He showed us every home that met the criteria we were looking for during our search, gave us wonderful advice when we narrowed our search, helped us profusely during the negotiating process, went with us during the pre dry wall walk through, and has been invaluable to us during this whole process. If we had to put into one sentence how we feel about Jeff, it would be to say that he truly cares, and does everything he can to make this whole process as painless and rewarding as it can possibly be. Jeff is wonderful!!"
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