Virtual tour technology with sometimes-cumbersome 360 degree views is competing with slide shows and floor plans with room views that don't distort the rooms and are easier for many computer and Smartphone users to view.

Read more... virtual tours tips that will help sell your home

Last Thursday evening, I attended a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward event at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Ft. Lauderdale.  I became a Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor (where we each volunteer to mentor one Child until they reach age 18) when I was 21 and have been a Big Sister for 11 years (I'm now on my 2nd mentorship).

Thursday's event was held in conjunction with Chima's Summer Samba Night Series and featured Brazilian Dancers and Samba Music. We enjoyed dancing and a delicious variety of Roasted Meats, Appetizers, and Tropical Brazilian Drinks.

Chima Restaurant is an authentic Brazilian Restaurant offering 16 types of Roasted Meat and Seafood, served non-stop to Diners' Tables until the Diners indicate that they've had enough!  Chima also features a full Bar, including Wine, standard and specialty Drinks, and Salad Bar, with a wide range of American and Brazilian favorites, from Salads and oven-fresh Breads to Soups and Deli Meats. 

Chima has been family owned and operated since opening in 2004.  Bruno Silva is the Owner and Founder of all Chima locations, which include Ft. Lauderdale, Vienna, Virginia, Philadelphia, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

The ambiance and food are amazing!  Chima Ft. Lauderdale is located at 2400 E. Las Olas Blvd. (which is close to my Office at 1700 E. Las Olas Blvd), conveniently located less than 5 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas shops, Nightlife, Arts, and more.

For more information, check out the website for Chima Brazilian Steakhouse Ft. Lauderdale.

I included a picture from the event.

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Vickie Arcuri, Realtor®
EWM Realtors
1700 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 103
Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33301
Cell:  (954) 708-9309
vickie@vickierealestate.com  
Fort Lauderdale Real Estate for Sale

Contact me if you're interested in buying or selling Ft. Lauderdale Real Estate for Sale, Broward County Real Estate for sale, Ft. Lauderdale Beach Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Condos for Sale, Homes for Sale near Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Broward County Luxury Homes for sale, Broward County Waterfront Homes for sale, Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Real Estate for Sale, or Ft. Lauderdale Waterfront Homes for Sale.  I am available to assist you or someone you know with:

• Home Purchases and Home Sales
• Home Rentals
• Refinancing resources
• Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Real Estate Services
• Corporate Relocation & Home Purchases or Rentals in South Florida
• Florida Professional Athlete Relocation & Home Purchases or Rentals
• Relocation home purchases locally or if you are purchasing outside of Florida or outside of our local area in Florida, I can refer you to an Agent to assist you with your home purchase in the area where you're moving, including International areas
• Investment property purchases  

Carbon Footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization of location at a given time, impacting the environment with carbon emissions.

Many folks have become aware of their own carbon footprints. I invite you to measure yours. visit www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx, or take a carbon footprint quiz at http://www.footprintnetwork.org/gfn.

Conservation International suggests these ten simple and immediate changes to reduce the greenhouse effect on our planet:

•1. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). CFLs last 10 times longer, use 66% less energy and deliver the same light levels. CFLs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and burn at a lower temperature.

•2. Turn your thermostat down just three degrees in winter and up three degrees in summer. This can prevent the emission of nearly 1100 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

•3. Inflate your car tires. Increasing air pressure in tires improves gas mileage---and can save up to 7 cents per gallon.

•4. Turn down the hot water heater to 130 degrees F. When going out, turn up your A/C to about 79 degrees F, or turn down the heat during the winter to about 55 degrees F. Such simple actions again can prevent carbon dioxide emissions of more the 1100 pounds per year and cut your energy bill by 10%.

•5. Choose seafood wisely. According to the journal, Science, the entire world's seafood population will be depleted by 2048. By buying and eating certain seafood, you can discourage harmful fishing practices. Check out "Seafood Choices Alliance" or "Seafood Watch" for more information.

•6. Purchase EnergyStar-labeled appliances. EnergyStar products are among the top 25 percent most efficient and provide a 30% return or better through lower utility bills.

•7. Wash and rinse in cold water. About 30 million tons of carbon dioxide could be saved each year---more than $3 billion in energy costs, if everyone in the United States switched to cold water with their washing machines.

•8. Buy locally produced meats and produce. Go on-lineto the "Local Harvest" website, type in your zip code for a list of farms and farmer's markets close to home, as well as nearby restaurants committed to supporting their neighbors.

•9. Drink more water from reusable glassware. The average American consumes over 400 beverage bottles and cans annually, causing high recycling costs. Also, dangerous chemicals from plastic bottles can leach into the liquids they hold. Using reusable glassware is great for your bank account, your planet, and your health!

•10. When you can, walk, bike and carpool. This doesn't mean you have to give up your car. Just keep fuel efficiency and possible hybrid choices in mind when choosing your next vehicle. Walking and cycling speak for themselves as great for your health, and a wonderful opportunity to spend time outdoors. If you live close to work, try one of these options instead of driving.

And, if you ever dreamed of designing your own energy efficient residence, I currently represent several extraordinary waterfront and Intracoastal point lot construction sites in Fort Lauderdale just awaiting the creation of an energy-efficient trophy estate. If I can assist you further in achieving this dream, please call me at 954.328.3665. Or visit my website, www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com to view these properties directly.

El mercado inmobiliario en el Sur Este de la Florida en en los condados de Broward, Dade y Palm Beach esta lleno de buenas oportunidades para aquellos que quieren y pueden comprar en estos momentos.

Si su credito es razonablemente normal los bancos les pueden financiar hasta un 90% dependiendo de la propiedad que Ud. quiera adquirir y sin duda son muchas las propiedades que en estos momentos estan disponibles a un gran precio para el comprador. En ciudades como Parkland en estos momentos puede adquirir propiedades por menos de $300,000.00 algo impensable hace tan solo un año. Si nos acercamos a Coral Springs, los precios son mas bajos y puede encontrar casas por menos de $250,000.00. estas dos ciudades son conocidad entre otras cosas por los buenos colegios de los que disponen. Sin duda son dos ciudades que deberia considerar si Ud. tiene hijos en edadades escolares.

Si ese no es su caso y lo que desea es vivir cerca de la playa, las oportunidades que el mercado inmobiliario ofrece en estos momentos siguen siendo espectaculares. Ud. puede comprar un apartamento a pie de playa en ciudades como Fort Lauderdale o Lauderdale by the Sea por menos de $300,000.00 Estos condominios se encuentran junto a la playa. Las oportunidades estan ahi, el mercado inmobiliario en estos momentos esta lleno de foreclosures, y preforclosures en todas estas ciudades.

Para aquellas personas que disponen de barcos y desean adquirir una propiedad que les ofrezca un "dock" o espacio para poder aparcar dicho barco, las oportunidades tambien son tremendamente buenas, por ejemplo en la ciudad de Lighthouse Point, conocida por sus canales ofrece propiedades por menos de $600,000.00 con acceso directo al mar sin ningun puente fijo "fix bridge" y con espacio de hasta 90 pies para dejar su barco.

Cualquiera que sea su necesidad, el mercado Inmobiliario en ciudades como Coral Springs,o Parkland en el Oeste del Condado de Broward y ciudades como Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale by the Sea, Lighthouse Point, Hillsboro Beach en el Este de Broward le ofrecen grandes oportunidades, ya sea propiedades que esten en foreclosure, o in "short sale" o casas a la venta listadas con propietarios que son realistas y quieren vender.

El Mercado es para el comprador en estos momentos, aprovechese de esta oportunidad, deje que su Realtor en Broward County, Benito Borrero, le ayude a conseguir la casa que Ud. esta buscando al mejor precio.

Benito Borrero, Su Realtor en Broward County.

Century 21 City Real Estate

954 - 588-9978

Hi:

I am a very active Realtor in buying and selling residential homes the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area encompassing the 3 counties of Broward, Dade and Palm Beach including the Miami, Boca Raton areas. The prices of homes in this area have plummeted so much that buyers are coming from all nations and states to purchase here. Its a great time for all the investors to get into the market while it's down and secure the property for the subsequent rise to come. I would think that within 1-2 years the prices will be stable again and south Florida will again be a very hot market.

As a buyer right now, you have your choice of area and price. It is a little harder for the sellers at this time and anyone not needing to sell right now should wait a while, but I have expertise in Short Sales, which is a much better choice than foreclosure for the sellers that have to sell.

I will gladly discuss any real estate issue, and offer referring Realtors 25% commission.

Lynne Hale, Realtor, CRS, e-Pro, CIPS
Ocean View Int'l Realty, Inc.
Phone: 954-303-0071
Email: lynne@lynnehale.com
Http://www.lynnehalehomesales.com

Fantastic home in Jacob's Landing (River Oak's), just adjacent to La Preserve, this one story 4/2/1 has new Pergo Brazilian cherry floor's, and new paint...6 month's new. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this magnificency manicured oversided lot is wonderful for a family. The lanai overlook's the pool in a serene setting. City sewer system. Excellent location for anyone working in the Marine Industry as it is minutes to the Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. It is also minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale airport. It is also within close proximity to Broward General Hospital and the Broward County Court House. Perfect home for the Executive, a corporate relo. Give me a call and I can give you all the details!

Relax and enjoy this private secluded atmosphere... Priced $100K below comp's. Owner is relocating back to Europe, job transfer. Fantastic property, fantastic neighbor's...give me a call...info below.

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194 cell

According to the RAGFL (Realtor Association of greater Fort Lauderdale) sales were up in April. There was a very slight increase in the homes that were listed for sale. AND, there was a 26% increase in closed sales for Single Family Homes! Great news! The average sale price was $437,740 a 3% increase over last month (March). The median sale price remains at $300,000.00.

Condo closed sales were also up by 15%. The average sale price was $219,047, which reflects a 12% increase over March. The median price for closed sales were $140,000 which is a 1% increase over March.

The available inventory is about the same at Single Family Homes at 12,524, about 4% less than last month. The condo inventory is at 16,104 which is 1% less than last month as well.

The month's of available inventory is down from 29 to 23...This is good news!!!

With today's new's that the interest rates may be going up and the approximately $60.00 drop in the price of gold today...NOW IS ABSOLUTELY THE TIME TO BUY!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MARKET NOW...before you know it rates will be back up, your payment's will be higher, and that property you wanted will cost you more money to purchase and more money for your mortgage payment.

Don't miss out! Be smart! Give me a call for more information!

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Some of you who have read my Blog for a while know that I've been a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America since 1997 and that my local volunteer office is Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward.  Just over 100 years old, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the oldest one-on-one mentoring organization.

Yesterday was BBBS Broward's 29^th Annual Fishing Tournament, a Charity Event where local Fishing Captains volunteer their time and Boats for a 4-hr. event, taking Little Sisters and Little Brothers out with their Mentors (Big Sisters and Big Brothers) to Cruise or Fish.

I have been matched with my current Little Sister for 4 years and we've attended the event each of those 4 years since she was 8.

We weren't able to book one of the Fishing Boats today, so we cruised instead.  Our Cruise included a tour of the New River and the Intracoastal, areas I've visited many times by Boat, which appear just as awe-inspiring each time I see them. Our Captain was Captain Mark, who took us out on his 43' Cruiser, the "Marlintini" and we departed from the Bahia Mar Marina.

Please contact me if you're interested in information about Ft. Lauderdale Waterfront Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Intracoastal Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Oceanfront Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Deepwater Homes for Sale,  Ft. Lauderdale Yacht Dockage, or Ft. Lauderdale Docks for Sale.

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Vickie Arcuri, Realtor®
EWM Realtors
1700 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 103
Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33301
Cell:  (954) 708-9309
vickie@vickierealestate.com  
Fort Lauderdale Real Estate for Sale

Contact me if you're interested in buying or selling Ft. Lauderdale Real Estate for Sale, Broward County Real Estate for sale, Ft. Lauderdale Beach Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Condos for Sale, Homes for Sale near Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Broward County Luxury Homes for sale, Broward County Waterfront Homes for sale, Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Real Estate for Sale, or Ft. Lauderdale Waterfront Homes for Sale.  I am available to assist you or someone you know with:

• Home Purchases and Home Sales
• Home Rentals
• Refinancing resources
• Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Real Estate Services
• Corporate Relocation & Home Purchases or Rentals in South Florida
• Florida Professional Athlete Relocation & Home Purchases or Rentals
• Relocation home purchases locally or if you are purchasing outside of Florida or outside of our local area in Florida, I can refer you to an Agent to assist you with your home purchase in the area where you're moving, including International areas
• Investment property purchases  

Luxury Condos Sold in Ft. Lauderdale- Waterfront Condos for Sale- Ft. Lauderdale Oceanfront Condos - Ft. Lauderdale Condos for Sale

During the month of April, 2008, according to sales recorded in the S.E. Regional MLS, there were 14 sales of Condos that were sold at final sale prices over $1,000,000 in Broward County. Of course, there are luxury Condos that sold for less than $1,000,000, but for this post, I am highlighting the ones that sold at or over $1MM.

The Condos sold between final sale prices of $1,050,000 - $3,550,000. They are located in Ft. Lauderdale, Lauderdale by the Sea, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood:

• L'Hermitage (2 Sales)
• L'Ambiance (1 Sale)
• La Rive (1 Sale)
• Las Olas Beach Club (2 Sales)
• Aquazul (1 Sale)
• Corniche (1 Sale)
• Cristelle (1 Sale)
• Hampton Beach Club (1 Sale)
• Ocean Palms (1 Sale)
• Sonata Beach Club
• Villas of Positano

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Vickie Arcuri, Realtor®
EWM Realtors
1700 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 103
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Cell: (954) 708-9309
vickie@vickierealestate.com
Fort Lauderdale Real Estate for Sale

Contact me if you're interested in buying or selling Ft. Lauderdale Real Estate for Sale, Broward County Real Estate for sale, Ft. Lauderdale Beach Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Condos for Sale, Homes for Sale near Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Broward County Luxury Homes for sale, Broward County Waterfront Homes for sale, Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Homes for Sale, Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Real Estate for Sale, or Ft. Lauderdale Waterfront Homes for Sale. I am available to assist you or someone you know with:

• Home Purchases and Home Sales
• Home Rentals
• Refinancing resources
• Ft. Lauderdale Luxury Real Estate Services
• Corporate Relocation & Home Purchases or Rentals in South Florida
• Florida Professional Athlete Relocation & Home Purchases or Rentals
• Relocation home purchases locally or if you are purchasing outside of Florida or outside of our local area in Florida, I can refer you to an Agent to assist you with your home purchase in the area where you're moving, including International areas
• Investment property purchases