5 Acre Equestrian Estate

Koolik’s Are Proud To Presents 5 Acre Equestrian Estate

It is rare to find five acres in the Boca Raton/Delray Beach area combined with the benefit of an equestrian lifestyle. Centrally located off of Clint Moore Road, west of the Turnpike lies the quiet and serene neighborhood of Horseshoe Acres.

Elliot and Wendy Koolik are proud to represent the seller of this one of a kind property. This privately nestled Tudor style estate captivates you the moment you enter the gates and leaves you feeling transported to another part of Boca Raton. The majestic landscaping and tranquil lake affords a buyer serenity and peacefulness.

This prestigious and exquisite private estate is one of only 45 homes that create the prestigious Horseshoe Acres equestrian community. Horseshoe Acres is a community that consists of 190 landscaped acres with private roads that are perfect for horseback riding.

The home features more than 7500 living a/c square feet with 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms and 1 half bath in the main estate and a private guest home with 1 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, kitchen facilities and a living room area.

As you walk into the home, you’ll notice the beautiful fireplace in the living room, as well the unique spiral staircase that leads to the upstairs bedrooms. The terrace located off of the master bedroom provides a beautiful scene canopied by mature landscaped trees.

You’ll love cooking in the gourmet kitchen complete with cherry wood cabinets, marble counters, top of the line appliances, Miele coffee maker, butlers pantry, wine rack, double oven, wood paneled refrigerator, island with vegetable sink, and gas stove.

The exterior of the estate includes a 4 car garage, a stable with 5 stalls, training rings and plenty of pastures for horses to graze. The home includes a new roof and new Pella impact glass.

“We think this estate offers the combined opportunity to live within the center of Boca Raton, yet live privately on 5 acres in an equestrian neighborhood with riding paths.” remarks Elliot Koolik. This is a great opportunity offered at $2,995,000.

ABOUT WENDY AND ELLIOT KOOLIK: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach. Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $370 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com, by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Koolik's Receive Award

Koolik’s receive prestigious
Telly Award

Koolik Group Realty would like to congratulate Elliot and Wendy Koolik, Joan Grossman of T1 Productions and Jeff Galea of Boca Theatre Automation for receiving one of the highly prestigious Telly Awards for their Home Theatre and Automation show.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. Today, the Telly is one of the most sought-after awards by industry leaders, from large international firms to local production companies and ad agencies.

The 27th Annual Telly Awards received a record 13,379 entries from all 50 states and around the world, this year's competition has been the most competitive and successful in the long history of the Telly Awards. A prestigious judging panel of 27 accomplished industry professionals, each a past Winner of a Silver Telly, upholds the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents.

“Wendy and I are very proud to have received this award from an impartial third-party recognizing our efforts and contribution towards educating the general public about buying and selling a home, states Elliot Koolik. We had hoped to appeal to consumers looking to increase their knowledge regarding home theatre and automation when we filmed the show with Jeff Galea of BTA and Joan Grossman of T1 Productions. After receiving this award, I’m sure we’ve achieved our goal.”

“Since Elliot and I have over 30 years of combined real estate experience, we know that buying, building and selling a home can be a very stressful time, says Wendy Koolik. Our goal was to create a series of shows where Elliot could consult with a wide range of experts in the real estate industry and address many topics pertaining to purchasing, selling and owning a home.”

Real Estate Today helps educate consumers - From architects to attorneys, builders to mortgage brokers and interior designers, this show helps people make informed decisions! Visit www.ElliotKoolik.tv to see the award winning Home Theatre & Automation show.

ABOUT WENDY AND ELLIOT KOOLIK:

Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach. Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $370 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com, by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Tax Relief?

Voters Will Decide Fate of Tax Relief

On January 29th, 2008 Florida votes will vote to make several tax breaks part of the state constitution. It will take a 60 percent vote in order for the following ammendments to become finalized:

Double the $25,000 Homestead Exemption:

Homes valued at more than $50,000 would qualify for a homestead exemption worth $50,000. This exemption would not apply to school taxes, so it would average out to an extra $15,000 exemption. A typical homeowner would save about $220.

Provide Portability:

Permanent residents would be able to transfer their Save Our Homes accrued benefit, up to $500,000, when they move. This applies to anyone who sold a home in 2007. If the new home is more expensive, the entire Save Our Homes benefit can be transferred. If the new home is less expensive, the percentage of the benefit can be transferred.

Business Break:

Businesses would receive at $25,000 tangible personal property tax break.

Cap:

A 10 percent cap would apply to the annual assessments for non-homestead properties, including businesses, second homes, rental properties and vacant land.

Information provided by Sun-Sentinel

Koolik's Have a Positive Attitude!

Koolik’s Know Attitude is Everything!

“Everything is perception," states Elliot Koolik. "Although the market has become more challenging, negativity and pessimism are always counter productive. If buyers and sellers get the feeling that you’re not positive about the market, those negative feelings permeate everything. The key in selling during challenging times is to be proactive and innovative and in some respects, go back to old fashioned hard work and salesmanship.”

The Koolik’s practice this type of positive thinking in almost everything they do and this why they have been a successful and a dominant force in the Greater Boca Raton/Delray Beach market. The infrastructure they have in place allows them to provide their clients with outstanding service. This infrastructure includes an executive assistant to help the office run smooth, a realtor associate to make sure they never miss a showing, and a marketing intern. They alsoutilize multiple methods of marketing including a variety of websites including ElliotKoolik.com, Realtor.com and community specific websites. They also utilize other avenues of marketing for their clients including: billboards, full page Sun-Sentinel ad, TV show, magazine ads, direct mail, online newsletters, multi page brochures, and multiple pictures to name a few.

The Koolik’s have an unwavering positive attitude because the fundamentals of why people want to live in the Greater Boca Raton/Delray Beach area has not changed. Although we are not unaffected by the market situation, we are more insulated than most markets in South Florida because we have mostly high end users and not many speculators. This allows us to have a constant flow of people, including baby boomers, young families, relocations, and international buyers who want to live in a unique city full of history, architecture, shopping and warm weather.

“It’s easy to be optimistic because there is no denying that the Greater Boca Raton/Delray Beach area is still and will always remain a top destination.” says Wendy Koolik.

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Delray Beach luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $365 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Home Sales Jump!

Home Sales Jump!

New home purchases unexpectedly jumped in April, a sign low lending rates and incentives may be reviving demand.

Elliot Koolik, of Koolik Group Realty says, “I have seen more activity showing homes as well as more interest from buyers in recent months.”

Purchases rose 16 % last month, the Commerce Department said in Washington. There are fewer unsold homes than in the past. The number of homes for sale at the end of the month dropped from 540,000 in March to 532,000. Although the median price of a new home dropped 11 % last month, the lower prices and incentives offered to buyers are rousing the demand for homes. April's sales were the highest so far this year.

Home purchases rose across the United States, with the exception of the Midwest which dropped 4%. Compared with a year earlier, new home sales were down 11 %.
Because of stricter lending standards, the National Association of Realtors lowered its forecasts for home construction and sales. It forecast new-home sales to fall from 1.05 million in 2006 to 864,000 this year.

New home sales, which account for about 15 % of total home sales, are considered a better leading indicator of the market than existing home sales because they are recorded when a contract is signed rather than when the sales are closed. Most sales of existing homes are counted when a contract closes, usually a month or two later.

The leveling off of sales late last year has suggested stabilization and homebuilders are using sales incentives to lure buyers and whittle down the inventory of unsold homes.


From Bob Willis in Washington +1-202-624-1837 or bwillis@bloomberg.net, with reporting from Brian Louis in Chicago.

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $339 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Open Houses

Open house? Forget it, say savvy sellers

Boca Raton real estate agents will schedule an open house to showcase a property, but usually it’s because the seller insists. Usually the only people that show up are the immediate neighbors. Open houses in today’s market are not very effective.

Some real estate agents believe it is important to have an open house, but concede the once popular weekend ritual has lost ground to the Internet as a way to corral potential buyers.
Many people are used to searching for properties while sitting at their computer keyboards and the recent growth in online videos and virtual home tours has ramped up real estate marketing on the Web.

Open houses became popular in the 1970s when it was common for families to drive through neighborhoods after church Sunday mornings. Cookies and punch kept the kids occupied long enough for the parents to tour the homes, ask questions and consider making offers.

Priorities have shifted in recent years as families spend less time together. More condos and gated communities, and even rising gas prices have led to the downfall of open houses. Mostly though, home buyers are doing their research online.

Last year, 80 percent of buyers nationwide used the Internet to look for homes, up from 18 percent a decade ago, according to the National Association of Realtors. Many people look at photos and videos of houses online before working with an agent.

Open houses can work, but more houses are sold by people making their own arrangements from the Internet in this changing market.

Some say an open house does nothing for the seller because it generates little traffic and rarely results in the sale of the house. If anyone benefits, it’s the listing agent who meets potential new clients. Some also say that a rebound in the real estate market may help the open house return to favor, but it will not make open houses what they used to be.

Agents bear most of the costs to market a house, including fees to post properties on websites, newspaper advertisements, and create mailings. Some agents are even starting to cater meals for buyers’ agents as plans to showcase listings.

Networking and Internet marketing are keys to finding buyers in today’s real estate market.

As seen in the Sun Sentinel, Monday April 30, 2007 by Paul Owers.

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $339 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Water Restrictions

Water Restrictions

The South Florida Water Management District has recently implemented the first mandatory water restrictions since 2001.

For homes on less than 5 acres of land, the rules for when and where you may water your lawn are quite simple:

Odd Numbered Addresses may water between 4 and 8am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays or between 5 and 7pm with a hand-held hose.

Even Numbered Addresses may water between 4 and 8am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays or between 5 and 7pm with a hand-held hose.

New Landscaping may be watered between 2 and 8am weekdays or anytime with a hand-held hose if it is less than 30 days old.

Things to remember during water restrictions:

1) Impatiens should be able to survive with the water restrictions.

2) Try to add landscaping that requires less water.

3) Adding organic material to the soil helps absorb and store water.

4) When replanting, use native plants and trees. They require less water because they are acclimated to the South Florida Weather.

5) Consider zeriscaping, which replaces grass with mulch and groundcovers and paths are made of stones. The term comes from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry.

6) Use mulch because it conserves moisture and inhibits growth of weeds.

7) You can still use your backyard fountain as long as it re-circulates the water.

8) Make sure your irrigation system is operating efficiently.

9) Possibly switch to a drip irrigation system because they water roots directly.

10) Try to install rain shut-off valves.

11) Don’t mow the grass too short. Set the mower blade at 4 inches instead of 3. Longer grass encourages longer roots. Leaving cuttings on the grass because it will help enrich the soil.

12) Use plastic or metal planters because they hold more water. Clay pots soak up the water your plants could be using. Remember, the bigger the pot, the less water the plant needs.

From the article, “H20-Uh-O,” by Charlyne Varkonyi Schaub, as seen in the Sun-Sentinel March 30, 2007.

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $339 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com.

Remodel where it Matters Most

Remodel Where it Matters Most

When remodeling your home, be sure to spend money where it matters the most. Homeowners expect to recoup the entire cost of remodeling, but many improvement projects do not provide a full return on the investment. Knowing where to spend money on your home will help maximize your return. There are two main areas to focus on: kitchens and bathrooms.

The kitchen is probably one of the most important areas in any home. Homeowners spend most of their time in the kitchen, so it is particularly important to focus on that area when considering any improvements. Minor kitchen remodeling projects bring the most return on the investment. You can expect to receive almost a complete return in the kitchen.

Bathrooms are also important to focus on. Although bathroom remodeling can sometimes be extensive, having updated bathrooms is an excellent way to make any home more appealing. Bathroom remodeling projects can also bring close to a complete return on your investment.

Knowing what areas will give you the most return on your investment will not only make your home more attractive and save you money in the long run, but will also be valuable when trying to sell your home.


About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $339 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

10 Ways a Realtor Can Help You

10 Ways a Realtor Can Help You

1.) A realtor can help you with the market.
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a realtor is the one you can turn to for information on home values, neighborhoods, taxes, zoning, schools, and more.

2.) A realtor can help you set the price.
A realtor knows the current real estate market and can help you set a realistic selling price.

3.) A realtor can help you advertise efficiently.
When you’re a seller, a realtor handles and pays for all marketing efforts for your home, from advertising and arranging open houses, to placing a sign in front of your home.

4.) A realtor can help you with financing.
When you’re a buyer, a realtor will help pre-qualify you, help you find financing, arrange for home inspections and so on. A realtor can also assist the seller on financing a buyer.

5.) A realtor can help you add sales appeal.
A realtor knows how to add the extra appeal to your home at little cost that can generate interest. If you’re the buyer, a realtor often can suggest imaginative changes for making your prospective new home more suitable for you and more valuable.

6.) A realtor can help you with details.
A realtor handles many time-consuming tasks that are a part of the real estate transaction process. Both buyers and sellers are kept informed while free from stress.

7.) A realtor can help you at your closing.
A realtor will accompany you to the closing or even attend in your place, and help you with all the paperwork beforehand.

8.) A realtor can help you find your best deal.
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a realtor is bound and obligated by the Code of Ethics to give fair treatment to all parties in the transaction.

9.) A realtor brings buyers and sellers together.
A realtor ultimately helps both parties finding the best homes in an affordable price range for qualified, serious buyers.

10.) A realtor lets you live your life.
A realtor is a professional who has the expertise and time to get the job done right. That makes it easier for to get one with the life you’ve worked so hard to enjoy.


From the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale, as seen in the Sun Sentinel March 19, 2007.

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $339 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Need Help Buying Your First Home?

Wondering if now is the time to buy your first house or condo?

With a deluge of properties for sale throughout South Florida, prices are flexible, interest rates are reasonable, and sellers are offering incentives to seal a deal.

But a home's price is just the beginning. Taxes and insurance can add as much as 50 percent to your monthly payment, real estate experts warn.

"It seems to me there are a lot of options out there, but you've got insurance and taxes and those are a real killer," said Bob Stroh, director of the University of Florida's Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing. "We're seeing young people staying at home until they are 25 or 30 because they can't afford to buy anything. "

To help bridge the affordability gap, programs for first-time buyers are available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Florida Housing Finance Corp., Broward and Palm Beach counties, and many of their cities.

The programs are offered in conjunction with participating banks and lenders and some public housing agencies offer homeownership vouchers that enable tenants to buy homes.

Most programs define first-time buyers as those who have not owned a home they lived in during the past three years. To qualify for down payment or closing cost assistance, below-rate mortgages, subsidies in the form of second mortgages or cash upfront, first-time homebuyers have to meet certain income and purchase price limits and credit requirements, and live in a state, city or county offering such aid.

As a first-time buyer, you can look online or contact your city, county or the state Housing Finance Corp. to learn about available assistance. You can fill out applications online or in person. You must attend mandatory seminars on home ownership and meet with a counselor who reviews your income, credit rating and debts and decides how much help you can receive.

"There are plenty of options for first-time buyers today," said Sean Donahue, vice president of sales at HomeBanc Mortgage Corp., in Deerfield Beach. "It's turned into really a buyer's market."

Much of the aid offered by cities and counties comes from the federal government's HOME program and Florida's State Housing Initiatives Partnership program, which are designed to help low- and moderate-income residents.

Broward County's program is not limited to first-time buyers and offers help with down payments and closing costs based on income. To qualify, the household's annual income cannot exceed $72,720 for one or two people and $84,840 for three or more. Buyers are asked to contact a participating lender listed on the county's Web site to determine if they qualify.

Cities that administer these programs can add their own funding or use community development block grants for their first-time buyer priorities.

Real estate agents advise first-time buyers to decide where they want to live and meet with a mortgage expert to learn what they can afford.

"We're finding it's a good time again for first-time buyers to get into the market because interest rates are good, there's a lot to choose from and sellers are motivated," said Anita McCaron, an realtor-associate with Illustrated Properties in West Palm Beach.

Article from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, February 16, 2007 written by Robin Benedick. Robin can be reached at rbenedick@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7914.

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $339 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Selling Your Home?

Selling Your Home? Focus on the Kitchen

If you are selling your home, the best chance at cooking up a sale is in the kitchen.

The kitchen is an area where form and function are equally important. For today’s home buyer, the kitchen is typically the most important room in the house. Buyer’s view the kitchen as an area that serves many functions which can include preparing and sharing meals, entertaining, social gathering, sorting mail, and paying bills. Having a functional kitchen is very important to buyers.

In a recent survey, 85 % of respondents said the condition of the kitchen is a major consideration when making a purchasing decision. Having an updated or well maintained kitchen makes the decision easier for buyers because updating a kitchen can be costly. Many repairs can be discouraging to buyers, so kitchens that appear to need minimal or no work at all can help make the decision for a buyer.

Having a clean, updated, and functional kitchen makes selling your home easier because it will be more appealing to buyers.


About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $339 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Tips to Make Your Home Appealing to Buyers

10 Tips to Make Your Home More Appealing to Buyers

When selling your home, it is important to make it appealing to buyers. There are many simple things you can do in order prepare your home for the market. Following is a list of 10 tips to make your home more appealing.

1. Create a Nice Entryway: Put a fresh coat of paint on the door. If your home does not have a foyer, arrange the furniture in such a way that it creates one. This gives the buyer the appearance of a formal entryway, even if there isn’t one.

2. Hardwood Floors: Many buyers find the attractiveness and durability of real hardwood flooring appealing. It is easier for them to make the decision about the purchase if it seems there is less work to be done on the home.

3. Excellent Fixtures: The faucets and cabinet hardware should add an attractive, synchronized look in every room of your home.

4. Gorgeous Baths: Having a clean bathroom with sparkling tile, new towels, and a hint of color can seem extraordinary.

5. Quality Countertops: Whether it’s Corian, Concrete, or Granite, slabs have the most appeal to buyers. They don’t want the hassle of cleaning countertop grout lines.

6. Stainless Appliances: Stainless steel appliances are the probably the most popular type of appliance these days. If you can’t get stainless steel, white works the best to create a clean look in a country kitchen. Another option that is becoming trendy is hiding the appliances with panels so they blend in with the cabinetry.

7. Organize Your Closets: Pre-organized closets with closets organizer systems make the closets seems larger and more practical to buyers.

8. Light up Your House: Having plenty of lighting brightens the home and makes it appear cleaner. Installing recessed lighting or sconces with halogen bulbs creates a modern look.

9. Built-ins are a Plus: Built-in bookshelves and cabinets are viewed by buyers as “free” furniture. Make sure to keep them clean, and clutter free, removing any personal items.

10. Grass: Grass is a good seller on the exterior of homes. Instead of a concrete patio or a rock garden, buyers like to see green grass.

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $339 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com, by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Upward Trend in Home Sales!

Existing-Home Sales To Trend Upward in 2007!

Existing-home sales are expected to rise this year. With annual totals slightly lower than 2006, new-home sales will continues to slide, according to the latest forcast by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.

"Market conditions will vary around the country next year," says David Lereah, NAR's chief economist. "Roughly three-quarters of the country will experience a sluggish expansion in 2007, while other areas should continue to contract for at least part of the year," he says. "Most of the correction in home prices is behind us, but general gains in value next year will be modest by historical standards."

"Buyers, especially first-time buyers, with the combined benefits of seller flexibility and an unexpected drop in mortgage interest rates, have a window of opportunity," he adds. "These conditions will persist in many areas until early spring when inventory supplies are likely to become more balanced."

Finishing as the third best year on record, existing-home sales for 2006 were projected at 6.47 million, which is a decline of 8.6% from 2005. For 2007, sales are expected to rise steadily to an annual total of 6.4 million.

"By the fourth quarter of 2007, existing-home sales will be 4.6% higher than the current quarter," Lereah says.

New-home sales are slowing. In 2006 they fell 17.7% to 1.06 million, which is the fourth highest total on record. They are expected to fall an additional 9.4% this year to 957,000. Much of the contraction in the new housing market results from cuts in builder construction to support pricing for current inventories. In addition, high construction costs in many areas are taking a bite out of potential profits.

Total new-housing starts for 2006 dropped 12.3% to 1.82 million units. It is expected to decline 15.1% to 1.54 million this year.

The national median price for existing homes in 2006 was $222,600. It is expected to rise another 1% in 2007 to $224,700.

The median new-home price should rise by 0.8% this year to $241,700.

"Keep in mind that overall home prices were still appreciating at double digit rates in the first quarter of 2006. Prices in this buyer's market are temporarily below what they were a year ago when we were in a strong seller's market," Lereah says. "This correction is one of the factors drawing buyers into the current market, but most sellers are still seeing very healthy long-term gains."


About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Highland Beach. Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $350 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Home Staging

Koolik’s Recommend Home Staging

When selling a home, the buyer’s first impression is critical. A home that shows well has a competitive edge over other homes. Wendy and Elliot Koolik of Koolik Group Realty have identified that it is imperative that when selling a home it must look the best it possibly can. This is why they have aligned themselves with Brooke Porter, President of Designed To Sell, a Boca based staging firm. Porter works with sellers in preparing their home for show through a process called home staging.

Home staging prepares a home for sale so it appeals to a large variety of buyers. Furniture layout, lighting, traffic flow, repairs and aesthetics are all examined and addressed in order to transform a home into a “model” that is visually appealing to buyers.

Most homeowners have organized and decorated their home in a way that is attractive to their tastes and lifestyle. “Homeowners often don’t realize that over time, their homes have become cluttered and/or worn, but buyers see it right away. The goal of staging is simply to make your home stand out and often that can be accomplished by simply de-cluttering, de-personalizing, and sprucing up,” states Porter.

As part of a well thought out marketing effort, Wendy and Elliot Koolik’s clients receive a consultation from Design To Sell and are given a staging plan which includes a room-by-room written report detailing what the homeowner can do to prepare the home for sale. The report includes tips on cleaning, repairing problems, rearranging furniture, de-cluttering space and neutralizing the décor. “The recommendations can be completed by the homeowner or we can have it done for them by a team of professionals,” says Porter.

Although the cost of completing the recommendations varies, it is far less than the first price reduction when a home does not sell. The cost of staging a home is an excellent investment when you consider the appeal it brings to buyers.

Elliot says, “There is never too much you can do to sell your home. It’s obvious that if a home shows better, it will sell quicker and for a higher price.”

Staging a home is a win/win situation for everyone. The seller is now able to present the home in the best possible condition, the buyers have a better house to view and the realtors have a better home to sell and market. “In the end, home staging is an additional tool that we have chosen to use to benefit our sellers in assisting them to sell their home,” states Wendy.

For more information on Brooke Porter, please call 561-400-1856 or email her at brookster100@yahoo.com

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Highland Beach. Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $350 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.

For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com

Ready For 2007!

Wendy & Elliot Koolik: Ready for 2007!

With the start of a new year, Wendy and Elliot Koolik are ready for an exciting real estate market. Thanks to the latest technology, savvy realtors have access to the MLS just about anywhere – anytime – and the Koolik’s now have access to the this latest technology allowing them to pull up listings, review email, access the Internet at high speed PLUS print and fax all from their car!

Realtors who are in their office are definitely not out selling homes, and you will hardly ever find Wendy and Elliot Koolik of Koolik Group Realty in their office. “As a Realtor, you are always on the go,” says Elliot Koolik. This latest technology will allow me to be extremely efficient in the coming new year. Many times while I am working with a buyer, their criteria changes. Instead of going back to the office, I am able to check my laptop in the car, and have a new inventory of homes in front of me instantly... This maximizes both of our time.”

Koolik Group Realty is a family business with the presence of a large company since serving the Greater Boca Raton, Delray and Highland Beach area for over 25 years. They have always been on the cutting edge with their marketing and technology. “Our marketing has been innovative and we believe that our technology should be as well,” said Wendy Koolik. “With the new year upon us, we are now completely mobile and have a working office right out of our car.” The Koolik’s are one of the top real estate teams in the area and with that comes a very busy schedule. As leaders in luxury and country club communities, the Koolik’s take pride in making sure all of their clients get the service they deserve.

“It is crucial to stay on top of the needs of all of our buyers and sellers. Schedules are constantly changing, follow up is important and customer feedback is a priority. We are all now wirelessly connected through our Blackberry’s and computers so that any change in our schedule or access to our messages is immediately received no matter where we are,” explained Elliot. This enables the Koolik’s to do what they do best…. sell homes!

Wendy and Elliot Koolik truly offer the best of both worlds - the attention from a family business with the technology of a large company. With such a winning combination, Wendy and Elliot are confident that 2007 will prove to be a great year for the real estate market!

About Wendy and Elliot Koolik: Wendy and Elliot Koolik are recognized leaders in the Boca Raton luxury and country club real estate communities. While they are active in all of Palm Beach County, they focus on Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Highland Beach. Since 2000, Wendy and Elliot Koolik have sold more than $350 million dollars in real estate by offering their clients a unique marketing plan for their home and an unparalleled level of customer service.

Wendy and Elliot are part of Koolik Group Realty, a family-owned and operated real estate company serving buyers and sellers since 1990. The real estate firm is known for its responsiveness to clients, knowledge of the neighborhoods they specialize in and, above all, for its boundless passion for the real estate business.


For more information, contact Wendy and Elliot by phone at 561.393.9997 x113, online at www.ElliotKoolik.com , by e-mail at EKoolik@Koolik.com or visit their blog at www.bocaratonluxuryrealestate.blogspot.com