For Our Kids By Nicole Carter - City Of Hallandale Bch June 3, 2021 Share We Need To Get This Summer Right Even under normal circumstances – pre-pandemic, that is – research showed that students in afterschool and summer learning programs get better grades For students and educators alike, this school year has been a seemingly endless grind, presenting one trauma-inducing challenge, after another. School schedules have been in flux, safety protocols have been an adjustment, screen time has been on overload and throughout, this specter, of a horrible disease has loomed over us. Many students have felt isolated, some haven't done as well with on-line learning – either for reasons of access or simply, because, it just didn't click for them. Others have been entirely left behind and in short, we have a lot of ground to make up. So, as summer approaches, our schools and families face painful challenges, as they work to bring students back together. Our children need the chance to make up any lost ground and reconnect with classmates. But, we need that to happen in a way that doesn't burn out students and teachers, all of whom, have been through the ringer, this past year. With a boost from the American Rescue Plan, the latest COVID relief bill from Washing-ton, many children and families will find that summer learning programs are the solution, if we ensure, that they are structured to meet at the moment. Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to the full range of our children's needs. Getting back on track academically, is surely part of the puzzle, but, it's not the only part. We also want them to reconnect with classmates and educators, create forums for them to talk about their Pandemic experiences, do hands-on, team-based learning, get some exercise and experience as much normalcy, as it can be found. Come fall, the status of the Pandemic, permitting, we want the children to be ready to resume, to a normal school schedule and not to be burnt out, on the first day of school. That's why, summer learning programs have such a vital role to play. They mix learning and fun in exactly the ways our kids need it, in this most unusual time. In addition to help with academics, they give students the chance to learn new skills: Creating Web-sites, Com-puter Coding, Making Videos, Planting, Maintaining Community Gardens, Learning Photography, Building Robots and so much more. They make sure students have plenty of time to run around and be kids – playing individual and team sports, splashing in swimming pools, shooting baskets or playing volleyball. They connect children with community organizations for service projects, take them to visit local businesses, science centers, libraries, museums, colleges, parks and more. Our summer learning program at the City of Hallandale Beach After School Tutorial and Enrich-ment Program will include project-based learning, activities in science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics (STEAM), cultural and performing arts activities, swimming lessons and field trips. We have 180 students enrolled and are staffed with seven certified teachers, seven teacher assistants, five teacher aides and seven summer youth aides. Even under normal circumstances – Pre-Pandemic, that is – research has shown, that students in after school and summer learning programs get better grades, are more excited about learning and participate more, in school. That's not just because of the specific information they learn in summer and after school programs, but because of the skills they build, including teamwork and problem-solving, for example. In recent years, one significant reason that many children did not participate in summer programs, was that there weren't programs to be found. The American Rescue Plan provides significant funding to states that can be used to support summer learning programs. As a result, school districts and state education agencies can support summer learning programs, after school programs that will supplement classroom education, serving more kids, in more places, for longer periods of time and by using the best evidence-based, practices. It's been a hard year for everyone and we've got a lot of ground to make up. We'll need every player in our children's learning ecosystem – schools, summer learning programs, youth-serving organizations, parents and families – to play a part in the recovery process. New resources make that possible, thank goodness and now, we need to make sure that we bring everyone to the table! Nicole Carter Is The Youth Services Supervisor For The City of Hallandale Beach and serves as an After School Ambassador For Florida For The After School Alliance. < Previous News Next News >

The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival - To Showcase Five Fabulous Films for the LGBTQ+ Audience January 23 through February 2, 2025 January 15, 2025 Share The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival© (SASIFF), presented by MorseLife, returns for its third season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts from January 23rd, 2025 - January 30th, 2025 and EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace from January 31st - February 2nd, 2025. Among the more than two-dozen world-class movies from all over the world are five cinematic offerings that will be of particular interest to LGBTQ+ film fans. “Gay and Lesbian relationships figure significantly in five Sun & Stars dramas. International directors representing Canada, Israel, Japan, UK, and USA are sensitive and forthright in treating LGBTQ+ themes, whether their characters are uncomfortably in the closet or out and weathering the give and take of fraught romantic partnerships,” promises Barbara Scharres, SASIFF Artistic Director. “Issues come to the fore embedded in fiction, too,” she adds. “The pros and cons of the controversial practice of conversion therapy are considered when a wife discovers her husband’s secret life in PINK LADY. In MY SUNSHINE, a community’s prejudice impacts the career of a discreetly Gay man as the result of a misplaced adolescent crush.” The five films targeted to LGBTQ+ movie buffs that will be shown during the upcoming Sun & Stars International Film Festival are: Days Of Happiness - Les Jours Heureux: Drama, 2023, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Chloe Robichaud. Canada, 118-minutes – In French with English subtitles The privileged world of classical music is the setting for drama on and off the concert stage as a young rising star conductor played by Sophie Desmarais makes a misstep that may put her dream of a prestigious new job in peril. A controversial program for the final concert of her residency triggers a fraught confrontation with her personal demons, including her relationships with her controlling father/manager and her Lesbian lover. Desmarais was coached by Conductors Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Kensho Watanabe, and Nicolas Ellis to master her conducting movements. The film’s soaring music includes pieces by Mozart, Schoenberg, and Mahler. “An effective (and affecting) drama that boasts a spellbinding performance at its core”—Reel Film Reviews The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center Friday, January 24th at 1:00 p.m. Liza A Truly Terrific And Absolutely True Story: Documentary, 2024, Florida Premiere. Directed by Bruce David Klein. USA, 104-minutes The Opening Night Screening of The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife. One film is barely enough to encompass all the facets of the glittery life and career of Liza Minnelli, but Director Klein pulls it off being humorously bossy aside from the Oscar-winning Cabaret star herself. This portrait puts the emphasis on a lifetime of meaningful relationships with mentors including Kay Thompson, Bob Fosse, and Halston as young Liza emerges from the shadow of her famous father, film director Vincente Minnelli, and her legendary mother Judy Garland to become one of the most extraordinary artists of our time. Appearances by friends and collaborators include Mia Farrow, Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, George Hamilton, and with running commentary by Musician Michael Feinstein pulling it all together with his usual flair. “A gorgeous portrait of a legendary showbiz survivor, warmly celebratory but also unquestionably authentic”—The Hollywood Reporter Note: Director Bruce David Klein will appear and answer questions at the Festival’s Opening Night screening. The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center Thursday, January 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Midas Man: Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Joe Stephenson. UK, 112-minutes Often called “the Fifth Beatle,” Manager/Impresario Brian Epstein burned brightly as the man who catapulted the Fab Four to international fame then tragically died at 32. This brisk and wonderfully evocative film is a fictionalized capsule of early Beatles history from Liverpool’s grungy Cavern Club to the flower-power years, set against the background of Epstein’s short life. Jewish, closeted Gay, and energized by the rocking tunes of the underground culture, Epstein (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) talks his way into managing the band of four scruffy lads. Also starring Emily Watson, Eddie Izzard, and Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan, MIDAS MAN brings to life one beloved chapter in the rock ‘n’ roll story with color and spirit, underlining the toll success took on the man who made it happen. The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center Friday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m. My Sunshine - Boku No Ohisama: Drama, 2024, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Hiroshi Okuyama. Japan, 100-minutes – In Japanese with English subtitles The enduring appeal of ice-dancing casts a spell over a film steeped in the bittersweet nostalgia of first love. Set at a small-town skating rink in picturesque wintry Hokkaido, Japan, the film starring Keitatsu Koshiyama and Kiara Takanashi sets up a delicate triangle of association between two young skaters and their coach, with emotional fallout for all three. For Takuya, a bullied loner, it’s love at first sight when he spies Sakura, a girl his own age gliding and twirling to the strains of Claire de Lune. The coach senses the chance to recruit an ice-dancing partner for his most talented protege. Unrequited adolescent crushes have unforeseen consequences, however, when Sakura begins to understand that the handsome coach she dreams of is gay. “Profoundly moving”— www.RobertEbert.com EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 p.m. Pink Lady: Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Nir Bergman. Israel, Italy, 106-minutes – In Hebrew with English subtitles Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox community is the setting for this story of a marriage in crisis when the husband’s secret desires are outed by criminals intent on blackmail. Bati (Nur Fibak), a mother of three happily married to devout and seriously observant Lazer (Uri Blufarb) receives a mysterious envelope in the mail containing graphic photos of her husband kissing another man. Amid denials and flimsy claims of Photoshopping, Bati takes a new look at her man. An unexpected encounter with a very unusual woman causes her to take a fresh look at herself. The film opens a Pandora’s Box of issues: Orthodox family values, homosexuality and conversion therapy. The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center Friday, January 24th at 4:00 p.m. For more information about the SASIFF or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.sasiff.org . About The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival: The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife, aims to bring highly anticipated, critically acclaimed, and thought-provoking films to Palm Beach County. As a world-class film festival, The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International represents a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County. SASIFF returns for a new season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on January 23rd, 2025 - January 30rd, 2025 and EVO Entertainment Delray on January 31st, 2025 - February 2nd, 2025. For more information, please visit: www.sasiff.org - Or: www.facebook.com/DME.SASIFF - And at: www.twitter.com/dmesasiff - Or: www.instagram.com/dme_sasiff - Or contact: info@sasiff.org . Or: (561) 220-6735. About MorseLife: MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, Not-For-Profit Organization, its programs also include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels, and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity, and compassion. For more information, visit: https://morselife.org - Or: www.facebook.com/MorseLife - Or: www.twitter.com/MorseLifeHealth - Or: www.instagram.com/morselifehealth - Or: www.linkedin.com/company/morselife-inc-/ - Or contact: info@morselife.org . Photo Credit: Sun & Stars International Film Festival < Previous News Next News >

Are You a Money Whisperer? New Study Reveals 6 in 10 Americans Don't Talk About Money By BPT January 4, 2024 Share America, it's time to have the money talk. According to research by Empower, a financial services company, 62% of people don't talk about money. Mum's the word with their family (63%), friends (75%) and even with their spouse/partner (46%), though millennials and Gen Z are twice as likely to say they're an "open book" compared to older generations (28% versus 13%). Many people would rather discuss politics (43%) and death (32%) than their finances (24%). It may be costing them their dreams. A majority of people believe more candid "money talks" have the power to change the world: 66% remark that open conversations can help people build generational wealth, improve the gender wage gap (62%) and over half say that money conversations could improve workplace transparency (56%). Carol Waddell, President of Empower Personal Wealth, says, "Conversation is a currency on the pathway to financial security, and open discussions about money can have a truly transformative effect on society. Our study shows people believe that clarity about their financial picture, talking to an advisor and financial education are key to achieving financial success." 1. Growing up without money conversations Don't talk about money: that's the message half (52%) of Americans hear, learning it's impolite to talk about finances (26%), and certainly not what you earn (35%). The taboo prevails for nearly two-thirds (60%) of people who don't feel comfortable on the topic. Americans recall stowing away coins in a piggy bank (41%) but say many practical financial lessons weren't discussed - like the importance of having an emergency fund (31%), building good credit (30%), and managing debt (27%) - as kids or adults. This might explain why Americans tend to clam up when the conversation turns to money. While many received an allowance (36%), the majority (68%) were never taught how to manage a budget. Nearly a quarter of Gen Zers (23%) grew up in a household with a swear jar teaching about money and manners - yet 79% of all people say they never spoke about how much is "needed" to be financially secure. One in 5 (18%) Americans surveyed say they were raised with a YOLO money motto: "You only live once, so don't worry too much about finances." Despite the saying, more than a third (37%) say they regularly worry. That's even higher for Gen Z and millennials (51% and 49%) and women, who are considerably more stressed about their personal finances than men (42% versus 33%). 2. Talking about money at work Figuring out personal finance is intimidating and overwhelming for half of Americans (48%), and when it comes to managing their money, 39% say they don't know where to start, including 41% of women and 37% of men. Compare that with sky-high confidence managing money at work: 73% feel at ease overseeing company budgets and the majority say they clearly understand their employer's finances and performance (70%). Reassuringly, people have a strong grasp on employer benefits like the availability of their company's 401(K) plan (80%) and say they know how their pay raises work (77%). Advocating for themselves is where it gets tricky. One-third (33%) of people don't feel comfortable asking for an increase. Men feel more comfortable asking for a pay raise than women (74% versus 59%). Better market data on compensation could potentially boost negotiation confidence and nearly half (49%) of survey respondents (and a majority of millennials, 69%, and Gen Z, 71%) believe discussing salaries can lead to better career opportunities. Americans say they avoid uncomfortable money talk at work (68%), and more than half (56%) wish discussing salaries wasn't taboo. Do you know how much your co-workers make? Just 19% of respondents say they've asked. But the workplace isn't the only area Americans are staying quiet. People haven't asked their friends (68%) or family (60%) either. Women are less comfortable talking about money with co-workers than men (36% women versus 50% men). That said, people may not be as shy as expected: 58% of millennials and 53% of Gen Z (and 34% of Americans overall), would share their salary information on their LinkedIn. What's it amount to? According to 62% of respondents, open money conversations could solve the gender wage gap. Americans say greater wage transparency would motivate employees to work harder (50%) and help avoid miscommunications (60%). 3. Speak with an expert. More than three-quarters (77%) of Americans want to see society take on more "money talks" about ways to save for the future (41%), money mistakes they've made (36%) and basic financial literacy (34%). A quarter want more discussions about how to negotiate (26%) and pay for big expenses (24%). Even more open dialogue about the emotional aspects of money would be helpful for 20% of respondents. Ultimately, people believe more open conversations about money can have a truly transformative effect on society: 66% think it can help more people achieve financial freedom. So, how does America get there? Respondents agree that clarity about their financial picture (40%), talking to an advisor (36%), and financial education (34%) are key to achieving financial success. "In these challenging times, staying tight-lipped about money is something people can no longer afford. As part of our mission to advance financial freedom for all, we're here to help people speak up and take the next step for a brighter financial future," says Waddell. If conversation is a currency on the pathway to financial security, it's time to start speaking up. < Previous News Next News >

When To See Your Vet? Spotting The Difference Between Urine Marking and Urinary Problems Thu Aug 24 2023 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Kick Off The Holiday Season In Downtown Hollywood This Weekend November 17, 2022 Share Looking to enjoy the outdoors and get in the holiday spirit, then Downtown Hollywood is the place. Characterized by quaint sidewalk cafés, brick-lined walks, and six blocks of unique boutiques, shops, art galleries and dozens of excellent restaurants along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street, this pedestrian-friendly environment is the perfect place to enjoy this weekend. This Friday night the Christmas Season kinks off with the Downtown Hollywood Christmas Tree Lighting followed by movie night in the park. On Saturday there will be a full night of live music, food and cultural entertainment for all to enjoy. ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING Make plans to spend an evening full of free holiday family fun at the ArtsPark at Young Circle this Friday, November 18th, 2022. Arrive early and enjoy the ArtsPark’s beautiful open green space, playground and SplashPad. Be sure to check out the Visual Arts Pavilion that hosts live glass blowing demonstrations. It’s that time of year…the Annual Tree Lighting takes place at 7:00 p.m. at ArtsPark. In addition to the tree lighting, the festive evening features holiday music and a special appearance by Santa. Admission is free. ARTSPARK MOVIE NIGHT FEATURING “LIGHTYEAR” (PG) Legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear will light up the big screen on the Amphitheater stage at 8:00 p.m. Spread out on the lawn and watch as he embarks on an intergalactic adventure to escape the evil Zurg alongside ambitious recruits Izzy, Mo, Darby, and his robot companion, Sox. Reminder: Single-use plastics and Styrofoam containers are prohibited at the ArtsPark, including plastic bottles and bags. For more information, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at: (954) 921-3500. DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD ARTWALK Start that holiday shopping, grab a bite to eat, or pop into an art gallery while enjoying art, cultural entertainment, live music and the murals at the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. A FREE Guided Mural Tour begins at 6 p.m. at the Visitor Center Information Booth at the corner of 20th Avenue and Harrison Street. Learn the stories behind the art and artists! The Downtown Hollywood Artisan Market at ArtWalk on Harrison Street between 20th and 21st Avenues, features pop-up shops, artist showcases, handmade items, local purveyors, vintage shopping and fun! Watch the live creation of a work of chalk art at 6:00 p.m. at Anniversary Park at Hollywood Boulevard & 20th Avenue. Meet at the Visitor Center Information Booth at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. for a guided and curated ArtWalk experience with Evan Snow of Choose954. Get an opportunity to meet with the local artists of each gallery in Downtown Hollywood. For additional information, please call: (954) 924-2980. Or visit: www.FloridasHollywood.org/ArtWalk. PARKING Downtown Hollywood offers On-Street Metered Parking for $1.50 per hour, as well as Municipal Garage Parking for $1 per hour. Municipal Garage locations are: 251 South 20th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 between Harrison and Van Buren Streets and at 251 North 19th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 between Tyler and Polk Streets. For more information, call: (954) 924-2980. < Previous News Next News >

“Story of a Life” A New Musical at The Broward Center Thu May 27 2021 04:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Once Again Recognized Among Best Fri Oct 18 2024 18:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Breast Cancer Journey to “HOPE!” Thu Oct 06 2022 04:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Road To Splitsville’: How To Navigate The Road To Divorce Without Making Yourself Crazy November 10, 2023 Share Most adults in the United States are familiar with this unfortunate statistic from the U.S. Census Bureau: nearly 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. However, few are likely aware that the average first marriage lasts eight years or less, and the average second marriage lasts just seven years. Divorces are endemic, and they can create serious emotional issues for the parties and their children, while resulting in huge paydays for their attorneys. Attorney Jeffrey Stephens and Psychologist Ronald Raymond have written a book providing practical advice to pending divorcees on how to manage these issues along their journey, while paving a road to future happiness. “We live in a society where the decision to divorce is all too common,” Stephens said, “And those needing advice about how to get there are many. Our intention is to reduce the stress and expense involved in the divorce process by providing insight, support, empathy and the practical information you will need to complete your journey as you find the path to your new life.” The book, The Road to Splitsville, features this illustrative subtitle: How to Navigate The Road To Divorce Without Making Yourself Crazy, Your Children Miserable, Or Your Lawyer Wealthy … And Then Discover Your Path To Happiness. Stephens says that “if you are facing divorce, this book will guide you along the legal and emotional journey you will need to follow to end your marriage and find your best life.” Together, Stephens and Raymond offer techniques for dealing with the inevitable upset and issues that divorcees face, as they guide readers along the legal and emotional road they will travel, including how to select an attorney and limit the costs; how to handle the loss of love and end of the relationship; and perhaps most important, how to rebuild a life and find happiness. Jeffrey S. Stephens is a successful attorney in private practice, having handled many divorces and family law issues in New York and Connecticut. He is also the Author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers, Targets of Deception, Targets of Opportunity, Targets of Revenge and Rogue Mission, as well as the Anthony Walker murder mystery Crimes and Passion and the Pencraft Award-Winning novels Fool’s Errand and The Handler. Dr. Ronald Raymond is a Clinical Psychologist who has been practicing for over 50 years. His background includes being a professor and adjunct professor at several universities. He served as the Director of Psychology at one of the nation’s most prestigious psychiatric hospitals, Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut and The American Psychological Association attributed to him the development of Relocation Psychology, about which he co-authored the book, Grow Your Roots Anywhere, Anytime. He is also the co-author of Ring of Destiny, Destiny Revealed and The Four Essential Ingredients for Effective Parenting. For more information, please visit: www.theroadtosplitsville.com < Previous News Next News >

STP Recovery Plan: The Process Of Loss & Dealing With Recovery By Tracy Renee Lee - Certified Grief Counselor January 19, 2023 Share This morning there was an upheaval in my home. I have two adult daughters home for the holidays and one of them has children. Unfortunately, my daughter miscarried two weeks ago. Our hearts are broken and she is devastated. As I was talking to her this morning about everyone getting along, she teared up and said, “Mom, I’m the one that lost a baby last week and everyone acts as though nothing has happened. No one even talks about it.” Wow, what a kick in the pants. It is true that everyone has avoided the subject of her losing the baby, partly because it has been a holiday and we all wanted to celebrate without the trauma of loss. Mostly; however, we were wanting to shield our grandchildren from their pain. This is their third lost sibling. My grandson, who is their first surviving child, takes the loss of a sibling very traumatically. He was devastated by the loss and of course, the adults in our family were trying to shield him from further pain. Unfortunately, protecting our grandson increases the pain his mother suffers. After my daughter said those words to me this morning, I felt terrible. The new baby will be buried here at the funeral home beside his brother or at the cemetery in the same grave as my mother. My daughter and her husband have not made a final decision yet. Tonight, my family will have a family gathering. We will pray, sing songs, play games, hear a devotional and enjoy dessert together. Our devotion tonight will be centered on our newest loss. My daughter has asked me to say a few words about miscarriage to help her family process their loss and begin their recovery. I will give them a little plan to help them. I call it my STP oil tip. When I was a young girl, I used to ride motorcycles with my dad. After our rides, my dad would maintenance check his bike. If it needed oil, he would add STP brand oil. I have always remembered this as a special time and memory from my childhood. I will suggest that my daughter and her family use STP oil as their healing plan. S: SAY HIS NAME Saying the name of the decedent helps the family to validate the existence and importance of their loved one. It gives them confidence that their loved one matters and will not be forgotten. T: TRADITION It is important that the family incorporate a tradition that commemorates their loved one. This tradition can be something that was important to the decedent or something that reminds you of the decedent. In the case of a miscarriage, a yearly tradition might be to donate to miscarriage research, revisit the baby’s sonogram images by sending out words of encouragement on special image cards to those who loved the baby or perhaps visit his burial place. There are infinite options for a miscarriage tradition. Another might be to buy a beautiful baby outfit and give it to a newborn within your circle of friends and family. P: PRAYER Prayer is the most effective and rewarding proactive thing you can do for yourself after a loss. Asking the powers of heaven to lift your sadness and replace it with peace is a blessing you can give yourself. Asking and relying on Christ to lift your burdens and help you find your way back to living, trusting, feeling and loving is a glorious gift he offers each of us. If you have suffered a loss this holiday season, my heart and prayers go out to you. If you would attempt to follow this STP plan for recovery, I would hope that you might find comfort in it. Recovery does not mean that we forget our loved ones. Indeed, recovery means that we reconcile our hearts to a place where we can move our lost loved one from a living participant in life to a loving memory. Losing another grandchild breaks my heart, but for my daughter, it is devastating. I ask the Lord’s blessing upon her and her sweet family during this tragic time in their lives. If you have suffered a recent loss, I ask the same for you. God be with you. My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor GC-C, Funeral Director FDIC, Published Author, Syndicated Columnist, Podcaster and founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award. It is my life's work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on. < Previous News Next News >

Selling Your Home? Seller’s Disclosures Are Very Important In Florida Real Estate Sales By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate July 4, 2024 Share Until 1985, caveat emptor ("let the buyer beware") was the standard practice for Florida residential real estate sales. Sellers had no stated obligation to tell potential buyers about any condition problems or defects a seller may have known though were not readily observable when viewing the property in person, yet could have affected the property's value (and how much a buyer wanted to offer for it). It was the buyer's own responsibility to look for and find any existing issues/flaws/defects that may affect a house or condominium's market value. Condition issues influence buyers' decisions on whether to proceed with the purchase, offer less than asking price, or bail out within the contract's Due Diligence period and get their deposits back. Hidden, undiscovered (through normal observation or inspection), and undisclosed property condition problems or flaws existing at the time of purchase are called "latent defects" by real estate attorneys. Latent defects may or may not be known by sellers when offering their properties for sale. Then came Johnson v. Davis, a 1985 Florida Supreme Court case in which homebuyers Mr. & Mrs. Davis brought a lawsuit against sellers Mr. & Mrs. Johnson for (allegedly) not telling them about an existing roof leak. The court ruled in favor of the Davises after evidence suggested the Johnsons were aware of the leak yet said that there were no problems with the roof when asked. Speak with a Florida-licensed attorney for detailed discussion and application of this landmark court case. The decision resulted in a significant departure from the previous "buyer beware" environment and the start of a State-wide obligation for sellers of residential real estate to disclose any known latent defects that could affect the property's value. The court's written opinion included the statement: “Accordingly, we hold that where the seller of a home knows of facts materially affecting the value of the property which are not readily observable and are not known to the buyer, the seller is under a duty to disclose them to the buyer. This duty is equally applicable to all forms of real property, new and used.” The same duty to disclose obligation also extends to real estate licensees who are involved with the transaction. Today, the Johnson v. Davis’ ruling continues to affect and influence residential real estate transactions throughout Florida by attempting to discourage misrepresentation and reduce misunderstanding regarding the property’s condition between sellers and buyers. The court's decision resulted in specific language being included in Florida residential real estate sales contracts, and eventually brought about the widespread use of written Seller’s Disclosures. As a direct result of this often-referenced court case, residential sales contracts used in Florida contain some version of language such as "Seller knows of no facts materially affecting the value of the Real Property which are not readily observable and which have not been disclosed to Buyer." However, the Johnson v. Davis’ decision by itself did not require the use of separate written Seller’s Disclosures in Florida. Discussion and practical application of the legal concepts presented in the court's ruling eventually led to the use of disclosure forms as tools to help ease some of the "buyer beware" exposure, and make it easier for sellers to voluntarily describe the property’s condition as accurately and completely as possible. VERY important - latent defects are NOT the same as Defective Inspection Items as defined in the purchase contract. Some earlier articles on this site discuss seller and buyer handling of Defective Inspection Items revealed in a Home Inspection. Now that we have a little background, let's discuss how Seller’s Disclosures work in residential real estate transactions. They are usually completed before owners put their house or condominium on the market, often part of signing a Listing Agreement with a licensed real estate Broker. It is important to note that Seller’s Disclosures still do not have to be in writing, though having a written, signed Seller’s Disclosure contributes greatly to buyer comfort and confidence to proceed with submitting an offer. Many Florida real estate companies, offices, and organizations have pre-printed blank Seller's Disclosure Forms for sellers to fill in when putting their properties on the market. Categories on a Seller’s Disclosure Form can include: • Structural - roof, walls, foundation • Appliances, HVAC, other mechanical equipment • Roof - leaks, age, recent repairs • Electrical supply and wiring • Plumbing, municipal water and sewer, private well and septic system • Windows and doors • Termites, pests, Wood-Destroying Organisms • Water intrusion, previous flooding • Mold • Pool, hot tub, spa • Automatic irrigation systems • Radon, defective drywall, lead-based paint • Environmental hazards / toxic substances • Municipal code violations, open building permits • Insurance claims Going through the checklist format, sellers are prompted to consider most aspects and systems of the property, helping reduce the possibility of missing any known issues or defects. When filled in honestly and accurately, the buyer gets a good snapshot of the current property’s condition as known and represented by the seller. A Seller's Disclosure is NOT a replacement for a thorough Home Inspection performed by a Florida-licensed Home Inspector. Always have a Home Inspection performed when buying a house or condo. Seller's Disclosure Forms include checkboxes for Yes, No, and Don't Know responses to each of the questions in the various categories, and lines for details like age of various items, specific comments, property address, and seller signatures. Best practices suggest that sellers fill in the form by hand (not digitally) and physically sign it with a pen (not a digital "click-sign") in order to give potential buyers greater assurance of accuracy and good faith in revealing the known property’s condition. Real estate licensees should NEVER fill in a Seller's Disclosure Form. If you would like a PDF version of one of the most widely-used Seller’s Disclosure Forms in Florida, send me an email: Chris@TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com . I'll be happy to send you a copy to look over and keep in your own files. Keep in mind that even with an As-Is contract, the obligation to disclose known latent defects remains. Using an As-Is sales contract does not relieve a seller from the obligation to disclose known yet unseen, hidden problems that could affect the property's value as perceived by a buyer. Seller’s Disclosures are even more critical with As-Is contracts in my opinion. When submitting an offer on an As-Is contract, I suggest that buyers request a written, signed Seller’s Disclosure if one has not been made available. See earlier articles on Inspection and Due Diligence periods. In my opinion, leaving the discovery of property condition solely up to buyers by not providing a separate Seller’s Disclosure is a very poor business practice. When you are selling something, you want any prospective buyers to be comfortable enough to seriously consider giving you an offer. Here are a few discussion points to keep in mind: • Sellers must disclose latent defects because the Johnson v. Davis court decision (case law) established the duty to do so, and Florida residential sales contracts include language acknowledging this obligation. • Latent defects are NOT the same as Defective Inspection Items as defined in the contract. A condition issue mentioned in a Seller’s Disclosure may or may not be a Defective Inspection Item. Seller responsibility to address an item's condition also depends on the contract being used. • A condition concern documented in a Seller’s Disclosure cannot be a latent defect because it is then known to potential buyers. • Blank Seller's Disclosure Forms are available to sellers, though in Florida there is NO requirement to use them. As mentioned above, they include the seller's observation of condition for a broad range of a property's physical components. • Written Seller’s Disclosures are one of the best methods available for helping buyers feel comfortable enough with going forward and submitting an offer, then having Home Inspections performed after their offers are accepted. • Navigating and negotiating property condition issues within the context of a real estate sales contract can be very involved. Have a Florida-licensed real estate attorney ready to advise you of your rights and responsibilities with respect to any purchase or sale. Be sure to check out: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com for more articles on how real estate really works in Florida. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com < Previous News Next News >

Give Comfort Food Classics An Authentic Mexican Twist Fri Mar 22 2024 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)