Eight Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Winter

Eight Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Winter

With winter just around the corner, now is the time to give your home a "check-up". Here are eight tips from Comfort Institute on what to look for and take care of to make sure your home is ready for those cold north winds.

1. Have your duct system tested for air leaks.
Many think that windows and doors are the major cause of a home's air leaks. But according to recent research by the Department of Energy (DOE), gaps, cracks and disconnections in the typical home's duct system are much more significant. The DOE states that the typical duct system loses 25% to 40% of the energy put out by the central furnace, heat pump or air conditioner. Leaks are usually the biggest problem. Click here for some key information on ducts from the Department of Energy.

2. Close any crawlspace vents.
If your home or any part of it are over a crawlspace, make sure the vents are closed for the winter. They should only be open for spring and fall. Recent research finds that in most climates, leaving them open in the summer actually brings in more unwanted moisture! Many building scientists are now recommending drying out crawlspaces, covering the exposed soil with a sealed plastic vapor barrier, and sealing and insulating the crawlspace walls permanently. Stayed tuned for more information on this topic.

3. Ask your heating contractor to perform an Infiltrometer "blower door" test.
The blower door is a computerized instrument originally invented by the Department of Energy. It pinpoints where your home's worst air leaks are, and also measures a home's overall leakiness. While most homes are still far too leaky, some are too airtight, and need mechanical ventilation to ensure the air inside is fresh. For more information, click here to visit the CI Whole House Comfort Checkup web page.

4. Replace your furnace or heat pump air filter.
Most systems need this done every month to ensure safe and efficient operation. (Some systems, such as electronic air cleaners, need to be thoroughly washed.) Consider upgrading your system's air filter. The standard filter is there to help protect the equipment, not to clean the air in your home. Ask your heating contractor for information on new high efficiency air filters that can capture over 90% of the breathable particles of concern.

5. Have your heating system cleaned and tuned by a qualified contractor.
A pre-season tune up is a good investment. It reduces the chances of breakdowns in the middle of winter, and more than pays for itself through more energy efficient operation. Click here to view the CI Special Report: How To Identify a Good Heating and Cooling Contractor. While it is geared more towards finding a good contractor to replace old equipment, many of the tips are valuable for identifying a good service company.

6. Have your system checked for carbon monoxide and install a CO alarm.
When performing a furnace tune up, a good contractor will also offer to test your system for hazardous carbon monoxide (CO). CO can be produced by a dirty or malfunctioning gas or oil furnace or water heater. Every home should have at least one CO alarm. They are available from most heating contractors, as well as many retail outlets. Click here to read the CI Special Report "What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide".

7. Adjust your thermostat to a cooler temperature when away or when sleeping.
Why heat your house when no-one's at home or everyone's under the blankets? Even just a five degree setback each night can save up to 10% on your heating bill. Save even more by setting back during the day when no-one's home. Even though the system will run a while to warm the house up, you still save money. If it's too much bother, ask your contractor to install a new programmable automatic thermostat. The new ones are reliable and very easy to use.

8. Consider replacing your old furnace or heat pump.
Just like a car, heating equipment doesn't last forever. If your system is over 12 years old and you are planning to stay in your home more than a few years, many authorities recommend considering replacing it before it fails permanently. A new system is safer, more dependable, and can pay for itself by being up to twice as energy efficient.
However, recent research has found that many newly installed systems have energy wasting mistakes. View the CI Special Report Tips and Secrets To Buying A New Heating and Cooling System.

as sent to me by Peter Bennet A Full House Inspection.

the climate is slowly starting to turn and higher rates

Although rates have recently dropped, the climate is slowly starting to turn and higher rates may soon be here. Mortgage backed securities still trending higher and we are in a neutral position. Technically, bonds continue to trade sideways within the well defined upwardtrend. Prices may continue this sideways pattern until the arrival ofFriday's Jobs Report. Presently economists are forecasting 120,000 new jobsto be created. However, we need to keep a close eye out, as process couldreverse from their present lofty levels rather quickly.

Michael Taffuri
Branch Manager
Countrywide Home Loans
1048 Highway 35
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
732 544 1010 ext. 221
866 805 3696 ext. 221
732 544 9318 fax

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

(someone sent me this email and I had to post it)

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.
ABBOTT: Your computer?
COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows?
COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business.? What do you have?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: Recommend something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal.? What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office.
COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".
COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers.? What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOTT: One copy.
COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.
COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!
(A few days later)
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?
ABBOTT: Click on "START".............
______________

The American Dream Can Be A Reality

Ten Tips to select a great townhouse, condo community.

Townhouses, condos and other association governed communities enable the average American to live "like a Hilton" affording such luxuries as swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, golf course, docks, river view , ocean view or health and fitness center - right in their own back yard.

Through shared ownership in a community residents can enjoy recreational facilities and amenities that otherwise would be cost prohibitive for them individually.

An additional benefit is that homeowners do not have direct responsibility for maintenance and they usually feature attractive combinations of well designed homes and landscaped open areas. Ownership in an association governed community can also save homeowners on property taxes and typically cost less than traditional housing due to more efficient use of land.

How do you know when a community is right for you?

Top 10 List of questions to ask and things to consider when purchasing a home or condo in an association governed community.

10. Think about how long you're going to stay in one place. You will also need to evaluate how your needs will change over the years abd plan for what will satisfy your needs in the future. (ie: planning a family, retirement..)

9. Give a lot of thought to what you want and know yourself. Are you looking for a social environment or just a quiet place to relax? Is a singles atmosphere for you? Will you take advantage of the arts and crafts classes? If you're not interested in the or sauna, you will still be paying for it in ongoing monthly association fees. Think about which amenities you, your family and your expected quests will get used on a regular basis.

8. Comparison shop. Visit several condos, tongues, homes to know what's available and to get a sense of prevailing prices. Find the right place for you and don't just settle.

7. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Obtain your credit report from all 3 credit reporting agencies, check it for errors, and then determine how much you can comfortably afford on a down payment. In New Jersey you can get FREE credit report once a year.

6. Find out if the community you are interested in has a good reputation. Ask current residents how often repairs and maintenance is required and how good the soundproofing is between units.

5. Check out parking, storage, security and other necessities. Make sure there is ample storage space to avoid future inconvenience. Ensure there is enough parking in cases when you've more than one vehicle. Understand what the parking rules are before you move in.

4. Ask to see the minutes from a recent meeting of the homeowners association for the community. Identify the hot button issues and the dynamics of the relationships between current members, the board and homeowners.

3. Check the homeowners association history of maintenance fees and special assessments to see how often they have been increased in the past 10 years and how large the increases have been. This information will help you gauge at what level you may be assessed in the future and indicates how well-managed the buildings and common ground are. Well managed associations grounds usually make for lower maintenance fees, and lessen the chance for special assessments to cover un budgeted repairs.

2. Factor these association maintenance fees into your personal budget, which are above and beyond your monthly mortgage payment.

1. Make an offer and close the deal to enjoy all the benefits of living in an association governed community. Participate in the process of running your community through board or committee service.

DISASTER READY

Being Prepared Ahead of Time

A disaster supplies kit should be an essential part of your family's mergency plan. Here are some things you should have on hand in case of disaster.

Clothing and bedding

• At least one change of clothes and footwear per person
• rain gear
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves

Tools and Supplies

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• paper cups, plate and plastic utensils
• Cash, traveler's checks and change
• matches in Waterproos container
• non-electric can opener and utility knife
• battery operated radia and extra batteries

Sanitation

• Toilet paper towelettes
• Soap and liquid detergent
• Feminine suppkies
• Disinfectant , hand sanitizer and bleach

Food and Water

• Ready to eat canned meat, fruits, vegetables, jucie, milk and soup
• One gallon water per person per day

Special Items

• Medications - prescriptions and non prescriptions
• Documents like a lease, bank information and identifications (copies in a ziploc bag)
• Inventory of valuable
• Special Supplies for ederly and infants
• Also don't forget about your PETS

This is just a beginning. Customize this to your needs.

DON"T PROCRASTINATE!

"HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE":

(Here's an email I received just the other day,I hope it's not a hoax, I feel it is important. enough to publish)

HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE": (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!)
Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting (for women, sometimes it could be the right arm.)

Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.

Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms, as well as epigastric pain under the breastbone. 60% of people who have a heart attackwhile they are asleep do not wake up.

The more we know, the better chance we could survive...

Let's say it's 6:15 pm and you're driving home (alone of course), after an unusually hard day on the job. You're tired, upset and frustrated. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately, you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform it on yourself.

"HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE":

Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.

However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously.

A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest.

A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.

Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating.

The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm.

In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.

Tell as manyother people as possible about this. It could save their lives!! "

**PLEASE BE A "TRUE" FRIEND AND SEND THIS ARTICLE TO ALL YOUR FRIENDSYOU CARE ABOUT

Take Time

Take time to THINK...

It is the source of power.

Take time to to PLAY...

It is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take time to READ...

It is the fountain of wisdom.

Take time to PRAY...

It is the greater power on earth.

Take time to LOVE and

BE LOVED...

It is a God-given privelege.

Take time to BE FRIENDLY...

It is the road to happiness.

Take time to LAUGH...

It is the music of the soul.

Take time to GIVE..

It is too short a day to be selfish.

Take time to WORK...

It is the price of success.

Take time to DO CHARITY...
It is the key to heaven.


Words and actions I try to live by.

Sellers Are you Serious About SELLING?...

Saturday I was getting ready to show houses, so I started my usual routine, even though in this market it may not be neccessary one never knows. First I call the listing office to see if the property is still available. Second I look at the "listing" home info paperwork to see how it is to be shown, make appt, don't let cat out etc. ...

I could NOT believe how many of the houses on the market had some sort of restriction.

Hello this is a BUYERS market!!!

Are you interested in SELLING?

Then make it easy for the Buyers' Agent and Buyers to see the house!!!

And Yes I am screaming at the top of my lungs!!!!!

The frustration I was going through trying to set up the appointments, accomodate the listing agent, the owner and of course my buyers timing was absolutely insanity.

I can understand if you have a dog, that needs to be taken out or put in the garage or put in a cage while being shown. No Problem. I don't want it to munch on me or my buyers.

To NOT put a lock box on your door, to have your agent accompany me to let me in or the owner MUST be present or called ahead of time during the showings, that's ridiculous.
That's why I 'm calling 24 hours ahead of time to let you know, to prepare the house for the showing. ( Yes, sometimes it isn't 24 hours ahead of time and then whatever happens is fine, however NO LOCK BOX is inexcusable. Not showing it is also inexcusable; after all you are selling? Aren't you?)

It doesn't make it easy for me to explain to my buyers why I am going through all these hoops in order to show a property. They wonder "what kind of Realtor is she that she has to be let in?" or worse yet "Is the owner really interested in Selling?"
I can't tell you how many times I have had to field that question.

Speaking for myself, my buyers are pre-screened to make sure they can afford to purchase the properties I am showing. This is a business and I am NOT going to waste my time nor gas with "lookiloos" because it is raining outside and they want to waste time while at the "Jersey Shore". I am not a "Jersey Shore" House Tour Guide!

So SELLERS, when you read this explosive missive, think about the BUYERS that are interested in seeing your property, after all they are FEW and FAR APART.

SELLERS, make it easy to show, because believe me they are plenty of properties out there and I WILL show what is easy BEFORE anything is complex and convoluted that I can personally promise you (and I am sure other realtors feel the same way and may not express it out loud)!

This is NOT the time to sample the market and see what the market will bear.

You are either SELLING or NOT!

Math trick you Gotta Try...

Here is a math trick so unbelievable that it will stump you.

1. Grab a calculator. (you won't be able to do this one in your head)

2 Key in the first three digits of your phone number (NOT the area code)

3. Multiply by 80

4. Add 1

5. Multiply by 250

6. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number

7. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number again.

8. Subtract 250

9. Divide number by 2

Do you recognize the answer?

HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE

Smile for the day

HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE

1. Open a new file in your PC.
2. Name it "Housework".
3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN.
4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN.
5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently?"
6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press mouse button firmly ......
7. Feel better?

How to get a Human Being on the Phone....

If ever you get annoyed trying to get a "real human"
on the phone for customer service, this might help
you:
http://gethuman.com/us/

House Passes Bill to Modernize FHA Loans

House Passes Bill to Modernize FHA

By a vote of 415 to seven (10 votes not cast) the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Expanding American Homeownership Act (H.R. 5121) on July 26, which will modernize and update the National Housing Act, and let the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) use new pricing structures to more effectively reach underserved borrowers. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The Act would:

Eliminate the current statutory 3% minimum down payment on FHA loans, reducing a significant barrier to homeownership. FHA's existing down payment requirement does not meet the demands of today's marketplace, where most first-time homebuyers put down 2% or less. FHA would also offer a variety of down payment options.

Create a new, risk-based insurance premium structure for FHA that would match the premium amount with the credit profile of the borrower. FHA would have the flexibility to charge a lower premium for low-risk borrowers.

Increase and simplify FHA's loan limits. FHA's loan limit in high-cost areas would rise from 87% to 100% of the Government Sponsored Entity conforming loan limit. In lower-cost areas from 48% to 65% of the conforming loan limit.

In many areas of the country, the existing FHA limits are lower than the cost of new construction, eliminating FHA financing as an option for buyers of new homes in those markets.

17 Truths to Remember

Truths to Remember

1. Faith is the ability not to panic

2. If you worry you didn't pray. If you pray don't worry

3. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.

4. Do the math. Count your Blessings.

5. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.

6. Silence is often misinterpretated, but never misquoted.

7. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

8. The most important things in your home are the people and non people (pets)

9. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

10. There is no key to happiness. The door is alway OPEN

11. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

12. He who dies with the most toys....... is still DEAD

13. We do no remember days we remember moments. Life moves too fast, so enjpy your precious MOMENTS

14. Nothing is real, until you experience it; otherwise it's just hear say.

15. Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again......................................Just be sure to flush it when you're done.

16. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk taking. Learn from the turtle, it only make progress when it sticks out its neck.

17. Be more concerned with your character than you reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

"Author unknown"

11 Things Kids will NOT Learn in School

11 Things Kids will NOT Learn in School

Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a high School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers in NOT beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as aboring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but Life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY ITEMS as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in Real Life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided not semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF> Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

The Greatest List to Live By

The most destructive habit..............................................Worry
The greatest Joy.........................................................Giving
The greatest loss.......................................Loss of Self Respect

The most satisfying work.......................................Helping Others
The ugliest personality..............................................Selfishness
The most endangered species..............................Dedicated Leaders

Our greatest natural resource......................................Our Youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"................................Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome.........................................Fear
The most effective sleeping pill.................................Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease......................................Excuses
The most powerful force of life............................................Love

The most dangerous pariah...........................................A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer................................The Brain
The worst thing to be without..............................................Hope

The deadliest weapon.................................................The Tongue
The two most power-filled words........................................"I Can"
The greatest asset........................................................Faith
The most worthless emotion............................................Self-pity

The most beautiful attire...................................................SMILE!
The most prized possession................................................Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication...............................Prayer
The most contagious spirit..............................................Enthusiasm

Solitude is a great place to visit
but a poor place to stay.

The more Real Estate Agents you use...

MYTH: "The more real estate agents you use to shop with, the better chance you'll have of seeing all the properties on the market and getting a good deal."

REALITY: With today's computerized multiple listing service and cooperation between real estate companies, buyers don't have to work with several agents to get to all the housing inventory. In fact, today, with buyer brokerage, agents show the best properties to their clients first. Buyers who link up with an agent and show loyalty to that agent get better service than buyers who skip from agent to agent.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS....

Everyone should have :)

George W Bush
(202) 456-1414

Pope Benedict XVI
00396/69 82

Vladimir Putin
007/095-205 25 11

Queen Elizabeth II
011-44-71/930-48 32

Rush Limbaugh
(800) 282 - 2882

For your important
Real Estate needs at the Jersey Shore, call:

Gloria Benaroch "Gloria B" for short
Direct:732-245-4031
Coldwell Banker REsidential Brokerage
Rusmon NJ 07760

A realtor gave me this at a seminar I thought it was the greatest! :)

Cities offering the best quality of life

Seven of the 10 highest-ranked cities that offer the best quality of life are in Western states, according to a study that identifies American "dreamtowns."

Topping the list is Bozeman (MT) where the weather can be very chilly but there are other attractive benefits such as a stunning mountain view and intellectual energy from Montana State University.

Bozeman also was No. 1 because its number of small businesses grew by almost 28 percent during the past five years, its population increased 15.3 percent in the same period and 41 percent of its residents have at least a bachelor’s degree.

American City Business Journals, a nationwide chain of weekly business newspapers, ranked the quality of life in small metropolitan areas. Its study looked at hundreds of cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 based on their per capita income and income growth, small business growth, ease of commuting, taxation, education and the number of available managerial and professional jobs.

These are the cities that rounded out the rest of the top 10:

• Jackson (WY)
• Durango (CO)
• Easton (MD)
• Laramie (WY)
• Edwards (CO)
• Kill Devil Hills (NC)
• Pierre (SD)
• Silverthorne (CO)
• Los Alamos (NM)

The study was inspired by increasing public interest in small-town life and business opportunities.

Did you know that more than 1.7 million people move from metropolitan areas to small cities or rural counties each year, according to U.S. Census Bureau research.

The study identifies the small communities that would be most attractive to people considering such a move.

NJ Race for Cure Sun Oct 29 2006

I am proud and just wanted to let you know that my neice is taking part in the Komen New Jersey Race for the Cure on Sunday, October 29, 2006.

The Komen Foundation raises money to fight against breast cancer. The best part is that 75% of funds raised stay in central and south New Jersey for education and screening programs.

You can make an online donation of $25, $50, $100 or any amount by visiting her personal donation page and helping me reach my fundraising goal. click on this link http://tinyurl.com/l2y47

Dining Out Review

My husband and I eat out a lot and as a result we visit a lot of restaurants. This weekend was nothing different except for 3 days in a row we had excellent meals.
Our tastes are very simple. I can't eat seafood (allergic) and my husband loves it.

So Friday night we went to a restaurant in Long Branch on Broadway, down by the Oak street liquors store. I had chicken broccoli and he had beef broccoli. The beef and chicken just melted in your mouth. The sauce was on the sweet side. We've eaten there before and the food is consistently good.

Saturday we went to listen to the concert in West End. Don't really want to talk about that. The cars on display were fantastic! This time we ate at Jessies a health food restaurant on Brighton Ave Long Branch. I remember when it used to be a health food and vitamin store. We ended up both of us ordering the chicken quesadilla. Wow! What a great surprise. While it did have some black beans they were not overwhelming the chicken was very nicely spiced and again not overdone and not smothered in cheese.

Finally Sunday night we went to Jack-a-Bob in Union Beach. What a great little place. It is in the Bayshore area and if you're not familiar with our area it is along the bay water and not the ocea. The resataurant sits ontop of pilings and when it is high tide you are literally sitting above the water a little uncanny and needs getting used to. We've been there before and were disappointed with the food about 2 to 3 years ago. We've heard rumblings that the food was good so we went to try it out again and if the food was not great the surroundings were fantastic. You can see the New York skyline, Staten Island and Brooklyn on a cloudless day or night. So with that we were very pleasantly surprised. We had bruschetta for appetizer, now most will not like this as the bread was not hard toasted. I loved it just because of that. I had angel hair scampi with chicken and oh boy was that good not many places offer that. My husband had some sort of assorted sea food dish over angel hair pasta and he said that the seafood was very fresh. The place even looked and smelled clean compared to past times. I highly recommend going their for the ambiance not many places around like it.
Well that's it for this week's food critic hope you like and will try these places out. will post addresses and phone numbers also as soon as I find the match books.

September 2006 Local Happenings

September 1 - Annual Ocean Grove Memorabilia Auction will begin at 5 pm at the Youth Temple, Ocean Grove. A preview will be held from 3-5 pm. Call (732) 774-1869 or go to www.oceangrovehistory.org

September 2 - Stroll the Annual Craft Show from 9 am to 4 pm on the boardwalk in Ocean Grove. Call (732) 774-1869 or go to www.oceangrovehistory.org

September 2 - Enjoy the sweet sounds of the Jazz Fest from 3 to 10 pm. This is a great festival featuring well-known Jazz & Blues Artist on the Great Lawn by the Promenade, Long Branch. Call (732) 923-2044 www.longbranch.org

September 3 - Highlands 6th Annual Classic Car Show will run from 11 am to 3 pm at Huddy Park, Bay Ave, Highlands. Call (732) 291-4713 or go to www.highlandsnj.com

September 3 - Check out the Big Band Swing Night starting at 5 pm. This show, featuring the Jazz Lobsters as well as a dance contest, will be held at the Municipal Parking Lot Brighton Av, Long Branch. Call (732) 923-2044 or go to www.longbranch.org

September 6 - Brookdale Community College invites the public to view a moving pre and post 9/11 photograph tribute by award winning local photographers Gary Gellman, Howell, and Veronica L. Yankowski, Bloomfield. The special exhibit will be on display at the Western Monmouth Branch Campus, 3680 Route 9 South, Freehold, September 6 - 20. Monday through Thursday viewing hours will be 10 am to 7 pm and Fridays from 10am to 5 pm. The exhibit is free and the public is invited to a Meet the Artist reception in the gallery Monday, September 11 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A special invitation is extended to middle and high school students to attend the reception and ask the photographers about their work. The Western Monmouth Branch Campus is located behind the Bank of America. The photographs will be on display in room 101. For more information regarding the reception and exhibit, call 732-625-7005.

September 7 - Enjoy the sounds of Bobby Byrne with Irish Songs & Humor starting at 7 pm at the Huisman Gazeboon Ocean Ave & So. Lake Dr in Belmar. Call (732) 681-3700 or go to www.belmar.com

September 7 thru 10 Eastern Surfing Assoication Tournament 7am to 4pm at the 17th avencue Beach 732-681-3700

September 7 thru September 10 Riverfest at Monmouth Park 12 noon. Top contemporary jazz artists, wine tasting, arts & Crafts festival. Children's rides & activites. Monmouth Park Race track Oceanport

September 7 thru 10 Annual NHRA Lucas Oil Sportsman Dragg Racing Series at raceway PArk 230 Pension Rd. Englishtown Call 732-446-7800

September 9 - Steamboat Dock Museum’s Annual Arts & Crafts Holiday Bazaar featuring Fall & Holiday Items at the Steamboat Dock Museum and happily sponsored by the Keyport Historical Society. Baked goods and Lunch, great soup, desserts, refreshments will be for sale. Admission is free. The Steamboat Dock Museum is located on Broad Street on the Bay, Keyport. Please call the following member’s phone number for additional information, Eloise at (732) 264-5097 or the Keyport Historical Society (732) 739-6390

September 9 - Long Branch Day features broadway classic 5k & Annual bocce ball and horsehsoe competition. 732-923-2044

September 9 - Author lecture and book signing by Vietnam veteran, Carey J. Spearman, featuring his newest book, "36 Years and a Wake-Up," about his recent return to Vietnam, will be presented by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation at 1 pm at the Vietnam Era Educational Center, located adjacent to the Memorial in Holmdel, off Exit 116 of the Garden State Parkway. Suggested donation $5. Call (732) 335-0033 or go to www.njvvmf.org.

September 9 - Oceanport Festival 30th Annual Anniversary Summe's End. Live bands, food, fire works, spin art, face paiting, sand art and much more. Blackberry Bay, Port Au Peck Ave and Horicon 732-688-4922

September 9 - Giant Fall Flea Market 9am to 4pm Ocean Pathway Ocean Grove 732-7741391

September 9 & 10 - The Pine Creek Railroad of Historic Allaire State Park once again will celebrate Railroaders Weekend. As always, everything that runs, does. Multiple trains, multiple locomotives, shop tours, displays, exhibits, much more. Train fare is $5 per person, rest of show is FREE. Trains leave every half hour from 11 am to 4:30 pm. Located in Historic Allaire State Park, 4265 Route 524 Atlantic Ave., Allaire (Wall Twp) NJ, two miles west of GSP Exit 98 and Route 34, one mile east of I-195 Exit 31. Call 732-938-5524 for info, or visit online at http://rd.bcentral.com/?ID=4414179&s=50852572

September 10 - The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross is pleased to host the 9th Annual Rock 'n Ride Bike Tour. A leisurely day is planned for fun in the sun, with music, prizes and refreshments for families and friends. Riders can cruise a 10-mile course (beginning at 9:30 a.m.) or peddle the 40-mile trek (beginning at 9:00 a.m.) stretching the length of the island. The tour will take you through some of Long Beach Island's historic parks, beautiful communities and scenic areas. Pre-registration is $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under). For more information about the Rock 'n Ride Bike Tour, please feel free to call Nicole at 1-888-853-6550, ext. 227 or visit http://www.jerseycoast-redcross.org/

September 10 - What are beach plums, where do you find them and how do you make jelly out of them? Those are some questions visitors will have answered at the 9th annual Beach Plum Festival in Island Beach State Park. In addition to a craft show, there will be environmental displays and talks. There will also be bird banding and lifeguard demonstrations, games for children and beach walks, all set in one of New Jersey's most beautiful seascapes. “The Return of the Peregrine Falcon” which was filmed at Island Beach Park will be shown. There will be several food vendors and a kayak donated by Yakkity-Yaks will be raffled. The Glimmer Grass Band will provide live entertainment throughout the day. Activities begin at 9 am and continue until 4 pm. Contact: Island Beach State Park Diane Bennett at 732-793-1698

September 10 - Red Bank Street Fair Join us on Monmouth Street for food, live music & more 732-842-4244

September 10 - Carson & Barnes Circus 1pm Beers St. Field Hazlet come early to see the big top go up and the animals roll in. 732-739-0653

September 11 - ‘Faux Finishes’program will be presented by Anne Marie Reedy hosted by the Keyport Historical Society located on Broad Street on the Bay, Keyport. The program starts at 7:30 pm. Call (732) 739-6390

September 12 - The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its 14th Annual Largest Networking Party, celebrating its commitment to businesses in Central New Jersey. The festivities run from 5 to 8 pm, on the Rooftop of the Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick. The Chamber anticipates over 120 exhibitors this year including: Johnson & Johnson, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Wachovia Bank, N.A., Net Access Corporation, Allied Office Products, Middlesex County College, Magic 98.3/ WCTC, 1450AM, PNC Bank, United Way of Central Jersey, and Berkeley College. Attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors are urged to register promptly, as space is limited. Early bird tickets are still available at $25 each (door rate is $35). For details call 732-821-1700, email LNP@mcrcc.org, or on their website www.mcrcc.org.

September 16 - Trenton Jazz Festival starts at 2 pm at the State House Complex.(at Barrack & Lafayette St). This is an Outdoor Festival (Rain or Shine) For More Info Call: Division of Culture At (609) 989-3353 / Purchase Tickets At: War Memorial Box Office / Sound of Trenton Charge by Phone: 1-800-955-5566 or Online At: http://www.tickets.com/ For Directions: http://rd.bcentral.com/?ID=4414161&s=50852572

September 16 - Monmout Park Thoroughbred Festival 11:30 am Celebrate NJ breeding by honoring the best born in th Garden State

September 16 - Antique and Craft MArket 9am to 4pm Antiques, collectables, crafts Asbury Memorabilia Bradley Park Convention Hall Asbury Park 732-778-4706

Local Jersey Shore Happenings! August 2006 Updated!!

Local Happenings In Monmouth County!
August 14 to 18 - ShoreDance 2006 is a weeklong festival of dancing with all-day workshops in Jazz, Hip-Hop & Afro-Modern Dance at the Algonquin Arts Theatre 173 Main St, Manasquan. Call (732) 528-9211 or go to www.algonquinarts.org

August 14 - Enjoy a Twilight Victorian Lantern Tour of Centennial Cottage in Ocean Grove beginning at 7:30 pm. Call (732) 774-1869 or go to www.oceangrovehistory.org

August 14 - Check out an outdoor film - Flipper - projected on the tower wall of the Algonquin Arts Theatre located at 173 Main St, Manasquan at 8:30 pm. Bring your own Chair. Call (732) 528-9211 or go to www.algonquinarts.org

August 15 - Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 1475 West Front Street, Lincroft, NJ. Don't let those vocal cords get rusty over the summer! The Shrewsbury Chorale invites singers in all voice parts to participate in the annual Summer Sing. Meet new people who share a love of singing or get reacquainted with old friends in the relaxed setting of the Summer Sing. Repertoire: Randall Thompson's Last Words of David, Howard Hanson's Song of Democracy and Franz Schubert's Mass in G. Music provided. Refreshments served. $5 admission fee Info call: 732-776-5276 or visit www.shrewsburychor

August 15 - Don't let those vocal cords get rusty over the summer! The Shrewsbury Chorale invites singers in all voice parts to participate in the annual Summer Sing. Meet new people who share a love of singing or get reacquainted with old friends in the relaxed setting of the Summer Sing. Repertoire: Randall Thompson's Last Words of David, Howard Hanson's Song of Democracy and Franz Schubert's Mass in G. Music provided. Refreshments served. $5 admission fee and will be held at Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 1475 West Front Street, Lincroft. Info call: 732-776-5276

August 15 - Enjoy the sounds of the Highlands Tuesday Concert Series featuring Liquid Orange at 7 pm at Veteran's Park, Bay Ave, Highlands. Call (732) 291-4713 or go to www.highlandsnj.com

August 16 - Love poetry? Write some of your own? Why not share with the Poetry Group at Barnes and Noble on Rt. 9 in Freehold tonight at 7:30 pm. It is Open Mic and that means it's your turn to be in the limelight! Tonight, the theme is Changing Seasons, so bring your original work or a favorite poem to the meeting. It will be hosted by Rene McCallum. Call (732) 409-2929

August 16 - The Whiteys will be performing as part of the Summer Beach Concert On Beach series at area E Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook. Showtime is 6 pm. For rain cancellations call 732-291-7733 or (732) 872-5970 or go to www.nps.gov/gate

August 17 - Be At The Big Kick-Off! Reserve Your Place in High Stepping History! Be part of the Rockette-style line-up that's determined to break the Guinness World Record at the Algonquin Arts Theatre located at 173 Main St, Manasquan at 7 pm. Call (732) 528-9211 or go to www.algonquinarts.org

August 17 - Freehold Summer Concert Sensational this week will feature Soul Cruisers starting at 7:30 pm at the Hall of Records Parking Lot East Main St, Freehold. Call (732) 462-3584 or go to www.freeholdcenter.com

August 17 - Come dancing at the Belmar Thursday Social Dancing at the Taylor Pavilion at Silver Lake Park located on 5th & Ocean Aves in Belmar. The dancing starts at 8 pm. Call (732) 681-3700 or go to www.belmar.com

August 17 to 20 - Head on over to the Colts Neck Country Fair where there will be fun for everyone at Bucks Mill Park located at 105 Bucks Mill Rd in Colts Neck. Fair hours are as follows: Th & Fri 5-11 pm; Sat 4-11 pm; Sun 2-8 pm. Call (732) 462-8500 or go to www.coltsneckfair.com

August 18 - Belmar Arts Council and P.A.C.K.M.A.N. presents the Young Musicians Showcase at Taylor Pavilion from 7 to 10 pm featuring White Bus and others. For details call 732.280.8398

August 19 - The Lakewood Elks presents a Comedy Dinner Show featuring Tom Cermack, Pete Michaels and Joseph Anthony. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The dinner is included along with a cash bar. Tickets available at the Lodge located at 1432 711 W. Kennedy Blvd.in Lakewood or from Officers and participating members. Please call the Lodge for more info and directions. Contact person: Jackie Kobi 732-797-1956

August 19 - Peter, Paul and Mary. The trio returns for all generations to love and sing at The Great Auditorium located on Pilgrim Pathway in Ocean Grove. The show starts at 8 pm. Call 732-988-0645 or go to www.oceangrove.org

August 19 & 20 - Monmouth County Friends of Clearwater's 31st Annual Festival. There will be top name national & local performers, environmental displays, storytelling, crafters & food from 11:30 am to 7 pm at Sunset Park in Asbury Park. Call (732) 872-9644 or go to www.clearwatermc.org

August 19 & 20 - Enjoy a bit of the islands at the Caribbean Beach Party from 12 noon to 5 pm. Enjoy Caribbean Cuisine & DJ, Calypso Band, Hair Braiding & Face Painting on Ocean Ave on the Beach & Boardwalk in Asbury Park. Call (732) 775-3533 or go to www.cityofasburypark.com

August 21 - Enjoy an outdoor film - Beauty and the Beast- projected on the tower wall of the Algonquin Arts Theatre located at 173 Main St, Manasquan. Showtime is 8:30 pm. Bring your own chair. Call (732) 528-9211 or go to www.algonquinarts.org

August 22 - The Trenton Thunder is holding a 'Route One Corridor Baseball Night'! The Princeton Chapter of BNI has taken out a table at this game. For Reservations or for more information please call: Harold Laudien, 609.951.0900

August 22 - 75th Anniversary of the Manasquan Inlet. Come be part of the joint celebration in Manasquan, Brielle, Point Pleasant Beach and Boro. There will be many festivities including a boat parade, ribbon cutting, and a 47 ft Coast Guard Boat. Call (732) 223-8303 or go to www.manasquanchamber.com for schedule of events

August 22 - Movies in Riverside Gardens Park presents Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at 8:45 pm at the Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank. Call (732) 842-4244 or go to www.redbankrivercenter.org

August 24 - The Sea Girt Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor their annual Sand Sculpting Contest at the Chicago/Brooklyn Beach in Sea Girt. The age groups are 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. The 4-6 groups will work in teams; ages 7 and up, individually. Adults may coach, but may not touch. Prizes will be awarded to the 4 best sculptures in each age group, and all participants receive a T-shirt and a coupon for one free ice cream cone. Sculpturing begins at 9am and judging will take place at 10:30am by members of the Sea Girt Planning Board. Rain date is August 25th

August 26 - Keyport Knights of Columbus invites you to our 9th annual running of the $1.98 Beauty Contest. Don't miss out on a night of fun and laughter with friends and family. Location: St. Joseph's Council 3402, Hwy 35 North, Keyport NJ 07735 Information: All of our previous shows sold out. Please call 732-264-9729 or Bill at 908-601-0448

Call for Artists: Memory Box Program

Hello. My name is Gloria Benaroch-Garland. I live in Sea Bright, NJ and volunteer for the Memory Box Artist Program. I have been honored to have sent several of my boxes to local hospitals right here in New Jersey, New York area.

Example Memory Box Painted by Juanita

About the Memory Box Artist Program...

The Memory box Artists Program, Inc. started in 1998 as a volunteer program that would provide boxes for families of infants that pass away in the hospital.

The memory box is a way to represent that child’s life; it is also a way to ensure that families leave with a tangible link to their child. The memory box can be used to save those mementos that represent their child’s life, no matter how brief.

In 2003 The Memory box Artists Program, Inc, became a registered California Non Profit Corporation Organization. It is still an all-volunteer program with volunteers representing every state in the US and every province in Canada. Currently 681 hospitals participate in the program with many more on a waiting list. There are still not enough volunteer decorative artists to fill current demands.

Example Memory Box Painted by Catherine LaPointe

If you are creative and would like a way to express your creativity and give to others at the same time, this program may be for you. There are as many ways to create a memory box as there are individuals that make them, such as stamping, scrap-booking, decoupage, painting, one stroke, colored pencils, watercolor, or crayons.

You don’t have to be an artist to do this; you just need the desire to reach beyond yourself. You can go on the website at www.memoryboxes.org, where you can learn about the program’s history, how you can participate, and see examples of boxes. You can also contact me at, gloria@gloriab.com.

Example Memory Box Painted by Cheryl Buotte Hopkinson

I will be happy to talk/email with you and answer any questions you might have and to share my own experience with the program.

What makes this program so perfect is that it fits today’s lifestyles. You can make as many boxes as you want, as often as you like. There are no commitments you must fulfill. You are free to choose when to create a box and how often. You can either make your own boxes or buy already made boxes. Most craft stores carry ready-made boxes and all the supplies you might need. One box will impact a family, and like a pebble in the water, it will continue to touch others long after it has been received. I hope this blog has piqued your curiosity and touched your heart.

How Credit Cards Affect Home Purchase

"Should we pay off our credit cards before saving for a down payment?

On the positive side, a history of timely payments on credit cards builds a positive credit history and a correspondingly high credit score. That's important when you start applying for a home mortgage.

On the other hand, when there are indications of financial stress in your credit-card history, this will reduce your credit score, even though you may be making all payments on time.

Indications of stress include getting new credit cards, high balances on your cards-- credit being maxxed out based on balance and credit given.

As you plan ahead for a home purchase, get your credit cards below 50% of what your credit limit is and avoid taking out new cards.

Credit cards can also affect your ability to qualify for the loan you want because the required monthly credit card payments are added to the payments associated with the mortgage in determining how much you can afford.

The "total expense ratio" calculated by lenders and used in qualifying borrowers is the sum total of the proposed mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners' insurance payment, and other debt service, which includ credit cards, all of this is then divided by the borrower's gross income.

So, when you can keep your total monthly debt payments below 8 percent of your gross income, it will not limit the amount you can borrow.

You will need some cash to buy a house, for down payment and closing costs.

At the end of the day, when your credit card utilization is below 50 percent, and your total debt service payments below 8 percent of your gross income, and your target down payment is in hand, you are ready!

With the different programs that are out there it is ALWAYS best to speak to your mortgage person and have them tell you in more detail what is best for you and your situation.

This information just gives you a brief overview as to how they look at your credit and spending habits.

To Keep or Not to Keep?

Eliminate the monthly mountain of paperwork by keeping only what you need.


You probably have dozens of documents you know you should hold on to, whether they're in clearly labeled, well-organized files or scattered around your house or office. Trouble is, when you finally get a chance to sort through them and weed out the ones you don't need anymore, it's not always easy to know what's essential and what isn't.

That's why I created the charts on the following pages. Keep in mind that what often separates the papers you need -- and how long you keep them -- is whether they're related to anything you deducted when you filed a tax return.

Save every tax-related document for at least three years after you file the return, which is the length of time that the IRS has to determine that you owe additional taxes -- that is, if you reported all of your income. If you didn't, and the amount that you didn't report is more than 25% of the gross income on your tax return, the IRS has six years to assess additional tax. And if you didn't file a return or filed a fraudulent one, the IRS can knock on your door anytime.

However, you might want to save most tax-related documents for seven years or more -- even though that's longer than the IRS and some accountants recommend. (We'd rather be pack rats than show up empty-handed to meet with someone from the IRS.)

Of course, you should keep the most recent version of legal documents, such as a will, forever. But as for bills, statements and receipts for items and services that you aren't deducting -- it's your call. Just remember -- shredding is the best way to dispose of papers with your account or Social Security number on them.

For the official IRS guidelines, read Publication 552: Recordkeeping for Individuals.
• IRS Publications


Toss After One Year


Item: Automobile records (for a car you no longer own)
Exception: If you donated the car to charity, keep proof of donation and related documents for at least seven years.

Item: Cable bills (household)
Exception: If you're deducting the cost of cable, keep the bills for seven years.

Item: Cell phone bills (personal)
Exception: If you're deducting the cost of the cell phone or of any calls, keep the bills for seven years.

Item: Certificate of deposit (that's expired)

Item: Credit card receipts and statements (personal)
Exception: If you're deducting items or services you've charged, keep the receipts and statements for at least seven years.

Item: Passport (expired)
Exception: If you've replaced the expired passport, you can destroy the old one or keep it as back-up ID.

Item: Professional dues (that you're not deducting)
Exception: If you're deducting the dues, keep receipts and canceled checks for at least seven years.

Item: Receipts (for items you didn't deduct or get reimbursed for)

Item: Service agreements (expired)


Item: Social Security statements (from prior years)
Exception: Keep the most recent statement.

Item: Telephone bills (personal)
Exception: If you're deducting any calls or the cost of telephone service, keep canceled checks and itemized bills for at least seven years.

Item: Utility bills (household)
Exception: If you're deducting any utilities, keep canceled checks and bills for at least seven years.

Item: Warranties (expired)


Toss After Three Years


Loans (that you've paid off)

Promissory notes (that you've repaid)

Toss After Seven Years


Item:

Accident reports and claims (related to a closed case)
Automobile records (for a car you donated to charity)
Bank account statements
Back-up copies of financial documents on your computer's hard drive
Brokerage statements (for stocks or mutual funds you've sold)
Cable bills (that you're deducting)
Canceled checks (for expenses you're deducting or for legal matters)
Cell phone bills (that you're deducting)
Certificate of deposit (that's related to your business and has expired)
Capital improvement receipts (related to rental income from real estate)
Charitable contribution receipts
Child care payment receipts
Credit card receipts and statements (for expenses you're deducting)
Dependent care payments
Flexible-spending account (receipts, statements)
Home office equipment, supplies (that you're deducting)
Insurance policy (for a home you've sold)
Interest expenses (that you're deducting)
Invoices (for items and services you're deducting)
IRS Form 1099
IRS Form 1099-G
IRS Form 1099-R
Lease agreements (related to rental income from real estate)
Mortgage interest payment receipts
Property records (related to property you've sold)
Professional dues (that you're deducting)
Purchase documents (related to property you've sold)
Sale documents (related to property you've sold)
Stock option agreements (which you've exercised)
Tax returns (personal and business)
Telephone bills (that you're deducting)
Title (to property you've sold)
Utility bills (that you're deducting)

Keep Forever


Item: Adoption papers

Item: Appraisals
Exception: If you donated the item to charity or sold the item, keep appraisal and related documents for at least seven years.

Item: Bank account statements (that include alimony payments you received)
Exception: If you aren't going to sue for back alimony, you can destroy these after the payments have stopped and the person paying alimony dies.

Item: Birth certificate (certified copy)

Item: Brokerage statements (stocks, bonds and mutual funds)
Exception: After you sell the stock, bond or shares of a mutual fund, keep the statements for seven years.

Item: Citizenship papers

Item: Closing statements (related to property you've sold or to rental income from real estate)

Item: Confirmation slips (from the purchase or sale of securities)
Exception: After you sell the stock, bond or shares of a mutual fund, keep the confirmation slips for seven years.

Item: Custody agreement(s)
Exception: Once all of your children have turned 18, you can throw out any custody agreements.

Item: Deed(s)
Exception: Keep even if you sell the property -- you never know when you'll be hit with a lawsuit.

Item: Deferred-compensation agreements

Item: Divorce decree(s)

Item: Distributions from tax-deferred retirement plans


Item: Financial aid documents
Exception: After the student has graduated and begun repaying loans, keep the documents for at least one year.

Item: Gift-tax returns

Item: Home improvement receipts

Item: Home inventory

Item: IRS Form 942

Item: IRS Form 2119

Item: IRS Form 4070A

Item: IRS Form 5498

Item: IRS Form 8606

Item: IRS W-2 forms

Item: Lawsuits or other legal actions

Item: Marriage certificate (certified copy)

Item: Medical records

Item: Military records (including discharge papers)

Item: Partnership agreements

Item: Paycheck stubs (the last one you receive each year)


Item: Pension plan documents

Item: Power of attorney



Item: Property-related paperwork
Exception: If you sell your home and don't roll over your profit/gain to the next house you purchase, you can toss the following seven years after the sale: title, insurance policy, purchase price, settlement or closing costs, cost of any improvements, casualty losses you've deducted and insurance reimbursements for casualty losses.

Item: Religious documents (ketubah, baptism certificate)

Item: Retirement plan contributions

Item: S corporation documents

Item: Separation agreement

Item: Stock certificates

Item: Service agreements (in effect)


Item: Stock option agreements
Exception: Keep until you've exercised them; then keep for at least seven years.

Item: Tax returns


This information is for informational use only. Consult your accountant, lawyer etc for professional advice.

Sources: Canby, Maloney & Company, Framingham, Mass.; Cleveland Financial Group, Cleveland, Ohio; Dennis & Dennis, Rancho Bernardo, Calif.; Financial Planning Association; Larry Foster, CPA/PFS and partner, Richard A. Eisner and Company, New York; IRS publications. Better Homes & Garden Article.

Name That House Style

Cape Cod- some of the first houses built in the country. Its inherent modesty and simplicity made it popular with the early suburban developers. Just about every baby boomer either lived in a Cape Cod - or knows someone who did.
The look is basic: square or modestly rectangular one story house with steeply gabled roof - many dormers - unadorned facades, walls usually brick or clapboard.



Victorian - Common to some degree almost everywhere. Victorian architecture, which datesfrom the second half of the 19th century, has two main styles: Second Empire and Queen Anne.
Second Empire is big, boxy with mansard roofs, symmetrical facades and heavy ornamentation one of these that comes to mind is on Seven Bridges road in Little silve heading south on the right side. When Walt Disney decided to recreate at Disneyland the main street of a typical 19th century small town, the style he is was Second Empire.
Queen Anne is a much quirkier affair, with assymetrical facades, curved towers and porches, protruding bay windows, steeply pitched roofs and elaborate spindlework ornamentation. Perfect examples of this type house is in Monmouth Beach the 2 houses opposite each othe on Beach Road one on the left and on the right.

Federal Ubiquitous up and down the East Coast. Federal style architecture dates from the late 1700's and coincided with the reawakening of interest in classical Greek and Roman culture. There's an appealing plainness and symmetry about federal houses. Red brick is the most commonbuilding material. Doors often have sidelights and fan lights and whatever is happening on the right side of the facade is echoed on the left. Doublehung windows and shutters are common as is a certaine restraiend classical ornamentation around cornices, doors and windows.

Tudor is the architecture most popular in the 1920's and 1930's and continues to be a mainstay in suburbs across the nation. The defining characteristics are half timebering on bay windows and upperfloors and facades that are dominated by one or more steeply pitched cross gables. Patterned brick or stone walls are common, as are rounded doorways, multipaned casement windows and large stone chimeneys.

Prairie In suburban chicago in 1893, Frank LLyod Wright, Americas most famous architect, designe dthe first Prairie style house and it's still a common style throughout the Midwest. Prairie houses come in two styles - boxy and symmetrical or low slung and assymterical. Roofs are low pitched, with wide eaves. Brick and clapboard are the most common building materials. Other details: rows of casement windows, one story porches with massive square supports and stylized floral and circular geometrid terra cotta or masonry ornamentation around door, windows and cornices.

Spanish Most common in the Southwest and Florida. Spanish style architecture takes its cues from the missions of the early Spanish missionaaries - such as the one at San Juan Capistrano in California (if you get a chance to go there it is great - swallows come back every year to nest and there is a train station where you can have lunch and shop) and includes details from the Moorish, Byzantine, Gothis, and Rennaissance architectural styles. The houses usually have low pitched tiled roofs, white stucco walls and rounded windows and doors. Other elements may include scalloped dormer, windows and balconies with elaborate grillwork, decorative tiles around the doorways and windows and a bell tower or two.

New Jersey TRIVIA!

1. The NJ State Bug is the honey bee (apis mellifera) designated by the NJ State Legislature in 1974.

2. The NJ State Fruit is the blueberry, designated in 2004 after a campaign of fourth graders at Veteran's memorial Elementary school in Brick new Jersey.

3. The NJ State Vegetable is the "Jersey Tomato", designated in 2005. the tomato, although technically a fruit, is legally considered a vegetable as a result of a 1893 Supreme Court Decision.

4. New Jersey is second only to MIchigan in the production of blueberries.

5. New Jersey is ranked fourth in the country in cranberry production.

6. New Jersey's top five in 1995 agricultural commodities,(excluding horses) were greenhouse and nursery, dairy products, chicken eggs, tomatoes and blueberries.

7. Agriculture in New Jersey ranks third behind pharmaceuticals and tourism in economic benefits to the state.

8. The majority of farms in New Jersey are samll, family run operations. The number of farms in the state has decreased from 26,900 in 1950 to 9,000 in 1995 however productivity per acre has increased.

9. When you see the sign "Jersey Grown" on a plant label you know that the plant was grown right here in the garden state. "Jersey Grown as green as green gets!"

Garden State of mind

One of the newest trends these days is "eating local" - and New Jersey has some of the best produce into he country - after all we're not called the Garden State for nothing! We have so much right here in New Jersey - so "buying local" also includes loads of outstanding products, nursery stock and cut flowers to smoked salmon, fresh mozzarella, honey, and even maple syrup.

• Sickles Market in Little Silver supports this "frame of mind". Sickles is located on Rumson Road it is open Mon. -Sat. 9am to 6pm 732-741-9563 you can get everything there and the quality is the Best! www.sicklesmarket.com

• Dear Born Market Farm Market & Delicatessen is located inMiddletown on 2170 Route 35 Holmdel Twp. www.dearbornfarms.com

• Delicious Orchards located inColts Neck Rte 34 Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 - 6:00 (732) 462-1989 . http://www.deliciousorchardsnj.com/

• Dean's Natural Food Market 490 Broad Street • Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 Phone: 732-842-8686 www.deansnaturalfoodmarket.com

Sand Sculpting Contests:

Jul 8 Ocean Grove North End Beach. Begins 10 am. Judging 2pm. Call 732-775-0035

July 9 Monmouth Park Race Track, Oceanport Ave. Oceanport. Rain or shine. Contest &
festivities 11:30 to 6pm call 732-222-5100

July 12 Belmar (rain date July 19)18th Ave. Beach 9am to 12 noon. call 732-681-3700 or call 732-863-1900 x101.

Summer Fun At the Jersey Shore!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

SUMMER CONCERTS:

Summer Beach Concerts at Sandy Hook: Every Wednesday until Aug. 30, 6pm Beach Area E rain cancellations call 732-291-7733.

Jazz on the Beach: Every Sunday until August 27 7pm. West End Park (Long Branch) corner of Brighton and Ocean Ave. near the Original Windmill. Call 732-923-2044.

Red Bank Street Performers: July 8,15,22 and 29. 7pm to 10pm. Music, poetry, magic. Downtown.

Long Branch Thursdays by the Sea: until August 27 7pm. Weeknight music series featuring local talent at Pier Village, Long Branch.

Red Bank Jazz in the Park: 7pm. July 6,13,20,27. Cool live music for hot summer nights. Riverside Gardens Park, Red Bank. Call 7423-842-4244.

Freehold Summer Concerts: until August 24 Call for times 732-462-3584. Hall of Records parking lot.

Belmar Summer Concerts: until end of August Pyanoe Main St. Belmar Call 732-681-6700.

Highlands Summer Concerts: Tuesdays July thru August. 7pm Veterans Park parking available Municipal Lot on So. Second St. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

CRUISE NIGHTS:

Cruise Night 1 West End: (Long Branch) July 15 & Aug 12. 6pm to 10pm. Brighton Ave. Classic car show and entertainment. Call 732-923-2044

Sunset Cruise Saturday Nights: until September 3. 7:30 to 10pm boarding 7pm .Watch the sun go down over New York City and enjoy spectacular view of the New York skyline. Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina Call: 800-262-8743

Freehold Kruise Night Thursday: July 27 & Aug. 31 6pm to 10pm Main Street. Live entertainment, vintage cars, hot rods, motorcycles.

Keyport on Wheels: July 27 12 noon to 5pm. East Front Street Let the good times roll for the entire family at this tradional soapbox derby.

Sand Sculpting Contests:
Jul 8 Ocean Grove North End Beach. Begins 10 am. Judging 2pm. Call 732-775-0035

July 9 Monmouth Park Race Track, Oceanport Ave. Oceanport. Rain or shine. Contest & festivities 11:30 to 6pm call 732-222-5100

July 12 Belmar (rain date July 19)18th Ave. Beach 9am to 12 noon. call 732-681-3700 or call 732-863-1900 x101.

Red Bank Movies under the stars July 11,18 &25 showtime 8:45pm Daddy Riverside Park Day Care, Grease & Bad News Bears.

Ocean Grove Family Movie Night at the Pier. July 14 8:30 pm. Bring blankets or lawn chairs.

FAIRS, FESTIVALS, PARADES etc.

Monmouth County Fair July 26 to 30. Shows, crafts, rides and more. East Freehold Park, Kozloski Road, Freehold. Wed. & Thurs. 5-11pm; Fri. 10am to 11pm; Sat. 11am to 11pm; Sun. 11am to 6pm. Call 732-842-4000

24th Annual New Jersey Festival of Ballooning: July 28,29 & 30.Solberg Airport, Readington NJ pre purchase adults $17. at door $20. Balloons ascend at 6:30am and pm weather and wind permitting. Concerts, rides and much more. Call 800-HOT-AIR9. or http://www.balloonfestival.com/

Asbury Park Guitar BarBeque Festival July 8 & 9 across from Paramount Theater. 11 am to 8 pm Smok'n guitars and sizzling bbq. Call 732-774-1143

Asbury Park Convention Hall Arts & Wine Festival Aug 5-6 12noon to 5pm. Wine sampling, wine making seminars. Call 732-775-3533

Asbury Park Pro BeachVolleyball: Aug 12-13 10am to 6pm. Come see the best players on the East Coast play.

Asbury Park Children's Festival with Baby Parade and Model Search: July 22 & 23 10 am to 5pm Beach and Boardwalk. Call 732-775-3533.

Belmar Para Sail: 618 5th Ave. Fly single or with a friend. Reservations required. Cal 732-528-8680.

Belmar Crafters & Farmers Market: Saturdays until Sept 2. 9am to 2pm. 9th Ave & Main St.. Fresh produce, gourmet foods, crafters, jewelry makers, music.

Belmar Social Dancing: July 6, 13, 20, 27. 8pm. Taylor Pavilllion at Silver Lake Park Ocean Ave and 5th ave. Call 732-681-3700

Bradley Beach Mayor's Clam Bake: August 12 6pm Ocean and Fifth Ave. under tent.

Bradley Beach 4th Annual Antique & Collectibles Show: August 14. Boardwalk
Highlands 12th Annual Clam Fest: August 4,5,6 Huddy Park rain or shine. Freshest seafood from local restaurants, live music, rides, crafters,. Friday festival 6to 11pm woith fireworks at 10:30pm.

Red Bank 52nd Annual Sidewalk Sale. July 28 to July 30 Downtown stores participate in largest summer sale.

I am starting a lending library

In going through my books I find I have alot of them :)))
Any way someone may benefit from them. so here we go:
1: The New Apartment Book - space strategies for high rises, lofts, co-op, condos, brownstones and even houses

2: Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design, fearless, fabulous decorating

Anyone interested just email me.

First quarter of 2006

A report updated for the first quarter of 2006 shows what areas have the most overvalued housing. You can view the report here. The report says it takes 3 and a half years to correct the overvaluation.

Price Over Valuation
Atlantic City, NJ $254.200 63.9%

Edison, NJ $349.000 33.0%

Newark, NJ $381.900 27.2%

Ocean City, NJ $310.100 54.6%

Trenton, NJ $276.100 15.4%

Vineland, NJ $164.100 30.0%

Did You Know? Happy 4th of July!

Did You Know?
-
The distinguished American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald (author of "The Great Gatsby") was a descendant of Francis Scott Key, who wrote our national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner". Fitzgerald's little known first name? Francis.
John Hancock was President of the Second Continental Congress at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1737, and his large, bold signature is probably the most famous of them all.

We don't use Square Footage at the Jersey Shore

We don't use square footage

To all who are moving into Central Jersey. We DON'T use square footage in Monmouth County.

Now, this bothers some people from areas where they know that the Jones' house is 2,500 square feet and their home is 2,800 square feet.

Why is that you may ask? Well, like most things, years ago there was a lawsuit. An agent put basement and/or garage into total square footage measurement. (Everyone measures and includes different things in the measurement. Some people may include an enclosed porch with no heat others not.) Anyway agent and company lost the suit. So, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and others decided that the safest course was to drop the requirement for square footage.

And, now the only people who put square footage into their listings are the builders of new construction, and other agencies who are not afraid or have had a letter signed by the seller acknowledging that they are the ones giving this information or it came directly form the tax records and we can hope that is correct and that that he doesn't change the design, by moving this to do that(you get the picture)and the square footage is accurate!

Our homes cannot be compared to your home back from where you are relocating. It just doesn't compute. Like apples and oranges. One is red and round; the other orange and round.

At the end of the day...when you like the house, does an extra square foot really matter?

Is the sky falling? or has the sky fallen on the Real Estate Market?...

Following a disappointing April, residential contract-sales activity in New Jersey trended higher in May providing some balance to the housing market.
However, while buying activity in May increased 7% from April, it still ran 18% below May 2005 providing further proof of a market change.
Some encouragement can be taken in the slowing rise of UNSOLD inventory which held steady in May at a 7-month-supply of available homes.

Current Market conditions:

below $600,000, market is now holding a 6 month supply
$600,000 - $1 million, 10-months supply
above $1 million 13-months supply

While there are very real reasons for the current deceleration in the residential market, the extent of that change goes beyond what can be explained by underlying fundamentals alone.

Certainly the record high home prices achieved in 2005 when coupled with lagging salary increases, rising interest rates and slower population growth are solid reasons for a market slow down.

More positive indicators are also in play, such as a state economy at virtual full-employment, new home building activity at constrained levels, and mortgage rates which remain low by historical standards.

Clearly, the sweeping change that has enveloped the residential market over the past 10 months extends beyond market metrics and is at least partly attributable to fears of a housing price collapse.

Apparently the chorus of voices predicting this collapse and the attention they received from the media, have played a role in bringing the market to it's current state……as always perception becomes reality!

As we look forward to what's ahead, expect the current situation of fewer sales and higher inventory to continue for the next several years.

As a result, some of the increases in home prices which occurred over the past several years will likely be reversed as motivated Sellers trade-off lower prices for quicker sales.

Ironically, this is not necessarily good news for home buyers as rising mortgage rates will likely offset any savings derived from lower home prices.

Consider for every 1 percent the mortgage rate goes up the buyer loses 8% purchase power. We are currently 1% higher in mortgage rates this year than last year.

Thus, buyers should consider whether the current combination of affordable mortgage rates, higher inventory levels and negotiable-sellers are reason to buy now rather than wait.