If you've ever lived in Jersey or known someone from Jersey ..you'll appreciate this!!!

If you've ever lived in Jersey or known someone from Jersey ..you'll appreciate this!!!

· New Jersey is a peninsula.

· Highlands, New Jersey has the highest elevation along the entire eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida .

· New Jersey is the only state where all of its counties are classified as metropolitan areas.

· New Jersey has more race horses than Kentucky

· New Jersey has more Cubans in Union City (1 sq mi.) than Havana , Cuba .

· New Jersey has the densest system of highways and railroads in the US .

· New Jersey has the highest cost of living.

· New Jersey has the highest cost of auto insurance.

· New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation.

· New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to as the "Diner Capital of the World."

· New Jersey is home to the original Mystery Pork Parts Club (no, not Spam): Taylor Ham or Pork Roll.

· Home to the less mysterious but the best Italian hot dogs and Italian sausage w/peppers and onions.

· North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world, with seven major shopping malls in a 25 square mile radius.

· New Jersey is home to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

· The Passaic River was the site of the first submarine ride by inventor John P. Holland

· New Jersey has 50+ resort cities & towns; some of the nation's most famous: Asbury Park , Wildwood, Atlantic City , Seaside Heights , Long Branch , Cape May.

· New Jersey has the most stringent testing along our coastline for water quality control than any other seaboard state in the entire country.

· New Jersey is a leading technology & industrial state and is the largest chemical producing state in the nation when you include pharmaceuticals.

· Jersey tomatoes are known the world over as being the best you can buy.

· New Jersey is the world leader in blueberry and cranberry production (and here you thought Massachusetts ? Thanks to those Ocean Spray commercials!)

· Here's to New Jersey - the toast of the country! In 1642, the first brewery in America , opened in Hoboken

· New Jersey rocks! The famous Les Paul invented the first solid body electric guitar in Mahwah, in 1940.

· New Jersey is a major seaport state with the largest seaport in the US , located in Elizabeth . Nearly 80 percent of what our nation imports comes through Elizabeth Seaport first.

· New Jersey is home to one of the nation's busiest airports (in Newark ), Liberty International.

· George Washington slept here, he slept many places it seems.

· Several important Revolutionary War battles were fought on New Jersey soil, led by General George Washington.

· The light bulb, phonograph (record player), and motion picture projector, were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park , NJ , laboratory. We also boast the first town ever lit by incandescent bulbs.

· The first seaplane was built in Keyport , NJ .

· The first airmail (to Chicago ) was started from Keyport , NJ .

· The first phonograph records were made in Camden , NJ .

· New Jersey was home to the Miss America Pageant held in Atlantic City .

· The game Monopoly, played all over the world, named the streets on its playing board after the actual streets in Atlantic City .

· And, Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world, not to mention salt water taffy.

· New Jersey has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East countries.

· The first Indian reservation was in New Jersey , in the Watchung Mountains

· New Jersey has the tallest water-tower in the world. ( Union , NJ !!!)

· New Jersey had the first medical center, in Jersey City .

· The Pulaski SkyWay, from Jersey City to Newark , was the first skyway highway.

· NJ built the first tunnel under a river, the Hudson ( Holland Tunnel) see above for the name.

· The first baseball game was played in Hoboken , NJ , which is also the birthplace of Frank Sinatra.

· The first intercollegiate football game was played in New Brunswick in 1889 ( Rutgers College played Princeton ).

· The first drive-in movie theater was opened in Camden , NJ , (but they're all gone now!).

· New Jersey is home to 2 out of 3 of " NEW YORK 'S" pro football teams!

· The first radio station and broadcast was in Paterson, NJ.

· The first FM radio broadcast was made from Alpine, NJ, by Maj. Thomas Armstrong.

· All New Jersey natives: Sal Martorano, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jason Alexander, Queen Latifah, Susan Sarandon, Connie Francis, Shaq, Judy Blume, Aaron Burr, Joan Robertson, Ken Kross, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughn, Budd Abbott, Lou Costello, Alan Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Marilynn McCoo, Flip Wilson, Alexander Hamilton, Whitney Houston, Eddie Money, Linda McElroy, Eileen Donnelly, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Walt Whitman, Jerry Lewis, Tom Cruise, Joyce Kilmer, Bruce Willis, Caesar Romero, Ovi Garcia, Lauryn Hill, Ice-T, Nick Adams, Nathan Lane, Sandra Dee, Danny DeVito, Richard Conti, Joe Pesci, Joe Piscopo, Joe DePasquale, Robert Blake, John Forsythe, Meryl Streep, Loretta Swit, Norman Lloyd, Paul Simon, Jerry Herman, Gorden McCrae, Kevin Spacey, John Travolta, Phyllis Newman, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Eva Marie Saint, Elisabeth Shue, Zebulon Pike, James Fennimore Cooper, Admiral Wm.Halsey,Jr., Dave Thomas (Wendy's), William Carlos Williams, Ray Liotta, Ron Vigneri, Robert Wuhl, Bob Reyers, Paul Robeson, Ernie Kovacs, Joseph Macchia, Kelly Ripa, and, of course, Francis Albert Sinatra and "Uncle Floyd" Vivino.

· Bob Meade adds: The Great Falls in Paterson, on the Passaic River, is the second highest waterfall on the East Coast of the US

You know you're from Jersey when . . .

· You don't think of fruit when people mention "The Oranges."

· You know that it's called Great Adventure, not Six Flags.

· A good, quick breakfast is a hard roll with butter.

· You've known the way to Seaside Heights since you were seven.

· You've eaten at a diner, when you were stoned or drunk, at 3 A.M.

· You know that the state isn't one big oil refinery.

· At least three people in your family still love Bruce Springsteen, and you know the town Jon Bon Jovi is from.

· You know what a "jug handle" is.

· You know that WaWa is a convenience store; if you're from the shore, us Northerns know Quick Checks!

· You know that the state isn't all farmland.

· You know that there are no "beaches" in New Jersey --there's the shore--and you don't go "to the shore," you go "down the shore." And when you are there, you're not "at the shore"; you are "down the shore."

· You know how to properly negotiate a circle.

· You knew that the last sentence had to do with driving.

· You know that this is the only "New" state that doesn't require "New" to identify it (try . . . Mexico . . York ..! . . Hampshire-- doesn't work, does it?).

· You know that a " White Castle " is the name of BOTH a fast food chain AND a fast food sandwich.

· You consider putting mayo on a corned beef sandwich a sacrilege.

· You don't think "What exit?" is very funny.

· You know that people from the 609 area code are "a little different."
· Yes they are!

· You know that no respectable New Jerseyan goes to Princeton--that's for out-of-staters.

· The Jets-Giants game has started fights at your school or local bar.

· You live within 20 minutes of at least three different malls.

· You refer to all highways and interstates by their numbers.

· Every year you have at least one kid in your class named Tony.

· You know the location of every clip shown in the Sopranos opening credits.

· You've gotten on the wrong highway trying to get out of the mall.

· You know that people from North Jersey go to Seaside Heights , and people from Central Jersey go to Belmar, and people from South Jersey go to Wildwood. It can be no other way.

· You weren't raised in New Jersey --you were raised in either North Jersey, Central Jersey or South Jersey .

· You don't consider Newark or Camden to actually be part of the state.

· You remember the stores Korvette's, Two Guys, Rickel's, Channel, Bamberger's and Orbach's.

· You also remember Palisades Amusement Park

· You've had a boardwalk cheese steak and vinegar fries.

· You start planning for Memorial Day weekend in February.

And finally ...

· You've NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER pumped your own gas.

Christmas Time Giving

We at the office have been giving every year to needy families sponsored by YMCA.
This year we found a person who is always looking for items for families that don't have anything. He'll tak any kind of furniture etc. If you have something sitting in the attic, basement or garage call me and I'll be glad to give Joe's number or make arrangments for pick up.
While this is always at the fore front during the Holidya season. Remember people always are in need ALL year round.

http://www.realestateshows.com/112399

Just a little fun I put together on how people view real estate. I hope you enjoy and get a good laugh.

Friends come in all sizes....

Friends come in all sizes....
They will support you....

And respect your creativity for thinking outside the box....
They'll be there when you need a shoulder to lean on....
Or a great big hug....

A true friend takes interest in
understanding what you're all about....
They see beyond the black and white to discover your true colours....
And accept you just the way you are...
Even when you just wake up in the morning
So make your own kind of music....


Follow your heart wherever it takes you....

And when someone reaches out to you,
Don't be afraid to love them back....
They may just be a friend for life....

Practice patience
and tolerance.....






Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave....
And impossible to forget!

State of the real estate market 3rd quarter Review

These are the active CLOSED SALES price range for monmouth county NJ
Town ActiveSOLD Price range 2006
Atlantic Highlands $300,000 - $349,999 5
Atlantic Highlands $550,000 - $599,999 6
overall Atlantic Highlands is down 42%

Little Silver $550,000 - $599,999 10
Little Silver $600,000 - $699,999 10
overall Little Silver is down 26.1

Long Branch $250,000 - $299,999 14
Long Branch $300,000 - $399,999 56
Long Brnach $400,000 - $499,999 29
overall Long Branch is down 12%

Monmouth Beach $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 6

Rumson $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 14
Rumson $2,000,000 - Above 20
overall Rumson is down 19%

Fair Haven $600,000 - $699,999 10
Fair Haven $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 11
over all Fair Haven is down 10.7

Highlands $250,000 - $49,999 13
overall Highlands is down 28%

Red Bank $300,000 - $399,999 25
Red Bank $450,000 - $499,999 13
overall Red Bank is down 5%

Oceanport $400,000 - $499,999 14
overall Oceanport is down 10.4%

As of right now Monmouth County is down 17%.

What does all this mean to you? Well it means that the market has definitely slowed down and that there ARE sales as long as the property is priced well.

If you want more detailed information go to my newly created website: http://www.monmouthcountymarketwatch.com/ and on a monthly basis you will see what is happening to Monmouth county and its towns.

If you are interested in receiving monthly updates on what's happening in your neighborhood please email me and Ill start sending you that information.

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.