December 2006 Single Family Market Watch

December 1, 2006 to December 3, 2006

Atlantic Highlands:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 37
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 6
Average List Price.............................................................. $449,283
Number of Closed Sales for the month:........................ 6
Average Days on Market:................................................. 68
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 91%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $990,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 3

Fair Haven:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 50
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 6
Average List Price.............................................................. $708,817
Number of Closed Sales for the month:......................... 9
Average Days on Market:................................................. 75
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 96%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $522,500
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 4

Little Silver:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 4
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 2
Average List Price.............................................................. $592,400
Number of Closed Sales for the month:......................... 5
Average Days on Market:................................................. 94
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 88%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $515,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 4

Middletown:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 50
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 55
Average List Price.............................................................. $549,800
Number of Closed Sales for the month:......................... 55
Average Days on Market:................................................. 89
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 93%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $417,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 48

Oceanport:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 40
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 7
Average List Price.............................................................. $1,325,986
Number of Closed Sales for the month:......................... 3
Average Days on Market:................................................. 212
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 92 %
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $395,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 6

Monmouth Beach:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 33
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 5
Average List Price.............................................................. $1,457,880
Number of Closed Sales for the month:......................... 2
Average Days on Market:................................................. 68
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 89%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $1,200,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 1

Red Bank:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 54
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 8
Average List Price.............................................................. $426,225
Number of Closed Sales for the month:......................... 7
Average Days on Market:................................................. 89
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 97%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $362,500
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 6

Rumson:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 50
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 13
Average List Price.............................................................. 1,471,208
Number of Closed Sales for the month:......................... 10
Average Days on Market:................................................. 96
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 90%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $1,374,500
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 14

Sea Bright:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 17
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 2
Average List Price.............................................................. $724,500
Number of Closed Sales for the month:......................... 1
Average Days on Market:................................................. 125
Ratio of sale price to list price:....................................... 87%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $2,575,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 4

Shrewsbury Boro & Township:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 33
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 9
Average List Price.............................................................. $680,200
Number of Closed Sales for the month:........................... 2
Average Days on Market:................................................. 60
Ratio of sale price to list price:.......................................... 93%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $520,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 3

Spring Lake:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 61
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 7
Average List Price.............................................................. $2,634,129
Number of Closed Sales for the month:........................... 6
Average Days on Market:................................................. 77
Ratio of sale price to list price:.......................................... 88%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $1,620,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 1

Tinton Falls:
Total Homes on Market.................................................... 61
Number of Just Listed this month:................................... 5
Average List Price.............................................................. $528,560
Number of Closed Sales for the month:........................... 5
Average Days on Market:................................................. 98
Ratio of sale price to list price:.......................................... 97%
Median Closed Price:......................................................... $435,000
Homes Expired in the month............................................. 8

Based on Single Family homes ONLY. for more information go to www.monmouthcountymarketwatch.com


--Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed--Copyright: 2006 by the Monmouth County Association of REALTORS® Prepared by GLORIA BENAROCH of COLDWELL BANKER RES. BROKERAGE on 12/31/2006 3:49:55 PM

A Poem that I thought worth posting

This was sent to me and I thought it to be worth posting....

We may not always realize
That every thing we do,
Affects not only our lives
But touches others, too.

For a little bit of thoughtfulness
That shows someone you care,
Creates a ray of sunshine
For both of you to share.

Yes, every time you offer
Someone a helping hand-
Every time you show a friend
You care and understand...

Every time you have
A kind and gentle word to give
You help someone find beauty
In this precious life we live.

For happiness brings happiness
And loving ways bring love;
And giving is the treasure
That contentment is made of.

Author Unknown

Realtor Christmas Cheer

A Bit of Christmas Cheer:

'Twas an hour before closing and the agents were tense,

to close Christmas Eve just didn't make sense.

But the seller was booked on the 6 o'clock flight

and had warned, "THERE WILL BE A CLOSING TONIGHT!"

The agents agreed because business was dead,

and visions of commission checks danced in their heads.

The loan was approved by the lender's good grace,

Everyone knew 'twas a borderline case.

The buyers divorced, remarried again,

Divorced once more, and now were just friends.

The loan package complete to the closer was carried,

With instructions to close before they remarried.

The title policy arrived via UPS,

From page One through Sixteen, a terrible MESS!

An improper legal, 3 judgments, a lien,

But a few lines on page seven, looked pretty clean.

The title was cleared and the closing was set,

But to finish today was not a sure bet.

The closer dashed in waving her HUD,

It was covered with whiteout, coffee and crud.

But down in the corner you barely could see,

that the buyer still owed a buck thirty-three.

So the closer extracted a bill from her compact,

And the agents agreed to the rest on the contract.

To add some interest, the seller revealed,

to everyone's horror - the well wasn't sealed.

And, oh yes, he wanted to change the disclosure,

His mother just died of RADON EXPOSURE!

Everything else in his house was O.K.

(his cracked floors and walls were always that way)

About that time the buyer chimed in,

"we'd like to continue, but before we begin,

I noticed these papers - I'm likely to blame,

But I gave my agents the wrong legal name,

And one more thing I had hoped to avoid,

Does it really matter if I'm self-employed?"
About this time the closer exploded.

She pulled out a gun and said it was loaded.

Everyone froze and sat there amazed,

She frothed at the mouth and her eyes were both glazed.

More rapid than eagles, her curses they came;

she bristled and spouted and called them BAD names.

"THE CLOSING IS OFF, DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR??

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL - NOW GET OUT OF HERE!"

THE CHRISTMAS CLOSING


Author unknown
-- "Live, Laugh, Love"

A Sailor's Christmas

Hi all,
This was sent to me , not sure of the author, but wanted to share:

A Sailor's Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming, Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.

They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small, In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all.

I had come down the stack with presents to give, And to see inside just who might perhaps live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand, On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.

They had medals and badges and awards of all kind, And a sober thought came into my mind.

For this place was different, so dark and so dreary, I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly.

A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone, Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.

The face was so gentle, the room squared away, This was the United States Sailor today.

This was the hero I saw on TV,

Defending our country so we could be free.

I realized the families that I would visit this night, Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play, And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year, Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice."

"Defending the seas all days of the year, So others may live and be free with no fear."

I thought for a moment, what a difficult road, To live a life guided by honor and code.

After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway!

But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay.

The Sailor say's to our country "be free and sleep tight, No harm will come, not on my watch and not on this night.

The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still, I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night, This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure, Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"

HONOR, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT

PC MAintenance starting the year with good computer habits...

These are some of the things that I NOW automatically do becuase of lessons dearly learned and items lost forever.

Daily:

• Update virus and spyware programs (if they don't do it on their own)
• Back up any work that you have done onto a usb key

When a program crashes ( which in my case outlook does on a regular basis, stillhave not figured it out) close and restart your computer this clears it out.

Weekly:

• Perform a full computer virus scan and spyware scan ( schedule it to be done automatically)
• Back up anything you've worked on and updated that you forgot to back up daily.

Monthly:

Personally I am still behind on this but it is a good idea to check up on all updates for the most used programs.

Yearly:

Which is around now that I start going through all the files I have made during the year, see which ones I absoulutely must have, trash can those I really don't need and file away the rest.

Alos it's bewen advised to vacuum the computer and air blow out for dust. I have several cats and really need to do this more often than once a year.

These and many more tips I have gotten from pcworld.com one of the first places I go to check out for any information on computers.

Housing Forecast 2007

Most housing markets experiencing slowdowns aren't facing fundamental economic problems like job losses and out migration and will see prices correct, rather than collapse, in 2007.

Barring an unforeseen jolt to consumer confidence or a sudden rise in interest rates, the volume of home sales nationwide in 2007 will be similar to or slightly below 2006 levels. In order for this to happen, prices will have to come down in areas that saw rapid appreciation during the boom years.

A "good solid price correction will bring buyers back into the market." said Lereah, National Association of Realtors economist.

Don't expect mortgage rates to go up or down more than 1/2 % in the year ahead because of "a huge flood of Global capital looking for places to invest.

"Sales activity may hold up pretty well, but I think we should prepare for a long extended period" with little price appreciation, Sklarz, head of global research for New City Technology said.

Boom markets headed for a prolonged correction include regions on both coasts that saw rapid price appreciation, plus Las Vegas and Phoenix, Lereah said.

"Job growth is steady, we have low unemployment at 4.4 percent nationwide, and stable, long-term interest rates. These are all solid indicators holding up the economy."

In areas of south Florida where prices rose rapidly during the boom, there's a large supply of inventory, especially condos, Lereah said. Rising insurance costs in the state's coastal areas are prompting others to put their homes up for sale.

Baby boomers looking to retire to a sunny climate will begin settling in northern Florida, which is viewed as less risky to natural disasters and price swings.

Some baby boomers are choosing to leave the Sunshine State behind -- although it's taking them awhile to unload their homes, and they're not getting what they used to for them.

A Raleigh, N.C., broker saidthere has been a "trickle down" effect among buyers relocating to the area from Florida. The homes they leave behind stay on the market longer, and they show up in North Carolina with less cash, the broker said.

Such buyers are nicknamed "half backs" -- people who moved to Florida from the Northeast and now want to move halfway back, stopping in places like the Smoky Mountains and North Carolina.

Drawn by rising property values in their own countries and a weakening of the dollar, foreign investors from Latin America and Europe continue to buy property in Florida, Lereah said. Some 15 percent of homes sold in Florida are purchased by non-U.S. residents, he said.

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?