Oh Yeah! It’s Super Bowl Sunday this weekend! How exciting – and I’m really not into sports - but please don’t tell anyone! Although, I must admit that Super Bowl Sunday makes me almost want to become a football fan!
Little Li – Flickr.com
Of course one must eat while watching this big game – or else you’ll end up chewing on your finger nails or throwing something at the TV. So… here are some great recipes. One of my favorite is from an awesome blogger – The Pioneer Woman - <CLICK> “The Pioneer Woman Cooks!”. I of the snacks I plan on making is Zuchini Cakes - I could taste them now!
Being a member of NAR – The National Association of Realtors, makes me a better Realtor. After receiving my licenses in the states of Connecticut – where my family and I reside – and New York – where my office, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty, is located – I took an oathto treat and care for ALL my clients, customers, the public and associate Realtors EQUALLY. This is a mandatory class that all Realtors must take – it is where we learn the Code of Ethics – a Pledge of Performance and Service that we must abide by.
The National Association of Realtors adopted the Code of Ethics in 1913, following the professions of medicine, law and engineering. CLICK below to view.
Along with my work ethics, usually always attached to me is my laptop which I take to the office and bring back home to be able to assist at any time…
cell phone- which also enables me to receive and send e-mails from anywhere, take photos and send instantly to clients of potential homes and of course - text…
my ear piece to chat while I’m in the car – since I do spend alot of time in it!
and quite a few other fun items – camera, GPS and Flip video camera and my most favorite – my I-Pod! When I’m driving almost an hour to show just 1 house – I at least have my music!
Guillermo Esteves – Flickr.com
Here is just one of the songs I enjoy listening to…
Lately, my family and I have been making homemade pizza- Yumo! Most of the time we buy the dough in our local supermarket – usually found near the deli, dairy and bakery departments.
jslander – Flickr.com
We’ll add fresh tomatoes, homemade sausage, tossed salad, different cheeses – or go cheese-less. Add sauce, fried onions, peppers and any left over veggies. It’s nutritious, inexpensive, filling, easy, goes great with soup during these cold winter nights and just plain old delicious!
Have fun and remember kids of all ages could help – and – you can prepare the pizzas ahead of time and just pop them into the oven to have a meal ready in a flash!
Maybe on of you will be daring and try a Fried Egg Pizza – ??
When it comes to repairing your credit, you’re the best person for the job.
Credit repair scam artists will charge you anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more upfront, and promise you everything from a new Social Security card to perfect credit.
But these companies can’t do anything for you that you can’t do for yourself — for free — and they might ultimately do more harm than good.
What should you do if you have bad credit? Here are 10 tips that are designed to improve your credit history and raise your credit score:
1.Pull a copy of your credit history from AnnualCreditReport.com. Sponsored by the three credit-reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, AnnualCreditReport.com is the only place you can go to get a truly free copy of your credit history. Each credit-reporting bureau is required to give you one copy once a year. You should pull copies from each of the bureaus, since they sometimes collect different data.
2.While you’re there, buy a copy of your credit score from Equifax.com. Equifax offers a FICO score, also known as a Beacon score, which is from Fair Isaac, the company that created the concept of credit scoring. Most creditors will pull a FICO score, so you should see what they’re seeing. Your credit score will give you a snapshot of what your credit information means to your creditors. The FICO score runs from 350 to 850. The higher the number, the better. Your target should be to have a credit score of at least 720.
3.Check your credit history thoroughly. You’re looking for errors, misinformation and negative information that might count against you. File a dispute with the three credit-reporting bureaus if you spot any errors. Some credit reports have serious errors in them, so fixing these will boost your score.
4.Understand what kind of debt you’re facing. Make a list of everything you owe, the interest rate each debt carries, and the minimum payment due each month. Then, prioritize your debt: mortgage, real estate taxes, credit cards and medical bills should be paid in that order.
5.Negotiate with your creditors for a lower interest rate. Paying less in interest means more of your payment each month goes toward paying down your balance. If you have a good credit score (over 720 is a starting point), you should be able to find other credit cards featuring zero percent to 5 percent in interest for the first year, or for the life of a balance transfer (check out sites like CardRatings.com and CardTrak.com to compare credit-card offers.) Just be sure you read the fine print: Some credit cards require you to charge on the new account each month or face a stiff fee.
6.Pay down the debt with the highest interest rate first. Pay your mortgage and home equity loan and lines of credit in full each month. Then, make sure you have enough cash to make all of the minimum payments due on your debt each month. Then, throw any spare cash at the debt that carries the highest interest rate first. Once you’ve paid down that debt, transfer all of the extra cash you’re paying each month to the debt with the next-highest interest rate, and so on.
7.Pay everything on time, even if you can make only the minimum payment. The most crucial component of your credit history and credit score is your ability to pay your bills on time each month. Paying on time shows your creditors that you take your debts and obligations seriously. Even one late payment can seriously damage your credit history and credit score, even though it can take a year’s worth of on-time payments to start to heal your credit history and raise your credit score. It doesn’t seem fair, but that’s how the credit industry works.
8.Don’t charge more than 25 percent of your maximum available credit limit. If you carry a credit-card balance that is a higher percentage of your available credit limit, your credit score will go down. Why? Because creditors believe if you charge the maximum on your credit cards, it means you can’t properly manage your credit. You’re better off spreading out your debt between three or four different cards than having it all piled on one card.
9.Don’t open and close a lot of accounts. Again, a credit score tells current and future creditors how likely it is that you won’t pay back your debts. It assesses how risky a borrower you are today. Every time you apply for a new credit card, that creditor pulls a copy of your credit history from the credit-reporting bureaus. That “inquiry” gets reported on your credit history. Too many inquiries in a short period of time signals that you may be getting low on your available credit and need more cash. Even though you might be interested in getting 10 percent off your first purchase for opening a new account, it looks different to a prospective creditor.
10.Don’t share credit (except with a spouse). It’s easy to tell someone that you’ll “co-sign” a credit card, student loan or a mortgage loan application, especially if it’s someone you’ve known for a long time. But it’s also easy to wind up in a situation where that friend or relative stops paying his or her bills (for whatever reason) and your credit will take a big hit. Once you’re a co-signer for a loan, you’re legally obligated to make those payments — whether or not you can afford them. So think carefully before you agree to co-sign a loan, and nip the problem of bad credit before it begins.
For today’s – Flickr Foto Fun Friday – I have chosen the theme – “Up, Up & Away!” in respect to my hope that our economy, the housing market and our countries employment rate will be on the rise due to better days now the President Obama is officially in office!
Now that the holidays are over – President Obamais officially in office – interest rates are still low and more homes are coming onto the market, while some that are currently on have been reduced – I wish all that are looking to purchase… A Road toHappy House Hunting!
Please keep in mind that the road to finding your home may seem windy at times…
mikael miettinen – Flickr.com
and it may seem to go on forever… with no happy ending in sight…
thejourney1972 – Flickr.com
But in the end, when you’ve found a home, and begin a new chapter in your life, I’m sure you’ll look back and realize it was all well worth it! After all… roads lead to homes – right?
BlankBlankBlank – Flickr.comLincoln Memorial, Washington DC
The Official Opening Ceremony for the Presidential Inauguration began with a kick off concert at Lincoln Memorial, which President elect Obama and Vice-President elect Joe Biden attended. Some of the privileged chosen artist that performed during the “We are One” concert were Bruce Springsteen, Steve Wonder, U2 and Beyonce.
During the inauguration, Obamawill place his hand on the same Bible Abraham Lincoln used for his March 1861 inauguration. Also, Obama has chosen the same menu <CLICK> that was served during Abraham Lincoln’s celebration.
Our soon to be… President Obama has much to do to help our country, and most Americans believe Obama will deliver!
jetheriot – Flickr.com
For more information on all the coverage – From the Swearing-In Ceremony and much awaited speech, the parade, and the Ball, view About.com <CLICK>
Whether your home is currently on the market – or your thinking of selling your home – or have no plans for selling at all – Living in a Clutter Free Home is wonderful! Less Mess… equals Less Stress!
supershoppertoo – Flickr.com
When my 5 kids were little, and mornings getting ready for school could get crazy. If you have children – 1 child – or maybe just yourself to get together in the am – being organized was and is key to having enough time for a good breakfast, no need for shouting and stressing and things going as smoothly as possible! Everyone wondered why I had so much patience. Alot came from again, being neat, organized and clutter free. Just think how upset one gets when you can’t find your car keys – or your left shoe! If everything gets put in their place, this could be avoided.
Mickelodeon – Flickr.com
Even now, with my kids being 20, 18, 16, 15 and 13 years old, I insist on that way of life. I think it’s great that they’re able to get up, have their clothes picked out from the night before, everything needed to get ready is at their fingertips so no time is wasted – and rather spend that time to eat well, grab their lunch – which is always made the night before – and be able to run off to school on time. OK – I admit, with teenagers, it doesn’t ALWAYS work so smoothly!
This works well with my life as a Realtor – having my electronic keys updated, my appointments made, listings printed out – one copy for me and one for my clients, gas in my car, addressed inputted into my GPS, I-Pod ALWAYS in my purse to be able to connect to my car – along with my camera and Flip video camera, and last – but not least – my cell phone and back up battery always charged. Even if a client calls and asks to view a house in – an hour – I can usually always make it work – since most of the above has been done! Keeping organized – keeps me sane. And knowing that there are always days that things can’t and don’t seem to run smoothly is also important.
supershoppertoo – Flickr.com
During my appointments, viewing homes with clients, many can see past the dirty dishes in the sink, the pile of smelly shoes near the front door, the dead fish floating in the fish tank – but some simply can not see past all of this! It is an instant turn off and with sooo many homes on the market, they simply want to move onto the next! And I can’t blame them since I can’t help but think that if the homeowners can’t keep up with the laundry and make the beds, then I wonder if they’ve had the time or responsibility to service their furnace yearly, have the septic pumped every 2 or 3 years or fix a leaky pipe asap??
Joe Shlabotnik – Flickr.com
The easiest way to get started on getting organized is to pick a day – any day – whether it’s when the kids are at school and your home alone – or when the kids are home and you have them help. Make a LIST – Tackle ONE ROOM AT A TIME – Have REWARDS for you and anyone that helps. For me, I would say that after I’m all done cleaning out the garage, I will NOT be making dinner – Pizza for all and a glass of wine for me! To get the kids to help, say after they’re done helping, they can pick what’s for dinner – or what movie to rent – or – you can take them to the mall for a TREAT! And don’t forget to stay hydrated, take snack breaks to refuel, play some hoping music to get you going and have fun!
For someone selling their home, think of how easy it will be if you get a last minute call for a viewing - or an unexpected guest comes over – or you get sick and family or friends come to help – how do you explain the moldy containers in the fridge – the 9 piles of laundry – the empty cupboards since no dishes have been done! Yes – this is a bit much, but I have seen this! No one is perfect – but there is always room for improvement. Please keep in mind that stress can lead to numerous health issues with your heart, immune system, weight gain…
Surviving this weak economy can be frustrating and seem almost impossible. When gas was almost at double where it is today, many of us drove less, consolidating our errands. If I knew I needed to pick up one of my kids from an after school activity, I would hold off going to the market and post office until it was closer to the time of having to swing by the school. We should STILL continue to do this now. Although, I’ve ALWAYS done this – I have also ALWAYS taught my kids to SHUT THE LIGHTS OFF when leaving a room – take a bag lunch and snacks from home to not only save, but eat healthier. Put an extra blanket on their bed since a cooler, night temperature kicks in at around 8pm. Do not waste, recycle paper, warm up left overs and shop sales – remembering though, to always ask, do I really NEED that?
Here are some saving ideas from my most favorite on-line sites:
Decide what is a “Luxury” and what is a “Necessity”
Shut the television off and have “Fun time” with the kids – Have them read books, color, build with Llegos or blocks. Make it fun by “hiding” something (like an Easter Egg Hunt) and have the kids try to find it – the first to do so, picks the next activity!
Have a “Pasta and Salad” dinner night once a week – really inexpensive and filling!
Cut back on your laundry’s drying time by hanging some of your clothes. Even if it’s just a few pieces from every load.
Rent a movie, pop your own popcorn, buy a gallon of wine (inexpensive and lasts much longer than just a bottle) and STAY HOME! This will also save gas!
Trim your family’s hair, including your pup’s and give yourself a manicure.
USE COUPONS! and stock up on Sale Items at the Grocery Store.
Save those PENNIES! Every day empty your pockets and put your change in a piggy bank or decortive bottle. It adds up quickly!
Cut your own lawn
Make your ownPIZZA. Maybe have your family pick their own personal pizza choice and make individual pizzas – I like mine with peppers – my youngest son with extra cheese, … – Yum!
Looking to REFINANCE or purchase a HOME to take advange of the current low interest rates and taxbreak? Call at least 3 different lenders – all may have totally different mortgage packages – being careful with how many times they run your credit within a certain allowed time.
Go to bed 1/2 an hour earlier every night – Getting more SLEEP is healthy for you AND since your lights, TV, computer are being shut off earlier – the savings will add up at the end of the month!
Call your insurance agent for info on raising your deductibles on your car and home insurance to save.
Contact your cell phone carrier and go over your usage to see if you need all those minutes and ask if they have better packages. Also, call your cable company and inquire on the “Bundle” packages – combing your TV, phone and internet can save you $$
and… don’t forget to call your Credit Card companies to see about assisting you in lowering your interestrates.
Remember, EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!
Joe Shlabotnik – Flickr.com
Inspirational Quote - “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be.” – Groucho Marx
In one way or another, it seems we are all in a struggle these days. The economy and inflation of pricing for gas and oil that we paid – and some are still paying if these expenses were put on credit. With the increased cost of groceries, airline tickets, fresh flowers, dinnerout, getting your lawn cut, a carwash, a haircut, … - it seemed that just about everything was increased!
During these past Holidays, many stores were offering discounted prices and incentives to bring people out to shop. But as I was out and about, the stores and malls seems like any normal weekend – I could find a parking space without having to circle the lot 7 times! I didn’t have to wait on a line for 45 minutes to pay for 1 gift! This should have made me happy, but it saddened me because of the reason why it wasn’t crazy and crowded. People just didn’t have the money or were afraid to spend.
I pray. When struggling with anger, frustration, uncertainty, etc., “giving it to God” gets me through those feelings and inspires me to know that He is there with me and will guide and get me through.
Watching “The Pursuit of Happyness”. This movie reminded me of the determination factor in the pursuit of a goal or dream. You have to keep working toward that goal, even when it’s difficult.
I love to read books that keep me in the mind set of doing my best to be a better person.
I find inspiration in gratitude. Every day I find at least 5 new things to be grateful for. Things as simple as running water, the cement on my garage floor, the paint on the walls of my house, the way light shines on a tree, today the frost on a picnic table like a million sparkling diamonds. When you think of how little others have in the world, we live in paradise. It energizes me to a happiness that gives me the power to do more, give more happiness, and make a difference in this world.
So, eat well, exercises, listen to music, watch a sad movie and have a good cry if needed, think of and be grateful for all you have, know that you are fortunate and things WILL get better with a positiveattitude and determination, and… don’t forget to BREATHE!
Carmel, NY is located in Putnam County – consisting of hamlets in Carmel, Mahopac and Mahopac Falls. Located just a few miles from the Westchester County border and approximately 55 miles from NYC, with access to I-84 and the Croton Falls and Southeast Train Station for commuting. The population of Carmel is approximately, just under, 35,000 and the residents are able to enjoy the rural charm of the village and Historical significance. Lake Gleneida – with a statue of Sybil Ludington, is located just across from the Putnam County Courthouse, a National Historic Landmark erected in 1814. There are also other lakes – Lake Carmel, ponds,reservoirs, parks, farms and horse stables – adding the picturesque scenery.
Carmel offers many Condo/Townhouse complexes – Hunter’s Glen, Sparrow Ridge, The Fairways, Misty Hills, Twin Brook Manor, Kings Grant, Vista on the Lake, Woodland Trail, Clearing in the Woods, the new Country Villas at Stoneleigh and for adult active communities - also new Stoneleigh Woods and The Retreat.
If your looking to purchase a home – or sell your home …. Feel free to contact me via cell or text: 203-648-2619 – or – e-mail me at: Diana.Santos@Century21.com – any day, any time!
In this cold, snowy weather – what a perfect time to have a bowl of hot soup – one that sticks to your ribs – Mmm, Mmm Good!
rick – Flickr.com
For 100 Soup Recipes from Food Network.com <CLICK>. There are some great and easy recipes – some of which all you need are some veggies and a can of broth!
ndrwfgg – Flickr.com
After showing homes in this cold weather, a bowl of hearty soup is one of my favorite foods!
For this Fridays Flickr Foto Fun Day – I have chosen a few pics of CLOUDS – in respect to all the snow and ice storms we’ve had – and another is due tomorrow!
Meanest Indian – Flickr.com “Fluffy Clouds”
linhngan- Flickr.com “Rainbow Cloud”
Nagy David – Flickr.com “Night Clouds”
As a Realtor, I have had the pleasure viewing homes throughout New York and Connecticut – and viewing many different CLOUDS- Fluffy, See-Thru, Storm, Scattered and Scary clouds! Hope you enjoy these wonderful photos taken by some very talented photographers and posted on Flickr.com
Mahopac, NY is a great community located in Putnam County and bordering Westchester County. It is approximately 50 miles from New York City which is accessible via the train in Croton Falls or on the Taconic State Parkway – or – Interstate 684.
The Mahopac Central School District has multiple elementary schools that are recognized as National Schools of Excellence and the Middle and High School are both New York Schools of Excellence.
The just under 9,000 residents have much to do in Mahopac - The most popular attraction is Lake Mahopac for boating, fishing, swimming and more on it’s approximate body of 587 acres.
With it’s fresh, clean air – parks and trails to walk or jog – one of which is Sycamore Park with 32 acres on Lake Mahopac - And best of all – Lake Mahopac along with a few smaller lakes.
My husband and I purchased our very first home in Mahopac – overlooking Lake Mahopac – many good memories there! Now, as I show homes there, I can see all the changes that Mahopac has had over these past 22 years. All the new shops and restaurants, new state of the art library with 33,000 square feet and Mahopac’s new firehouse.
If your interested in viewing homes – single family or condo/townhomes – in Mahopac, I would be pleased to show you around!
Clouds are everywhere – where I live in New Fairfield, CTand where I work in Brewster, NY. We are due for a wintery mix – rain and snow which will then change over to ice. Although, I am pleased to say, that it doesn’t seem to stop my buyers who are looking to purchase a home.
takacsi75 – Flickr.com
and… as long as the driveways are plowed and walkways are clean to homes that we’re viewing – I’m good to go!
GIRLintheCAFE – Flickr.com
Viewing homes in the winter does have some advantages. You can see how cozy the house is – are there drafts – or possibly rooms that are poorly heated and/or insulated. Rooms can vary – for example those with vaulted ceilings hold all the heat high above. Simply installing fans to draw the heat down can help. Or, rooms that were once a porch and now enclosed, may need more insulation and so on.
pleasantpointinn – Flickr.com
Also, while viewing the homes property in the winter, when all the leaves and shrubs are gone, helps to see the entire acreage – along with what is neighboring the property.
Lisa Sanderson – Flickr.com
So, I invite all those interested in going out to view homes – in the snow – ice – cold and wind!
Sherman, Connecticut - incorporated in 1802, is a quaint small town with an estimated population of 4,110. It is always a pleasure to show homes there.
Shermanhas a lake community with homes, beach areas and docks on Candlewood Lake. The scenery also includesrolling mountain views and farmland along with it’s historic center of town. On Route 37 the popular American Pie sits – a delicious family restaurant that also has pies, breads, cakes – and meals to go that taste just like they’re homemade!
Call or e-mail for all available homes in Sherman…Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
As I sit here in my den by the fireplace, writing another post for my Blog – which is turning out to be one of my favorite daily routines! I can’t help but think about all the comforts of a HOME. Being able to relax and enjoy homeownership is FABULOUS!
*clairity* – Flickr.com
During the winter especially, a HOME gives you warmth – and invites your family and friends during the Holidays.
A HOME is where memories are made and never forgotten. I still dream of my childhood HOME – over and over. I have friends and family that say the same – many of their dreams are also of their HOME, where they lived when they were a child.
alicepopkorn – Flickr.com
If taking steps toward HOMEOWNERSHIP is one of your NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS – talking to a mortgage broker is an important first step! I highly recommend Anthony Frascone – cell: 203-648-6713. He is licensed in New York and Connecticut and has similar family and work ethics as I do. GOOD LUCK and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As a full time REALTOR in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties in NEW YORK – and Fairfield and parts of Litchfield counties in CONNECTICUT , I am very pleased to have the opportunity to share my passions on REAL ESTATE, FAMILY, PETS, anything and everything in and around a HOME – including COOKING, MOVIES, MUSIC and more!
I have been married for 25+ years to my wonderfulhusband Joe. We have 5 children – Melissa, David, Amanda, Sara and Jonathan. After waiting anxiously – for almost 17 years, being home with my kids for 10 and a Nursery school teacher for 7 years – I FINALLY became a Licensed Realtor – first in Connecticut - where my family and I live – and then in New York – where my office, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty is located.
I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York. My parents, who came to the US from Portugal, were extremely hardworking – with even stronger ethics on being goodtoeveryone – everywhere – period! “Faz bem, nao olhes a quem.” This has been instilled in me all my life, which has made me the mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and the REALTOR I am today. Thank You Ma and Papa.
"Just don't give up on trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
- Ella Fitzgerald
Watch videos at Vodpod and other videos from this collection.
Consider before you ignore or outright refuse a very low purchase offer for your home. A counteroffer and negotiation could turn that low purchase offer into a sale. Read
voxefx – Flickr.com
Little Li – Flickr.com
H wynia – Flickr.com
DeusxFlorida – Flickr.com
Guillermo Esteves – Flickr.com
jslander – Flickr.com
jslander – Flickr.com
jslander – Flickr.com
jslander – Flickr.com
rick – Flickr.com
Kevin – Flickr.com
Brian Negus – Flickr.com
aussiegall- Flickr.com
Mannequin- Flickr.com
Rob- Flickr.com
mindfulness – Flickr.com
mikael miettinen – Flickr.com
thejourney1972 – Flickr.com
visulogik – Flickr.com
spotbott – Flickr.com
BlankBlankBlank – Flickr.com Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC
chadh – Flickr.com
jetheriot – Flickr.com
supershoppertoo – Flickr.com
Mickelodeon – Flickr.com
supershoppertoo – Flickr.com
Joe Shlabotnik – Flickr.com
glass window – Flickr.com
kevindooley – Flickr.com
Ninjapoodles – Flickr.com
Joe Shlabotnik – Flickr.com
Hamed Masoumi – Flickr.com
rick – Flickr.com
ndrwfgg – Flickr.com
Guillermo Esteves – gesteves.com - Flickr.com
aussiegall – Flickr.com “Cloud Reflection”
iChaz - Flickr.com “Storm Clouds on the Prairie”
Meanest Indian – Flickr.com “Fluffy Clouds”
linhngan- Flickr.com “Rainbow Cloud”
ashoct28 – Flickr.com
takacsi75 – Flickr.com
GIRLintheCAFE – Flickr.com
pleasantpointinn – Flickr.com
ikkoskinen – Flickr.com
clearly ambiguous – Flickr.com
nagy David – Flickr.com
foto3116 – Flickr.com
foxypar4 – Flickr.com
