Cooking on a Budget – The Great Depression Way
On Good Morning America, a 93 year old great grandmother showed how she saves money by cooking the great depression way. She learned how to cook on a budget through her mother during the Great Depression and now has her own site – “Depression Cooking with Clara” <CLICK> .
Also, check out Clara’s Blog <CLICK>
Here is Clara’s Pasta with Peas Recipe and a tale of living through the Great Depression.
I love the way Clara’s kitchen looks like a grandma’s kitchen – everything from her pots, utensils and where the olive oil is kept gives her stories and cooking history.
Search for HOMES like an agent – Free LISTING BOOK in NY
Would you like to search for Homes in the Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess county areas in New York just like I do? With listings that are updated every 30 minutes on the Multiple Listing Service, you will see what I do through LISTING BOOK.
The Westchester/Putnam MLS has been working side by side with Listing Book for 2 years and the phenomenon has arrived!
Click Here for a link to your *****FREE***** Listing Book account!
Please keep in mind that if your no longer want your Listing Book account, you will always have the option to opt out.
The Dream to Homeownership is just a click away…
Realtor Open House Day – Carmel
This week for Realtor Open House Day, we viewed a piece of history! Originally built in 1760 and added onto throughout the 1800′s, this home in Carmel, NY has approximately 5,700 square feet, 4 fireplaces, ornate moldings and wide plank floors.
Please call for more info – cell: 203-648-2619
Here is a sneak peek -
If these walls could talk…
Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post – Dogs!
It’s FRIDAY - Yahoo!! I love – LOVE Flickr.com – There are a ton of awesome photographers- both amature and professional – with photos that make me smile – make me drool and make me wish I was there.
Randy son of Robert – Flickr.com “Ready for my close-up!”
For this Friday’s Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post, I have chosen to share some Flickr photos of… DOGS!
David – Flickr.com “I’m scared!”
Formalfallacy Dublin Victor -Flickr.com “Gone with the Wind”
Mr_Sellars – Flickr.com “Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz…”
mr.Mark – Flickr.com “The sun feels sooo good!”
This post is dedicated to the very brave Chihuahua who followed and growled at me the entire time I showed his home.
tanakawho – Flickr.com “You lookin at me… Grrrr!”
Check out Flickr.com and see why I love this site – and take some of your own pics and add them to your own account – it’s FREE!!
My Cell Phone Pic – Brewster, NY
Today, my cell phone candid pic is of the snow coming down in Brewster, NY.
While out, big fluffy snowflakes came down…
Route 22 – Brewster, NY
Home – Song by Sheryl Crow
Sharing a video with you – “HOME” – by Sheryl Crow…
I first heard this song while watching the movie – “Enough” with Jennifer Lopez.
Life as a Realtor – Showing Homes in Dover, Wingdale & Pawling, NY
Oh… what a day this past Sunday. I was happy that all 3 homes my clients were interested in viewing were all fully available. I always try to confirm with the listing agent or listing office each of the homes status. Although it may show “available” on the MLS – Multiple Listing Service – many times, I’ll be told the home has an accepted offer, inspections done and many times – contracts have been signed! There are many reasons why a listing agent will not change the status from available to accepted offer and then pending. One reason is… they hope for back up offers. This is good for the seller – not so good for buyers – especially if I only find this out AFTER viewing the home that now my buyer has some interest in.
Paulio Geordio – Flickr.com
The first home was in Dover, NY - WAY off Route 22. I was on unpaved roads, going up a mountain with twists, turns and lots of mud! All this to find out that the road leading to the home was closed! A huge “ROAD CLOSED” sign was up … BUMMER! - onto the next.
NatalieMaynor – Flickr.com
Our 2nd home was in Wingdale, NY - a bit further south of Route 22. This home had peeked interest in my buyer from the first time I e-mailed it to her a few months back – but it had an accepted offer and we were never able to view – until now. Apparently, the deal fell through. We turned onto the road of the home and noticed there were mobile homes on both sides of the entire road. Nice neighborhood, but the home we were viewing was a cape and it stood out like a sore thumb – but there was still some interest. I rang the bell, as always, then proceeded to retrieve the key from the lockbox. When I went to open the door, I heard barking… then growling – a low, angry growl. Now what do I do!! There is a loose dog. Thankfully, he was a chihuahua who continued to growl at me the entire time we viewed his“casa”.
tanakawho – Flickr.com
Onto the 3rd, and last home which was also off of Route 22 in the town of Pawling, NY. This appointment took me 2 days to confirm – the owners and I kept going back and forth until finally all was good to go. I pull up to the home and realize – I’m late! Due to all the twits, turns and mountain climbing to get to the first home and fearing for my life in the second home. Oh well, I will apologize if the owners are home, I thought. I read my notes – “Lockbox on Back Door“. So, I walked up to the deck… no lockbox, but there was a note to remove our shoes – so I knew we were at the correct door – but where was the lockbox? Finally, it was found on the basement door – ??? and we were able to view the home. Awesome! Lots of space – first floor – finished lower level – AND an apartment above the garage as well as privacy!! My buyers expressed interest and I promised to contact the listing agent on my way out. Which I did…. only to hear, “Diana, forget about this home, it is going to auction on Tuesday.” GULP! I felt terrible for the homeowners who were losing their home due to foreclosure AND I felt terrible for my buyers.
*clairity* – Flickr.com
Just another day in my “Life as a Realtor“… and I love it!
Home for Dinner
Rene Ehrhardt – Flickr.com
Having dinner at home will save you money – is healthier than dinning out – and is a great for family together time.
Some of my clients have mentioned that during their dinner time, they spend much of it going over homes they’ve viewed with me and discussing other potential listings I’ve sent them on-line.
WoodleyWonderWorks – Flickr.com
Buying a homecan be stressful, but it is also an exciting time. I am happy that many of my clients are sharing their dinner time with me!
Here are some HEALTHY – AFFORDABLE and DELICIOUS recipes from FoodNetwork.com <CLICK>.
jslander – Flickr.com
LOVE is in the Air… Happy Valentine’s Day!
Claudia Addad – Flickr.com
February is the month of LOVE – and every year, on February 14th, people express their love to one another with flowers, gifts, cards and my favorite – chocolate!
Auntie K – Flickr.com
RED – The color red symbolizes “LOVE” – Experts believe that around the 1800′s, Red Roses have conveyed the message, “I Love You”.
Remember – Valentine’s Day is for your “Sweethearts” and for ALL those you care about. So be sure to be in touch, a phone call an e-mail – or meet up with them and give a hug!
Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post – Hearts
This Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post is full of HEARTS! Amor is in the air!
Playdoh Heart by: The Pink Princess – Flickr.com
String of Hearts by: Aussiegall – Flickr.com
Strawberry Jam Heart by: clarameetsworld – Flickr.com
Berry Heart by: Pink Sherbet Photography – Flickr.com
Heart Candy by: John Morgan – Flickr.com
Heart Sprikles by: Lin Pernille – Flickr.com
Hope these photos inspire you to “HEART” someone!
Buying a Home in New Fairfield, CT
If your looking to buy a home in New Fairfield, CT – WONDERFUL! My family and I moved here from Harrison, NY about 4-1/2 years ago and we LOVE it!
Ball Pond – Scenery during my daily commute
New Fairfield borders Brewster, NY - making an easy commute to work for both myself to Century 21 V.J.F. Realty which is located right in Brewster – and my husband who commutes via I-684 to NYC.
Candlewood Lake
Why New Fairfield, CT?
- Accessibility to I-84 and I-684 – since we do have to work!
- Great Schools – moved here with 5 kids and schools were very important to me. Don’t have school age kids? Please keep in mind that purchasing a home which a good school system is great for resale purposes!
- Low Taxes – we have a comfortably spacious home on 2.1 acres – and pay less taxes than some homes that are 1/4 the size in my neighboring towns of NY.
- Lot’s of choices for shopping in neighboring Danbury, CT including the Danbury Fair Mall - With a large family, I spend lots of $$ in groceries, clothing and other necessities – having choices and paying low taxes on items that are taxable is great!
- Candlewood Lake – BEAUTIFUL!!! 60 + miles of shoreline – motorboats are allowed and if you don’t own one, no problem since you can always rent one!
- Fresh air and scenic views – You can go hiking in Pootatuck State Forest or visit the state park of Squantz Pond - or just open your window and BREATHE!
- Great for a first time home buyer and/or luxury buyer – There are 2 bedroom homes in the $200,000 price range, perfect for a first time home buyer – or large homes, some in private Candlewood Lake communities, for up to a few mil for the luxury buyer.
- Lots of Wildlife - all I have to do is sit on my deck which faces the woods in my back yard. There we will see families of deer, foxes, wild turkeys, coyotes – and many have seen bobcat and bear - these last 2, I honestly hope to NEVER see!
Birds in my side yard
In the center of town you’ll find everything from Shaw’s Supermarket or for fresh meats and an awesome Deli, there is the New Fairfield Food Market. For a bite to eat there is Bruno’s Pizza, Biscotti’s, Portofino’s the local diner, Chinese take out and other eateries. There is also Gas stations and repair shops, Physicians and Dentists, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, Hair and Nail salons, our local Hardware store, Banks, Dry Cleaners, Video store – and of course our New Fairfield Post Office, Town Hall and Library. A small town life with all life’s necessities!
I plan on living here until I’m old and gray… sadly, both have already started!
Stream after a rain storm in my Backyard
Squantz Pond – State Park in New Fairfield, CT
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
New Stimulus Bill to Create a Tax Credit for a Home Purchase!
Clearly Ambiguous – Flickr.com
Great news for those looking to purchase a home… a tax credit of $8,000 has been approved!
<<Click Here to view the Consumer Chart>>
Amagill – Flickr.com
Mannequin – Flickr.com
Keeping Sane While Being a Realtor
To keep myself sane in this crazy housing market and the collision of the economy, unemployment and credit crisis - I stay hopefull by listening to my favorite tunes, watch some tear-jerking, tummy-tickling and jaw-dropping movies – along with others that are inspiring. “Pursuit of Happyness” with Will Smith is awesome! I also remember each and everyday that I need to push myself for my family – my husband who works 7 days a week outdoors in this bitter cold and my 5 children.
My faith and being well aware that so many people are in such difficult situations is also a tremendous part of getting through touch times. I read yesterday about an agent, who’s being a friend, while helping to sell the homes of clients- one with an inoperable tumor in her head – and another who’s husband beat and left her with 3 young children, 2 with severe autism. Reading this made me sad, but I am glad those sellers have a good agent. Also after reading this article, it made me realize how fortunate I am – even with my home sales being down, my husband having to switch companies risking his hours being cut, a fire in our house and bills that are causing nightmares!
Listening to my mother’s stories of growing up in Portugal brings a smile to my face - everytime. But there are also many stories of heartache. In the small village where both of my parents grew up in – Vila Rinho da Raia in Chaves, Portugal - bordering Spain. Of all the homes in that village, not one went untouched with sadness. Either with severe illness and/or poverty and many times, the death of a child. I’ve asked myself, How did they get through those difficult times? What support did they have? …
My paternal grandmother lost not one, but a few children at childbirth, her 4 year old daughter was kidnapped, found and died of unknown causes a few days later, her husband – my grandfather – passed away, leaving her to raise all 7 children on her own. But yet, she continued to live…
My Grandparents and my father 1925
Today, we just reached 3 million people who have lost their jobs. If you know someone who has - stay in touch with them – a phone call, get together for a cup of coffee, help them write their resume or look through the want ads. Being a supportive friend goes a long way.
mysza831 – Flickr.com
An article for inspiration and advice:
- abc News – “How to Bounce Back After Being Laid Off”
“Worry never robs tomorrow of it’s sorrow, but only saps today of it’s strength.” – A.J. Cronin
Obama Promises More Low Cost Mortgages
I received some positive news today via e-mail. An article written in “Daily Real Estate News” through Realtor.org
Obama Promises More Low-Cost Mortgages…
President Barack Obama promised Saturday to reduce mortgage costs as a key part of his plan to improve the economy.
Analysts applauded the move, saying that making low-cost mortgages widely available could stabilize housing markets and jump start new home construction.
Beyond that, observers say aid for the troubled housing market will help blunt the anger many Americans feel over the financial bailout as the executives of firms that received billions take bonuses while average people lose their homes.
Source: Reuters News, Mark Felsenthal (01/31/2009)
Any positive news makes me happy for both my buyers and sellers. My buyerswill be able to possibly take advantage of these historically low interest rates and sellers may see more activity and possibly a SOLD sign in front of their home!
neoliminal – Flickr.com
GETTING TO KNOW ME
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 wonderful husband 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 hard working – with even stronger ethics on being good to everyone – 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. 
FaceBook
Twitter
Trulia
Flickr Photos
More PhotosStatCounter
Views of Candlewood Lake
Squantz Pond & Candlewood Lake
3202 Village Dr – Brewster NY
150 Pocono Rd – Brookfield CT
New Fairfield CT Statistics
My Zillow Listings
Zillow Search for Homes
HGTV FrontDoor – First-Time Home Buyer Tips
HGTV FrontDoor – Maximum Value Projects
HGTV FrontDoor – Home Buying & Selling Videos
HouseLogic
Brought to you by the National Association of Realtors®
Live Better. Own Smarter. Here is How.
HouseLogic
-
Should You Move or Remodel?
When your house no longer suits you, you can move or remodel. Find out which big change is the right investment of your housing dollars. Read
-
Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Home
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
-
Make Your House FHA-Loan Friendly
Know the basics of FHA loan rules and you stand a better chance of selling your house or condo. Read
-
Keep Your Home Sale from Falling Apart
After finding a buyer, all you have to do to make it to closing is to avoid these five traps. Read
-
5 Tips for Buying a Foreclosure
Get prequalified for a loan and set aside funds, and you’ll be ready to purchase a foreclosed home. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
-
Thanks For Visiting!
Click to view my Photo Blog!
-
Archives
- March 2012 (2)
- January 2012 (1)
- December 2011 (2)
- November 2011 (1)
- October 2011 (6)
- September 2011 (1)
- August 2011 (1)
- July 2011 (1)
- June 2011 (3)
- May 2011 (5)
- April 2011 (5)
- March 2011 (9)
-
Categories
- 4th of July
- Apples
- Autumn
- Baking
- Ball Pond
- Barbecue
- Bathroom
- Bedford
- Bethel
- Blogging
- Brewster
- Brookfield
- Buyers
- Candlewood Lake
- Carmel
- Cell Phone Pics
- Century 21 V.J.F. Realty
- Christmas
- Closing
- Color
- Condo/Townhomes
- Connecticut
- Credit
- Danbury
- Danbury Fair Mall
- Decorate
- Dutchess
- Dutchess County
- East Fishkill
- Economy
- Fairfield County
- Fall
- Favorite Music & Songs
- Finance
- First Time Home Buyers
- Flickr Foto Fun Friday Post
- Front Door
- Fun Post
- Gardening
- Good Morning America
- Halloween
- Hanukkah
- HGTV
- Historical Homes
- Holmes
- Home
- Home Depot
- Homegoods
- Homes For Sale in Connecticut
- Homes For Sale in New York
- Hopewell Junction
- I-Pod
- I-Tunes
- Inspiration
- Kent
- Kitchen
- Kraft Foods
- Lake Carmel
- Lake Gleneida
- Life as a Realtor
- Listing Book
- Litchfield County
- Lowe's
- Mahopac
- Martha Stewart
- Money
- Mortgage
- Movies
- Moving
- Mt. Kisco
- Mt. Vernon
- Music
- My Life as a Realtor
- My Listing
- My Photo Blog
- Network for Free
- New Fairfield
- New Fairfield Schools
- New Milford
- New Rochelle
- New Years Eve
- Newtown
- NY
- Oprah
- Paint
- Patterson
- Pawling
- Pillsbury
- Pound Ridge
- President Obama
- Putnam County
- Putnam Lake
- Rachael Ray
- Real Estate
- Realtor
- Realtor Open House
- Realtor.com
- Recipes
- Sellers
- Sherman
- Snow
- Somers
- Southbury
- Southeast
- Spring
- Squantz Pond
- Summer
- Suze Orman
- Thanksgiving
- The Early Show
- The Food Network
- The Grocery Game
- The Pioneer Woman
- TLC
- Townhomes
- Trulia.com
- Uncategorized
- USA
- Westchester County
- WestConn
- White Plains
- Wine
- Winter
- Yonkers
- You Tube
- Zillow
-
RSS
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
